On a night when many players and some entire teams -- nine of them -- honored the legacy of Jackie Robinson by wearing his retired number 42, Derrek Lee, who you see above (along with the Reds' Ken Griffey, Jr., also wearing 42), smashed a three-run homer in the fifth inning, bringing the Cubs from behind (they trailed 3-2 at the time), had two other hits, and sparked a 9-5 Cub win over the Reds, their eighth win in their last eleven games after starting the season 0-2.
That one felt good, although the wind howling out at 20+ MPH didn't feel so good once the sun went down. None of the three Cub homers -- by D-Lee, Mark DeRosa and Ryan Theriot -- needed any help from the wind, though. It wasn't just home runs, either -- in addition to the three HR, the Cubs pounded out 11 other hits, drew three walks and in general, had a fine offensive day. I hesitate to say so, but D-Lee's starting to look as he did in his great 2005 season -- and is now tied for the league lead in HR (5), three off the lead with 12 RBI, 2nd in SLG (.737) and 3rd in OPS (1.159).
Also "offensive", in a different sort of way, was an injury to Alfonso Soriano after one of his "bunny hops" on catching a routine fly ball. His former manager at Washington, Frank Robinson, predicted this would happen:
Soriano, an infielder until the Washington Nationals converted him to the outfield in 2006, has done the hop since making the switch, and his manager then, Hall of Fame outfielder Frank Robinson, cringed when he watched it -- but was reluctant to try to break him of it.
"I kept saying one of these days he's going to go up there and it ain't going to be there," Robinson said last fall.
Soriano had a MRI last night on the leg and may be headed to the DL. (Which, I suppose, will please those of you who are Soriano bashers. However, please remember the Cubs would likely would not have made the playoffs without his performance last September.) I presume Matt Murton would be recalled from Iowa, though it could also be Eric Patterson (since Patterson can play more positions than Murton can, and hits lefthanded). The Cubs may mix-and-match lineups while Soriano is out, but even what they did last night -- move Mark DeRosa to LF and play Mike Fontenot at 2B -- might work on occasion. They could also play Patterson in LF, or Patterson in CF (if it's really decided that Felix Pie has to go back to Iowa, and he looked pretty bad last night, even as the rest of the team was smacking the ball around the yard) with Murton in LF. I suppose also, that the calls to sign free agent Kenny Lofton may begin again.
There are worse ideas. We'll see. I also hope that if Soriano is out, Lou will entertain the idea of leading off with Kosuke Fukudome, who seems ideally suited for that spot, with his excellent plate discipline. Anyway, once Soriano does return (presuming he does have a DL stint ahead), let's hope someone convinces him to stop hopping.
Ryan Dempster threw a pretty good game, though a defensive lapse by Carlos Marmol cost him a "quality start" -- Marmol inexplicably threw to 2B in an ill-advised attempt to get Corey Patterson (who was booed every time he came up, as was Dusty Baker when he made two pitching changes. That's all I have to say about that). Hey Carlos: when the other team gives you an out, take it! Instead, the bases wound up loaded, and when a run scored on a force play, that left Dempster, who left with nobody out in the seventh, with four earned runs. Marmol, however, recovered to get an inning-ending DP, and then threw a strong eighth, striking out the side and hitting 97 on the ballpark speed meter. Would you have guessed that after 13 games, three pitchers would be tied for the team lead with two wins -- and the three would be Dempster, Jon Lieber and Kevin Hart?
Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his 595th career HR and then (photo above) shared some laughs with bleacher fans in RF who were heckling him. The Reds' Joey Votto finished the five-total-HR barrage last night by homering off Michael Wuertz (hey, what's up with that? Suddenly, Wuertz seems eminently hittable), and when Wuertz followed that with a walk to Paul Bako, Kerry Wood was summoned to finish up, even though it wasn't a save situation. Kerry threw 15 pitches (12 strikes), so ought to be available tonight (even though he was up two separate times to warm up; he'd have come in to start the 9th had Theriot not homered to make a 7-4 lead a 9-4 lead).
We were joined last night by BCB readers Sarah Hope (who recently moved to the Chicago area from Cincinnati to take a job with the Schaumburg Flyers) and some co-workers, and also BartlettBob (who says he rarely posts, if you haven't seen his name much). They gave out knit caps last night -- they were needed. It's supposed to be warmer, but just as windy, tonight, so expect more balls to leave the yard.
Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. Photos by David Sameshima
0 recs | 285 comments
Cubs won't miss the $136 million man
Great win last night. Ryan Dempster is pitching like the # 2 starting pitcher everybody insists this team needs. Very impressive.
Once again Mark DeRosa is doing everything well. A consummate professional who can flat out hit and who does all the little things. Oh, and he’s versatile too. Where would this team be without DeRosa? I don’t want to know.
MDBNIU - April 16, 2008
First off...
...just about anytime a starting position player goes on the DL, something suffers. Maybe it opens a door to Murton or Patterson, but they aren’t nearly as proven as Alfonso. And just because Soriano is slow out of the gate doesn’t mean he isn’t valuable. I think we will miss him.
Second, I love that shot of Griffey. One of my favorite players. I really wish he wouldn’t have been injured so much, he’d be shooting for 700 or 800 homers right now, not 600.
Dan
dtpollitt - April 16, 2008
There's no doubt...
... Griffey would have at least 100 more HR if not for all the injuries. His career has been marvelous nevertheless.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
amen
If griffey had stayed healthy we would be talking about him breaking the all-time HR record.
mjk83 - April 16, 2008
Great baseball player
One of the greatest of all time. And he did it the right way in an era of cheaters.
MDBNIU - April 16, 2008
You and I don't often agree.
But we do on this, 100%.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
How do we know?
See your comments below about Soriano.
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
Agreed...
I like Griffey, and I certainly hope he was/is not a juicer. But in this era, you just can’t confidently say that ANY player was/is clean. Paul Byrd should be living proof of that.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
Actually
It seems like the list of people caught juicing includes a lot more people who don’t look like they have (Byrd, Jason Grimsley, etc), than players we all assume have been.
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
One of the greatest ever to bless baseball
with his talent, grace and class….I think Griffey is the best pure LH hitter since Ted Williams, who was the undisputed best…...
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
Griffey's a terrible tipper
I know from experience. A tremendous talent, but not so good when it comes to taking care of the little people.
mexicubsfan - April 16, 2008
Interesting. Care to elaborate?
daver - April 16, 2008
Elaboration...
During high school, I was working at a minor league baseball stadium when the Mariners came to town for an exhibition. I was the clubhouse manager and Griffey had me running all over the place – he wanted a fountain soda instead of the cans we had in the clubhouse already, etc. He was cordial about it, and I was too startstruck to mind, but I didn’t really have time to help any of the other players.
When the team left, guys like Jay Buhner and Bobby Ayala – neither of whom had requested anything of me – sought me out and gave me $50 a piece, which I hadn’t expected, and just about everyone gave me something. Even Lou pitched in, although I hadn’t made it to the manager’s office.
Griffey was one of the few people who walked right by without giving me a dime. I didn’t think too much of it, but after talking to some of the other people in the organization, the consensus was that this was his m.o. Hopefully he’s changed his ways as he’s grown older.
mexicubsfan - April 16, 2008
Wow, thanks!
Interesting story—and a fairly surprising one, as Griffey appears to be one of the nicer guys in baseball. I hope he’s gotten a little bit more generous with age as well. Thanks again for sharing.
daver - April 16, 2008
I agree the Sori injury is not a positive
But out of all the “big name” Cubs players – Dome, Lee, Ramirez, Zambrano – I think his absence will hurt the team the least, especially if Murton can perform well in left.
SuperContext - April 16, 2008
Dempster had some control issues last night
But, all around, he pitched a pretty darn good game with the wind blowing out. I think he walked Adam Dunn twice… I don’t know if he was pitching around Dunn, but Dunn’s is a pretty good strikeout candidate.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
Agreed.
I’m gonna eat my share of crow on this one and although it’s only been 2 starts. I really like the way Ryan is throwing the ball. He’s sooo much more relaxed as a starter and has gotten into some pretty nice rythms. I’d like to see him be a little more effective with his pitch count and keep the ball down more, knock on Wood (not too hard) I’ve been impressed with Ryans 2 starts thus far. I hope he can keep it up. That’d be a great story.
lemon20pie - April 16, 2008
The only criticism I have...
... is the walks.
One thing I’ve noticed about Dempster now that we can see him for more than an inning at a time—I think he fields his position very well. That’s a real plus for a pitcher.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
The walks
I don’t understand how he can go from the first inning he had yesterday (5 pitches) to the second inning (walking the first two batters on 10-12 pitches). Did he lose the strike zone while the Cubs were batting in the bottom of the first? Dempster’s lack of control has always been his achilles heel. Hopefully he can continue to pitch around that wildness.
gwood - April 16, 2008
absolutely right
He has good range and great composure when a ball is hit towards him.
PirateDan - April 16, 2008
Really?
You didn’t look it.:)
Damen Jackson - April 16, 2008
Whoa.
Where did you get that?
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
can u say?
stalker! J/K DJ
tony412 - April 16, 2008
Relax
I splurged on box seats last night behind home plate. I picked you up doing some pan shots.
You didn’t look happy at all about those walks.
Damen Jackson - April 16, 2008
I wasn't.
You must have had a pretty good lens on that camera.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Canon S3..
with a 12(48)x zoom. I like it, especially for the movie feature.
Damen Jackson - April 16, 2008
See
I’m not a stalker! Everyone sneaks pics of Al.
Keystone80435 - April 16, 2008
Maybe
SantosWL can photoshop all of us in there with Al. If so, can you add me some muscles and hot chick by side…preferably a’la Eva Longoria?
tony412 - April 16, 2008
That's awesome....
And if you think a man with a 48x zoom is dangerous, wait till my telescopic lenses come in next week.
Damen Jackson - April 16, 2008
Watch out David BCB Photo Extraordinaire!
I should start that facial scrub treatment my wifey uses just in case you catch me in one of your shots. I remember when I thought my digital camera was cool cuz it shot at 6.0 MP!!!!
tony412 - April 16, 2008
Eva says Hi!
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
hahahaha
a web gem
tony412 - April 16, 2008
ha ha ha
priceless
coral - April 16, 2008
Is that Eva or Evan Longoria?
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
do you
want to lose your Man-Card?
tony412 - April 16, 2008
Now don't they make a handsome couple?
daver - April 16, 2008
BWAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Keystone80435 - April 16, 2008
Whoa...
Looks like I was on a beer run….
Sarah Hope - April 16, 2008
No worries...
The paparazzi is always lurking around Al. Next time.
Damen Jackson - April 16, 2008
I give Demp applause for his start last night...tough conditions, he didnt
..have his best stuff and he still got it done.
That’s what good starters due. I am pretty impressed so far.
JB 23 - April 16, 2008
Admittedly
I didn’t see the game last night or read the article above, but it sounds to me like Robinson is saying sometime the hop will result in a missed ball, not a torn leg
TC Cubby - April 16, 2008
Read the article
and it still seems to me like Robinson was talking errors, not injuries, especially because the quote was from last fall.
Not a fan of Gordon Wittenmeyer, the writer.
TC Cubby - April 16, 2008
I agree.
I believe the “it” in his quote refers to the ball. In any case, I would guess that the hop itself didn’t cause the injury per se - it was just the catalyst. I must admit, I’m pretty worried about Soriano. For his leg to go out again this early in the year could signify a recurring problem that might really affect his confidence and mental focus - for this season and many thereafter.
daver - April 16, 2008
Soriano
His mental recovery seems to take a lot longer than his physical recovery
TC Cubby - April 16, 2008
Maybe.
But it could also lead to an injury, like it (apparently) did last night.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
I'm pretty sure Robinson was talking about errors...
“One of these days he’s going to go up there and it ain’t going to be there” doesn’t even make sense from an injury perspective. Sounds like Robinson was talking about the baseball as the “it.”
Hopefully, Soriano doesn’t miss too much time. And if he does have to go on the DL, hopefully whomever comes up does a solid job. If I had to guess, I’d say Murton would be the guy called up, and he’d platoon with Fontenot (with DeRosa moving from 2B to LF versus RHP).
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
And are we sure...
that the hop was the cause of the injury? Couldn’t it have been an injury waiting to happen on any particular sprint, or sudden stop?
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
My thought exactly.
daver - April 16, 2008
Well if you watch the replay
he was fine when he went up, but he landed badly (you could see an unnatural bend, which looked more like it would result in an ankle sprain than a calf strain, but it’s all connected I guess).
JohnM - April 16, 2008
Don't know
I don’t know, maybe the injury was something waiting to happen, something that the hop just aggravated, maybe running the bases, swinging for the fences, just basic everyday stuff would have done it. However, does anyone know yet how bad it is? I haven’t heard about the MRI yet.
brokenland - April 16, 2008
It looked to me
like it was the step after the landing, where he pushed off to head into the dug out, that caused the injury. Which would indicate it was one of those injuries waiting to happen.
patron - April 16, 2008
Last night's game had more subplots...
...than a George Eliot novel. Let’s see here:
Did I forget anything?
daver - April 16, 2008
Yeah, you missed one thing.
DLee thinks it’s 2005. And that’s alright by me.
And I gotta echo the sentiment about the duel 42 pic above. Absolutely brilliant.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
Ah, good point.
I’m a little hesitant to call it too early for fear of jinxing him but, yeah, DLee has been simply amazing so far.
daver - April 16, 2008
Ugh.
Meant “dual 42.” They’re not swordfighting.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
I love your profile picture.
I’d take Gareth Keenan over Dwight Schrute in a heartbeat.
bluebythebook - April 16, 2008
Gotta love his little bird face.
“Will there ever be a boy born who can swim faster than a shark?”
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
Yes but
“Whenever someone smiles at me, all I see is a chimpanzee begging for its life”
berselius - April 16, 2008
Oh yeah?!?
"I could catch a monkey. If I was starving I could. I’d make poison darts out of the poison of the deadly frogs. One milligram of that poison can kill a monkey. Or a man. Prick yourself and you’d be dead within a day. Or longer. Different frogs, different times."
bluebythebook - April 16, 2008
Just what are you saying
about Dwight Schrute? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
northsider - April 16, 2008
Not a bad word to be said.
Where do you think my screenname came from?
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
Socrates?
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
Mussolini.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
Ah yes...
Il Duce..:)
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
that I prefer the original is what I'm saying
Its brand of humor and writing is more appealing to me than the original.
The American version has grown on me, especially after they stopped lifting story lines and took the plot in their own direction. But I can only bring myself to Like It, while I’m Madly In Love with the original. And Martin Freeman… but that’s another story.
bluebythebook - April 16, 2008
I meant
Its brand of humor and writing is more appealing to me than the spin-off.
Duh.
bluebythebook - April 16, 2008
I agree.
Things as seemingly simple as the ungodly loooooooong pause Gareth takes sliding the coffee cup from one side of the computer monitor to the other have me in tears.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
What I think I love the most
is the way it could seamlessly blend dramatic moments with comedy. Few shows can do that – Freaks & Geeks was one, and sometimes Scrubs is another.
The scene with Tim and Dawn at the end of series two, when he takes off the microphone and… ugh, my guts get twisted just thinking about it. So well written and acted.
bluebythebook - April 16, 2008
Yup.
I’ve long argued that it (along with Jim and Pam on the US version) is the most realistic romance I’ve ever seen. That it also happens to be the funniest show ever is just a bonus.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
FREE LOVE ON THE FREE LOVE FREEWAY
I love the American version and I love how over the course the past 3 + seasons they have been able to really develop the secondary characters.
The one thing about the British version is that it does a much better job with those moments that are just painfully awkward.
I’m not sure how they would do it, but I would love for Dwight to meet Gareth…..
mjk83 - April 16, 2008
Ahh... YES!
D-LEE IS BACK!
SackMan - April 16, 2008
TheRiot
He pulled the ball twice today, including his homerun. It looks as if he is seeing the ball better now. Maybe this is a good sign from him too
gwood - April 16, 2008
the riot
It does look like The Riot has found his stroke. One observation about him – when he watches the ball come across and he doesn’t swing, he crouches down a bit. Sometimes it seems this works against him, as the borderline pitches are called strikes. Coincidence? Maybe.
RIOTSHIRTS.com - April 16, 2008
The first week and 1/2 of the season
He was hitting a bunch of shallow fly balls to RF. So, it’s definitely nice to see him pull the ball. And, the HR aside, he needs to focus on just making good contact and putting the ball in play.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
santo talked to the riot
and the riot claimed he was not seeing the ball well. That appears to be over. He wasn’t playing his type of game at all for the first 2 weeks.
dr stabbingworth - April 16, 2008
his AB's at the beginning of the year
didn’t seem too good…he was swinging at some bad pitches….now he seems to be working the counts better like he did for a good part of last year and he has started to hit the ball better. sure looks like he’s seeing it better.
cubsmania - April 16, 2008
Conspiracy theory
MLB adopts steroid policy and Alfonso Soriano proceeds to see his performance downshift (beginning last year) coupled with odd occurring leg injuries (quad, calf).
I’m not making accusation. It woud be horribly unfair of me to do so without evidence. But I throw this up for debate nonetheless.
MDBNIU - April 16, 2008
disgusting
not so much the accusation, as the “I’m not accusing … throw it up for debate.” We’ll throw up, all right.
TC Cubby - April 16, 2008
Then why mention it?
Dumb.
Dan
dtpollitt - April 16, 2008
It's called a discussion topic
MDBNIU - April 16, 2008
Agreed.
Not accusing, but praising with faint damns. Your tinfoil hat is ready.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Isn't this a debate forum?
MDBNIU - April 16, 2008
Debate what?
You’re throwing a rather offensive idea out there without taking a position.
daver - April 16, 2008
Because I have no evidence to support a position
MDBNIU - April 16, 2008
Exactly.
You’re just throwing it out there to see the reaction.
Hey, guys, Soriano could be a murderer. I have no evidence, but let’s discuss.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
I think his blue Hummer
...would make for a good killer’s car, just like the truck in Kill Bill.
Dan
dtpollitt - April 16, 2008
Alright, Sori.
Wiggle your right calf…
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
Awesome topic!
I have so many thoughts about this brilliant topic. I wish to debate it in this debate forum all day, every day, until he’s arrested.
northsider - April 16, 2008
You realize this makes a really tempting sig line, don't you? :-)
daver - April 16, 2008
have you no grasp of logic ?
coral - April 16, 2008
I thought...
...it was a message board. Not a place to start filthy rumors about our 136/8 left fielder.
Dan
dtpollitt - April 16, 2008
His power numbers certainly didn't decline last year...
If anything, he was MORE effective in terms of power than usual.
So I’d say this is a pretty irresponsible and ignorant suggestion.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
What an idiot you are......
just what do you know about physiology and steroids? My guess is that you parrot what idiot sportswriters say…..
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
You really
add nothing to this site.
sue369 - April 16, 2008
Subtraction by addition?
Just throwing it out there. I have no opinion on it of course.
northsider - April 16, 2008
brutal
but true
dr stabbingworth - April 16, 2008
message for Sarah Hope
what do you do with the Flyers?
mjk83 - April 16, 2008
Media Relations
Sarah Hope - April 16, 2008
Hey Sarah
Welcome!
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
I went to a Flyers game last year as part of a corporate outing
I didn’t expect much going into it, but I had a really good time. Alexian Field is actually a very nice minor league ballpark. The various games and mascot displays between innings were some of the funniest things I’ve seen.
I will definitely go again this summer, and highly recommend anyone else to also check them out.
Good luck in your new position, Sarah.
Neifi Puppy - April 16, 2008
Thanks!
And if you or anyone would like to come out this year, give me a call at the ballpark. I’m the only Sarah. Opening Day is May 15th!
Sarah Hope - April 16, 2008
I'm sure...
I’ll be out there at least once this summer…great place. Hey, maybe I’ll apply for the mascot job opening…j/k, j/k..
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
Aaaghh!!
I just read your bio… Hey “Drew”!!
Sarah Hope - April 16, 2008
Alfonso, Why Tempt Fate With the Hop?
Soriano had that terrible injury to his right quad last August. From what I’ve heard, he was only 90% recovered from that. He has to do the unnecessary hop and strains his right calf. That could be related to his right quad still not being quite right. Soriano is not as young as he used to be. When you’re well into your 30’s, sometimes the smallest things (even a little hop) can strain muscles, especially leg muscles.
memphiscub - April 16, 2008
These are professional athletes...
If a minor hop causes such a serious injury, then you have to question your conditioning. Obviously his technique is horrible at catching fly balls, my guess is that he didn’t condition his legs properly in the off-season b/c he feared reinjuring his quad.
CubsBullsBears - April 16, 2008
So why keep hopping, then?
n/t
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
I hop...
Off the train every morning, in dress shoes mind you, zero strains. Maybe I’m just lucky?
CubsBullsBears - April 16, 2008
I hop on the dance floor...
... most people laugh at me, but so far no hammy pulls.
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Because
It’s his way. Every player has their quirks. How they waggle the bat, how they lead off first, how they hold runners on (one guy for the Reds last night looks over his back shoulder, quite unusual), and Soriano has this thing about how he catches the ball. It might simply make him more comfortable. Personally I don’t think that the hop itself caused the injury, probably just aggravated something that was gonna come out anyway.
brokenland - April 16, 2008
Point Taken On Conditioning
Soriano needs to understand he has to worry more about conditioning now in his 30’s than he did in his 20’s. Lack of conditioning may very well have led to these leg problems in the past year. Hopefully, this calf injury isn’t serious. I don’t know if the hop thing had anything to do with it. You just worry about a guy who has had problems with his right quad. I know Soriano is a second baseman by trade, but I still wish someone would teach Soriano a better way to catch fly balls. He might miss a ball with the hop. Laugh, all you want, he could tweak someone in his right leg doing the hop. Freakish injuries happen!
memphiscub - April 16, 2008
Oops! I'm Laughing At Myself Now
Soriano could maybe tweak something in his right leg doing the hop, but I don’t think he’ll tweak someone. Error on memphiscub!
memphiscub - April 16, 2008
I must be amused way too easily this morning….. if hopping off a train caused an audible giggle
Madison Cub Fan - April 16, 2008
In Soriano's defense...
...I’m not sure it’s accurate to call the hop “unnecessary.” It’s obviously a timing/confidence thing he does to feel comfortable. And I would guess that the hop, in and of itself, didn’t cause the injury. He probably would have strained the muscle at some point last night anyway—maybe leaving the batter’s box or running the bases.
daver - April 16, 2008
The problem
was that he did the hop thing while moving to his left. It seems that when he normally does the hop he is underneath the ball, so when he lands he is coming straight down. In this case he wasn’t coming straight down and this probably put additional stress on his calf, causing the strain. If he needs the hop in order to catch the ball (which he indicated is the case) then he should do it, but just make sure to get underneath the ball first.
Despite this, I wish he would get rid of the hop.
gwood - April 16, 2008
Loud, sustained applause.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Does he do the hop when he is setting up to throw out a runner in the infield? I don’t think he does, but I could be wrong. Am I wrong to think that if this was really a “necessary” thing, as opposed to a cosmetic one, he would have to do it in those circumstances? I don’t think his outfield hop is any more necessary than say, a hop out of the batters box after a home run.
cheshirecub - April 16, 2008
No, he doesn't.
It’s only when he’s making a routine catch. Maybe it’s a “timing/confidence thing”, but it appears to be hotdogging.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Or, it could be
timing/confidence AND hotdogging…
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
No
I don’t think it is hotdogging. I mean, why hotdog a routine play? Ridiculous. I think it is, as I said before, a “quirk” that Soriano has.
brokenland - April 16, 2008
sorta like Turk Wendell...
hopping over the basepaths and eating licorice in the dougout.
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Shhhh. Don't let Soriano know about the licorice
Or, that’ll be next.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
he never wore socks either.
Keystone80435 - April 16, 2008
HAHAHAAH
I know Wendell pretty good. He played for the Greenville Braves for many years .
Keystone80435 - April 16, 2008
From what I saw,
he was coming back to the dugout when the injury happened several steps after the hop. I found it interesting when our announcers related the tale of the hop…..that, as an infielder, he had to keep his feet moving on throws and the hop since he has been in the outfield was a timing device to make sure his throws were good…..With his assists, I think the hop works!
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
Looking at the schedule...
I seriously hope this injury is minor and only a 15-DL stint and that’s it. May looks to be a tough month where we could really use Soriano’s bat in the lineup. We’ll be facing AZ, SD, LAD, and CO; good ballclubs with great pitching.
CubsBullsBears - April 16, 2008
IMOP
He will be out for 4-6 weeks. Ill bet he cant walk this morning.
Hammer - April 16, 2008
Soriano Assessment
I think we’re missing the point here with Soriano. It matters little whether his outfield hop had anything to do with his calf injury….after all, he could just as easily have done it walking up or down stairs as innocent as that hop is. The real problem as I see it is that for the second consecutive year, he hasn’t been ready to play in April.
For the most part, he has looked horrible at the plate…flipping balls to RF, trying to pull most everything and guess hitting to no end. Yes, that is pretty much his appraoch in a nutshell but just like a year ago, he wasn’t ready to hit when the bell rang. Add to it the flukish “non-contact” leg injuries he’s incurred early in both seasons, and the finger points directly at him for not being in proper condition to begin the season.
Don’t confuse me with a Soriano “basher” because when he’s right, he’s a certain threat in that lineup. My point is that as he has aged, the strong implications are that he hasn’t conditioned himself properly for the beginning of the season and his health and early success have born that out.
Because of his slender body type, I will admit that it would be very difficult to detect any sort of lack of conditioning in spring training, even more so this year when he was admittedly “taking it easy” on his quad. But he’s got to look in the mirror and recognize that he hasn’t been ready for the bell two seasons in a row. I will predict that spring training 2009 will include the phrases “best shape of his career” for Soriano if the Cubs know what is in their better interests.
krummy12 - April 16, 2008
Agreed the hop had nothing to do with anything
The issue is Soriano and chronic leg issues for a guy whose game is based on speed. We all knew we would get hung with Soriano’s contract because we were signing a speed guy who was 30 for 8 years but it would be catastrophe if we get hung with it after a year and a half…
JonH - April 16, 2008
Rami also has chronic leg issues...
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
But ARam
wasn’t signed for speed or to patrol the outfield.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
No dispute there!!!
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
Don't forget the finger injury he had in ST
That actually could have an effect at the plate right now.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
Cubs have options in the early season
First: It has not been published what is the injury, calf? tendon? muscle? ligament? quad or hamstring?
2: Then what is the treatment and the recovery, it could be a few days off it is a muscle strain in the calf….then 3 DL…the 15-day opening in the roster. Do you send down Pie and bring up two players? If DeRosa and Fontenot are going to get the majority of the playing time….my guess since they have earned it in the early season, and then once in a while you play Ward to get him some AB’s resting DeRosa and Fontenot.So my guess is Patterson is one of the players recalled because he can play both the OF and 2B if DeRosa and Fontenot are slotted to be used and replacing Pie’s spot in CF.
In the same light you might want a bat and OF where Murton could be recalled as well but not as a regular. But the Cubs could also recall Fuld for CF and Patterson for LF/2B and leave Murton in AAA.
Ivy Walls - April 16, 2008
Sending Pie down and Soriano to the DL...
might be a consideration. It would allow the team to bring up Patterson AND Murton, providing more versatility (Patterson can play 2B, LF, and CF) and an extra RH bat off the bench (if necessary).
I’d like to say I’d be surprised if they sent Pie down so quickly, but he’s clearly pressing and at this point nothing Piniella does would surprise me.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
Patterson can play 2B, LF, and CF
just as crappy as Soriano can play 2B, LF, and CF.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
Calf injury.
How serious, we won’t know till after the MRI results are in.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Dont ask Mark Prior about MRI results
Hammer - April 16, 2008
If one finds Murton's lack of slugging disturbing...
...take a look at Sam Fuld’s numbers. Granted , he’s had only 20 ABs in Iowa so far, but he’s hitting a frightening .100/.217/.250. With Pie, Johnson and Dome all able to play centerfield, I’d leave Fuld right where he is.
daver - April 16, 2008
Ditto.
northsider - April 16, 2008
I think Murton
was involved in the Kennedy assassination….not saying, just throwing it out there for discussion…..
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
LOL!
Thanks for that….
Tangled Up In Blue - April 16, 2008
Things are dangerous in the city for a ginger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOppeJvFuqs
no, it’s not a rick roll
dr stabbingworth - April 16, 2008
And as for D-Lee...
If you look back on a few of my earlier posts, I expressed some concern over D-Lee. That concern is gone.
As Al reluctantly stated, D-Lee is back. No reason to tread lightly on this subject as he is driving the ball to left center. That is the D-Lee pre-wrist injury and it is indeed a welcome sight.
The fact that he is back to full health certainly mitigates the injury to Soriano.
krummy12 - April 16, 2008
Agreed!
The fact that we have been winning in the early going, despite Soriano’s lack of offense gives great comfort to know that we have a deep team that will be able to survive this injury offensively.
As for who to call up, Murton seems to be the logical choice since he is a left fielder. However, EPat, as many have already said provides more versatility for Lou to mix and match (Dero, Fontenot, and EPat) depending on who the pitcher is that day.
gwood - April 16, 2008
I think your analysis is right on....
Although we know what Soriano WILL do because of his history, his slow start hasn’t hurt us because of our depth. That is why I really think this is the best team we’ve had since the 80’s clubs…...
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
Recovery Time
Could it be it just took a whole longer than everyone expected for Lee to recover from his wrist injury? And that he’s finally back to his old self?
Or has that been suggested elsewhere and I’ve just missed it?
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
I think you may be exactly right.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
That would be a first
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
I agree...
wrist injuries are as problimatical as shoulders, if not more…..
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
All this talk about Murton coming up...
Is this a certainty? I would have to assume they’d promote EPat b/c he’s left-handed (and we all saw what it could do w/ an added lefty in the lineup) and can play more than one position including the OF positions.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
if there's no room for PIE
then there certaintly no room for Murton. I agree E Patt is the best option should we have to make a call up.
tony412 - April 16, 2008
Huh?
I’m not sure I see the connection with Pie. Murton is a better hitter right now than Pie, and Murton is a LF unlike Pie. And Murton is a RH bat, whereas Pie is a LH bat. There seem to be no similarities.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
Al mentioned
a possibility to send down Pie and platoon Patterson in CF or sign Lofton. The similarity is being an outfielder as right now there are apparently many combinations available for Lou to use. Patterson would be the better option in my opinion simply because of his versatility. Pie may not be the best option for THIS team, RIGHT now.
tony412 - April 16, 2008
Those two issues are unrelated...
The reason there’s discussion of sending Pie down is because he’s not hitting at all. It has nothing to do with his lack of versatility. The Cubs could send Pie down and call up Patterson or sign Lofton. That would address CF. The LF situation could then be addressed with Murton.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
Do we actually need more LH bats?
We have Fukudome, Pie, Ward, and Fontenot. I’m not sure we necessarily need to be more RH. I could buy the argument that Patterson is more versatile, and I can see the argument that he’s faster (though I think that’s a poor argument for calling up a player). But Murton is going to outhit Patterson, and Murton can play LF. In fact, Murton might outhit Patterson AGAINST RHP, which is the only reason the LH bat argument holds any water.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
I think having LH bats spread t/o lineup at 1, 5, & 8
helped last night. But I also see your point.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
Ok maybe not at 8
But maybe that’s where we put EPat.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
They need effective LH bats that can field
Pie isn’t effective, Ward is a pinch hitter, and Fontenot is a backup (although he will play a lot now I bet)
dr stabbingworth - April 16, 2008
Alfonson Gramatica Soriano
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
LOL
Whatever that means
patron - April 16, 2008
pretty funny
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=1297343&;type=news
tony412 - April 16, 2008
Deion Sanders
pulled a hamstring highstepping into the endzone once.
neverAcquiesce - April 16, 2008
Cubs "Closers"
I picked up on this stat thanks to Len Casper last night…
From Sunday to Sunday, the Cubs had four different players get saves. That has to be extremely rare. That is all.
gocubsgo22 - April 16, 2008
Two extreme extra-inning games (and a blown save by the real closer)...
will do that to you.
SouthernCub - April 16, 2008
I never knew Len was related to the Friendly Ghost.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
Ok - i have an honest question:
Does anyone else think that Adam Dunn grew another foot or so since last season? The guy is a friggin tree!!!
HIGGY - April 16, 2008
ME ADAM DUNN
He’s quite the butcher out there in LF.
RIOTSHIRTS.com - April 16, 2008
Fun to watch though...
...if he plays for the other team.
Scary, though, when he’s up to bat.
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
I'm not sure about the height thing...
...but, for some reason, Dunn always reminds me of Will Ferrell. Check it:
daver - April 16, 2008
Scary.
Think Ferrell could make a “Talladega Nights” baseball movie, with himself playing a Dunn-like character?
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Well, seeing as how he seems dead set...
...on making a movie about every professional sport known to humankind, that’s certainly a possibility!
By the way, Al, getting back to my maddening e-mail situaton, I received a “delivery delay” message in my in-box here at work. I assume you never got my “test” e-mail? If you get a chance, could you try e-mailing me at daverm_98 at ameritech.net? Thanks.
daver - April 16, 2008
Check your email.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Well, it took a few minutes, but I got it.
I just sent you a reply.
daver - April 16, 2008
Honestly...
There was talks of Will doing a short series for HBO in regards to a washed up baseball player. Not sure where that went. You can actually find it by searching the web. I didnt see when it was coming out though.
I think it is a 5-6 series show, and he is a washed up baseball player turned gym teacher. Should be a good one.
HIGGY - April 16, 2008
The best part about Ferrell making all the sports movies is...
he looks nothing like an athlete. Makes it all the better
PirateDan - April 16, 2008
there is a really good chance that Ferrell is a better left fielder as well...
JB 23 - April 16, 2008
Jackie Robinson Day...
This is a very cool tribute, but I sort of wish that the Cubs would have some sort of an Ernie Banks Day to honor the frist African American Cubs player.
All the players could wear number 14!
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Wasn't Ernie the last to come out of the Negro Leagues?
crazymountain - April 16, 2008
either way...
... I don’t know the history very well, but I can’t imagine it was easy for Ernie to break the Cubs color barrier either. It would be cool to see his number come out of retirement for a day.
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Great pic
of Lee and Griffey..kudos to David..
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
Murton/E Pat
Hard to see this as a close call. If Patterson was ready for prime time, why wouldn’t he already be up here playing second and forcing DeRosa into a utility role?
Murton is a bona fide big league hitter. He’s in AAA only because this team didn’t have a position for him with Ko Fu in one corner and Soriano in the other. He’s the logical choice after an injury.
Orval Overall - April 16, 2008
Ko Fu, eh?
daver - April 16, 2008
Ko Fu
I like that. I like that a lot:)
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
Meh -- it's Dome or nothing for me.
daver - April 16, 2008
1. Fuku
2. Ko Fu
37. Dome (unless you are referring to his bald spot)
patron - April 16, 2008
Wrong.
As has been confirmed by a bonafied Japanese baseball fan (dragonsfanatic), Kosuke’s preferred nickname is simply “Dome.” And I hope you don’t think that rhymes with “Rome” (i.e., the city).
daver - April 16, 2008
to minimize confusion,
we could just use DOMÉ with the accent.
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
He gets to choose?
patron - April 16, 2008
Yes, it's in his contract.
daver - April 16, 2008
There are too many family names starting with "Fuku"
Fukuda, Fukushima, Fukukawa, Fukumori, Fukuyama, Fukuma, Fukuou, Fukuoka, Fukuchi, Fukuishi, Fukuura, Fukushi, Fukuzaki, Fukusako, Fukuzawa, Fukusako, Fukutani, Fukuhara, Fukunishi….. and many, many more. Actually Fukumori plays in Rangers organization (recently demoted to 3A).
So “Dome” is identical – he is the only person named Fukudome in Japanese pro baseball, while so many “Fuku**” are playing actively.
dragonsfanatic - April 16, 2008
Anyone have links to video
the Fontenot play and D-Lee Double play yesterday. I trying to describe both slick efforts and would love to see them again.
N Oakley - April 16, 2008
That was
one awesome play.
sue369 - April 16, 2008
Hmmm.. Giberish. Am hav in co plet thoug...
I was describing them to a co-worker and would like to see them again. I’ll type that 100 times to see if I can make it coherent next time.
N Oakley - April 16, 2008
Fontenot play
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?f_id=649773&;f=http%3A//mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2008/04/15/mlbtv_cinchn_139144_400K.flv&w=/2008/open/mlbam/2008/04/15/mlbtv_cinchn_139144_400K.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2008/04/15/cinmlb-chnmlb-1&vid=7758&mid=200804152532629&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp400&v=3&id=649624
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
This link didn't work for me.
And I don’t see this play anywhere on the Cubs site. Could you try again?
daver - April 16, 2008
cut and paste the whole text
then click on “keppinger forces bako home”
billywan - April 16, 2008
Oh, right.
For some reason, it didn’t occur to me to click on that. Here’s a neater link.
daver - April 16, 2008
When will the Cub know the results of Sori's MRI?
They should just put him on the 15 day DL regardless and call someone up. With 12 pitchers they’re a man short to begin with. I don’t want to see him out for any major length of time but I’m kind of looking forward to see whoever they call up. I personally would send Pie down and bring up both Murton and Patterson but that probably won’t happen.
Also, Theriot had a very good night last night but, does anyone think Fontenot can play SS every so often? I’d like to see his bat in the lineup more often.
lemon20pie - April 16, 2008
Sometimes I wonder if Fontenot can play second.
His defense is suspect at best, and putting him at shortstop on more than an emergency basis is a bad idea.
cwyers - April 16, 2008
I think Fontenot's web gem from last night
would like to have a word w/ you.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
Fontenot's "web gem"
That was an amazing grab. Saved the game and changed the entire complexion of the game.
I don’t see Derosa stopping that ball.
lemon20pie - April 16, 2008
I agree it would be a less than ideal situation
Hopefully Theriot produces more like last night and not have to put the Cubs in a situation where they have to consider it, but I’m not so sure that’s likely.
lemon20pie - April 16, 2008
Love the photos integrated into the wrapup
if I’m not mistaken, this is the first time you’ve edited David’s photos into the game recap. David’s shots really make the post come alive. I hope you both will be able to keep up this collaboration.
Or, “Loud, sustained applause.”
santo4hof - April 16, 2008
So, bored reading about "the Hop" and "the Replacement"...
Two things that jump out at me…
1 – Dome, in his three ABs against Harang last night, saw 21 pitches (if I counted correctly). Harang threw 110. Nearly twenty percent of his pitches were to the number 5 hitter. Seems like a good argument for slotting Kosuke up into the one hole.
2 – With the wind blowing out and Z on the hill, my biggest worry? I hope he doesn’t strain something trying to poke one out of the yard. :)
Slim1256 - April 16, 2008
NICE PHOTOS
Al, Nice photos from Wrigley! As the name suggests, I am a Mississippi Cubs fan, so I only get to make a couple of games per year. I love seeing good photos from the field! Field of Dreams should have been filmed from the bleachers of Wrigley!!
MSCub - April 16, 2008
Last night
It was great riding the bike to the game and I made great time flying pass buses and cars. The ride home in the wind and cold air wasn’t as much fun, I really should have taken that into account, oh well.
For how hard the wind was blowing out I think both Demp and Harang pitched pretty well. Corey was really getting harassed from the bleachers; I don’t think he misses Chicago.
I’m looking forward to a solid game from Z tonight and hopefully we can lock up another series win with a chance at a sweep.
I hate the hop.
slocs55 - April 16, 2008
We would've been so much better with this guy
He was cheaper… hits the snot out of the ball in Wrigley… played all 162 games last year, drove in 119 runs, and struck out less than half as much as Soriano did.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
But he doesn't have that...certain...je-ne-sais-quoi on defense.
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
Wow
That is the most odd footage I have every seen.
slocs55 - April 16, 2008
A human Gollum
lol…
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
Yes, if you completely ignore defense and baserunning...
...and put too much emphasis on strikeouts as a measure of player value, then sure, we should have gotten Carlos Lee instead.
cwyers - April 16, 2008
I think it's the length of the contract...
... and total value over the life of it that concerns me. I guess 8 years from now, $130 million will be chump change for a star outfielder contract (think Upton, Justin).
Whatever, we have him, can’t trade him, so we might as well keep him, eh?
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Like Soriano plays defense?
The only thing he can do is throw runners out… and half the time, he only gets that opportunity, because he muffs the ball in the corner and they then proceed to try and take the extra base on him.
Otherwise… Soriano’s a loafer in the outfield, and completely afraid to go to the wall for anything.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
He can move, at least.
cwyers - April 16, 2008
If he can do so... without hurting himself.
SackMan - April 16, 2008
I agree on this one
I personally have yet to see him use his speed to run down any fly balls or bloopers. I’ve certaintly seen him muff a few as you stated.
tony412 - April 16, 2008
I agree also
He is a phobia of Walls and having more than one foot on the ground when catching a ball.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
This is Wrigley's fault...
It’s time that we put padding on the brick and replant the Ivy to stretch across the padding.
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Good luck with that...
... after 70+ years of the ivy growing there.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
IIRC, Carlos Lee was never a realistic option.
He wanted to play in Houston so he could be close to his ranch.
daver - April 16, 2008
In addition...
... he’s a DH-in-waiting.
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Carlos Beltran
would have been an ever better acquisition and ended up costing similar amounts of money.
dr stabbingworth - April 16, 2008
BTW. KUDOS TO PIE!
For that catch at the wall last night. WOW!
SackMan - April 16, 2008
I was really worried
after that becasue it looked like his hand hit the wall pretty awkwardly. It’d be tought to lose 2 starting OF in one night
El Borto - April 16, 2008
Soriano on DL
EPat called up..
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2962552
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
That article
is from last year.
sue369 - April 16, 2008
Ooops...
My bad….embarrassed smile ....a friend just called me and told me this and i posted without checking…so sorry..
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
no problem
sue369 - April 16, 2008
LOL, classic.
daver - April 16, 2008
But at least..
the names were the same..lol..
Bump Bailey - April 16, 2008
That link is from a story from last year (n/t)
SuperContext - April 16, 2008
You might just need to change the date and a few details
and the article actually may turn out to be pretty accurate.
Jayo525 - April 16, 2008
game tonite
does anyone know what time the doors to the bleachers open? is it 2 hours before the game? it’s been about a year since i’ve been to wrigley and just wanted to make sure.
gocubsgoradio720 - April 16, 2008
yes
2 hours before.
bobby h - April 16, 2008
2 hours early
for wrigley.
have fun!!!
mjk83 - April 16, 2008
thank you!
GO BIG Z!!!
gocubsgoradio720 - April 16, 2008
Funny image from last night
After DLee hit his homerun last night and crossed homeplate he high fived both TheRiot and Fontenot. The height difference between DLee and the other two was extremely entertaining to me. Especially Fontenot, he really does look like a bat boy next to DLee.
gwood - April 16, 2008
true
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/photo?slug=1bc5769766824869bc29eca8a9f3a300.reds_cubs_baseball_cxc109&;prov=ap
tony412 - April 16, 2008
I noticed that too...
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
Oooh, swing and a miss.
daver - April 16, 2008
???
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
I see
a red x.
sue369 - April 16, 2008
Fixed....
I noticed that too…
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
santos drives one in the air...
...deep left-center…(Daver’s voice cracks) HOME RUN!!!
daver - April 16, 2008
I thought it was funny too
Fontenot looks like Frodo Baggans next to D-Lee. Hilarious.
McRipper - April 16, 2008
Seeing that
last night made me laugh.
sue369 - April 16, 2008
Cincy's Outfielder
I also noticed how much smaller Patterson is than Dunn, he is a monster.
Also Patterson still has that speed, he was burning down 1st base.
slocs55 - April 16, 2008
The bashing of Soriano
Amazing, Cubs would not of, I repeat would not of made the playoffs last year without him, and they won’t make it this year without him.
Pitchers when fielding bunts for the most part take a hop to get better balance ( when I threw in college ) at least what I was taught. SO if a pitcher pulls his calf, we get on him?
Its funny Soriano has caught what.1000 balls this way and nothing happens, then a freak injury, and we want nothing to do with him. Players all over the league I am sure have quirks, his taking a damn hop when he catches ball
I don’t know I guess I am tired of the bashing this guy gets. No one was pissed when the Cubs signed this guy.
Grockcubs - April 16, 2008
Soriano's calf injury... an exercise physiologists perspective
Granted, I haven’t worked in that field since ‘06, but the education is there nonetheless. First of all, his quad injury from last year wouldn’t affect his calf on this type of play. What a lot of people fail to realize is that landing from a jump (or hop) actually generates just as much as if not more “tension” on the calf muscle than the actual take-off. The hamstring plays a role in the landing of course, as do the glutes, but my guess is that his foot was flexed in a certain position as to send a lot of tension to the lateral side of his calf as opposed to an equal distribution of tension throughout his entire calf. Therefore, he probably strained one of the muscle heads in his calf, not both. Hopefully, it’s the muscle head on the exterior portion of his leg and not the interior, because it will recover faster and require less treatment. We will all know very soon what the “experts” say, so don’t hold me to anything. I’m basing this diagnosis on one slow motion replay, after all. But I think we all agree, a healthy Soriano equals a better Cubs team, no matter which way you slice it.
chi-townbleacherbum - April 16, 2008
And a healthy slice of Soriano...is always a good thing.
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
santoswoodenlegs....OMG u are too quick with the pics...
what, do you invent Clip Art or Microsoft Publisher or something? My god, you have a picture for everything. Good stuff, keep it up!!
chi-townbleacherbum - April 16, 2008
It's images like this that made Prince Fielder a vegetarian.
daver - April 16, 2008
Hunh
It’s images like that that keep me from becoming a vegetarian.
Mmm…pig…
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
and remember...
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
Not just pig -- self-slicing pig!
daver - April 16, 2008
Oooohhhh...
What a wonderful, magical animal.
Jesse Guam - April 16, 2008
if Prince Fielder stopped eating altogether this entire season....
he would still be the heaviest player in the league next spring. I watched him bat last night against the Cardinals and as he jogged down to first base after a walk, his man boobs jiggled. I wonder if Under-Armour makes a sports bra in size XXXXXXXXXXXXXL.
chi-townbleacherbum - April 16, 2008
Pretty Good...
Maybe it is an indication of my maturity level but I couldn’t stop laughing when I read that.
slocs55 - April 16, 2008
Breaking News...
After hearing of Prince Fielder’s decision to become a vegetarian, Wisconsin’s Governor declares a state of emergency. Also on a side note, Carlos Lee decided to sell his Texas ranch after hearing Fielder’s decision. And finally, there will be a surprise Farm Aid concert in Milwaukee in late August to support the farmers who will be facing almost certain tough economic times stemming from Fielder’s decision to stop eating meat.
chi-townbleacherbum - April 16, 2008
That visual
just seared my eyes.
sue369 - April 16, 2008
No -
I think that honor probably goes to Dmitri Young.
false cognate - April 16, 2008
lol @ Dmitri Young....
But I’m pretty sure you were thinking of Ray King
chi-townbleacherbum - April 16, 2008
Young
At least Young has a full blown medical condition, namely diabetes, to at least partially attribute to his girth. To my knowledge, in his early 20’s, Fielder doesn’t have a medical condition to blame for his size. Unless you consider obesity a “medical condition”.
krummy12 - April 16, 2008
Want to be optimistic?
The best case scenario here (other than Soriano is fine and won’t miss any time at all) is that Soriano goes on the 15 day, Matt Murton comes up and hits .350 with a couple of home runs, and the Rays decide that Murton is worth giving up Reid Brignac for.
OK, it’s a longshot. But it’s possible.
Josh Timmers - April 16, 2008
Patterson is going to get called up
Hammer - April 16, 2008
My source at the Iowa Cubs...
...says that Murton is on his way to Chicago. Let’s call him “Deep River.”
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
The Return of the King!
santoswoodenlegs - April 16, 2008
Nevermind...
... he just emailed me telling me he was kidding. Never listen to me again!
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
I know
because Patterson is already in town
Hammer - April 16, 2008
Ya never know... they might bring Murton up after the Cincinatti series??
... a father of a redhead can hope, eh?
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Hahah
i grow a red beard, that counts right?
Hammer - April 16, 2008
Cool
My source, which is the radio, is leaning towards Patterson. Either way…..whatever. People on this site are crushing how Murton has no extra base hits yet….well take a look at EPATs line. Oh and take a look at Fulds line.
Hammer - April 16, 2008
I think this has more to do with...
the confidence Lou has in DeRosa in left than it does with Patterson or Murton.
Anyway, the first couple games of the season, Patterson absolutely crushed the ball. I’m assuming that the big club scouts noted this. Patterson’s contact rate and K/BB rate suck so far, so maybe the stats don’t match the scouting.
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
Hopefully he plays well
Ill bet he is in the lineup tonight at least for an at bat
Hammer - April 16, 2008
So Al
I read a funny article in Wrigley Season Ticket. The Heckler article has a pic of Dempster hiding in the bullpen after a terrible performance in the 2008 All-Star Game. If Dempster keeps it up that might not be far from the truth.
Keystone80435 - April 16, 2008
Let's hope so!
n/t
Al Yellon - April 16, 2008
Bruce Levine
just confirmed on ESPN 1000 that Soriano will be on DL, and EPat will be called up. Cubs expecting Soriano will be out for 2-3 weeks….
lance dickson - April 16, 2008
I just read that this injury
takes 5-8 weeks or 3-4 months if surgery is needed. He is a good athlete hopefully 2-3 weeks is right
Hammer - April 16, 2008
Hmmm....
Sounds to me like a tear instead of just a “strain”.
SecondSon - April 16, 2008
15 Day DL for Sori, E-Pat called up
Itchy - April 16, 2008
It's offical
Itchy - April 16, 2008
official
Itchy - April 16, 2008
O'Furcal?
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
(irish shortstop for the dodgers... many apologies)
IowaCubs- - April 16, 2008
FYI for those who like to make the game 'interesting'
I was just outside and the wind is blowing out around 40mph
Keystone80435 - April 16, 2008
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