I've got pieces of April; I keep them in a memory bouquet... -- Three Dog Night
Right after Felix Pie hit his improbable three-run homer, putting tonight's 7-1 Cub win over the Mets into a "memory bouquet", Mike said to me, "When have the Cubs ever had an April like this?"
My first instinct was to say, "2004", but that isn't quite right. In nineteen games this Cub team has won games that previous Cub teams would have lost. They've won blowout games. They've won games with good pitching; they've won games with good and timely hitting. The literal answer to the question is: "1985", because that's the last time a Cub team started 13-6. That team, as most of you know, the defending NL East champs, started out 35-19 and had a four-game lead on June 11, before a disastrous 13-game losing streak and having all five starters spend time on the disabled list caused a collapse to a 77-84 finish. But that's not the right answer either, because the 2008 Cubs are winning games that most Cub teams in my lifetime would have found ways to lose.
So let's not dwell on losing. Instead, let's celebrate yet another solidly played victory, even on a night when the hot-hitting Ryan Theriot wasn't available due to back spasms. Mike Fontenot started in his place, with Ronny Cedeno moving from 2B to SS on this early-starting game (for ESPN purposes). Fontenot walked, but Cedeno had a stellar day. More on that later.
Carlos Zambrano came out as he has in every start so far this year -- aggressive (so said Lou in his postgame press conference), throwing strikes (61 of 101 pitches), and handling the Mets easily. Even in the one inning where they scored their only run of the game, Z survived a mistake by Geovany Soto. Endy Chavez led off the sixth with a double, and pitcher John Maine, up next, squared to bunt. He laid down a good bunt, and Soto tried to get Chavez at third -- something he had absolutely no chance to do. Fortunately, Z didn't let this get to him -- as he might have in the past. Instead, he bore down on Jose Reyes, getting him to hit into a double play, scoring Chavez. Chavez might have scored anyway, had Soto made the right play (going to first to get Maine).
Maine and Z had matched up very well through six; Maine's only mistake was a fastball that Aramis Ramirez hit into the LF bleachers for a two-run homer. That, and the above-mentioned Mets run, were the only runs through seven, and the tight game had Carlos Marmol replacing Z and throwing an excellent nine-pitch inning, finishing off with a flourish of a strikeout of Mets catcher Raul Casanova on one of Marmol's patented sliders -- the ones that no one can hit.
The eighth inning was one of the best innings I've seen the Cubs have in recent years. The normally-solid Reyes bobbled Derrek Lee's leadoff grounder and then Ramirez got hit on the arm with a pitch (said Lou in his postgame conference: "He's OK"). Kosuke Fukudome had yet another terrific at-bat -- does this guy ever have a bad one? -- working the count full and fouling off three pitches before he got the one he wanted, singling up the middle. Lee prudently was held at third with nobody out, and the crowd groaned as Mark DeRosa struck out and Soto popped up.
That brought up Cedeno, the guy we have loved to bash for almost three years. Kudos to whoever here came up with the tag "ONEDEC" for him, because it does appear he really IS "turning things around". Ronny also had an excellent AB against Mets reliever Aaron Heilman before lining a two-run single up the middle, giving the Cubs some breathing room, and then, after Willie Randolph pulled Heilman for Jorge Sosa, Felix Pie slammed a pitch into the RF bleachers for his first HR of the season (and first career HR at Wrigley Field).
Kerry Wood, who had been warming up in anticipation of having to save a tight game, instead came in with a six-run lead. We all know many closers have trouble at times with this sort of situation, but Wood not only finished off the Mets, but did so by throwing only six pitches, thus keeping him available tomorrow if necessary.
So the Cubs make a statement against one of the "good" teams in the National League, win their fourth in a row, and oh yes -- for those of you who didn't believe me when I said the Pirates are a really bad team: they gave up ten runs for the third game in a row, tonight losing to the Marlins 10-4. The Pirates ARE a really bad team.
That's not really important, though the Cubs can look forward to playing the Pirates again in less than four weeks, as this year's wacky schedule continues. In the meantime, what a nice way to celebrate the milestone of my 2000th Cub game (and thanks, ballhawk and others who stopped by to offer congratulations). There was a juggler outside on Waveland tossing four balls up in the air from time to time all evening. Let's keep that festive, winning atmosphere going tomorrow. At this writing, the Giants are leading the Diamondbacks 2-1. If that score holds up, the Cubs and D'backs will be tied for the NL's best record. Onward and upward.
0 recs | 212 comments
Great fun game to watch
I hope we get to see both Ronny and Felix starting tomorrow. With a rookie righty up for the Mets and with Fontenot scuffling, it’s time for DeRosa to head back to the infield, Johnson to scoot over to LF and Felix to build off a nice AB. Go, Cubs, go!
DGU - April 21, 2008
Not just great... OUTSTANDING!
A nailbiter for sure… DGU – couldn’t agree more with the line-up suggestion! We’ll see what Lou does!
socalicubsfan - April 21, 2008
How odd, or how appropriate
That this April, while asking the same four questions that are asked every year at this season, I find myself asking one every game this season?
Any other night, any other season, we lose these games. This season, there seems to be something in the air…..
sanantonecub - April 21, 2008
Loud, sustained applause.
And now, I’m going to sleep.
Al Yellon - April 21, 2008
Congrats on 2000 Al
My buddy and I that met you at the game Saturday were curious if you get that same seat every game, and if so, do season ticket holders get to reserve certain bleacher seats, or do you get to enter the stadium really early?
TCobb1911 - April 21, 2008
Bleacher season ticket holders...
... get to enter early so we can have our seats, the theory being that since other season ticket holders get the same seat for every game, we should have the same privilege.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
boy it was nice...
to see Ronny Cedeno get that big hit in the 8th (especially after Dero and Soto looked over-anxious to smack it out of the ballpark.
I truly believe he has begun to turn it around and this could be a huge boost to the Cubs this season!
BTW, anyone notice that Mr. Roberts in Baltimore keeps going 0-4 quite often these days? Glad we didn’t make that trade right now.
CubFanSince1970 - April 21, 2008
What a night
I don’t think I’ve ever seen the game thread, new comments be so long as it was in the 8th inning. It was lightening up my half my screen :)
Congrats on the 2000th game. What a memorable one!
This has to be one of my favorite games I’ve listened to in a long while.
When is the last time the Cubs have turned 4 dp’s in a game?
Madison Cub Fan - April 21, 2008
...and the D'Backs take the lead...
something tells me that team will be one to reckon with in October, if we are fortunate enough to have the Cubs get there.
Orval Overall - April 21, 2008
This
should be a non-negative diary!!!!!
TCobb1911 - April 21, 2008
I agree
With Lous switch of putting Pie in center, Johnson over to left, and putting Dero back to 2nd.
I would love to hear all your opinions on this? I feel this a much stronger lineup without Fontenot and I feel Cedeno and Theriot are both strong shortstops.
Opinions PLZ!?
Rudey - April 21, 2008
I think Cedeno is a better fielder
but Theriot is hot and making things happen when he plays.
crazymountain - April 21, 2008
Theriot's hot, but it's not like Cedeno's cold
It’s time to let Cedeno live up to his potential.
DGU - April 21, 2008
these are good problems to have...
JB 23 - April 21, 2008
Something
Our cubbies have grown to have.
I was more happy with the whole left field johnson/Pie center thing
Rudey - April 21, 2008
Yep!!!
We have good and deep team, both OF and IF…..Great back end bullpen and two extra starting pitchers in the bullpen….a great manager….who knows how it will turn out, it is early but this team seems to be a cohesive unit….The D is MUCH improved and I think it is a big reason for Z’s demeanor and confidence this year….
crazymountain - April 21, 2008
Theriot is hot too
Let Johnson sit. See if Pie can hold up his end of a platoon in center. Dero in LF, Theriot at SS, and Cedeno at 2B.
californiachicagoan - April 21, 2008
Totally agree
Johnson could use a day off. Reward Pie for his HR tonight and apparent hard work and give him the start against the Righty.
lemon20pie - April 21, 2008
That Sounds
even better. (Rewardign Pie for his HR and keep his confidence high by letting him play)
I was more then anything trying to say I was happy we were getting fontenot back on the bench and seeing a better outfield.
Rudey - April 21, 2008
This depends...
... on whether Theriot’s back is OK today. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him sit again.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Who leads off?
When you pull Johnson and if Theriot cannot go?
Small steps for Pie are a good thing.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
Dome leads off
2.) Derosa
3.) Lee
4.) Rammy
5.) Soto
6.) Pie
7.) Cedeno
8.) Fontenot
9.) P
gary varsho - April 22, 2008
But now...
You have changed every spot in the line-up but three. And the line-up has been scoring like crazy of late.
If it aint broke – dont fix it. I would be shocked if Johnson got a day off today, i really would.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
Weak looking lineup in my view
cubfever7 - April 22, 2008
I think Fontenot goes
to the bench and Reed goes to LF. You have 2 lefties in Pie and Dome, that should be fine. I would keep Reed’s bat in the linup. Let him rest on the next day off.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Cedeno would be a decent option on days like this
If he gets on, he’s a threat to steal.
SackMan - April 22, 2008
(and slide past the bag then get tagged out)
northsider - April 22, 2008
Al Congrats
on your 2,000th scorevard (i think I read that somewhere today). I would have sung by tonight but it’s tough to get to you guys from the top row of section 509…..geeezz
Keystone80435 - April 21, 2008
scorecard…scorvard…whatever.
Keystone80435 - April 21, 2008
2000! Congrats, Al
This years team is SO confident, I think we have that “swagger” that Lou talked about having when he first signed on…...
Cedeno…..does it look like he finally gets it? Maybe just me but he has really improved at the plate and he just looks like a hitter, having a lot of deep AB’s this year….
Felix’s new swing looks great, MUCH shorter…...
crazymountain - April 21, 2008
Cubs are on a roll
It doesn’t matter the level of competition so far. Wins are wins. Lou Piniella deserves way more credit than he is receiving right now.
The key to this season will be the starting pitching. It’s got to hold up. And somebody besides Carlos Zambrano will have to emerge as a distinct strength. Maybe that somebody will be Ryan Dempster. My money is on Ted Lilly getting things turned around soon and having a quality year once more.
MDBNIU - April 21, 2008
We
Are really gona need a quality start from Lilly, cause Mets wont be very forgiving to all the mistakes he made thus far this year.
Not like the Cubs bats cant back him up but we need a 2-3run game through 6+ from Lilly, he needs to start acting like a number 2.
Rudey - April 21, 2008
Actually...
... I think Lou is getting deserved credit for mixing & matching and making lineup changes where needed.
I’ve said this many times but it bears repeating again: I wasn’t in favor of Lou being named manager of the Cubs. But he may be the best one they’ve had in my lifetime.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
I was just thinking
about all the warmth coming about these Cubs and felt Lou has put this together and keeps it together so well. He deserves a lot of the credit. At this time last year there was a lot of complaints from Lou and now the confidence displayed is really taking off. My hat is off to Lou, keep it going!
mrcubsfan - April 22, 2008
I agree...
and keep in mind, there have been key players missing in some of these games… Theriot and Soriano out last night… Soriano and Fukudome out the day before… when you are able to deal with adversity and continue to play great baseball, you’re doing something right.
bap - April 22, 2008
Couldn't agree more...
...and it’s a nice feeling to go into any game, knowing the chances of the Cubs getting beat because they were out-managed is slim and none. Also, and maybe more importantly, Lou recognizes what a player can do, and can crall inside their head, like few others.
MPH73 - April 22, 2008
Hey Morrissey.....
..Are the Cubs good now?
Congrats Al!
JB 23 - April 21, 2008
I was really suprised to see Theriot
Scratched from the lineup, I saw him at a Cubs care luncheon with Jim Hendry and Len Kasper at Wrigley and then I watched him on my break at batting practice and neither one of those times did he look like he had any problems but who knows…..
ryanbrixenivy - April 21, 2008
Baseball is enjoyable again!
Last year seemed every win was a tough one and the losses were even tougher.
This year has been so enjoyable. I loved tonights 8th inning. Pie, Cedeno, Fukodome! What has made it a nice year is Wood has kept the 9th innings (for the most part) quick and painless. I can now watch and ENJOY!!
Congrats Al on your 2,000 and Happy Passover!
Cub Fan Mike - April 21, 2008
Question...
...and I’m clearly clueless, but “ONEDEC”? What’s that mean?
Chadnudj - April 21, 2008
Nevermind...
...just got it. Cedeno backwards.
I should have looked at it through Harry Caray glasses.
Chadnudj - April 21, 2008
D'oh
I asked the exact same thing on another thread… I should have read this one first.
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2008
Leave it up to Pie to hit a 3 run HR
and take a way a save from Kerry :) I keed I keed.
lemon20pie - April 21, 2008
yeah, my fantasy score suffers...
but i’d rather pitch 9th innings with a 6 – 12 run lead like we did the last 3 games.
bap - April 22, 2008
I feel your pain--i have Kerry in Fantasy and needed the save
cubfever7 - April 22, 2008
I've always felt Cedeno...
like Theriot… gives 110% every time he walks out onto the field. They both bring a lot of youthful energy to the team. If Cedeno continues to show patience at the plate, we’re going to have a long debate this season about who should be playing SS. Obviously, it’s a great problem to have but BIG PROPS to Gary Matthews Sr. because it seems like the whole team (aside for the bases loaded hacks by DeRo and Soto 2nite in the 8th) is showing great patience at the plate. We all knew at the beginning of the year that we were going to put up a lot of runs this year, but we are really pouring it on in the early goin so far this year. From a Ted Lilly or Rich Hill perspective, the offensive production should take some pressure off of them to be perfect on every pitch. We shall see…..with eyes wide open. Go Cubs!!
chi-townbleacherbum - April 21, 2008
I think
Pie can be on that list of people who give 110%
It just stinks hes not good enough to be patient at the plate.
Rudey - April 21, 2008
Uhhh... Sarge?
Didn’t he go with the Dusty regime? I thought it was Gerald Perry… or am I just drunk (again
)
socalicubsfan - April 21, 2008
oops
Guess I have had a few… the comment above should be down a notch!
socalicubsfan - April 21, 2008
You're drunk again
but also right…..Gerald Perry is the Cubs hitting coach.
lemon20pie - April 21, 2008
What if...
Pie rights himself after tonight, Cedeno stays in the groove, Sori gets hot, Lee continues to hit, Z has a huge year, Wood is unstoppable.
is it too early to discuss the pitching rotation in the playoffs – I realize it’s only April but I am jazzed!
13 of the last 17!!
Cub Fan Mike - April 21, 2008
Breath in, breath out.
It’s a looooong season. LEt’s not get ahead of ourselves and just enjoy the ride when they’re winning and playing good ball.
lemon20pie - April 21, 2008
I take that back.
If you want to start planning on playoff rotations and playoff plans, knock yourself out.
lemon20pie - April 21, 2008
You know
you have to be thinking about it in the back of your mind, and thinking about Arizona and the matchups..
its not really being crazy, seeing as Ive never been more confident in a team Inluding those 2005 Cubs. I know its annoying for you to see people screaming playoffs but hey its always there in your mind.
Rudey - April 21, 2008
Although this season is starting off...
on a very good note…
“This is a long season,” Piniella said. “Let’s not get all crazy about this thing. Let’s just stay cautionary and let’s just keep playing good baseball, that’s all.”
crw89 - April 22, 2008
Precisely.
Still, winning is fun, isn’t it?
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
"Winning is fun and fun is winning" - ozzie
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Close but he said
Fun is winning and winning is fun.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
Absolutely!
It feels great! I have all the optimism in the world and see it coming together.
crw89 - April 22, 2008
Should I worry about the Cards??
I was listing to MLB on XM and Larussa was going on and on how they are getting all these Pitchers back off the DL.
Some picked the Cards for last – do we worry about them?
Cub Fan Mike - April 21, 2008
No
They won’t finish last (Houston and Pittsburgh are still in the division) but the Cardinals are not close to a playoff team. They’re just off to a good start. Please note that Florida is in first place in the NL East. I don’t worry about them either.
It’s still the Brewers, Brewers, Brewers that we should be watching.
Josh Timmers - April 22, 2008
Correct.
Milwaukee’s pitching staff has injury problems again (Sheets) but they now have Gallardo back. And Fielder and Braun haven’t started hitting yet.
The Cubs will have a chance to make a statement against the Brewers next week… and then the two teams won’t play again for three months. Stupid scheduling.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Agree--the Brewer's record looks good considering....
that Fielder, Braun, Weeks and Hardy have all hit terribly….they won’t go quietly.
cubfever7 - April 22, 2008
one word and one only!!!
NOOOOOOO!!!
cubsluver22 - April 21, 2008
I'll still......
much happier when I see Flex slap one between short and third…. yanking one into the seats in right delays his development as a complete ballplayer… but it was nice to watch….
James031 - April 21, 2008
Gimme a break
Part of being a complete ballplayer is being able to hit the ball with authority. You have to hit the ball hard to get base hits, and you have to get plenty of base hits for pitchers to respect you, get nervous, and put you ahead in the count.
In this at-bat Pie took a couple of bad pitches to get to a 2-0 count. At 2-0 he got a pitch right in his wheelhouse, put a good swing on it, and hit it hard. It didn’t look like he over-swung; he took the kind of swing you’re supposed to take at a fat pitch with a 2-0 count.
Hitting the ball hard, more often than not, results in an out. But it’s still the best idea anyone’s had yet. By the fuzzy picture on my TV it sure looked like he got a pitch to pull, and did just that. He’d have been wrong to take it and wrong to try to inside-out it. Just my opinion, speaking as a guy that couldn’t hit a beach ball with a tennis racket.
aldimond - April 22, 2008
AGREED
I think that homerun will help Pie more than hurt. His swing was compact and short. It should teach him that he doesn’t need to swing out of his shoes to hit a homerun.
gwood - April 22, 2008
He doesnt need to hit HRs.
The HR was probably the worst thing out of the AB, the best this was him getting a 2-0 count. I can almost assure you that the coaching staff was more happy about the 2-0 count than the HR.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
Thats a strong thing to assure
I know what you are getting at though
Hammer - April 22, 2008
I think the most important
thing out of that at bat was good solid contact. I have a feeling Pie will be more worried about staying with the team than hitting home runs.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Well...
Lets be honest, if the count was 0-2, he doesnt hit a HR. That pitch is no where near the plate. 1-1, probably the same thing. And Lou probably said, you see what happens when you get the count in your favor?
That was his 3rd AB with a 2-0 count this year, and he has yet to get to a 3-0. I am just saying, it was a stride towards getting him in the right mindset for each AB. The HR was a cherry topper.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
well said
like I said I see your point.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
This is all spectulation and
maybe it was just a coincidence that he swung the bat in the right spot and the ball happened to be there and he hit it. I just feel that as poorly as his ABs have been, to get that type of result with all of the work he has put in is encouraging.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Agreed
making solid contact with the shortened swing that Pie has been working on will hopefully help thing click with him and help him realize that a short quick swing is all he needs to be successful.
gwood - April 22, 2008
I am not sure 'hayes' but do you play golf?
When I used to play with my father who’s career handicap was a 15 when my brother and I worked with him for a year on his short game dropping his handicap from 20 something. He loved the game but was a hack. My brother and I were competitive amateurs. Every once in a while he would ask us how it feels to nail it, be it a driver—-7 iron or wedge. He always recalled that we would say like how it is supposed to feel.
You don’t nail it by accident. Pie nailed it. He hit a rising fastball that was actually on the outer half of the plate and hit a line drive…not a wind blown HR. I looked at his swing and his body and head were still, he got his hands and hips quickly through the hitting zone.
He also worked the count to his favor where the pitcher needed to get the ball over the plate.
This was not an accident. Now he has to do this over and over again and he might be a force on the club. His problem now is that Johnson is manning well the lead off role.
Ivy Walls - April 22, 2008
Woah Ivy, I think that it was
a great stroke. Your golf analogy is pretty much on the mark. Hitting a baseball is like hitting a baseball in that feel has a lot to do with it. I think the best part about that stroke last night is that he got some good feedback and hopefully be able to take that to his next AB.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
I'm not saying this because the result was a HR
But that really was the best looking swing I’ve seen from Felix. IT was short and compact and smooth. It had to be for him to pull that pitch, which was tailing over the outer part of the plate. Let’s hope we see more of that swing and more importantly, the patience to put him in that 2-0 situation.
lemon20pie - April 22, 2008
You ar right it was a sweet stroke. I would like
to see about 100 more just like that.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
I guess you weren't watching the Lou reaction shot on TV.
He was clearly jazzed about the HR.
Felix has taken balls before. The problem is that he was also taking strikes. If you listen to Perry, it’s all about taking to get your pitch to hit, which Felix did this time. Hitting a HR is a great way to reinforce that the AB went well, not to mention good for his confidence.
And this idea that a guy who has natural power should give up on his power because he has natural speed is plain and simple: The Dusty Baker Heresy.
Being a 5-tool player is a good thing.
DGU - April 22, 2008
I agree, If his natural stroke is a power
stroke, you do him a disservice by trying to change it. Improving his plate discipline and teaching him to recognize the pitches he can handle will go a long way in developing his batting.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
I was at the game :)
Your first statement is not true, he was swinging at balls, and strikes there was no discipline in his ABs.
The HR maybe a a reinforement to PIE that the AB went well, but getting to an 2-0 count allowed for that HR pitch to happen and that is what the coaches see.
Natural power? Pie does not have natural power. 15 HRs is his highest total in AAA. He needs to learn how to get on base before he worries about hitting HRs. We have enough HR hitters on the team.
Again this was ONE AB, and we are acting like he has cured all his problems. Small steps are a good thing.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
I was referring to line drive power. It seems that
everyone wants to turn him into a slap hitter. He will never be a home run type of hitter. That would never work, but I think that he has the ability to hit line drives consistently if he swings at pitches he can handle.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Exactly.
There are very few slap hitters in the league that do it with success. I would hate to classify Fukudome as one, but he can do it with certain pitches, ie his 8th inning AB yesterday. But with Fukudome, i classify it as him being able to do as he pleases with the pitch.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
He seems to have risen that slap to an
art form. With Pie’s speed, if he can drive the ball into the gaps, he can hit a lot of triples. That is the type of hitter I think he can be.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
And honestly...
i dont think you will get the pull swing out of him. SOOO gappers is probably his best bet.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
Some of the best hitters have been that
type of hitter. Tony Gwynn comes to mind. I am not crazy enough to think Felix is TG, but Gwynn could take any pitch and hit a line drive to any part of the field. That type of hitter will always hit for a high average beacause he does not have to hit the ball between the infielders. Rod Carew was the same type of hitter. Not home run power but laying out ropes all over the field.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Pie has natural power and Pie has laid off of pitches.
This is what is odd about the Pie debates here – sometimes it seems like we’re not even debating the same player.
Part of what I have seen (and I have not seen every Pie PA) is him taking pitches that were called strikes. He has taken pitches. He has needed to learn to take the right pitches.
As for his minor league numbers – sure he hasn’t shown Prince Fielder power, but he slugged .554 in AA at age 20 and .563 at AAA at age 22.
Sure, I agree, it was one AB. Let’s see what he does today.
DGU - April 22, 2008
Of Pie's 29 ab's.....
....he’s gotten into a 2 strike count in 20 of those ab’s.
lemon20pie - April 22, 2008
I must admit...
...I had the same fleeting thought last night: That hitting a clutch home run like he did last night might hurt Pie’s continuing offensive development more than, say, another walk or a line drive into the gap would have. But I refuse - refuse - to fault Felix for taking a couple pitches and then hitting a ball hard. That’s all a batter really can do, after all—hit the ball hard and hope it lands in a safe place, the bleachers being just such a spot.
daver - April 22, 2008
I may be wrong but
I really don’t think that hitting a home run now will hurt Pie. He seems to be the type of player that takes to coaching to the point of not letting his ego take over his swing. I think at this point he knows that he is on a short leash and he has to perform. You don’t call up a minor league hitting instructor to the big leagues unless things at at the last resort. I think the most important thing out of that at bat was that he made contact with a short quick swing and drove the ball. It was a line drive that went out because it was hit hard.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Dingers...
...will come all on their own, and they can’t be forced upon a player.
Pie needs to embed a shorter/quicker swing into his subconcious to be a consistent major league hitter.
Last night was a nice reward for him, but the road ahead will be filled with some pot-holes.
MPH73 - April 22, 2008
I don't doubt that and he may go
0 for his next 10 but you can’t help but be encouraged by that at bat. All of the reports of his work ethic tell me that if there is any chance of him getting it, it will happen because he is willing to put in the time.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Completely agree....
He has so much to learn from guys like Theriot.
It’s really too bad Pierre is not on the team anymore, he could have showed him to no only slap it between short and third but also to weakly ground it to 2nd and hustle to get an infield hit.
That would make him truly develop as a player, it would make him understand how detrimental 3-run homers are to his game.
Chitown Mojo - April 22, 2008
Speed can cover a multitude of sins.
With Pie’s wheels, there is no reason he can’t get a buch of infield hits. The important thing is to make contact. As everyone says, you can’t steal first base.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Great Pierre can come in and teach how to never walk too
Hammer - April 22, 2008
Yeah, I'm always amazed at singles hitters who won't
take walks. They try to justify it by saying the pitchers are trying to make them hit there way on and a guy like Dome comes along and shoots that theory all to hell.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
DOME
by far, the best 2 strike hitter on the Cubs I can remember in a while. Mark Grace comes to mind.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
It's uncanny to have that type of bat control.
It’s really hard to hit a baseball from a major league pitcher and you had the feeling that there was no way he wasn’t going to get a hit in that AB in the 8th last night. That type of hitter completely changes the dynamic of your offense.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
My thoughts exactly Hammer
The reason being, he’s not afraid to hit with 2 strikes and will take borderline pitches with 1 strike. God I love watching this guy’s ab’s. One good thing that came out of watching the game on ESPN was that they pointed out that DOme leads the league in pitches per ab at 4.6.
lemon20pie - April 22, 2008
He could as well...
He wouldn’t stop there, he’d show the importance of hitting the cutoff man after a few bounces instead of throwing a rocket home to get the runner out.
As we all know, it is detrimental to a 5-tool player to use his power or arm.
Chitown Mojo - April 22, 2008
No kidding
With Pie’s speed, he should be running the ball back into the IF instead of trying to act like he has a power arm.
DGU - April 22, 2008
I'm always amazed...
as to how many games you go to. I’m jealous.
What a nice 2000th Cubs game.
sparkles721 - April 21, 2008
It was indeed!
Nice to see you posting here again. Hope you can make it out to the ballpark once you’re home from school.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Hey
from where I was sitting that juggling guy looked like he has some advertisement of himself leaning on the wall could you see that from your seats, you had to.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
I didn't see any ad.
Just the juggler.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
the juggler had a little "helper" last night
while the juggler doing his thing, I noticed the little hot dog guy standing behind the him, pretending to juggle and keeping in time with the juggler. It was pretty hilarious. Wish I’d taken a picture…
ballhawk - April 22, 2008
I wish you had too.
The hot dog guy is … well, unintentionally hilarious.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Special thanks to flachimesa
for help attending such a great game!
Sat in the bleachers for the first time in probably 3 or 4 years, and it was very cool. Still saw a lot of people wearing not the “Horry Kow” shirts, but ones with the same logo on the front. : /
northsider - April 22, 2008
How funny does this sound?
We go for the sweep tomorrow!!!
Again!
Cub Fan Mike - April 22, 2008
Congrats Al
and of course we’re all envious of the life you lead.
Josh Timmers - April 22, 2008
Just watched the 8th inning again
It’s a thing of beauty! Should’ve had maybe 1 more run on a balk. I think it was Len who said it yesterday, but this team is hungry to score runs.
Congratulations Al! I was at the game too and what a game!
cubsonWGN4ever - April 22, 2008
I saw that balk from the 500s
Hammer - April 22, 2008
Cedeno
I’m surprised no mention of how he hustled to beat the throw on the Wright error in the seventh inning. He gets crucified around here for his baserunning mistakes. I think he ought to get a little praise for showing that kind of hustle, even if it didn’t lead to anything—and even if he doesn’t get any credit for it in the box score.
Cedeno had a good night. Maybe he can play short and Theriot second until Soriano gets back. That might be our best lineup right now.
Josh Timmers - April 22, 2008
In reply to the "ONEDEC" question
The original set of posts were here
(This is my first ever link, so hopefully it works)
It was a very fun conversation and I’m glad to be a part of BCB lore… kinda.
Beaushek - April 22, 2008
Worried about Dome
I called Pies HR in my house…... went nuts… He needs to stay and he will hit… I know he will
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
So why are you worried about Dome?
daver - April 22, 2008
Think he might be a singles hitter
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
as long as he hits
220 of them
Hammer - April 22, 2008
I hope!!!
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
Where is the problem in that?
n/t
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
Right
he is more of a singles/doubles hitter. Than thing is he is taking about 4.6 pitches per at bat which is really crazy, he is makeing the pitchers work hard and plays the game great. Honestly, I used to say this about Eddy Curry, if you watch Eddy the whole game and no one else you will realize what an lazy ass bum he really is, you watch DOME for the whole game and he will impress you in everything he does.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
Yea i am just worried that if his BA drops his SLG
wont improve that much…. I would really just like to see some more doubles.
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
Gotta drive the ball to get
doubles. Look at DLee. He is a doubles machine. Fukudome has to drive the ball more consistently to get doubles. Slapping will get a lot of single through the hole, but they always go right to left fielder.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
It's an interesting point.
I guess my response would be that Dome is still feeling out the league—and having a hell of a lot of success doing so. I would guess/hope his slugging will rise as he starts familiarizing himself with opposing pitchers. In the meantime, I’ll take a guy who wears pitchers out, draws walks and gets those clutch/inning-extending singles.
daver - April 22, 2008
You betcha. I think you hit
it with him getting used to the pitchers. It is not as easy to stroke the ball if you have no idea of how a guy is trying to work you. You are just kind of feeling for the ball and your stroke is tentative. Once he gets a read on the pichers and knows how they will try to work him, he will be able to attack the ball with more authority.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Agreed.
He never had that much HR power in Japan anyway. If he can do as you suggest, he’ll hit a lot of doubles, which will keep his SLG up.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
It wouldn't surprise me if he hit less that 10HRs this year.
Which is a good argument for putting him in the 2 hole. But he will get about 200 basehits and that will prolong a lot of rallys and drive in a buch of runs if there are guys on base.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
That's possible...
...but I’ll bet on somewhere between 12-15.
When he gets more comfortable with the pitchers, he will probably attack pitches more when he has the opportunity.
MPH73 - April 22, 2008
My 2 cents worth
I don’t get to see every Cubs game here in AZ, but it seems to me that the pitchers are pitching him away so most of his hits are to left. If they start coming in on him more and leaving some hittable pitches, he’ll get more doubles and the occasional triples and HR’s. Right now it looks like he is going with the pitch and trying to make contact and get on base, which is fine with me. The other benefit is that he works the pitcher which is great for any batter and the team. If the other hitters in our lineup continue to take their cue from him and take a few more pitches, and get the pitch counts up and maybe opportunities for hitter’s counts, we can only get better as a team.
BigJohnAZ - April 22, 2008
Hey John..
...I don’t know where you’re at but I’ll be in the Ahwatukee area today and gonna watch the game at the Native New Yorker 48th and Ray. If you’re in the area come join me, Wings are on me!
lemon20pie - April 22, 2008
Will disagree with you AL
on your editorial about PIe. He needs to hit and not in the 8th spot.
Lets sweep tomorrow!! Cubs win!!!!!!!!!!
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
Where would you hit him?
You have to bring him along gradually. Putting him in a higher batting order slot might put too much pressure on him.
But he ought to start today (Tuesday).
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
I think having Pie bat 7th
with a Cedeno/Theriot behind him wouldn’t be a bad thing, instead of with the pitcher behind him. Alternatively, I’d bat him 9th with the pitcher ahead of him, and Pie still gets the professional hitter behind him.
DGU - April 22, 2008
Pie in my ideal lineup would hit second or seventh
he hasnt gotten anything to hit in the seventh spot.. He also hasnt hit anything
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
My bad for not beeing in the game thread but does anyone else think
Cedeno was robbed by the official scorer?? He should have beenn 2-4 tonight. Lets weeep
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
so so greedy
I just had a brief thought of A-rod playing SS for the cub right meow and i wet myself. Go Cubs Go.
louisiana lumberman - April 22, 2008
Correction
Sorry to quibble, and correct, but in the top of the eighth, you said Marmol finished the inning by striking out Raul Casanova. Thanks to a bout of insomnia, I just rewatched the inning on ESPN. Marmol got Endy Chavez to fly out to Fukudome, then struck out pinch hitter Marlon Anderson with the patented slider, and then got Jose Reyes to fly out to left.
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/playbyplay?gameId=280421116
It doesn’t really matter, because I’m sure in the excitement of the bottom of the eighth (which I’m rewatching right now), I’m sure things got a little wonky.
Jesse Guam - April 22, 2008
I have to check my scorecard again.
Must have been sleepy. I think I just looked at the wrong inning.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Yeah
Z k’d Cassanova in the 7th. Also, not to be picky Al, but Dome’s single in the 8th was to left field not center.
McRipper - April 22, 2008
I thought someone might catch that
It was hit in the 5.5 hole.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
Do you ever get any sleep Al?
It seems like you are on the boards at all times of the day or night. But that’s a good thing for the rest of us. You operate a top notch Cubs site that keeps us informed several times on a daily basis.
Thanks for all your hard work!!!
montecarlo - April 22, 2008
I don't sleep much...
... seem to do OK without it.
Thanks for the kind words!
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Z's most telling stat:
14-3
As in 14 groundballs vs. 3 flyballs. I thought he mixed his fastballs well again, not as many in the 89-90 range as last time out but certainly threw a significant percentage of them. He may be turning a corner before our very eyes.
Luis - April 22, 2008
And Z's confirmation taken from the Daily Herald:
“I played with one of the best pitchers in the history of baseball: Greg Maddux. He told me one time he preferred to throw more sinkers, more movement, than velocity.
“Anytime I want to throw 95, 96 (mph), I can throw it. It’s not how hard you throw in the big leagues. It’s how you locate your pitches. It’s how you’re willing to learn to pitch the game.”
So, it seems that these pitches he is throwing 89-90-91 are indeed a conscious effort by him. Very exciting!
Luis - April 22, 2008
When Z had his first big year, in 2003...
... he got many more ground balls than he has in more recent years. Glad to see he’s gone back to this philosophy.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
Exactly right
Luis - April 22, 2008
The small amount of walks is a great thing.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
It's really amazing
to hear so many pitchers crediting Greg Maddux for their improvements. Greg is an amazing pitcher, here’s to hoping he takes over for Rothschild as Cubs pitching coach
gwood - April 22, 2008
I hope Greg moves in next door to me
I would love to have a beer nightly with him and talk baseball. Of all players ever I would like to sit with during a game he would have to be number #1. Glenallen HIll a close 2nd so he can teach me that stare down.
Hammer - April 22, 2008
I think Big Z is ready to
make the transition from thrower to pitcher. His recent struggles have proven that throwing the ball harder won’t get it done. Maddux hasn’t stayed in the league and won all of those games by accident. A good pitcher will allow hitters to get themselves out. I think Carlos is slowly getting that message.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
I was going to ask...
Genallen Hill with or without the Oakley sunglasses? and you answered that question already.
bap - April 22, 2008
Do you mean...
...this staredown?
daver - April 22, 2008
next door to hammer
If he moves next door to you….. I might consider moving into your neighborhood. lol I’d be content to just sit and listen to you both discuss baseball.
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2008
and hear the crowd in the background
Hammer - April 22, 2008
I'd be one happy girl
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2008
Big Z is saying -- and doing -- all the right things so far this season.
It’s really, really exciting.
daver - April 22, 2008
Big Z was really dealing
last night. Clearly one of his best performances in a while. Sometimes an outing doesn’t seem as good because he didn’t stike out a lot, but he was really dominating that strike zone. That was by far his best performance in pitching to contact. I think it was key that he mentioned talking to Maddux about pitching. If he realizes his command is more important than velocity, you will see a pitcher dominate the league for a long time.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Yeah, it's been mentioned on this site...
...(and probably elsewhere) that Big Z’s sinker is probably his best pitch. It shortens the duration of opposing hitters’ ABs and doesn’t force him to try to overpower (i.e., strike out) every hitter (which often leads to walks). The fact that Carlos is openly acknowledging this, as mentioned, really exciting.
daver - April 22, 2008
If he can take this performance
and build on it, I think we will see a much better Z. His first couple of years he got by on natural talent alone. I doubt it if he even thought about what he was doing. (that may have been a good thing.) If he can learn to allow hitter to hit that sinker consistently he will dominate this league. Nobody can get good wood on a heavy sinker like his. It kills your bat speed and all you can do is drive it into the ground.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 22, 2008
Uh, did Marmol get traded
or is ESPN stupid? Check the bottom, where it says
What the hell. Even if it’s just ESPN being imbeciles, it makes me angry. Get something freaking right for once, or leave it the way it is
NittanyCub - April 22, 2008
And they just switched it
ESPN is the bane of my existence
NittanyCub - April 22, 2008
Heilman is gonna be eaten alive
By mets fans before the year is over. Is this the same pitcher who was vocal about how he deserved to be a starter? Sheesh.
Im glad to see the first feel good win of the year.. chewing up the reds and pirates is ok, but we should be able to beat “good” teams like the mets and phillies at home.
HerrProf - April 22, 2008
if he gets eaten alive for one bad outing...
then Mets fans are rediculous… he battled out on the mound through some tough ABs. He didn’t come out on top… The pitcher will be fine over the course of the year.
bap - April 22, 2008
Pardon me, but I believe...
...Marty Brennaman is REDiculous. Mets fans are just RIDiculous.
daver - April 22, 2008
Pardon me Mr Brennaman
but I saw highlights of your game yesterday and was wondering if the Reds let the city know they had a game because there was no one there
Hammer - April 22, 2008
precisely...
we may have some unrulies (sp?) but at least we have fans who care about our team too.
bap - April 22, 2008
I think Marty,
Said something like they all got hit with baseballs at the Cubs game, so they decided not to attend any more games.
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
It's Just April 22, But First Place Is Nice
The Cubs haven’t clinched yet being a half game up with 143 to go, but I love being 13-6 and in first place. If the Cubs can go 34-17 against the Pirates, Reds, and Astros (10-2 so far) and go 16-15 against the Brewers and Cardinals (1-2 so far), the Cubs are going to take the NL Central.
memphiscub - April 22, 2008
great recap Al....
A good team win…. it’s nice to see contributions from most everyone! Starting pitcher, reliever, closer and hitting from starters and the bench!! Go CUBS!!!
cubbiefanTN - April 22, 2008
Sorry to nit-pick some more
Kosuke’s hit in the 8th was on a 2-2 pitch and was to left field, not up the middle. Congrats on number 2000.
jbowling13 - April 22, 2008
Al -
Sorry i didnt get to you last night – i arrived at game time thus they would not let me into the section right near the bleachers.
Congrats though!
HIGGY - April 22, 2008
Great Win!
If the “unlikely heroes” continue to come up big for us….this is going to be a VERY GOOD YEAR.
Go Cubs!
Just Mike - April 22, 2008
Now this sounds familiar, doesn't it?
I was reading through the Cubs site and clicked on a story that turned out to be on the Mets website, Seems that we say the same thing here on BCB…
crazymountain - April 22, 2008
Pretty funny
I was calling for the Cubs to start beating teams of the Mets’ caliber, and the Mets fans are calling for them to beat good teams like the Cubs. Go figure.
dr stabbingworth - April 22, 2008
What a fun game to watch.
It’s a shame I cannot watch today’s game. I really might need to invest in mlb radio. Missing day games like the one today kills me.
Fukumania - April 22, 2008
Gameday Audio is only about $15 for the season. Definitely worth it.
daver - April 22, 2008
I would disagree
I used gameday audio when I lived in Arizona. The “crystal clear quality” that they advertise is heavily compressed and generally sounds like crap. If you’re playing it over a halfway decent stereo, it will drive you nuts.
dr stabbingworth - April 22, 2008
Well, when it comes to baseball...
...high fidelity isn’t really all that big of a deal for me. I just want to hear the game.
daver - April 22, 2008
Same here
I have heard the quality before, it’s ok. I’d only be playing over my computer speakers, anyway.
I know it’s only 15 bucks but for some reason I just can’t pull the trigger…
Fukumania - April 22, 2008
You can always use this website to stream the game live. It's a Bandwith Killer though.
http://www1.myp2p.eu/index.php?part=sports
Jayo525 - April 22, 2008
Great, Write Up!
It captures the exuberance of this April’s great start.
The team is playing very well, as a team, they have good depth and they are finally discarding the ignorance of the anti-base clogging philosophy.
It is so refreshing to see the Cubs have a home field advantage again. Keep it up, Cubs!
DudeVf11 - April 22, 2008
Congrats Al...
2000 games attended is very impressive. I am excited and beside myself on how well the team is playing right now. Z looked very focused as did the rest of the team. Just like you said…’Onward and UPWARD!’
crw89 - April 22, 2008
I'm on my way
to the game. Rocking the 1st row….....in 509 hahaha
Keystone80435 - April 22, 2008
fun seats... i always say...
I like to people watch though.
bap - April 22, 2008
Thanks Pirates
B4 we get all giddy the facts are
Cubs vs Pirates 6 – 0
Rest of NL 7 – 6
nimblenikelfoos - April 22, 2008
That's what you are supposed to do to bad teams.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
They All Count
the same, my friend.
SecondSon - April 22, 2008
A few observations
My heads up defensive play of the night award goes to Fontenot for his heads up play in turning the double play. He ran the lead runner back towards first and then threw the runner out the batter, while catching the lead runner in a rundown. I remember watching it and thinking what a great heads up play that was
Great at bat by Onedec!! As we have been saying for a few days now, it really looks like he is starting to put things together at the plate.
Finally, unlike CPat, Pie is the type of player I really want to see succeed. Early on I wanted to see CPat succeed, but then he just seemed stubborn and unwilling to be something other than the power hitter he thought he was. Pie has worked hard and tried to execute everything the coaches suggest. I hope he becomes the player he seems capable of becoming.
gwood - April 22, 2008
Agree on Fontenot play
We’ve seen that exact same play end very bad a couple times over the last couple seasons, where the 2nd baseman (Walker) ran the runner back to first and try to tag the baserunner out first and then throw to first and get the hitter. Last night once Fontenot started running the baserunner back I actually screames “Throw the ball!!!” lol Fontenot executed that play to perfection. Once the baserunner stops or starts backpeddaling, throw to first and get the out and then worry about the baserunner in a run down.
Great point. Little things like that, that they have messed up over the last couple years, they are doing right so far this year and I can honestly say, which I haven’t over the last couple seasons, that because they are doing the little things recently, I enjoy watching this team play. If they keep it up, it’s going to be a wonderful season.
lemon20pie - April 22, 2008
I fully agree!
I had a hawk’s eye view from the 200 seats on the 3rd base side and after that double play I turned to my friend and exhorted that they had executed that double play to PERFECTION.
cubsonWGN4ever - April 22, 2008
Rather....1st base side
cubsonWGN4ever - April 22, 2008
OT jersey question
Is this a legit jersey? It has the two color lettering and the mlb logo, but it seems a little too inexpensive. If it isn’t, how can I tell the difference between a legit and a fake?
http://tiny.cc/EXbgt
dr stabbingworth - April 22, 2008
grrrr
shady tiny.cc service
http://tinyurl.com/67apzu
link to ebay auction
dr stabbingworth - April 22, 2008
Hard to tell from those photos.
Not bad if you could get it for that price, though.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
I asked for better photos
I don’t really care if it’s replica or real, I just don’t want one that has wrong colors.
dr stabbingworth - April 22, 2008
Generally, nothing that is cheap on Ebay is real as far as jerseys go
But there are some really good fakes. It’s all about doing research.
Fukumania - April 22, 2008
Just curious
Do you incorporate baseball into your teaching? Are you the Chicago version of Ben from Fever Pitch.
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2008
Best part of the movie
dancing for tickets. “You wanna talk Yankee dancing”
Hammer - April 22, 2008
I love that movie!
My fav baseball part is when she sees him on ESPN at spring training.
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2008
Ha, good part
Hammer - April 22, 2008
The blue doesn't look right to me. Seems it's a lighter shade than what the Cubs wear.
Compare. eBay Auction on top, Authentic on the bottom.
northsider - April 22, 2008
of course, this might just be the lighting and camera angle.
But if you WANT the real deal, I’d ask for better photos. If you’re not really concerned with having an “Authentic” jersey and just want something that says “Theriot 2” on the back (and save some $$$ at the same time), I’d say go for it…
northsider - April 22, 2008
It's all about timing sometimes...
We don’t have to face Santana this series—the Mets came in here having just beat the Phillies 2 out of 3 in home & home series and sweeping the putrid Nationals….we made them pay for their mistakes and we didn’t pay for ours…
The Pirates may be bad, but after we swept them in Pitt the first time, they came back and won four in a row including a sweep of Marty Brennaman’s sizzling Red’s squad. The Cubs make some of these teams look worse than they are.
cubfever7 - April 22, 2008
I agree.
I think the Pirates could beat any MLB team on any given day. Yeah, they’re not going anywhere, but they just don’t lay down and die like the Orioles.
zevkalman - April 22, 2008
Lets get the W today and gget Lilly on track
he is so key to this year. Anyone else down for skipping Rich tomorrow and going with Lieber. Rich gets crushed in Colorado
fischisgod - April 22, 2008
You have a good point.
A curve like Hill’s won’t break in Denver. In two career starts at Coors he is 0-2 with an 11.32 ERA.
Lou? You out there listening? Let Lieber start tomorrow, Marquis on Thursday and Hill on Friday in Washington.
Al Yellon - April 22, 2008
I'd be fine with getting to see Hill on Friday
And that does make sense.
Fukumania - April 22, 2008
The RIGHT way
Mets 8 – 1 vs lefties…...
start Leiber or anybody but Lilly
nimblenikelfoos - April 22, 2008
Would love to get Leiber in there today
Then continue the rotation in Colorado. Today could be like a “travel” day for Lilly
SackMan - April 22, 2008
Boy that sure makes sense on the surface
Wonder if Lieber is stretched out for starting if called upon. I know he has the mind set.
Any feel for what the type of southpaws they’ve been beating? Are they shelling them or just winning a bunch of close games? Cuz if Ted can keep them close, I like our pen’s chance to keep ‘em at bay.
blackhawk24 - April 22, 2008
Watching from the "GlenAllen Hill" rooftop...
last night, the most impressive play was the textbook DP where they caught the runner between 1st and 2nd on the grounder, forced him back towards first, made the 4-3 putout, then went 3-6 to complete the rundown. Textbook perfect!
blackhawk24 - April 22, 2008
Absolutely.
Great reaction by the Cubs. I was really impressed with that play the way Derrek caught it and made sure he tagged first. Having the 2B chase the runner back a little bit is what made that rundown. Solid, solid fundamental baseball.
northsider - April 22, 2008
Happy 2000th Cubs game, Al!!
From the SnakePit.
DbacksSkins - April 23, 2008
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