The Cubs beat the Astros 3-2 this afternoon on another gorgeous, sunny early-April day, evening their season record at 3-3.
So what have we learned so far this year? Let's examine not only what's happened with the Cubs, but elsewhere in baseball:
- Kosuke Fukudome is as advertised. Works counts. Does good situational hitting. Plays right field like it belongs to him (well, except for overrunning Brandon Backe's pop fly today -- Backe wound up with a gift double).
- It's nice to see Carlos Zambrano get off to a good start instead of the scuffles he's had the last three years. Especially notable today: no walks and 72 strikes thrown in 106 pitches. Miguel Tejada homered off him. OK, that's going to happen at times. (Plus, the strike zone was really strange today.)
- Derrek Lee: proof that hitting .194 in spring training means exactly zero. D-Lee has been pounding the ball all week; even his outs are hard-hit and his HR today nearly left the premises.
- Alfonso Soriano still looks lost, despite the home run, his first of the season (that puts him 13 games ahead of last year, when he didn't hit his first until his 19th game, and after missing a week with an injury). The ball clanged off the bottom of the railing, just inside the LF basket in our section. It may have been helped a bit by the crosswind. We were surprised that Lou didn't move Reed Johnson to LF when he put Felix Pie in CF for defense in the 8th inning. (Could he have been stroking Soriano's ego?)
- Kerry Wood has been rock-solid since he began pitching in actual closing situations. He has saved all three Cub wins and in those three appearances has faced ten batters, allowed one hit and no walks, and struck out three, including Tejada on a nasty breaking ball (a splitter?) to end today's game.
- The Orioles are 4-1. Obviously, they're the best team in baseball.
- The Giants are 1-5. Obviously, they're the worst team in baseball. (Oh, wait. Yes, they are.)
- So much for the Mets going 34-0 in games Johan Santana starts, as all the MSM columnists were bleating when they signed him. Gee, you mean he could lose some games?
- Watch out for the Blue Jays. Seriously. They just swept the Red Sox, and if they get consistent starting pitching, they will contend.
- What's with the blue jerseys again? I guess with John McDonough gone (he was the one who issued the pinstripes-only at home edict last year, one I applauded), they've given the starting pitchers the choice again. Sorry, I'm a uniform traditionalist: white or pinstripes at home, gray on the road. The Astros didn't wear road grays at all during this series. And now, I'm afraid we'll have to look at those awful red Pirates sleeveless abominations sometime this week.
Bottom line, everyone: things are good. The Cubs will be just fine. With a break or two this week, they could have been 5-1 on the homestand despite having Soriano play poorly and getting good starting pitching out of only three pitchers (Z, Rich Hill and Ryan Dempster). Today's crowd of 40,929 gives the Cubs an average after six games of 39,663; virtually no one left the close game, wanting to see Wood close it out. I was also pleased to see Carlos Marmol have a solid inning in relief, finally putting the ball over the plate (12 strikes in 19 pitches).
Finally, today produced one of the nicer giveaways of recent years, an Ernie Banks plaque, similar (obviously, not identical in wording) to his Hall of Fame plaque:
Yes, I know. Too many teeth showing. Till tomorrow.
Click here for my 4/6/08 scorecard
That plaque
is awesome! I want one. He he.
andysilv - April 6, 2008
Maybe this has been mentioned
but could it be the blue alternate jerseys are a Sunday only thing? That's what I thought when I saw them today.
markleonette - April 6, 2008
I thought exactly the same thing.
Personally, I'm fine with that, although I'd rather see an older Cubs jersey like their 69 road (the powder blue one) or their 84 blue one...
Keith - April 6, 2008
We talked about that in the bleachers.
I'd be OK with them for Sundays only.
The "powder-blue" jerseys weren't the 1969 road jersey -- those were gray. The ones you're thinking of were in the late '70s... I never liked those much. They looked like pajamas.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
I'm with Al about the blue jerseys
Don't really care for them but atleast they're not wearing the red billed hats with them as well, like they had in the past. Can't stand those hats.
lemon20pie - April 6, 2008
The red billed hats...
... are worn only for road games. I don't care for those, either.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
You're right.
I should've known that. Shows you how observant I am.
lemon20pie - April 6, 2008
Agree
3-3 on the first homestand is not that bad. It could have been better, but I will take that after one week. We need a 4-2 or 5-1 Penn. roadtrip.
FSArkCubsFan - April 6, 2008
Fukudome
I thought that ball took a bad bounce on him. I may be wrong though.
And man does Cincy look good if their young pitching keeps it up. Which they probably won't.
northofwrigley - April 6, 2008
Len and Bob
said it might be a "soft spot" in the field.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2008
My daughter and I were sitting in the stands
right in front of Fukudome on that play. He appeared to lift his head just as he got to the ball. The ball seemed to flatten out a little bit. just as he got there. He had a really surprised look on his face as he ran past the ball. He still got cheered pretty hard when he went back out next inning.
MetsSuck - April 6, 2008
(Plus, the strike zone was really strange today.)
Amen. That was VERY weird.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2008
Santana Lost the game?
he went 7.0 IPgave up one er on 7 hits and walked none. Too bad the other pitcher was Smotlz and the mets moribund offense.
HerrProf - April 6, 2008
Yes, he was the losing pitcher.
The point is, the way some columnists were writing, you'd think the Mets were going to win every game he started for them. Doesn't work that way.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Come on, Al...
I seriously doubt that ALL of the MSM were saying the Mets would go 34-0 with Santana on the hill. I'd be surprised if ANYONE said that sincerely. They just all believed (and rightly so) that getting Santana was a big coup. It was. He's pitched great so far. He happened to face another great pitcher who pitched slightly better one day. The Mets are going to win most of the games Santana starts, and he's almost certainly the favorite to win the Cy Young. It seems like you're creating a straw man argument here.
SouthernCub - April 6, 2008
I'm with Al.
The NY-focused press made it look as if Santana couldn't ever lose. But as happens in all human mythology, I guess NewYorkers discovered that the guy is human, after all.
Fraggin Judge - April 7, 2008
I disagree...
I think you're both being overly sensitive. I really doubt anyone honestly believed the Mets would go 34-0 with Santana on the mound. I do believe most felt his addition (along with a strong offense and good 2, 3, and 4 starters) made the Mets one of the favorites to win the NL. I don't necessarily disagree with them on that.
Santana is the best pitcher in baseball. He went to a team that needed an ace. And so far this year, he has a 1.93 ERA with a 0.86 WHIP. And his only loss was due to no fault of his own (gave up 1 run over 7 innings). He actually pitched better in the game he lost than he did in the game he won.
SouthernCub - April 7, 2008
No, of course no one LITERALLY believed that.
But reading the national columnists, you'd have thought, "Forget the NL pennant race, just give it to the Mets". It's just not that way. Santana's good. John Maine is decent, so is Oliver Perez. But the Mets are hurting now with Pedro out. I don't think
As I said, he's good, but I think the national media went overboard.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
We'll agree to disagree then...
As I don't feel that the media went overboard. When you are a very good team to begin with (a major chokejob away from winning their division last year) and you get the best pitcher in baseball for virtually zero major league players, that's a pretty freakin big deal to me.
The loss of Pedro for substantial time makes their roster basically the same as last year's, minus Alou but with a better catcher and (theoretically) a better version of Delgado. Last year's team was the best in the NL until they really choked down the stretch. That's hardly struggling. It isn't sitting pretty like they were with a healthy Pedro, but it's still pretty darn good, in my opinion.
SouthernCub - April 7, 2008
The Tigers
are 0 and 5 going into tonight's game with the White Sox. They're not the worst team in baseball. However, they may not be as good as advertised.
Josh Timmers - April 6, 2008
Last night on Baseball Tonight...
... they mentioned that only two teams EVER have started 0-5 and made the postseason... the 1995 Reds and another team I can't recall. Both lost in the LCS.
The Tigers are a good team, but they already have a hole to dig out of.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Tigers about to go 0-6.
White Sox could be a dark horse in that race.
lemon20pie - April 6, 2008
Al...A little surpirsed no mention..
..of the rocket Soriano threw to Blanco with Borne tagging in the 1st in the recap..
In a sense, that was the play of the game, with 2 Astros in scoring position with one out in the 1st. If Sori doesn’t throw out Bourne who knows what could have happened. My guess, Z would have lost his mind and probably control of the game.
Huge turning point early...
I loathe the reemergence of the blue jersey....
JB 23 - April 6, 2008
Good point.
I can't believe runners still go on Soriano, who had 19 assists last year. That play wasn't even close.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Well, this guy's supposed to be
one of the fastest runners in the NL. I guess maybe this means Soriano's feat was even more impressive.
JohnM - April 7, 2008
And Fuku's money throw
Good outfield defense > Bad outfield defense
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
Square D Commercial
Not sure if this has been brought up but there is a Square D commercial on 720 that airs during games. Santo and Hughes are involved and its a quiz show type of format where both are asked about the Cubs last winning a pennant, which they claim was in 1908. I'm surprised that Hughes, a self proclaimed baseball historian did not point out that the Cubs have won pennants since 1908, just not the world series and when someone uses the phrase "win the pennant" it refers to winning their league championship, not the World Series.
Dm:L
dmlichte - April 6, 2008
No one likes the blue jerseys? Really?
I think they're pretty cool
NittanyCub - April 6, 2008
I'm with you
I like them too for a change. The grey road jerseys are so drab and boring. I know we're a "traditional" franchise, but I like having some variety in the blue alts. Wouldn't mind seeing the 1912 Cubs road jerseys either, on occasion.
lapetino - April 6, 2008
I don't mind them.
sue369 - April 6, 2008
I like 'em too
n/t
dmlichte - April 6, 2008
I like them as well
I kind of have to though since I got one for a birthday present. But I do actually like them as well.
DTJchris - April 6, 2008
Maybe I'm in the minority.
I don't like 'em. Never have.
FWIW, the Cubs wore uniforms resembling those during a 1997 interleague game vs. the White Sox at what was then still called Comiskey Park.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
the main reason I dont like them...is that they "over wore" them
...in '04, '05 and '06 with the pitchers preference on game day uniform decisions. They seemed to be always wearing them at home and I just really like the home pinstripes. They are traditional and classy, not a marketing gimmick.
If they are only going to wear them on Sundays, no problem...
JB 23 - April 6, 2008
Yep -- seemed they wore them more often than not
and I agree w/Al -- I like the traditional look.
Referenced it once before -- how long have the Yankees been wearing the same two jerseys? It is kind of along the lines of having a statue of an announcer before Ernie Banks -- marketing over baseball. I'm not claiming that the jerseys prevent them from winning, but it just speaks to the priorities over the last 25 years.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2008
Some people don't like blue uniforms...
...some people don't like park name changes.
It's a free country.
ballhawk - April 6, 2008
exactly
next time you can't understand why someone doesn't want "Wrigley Field" to be changed, just think of why you want traditional jereys
ecbc - April 6, 2008
Yabbut...
... change the name of Wrigley Field, it's still Wrigley Field to me.
Wear a blue jersey and... well, you're wearing a blue jersey.
I trust you can see the difference.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
but..but..whatever the jersey ..they are still our beloved cubbies
cubsnlinux - April 6, 2008
Loud, sustained applause!
n/t
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Change the name of Wrigley Field
and you change the name of Wrigley Field.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2008
I'm partial to Blue
Always liked that color. I would rather it be their away jersey and keep the white striped jerseys for home. Hate the grey jerseys personally.
DTJchris - April 6, 2008
Can't stand them either
I was given a blue jersey replica T-Shirt as a birthday present once.... never would have bought it. I have a feeling that we're going to see that jersey way too much now, especially from Z -- if, indeed -- the pitcher makes the jersey call.
If one jersey is enough for the Yankees and Dodgers (one home, one road, no special crap, no special caps) it should be good enough for one of the oldest franchises in the NL.
But apparently, it isn't.
Did they wear the blue tops at Mesa during Spring Training? I think they only wore the blue tops on the 'road.' But since every team except the Cubs wore their 'color' jersery during AZ games, I didn't think the blue tops would pop up at Wrigley, as they were just for spring training.
That old road '77 blue-jersey-with-the-white-pinstripes would have been great if it wasn't a pull-over...if it was button-down, it would have been much better, but that was out of style then.
But the best road jersey of all time is still the one from the early 60s (the waving Cub icon days) - worn through 1968, I believe. The simple "CHICAGO" in blue, outlined in red. No number on the front of the jersey. Blue number on the reverse. Very simple, and classy.
Al, I'll still give the Pirates a pass on the Red jersey.....since it's a tribute to a dead mayor, I'll cut them some slack. Besides, red has been in the Bucco color scheme way, way, back there in time.....
What is horrible is the Padres khaki uniform, the tribute to the armed services -- which they are now wearing every Sunday. But don't voice any opposition to them -- it's almost unpatrioic. However -- the uniforms stink. At least the design has been altered so you can at least make out the logo, name and number of the player -- in previous years, the logo was almost invisible. But then again, that's the purpose of camoflage, isn't it?
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - April 7, 2008
Spring training is different.
Almost all teams wear their BP tops (not alternate jerseys) during ST games, even home games. The Cubs are a notable exception -- they wear pinstripes at home during ST, which I like.
I still hate the Pirates red jerseys. Yes, I know it's a tribute. They're still ugly. They could have found a better tribute.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
Absolutely my favorite
The grey jersey is just ratty and dirty looking.
Arbusto - April 6, 2008
I replied indirectly to this earlier
but I am 99% a purist when it comes to baseball and the uniforms. I dislike the names on the back of the home team, and I understand the view of the Cubs' blue jersey. But, I believe the Cubs blue looks so much better than any other team's alternate jersey and my favorite color is (Cub) blue anyway.
BigJohnAZ - April 6, 2008
I'm a fan of the blues...
and I really am not to fond of our grey jerseys.
DC Cubbie - April 6, 2008
YUCK
Gimme the 1969 unis or give me death!
SecondSon - April 6, 2008
I like them as a road alternate uniform.
I prefer white and pinstripes at home.
But I would rather see the Cubs win in blue shirts than lose in white pinstripes. As long as they win, I'll learn to like those jerseys. At least they're not the ugly Pirates red shirts.
Fraggin Judge - April 7, 2008
"And I guess that's why they call them the Blues."
n/t
Fraggin Judge - April 7, 2008
Exact same thoughts as you on the recap.
D Lee is CRUSHING the baseball. Nice to see that, in ST he didn't pull anything and even in the thin air he only hit a couple dingers with a plethora of shots to the track. I may be mistaken but watching him in the dugout after he hit the flyout to center in the at bat prior, I was trying to read his lips and I "thought' he said that he can't hit it any harder that that.
Nice work by "Z", and this is just an observation, nothing more, but his arm started dropping as the game wore on, IMO.
Kid K looked awesome again, and looks like the stud we need out there. He shows no fear and attacks from his first pitch.
Oh, and I have always loved the blue jerseys, glad they're back. If it helps Z pitch better, who am I to argue lol
My wife got a good laugh at me as I said the exact words that Len and bob said about the jerseys coming back not one minute before they did on tv ;)
BigJohnAZ - April 6, 2008
Winning ironical moment of the game
Top of the 9th, two outs, and just as Miguel Tejada (he of the Mitchell report and other steroidal allegations fame), steps up to the plate, what should come down Waveland Ave but the Chicago Fire Department's Hazardous Incident Team command vehicle. Wonder if someone tipped them off... ;-)
ballhawk - April 6, 2008
And that vehicle...
.... almost hit a guy wearing a Wood jersey. True.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Al
Were you wearing a white pin stripe jersey yesterday and a tan colored hat?
JohnM - April 7, 2008
Yes.
Why? Did you see me on TV?
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
No reason
n/t
JohnM - April 7, 2008
Just kidding
I know where you sit, and on a camera shot -- can't remember if it was a HR or a deep fly to the corner, I could see you standing up with the above gear on. But it wasn't a close - up, so I wasn't sure if it was you or one of your benchmates.
JohnM - April 7, 2008
So that's two BCB members
who were on TV yesterday - you and Fuku-Meter.
JohnM - April 7, 2008
was Fukudometer
really wearing one of those headbands?
gwood - April 7, 2008
yes
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2008
I saw that shot as well
and said "hey, I know those guys."
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2008
I am sorry
I do not have time to read all the comments. So if this has been mentioned. I have to say this team has one heck of a defense.
Defense and pitching win. This team has both. What a joy watching today.
wild bill - April 6, 2008
I have to agree
If the offense is going to come and go throughout the year, as people have mentioned it has hot and cold streaks, but the defense and pitching are going to be real strong points that can be a mainstay for this team. The offense will win a number of games but pitching and defense may win us even more.
DTJchris - April 6, 2008
Funny
thing today, I felt as if we held a one run game we would win. Why? because of the defense and pitching. Today is a prime example of how teams with both these elements, win 3-2.
wild bill - April 6, 2008
Zambrano seems like a different person
In years past, if 2 guys with the speed of Bourn and Pence were on 2nd and 3rd I feel as if we would of seen him mumbling to himself and walking around on the mound. Right now he just wants to pitch. Our ace is turning into exactly that.
BLUE JERSEYS - Al, I remember hearing once that Z used to love the blue ones and was upset when they were retired last year. Maybe they brought em out especially for him? Who knows, who cares, winning streak!!!
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
Yeah, Z likes the Blues
DTJchris - April 6, 2008
But they didn't wear the blue jerseys on opening day,
when he also pitched. As mentioned above by someone, they became the REGULAR jersey for a few years there. The home and away jersey became the alternate. The only pitchers who wore the regular jerseys were Maddux, Wood and the Employee. So basically just Maddux.
markleonette - April 6, 2008
maybe
z didn't get on edge because he didn't have as much caffeine this morning...that seems to be the last thing z would need on gameday.
cubsmania - April 6, 2008
They Can Wear Hot Pink Jerseys
As long as they play some good baseball.
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
uh, well...
let's try to avoid THAT... :P
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2008
What?!
You can't see Aramis sporting that cap? :)
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
maybe when he's
rooting for his prize chicken... :P
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2008
LMAO
Well played, sir...well played.
SecondSon - April 6, 2008
If they win the series
If they win the series this year they could do it in dresses, high heels and long flowing wigs as far as I'm concerned.
puckishcubsfan - April 6, 2008
For those of you at the game
What did you think of the pitch Marmol threw to Pence that got the called third strike? Pence looked mighty upset and I can't say I blame him, it looked a good 4-5 inches off the plate.
sheamcmurray - April 6, 2008
I feel as if a late inning strike zone
just has to be consistent with what has been called all game, ya know? That said it was real real close, let's go ahead and say if I were watching in Houston there woulda been a preemptive 'earmuffs' call. But I'll take it! :)
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
well
the strike zone was huge and there were a lot of bad calls on both sides
ecbc - April 6, 2008
Agreed.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Agreed
It seemed like his strike zone slid side to side...
BigJohnAZ - April 6, 2008
Did anybody notice?
Brian Runge, the HP umpire was looking to run somebody. After the called third strike, (under discussion here) Pence made a 'low and outside' motion with his hand as he left the box. Runge whipped off his mask and walked toward Pence as he returned to the dugout.
The new breed of umpire, ready to pick a fight. Had Pence turned around, I have no doubt Runge would have 'run him.' All Runge had to do was turn to his left, and take a break. Nope. Runge was ready for some action, ready to become part of the show....and he didn't get it....
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - April 7, 2008
i did notice that.
seemed like he did that to someone else to, though i can't recall who.
i'm always torn in those situations. most of the time, it seems like the ump should just walk away. but sometimes, i wonder if i could do that given what i'm sure those guys are saying to him...
billywan - April 7, 2008
But you have to if you're an umpire.
That's their job, to be neutral and take it, up to a point.
Compare the present day to years gone by, when umpires and players (and managers) would get into the occasional fistfight.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
Pretty sure it was Blum that he did that to earlier in the game...
And yes - both pitches were a little suspect. Still - them's the breaks. Sure the Cubbies'll be on the short end of some of those calls this year, too.
Slim1256 - April 7, 2008
It was a little off the plate.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2008
does anyone know
if fukudome is taking english classes or anything? that must suck sitting in the dugout all game and not being able to talk to your teammates
grathanial - April 6, 2008
The interpreter sits in the dugout.
So he can communicate. I suspect Fukudome knows SOME English. Almost all Japanese under the age of 40 have taken ten years of English in school. He probably understands it better than he can speak it.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
And generally speaking...
...Japanese people are much more adept at reading and writing English than they are in speaking or listening. If nothing else, you could probably write him out a note and he'd get it. (They use our alphabet for loan words and call it Romanji, which helps immensely.)
cwyers - April 6, 2008
Also
I thought I heard a couple of the Cubs players had boned up on basic Japanese at least enough to communicate/
puckishcubsfan - April 6, 2008
It was my experience
when travelling in Japan that a lot of Japanese people spoke very little to no English. Of course, more of them spoke English than Americans speak Japanese.
qccub - April 6, 2008
You're right
(although the Americans knowing Japanese comment was a little silly) but while it is true that the Japanese all take English in school, very few of them can actually speak it very well. English in Japanese schools is taught like Latin was in America forty years ago--learning to conjugate verbs and the proper way to diagram a sentence. There is very, very little instruction in actually speaking and listening in English. It's all designed to allow you to pass the high school exit exam.
On the other hand, my experiences traveling through Germany and Austria has taught me that almost everyone there under about the age of 35 speaks English and speaks it well. It was frustrating as I wanted to speak my German and they could instantly recognize my English accent (most thought I was English and not American--they don't speak well enough to tell the difference between the two) and would converse in English. Not the best when you went to Europe to improve your German.
I think this is the norm for Western Europe. Alex Maestri doesn't get a translator, and he speaks English well enough to even do local interviews.
Sure, it's easier for Germans to learn another Germanic language than for the Japanese to learn English. But I've even taught ESL to Japanese kids and the only ones who could speak it well were ones with American relatives.
Josh Timmers - April 6, 2008
what about Greece?
I'm going there on honeymoon next week.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2008
It looked like
Dome had a brief discussion with Runge after one of his strike outs. So we at least know he can ask whether the ball was a strike or not.
gwood - April 7, 2008
Howdy from New Mexico
I just wanted to say that both Big Z and Kerry look like completely different pitchers than in past years. Kerry is throwing a real easy 95 constantly and Z is throwing strikes. Only one walk in two starts is amazing for him. Derrek is in the same zone he was in when he won the batting title.
Also, this is actually irrelavent but we are booking a trip to Chicago this summer and just want to know if the bleacher seats, right or left are sold out throuout the season? Does anyone know? Can't seem to get the site to sell any......
crazymountain - April 6, 2008
Hard ticket to find for a fair price
gl
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
You can always try Stubhub, Ebay, Craigslist, etc.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2008
Test
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
Crap
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
Hmm.
What is this about?
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Tried posting a pic with fx
Unsuccessful
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
What kind of pic?
n/t
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
(nudge nudge, wink wink!)
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2008
credit where it's due
the defense and pitching were great today. but the real reason we won? because i didn't follow the game on bleedcubbieblue. the cubs are now 3-0 in games when i don't obsessively visit this site, and 0-3 when i'm here during the game.
so tomorrow at work i'll try to control myself to see if we can keep this streak going.
billywan - April 6, 2008
I think that
a banishment from BCB is in order for billywan...
haha
sheamcmurray - April 6, 2008
Here, here!
He is obviously the reason for the wins and loses!
DTJchris - April 6, 2008
i'm willing to take one for the team
that's just the kind of fan i am. until we lose, and the mojo is reversed, i will not be adding my highly uninformed opinion to any game threads.
on a similar mojo note, i still maintain that the disaster in 2003 had nothing to do with the usual suspects. it was in fact completely the fault of a friend of mine (who shall remain nameless) who refused to watch game 6 with us all sitting in the same seats as we'd been in. instead he watched it with his girlfriend so he could be closer to the stadium when world series t-shirts went on sale. you don't mess with mojo.
billywan - April 6, 2008
Man.
Look back some more. You may be to blame for ALL the problems over the last few years!
;-)
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
well...
i have no recollection of 84. and only a vague dislike for will clark to show for 89. but i remain open to the possibility that somehow i angered the gods even back then. mojo is a fickle mistress.
billywan - April 7, 2008
Hmm...
Are they still together?
northsider - April 6, 2008
they are not
so hopefully the mojo has been appeased.
billywan - April 7, 2008
hmmm...
I have a different problem. The Cubs are 3-0 when I listen to the game, but 0-3 when I don't. And for the record I've also followed the game on here while I listen.
So, should I quit school so I can listen to all of the games (and help the Cubs win)?
bluesweatergirl1 - April 6, 2008
Yes.
n/t
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
One of my friends
One of my friends today and yesterday missed both winning runs scoring because she went downstairs to throw laundry in the washer. I told her she should do laundry every game.
puckishcubsfan - April 6, 2008
Every game seems like a playoff game
It seems like that at Wrigley Field each time Wood has saved games. Expectations are high this season!
Chanman25 - April 6, 2008
Just Wrigley being Awesome Wrigley
As usual
lilkimmer77 - April 6, 2008
My record at Wrigley
this year it is 1-0, the last two years, I can't even say. It is too pitiful. I'm hoping my good start will propel us to a Championship this year!
northofwrigley - April 6, 2008
I'm from Pittsburgh...
I lost my last 6 games at Wrigley....I'll be there on June 24th to change that though
Bricks and Ivy - April 6, 2008
"The Orioles are 4-1. Obviously, they're the best team in baseball."
YOU KNOW IT!
Scott Christ - April 6, 2008
What a poor soul.
Must have developed some sort of Stockholm Syndrome during the Brian Roberts hostage crisis, and is now horribly drawn to Cubs blogs. It's the only explanation I can think of.
cwyers - April 6, 2008
And it's not even true if you read it literally.
The Orioles are 4-1. Both the Brewers and Cardinals are 5-1.
Nice try, though.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
I actually live in SW Michigan
So I am friends with a lot of Cubs fans. I keep up with BCB, particularly when Al speaks the truth about how the Orioles are obviously the best team in baseball.
Scott Christ - April 7, 2008
More lessons learned: Soto can really friggin hit!
Just as D-Lee has been taggin the ball, so has Soto... he just got some bad luck. But, nearly everything he's put into play has been hit really hard, aside from a groundball or two.
SackMan - April 6, 2008
My $0.03
1. Saw Ramy make one throw, and it was side-arm and weak. I'm concerned, for sure.
2. Great throw by Sori -- set the tone for the defense.
3. Totally new Z (as in zen?). Composed, in control, changing speeds. Cy Young material.
4. Marmol can't continue appearing in 4 of 6 games. We need to get Howry going (or substitute Wuertz), or Marmol's arm is going to fall off before the ASB.
5. Woody definitely has the makeup to be a closer.
6. DLee is locked in -- glad he didn't waste any hits in ST.
7. Dome is human, after all. He's still a great player.
Personally, I don't like the blue jerseys, but if it helps Z (or anyone else) pitch better and bring us Ws -- wear 'em!
DeRoMyHero - April 6, 2008
I was just glad to see Marmol throw well.
If the Cubs can get along without Marmol and Wood tomorrow, both of them will have almost 3 days off, since they won't play after tomorrow till Wednesday night.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
I heard Lou say in the post game
that Marmol would close if such a situation arises tonight. I was surprised.
JohnM - April 7, 2008
while
marmol has thrown a lot and needs some rest so he's there all year...he never seems to throw many pitches when he gets into the game...he works quick innings.
cubsmania - April 6, 2008
Wonder if Wood would be available
Tomorrow if needed.
lemon20pie - April 6, 2008
I assume so.
He hasn't thrown that many pitches in either of the last two games.
But it'd be better if the Cubs won big and didn't need him.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2008
Lou mentioned otherwise.
During the postgame, I think I recall Lou saying that Marmol would go in the 9th tomorrow if it were a closing situation. Let's hope we don't need either of them...Marmol could use the rest too!
BartlettBob - April 6, 2008
Agreed.
Marmol threw 19 pitches yesterday, Wood 13. Even if they have to go today, they still have tomorrow off, and most of the day Wednesday (till Wed. evening).
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
I need a new ringtone...
did a song play when Kerry came in today?
WartburgCub - April 6, 2008
Yes.
It was Welcome to the Jungle again.
northsider - April 6, 2008
BREAKING NEWS
On Final Word, Ryan Dempster just called Fukudome ... "Fookie". As in, "The thing about Fookie is..."
As, to my knowledge, the first person on BCB to call him "Fookie", I am conflicted. As long as Dempster keeps pitching well, I don't mind being associated w/it. : )
northsider - April 6, 2008
I really wouldn't mind
if that stuck. It just rings so old-school to me.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2008
Me too.
That's how I use it, anyway.
northsider - April 6, 2008
Yech!
The best nicknames are unique. Everyone in baseball knows "Sori", "DLee", "DeRo", "Big Z", etc. "Fookie" is currently owned by Rafael Furcal. "Dome" isn't taken. I think we should stick with "Dome".
Besides, DragonsFanatic said so!
DeRoMyHero - April 6, 2008
Agreed
I like Dome more. It's too easy to just shorten someone's name and add an "i" or "y" to the end. Dome is more unique.
gwood - April 7, 2008
NHK program for today's game
NHK satellite channel just started showing (recorded) today's game in HD format. Very beautiful picture of Wrigley field.
The program opening featured a fan wearing Dome's jersey and a "Hinomaru" towel with Dome's name in Kanji characters around her head. Unfortunately the towel is just upside down....
dragonsfanatic - April 6, 2008
Nice. Good game. Enjoy.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2008
Maybe they
should include instuctions with the "Hinomaru" towels. If I wore one I would certainly want to wear it correctly.
sue369 - April 7, 2008
Fukudome and the 'missed' ball
I didn't get to read ALL the comments so if this was addressed, I apologize. The ball that Fukudome ran past seemd to be on his glove side (left) and then it veered right when it bounced. He tried to reach across for it but it was too far right. I don't think it was misplayed, just took a funny bounce, and the scorer gave a double on it. Great game though. I loved both the throws to the plate. Deadly accurate and strong throws. Awesome. I remember going to ST in the 80's and seeing Dawson make practice throws home from right. Line drive type throws. A great throw from the OF is a beautiful thing to watch.
jtiet - April 6, 2008
Confirmed
Just watched it on HD format picture, and reviewed it frame-by-frame. Right, it was funny bounce - such fly ball to RF hit by right hander should bounce more right side...
dragonsfanatic - April 7, 2008
yeah
it seemed like he was expecting it to slice, as it should have. for some reason it didn't.
billywan - April 7, 2008
ot: please pray
My brother is about to go into surgury for appendicitis after having horrible chest pains. Just please think about him please
Chanman25 - April 6, 2008
Wish your brother well
hope everything goes smoothly and he is back on his feet in no time
DTJchris - April 7, 2008
Same from me.
Hope all goes well.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
Same here.
Hope he is recovering nicely.
sue369 - April 7, 2008
iirc...
...the pirates only wear the red unis on sundays.
jolietconvict - April 7, 2008
Then thank God we'll see them on Monday.
n/t
Fraggin Judge - April 7, 2008
IIRC...
... I saw them wearing them in a Friday night game vs. the Cubs last year.
There are some other teams (Braves, Nats) who do red jerseys on Sundays.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
Chanman25....
Our thoughts will be with you in your time of need. The doctors will take good care of your brother.
montecarlo - April 7, 2008
I'm a newly returned bleedcubbieblue fan
I was horribly busy during the offseason. I'm pretty damn excited about this team, though.
Few worries at all.
I'm curious. Do we have a couple of Japanese Fukudome fans here now? That is super cool.
phat
phat - April 7, 2008
First week lessons learned?
Same old, same old.
These were 6 games that the Cubs should have dominated against weaker opponents. It would have been so nice to start the season strong and make an early statement, but for whatever reason, the Cubs storm out of the gate treading water.
This is probably how this season will end up going. Win a few, lose a few.
Peoria Matt - April 7, 2008
"Weaker opponents"?
The Astros, maybe. The Brewers are a good team. Plus, no one "dominates" every single game they play. Just ask the Tigers.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
isn't that how
EVERY season goes?
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2008
And the Cubs
are the only team to do this. I'd change teams if I were you.
sue369 - April 7, 2008
Sadly, Sue
the Cubs aren't like a lot of teams in baseball.
You know, the ones who win a World Series more than once every....oh....20-100 years.
I'd keep my "rooting for the Cubs" guidelines to myself.
Peoria Matt - April 7, 2008
I just don't understand....
... how someone (you) who professes to be a fan of a sports team is so consistently negative about it. I don't think I have ever seen you post something positive about the Cubs. Ever.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
Well Al....
I don't know how to access my old posts, but I could dig some positive ones up.
You don't understand how my favorite baseball team, which unfortunately is the standard-bearer for failure, could somehow influence my outlook on them negatively? When the Cubs start winning titles, my "consistently negative" attitude towards them will change. It's not exactly nuclear science.
Like I seem to post here every year, the romanticism of the Cubs and Wrigley and Harry and Ryno and beer and the ivy wore off quite a few years ago. I now want titles and anything less is a failure.
You want something positive? Fukodome is going to be the crown jewel of Hendry's regime. And the Cubs should win this division going away.
Peoria Matt - April 8, 2008
Reflections
1. Zambrano looks very strong
2. Impressed by start of Lee
3. Fukudome is worth the price of admission...an absolute delight to see him hit, field, run the bases, throw
4. Soriano is in my doghouse
5. Cedeno and Fontenot on the same bench isn't going to cut it
6. Looks like organizational faith in Pie isn't going to be as long as I would have guessed....he had better start proving semi-worth with the bat or he probably gets shipped back to Des Moines
7. Why is Ramirez throwing like that???? And will somebody get him to stop asap.
8. Love Soto, but apparently his offseason reading list included "How Not to Throw," authored by Jason Kendall
9. Milwaukee is for real
10. Don't look now but Dusty and Cincinnati all of a sudden have some VERY nice pitching
11. St. Louis is a mirage
12. I like Len Kaspar, but his call of the game has gone backwards....he picked up a case of anal retentiveness during the offseason
MDBNIU - April 7, 2008
Is there any reason...
... you posted the same thing in two different threads?
Al Yellon - April 7, 2008
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