Rather than post yet another analysis of where the current Cubs are batting in the lineup tonight, or discuss why or why not I think Z should or shouldn't pitch, I thought I'd tell you a story about a long-ago All-Star Game, one which many of you may be too young to remember, and the tale of a Cub who played in it... and how that might have ruined that season.
It was thirty-one years ago, July 19, 1977, oddly enough, the last time the game was played at Yankee Stadium. Even more eerily, that Cubs team -- a bunch of overachievers -- had hit the break, as this year's team has, nineteen games over .500 (54-35) and in first place by 3.5 games.
The '77 Cubs, as I mentioned, were playing a bit over their heads, and unlike this year's team, had only three All-Stars -- pitchers Rick Reuschel, who was 12-3, 2.17 at the break and Bruce Sutter, in his first full season as Cubs closer, who had a 1.15 ERA and 20 saves in the first half, and center fielder Jerry Morales, enjoying the best year of his career at age 28; he hit the break hitting .331/.391/.502 with 24 doubles and 52 RBI.
Morales entered the game in the bottom of the sixth, replacing starting CF George Foster. And in the top of the eighth, he came to bat for the first -- and what turned out to be the only -- time in an All-Star Game. Yankees pitcher Sparky Lyle was on the mound for the AL, and he promptly hit Morales in the knee with a pitch. Lyle wasn't a headhunter -- he faced 5794 batters in his career and hit only 14 during the regular season -- so it was just a pitch that got away.
At first it didn't seem like a big deal. Morales stayed in the game and eventually scored. But the knee started to bother him and his second half performance started to decline -- he hit only .218/.269/.352 after the All-Star break and finally was shut down for the season on September 15; the knee injury had been compounded by back trouble and a finger injury suffered when making a catch in CF.
After the '77 season Morales was traded to the Cardinals and was never quite the same player. Remembering that the '70s were a lower-offense era than today, Morales' numbers up to 1977 weren't that dissimilar to Mark DeRosa's -- a guy who could hit for average, draw a few walks, hit a few doubles and HR. He was also an excellent center fielder. But his career was ruined by that pitch.
Tonight, of the eight Cubs chosen, two (Alfonso Soriano and Kerry Wood) won't play due to injury and another -- Ryan Dempster -- likely won't pitch because he had a long outing two days ago. As for the other five -- please don't get hurt! Enjoy the game. I'll post a game thread later this afternoon.
0 recs | 105 comments
Heres to our boys staying out of harms way.
Let the baseball gods make it so!
jajonez77 - July 15, 2008
here, here
including batting practice
tony412 - July 15, 2008
And an NL victory!
And a victory for the NL! With the way we play at home this is very important for us.
And I wouldn’t be able to go to game 3 at Wrigley so I want it to be on the road for selfish reasons!
puckishcubsfan - July 15, 2008
I remember '77 real well
That was my first summer back home in Chicago after getting out of the military…both sides of town had a great ride that year….what a shame to see Jerry Morales go down like that. He was a fan favorite-used to love to watch him track down those long flies…ole Jerry was a little chunky-he always looked cool with that ‘stache of his coming to the plate with that dead serious look on his face.
Al-I’m impressed on the research and recollection you have from that game-nice work!
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
Thanks.
I was sure that was going to be “the year”. That Cub team played out of its mind for half a year. The 40-15 mark they put up in May & June is still the best two months a Cub team has played since 1945.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Jerry Morales was my favorite Cub
First time post, long time lurker here.
I was 10 in 1974, and Jerry Morales was my absolute favorite Cub player. In fact, I used to carry his baseball card around in my cowboy, zippered, fake leather wallet. I was crushed when he was traded, but I still tried to follow what he did with other teams, even if he was on the hated Cardinals for a while. I was excited to see him return to the Cubs, but by that time – ‘81-’83, I was in high school and college by ‘83 – he wasn’t the same player. In fact, earlier in the year Len and Bob were talking about him as first base coach for the Nats. It was kind of neat to see him again.
DWChaney - July 15, 2008
77
That was the summer this young Cub fan truly fell in love with the game. I remember going to the train station in Park Ridge and waiting an hour to meet Jerry Morales at a special appearance. I still have the autographed photo.
puckishcubsfan - July 15, 2008
I can remember
circa 1974 or 1975, going downtown in Aurora, where I was born and raised, to meet Rick Reuschel and Jose Cardinal – they were signing at an auto dealership in the days when players didn’t make much in salary. It was a great time, I remember it vividly, i just wish it was Jerry Morales there ;)
DWChaney - July 15, 2008
Morales
I remember liking him in the late 70’s (he was one of the Cubs whose photos given out by Jewel Foods was taped on my bedroom wall along with Bill Bonham and Jose Cardenal), and being happy when he came back to the team in the early 80s. Sad to hear that his career was ruined by that pitch. I don’t remember that at all. But great analysis.
Of course the other player whose career was ruined in an All Star game was Ray Fosse, the unlucky catcher whom Pete Rose barreled over to score the winning run in the 1970 game. I’ve always heard that Fosse was never the same after that. Pete Rose later said something like, “I’d knock over my own mother to win a game.” I believe him, too.
danimal15 - July 15, 2008
There was one other, going back a lot farther.
Dizzy Dean, who got hit on the knee with a line drive in the 1937 ASG. He tried to come back and altered his motion and hurt his shoulder, shortening what could have been a 300-win career. He got into the HoF anyway, but his numbers could have been among the all-time best.
I agree with you re: Fosse. At the time he was probably second only to Johnny Bench among catchers.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Different Jerry, different sport -- same vintage
I remember going to see an appearance at a school gym by Jerry Sloan (as a player) and Bob Weiss – got my picture taken with them. All three of us look supremely bored, but I was the only one bothering to look at the camera.
JohnM - July 15, 2008
Another thing about 77
Of course the other thing this has in common with 77 is that the Sox are also very good.
What a summer that was and what a summer this has been.
I maintained for years nothing would be more fun than a Chicago summer with both teams doing really well. Now that it’s happening people are seeing what I meant.
I am getting a goofy feeling we are on a collision course in October with the White Sox.
THE NL HAS TO WIN TONIGHT! All of the teams in the playoff hunt are very dominant at home and not so much on the road.
puckishcubsfan - July 15, 2008
I'm with you Al
the less All Star play the better for the Cubs. I want an NL win but ideally without the potential for maningless injury.
Kinky Reggae - July 15, 2008
the year of Hot Pants on the South Side---
I remember Bobby Bonds saying there was no way he would wear them
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
That was '76.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Google images failed me--this was the team card for '77 from some dealer
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
1977 cards have pictures and stats from the 1976 season.
carmen_fanzone - July 15, 2008
Correct!
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Since i spent 1976 in Asia--you all will have to forgive me....
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
1977 Cubs
I never understood when I was a baseball card collecting kid why there never was a proper team photo of the Cubs for many years. Easier to identify the players, I guess.
Good time killer: Can you name each player on this card? (click to enlarge)
carmen_fanzone - July 15, 2008
I'll take a stab at this...
top row, l-r: Alvin Dark, Randy Hundley, Peanuts Lowry, Barny Schultz, Mike Krukow, George Mitterwald, Mickey Kelleher, Steve ontiveros
second row, l – r: Steve Renko, Paul reuschel, Rick Reuschel, Dave Rosello, Bruce Sutter, Steve Swisher (I think), Dennis Lamp, Joe Wallis
third row: Larry Biittner, Bruce Bonham, Ray Burris, Gene Clines, Greg Gross (I think), Jim Todd (I think), Willie Hernandez, Ivan DeJesus
bottom row: Billy Buckner, Jose Cardenal, Herman Franks (manager), Bobby Murcer, Jerry Morales, Manny Trillo
how’d I do? ;)
DWChaney - July 15, 2008
I think your Jim Todd is actually Ramon Hernandez...
...thought why he would be on that team picture after being acquired from Pittsburgh and pitching all of 2 games, I have no idea.
And how bad did Jim Todd suck that year? 31 IP, 9.00 ERA. His 1978 Card was actually him in an air brushed Mariners uni, being the PTBNL for Pete Broberg.
carmen_fanzone - July 15, 2008
I think you're right...
I seem to vaguely remember Ramon Hernandez – wasn’t he related to Willie? Were they brothers? i can’t remember for sure, but did the Cubs have two sets of brothers that season?
I was just taking a guess on Jim Todd. I think I have a ‘77 Cubs team photo at home, with all the names. It’s buried somewhere in my office.
DWChaney - July 15, 2008
Broberg
Is it possible Pete Broberg is on that card? He pitched in about 30 games as a reliever for the 77 Cubs. Back then I was excited Broberg was on the team because he was Jewish.
danimal15 - July 15, 2008
I don't see Broberg in there....
...and for some reason, his card that year had the famous air brushed baseball hat that Topps did all the time back then.
I have a friend who remembers that Broberg had a great spring that year and he thought he would dominate that year. LOL. He now calls a great spring by any Cub a “Broberg” spring.
Broberg’s an interesting story himself.
http://cardboardgods.baseballtoaster.com/archives/609930.html
carmen_fanzone - July 15, 2008
Broberg isn't Jewish.
Sorry, that’s a myth.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
A What?
santoswoodenlegs - July 15, 2008
You've never heard of a myth before?
Al Yellon - July 16, 2008
Yeth?
santoswoodenlegs - July 16, 2008
This card (1978 Topps Cubs team card)
Was the one I carried with me everywhere when I was in second grade. I kept it in my pocket. Of course it became completely wrinkled. Who back then cared about card conditions? I have since obtained a better copy.
danimal15 - July 15, 2008
LOL.
I used to have a lucky Jose Cardenal card in the forehead part of my pony league cap that year. By the end of the season, it was pretty beat up.
carmen_fanzone - July 15, 2008
Wow....that hair is....AWESOME!
NotSure - July 15, 2008
I'm pretty sure Manny Trillo also made the team in '77
He was one of my favorie players as a kid and, if memory serves, that was his only all-star appearance as a Cub.
bluekoolaide - July 15, 2008
You're right.
I scanned the list several times and missed his name. So they had FOUR All-Stars.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Staying away from injuries is something
I’d like to see not only from Cubs players, but for all players in the All-star game.
If this really is the year for the Cubs to make a serious run at this thing, I’d like to see it done against the best every team has to offer…i.e. no excuses.
Go National League!!!!
Neifi Puppy - July 15, 2008
OT--am I the only one who's overwhelmed with the urge to head to NYC this year?
I’ve never been to Yankee Stadium-Stub Hub has plenty of seats for a reasonable price-I’ve been to three parks that Ruth played in but not the one he built—-anybody else thinking the same thing?
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
I've been there, so I don't feel the urgency.
But if you’ve never been there, definitely, go. Worth the visit.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
I just want to win
The 2006 Cardinals are as much champions as the 1998 Yankees are. All I want is a title, and if it takes injury or slumps from key members of opposing teams, I’m fine with that. For too long the shoe has been on the other foot…
If this is indeed the year, it won’t matter to me or anyone else how they got it done, just that they got it done. When I’m reminising with my friends and family decades from now, all that I’ll remember is that we won. Everything else will fall by the wayside.
Go National League.
Curtain Jerker - July 15, 2008
I just went over the all-time Cub all-star list....
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/history/all_stars.jsp
Vance Law in 1988. Wow.
George Bell in 91.
Palmerio in 88.
Steve Traschel in 96.
Randy Myers in 94,95.
Just some unusual names on that list. At least for me.
carmen_fanzone - July 15, 2008
Worst Cub All-Star of all time...
... Steve Swisher, 1976. Yes, that’s right—they picked Swisher that year, even though Rick Monday was leading the league in HR at the break. They needed another catcher and had too many OF.
Swisher didn’t play in the game. His .236 season average makes this look even worse, although his .268/.304/.346 numbers at the break weren’t very good, either.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Joe Girardi would certainly make the list of one of the worst
...Cub All Stars in 2000.
278 /339 /375 Yikes!
JB 23 - July 15, 2008
Did anyone else think Big Papi was grandstanding last night?
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
Yes..
But doesn’t he always..
Bump Bailey - July 15, 2008
It's funny how my opinions of Papi and Manny sort of reversed this year...
I used to think Manny was a non hustling show boat-but all year-all I hear from past and present teammates and media people is how much prep work he does and when you look at the body of his work offensively—he’s an all time elite hitter…plus the high 5 in LF was way cool….
Papi on the other hand-i always liked-but this year he seems too in love with attention and himself.
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
Girardi was picked in 2001...
... only because someone else got hurt. They tried frantically calling every other NL catcher at home. Girardi was the only one at home, so he got the nod.
He was the only position player who didn’t get into that game.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Girardi had played very well...
...in the first half that season, at least by Joe Girardi standards. At the break, he was hitting .302/.374/.415. I seem to remember that he was told that he probably wouldn’t play, and was added only as an emergency catcher, which is a very practical addition to the All-Star roster. Frankly, I’d like to see MLB take that a step further and a couple extra slots for catchers to the rosters or even add a “designated catcher” slot…
....I’d rather see the Joe Girardis, Pat Borders, and Mike Redmonds of the world honored by getting to play defense while the best hitting catchers can simply hit without the increased risk of injury from actually catching. I think that the practical benefits of something like that, minimizing the risk of injury to extremely valuable players like Soto and McCann, would outweigh any reservations about having backup catchers as “All-Stars”.
I think the highlight of Ray Fosse getting blasted by Pete Rose was burned into my brain because they showed it during every All-Star game of my childhood. We know that catchers are always more likely to get hurt than other position players…even if an injury is still relatively unlikely, why chance it?
I guess that I’m just a little scared with Soto playing tonight…I was too young to fully understand such concerns when Jody played in a couple All-Star games, I just thought it was cool that my favorite Cub was in the game.
LaddieRenfroe - July 15, 2008
Monday was having a career year
and Madlock was the defending batting champ…I still remember how stunned I was when Swisher was selected and those two weren’t. It was probably the first time in my young life that I started to think some people really had it in for the Cubs.
bluekoolaide - July 15, 2008
Sutter
Back in the late 70s, Sutter had a bunch of wins and saves in the All Star Game, and those were highlights for me. It was exciting to see a Cub in such a prominent role, especially because those Cubs teams were mostly pretty bad (with 1977 being the exception).
danimal15 - July 15, 2008
Sutter is the reason...
...the Cubs hooked me for life. It’s also why I think pitching is the most valuable skill iin baseball.
They can’t hit the Sutter split!
NotSure - July 15, 2008
Well, except for Ryne Sandberg, but that's another Cub memory....
NotSure - July 15, 2008
Missed Most of Sutter's Cub Years
I only saw Sutter as a Cub for one season in 1980. I remember him much better as a Cardinal. I was surprised to see that Sutter actually saved more games for the Cubs (133) than for the Cardinals (127). Well, striking out Gorman Thomas to end the 1982 World Series is the lasting image of Sutter’s career in a Cardinals uniform. That’s why he is thought of more as a Cardinal than a Cub. Sutter did have some great years with Chicago.
memphiscub - July 15, 2008
Whatched Bud on Letterman last night
and he’s talking about the new intensity that the all star games have and the importance of the game. To which I yelled “ITS AN EXHIBITION GAME YOU IDIOT!” and woke up my wife.
I still dont like the All-Star game, i certainly dont like it deciding homefield advantage and I still do not like Mr. Selig.
MikeOxbyg - July 15, 2008
Well said, sir!
deadcatbounce - July 15, 2008
Yeah, but
the MLB has an easier time getting hotel rooms when they know who has home field advantage!
daeviant - July 15, 2008
Don't worry, Al. Be an optimist. It won't happen twice,
But, did you bring back some memories. Jerry’s basket catches were awesome! Jerry wasn’t the same after that pitch; he played for my winter ball team in PR and his production declined too. Eventually he was traded to the Santurce team and I stopped rooting for him. (That’s like a Cub player traded to the Cardinals.)
Fraggin Judge - July 15, 2008
I thought it was great to see Utley give a bit f-off to the Yankee fans...
...I just don’t agree with booing players at this type of event. Okay, maybe Yankee fans want to boo a Red Sox player…but Utley? Personally, I was glad to see him dish it right back. Don’t think Wrigley fans would be booing.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 15, 2008
Well, that was kind of a downer....
/wanders away
northsider - July 15, 2008
Sorry, Al, but that's typically "Cub"
I remember Jerry Morales well, too—we all got in trouble in Little League for trying to emulate his basket catch in the outfield. But making note of him for getting hit in the knee and never being the same is exactly the point I’ve been trying to make about Cubs culture and how it must change if this franchise ever is to be successful.
I know as well as anybody about the past futilities of this franchise. That doesn’t mean we have to lionize them and “celebrate” them. Keep that up and the Cubs always will be the “lovable losers.” No, thank you.
I’d rather talk about how Bill Madlock was the MVP of the 1975 All-Star game. (Actually, co-MVP with Jon Matlack, IIRC. How would Harry Caray dealt with that name confusion? Oh, and that still was a few years before “Matlock” debuted on TV.)
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
Who's "celebrating" this?
I just wanted to remind everyone of this event. This post is along the same lines as those who feel that flying the “L” flag means we’re “losers”.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
It's typical of Al from what I've seen to....
...shy AWAY from the Cub victim type mentality and to even nip it in the bud when others start it.
In this case, I for one didn’t infer for a minute, any type of curse or loser label, just the recollection of the misfortune of a player most of us (who saw and remember him) liked and the quirky fate that befell him.
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
That's how I took it as well. Not 'negative'. Not to me anyway...
malicedoom - July 15, 2008
Exactly.
There have been other players injured and had their careers ruined. This is Cub-related and it happened in an All-Star Game. It has nothing to do with “lovable losers” at all.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
NBF is always trying to find someone thinking negatively
and call them out on it. Unfortunately, most of the time he comes accross as negative himself… If there is anyone on this board who is not fond of the lovable loser b.s. it would be Al
LT - July 15, 2008
The Cubs will be great in 2008!
http://skepdic.com/graphics/erniebanks.jpg
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
That's why I was so surprised it came from Al
Because he hates that sort of thing. But that’s certainly the way I interpreted it, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone.
BTW, it’s not people thinking “negatively” that bothers me. It’s people thinking negatively unnecessarily (not sure if using two adverbs in a row is proper English, but …).
And for the record, I’m opposed to taking down the “L” flag at Wrigley. Losing is part of the game, too.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
Hell we've proven that!!!
I kid, I kid… :)
malicedoom - July 15, 2008
LOL
Ain’t that the truth …
Anyway, I just thought it odd Al’s main post on All-Star day would be about a key member of the ‘77 team (which, like this team, was off to a great start) getting hurt and he and the season never being what they once were. Particularly since, with the number of Cubs on the team, this should be a day of celebration.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
Well, that wasn't it at all.
And you were the only one who thought that, as far as I can tell.
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Sorry, Al, I usually am in your corner
but I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree this time. Nobody’s perfect. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
Bruce?
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
When I said nobody's perfect,
I mean nobody. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
dog gone it!!
I’ve gotten the image link to work exactly once…I am having an “L” sewn to the front of all my shirts.
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
What is that, cubfever7?
I can’t get the image to download.
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
I took this post...
...as a cautionary tale for those who wish Z was starting and think that Hurdle is “dissing” the Cubs.
I personally have no problem with not playing ALL of the Cubs all-stars if that is possible.
The team and winning real games takes priority over an exhibition game.
Having said that, it will be great if the NL wins…I think this is their best chance in quite some time.
NotSure - July 15, 2008
NotSure's tagline/autosig
It’s funny-but I’ve heard people say they wanted their ashes scattered at Wrigley since the early 60’s. Iused to live close to Proviso East back in Maywood back in 1960. Our next door neighbor was named Vange and she said used to say that all the time about scattering her ashes (she also used to say something about having her ashes hauled-but I digress)....my Aunt Susan in Michigan City Indiana—same way…and again back to the very early 60’s.
This addiction ain’t nuthin’ new.
cubfever7 - July 15, 2008
Truth be told...
There’s a little bit of my Mumsy (grandmother) out on that field now…thanks to the Buffett concert in 2005…
Unfortunately, after the field restoration, she may not be there anymore…
NotSure - July 15, 2008
I became a Cubs fan in 1977...
...though I was still a fetus for much of the year.
IowaCubs- - July 15, 2008
You didn't miss much
after July, at least …
Not Bruce Froemming - July 15, 2008
This might be a bit off-color, but...
I’m sure you weren’t the only Cub fan in a fetal position in ‘77…;-)
NotSure - July 15, 2008
LOLOL!
IowaCubs- - July 15, 2008
I was 10...
And what an impressionable age that is! This was years before the overscheduling of kids’ summers…so all I did was ride my bike, play ball with my brother and friends, and watch Cubs games. Having my parents “into it” made it seem that much more important…so the first half of that summer was truly magical to me…and the second half held a sadness only a kid could appreciate…
Which is why, as a parent, I excitedly share news of Cubs wins with my kids today; but when they lose, I keep it as matter of fact as possible.
jdb-44 - July 15, 2008
I turned 11
that summer. It was the season when there was no going back from me being a Cub fan. Before that, if you asked me who my favorite team was, I would have said the Cubs but I liked the Brewers and Tigers too. After that summer, I was a Cub fan for life and for ever.
Thanks for making my life miserable, Bruce Sutter and Rick Reuschel. :-)
Josh Timmers - July 15, 2008
I was 6
It was about the third year I cared about the Cubs. I wore my Cubs hat everywhere. Jose Cardenal was my favorite player.
Thanks to whomever mentioned Morales’ basket catches. I’d forgotten he used to do that. He also had a very unusual batting stance, with the bat way above his head. I used to imitate that.
danimal15 - July 15, 2008
Hey...Sutter was pretty good....
Now Reuschel….
NotSure - July 15, 2008
Personally, I'm VERY glad Z is NOT starting.
It doesn’t bother me in the slightest. If he gets in there for an inning or two, fine by me. If not, no big deal.
malicedoom - July 15, 2008
I have to agree.
If he was starting, he might feel the need to strike out everybody and pitch a perfect 3 innings. Hopefully, when he gets in, the AL has a couple of hits.
N Oakley - July 15, 2008
My bet is it goes...
Sheets 2ip
Zambrano 1ip
Haren 1ip
Webb 1ip
Cook 1ip
Lincecum 1ip
Wagner 1ip
Lidge 1ip
IowaCubs- - July 15, 2008
I like your optimism....
9 innings pitched means the NL wins!
cowsarecool220 - July 15, 2008
Ahh... not necessarily...
There could be a walkoff HR with no outs in the 10th!
IowaCubs- - July 15, 2008
Al - ?
Upon searching for something you wrote on “ONEDEC” I actually came across your post from April 22 where you actually wrote that “southsidecubsfan” stopped by and said hi. Well, just thought I would clarify, I actually have never met you and have only been able to get to Wrigley once this year because I go to school in Bloomington, IN. No Biggy! Just thought it was funny, maybe it was southsidecub or something.
SouthsideCUBSfan - July 15, 2008
It must have been...
... there’s got to be someone with a similar user name to yours. I have met him several times!
Al Yellon - July 15, 2008
Well
that post doesn’t make me feel good about the All-Star game tonight.
slocs55 - July 15, 2008
OT
The Bears sign former Lion Kevin Jones….
Bump Bailey - July 15, 2008
when healthy, he's good.
He’s just the Ben Sheets of NFL rb’s.
N Oakley - July 15, 2008
He's a...
...tall white guy?
IowaCubs- - July 15, 2008
Rick Reilly, is that you?
northsider - July 15, 2008
Just a question, not worthy of a diary
what does everyone think of trying to get Mark Loretta?
I know its difficult to deal inside your own division, but he can play (I may be mistaken) but all the infield positions. He’s a right handed bat off the bench. Houston is out of it, plus they just got Matsui back, so they don’t really need him. Plus, he’s batting something like .353 against LH pitchers.
Just curious, please, be gentle.
DTJchris - July 15, 2008
Don't like it
as he would replace Ronny Cedeno on the roster. It’s important to have a back-up shortstop. Remember last year when they didn’t have one (after they sent Ronny to AAA) and Theriot played every single day and wore out by the end of the year?
cowsarecool220 - July 15, 2008
Loretta can play short
DTJchris - July 15, 2008
I've alwasys believed that your back-up shortstop
should be a strong defensive player on a NL team as they will be used in double switch situations late in games.
cowsarecool220 - July 15, 2008
Nice thought, but couldn't be optioned...
... if we really need someone, I couldn’t see how someone like Bobby Scales would be any worse. He’s got an OPS of .872 at Iowa with 11hr, though he doesn’t play short to my knowledge, but he’s played 2nd and 3rd this year. I imagine Scales would be the short term option if there were an injury to Fontenot or DeRosa.
IowaCubs- - July 15, 2008
MLB RIPPED ME OFF!!!!
Last night I was on the Cubs website and saw you could purchase the all star game package for 2.95. I’m sure that it said the game would be live on MLB TV. Tonight when I went on the website tonight it says I’ll be able to watch the game 45 minutes after the game actually ends!!! did anyone see this last night or did I misread last night?
pfd89 - July 15, 2008
Ahhhh, 1977 ... the year that teased, the year that beckoned ..
That was the year I became a real Cub fan, even though I’d been childishly rooting them on since 1969. What a year! My pimply juvenile passion for the Cubs flared up again and girls lost all their draw .. not that they were rushing to my manly side anyway. It wasn’t until a cheerleader in our wrestling team told me how cute she thought I looked that the Cubs spell got snapped over me.
That was a team that looked like they might, just might, JUST MIGHT, somehow sneak past the remains of the Red Machine, only to be ruled by LaSorda’s Dodgers. Yes, they did play way over their heads, but they were the most exciting thing I’d seen since the Hooton and Pappas’ ho-hitters .. with precious little to holler about between those years.
And never has man walked the earth that had a cooler mustache then Jerry Morales. Ay chihuahua.
cubnational - July 15, 2008
Jerry Morales
Al, many thanks for posting that. As you may know, Jerry’s now the first base coach for the Nationals. I sit pretty much right behind him every night, so give him a wave every bottom of the first. He frequently comes over to give balls to kids in my section and is great with everyone. (A couple of games ago he gave us a big smile when the guy behind me yelled “We’re still here, Jerry!” in the middle of the latest horrendous Nats losing streak.)
Appreciate the story.
08Cubs - July 15, 2008
Here's Jerry with D Lee
08Cubs - July 15, 2008
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