I close my eyes when I get too sad
I think thoughts that I know are bad
Close my eyes and I count to ten
Hope it's over when I open them -- Everclear, "Wonderful"
I've been sitting here at the keyboard trying to think of something, anything, positive to say about today's crushing 5-4 Cub loss to the Cardinals, but instead I keep coming back to the lyrics posted above.
It all was wonderful up to the bottom of the ninth; Ted Lilly threw a solid six innings, Neal Cotts -- who is slowly becoming a very dependable middle reliever -- set the Cardinals down in order in his one inning, striking out two, and Carlos Marmol didn't strike guys out with that nasty slider, but he did have an efficient 1-2-3 inning also, a real confidence-builder.
And then Kerry Wood came in and did exactly what he's NOT been doing all season -- walking people (right after Kenny Albert had to mention Wood's excellent control all year long). Two walks, a double, an intentional walk... and then it almost, almost came out OK, with two outs recorded, but then Rick Ankiel's single won the game for the Cardinals.
Look at this photo. Does Kerry look happy?
No, that looks like a kid (OK, a kid with a beard) who was just sent to bed without dessert.
What if Jim Edmonds scores on that fly ball in the 8th inning? Would you have sent him? I would have, especially after seeing Ryan Ludwick double-clutch. It took a perfect throw and a perfect block of the plate by Yadier Molina. Give the Cardinals credit -- they made the play. And if the Cubs had a 5-2 lead instead of a 4-2 lead, maybe that 9th inning sets up differently.
Sigh. Aramis Ramirez homered; Mark DeRosa homered and tripled; three hits and two slick defensive plays for D-Lee; it all looked great for 8 1/2 innings, all ultimately wasted. OK, maybe I can say something positive, or at least not-negative: it happens. Sometimes closers come out without their best stuff and no command, and that's what Wood was today. He nearly got out of it with a save anyway. It happens. Couldn't have happened at a worse time, of course; the Cubs could have gone into tomorrow with a 4.5 game lead and knowing they had won the series. Instead, Sean Marshall will have to really be on his game tomorrow to give the Cubs the series victory.
And don't even get me started on Fox-TV's 1908 mention, or how bad Kenny Albert was. Couldn't Marv Albert have pushed his son into another line of work? Did you know that Marv Albert's real name is Marvin Philip Aufrichtig? At least Eric Karros was listenable.
Look. Take it easy tonight. Stay away from the computer. Take a walk. Go see a movie. Enjoy the nice summer weather, if it's nice where you are. Take some deep breaths and remember, we'll get 'em tomorrow.
0 recs | 164 comments
the 9th inning
made me sick to my stomach….....................hopefully marshall can pick us up tomorrow
cubsmania - July 5, 2008
On a positive thought....
The New York Post is reporting that Fukodome, Soriano and Soto have been elected as starters for the All-Star game. They are also reporting that Brandon Webb will be the starting pitcher which I don’t get. Haven’t Volquez and Lincecum had better first halves?
cowsarecool220 - July 5, 2008
How can they say that when...
... Clint Hurdle hasn’t even been consulted, and doesn’t know who he’s going to take yet?
Ridiculous.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2008
When has that stopped the Post before?
cowsarecool220 - July 5, 2008
Point taken.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2008
It's a gorgeous night in Chicago
and I plan to take advantage of it. My heart breaks tonight but wasn’t this game a metaphor for all our ups and downs? We still have tomorrow.
Emelie - July 5, 2008
Thanks for this.
Came back just to see if anyone had said this. I have to go to sleep for work soon. Tomorrow IS another day.
Al Yellon - July 5, 2008
Like Turning Off the TV
Apropos of Al’s observation about turning off the TV, I started out of the stadium as soon as Ankiel made contact.
So frustrating. Let’s get ‘em tomorrow.
08Cubs - July 5, 2008
It happens
There’s nothing they can do about it now. And besides, the Cubbies still have a 2.5 game lead.
We’ll get them tomorrow…..
salparadise23 - July 5, 2008
The Cardinals are at home
They SHOULD take at least one of these three.
If we win tomorrow, it’s them that failed, not us.
And if they win tomorrow, well, they did what they should have.
No worries!
DaBard - July 5, 2008
We would like to win the series away
after struggling at home….but hey what ya gonna do :(
Rudey - July 5, 2008
Proudly wearing my cubs gear tonight enjoying the beautiful night here in KC outside our house
We win tomorrow and this is fine. Sometimes this crap happens during the season and you need to put it in perspective. Same lead we had two days ago….
Now we need to win tomorrow. Let’s go get em!!!!!!
Just pissed MR. HGH won it for them.
mmancubfan - July 5, 2008
It happens
and it’s not the end of the world, either. We won yesterday, so both games taken together are a wash. We’ll get ‘em tomorrow.
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2008
Poop
Woody did not have his good fastball…plain and simple.
Molina was out….plain and simple.
Lee was in the wrong spot…plain and simple…
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
Agree....Wood didnt get any help at all
Molina clearly went around, 2nd time in a week the umps have screwed that up against the Cubs
Please someone tell me why Lee was playing in against Adam Kennedy when the rest of the infield was back? He wasnt holding the runner on either…..very odd to me.
Off to a nice dinner on a beautiful Saturday night….Lets get em Sunday.
JB 23 - July 5, 2008
Like I said.
We will get them tomorrow. We are too good of a team to let this get us down. It happens.
Unique - July 5, 2008
Oh That Wacky National League!
There simply isn’t a team in the National League – at least for right now – that can go out and completely blow away the competition. There’s no 1976 Reds or 1986 Mets or 1995 Braves in the bunch. No team is flawless, and each club has holes in its game one way or another.
Unfortunately these holes can creep up at inopportune times, like in today’s Cub game and the Brewer game last Thursday. Seems that the Phils have had their rough patches as well, and Arizona and Colorado have fallen on hard times. So I wouldn’t count on any team at any time being a lead-pipe cinch, whether they’re facing the Pirates next Tuesday or each other in October.
One one hand this makes for an exciting pennant race. On the other hand, it also means there’s no relaxing and thinking things are in the bag. Not until the last out in the final NLCS game will we know who’s going to the World Series. So if you’re like me, you’ll have to either patiently watch the rest of the games with this in mind or just stay away from the TV/radio/computer until the World Series and watch it only if the Cubs made it.
CaliCub - July 5, 2008
The best teams in the AL are better than their NL counterparts
Right now I would take the Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Twins and Angels over the Cubs, Cards, Brewers, Phillies, D’Backs, Dodgers. The NL really is at a never seen before level of suckage.
MDBNIU - July 5, 2008
Oakland is pretty good too.
n/t
DrCrawdad - July 5, 2008
I feel like I got punched in the stomach.
Rick B - July 5, 2008
Well that sucked
Cubs have already had too many demoralizing losses to the Cards and the Brew Crew. What I don’t understand about the 9th inning today is why Kerry Wood did not slow down when he got into a world of hurt. It seemed like he couldn’t wait to get the ball back from Soto and immediately fire to home plate. Why not step off the back of the mound for a moment of self-compusure?
Anyway, like I said, way too many tragic losses to the Cards and Brew Crew already.
MDBNIU - July 5, 2008
This loss today hurt
but it’s not the end of the world. They aren’t going to win every series. I’m not going to look back only looking forward. I hope Kerry puts this one behind him and moves on too. Life goes on.
sue369 - July 5, 2008
True
But we really have got to cease and desist with this agonizing losses to the Cardinals and Brewers. Cardinals are definitely legit. Dave Duncan continues to turn vagabound pitchers into success stories (e.g., Lohse, Wellemeyer, Franklin) and Rick Ankiel, Albert Pujols, Troy Glaus, Ryan Ludwig and Yadier Molina is a solid core.
MDBNIU - July 5, 2008
Let's be real here.
There is nothing you can do about it. Complaining constantly does not change anything.
sue369 - July 5, 2008
a well fought loss
is certainly better than getting blown out. We nearly won that game. One call in the other direction, or one play made, and that’s a W for the Cubs.
A truly agonizing loss to the cards involves a “0” in our runs column.
drewishdrewid - July 5, 2008
To me a truly agonizing loss
means our season is over. Losing to the cards sucks, but its July. There are lots of games left.
halfblindcubbiegirl - July 5, 2008
This is true
The Cubs have been blown out so few times this year, which means they have been in nearly every game till late. Sure it can feel “agonizing” because we’ve held out hope for the W longer in games, and in a higher percentage of losses. But that just means they are a good team.
JohnM - July 6, 2008
Mental blocks
Don’t worry, this isn’t some “Lou must go” post, but there were some pretty glaring mental errors today that I just find unacceptable. First off, I was sitting at home saying to myself, “Lilly isn’t paying any attention to Pujols, he’s going to steal 3rd.” 4 pitches later, that’s exactly what happened. Probably didn’t make a difference, as he scored on a double, but still, if I can see that from here, why can’t anyone there? Secondly, why wasn’t Lee protecting the line in the 9th? You cannot give up a double there. That could, and should have been a double play to effectively kill the rally. Is that on Lee? Or the staff for not moving him?
The overriding thing that just grinds my gears is why, and this has been going on all season, Marmol and Wood get so slider happy. They both throw in the mid 90’s. HGH Ankiel will swing and miss at high fastballs until the cows come home. So why back to back sliders? After you fool him so badly on the first it would seem elementary to blow one past him now that his bat has been slowed down. Is that Soto? Probably not, pitchers can shake a catcher off. Rothschild’s ethos? Probably, as that dude doesn’t have a clue.
There, blew off some steam.
SamFels - July 5, 2008
Lilly really screwed up on the Albert Pujols steal of third
15 seconds before the actual play Ron Santo was hollering for Lilly to pay attention to Pujols at 2nd. And sure enough Pujols capitalizes on Lilly completely ignoring him. Pujols is a lot like Derrek Lee in the fact that he is a good baserunner and sometimes “sneaky good.” You GOT to pay attention to him at 2nd.
I have no idea why Derrek Lee wasn’t protecting the line either. But it turned out a huge game changer because the resultant advance of the runners meant the Cubs had to play the infield in.
MDBNIU - July 5, 2008
+1
Ankiel has been overpowered all season with high heat. Why Kerry threw him a fat slider there is beyond me. Did Soto call it? The bench?
Bump Bailey - July 6, 2008
Folks
I am sorry for the way I acted in the Game Thread after the loss. These kind of losses can do that to you. I also overracted when the Brewer fan came over here.
Hopefully we make a worthwhile addition to this team at the deadline and I think we’ll be good to go.
ARAM FOR MVP - July 5, 2008
Photo
Here’s Lilly working to Pujols. Got a couple of others, but might as well just leave it at this for today.
08Cubs - July 5, 2008
Scored more great seats, eh?
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Edmonds was not running his hardest on that out at home
He was looking back over his shoulder at the outfielder.
This was not the Cubs’ best game even prior to Wood’s poor inning.
Time to score some big runs tomorrow.
cubzfan - July 5, 2008
I was wondering about that too.
A veteran should know better. At the same time, after Ludwick double-clutched, I thought Edmonds would score easily. Molina made a nice play and it was a perfect throw.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Did you hear Edmond's
snippy response to the beat writers when they asked him about it?
cowsarecool220 - July 6, 2008
The loss sucked.
One of those gut wrenching, “oh my gosh why do i like this game at all” loses.
Bright side: we play them tomorrow. There are games left even after that one. This isn’t a soul crunching loss, however much it hurts today.
Woody had converted the last 12 save opportunities before this one. 12 out of 13 is doable. We’d all love perfection, but it isn’t happening.
So everyone have some food if you’re so inclined go blow some fireworks up, and be ready for the game tomorrow.
Lets take this series! Go Marshall!
halfblindcubbiegirl - July 5, 2008
I like how you think. :D
sue369 - July 5, 2008
nice to see someone else who hasn't lost her mind
sue. :-) gah.
i get it: losing sucks. but its july i mean really. we’re not even at the ASB yet.
halfblindcubbiegirl - July 5, 2008
+1
Agree totally….but it still hurts..
Bump Bailey - July 6, 2008
I felt totally the same, had to take a break from baseball for the rest of the day. :)
slcathena - July 6, 2008
What Can Wood Improve On?
I’m the type that prefers to think there’s a reason for everything, so is it pitch selection, mental durability, needing to develop a third pitch?
CaliCub - July 5, 2008
good question
As a starter Wood never had pinpoint control. This year as a closer he has had great control, outside of a few hit batsman. I think he’s good just had one bad game…you can’t get much better than the stat lines that he has laid out there so far this season. No one is perfect.
jeff_pico - July 5, 2008
Ugh
Ugh. That was painful. This was the first game I’ve been able to watch in awhile too. Man, I am worried a little bit. Not so much of the Cardinal’s coming and knocking us out of first place, but just because it seems like this team… well, it beats itself. Almost like we’re too sensitive or fragile. I’m more worried about the Brewers than the Cards down the road, but the fact that our last month schedule is horrible… with us being at home for only like 6 or 9 games…. well… I’m worried. Get a player or two who has that “killer” instinct… we need it for the road.
TheHawkRules - July 5, 2008
Couple things
first off Molina went around on that swing. Had that been a strike out we would have most likely won that game.
Ankiel really makes me mad. ESPN praises the guy and his “Cinderella” story. This guy would not be in the league if it weren’t for the use of HGH. He is a PROVEN cheater. Rant over for now..
Chanman25 - July 5, 2008
Yeah
I wonder if that was a make up call for last night. LaRussa and company did a lot of complaining last night in their post game press conferences.
Still…in all Kerry has to throw strikes/get ahead of the hitters.
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
Sad If That's The Case
Hate to think that Tony The Weasel’s bitching influences the outcomes of games.
CaliCub - July 5, 2008
Its helped Bobby Cox for years...so it is plausible.
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
Larussa had good reason ...
... to complain about balls/strikes during the Friday game as Glaus clearly got hosed in the 9th.
IF that influenced the umps (and I doubt it did) then well played by Tony.
DrCrawdad - July 5, 2008
This one I'll remember for a LONG time
Just because of the who beat us and the situation. Winning tomorrow could ease the sting but I don’t like the match-up. Does Marshall have a win?
It seems like we’re finding different ways to lose almost every night.
Mapmaker - July 5, 2008
almost
‘almost’ being the key word there since this team is 16 games above .500
I actually like Marshall alot betters vs Wellemeyer than I did againg Buehrle…its a winnable game tomorrow.
jeff_pico - July 5, 2008
16 up and falling
They were up 20 a few weeks ago
Mapmaker - July 5, 2008
were you expecting an easy smooth ride?
Were you expecting this team to just breeze through every game and every series and every month of the season? I know I didn’t.
jeff_pico - July 5, 2008
"falling"?
not really. Battling, sure. But this team is NOT falling.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2008
One of those games
We were up 2 runs yet I know I wasn’t the only one who just had in the back of their mind that Kerry wouldn’t be able to hold the lead. There was a bad call that really changed everything.
However, just put this in perspective…we’re getting to their starting pitching and Soriano is coming back (I never thought I’d look forward to his return) and we’re close to the All Star Break where The Cubs can finally rest.
There’s a lot of games to be played and never forget that Cards/Brewers will be playing each other a lot too.
Finally, the wildcard has to come out of NL Central so we got that going too.
Deep breaths!
ak123 - July 5, 2008
Yep
I was thinking that he was due for a stinker.
I could tell early on that he did not have good stuff. His velocity was down and he was all over the plate. Still he almost got out of it. Just a terrible pitch to Ankiel. I would have like to see him throw some high outside cheese…Ankiel is overly aggresive
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
Painful loss?
Hardly. Disappointing, sure. I think painful is when your left fielder has the final out in his glove in Pittsburgh only to let it drop, and we subsequently lose. Pittsburgh!! (Not hating on Soriano, that’s just an example to make a point.) The Cards are a legit competitor with actual talent. Should it be so shocking that they can score three runs when you spot them two baserunners?
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2008
Exactly.
The Pittsburgh lost was painful. This lost was disappointing. I feel the better team didn’t win today. I think we will get them tomorrow (although I don’t have alot of confidence in Sean Marshall)
Unique - July 5, 2008
Agree with Al - shake this one off
I agree with Al on this one. The guys on the team should learn what they can from this one, and come back and win tomorrow. The fans, who feel awful, should shake it off as well.
I have a good feeling about Marshall tomorrow. I know that the Cardinals have had a weakness in recent years for lefties. We will need to score some runs tomorrow, however, as some of our key relievers may not be available.
vonde6 - July 5, 2008
We need the bats to come alive a little tomorrow
Take the pressure off the pitching….
Wellemeyer has not looked great in his last two starts. Cubs have to be patient.
Well..I think Woody and Cotts are probably the only guys not available…have to hope that Howry and Marmol can step in.
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
True about the Cardinals and lefties.
It was evident on Saturday—Lilly held them down, AND Neal Cotts had a nice inning. Cotts threw only 13 pitches; he may be needed again on Sunday.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
This one can be shaken off
If they win tomorrow. Their track record has been to loose a close one, and then blow the series. If they lose tomorrow, this was a devastating loss. If we take the series, the, “it happens.”
patron - July 5, 2008
Hopefully of the teequila namesake
kcjones - July 5, 2008
No matter how we try to spin it, this was painful
but, at the same time, it didn’t make the world come to an end.
We might as well look at the positives; Marmol’s solid outing, Ramirez hopefully breaking out of his slump, another solid performance by Lily. Plus, the Cardinals supposedly have problems with soft tossing lefties-they’ve had trouble with Marshall in the past-tomorrow’s game is definitely winnable.
bluekoolaide - July 5, 2008
What was with all the off speed stuff
Woody seemed to stay away from the heater a bit. When he walks the first two guys (guess it would be worse if he hit them both) and has already thrown 15 pitches, nothing good can come of that.
There were other games that he went heat, heat, heat, and only a few offspeed pitches in there, maybe at only a 20-25% clip.
blackhawk24 - July 5, 2008
He did not have the fastball today
He came out throwing around 92-93..if you believe the fox gun.
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
actually, if they're going to get on, it'd probably be better if he hits them both
there’d be a couple of sore birds, and Woody would have thrown six(?) or so less pitches…
Plus LaRussa would have been foaming at the mouth, eyes popping out of his head, and that big vein in his forehead would be throbbing like the Sen. Sam Zell character on SNL… ;-)
ballhawk - July 5, 2008
Tough one
Just have to shake it off and move on. Woody has been real sharp the last month and a half. Unfortunately living on the East coast I got the wonderful Yanks/Sox, followed the game on the computer till the Derosa HR, had to go to church, then came home and got the last inning on the computer. Couldn’t get the feel of the game. Did see the highlights, and Edmonds hesitated on the sac-fly. I agree with the rest, why was Lee not closer to the line? I guess the Cubs rational will be Woody throwing gas Kendeny won’t be able to get around, but he did.
Lilly continues to throw well, Marmol got a good inning in, Ramy went deep, Lee is hot, so some good out of this horrible loss.
Move on, get the game tomorrow.
Grockcubs - July 5, 2008
Hearing the old "shake it off" ...WAY TOO MUCH
kcjones - July 5, 2008
"Just shaking it off here, boss..."
ballhawk - July 5, 2008
And your solution Is?
Dwell on this tough loss till the All Star break? Replace Wood as closer? Have the team dwell on the loss that it effects them till August? 162 games, some game really suck, this was one, have to forget about it and “Shake it OFF”
Grockcubs - July 6, 2008
+1
sue369 - July 6, 2008
Minor league news:
Peoria’s streak stops at 11 with their lost tonight. More on this with the minor league wrap.
Last time I checked Vitters had a nice game in Boise, also.
Unique - July 5, 2008
How bout some GOOD news
In my continuing upcoming rotation obsession I can report that not only won’t we face Volquez in the Reds series but we will also miss Lincecum in the Giants series. I will thankful for small rotation favors.
Also to no surprise I see that MLB is no longer listing Marquis as the Tuesday starter Unlike many of Lou’s moves I don’t disagree as this gives Dempster and extra start over Marquis though I would still have preferred Marquis to start over Marshall tomorrow.
And a belated thanks to Fox for the blackout as unlike most of the rest of you at least I did not have to watch today’s debacle.
Doggie Stalker - July 5, 2008
volquez
Not sure if missing Volquez is a break anymore…he’s had 2 bad starts in a row, but none of the other Reds starting rotation should scare anybody.
jeff_pico - July 5, 2008
Well bad starts for him
but the last one ( 3 earned runs in 5.1 innings) was just subpar though the one before that was bad
Well any pitcher whose ERA is 2.24 after a couple of bad starts is worth missing. We will face
Zito and Arroyo and I would NOT take them for granted.
Doggie Stalker - July 5, 2008
Walks kill!
I love Woody but as a closer you can’t walk people. I am sure he would be the first to say he didn’t have it today. Real Tough Loss – God I totally despise Pujols and the Cardinals. We need to go and get ‘em tomorrow. This day sucked – first the Cubs blow it and the Jeff Gordon is wrecked on the last lap at Daytona. Ay Carumba!
jselinger24 - July 5, 2008
You should really despise Ankiel......
I don’t see where pooh hole made any difference today.
kcjones - July 5, 2008
actually, you just made my day! ;-)
not a big fan of Gordon. Who bumped him? And were there any mano a mano conflicts in the pit area afterwards?
ballhawk - July 5, 2008
Carl Edwards I believe...
Gordon didn’t make a big deal of it. Pretty wild race though. Lots of crashes. 11 or 12 cautions.
Bump Bailey - July 6, 2008
Nothing positive to be said today....
Wasted opportuinities….story of the Cubs the last 2 (oooppss. 100) years
kcjones - July 5, 2008
and.....I'll get on my soapbox and tell y'all right where to start....
Ankeil…the dope dealer…..HE DOESN’T leave guys on base….he steps up and gets meaningful hits…....
Fukudome leaves 3 on
Ramierez leaves 3 on
Edmunds 2
DeRosa 4…..
There;s your game…....a hungry youg punk who wants to win vs. a bunch of overpaid “nothing muck else to play for guys”.....
kcjones - July 5, 2008
Yeah, I remember when I had my first beer...
Goodie1969 - July 5, 2008
No...I'm sayin hit the GD baseball.....
Lohse, Franklina and McClellen aren’t exactly known for pitching..
kcjones - July 5, 2008
I have no idea who Ankeil is
but your soap box is about to be kicked out from underneath you.
You know what ANKIEL’s batting average is with runners in scoring position is? .260
His average with runners on? .244
Yeah, HE DOES leave players on base, almost 75 percent of the time.
So, just to throw your little theory out the window even more, here’s our players ability to hit with runners in scoring position.
Derosa: .329
Fukudome: .347
Ramirez: .289
Just a word of advice, get your facts straight before you get on your “soap box” next time.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
Who drove in the 3 key runs today?
kcjones - July 5, 2008
So what, players have good games sometimes
Ankiel had one today. Get over it.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
Too infrequently it is a Cub player.
kcjones - July 5, 2008
and BTW....
Ankiel’s and “Ludwig who” ’s RBIS rank right up there w/ any of the ‘Cub top dogs” on a much lower sccoring team…....
kcjones - July 5, 2008
RBI's are a terrible indicator
of performance.
But just to humor you.
Derosa: 48 RBI’s
Ramirez: 57 RBI’s
Edmonds: 30 in almost 100 less AB’s than Ankiel
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
WTF.......
n/t
kcjones - July 5, 2008
Nice response
Shows your baseball intelligence perfectly
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
So...come on...tell me...what are the indicator's of offenseve performance???
kcjones - July 5, 2008
suppose you fielded a team with eight of me, and one barry bonds. i don’t think he would have many – if any – RBIs if you excluded the ones he would give himself via HR. that isn’t indicative of bad offensive performance, though.
astrostl - July 5, 2008
gotta score to win.....
???? LOts ‘o RBI’s=llot’s of wins…..M Ramierez, and D. Ortiz come to mind quickly…
kcjones - July 5, 2008
i think i used a good example to illustrate the dependent nature of RBIs, and why it’s not a good way to evaluate hitting performance. i could point out, for example, that both ortiz and manny are red sox. that’s a true statement, but it also doesn’t necessarily mean that being or not being a red sock is a good way to evaluate performance.
astrostl - July 5, 2008
exactly
More players on base in front of you, the more RBI opportunities. Speaks more for the people in front of you, than the player themselves.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
he'd probably add to his league-leading IBB totals though... ;-)
ballhawk - July 5, 2008
Here's one
Runs Created.
Look who’s above Ankiel:
Lee: 59.7
Ramirez: 57.1
Soto: 56.8
Fukudome: 54.2
Derosa: 48
Oh, and your favorite player Ankiel? 47.4
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
Thorw all the crap out the window,......
WHO MADE THE DIFFERENCE IN TODAYS GAME
kcjones - July 5, 2008
Lol
Throw all the stats and facts and proof out the window? LOL, that’s good.
Yeah, Ankiel had a good game, one good game doesn’t make up for the fact that he is a worse offensive player every other game this year. You are a very short sighted person, I can tell.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
The only retort at this point....
is if the Card’s trend of beating the Cubs continue’s….the standings will change
kcjones - July 6, 2008
that's very zen
but doesn’t do anything to support your suggestion that the cubs are ‘a bunch of overpaid "nothing muck else to play for guys"…..’
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2008
Define "runs created"
what…do you work for Steinberg or somebody?
kcjones - July 5, 2008
You know very little, and you are proving that every post
It was created by Bill James as an indicator of how many runs an individual player creates for their team.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
and....please tell me...
who bill james works for ….
AND
how it correlates to wins and losses
kcjones - July 5, 2008
As you said before
“you gotta score to win”
The more runs a player is responsible for, the more runs their team will have.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
It's a real simple question.....
We all need to know what Mr. James “biasses” are and again….let’s go and coreelate his stat to wins and losses….
kcjones - July 5, 2008
Oh! Oh! Can I play too?
So, are you saying let’s throw all these stats (a.k.a crap) out the window and just focus on wins and losses?
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
That's kinda what thee standings and the playoffs are about....
at least last time I checked….
kcjones - July 6, 2008
Cubs are in first place
last time I checked
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
Yep
Cubs 52-36
Cards 50-39
So what’s your problem?
If all you care about are wins and losses and standings, then as long as the Cubs are in first place, you should be happy as a clam. If they fall out of first place, then you can come back here and bitch up a storm.
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
I'll be alll over it when the day comes...
Let’s hope it doesn’t.
kcjones - July 6, 2008
well, if such a dark day comes, the silver lining...
...will surely be the entertainment factor in reading all these online apoplectic fits, seeing who can out-”I told you so” who.
I think Vegas has established Blue Mike as the early favorite, but perhaps the smart money should be on you.
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
whoops - big time sorry. that was for kcjones, not DTJchris
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
lol
figured that, or at least, hoped that. : )
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
His stats?
You do realize that Bill James works for the Red Sox, and he has helped them win two World Series. So, I guess his ability translates into some pretty good Wins and Loses
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
Good answer
kcjones - July 6, 2008
So, are you agreeing with me now?
RC is a good indicator of offensive performance?
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
is if the Card’s trend of beating the Cubs continue’s….the standings will change
kcjones - July 6, 2008
Last two years
Cubs wins vs. Cards: 12
Cards wins vs. Cubs: 8
So, do you wish to have any more theories of yours thrown out the window, or do you like being proven wrong repeatedly?
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
tsk, tsk, tsk... don't you know that trend = sample size of one? ;-)
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
lol
I know, I think kcjones has gotten whiplash from getting pwned repeatedly.
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
yeah, I should probably call it a night
I’m usually not this feisty, but I’m watching WWE Smackdown (taped it last night after the game). Edge is finally getting put in his place – he got his ass whupped on Monday by Batista (a Z lookalike if you ask me).
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
lol
the amount of testosterone in WWE could make the Ghandi feisty. Understandable.
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
Sample size of 20 is too small too...
But…throw last year away…these are 2 differtent teams….what’s the record this yyear?
kcjones - July 6, 2008
well, let's see... They've played 5 games so far this year...
...and St. Louis has the edge 3-2. There’s only been one blowout (a Cubs 9-3 win) and every other game has been decided by 1 or 2 runs. And one of the Cubs’ losses was in extra innings. So I’d say they’re about as evenly matched as you could be, given they’ve played an odd number of games so far.
Hmm… I feel like I’m forgetting something though… what was it… let’s see… Oh yeah, now I remember.
All the games so far have been at St. Louis!
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
And who is this Steinberg?
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
He's and agent.....
but acctually not the one I’m thinking about (players agent)
kcjones - July 5, 2008
What have you done for me lately?
kcjones - July 5, 2008
lol, what does that even mean?
I get it, you’ve been joking around the whole time. I thought you actually were serious with your incredibly poor baseball knowledge.
DTJchris - July 5, 2008
There;s your game…….a hungry youg punk who wants to win vs. a bunch of overpaid "nothing muck else to play for guys"…..
I’m not sure what this means, but I’m pretty darn sure I think it’s utterly wrong.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2008
5. as in the number of blown saves this year. Take those and convert them into wins and this race is sitting at 6.5 or more right now. Wood has been good, don’t get me wrong, but he’s also been bad as well. It’s either feast or famine with him. When he’s on, he’s light’s out, but when he’s off, forget it, it’s a loss or tie ball game.
The big killer though, all those LOB. There were a lot of opportunities to push more runs across to make this a much easier save/win. 4 runs generally doesn’t win very many games. Have to take advantage and score when you get the chance.
nmcubsfan - July 5, 2008
Not all of those blown saves have led to losses
I think only 2 have…..
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
isringhausen has 7 blown saves
franklin has 4 blown saves
mcclellan has 3 blown saves
flores has 2 blown saves
astrostl - July 5, 2008
That was yesterday
kcjones - July 5, 2008
i agree, only saying that “what if?” is a game that any team can play.
astrostl - July 5, 2008
The blown save stat is little misleading
McClellan and Flores did not blow their saves in the 9th. There is a huge difference in blowing your save in the 7th and 8th versus the 9th.
TheRiot Police - July 5, 2008
again, i wasn’t posting it to be very particular. but in response to your suggestion, mcclellan has infact blown games in the last inning. looking at his negative WPA appearances on fangraphs i see (and remember) 6/25 against the tigers. it happens sometimes.
astrostl - July 5, 2008
And all I was saying was that the blown save
McClellan blow that save in the 8th (6/25) and then lost the game in the 9th.
The blown save stat can be misleading. If your middle relieve blows a lead in the 6th inning, that qualifies as a blown save. The team with which he blew the save for still has 3 more innings to rectify the situation. Not nearly as catastrophic as a 9th inning blown save.
Not all blown saves are created equal…
TheRiot Police - July 6, 2008
i understand the weakness of SV/SVO stats, and i’m not either an advocate or follower of them. and look, i wasn’t even the guy that raised the subject or started counting them. but without doing the research, i think we (the cardinals) would be on the better end of the deal if us and the cubs made an agreement to clock a W on every final inning game that we lost. your closer (singular) is awesome this year, and ours (plural) are not.
astrostl - July 6, 2008
very well-written article, al
i hope you all enjoyed your night, and we look forward to a good game tomorrow
astrostl - July 5, 2008
Thanks.
Always good to have visiting fans from other teams here, especially when they contribute to the discussion as you have. Yet another reason I like this rivalry so much.
We’ll get you guys today! :)
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
A Marshall Stack
I was at the Cubs/Sox game last Sunday when Marshall pitched. You may have been unhappy with the outcome but Marshall pitched a good game, IMHO.
I’d expect Marshall to pitch a good game tomorrow as well.
DrCrawdad - July 5, 2008
I sure hope you're right.
Marshall DID throw pretty well last Sunday, just made two mistakes.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
I hope this is where Ramirez busts out of his slump in a big way for ... let's say .... 3 weeks or more. : )
northsider - July 5, 2008
That kinda stank. I left with the Cubs up 4-2, rode my bike to the ballpark for the game, and checked the score on my phone once I got there.
CHC 4 STL 5 – F …. what????? Let’s get ‘em on Sunday!
northsider - July 6, 2008
I followed Al's wise advice and went out to shake off this defeat.
I went to see the Get Smart movie and liked it. Be adviced, though, if you’re expecting a reprisal of the original series you’ll be disappointed. To me, the movie stands on its own but you can tell the hidden references and jokes from the TV series.
Back to baseball tomorrow. Games like today’s happen. At the same moment that Wood loaded the bases with walks, Mariano Rivera was loading them up in NY. He got the third out that escaped Wood. That’s the frustrating part in this game that we all love.
We could have buried the Cardinals but we didn’t. Credit the Cards for that. In fact, we may be in for a tight three-teams-race the rest of the way. So, let’s enjoy the thrill, OK?
Fraggin Judge - July 6, 2008
Get Smart
I saw the movie and I am a huge fan of the TV series. Thought they did a good job and Steve Carrell was an excellent choice and I’m not really a fan of his.
puckishcubsfan - July 6, 2008
And now, the latest CC Sweepstakes update...
From the flagship station in Wausau, Wisconsin – WSAW NewsChannel 7...
Nothing really new, other than this might be over soon, instead of dragging on to ‘til the trade deadline.
ballhawk - July 6, 2008
Olney said on Baseball Tonight
that Sabathia may have made his last start for the Indians.
DGU - July 6, 2008
Depends on what the Indians want, and they have been real coy about what they want. Cubs aren’t out of this bidding, but it will go to the deadline
nmcubsfan - July 6, 2008
I don't know. The Daily Herald article I read
said he was expected to be traded before his next start, Tuesday. The Indians can ask for more if they trade him now. He will be giving his new team an additional 4 or 5 starts.
Rick B - July 6, 2008
GADDDS
I was at a wedding reception yesterday for a couple who got married in the Bahamas in May and had a Chicago area reception for family and friends who didn’t go.
I had to make a toast right after I saw the score on my cellphone. I had a bad feeling when it was getting to be 27 minutes after the end of the 8th. (end of 8th update at 526 end of game at 553). I was not happy but still made my toast and then word was spreading in this Cub loving crowd about the game.
Only relief was a mistaken report Kerry was hurt was wrong. That caused my worry than anything.
Today is a big game. They can shake this completely by winning the game today.
It’s not the end of the world.
puckishcubsfan - July 6, 2008
Didn't see the game
only a few highlights/lowlights. The only thing I can say is that it was defeat snatched from the jaws of victory. The 2 lead off walks set the table and the Cards did what you’re supposed to do with 2 on and no outs in the 9th. The D backs did it to the Brewers on Thursday. If the Cards get the first 2 men on via hits and Woody was pitching well, then I can live with that. He didn’t have it yesterday and good teams are supposed to beat pitchers that don’t have their good stuff. That’s the only thing that irritates me is that they were walks. Hell, groove them a 92mph fastball down main street, the odds are still in our favor they all aren’t hits. A walk is a 100% way to get on base. If we win today, mission accomplished. We simply have to keep winning each series, St. Lou and the Brew Crew will never catch us.
BigJohnAZ - July 6, 2008
Wood has only 5 blown save this year...
vs. 22 saves. A pretty good record!
ronsanto10 - July 6, 2008
I disagree
His save percentage this year is .815. He hasn’t been horrible by any stretch. I would say he has been average. Sure, he is impressive when he is on, but when he’s not he’s a disaster. He can’t seem to find a way to finish off games when he doesn’t have his best stuff. That’s something that guys like Rivera (career .898) and Hoffman (career .895) can do. Not that anyone is comparing him to those two as a closer. He is 8th out of 17 pitchers listed on mlb.com for save percentage in the National League. There are twelve listed in the American League, and his save percentage is worse than all of those listed. I would say that overall he has been an average closer.
qccub - July 6, 2008
At least
the Cubs will be leaving St. Louis with the lead in the division, Marmol pitched better and the team is starting to get healthy.
We did lose one of our best players (Soriano) for an extended period of time and have maintained the division lead. I’ve always liked Marshall, hopefully he will make me like him even more today.
slocs55 - July 6, 2008
And so many on yesterday's thread
were calling for Kerry’s head after the loss.
These had to be bandwagon jumpers who thought the Cubs would go 162-0.
This stuff happens, the good teams can rebound.
And, if we think the Cubs might hold first place ALL season, you might be a bit thrown again. Do you reasonably expect that? Slumps happen, just as hot streaks come about.
It’s part of the ebb and flow of a season, and everything is magnified if your team is a spectacular winner or a horrible loser.
Here, a couple of wins over the D-Backs, and suddenly—the Padres think they are a contender again. Please, that’s NOT the case. We lose a heartbreaker, and it the feeling here is that Cubs will lose the next 20 in a row.
Just take each game as 1 event. Marmol looked good. A-Ram may be out of his slump. The team is getting healthier. Soriano—who is badly missed, regardless of what is said here from time to time will be back.
If I had the “don’t panic” icon, I’d post it.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 6, 2008
As in, "Don't Press This?"
JohnM - July 6, 2008
Random Post Game Thoughts
Even I admit we miss Soriano….
Wood is fine….
Jim Edmonds cadiallacking to home is unaccpetable
This team looks tired…
I am one who would rather see no Cubs make the all star game… Get three days of rest
It is a long season and we need reinforcements….
Marmol finally looked good
Where’s Ronny Cedeno?
Reed's Johnson - July 6, 2008
The thing is is that in a big time series such as this, you need to come out and execute. Walks kill, we all know that, except dusty. Wood has either been on or off, and when he’s off, it’s generally a loss, and this was one loss that the cubs could not afford. I’m not a bandwagon fan, been one for quite some time now, but sooner or later you have to have the attitude that losing like this is not acceptable, and someone needs to take the blame. This team lost a game they SHOULD have won. And yes, I for one expect this team to lead from wire to wire. Why is that unreasonable? Other teams have done it, and done it many times. Why can’t/shouldn’t the cubs? Why is it too much to ask of our team that they play at a high level the entire year? The Rays are doing it, the Red Sox are doing it, The Cardinals are doing it, and with a lot less talent then the cubs have. They should EXPECT to win everyday and lead from wire to wire make the playoffs and win the Series. To their credit, the team is turning the corner on this, Pinella is going about it in his way and changing the attitude. But losses like this hurt, especially when you walk multiple batters. Give a team extra outs, and it’ll come back to bite you
I agree that this is a slump, that the team isn’t playing well right now. Having your ace pitcher out, and your starting left fielder, as well as your center fielder definitely does hurt. The Center fielder question never has been resolved, and it’s coming back to bite this team. Edmonds is doing well, Johnson is doing well, but they’re not the answer. Pie for now is a bust till he proves otherwise, and patterson, well the jury is still out, but not being able hit hurts the team. Lose today and the cubs limp out of St Louis and give them and the brewers all the momentum. This team needs to win today.
nmcubsfan - July 6, 2008
I'm too lazy to
look this up:
what is the run differential in ERA from AL to NL?
I seem to recall reading its about .5 run, or more.
The E-Man - July 6, 2008
Buster Olney - Baseball Tonight
Suggested that we should not be shocked if Freddy Garcia would be a guy the Cubs take a look at? He mentioned that Lou managed him in Seattle and he is an unrestricted FA right now.
To be honest, I had all but forgotten about this guy. Another intriguing option might be Washburn from the Mariners?
scottsdalecubs - July 6, 2008
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