Bleed Cubbie Blue

30 games & growing

16 days ago I conducted a BCB survey asking when the the Cubs would reach 81 wins, 16% said today,

Cubs are 15-6 in August, they could break the 20 win mark which in reality is the reverse of what happened in ‘69 when the Cubs wilted, this year’s version is 9 games over in August and growing pushing the Brewers…

Aug 25th being on the cusp of 81 wins is HUGE!

Think of this --

If they win 4 of 7, they’ll match 2007’s total by the end of August.

OK... one question.

I didn’t go back and read through the game threads…. was the home run fair or foul?

Al, You were sittin right there I presume.

Up until that point, Harden hadn’t allowed a hit.

It was VERY close.

I thought it was foul at first, but virtually everyone around me said it had curved around the pole — fair. I think the umpires got it right.

I sit in 209

And when I looked toward the corner, naturally all of the fans said it was foul.

Then… a bit later, when a ball was finally thrown out onto the field, it looked like the ball was tossed from the corner section… not from the bleachers. Which, again, made me think it was foul.

I don’t know… but would sure be nice to get the replay going already. What’s the friggin hold-up here? They said they were going to institute it in August. Would hate to see a missed call ruin a team’s playoff hopes.

The ball landed on the stairs next to our section.

That’s probably where the throwback came from, which is why it seemed to NOT come from the bleachers.

hmmm makes the instant reply even more complicated

just a thought

Right.

What do they do if the replay is “inconclusive”? Let the ruling stand, like the NFL does? Is there any MLB statement on this type of situation?

got to be... the call on the field stands unless there is conclusive evidence to overturn it

the issue is a review of the original call, not the call in of itself. The the question which is the problem in the NFL is the inconsistency of how many cameras are at each game.

Then as time goes by there will be the gamemanship of delay, like Lou coming out to argue and force a review OR the crowd making their stand…..

The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street - August 25, 2008 reply

On the broadcast, Len and Bob were saying

that the fans throwing it back (vs. keeping a foul ball) is one bit of evidence that would tend to sway the umps into thinking “home run”

They did, and it's a nice theory

But hardly proof. I think it was fair, though.

Thnks for the good 411!

I didn’t even get to see a replay of it last night. I thought they weren’t showing it on the highlights because it was so close.

More reason

for replay. I’m for it!

Lou In Blue - August 25, 2008 reply

Ive been wondering what Al thinks too

but it did appear to hook big time just inside the pole. Pretty soon we wont have to wonder as instant replay would likely have been used there. Tough to tell from this replay.

It was fair from my seat

After the play, ARam motioned to Soriano if it was fair and he nodded that it was.

gocubsgo22 - August 25, 2008 reply

I guess

you providing that little insight about Soriano is about as good of overall insight as we’re gonna get. Thanks.

I replayed it twice

The second time, the ball disappeared behind the pole, meaning fair ball.

Remember, it’s not where the ball lands — it’s where it leaves the playing field.

It disappeared every time!

I meant I saw it the second time that I replayed it.

did anyone throw the ball back?

Like Len and Bob pointed out..they don’t throw back foul balls.

Who needs instant replay when you have fans that know.
Fair ball HR—ball thrown back
Foul ball,,no ball thrown back

cozmotaylor123 - August 25, 2008 reply

yes, it was thrown back.

drewishdrewid - August 25, 2008 reply

Don't be so sure...

… that someone might not throw back a foul ball in that situation — if they’re not sure whether it was a HR or not and they’re egged on to throw it.

I dunno about that

all I know is that it was thrown back. :)

drewishdrewid - August 25, 2008 reply

On the Lee swing and miss

According to the SunTimes, he’s ok but could be related to neck and shoulder spasms that bothered him much of last season.

Also a note on tweaking Dome’s swing. Nice pic of the swing above.

I wonder if...

… those neck & shoulder problems are what’s reduced his power last year and this.

He claims NO

but I almost wish that was it. Otherwise, it’s still a mystery and we have to keep wondering if maybe he just lost his power stroke and it ain’t coming back. BTW, I’d also like to blame the neck and shoulder problems for all those DP’s.

everything reduces power....

case in point last year Soriano’s wrist in the mid season. Power comes from proper execution of swing mechanics, bat speed, exploding one’s leveraged power at the hitting point, hitting the ball on the sweet spot all in a millisecond, if you aren’t right power goes down.

If his neck and back were bothering him he probably is not uncorking well, also I have noticed many late swings (back)….maybe it is a blessing in disguise to have Ward play 1B in Pttsburgh and get his stroke working as well.

It seems like Derrek is a consumate professional

He may not admit publicly that the back/neck/shoulder problems have taken away some power, but it probably is.

His teammates are the ones that will notice how the injury is affecting him, and how he doesn’t let it affect him in the field. That’s called leadership, and is one of the reasons why Derrek is one of the leaders of this team.

Hopefully its minor and if so Lou can use this as a good oppourtunity..

…to rest Lee for a few days.

JB 23 - August 25, 2008 reply

If Lee's out we'll be okay

I feel pretty confident this team can win without him in the short term. Let him be healthy in a months time. I now believe, Soriano missing has a bigger impact than Lee. Maybe DeRo could play first and put Fontenot on 2nd.

cubbie-swagger - August 25, 2008 reply

When we expand the roster, we can bring up the Big Hoff

And let him get some time at 1st base to rest Lee a bit.

don't forget the icubs are going to the playoffs

so that may delay any callups

cubswynn - August 25, 2008 reply

i doubt that will affect the parent club too much

If the Chicago Cubs want the players (Wuertz, Pie, Hart, etc.), they will call them up regardless of the playoffs and send reinforcements from Tennessee to Iowa.

Agreed...

The mentioned it on the radio post game yesterday, and I agree, that the AAA-playoffs matter about as much to the big league club as the temperature of the beer served at Wrigley.

If Lou wants someone from AAA for the stretch run, that personal will be up regardless of what’s happening at Iowa.

bobby h - August 25, 2008 reply

I hope Lee is back to healthy soon,

I know we have a good & deep bench, but losing Lee for any extended period of time is going to be detrimental, particularly at first base.

Blue W - August 25, 2008 reply

it was nice

to see Dome stay in the box and turn hard on a pitch. i feel that he really needs to do more of this and work on pulling the ball down the line.

cubsfaninkc - August 25, 2008 reply

What an addition

Jeff Spellcheck has been for us! I still think we are one lefty reliever away from a complete bullpen, but we should be able to go on what we have.

OT- Day 1 of the DNC and I’m already ready to have the Democrats out Denver! *2 hour drive to work today!

Lou In Blue - August 25, 2008 reply

I will be there Thursday and just think I got a note for a Parade in the morning in the downtown

Not sure where you come into Mile High City but I suggest you use the Light Rail or a bus. We are going to use the Light Rail on Thursday coming up from CO Springs.

Just think Thursday they will even close down I-25 at 5:30 PM…..with 70,000 coming in to find parking not available at INVESCO….now that will be a mess.

It's pretty obsurd

No Convention has EVER closed down highways… Denver? Of course. Should be a good ticket to have (although the talk of “historical” gets a bit overused). I think it’ll be a week of hit and miss as far as the traffic goes.

Lou In Blue - August 25, 2008 reply

trouble is that I-25 snugs up to INVESCO

Historical is always a matter of perspective and some other generations’ viewpoint, ironically it is the 45th year of the “I Got a Dream” speech that MLK Jr gave in DC….

Last time this big of venue was JFK’s speech in LA’s Olympic Coliseum and I heard that Springstein will keep the crowd entertained and Gore will also speak.

Tickets were well earned.

More thoughts on today.....Brewers & Cardinals off today

In fact both will face each other Tuesday and Wednesday…..Cubs will catch up with the Brewers in games played after tomorrow eliminating the 1/2 thing and will still be down a game to the Cardinals in games played which will put those two on the 1/2 game ratio.

Cards who need to win this two-game series pose surprising former Cubs Wellemeyer (11-4) against Sheets (11-7) and then Wainwright (7-3) against Parra (10-6) on the Mississippi.

Of course I would like nothing but see the Cards to close in on the Brewers to a 1/2 game deficit this week.

Cubs BTW pit Lilly, Zambrano and Marquis (who needs to redeem himself)

The Cubs will pass the Brewers in games played Thursday

And catch the Cards. Cubs next off day is September 4 – Brewers will have the same # of games played then, barring rainouts.

I'm actually saying GO BREWERS!

I’ve said this before (maybe it is geographical/ I live in missouri), but I’d love to see this become a 2 team race (not including the Cardinals) They SCARE me, in a not so good team riding Puljols all the way type of scenario. Anyway, I think if the Brewers sweep the Cards would be potentially 10 back of cubs and for sure 5 back of milwaukee. I’d like that. But anyway, I say just win our games and it will be alright.

They are NINE games back in the loss column

And after Thursday have played the same # of games. Forget the mystique always look at resident talent. Brewers are ahead of the Cards because they have more talent on their squad but are not doing the little things, and have a flaw in the bullpen which is why they are behind the Cubs with 130 +- games played.

Cards could overtake the Brewers by playing the game the right way for the WC but unless the Cubs falter they are way far back.

Cubs win their ninth series in August against Pitt and they will be 8 1/2 games up on the Cards minimum, if the Cards sweep the Brewers (more likely split) but sweep that could put the Brewers back to 6 games back.

Agreed.

graceunderpressure, if the Cardinals catch the Cubs for the division, I’ll donate $100 to Project 3000 in your name.

This is selfish, but....

I just don’t want those Cubs/Cards games to mean as much in August. I always want to get excited for those series, but they just scare me. One more time seeing Puljols point to the sky and I will …..maybe curse or something!

I mean in September.

Don't you think the Cards will be more relaxed if they're out of it?

They’ll have nothing to lose.

Anyway, no way do they roll over for the Cubs regardless of the standings. The games will be important.

the game is bigger than that

In actuality I respect what LaRussa & Co has done this year. With all the pop in the lineup and top of the rotation talent the Brewers could be performing better.

Unfortunately you live in Cardinal Red Zone, but think how sweet it will be for the Cubs to have a GREAT final homestand against both their division rivals basically putting both of them back-to-back out of the race.

Division, possibly

Putting them out of the WC race, unlikely – unless the Brewers completely collapse in the next three weeks.

I like your optimism, but....

I just could swallow losing out to the Brewers and all their talent. On the other hand it would be a tough pill to swallow to lose out to the Cardinals and thier patchwork pitching and off/on offense, and no bullpen.

That Friday loss was NOT Marquis' fault!

If the bullpen had done its job Marquis would have allowed two runs in 5.1 innings.

The bullpen stunk

But the walks were Marquis’ fault. He gets dumped on here a lot, but he does deserve some blame.

SouthsideCUBSfan - August 25, 2008 reply

+1!

I dont know if he is saying its Marquis fault last game specifically, but it definatley was NOT his fault, the bullpen mucked that one

Keeping Marquis In The Game...

I don’t know what his pitch count was or what he looked like, but I kind of thought Lou should have kept him in. I figured he’d give up a couple at worst a tie, and God knows we’d score more against that team. It is all hindsight and you couldn’t predict the bullpen meltdown, but I say let him work out of his own mess.

AL on some levels you are correct but on this staff

competing among each other Marquis is outlying. Z had a couple poor games but then stoned his last start, Lilly has been solid through August and of course Dempster.

That is another reality, the other one is that he has had only 2 of 6 quality starts since the All Star Break, I am hoping he pitches a solid game 10 of 23 through the year—-meaning 8 of 17 beforehand. His WHIP has actually dropped in this span as well, where right now he is at his career average.

Jason projects to 160 +/- IPand ERA under 5.0 but probably reaching 10 wins (last year he got 12 wins). He probably is the strongest 5th starter in the MLB but I hope he has a quality start with run support reaching his 9th win.

Speaking of the bullpen.......

Marmol will kill me if we make the playoffs. I will not be able to watch in a tight October game with hime pitching, esp. if it is Wild Marmol like yesterday!

No reliever is lights out every time.

Carlos Marmol has been filthy since the All-Star Game. Assuming the Cubs make it to the playoffs, I look forward to seeing him pitch in that environment.

you are right....

but some relievers just have that about them, like mitch williams. The job will get done, but it is a scary ride.

randy meyers...

cubswynn - August 25, 2008 reply

Rod Beck in '98...

Yeah, I know what you mean.

It’s Marmol’s wildness that keeps hitters off balance (though, as far as I can tell, he’s spotting his fastball much better these days). And we’ve all come to know (and fear) how his emotions can get the better of him – as opposed to, say, a Mariano Rivera-type guy who comes in cool as a freakin’ cucumber and throws with pinpoint control.

Sometimes Marmol lets things get to him.

I’ve noticed after fielding errors, including his own back in July vs. the Giants, he seems to get a little rattled. He did yesterday and Kerry Wood was warming up in the 8th.

If you don't count the last pitch

it seemed to me that Angel was squeezing Marmol a bit too. There were a few pitches where I truly wondered where that ball was if it wasn’t a strike. Brenly agreed on at least one too.

gwood - August 25, 2008 reply

He was robbed in an earlier 1-1 count.

And there was another tooclose one, I believe. Maybe that final called strike was the ump’s apology.

neverAcquiesce - August 25, 2008 reply

i really wonder if marquis will make the playoff roster this year

believe it or not, i tend to lean (barely) towards yes……but i wouldn’t be surprised if the answer is no

cubswynn - August 25, 2008 reply

the cubs have a need for him.

if Daryle Ward is on the roster, they’ll always need a spare pinch-runner…

The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street - August 25, 2008 reply

Pie would be a better choice

You don’t need that 12th pitcher in the playoffs

i know.

i just didn’t have the sarcasm graphic to throw up there.

You mean this one?

I’ve got it bookmarked. Seriously.

that would be the one.

and now i have bookmarked it too, since i tend to drop some sarcasm here and there.

Does that graphic

come with a Boston accent?

I'm too lazy...

…to wade through the 300+ posts in the recap thread (though I did read the recap – I want full BCB credit for that), so I’ll post my thoughts on Dome’s home run here. What a spectacular, storybook moment. The struggling (fallen?) hero, steps to the plate – his repuation, his honor, on the line. Takes a couple pitches. Turns on an inside fastball and…BOOM. Sweet redemption and a hero’s welcome in the dugout.

I don’t know what the rest of the season holds for Dome, but this was, hands down, one of my favorite moments in this amazing season.

It was an absolute SHOT that

he hit…and the dug-out reaction was PRICELESS. Cedeno bowing…so great…

I was sitting in front of my TV and I think

I woke up the lady next door when he hit it.

“WHOAH! YES!”

drewishdrewid - August 25, 2008 reply

The reaction

in the dug out was awesome. I was really happy for Dome.

sue369 - August 25, 2008 reply

Are Reed Johnson's splits against right handers that bad?

I don’t understand why he does not get more playing time. I mean… the guy is hitting .314 and catches everything in sight.

He actually has more AB's against RH's...

see here

I'll answer when you change your avatar.

LOL

I won’t wait for that. Johnson’s OPS is 200 points higher vs. LHP (.944) than it is vs. RHP (.742), despite, as noted above, he has more AB’s vs RHP.

And, of course...

…he’s still (technically) recovering from his off-season back surgery.

Well...

I am glad to see Dome finally get around on one but I have no problem seeing Reed out in Right or Center on a daily basis. I think he does a great job and deserves to play

RJ is the kind of player...

…who is fantastic in the right situations. Platooning in center with Jimmy Ballgame, he’s great. Coming off the bench against LHPs, he’s great. As a defensive replacement for Soriano in left, he’s great. But if you play him everyday, his shortcomings will be quickly exposed. Plus, he plays the game so hard, he’s more likely to get injured playing everyday. I think Lou has used Johnson brillantly this season.

I know a lot of people don't like my avatar

People see it as a negative image. I understand. This picture bests describes the heartache I have felt with the Cubs. I use it as a reminder. I so desperately want the Cubs to win a WS. You have no idea.

Whatever.

I just freakin’ hate that picture. And, as I believe I’ve pointed out before, Cubs-hating fans of other teams often use it to rally around. But…it’s a free country, I guess.

Plus I am superstitious

I don’t want to change anything

Really? How about the Cubs history of NOT WINNING THE WORLD SERIES?

What is your avator

I was speaking to this year… so far

Answer will come after you take that crying woman off.

and not a moment sooner. Geeze…why don’t you just put a picture of Steve Garvey up there instead.

You said that already

Uh, no. I did.

Until Aug. 21, I thought the same thing...

…about my avatar and sig line, both of which were dedicated to one Kosuke Fukudome. On that day, I decided to help Dome out of his slump by changing them. Result: Yesterday’s dramatic home run. Change it.

And my sig line,

which supports Brian McRae’s decision to perpetually have a 5 o’clock shadow…And have the dirtiest uniform in all the land…

Still have a McRae Starting Lineup figure.

With that godawful “Cubs” script road jersey.

neverAcquiesce - August 25, 2008 reply

Haha yeah...

Those were pretty bad…

doesn't sound like Brian had a good weekend

Apparently he was in Iowa with some former Major Leaguers to raise money for flood victims with a home run derby.

He didn’t hit any. (link)

That's not inherantly funny

but your phrasing was great.

neverAcquiesce - August 25, 2008 reply

I am going to help Dome

stay out of his slump, hopefully, by changing my Dome related sig as well

gwood - August 25, 2008 reply

Interesting Marmol Stat..

From yahoo sports.

Carlos Marmol: The infield single by Willie Harris on Sunday was only the 32nd hit of the year allowed by Marmol in 71 innings. If that sounds staggering, it is: Marmol’s 4.06 hits per nine innings ranks second all-time for pitchers with at least 70 innings, trailing only Eric Gagne’s 4.04 in his record-setting – and steroid-filled – 2003 season. Before allowing a run Thursday to Cincinnati, Marmol hadn’t given up one since the All-Star break, and he may be the Cubs’ greatest weapon of all.

astroview - August 25, 2008 reply

Imagine if

Marmol hadn’t gone throught that midseason slump. His numbers would be amazing

MerlinDog - August 25, 2008 reply

Nice little discussion happened over at ESPN regarding best

post-season rotation, and the consensus seemed to be with the Cubs.

Link

philadelphiacub - August 25, 2008 reply

I didn't realize

how good Randy Johnson has been since the break…Geez…

The Photos are fantastic as always.

sue369 - August 25, 2008 reply

Anyone hear anything about Cubs Convention?

When are the tickets are going on sale?

Bricks and Ivy - August 25, 2008 reply

Weekend reservations were available in January

Those are probably already sold out. If you’re looking for passes w/out hotel rooms, that’s usually November.

Just a rumor, but...

They may be waiting until late October to see if they need to rent McCormick Place for the millions that may want to attend.

N Oakley - August 25, 2008 reply

AFTER we win it all this Oct.

The Cubs should just take the convention on the road….I would imagine most major metropolitan areas would contain enough Cub Fans to make it worth their while….at least a West/East Coast version.

i remember them doing something like that in 1989

they came to Market Square Arena with Jerome Walton, Dwight Smith, Zim and the like. They packed MSA in Indianapolis and signed autographs for just about everyone there. It was pretty sweet.

Kinda like Lollapalooza used to be.

You mean "worth it"

That would be great

It’s a long drive from Pittsburgh. Especially in the snow.

Bricks and Ivy - August 25, 2008 reply

Just ‘cause you live out West, doesn’t mean they will visit.

N Oakley - August 25, 2008 reply

We need

Cubs baseball….Is it 6 yet?