... and some days, it isn't even worth coming to work.
Henry Blanco was the last batter both yesterday and today -- with very different results and impact. Yesterday he won the game. Today, he hit a comebacker to Cardinals reliever Brad Thompson in front of about half of the crowd, to end the Cubs' 12-3 blowout loss to the Cardinals, a game which matched the worst margin of loss of the season (nine runs, to the Reds on May 9), and the most runs allowed (also to the Reds, on July 10).
Sometimes these things are going to happen, even to good teams, and it was just "one of those days". How else can you explain Troy Glaus, who was 0-for-29 against Cub pitching so far this year, hitting two home runs off Carlos Zambrano, who allowed four HR today after allowing only ten in his previous 22 starts this year?
You could tell it was going to be one of "those days" when Skip Schumaker hit Z's first pitch off the RF wall for a double; he later scored. Mark DeRosa tied the game with a HR to the CF shrubbery in the 2nd, and after Albert Pujols homered to give St. Louis a 3-1 lead in the 3rd, Z hit his third homer of the year to the opposite field to make it 3-2. It was his 15th career homer, extending his club record, and tying him with Mike Hampton for the most among active pitchers. FWIW, the most HR for any pitcher who played his entire career after World War II is 33, held by Earl Wilson (that link says 35, but two of those were as a PH).
The HR was the only thing Z did right today. To us, it appeared that Z may be back to the old mechanical problems that he suffered last year, that dreaded "low arm slot". We can only hope that there's nothing wrong with the shoulder that put him on the DL for a while earlier this year. Maybe it's not a bad idea to have Z skip a start with the upcoming off days.
Had Lou yanked Z one batter earlier, when it was only 6-2, maybe the game would have turned out differently. Sean Marshall did a nice job of keeping the Cardinals down and so did Chad Gaudin -- at least for one inning; in Gaudin's second inning of work five Cardinals singled, making a 9-3 blowout into the ridiculous final score. In Lou's postgame remarks he said they briefly considered giving Kerry Wood the 9th, just to get him some work, but decided against it. Good idea, I think -- they may need him tomorrow, and that gives Wood an extra day to rest his back, which he said was good to go today if needed.
It was one of those strange days. When the bleacher season ticket holders were let in, as normal, a few minutes before the main gate opening, there were several hundred people already in the LF bleachers -- apparently part of some fundraising event. This was strange and threw off a lot of the regulars. And by the end of the game, alcohol fueled a fight just next to our LF corner -- between two Cardinals fans.
When you lose a game like this, especially when you know you're a good team, you just shrug your shoulders and move on to the next day. Win tomorrow and the Cubs will have accomplished a 6-3 homestand, winning all three series. The Brewers beat the Nats 6-0 tonight -- they haven't given Washington even one run in two games and thrown two CG shutouts -- so the Cubs' division lead is down to four games (man, do the Nats suck or what? Don't forget, the Cubs get to play them at Wrigley in two weeks). We'll get 'em tomorrow.
0 recs | 93 comments
First!!
WooHoo
MetsSuck - August 9, 2008
Actually was Z's 15th, tying him with Hampton
but that was the only highlight of day
Gurbal - August 9, 2008
I miscounted.
I’ll fix it. Thanks.
Al Yellon - August 9, 2008
I'm glad this one was blacked out
nbt - August 9, 2008
Z...
Great Movement…Bad Location. They did not miss any of his mistakes today. Wellenmeyer through some bad pitches today too…we just fouled them back or took them from strikes.
Hopefully Dempster has a good game tomorrow and Carpenter shows a little bit of rust. Carp looked great his last time out….but it was against the Dodgers…a vastly weaker offensive team than the Cubs. His only other start was against the Braves which was also a very medicore offensive team (No Chipper, No McCann, No Tex) at the time.
TheRiot Police - August 9, 2008
My wife and daughter went back to school shopping yesterday and
bought me a new Cubs shirt (the “rule” is that Dad has to get a “present” when they go shopping) and I wore it while watching the game. Since I can never wear it again after a loss like this, I guess I have a new cloth to wash the truck with.
MetsSuck - August 9, 2008
Nats
As a Nats season ticket holder, let me be the first to echo your comments. They truly do suck. Read Fire Jim Bowden if you want some interesting reading.
flyingdonut - August 9, 2008
As someone who isn't a Nats season ticket holder
You have my sympathy. The Nats really do suck.
And thank you for supporting baseball (or a reasonable facsimile) in our nation’s capital.
Josh Timmers - August 9, 2008
First in war
First in peace
Last in the
AmericanNational League!bubbamike the one and only - August 10, 2008
The Cubs will be ready to play tomorrow
They understand how important these games are. If they could bounce back from that debacle in STL when Wood blew the save, they can surely bounce back from this drubbing.
TheRiot Police - August 9, 2008
The Nats are not as bad
as the Padres, who are 4A. The Nats have some talent on their roster—except on the mound, of course. The Nats shouldn’t be this awful. The Padres are truly the worst team in all of baseball.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 9, 2008
The Dads are worse than the Mariners???
I don’t see either team very much, so I’m not sure who is worse.
Doggie looked good against the Rockies tonight.
DeRoMyHero - August 9, 2008
I wish I could have seen it.
No extra innings while I am in Chicago watching the Cubs but nice line score. His 2nd RBI IN TWO GAMES after going nearly two years without one ? He got actual run support thought the Padres
bullpen did their best to blow it up in the 9th. Apparently he can win on the road and in Coors too.
353 and counting.
Doggie Stalker - August 9, 2008
I think the Mariners
are the best last place team in baseball. After watching them a bit lately, it’s amazing they don’t win. The collapse of JJ Putz hasn’t helped. That line up isn’t terrible. Bad starting pitching has done them in, but they shouldn’t be so many games under .500.
A lesson—never, ever pay big bucks for a closer. Keep developing them, let somebody else pay for them, when they want to move on.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 9, 2008
Isn't terrible?
Safeco isn’t exactly a hitter’s park, but there’s a reason the Mariners have the second-lowest runs scored per game in the American League. Their most frequent lineup from this season, along with their OPS+:
Suzuki CF, 104
Lopez 2B, 106
Ibanez LF, 124
Beltre 3B, 102
Vidro DH, 66
Sexson 1B, 89
Wilkerson RF, 80
Johjima C, 49
Betancourt SS, 68
I mean holy crap. For reference, Neifi Perez has a career OPS+ of 64. The Mariners are in the freaking DH league, and yet they managed to construct a lineup that essentially uses ghost runners so Neifi gets three plate appearances each time through the lineup! One whole third of that lineup is Neifi Perez-caliber hitting! And until recently, one of those guys was their designated hitter!
And then, then… this utter joke of a lineup ends up pitching over half their games behind Carlos Silva, Jarrod Washburn, and Miguel Bautista. Yeah. ERA+s of 69, 85 and 60. Freaking wonderful.
But yeah, it’s Putz’s six blown saves that have the Ms at a 45-71 record. If he wasn’t such a gascan, they’d be at… 51-65!
cwyers - August 9, 2008
Thanks for the flame. I would hope this is a discussion.
On paper that lineup doesn’t look bad. As I said the Mariners pitching isn’t good. Putz is having an off year. I didn’t say he was the entire problem.
I’d take that line up over
Hairston CF
L Rodriguez ss
Giles RF
A Gonzalez 1B
Kouzmanoff 3B
Headley LF
Hundley C (only if this is Randy)
Iguchi 2B
Glendon Rusch beat this line up Friday night. 5 hits over six innings. He walked 5, struck out 3. He gave up 3 earned runs.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 9, 2008
On paper that lineup looks awful.
Contrast to the Padres:
C #Josh Bard 58
1B *Adrian Gonzalez 132
2B Tadahito Iguchi 74
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff 106
SS Khalil Greene 63
LF #Chase Headley 103
CF *Jody Gerut 122
RF *Brian Giles 125
Okay, sure, they match up well in the coveted “three Neifis” category, and that doesn’t include the pitcher hitting. But Gonzales, Gerut and Giles are are having great seasons at the plate, while the Mariners have only one guy in Ibanez that is meaninfully above average.
Greene will be back next year, and unlike Betancourt I like his chances to hit eventually. More to the point, in Gonzales, Greene and Kouzmanoff the Padres have a legitimate young core to build around. The Mariners have only one real prospect on offense right now that’s major league ready, and he’s blocked by Johjima.
Which brings up the real reason the Mariners are in such bad shape. Ichiro is signed through 2012, and to be frank I don’t think he’s playing up to his contract even in this year. Johjima is signed through 2011, and he’s probably not living up to his deal either. Betancourt is signed through 2012. Beltre’s signed through 2009. Washburn’s signed through ‘09, Silva’s signed through 2011, both have no-trade clauses and are expensive. Bautista is making $9 million next year, but thankfully for the M’s lacks a no-trade clause.
They have a lot of money tied up in bad players, which means less money and less roster spots to give to good players. And their top prospects are now in Baltimore after getting Bedard.
The Padres, to the extent that they have long-term committments, have long-term commitments to players who are actually worth having, like Peavy or Gonzalez or Greene. Sure, there’s flotsam like Josh Bard and Jody Gerut around, but there’s no long-term committment. You could turn over the Padres roster in an offseason or two. It’s going to take three or four years just to get all the excruiatingly bad Mariners players off payroll, much less replace them.
cwyers - August 10, 2008
The Nats have talent
on the DL. They really don’t have any talent on the field. Oh, someone named Ryan Zimmerman is playing, but the real Ryan Zimmerman is still on the DL.
When your best player is Cristian Guzman . . .At least the Padres have Jake Peavy and Adrian Gonzalez, who are quality ballplayers any team in the majors would take. I’d take the Padres over the Nats anyday.
Josh Timmers - August 9, 2008
In order of preference...
...I’d take any team in the majors over the Mariners. They have such a mix of bad contracts, untouchables who are on the decline and no prospects.
cwyers - August 9, 2008
Josh, if you saw them every day....
...they are horrid. As long as I have lived here, I’m seen some bad Padres squads. This one is the botttom 5 worst. (You can’t get any worse unless you are starting Archi Cianfroccio at 3rd every night. This squad can’t do anything right , they are entirely inept in all phases of the game—every outfielder except for the singles-hitting Giles is a 5th outfielder.
Mental mistakes abound. Their OPB is miserable. No speed at all. Gonzalez can be pitched around. Any team who pitches to him with a base open and runners on is stupid.
Peavy has to throw a shut-out to win. And, when they try to deal Maddux away, he’s of no help. It’s L-A or nothing. He could help many contenders, but he’s forced the Pads into a corner.
This team is horribly constructed. With no farm system (there is talent in the low minors) it won’t win for at least 2 more years. No money will be spent on free agents, unless they are second-tier. The current divorce battle between John and Becky Moores is now spilling over into what the team will do. Now, it’s unclear who will own the team. At least we know the Cubs are going through a sales process, so there will be an orderly transition.
I almost feel sorry for the fans. They were told Petco Park will make them competitive every year – they may not win every year, but there would be resources. As of now, everything is in (another) transition. The only hope is that - if there is off-season renovation to make Petco more hitter friendly, perhaps they can attract a bat or two - if indeed, they have ANY money.
With equivocation, the Padres are the dregs of baseball, and they have nobody to blame but themselves.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 9, 2008
I have seen the Nats play about 5 times this year
and I believe the have a good YOUNG core, they need to keep most of what they have and develop them and get a pitcher or two and they will a pretty good ball club
brownbuddha - August 9, 2008
You could see the Nationals finding their way into contention in a few years.
They’re primed for the Tampa Bay plan of “keep drafting in the top five until you have enough good players” plan, and you could pick a worse group to build around than Zimmerman, Milledge and Dukes. Their farm system is a barren wasteland right now, their pitching is an advertisement for the concept of replacement level and Bowden’s not a guy whose skillset seems to match up well with the task at hand.
Let’s not kid ourselves – they have some long odds ahead of them. But you have to like their odds better than, say, the Astros, who have hitched themselves to a string of bad contracts ready to enter their decline phase.
cwyers - August 10, 2008
Agreed, plus...
... they’ll probably draw 2.5 million this year—they’re averaging 29,946, which ranks 18th, not bad for such a horrid team. Most of that is because of the new park, but at least they’ll be taking in a little money. Perhaps they’ll even spend it.
As a point of reference, 2.5 million is about what that franchise drew in its last THREE years in Montreal combined, and almost a million more than they had in their final year in RFK in 2007.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
Talking with a DC colleague this week
I was surprised to learn that Nat ticket prices are competitive with Wrigley. With their record, you’d think they couldn’t give the tix away. Not so. They’re still eager to get to the park, as your figures attest.
Emelie - August 10, 2008
That won't last if they don't win.
As I said, it’s excitement over the new park. They’ve got maybe one more year of that before they have to start winning to draw.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
New Parks Are Good For The Short-Term
but ultimately you have to field a competitive team if you want to draw crowds and stay afloat.
I draw once again on my Tigers as an example. They drew very well in 2000, when Comerica Park opened and the club was fortunate enough to go 79-83, But by 2003 you could fire a cannon across the CoPa bleachers and not hit anyone. ‘03 was also the year that they lost 119 games, which combined with sagging attendance provoked Mike Ilitch into spending as much on the Tigers as he had the Red Wings. Once money was put into player development and FA signings like Pudge and Magglio, the team started doing better and the crowds returned in full force by 2006.
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
And in all fairness
They’ve gotten shut out by CC and Sheets. Yes, we’d like the Nats to beat the Brewers, but we’re not talking journeymen here, it’s not surprising those two won.
chitownhawkeye - August 10, 2008
thoughts
I dont think it mattered who was on the mound today—whether it be big z,johan,cc,etc!!! the cards were gonna do exactly what they did today. hopefully they got it out of their system. on to tommorrow when we are so patiently waiting on that great broadcast team thats been together 100 years. go cubbies
cubsluver22 - August 9, 2008
No biggie...
I think we can all keep some perspective, especially with the way this team as been playing. As Al said, these games happen.
I was telling someone just yesterday that the difference between this year and last for Cub fans is confidence. Normally we’d start to worry after Z had a bad outing. However, this year you just shrug your shoulders, knowing this team will bounce back…likely tomorrow.
Good start from Demp will put this game out of our heads.
Canadian Cubs Fan - August 9, 2008
One of the guys at BP had mentioned Z's arm angle dropping a couple of weeks ago.
He also said it could be from injury. I hope he is wrong and Z just had one of those days. But we will all be watching closely during his next start.
Rick B - August 9, 2008
Something that may affect the NL West and WC...
Orlando Hudson injured his wrist against the Braves tonight, and it might be serious. (It was a little like DLee’s injury—glove colliding with a baserunner.)
Not sure the Snakes are as good without him.
DeRoMyHero - August 9, 2008
Early report is that Hudson has either a fractured or dislocated wrist. Ouch!
Link
DeRoMyHero - August 9, 2008
sickening
considering I traded for him last monday on my fantasy team.
cubsluver22 - August 10, 2008
El Caballo out 6-8 weeks
Carlos Lee broke a pinkie finger tonight and probably is done for the season.
Too bad for him, but the Cubs have six more games against Houston. Not seeing Lee until 2009 would be nice.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 9, 2008
wow.
I’d never wish harm on a player, but that is something of a break for us. Hah. Break. Get it? :P
drewishdrewid - August 9, 2008
Talk about a knee-slapper
:) I wish no ill will on Lee—I think he’s a great player and a pretty good guy. But I’ll take this break, no pun intended.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 10, 2008
I Used To Be Like That
meaning that I’d wish a guy like Pujols or Biggio would get hurt. But since DLee’s wrist injury in 2006 I’ve sworn off that kind of jackassery for good. The Golden Rule, y’know…
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
6-8 weeks ?
Isn’tthat the SEASON? What he wants to come back the final week so Houston can finish 4th ?
Rest up. I like him but not hitting against the Cubs.
Doggie Stalker - August 9, 2008
The Cubs' final game against Houston this year...
... is on September 14.
That’s five weeks from today. I don’t think we’ll see Carlos again this year.
And as above, I don’t wish injury on anyone. But I’m very happy we won’t have to face him till 2009.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
OT: Carlos Lee out 6-8 weeks with broken finger
Source: MLB.COM
flachimesa - August 9, 2008
Maybe
we should send a nice Thank You card to Arroyo.
Luigi - August 9, 2008
Credit Where Credit is Due
I sure appeared to me like the Cards actually had a plan today. From that first pitch double off the right field wall right through the rest of Z’s innings, they seemed to be ready regardless of the pitch. If they had been playing in St. Louis I’d think someone was stealing signs but the reality is that TLR and his staff just had them ready. LaRussa is canny and does his homework well. That’s they biggest reason the Cards are still in contention with a team that, on paper, isn’t that good. Hopefully Lou can outsmart him tomorrow.
I despise the Cardinals as much as any Cubs fan but you’ve got to hand it to them. They get the most from what they’ve got. I’d rather watch Cubs-Cardinals than any other matchup.
Luigi - August 9, 2008
Not Unlike A Top Notch Collegiate Program
where you can stick new guys in there every 3-4 years and still get great results. Duke basketball, Osborne-era Cornhuskers, Rod Deadeaux’s Trojan baseball teams….
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
Hic Cup....
Only…..
James031 - August 9, 2008
what do we do with Fukudome?
he’s killing us. start LBR at 2nd and DeRo in LF?
Spydey - August 9, 2008
sorry
DeRo in RF! keep Sori in left!
Spydey - August 9, 2008
I'll give you $40 million reasons why you keep playing him....
NotSure - August 9, 2008
Notice how DeRo is swinging the bat better now that he's been able to settle down a bit at 2B?
Why mess with that?
DeRoMyHero - August 9, 2008
Maybe some time off ...
would help – but I’m thinking a week in Japan. He could have one of those mysterious hamstring pulls and get a 15 day pass. There’s something that hasn’t been clicking mentally for him, and maybe he finds it back in his homeland. The Cubs would miss his defense in RF, but DeRo does OK out there, and his recent hitting tear would hopefully not be affected bu the move. I’d rather see DeRo in RF with Fontenot and Cedeno splitting time at 2B than Ward patrolling RF. Yeesh. Fontenot somewhat ties up the Cubs hands as a non-utility IF, where they’re only comfortable putting him at 2B.
SpudV - August 9, 2008
Yeah, that's perfect
What do you do with a tired ballplayer? Stick him on a plane for 14 hours and just when he’s adjusted to the jet lag, stick him on a plane for 14 hours again. Then he’ll be all refreshed and ready for the stretch run.
The mind boggles.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 10, 2008
OK, Spud Was Just Making A Suggestion
The rest of his/her post was solid, IMO.
Let’s see if the Cubs’ lead dwindles down to a game or (God forbid) a tie with Milwaukee or St. Louis. Then you might consider giving Dome some extended rest until the Cubs can regain command of the division.
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
That makes it sound as if Dome
would be solely responsible for such a thing. So if the lead dwindles, you give one of your key players more time off? That makes no sense, either.
I think I’ll trust Lou on this one, thanks.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 10, 2008
Do You Trust Lou Now
After saying Dome needs to get going or else he (Lou) might consider another option?
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
Worst part of today...
...is getting shut down by Todd “Scrap Heap” Wellemeyer…
If this isn’t evidence that the Cardinals have one of the better pitching coaches in baseball, nothing is.
And we have Larry Rothschild….sigh….
NotSure - August 9, 2008
Look, every major leaguer has his career year, eventually.
As long as a player persists, and somebody believes in him, it can happen. But don’t expect this to be for the long term.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 9, 2008
How can you be mad at Rothschild...
look at what he has turned Ryan Dempster into.
Raconteur - August 9, 2008
Uh, Dempster turned Dempster into Dempster....
...he was a Marlins ace going back to early this decade and performed a conditioning program in the offseason.
Dempster has ALWAYS been a talented pitcher, if injured.
NotSure - August 9, 2008
Dempster...
... is having a far better year than any year he had in Florida.
But I agree with you that his conditioning program has more to do with his success this year than anything Larry Rothschild did.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
Rothschild was a terrible manager in Tampa...
...and I’ve never understood the reputation he has a pitching coach…
NotSure - August 9, 2008
If you are going to blmae Rothschild when the pitching staff isn't doing well,
it is only fair that you give him credit when it is doing well. They are 2nd in era and runs allowed in the NL. The pitching is the reason they are where they are in the standings. Like it or not, Rothschild deserves some credit for the results of this staff.
Rick B - August 10, 2008
Some, but not much credit....
...the Cubs have an incredibly talented staff right now. If he’s so great, why wasn’t he able to improve a staff of journeymen in Tampa? And remember that he’s had Lou Pinella and Jack McKeon as managers…two of the best, IMO, baseball minds in the game.
It’s easier to win with good players…just ask Dusty Baker…I don’t think pitching coaches make that much difference at the ML level, except to keep the pitchers focused on their mechanics. With the injuries suffered by the Cubs staff over time, they have failed on that account.
NotSure - August 10, 2008
He does have some "ring" success as a pitching/bullpen coach
He won two World Series rings (one with Lou’s 1990’s Reds and one with the ‘97 Marlins).
How important is a pitching coach? Leo Mazzone was considered one of the best pitching coaches of the 90s and early 2000’s with the Atlanta Braves.
Not so good as Baltimore’s pitching coach.
flachimesa - August 10, 2008
Maybe the O's Pitchers Didn't Listen?
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
Yeah, and if the Cubs weren't "shut down" by Welly,
they would have lost 12-7.
Forget it. Nobody goes 162-0.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 10, 2008
Not arguing that, but it's frustrating to lose to a Cubs castoff...
NotSure - August 10, 2008
Tribco strikes in San Diego
Tribco’s KSWB became a Fox affiliate August 1st. Today, the Cubs magically appeared on FOX-5/San Diego. The scheduled game was Yankees/Angels…...The newspapers, the Cable guides…all Yankees/Angels. The Dodgers/Angels always run in San Diego, when they are on FOX.
For a hot moment, I didn’t get it. Why Cubs/Cardinals?
Then it hit me. How did I not realize?
Obviously, the “hot line” rang in San Diego….....from the “Tower.”
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 9, 2008
In retrospect...
I was not terribly sad that the Angels-Yankees game was the game du jour out here in the Inland Empire. It would have sucked to watch this bad day on the diamond.
Ross - August 10, 2008
XETV is not the Fox station in San Diego anymore?
I always find the “border-buster” stations down there fascinating. Love how they have to play the Mexican national anthem at midnight and La Hora Nacional on Sunday nights.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 10, 2008
HAHAHA
XTRA-AM’s transmitter was in Tijuana, and every morning at 3am they’d play the Mexican National Anthem. Man that’s a long song!
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
I think that's some sort of law in Mexico
that every radio station must play the national anthem once a day, and also the Sunday-night public affairs show.
Indeed, it is a long song.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 10, 2008
We will get'um tomorrow!
Go Cubs.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 9, 2008
Arm Slot?
What is the basis for the shoulder concerns? His arm slot and release point seem identical to his last start, he just didn’t have command and the Cardinals took advantage, big time.
Harry Pavlidis - August 9, 2008
I don't have any specific evidence, but....
... to me, the arm slot seemed different than his previous start.
You’re right about lack of command, but there can be many reasons for that.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
I've got evidence
:-)
Well, we all do, thanks to Gameday. But I dug in a little, and, well, some more eyeballs will maybe see something I’m not – but his arm angle (based both on release points on “spin movement” (which is essentially a combination of arm plane, grip and release point/pressure/etc) looks fine.
http://www.cubsfx.com/2008/08/carlos-zambranos-worst-start-ever.html
Allow me to suggest it is a little dicey to suggest a guy has an injury when there’s no actual evidence to suggest it. Same thing happened earlier this year, when an Arizona paper ran an piece on their site about Webb having dead arm, based on PITCHf/x data. I closer look at those numbers showed no reason for concern.
Harry Pavlidis - August 10, 2008
Hey Al......
I have a question. I was standing next to you guys getting into Wrigley today…cept I was in the GA line. Why the hell do they let that clown with the STL signs…you know the guy… in the Season Ticket holder line. Thats BS. I am very sick and tired of that guy. He gets countless fans tossed by inciting them. I know he’s only allowed to hold up the signs between inning s now but I think it’s unfair for him to hold up demeaning signs towards not just the Cubs…but Cub fans then simply point out to security people that flip him off just to see them tossed. I dont know if you saw but he had hired security with him today. SOme huge muscle dude.
All I have to say is if you have to bring muscle with you then you obviously know you are doing something wrong.
Keystone80435 - August 10, 2008
He's in that line because...
... he knows some season ticket holders and came in with a season ticket.
I think he’s fairly harmless. I didn’t see the security guard.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
Some Days the Bear Eats You
this is one of those rare times I’m glad I wasn’t at the park. At least the game thread took some of the pain away, misery in numbers and all that.
Emelie - August 10, 2008
Dome is going to be ok
I was reading earlier this year before the season started that Dome wasn’t expected to do all that well hitting. This was going to be his first year in the bigs, and he was going to struggle with American pitching. I think that got thrown for a loop because he came out so hot in the beginning of the season. I really think it’s because teams are starting to get a book on him and finding the “holes” in his swing. I’ve noticed several times watching from MLB, Gameday, etc, that teams are starting to pitch him a lot outside, and they’ll go way outside. They know he likes going opposite field so it looks to me like they’re trying to take that away. He’ll have to make some adjustments along the way, but I do think by the time the playoffs get here, he’ll be fine.
nmcubsfan - August 10, 2008
I hope you're right.
It’s been a couple of months since teams have started to pitch him this way—and he hasn’t yet made the adjustments. Note that Lou didn’t hesitate to double-switch him out of the game in the 5th inning yesterday. I like his approach to the game, but he is going to have to produce or Lou’s going to wind up sitting him on the bench more frequently.
Al Yellon - August 10, 2008
fukudome
has good speed and good plate discipline. they are gonna keep pitching him outside. He’s a slap hitter. what i would like fo rhim to do is start laying a few down that 3rd baseline. A few of those and they will stop staying on that outside corner.
cubsluver22 - August 10, 2008
The best way to stop these fights.
Is to not allow Cardinal fans in the ballpark.
All Those in Favor, Say “Aye”!
diehardmark - August 10, 2008
You're kidding, right?
Shanghai Badger - August 10, 2008
Aye!
Although I’m not sure how you legally can enforce such a mandate.
Interestingly enough, I took to policing myself when I’d go to Cub games on the road. Once it occurred to me how obnoxious it is to have the fans of other teams sitting in your home team’s park whooping and hollering with all their gear on, I’d just wear plain T-shirts and shorts to Dodger Stadium and Petco Park and quietly applaud the Cubs. Made me less of a target for mustard-covered hot dogs and peanut missiles that way.
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
Meh
I don’t care if someone sitting next to me is rooting for the other team. That in and of itself isn’t obnoxious. It’s all about how the person conducts himself/herself.
Shanghai Badger - August 10, 2008
I Getcha
Different strokes, as Gary Coleman used to say. I just consider it bad form when you’re at someone else’s “house” as a “guest” and you root against the host team. I know it pisses me off when I see Yankee fans at Fenway and Brewer fans at Wrigley.
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
Let''s Hang the Goat Out to Dry!
sweetswinger - August 10, 2008
What Is Your Opinion...
First, let’s hope we can hold on for the Division—despite yesterday’s anomaly, I still feel confident and I think we’ll stick it to the Cardinals tonight. Not to look ahead, but assuming we make the playoffs / win the division, it always worries me that you can have a great season, then just have 3-4 bad games in the NLDS and you go home. What’s the best way / what can you do differently, to just really, really step it up in the NLDS?? Not to drag the season out till Christmas, but I think the Best-of-5 after 162 games isn’t right.
Just a thought…
nervousCUBlover - August 10, 2008
Play Airtight Baseball
Try to eliminate any and all mental mistakes and execute as close to perfection. Sure, any team can get hot in a short series and not much can be done when that happens, but a team that can combine superieor talent with opportune hitting/pitching/fielding should still ultimately triumph.
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
I agree that the format isn't the best
Because anything can happen in a short series.
It’s two different games—a marathon followed by a sprint. Unlike the NFL or the NBA, which have consistent formats.
That’s why getting another ace-type pitcher was so important. Even a healthy Z and Harden wouldn’t be a guarantee of success, but it sure makes the chances better.
Shanghai Badger - August 10, 2008
Two Other Options
1) Return to a 154-game schedule and make the Division Series a best of seven format, the cries of poverty from the owners be damned.
2) As a fan, reset what you define as the “goal” of your team so that it’s being the best in the league over the course of a season. Having the best W-L record over the course of six months is quite a feat in of itself, and perhaps a truer measure of success than a potentially flukey handful of games in October. Probably that’s why the Cincinnati Reds made it a point to create a “best overall record” flag for themselves in 1981 (hmm, wonder if the Expos did that for 1994?).
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
I'd prefer
to go back to the days of the real Pennant race. None of this divisional nonsense.
drewishdrewid - August 10, 2008
+1
CaliCub - August 10, 2008
Zambrano question
Has anyone ever tracked his ERA in games he hits homers vs. his ERA in games he doesn’t? I don’t have time to, but I’d guess it’s significantly worse in games when he does have a home run. I think he gets distracted, maybe too pumped up, and loses his concentration on the mound. If anyone has time to do the research, I’d be fascinated to know if I’m right about this.
Anyway, as for resting him, I’m all for it if his shoulder is bothering him. If not, there’s no reason to, and the extra rest may indeed be hurting his performance. I believe (maybe I’m wrong) that he got an extra day’s rest before yesterday’s start, and not only that, he pitched just 5 innings the previous time out. I think he needs to pitch more innings more often to be effective (as do many pitchers, for that matter).
danimal15 - August 10, 2008
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