Positive spin. Positive spin. Positive spin.
Oh, the heck with it. There is no positive spin you can put on today's depressing 3-0 Cub shutout loss to the Astros, the first shutout loss since... the last time the Astros were in town a month ago, when they blanked the Cubs and Ryan Dempster on Tornado Siren Night, a game shortened to eight innings by the storms that blew through. Today's sellout crowd, as well as the Cubs bats, were as quiet as those storms were loud.
Today's storm was Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt, who looked like the Oswalt who killed the Cubs back in 2004; Dave, Mike & I agreed that Oswalt's was the best pitching performance we had seen all year. Until he ran out of gas and gave up two hits in the ninth, two bouncy little singles, one by Geovany Soto, one by Ryan Theriot, were all the "offense" the Cubs could muster. They went walkless for the first time since... well, since I can remember, and checking a few boxscores for the last couple of months, I can't remember them going walkless since June.
It felt terrible. It felt depressing. It felt... well, I don't want to go there. Let's look at it this way: with the Mets beating the Brewers 4-2 today, the Cubs don't lose any ground and get another game taken off the schedule. (And though I hate to see anyone injured, if Ben Sheets has to miss any time with the groin injury he suffered today, the Brewers have trouble ahed.) Let's look at it this way: the Phillies, who came in and looked pretty solid all weekend, lost to a really bad Washington team and got no-hit for five innings today. And tomorrow, the Cubs face Brandon Backe, who isn't Roy Oswalt, and Carlos Zambrano will go -- pushed back only two days, so you can take off your tinfoil hat if you're worried about Z and any spin you might have put on the fact that he didn't throw yesterday.
Here's some positive spin: at least the Cubs showed some offensive life in the 9th inning, and had the wind not been blowing in, maybe Derrek Lee's warning-track fly ball would have made the basket (hey! could have been the first use of replay!) and the game would have been tied. Credit, too, to Alfonso Soriano for breaking up what could have been a game-ending DP ball hit by Kosuke Fukudome in that 9th inning with a nice rolling slide, at least giving D-Lee a chance. Soriano also made one catch today without bunny-hopping; instead he did his best imitation of a stork, standing on one leg while catching Darin Erstad's fly ball in the 7th.
And give credit to the Astros, who are 25-10 since July 26, and have done virtually all of that without Carlos Lee, who has been out since August 9.
More positive spin: Jason Marquis did a nice job today, throwing six innings, allowing five hits and striking out eight, the most K's he's had in a game in more than three years, dropping his ERA to 4.46. And although Jeff Samardzija wild-pitched in the third run, he and the just-recalled Michael Wuertz kept the game close.
Speaking of today's recalls, I did not know before reading Koyie Hill had severed most of the fingers on his right hand, his throwing hand, last offseason in a table saw accident. Credit to him for working hard to keep playing and to make it back to the major leagues, even for a September callup, and I think it'd be great if he had even one contribution to the Cubs' playoff run.
Playoff run. Remember that? Do you? It's still going. Even though the Cubs have lost three in a row at home for the first time all season, there is plenty of time left and do not forget that this is a damn good team and they have many more wins left in them, for this month... and next. We'll get 'em tomorrow.
0 recs | 104 comments
first
…so there.
sniffy the bee - September 1, 2008
I was listening to the game on the highway...
…and the only consolation was that , every time the Cubs had yet another scoreless inning, something somewhat positive happened in the Mets-Brewers game.
sniffy the bee - September 1, 2008
20 games in last 20 days
The Cubs looked a little gassed today; a bit sloppy on defense, and little fire on offense. I hope they can suck it up for the stretch.
Carolina Cubbie - September 1, 2008
Cub offense looks gassed, and the defense shabby around the edges
The poor air quality that has hunkered down over Chicago the past few days certainly can’t be helping. If it were my ballclub I would do the radical on Tuesday…sit Lee, Soriano, Edmonds and Soto for the day and play Hoffpauier (1st), Ward (LF), Johnson and Hill.
MDBNIU - September 1, 2008
you really
DO want this team to lose.
Go brewers and phillies and astros, right?
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
Boy I just
don’t get him wanting to set 4 starters at one time. Unreal!
sue369 - September 1, 2008
At least he has some ideas that extend beyond mindless cheerleading
Sometimes shaking up a gassed lineup can help but you’d have to actually understand baseball to get that part.
bluekoolaide - September 1, 2008
you're joking.
I can see giving Soto some rest, although I don’t know if I’d play Hill over Blanco.
Ward in LF???? Yeah, right.
Hoffpauer at first over Lee? How many of Riot’s throws do you WANT to see in the visitor’s dugout?
No one is mindlessly cheerleading. But you don’t sit the foundation of your starting lineup ALL AT ONCE.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
Hoffpauir
should not play over Lee, except in a blowout or if Lee needs time off – I agree. However, I don’t think his defense at 1B is terrible like you suggest.
JohnM - September 2, 2008
Having Ward play left field in left field?
Give me mindless cheerleading any day over that.
Madison Cub Fan - September 1, 2008
I have no problem with
Lou resting some of the starters but not 4 at a time. That’s just stupid. I’ll take mindless cheerleading over constant bitching any day.
sue369 - September 1, 2008
well....
you know what logically speaking i would call him crazy but with this team he might be onto something. we find a way to win somehow,someway. I kinda dont mind this losing and slumping right now. lets inch into the playoffs and get smoking hot again all at once cause thats what its gonna take. I trust this team and I trust no matter what lineup on any given day will find a way to get it done. were destined and its full of day to day different heroes.
I’ve always said during life that it will all come together at once. well this year i’m on the brink at just that. Ive strived very hard in all my endeavors. my occupation,my wife,my kids, my cubs. seemingly this year I seem to be getting really close. I think its time we all band together like no other and enjoy this as ONE!!! please lets believe!!
cubsluver22 - September 1, 2008
You win by putting your best players on the field.
cwyers - September 1, 2008
But our best players
aren’t playing that way.
JPetey - September 1, 2008
this isn't on the level
of replacing Rex Grossman with Kyle Orton, or vice versa.
You simply do not play Micah Hoffpauer over Derek Lee at first at the same time that you’re playing Daryle Ward in left over Soriano, and Koyie Hill over Soto at the plate. Not all at once. Not when you want to win the game.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
And yet just hours ago you were telling us how little our callups mattered...
…because Lou wouldn’t let up off the gas in a tight playoff race.
cwyers - September 1, 2008
What the hell?
Literally the first two games I’ve missed (not seen or heard) all year and they lose – and look bad doing it.
Remind me not to miss any more…
lostinthevines - September 1, 2008
Don't miss any more games!!!
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
no more missing games!
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
Reality
There is no question that this is a good team, a team worthy of going to the postseason.
However…
Based on what I have seen over the course of the season, and particularly over the last few games, I have concerns about how far this team can go in the postseason. My concerns:
They can score runs in bunches, but they are inconsistent. The number of come-from-behind wins have been great, but how often could those deficits have been avoided with a couple of timely hits in the first few innings?
Soriano – the man just has no interest in playing team baseball. I love the home runs, but I would trade them for a few more clutch hits. His stats in that area are pitiful. I am tired of watching him strike out on a breaking ball in the dirt or while trying to pull a pitch on the outside half. He is what he is and he isn’t likely to change, which is all the more disappointing.
Lee – Watching him roll over and hit grounders to short in clutch situations is sad. I don’t know what he is doing differently, but his ability to consistently drive the ball seems to be missing. I wonder if he has a hidden injury, or perhaps if other issues might be on his mind.
Fukudome – We have all talked about it. He is clearly a different hitter than he was four months ago. The league has adjusted to him and he has not yet been able to adjust back. Love his defense and love his hustle, but his decline at the plate has been alarming.
The Pen – Cotts and Howry are not playoff caliber. The nouveau Nasty Boys are intimidating and may be enough, but can they go in back-to-back-to-back games?
Z’s tired arm – I don’t think the Cubs are hiding anything, but still, it is a concern.
Taking pitches – God forgive me for saying this, but this weekend there were a ridiculous number of called third strikes on pitches that should have been hammered. I love patience at the plate, but not at the expense of multiple called third strikes.
Fatigue – 20 games in 20 days, this team is just tired. I would love to see them start the Iowa all-stars tomorrow, get some hunger and fire out there and give the regular guys a blow, maybe even for a couple of days. This is the sort of thing that could linger for a long time and debilitate the team.
Pressure – Nobody in the Cubs club house talks much about it, but whenever this team gets close, this year, next year, 100 years, the pressure to “break the curse” could become overwhelming. It will take a mentally tough group of men to overcome.
I do not intend this to be a “Sky is falling” post. These are concerns I have had for a while now, as I have watched this team evolve. It does nothing to diminish my excitement for the season. I think this team could win it all, but (like many teams out there) there are many issues it will need to overcome. I really don’t want to see a repeat of last year’s Arizona series.
I will now put the shields up to defend myself from the multiple slams I will receive for being a naysayer, gloom and doomer, negative person, non-fan, closet Cards or Brew Crew fan, or any one of a number of insults that will likely come my way.
In conclusion, go Cubs!
Ross - September 1, 2008
+1
And I’ll add I’m also worried about Harden, who hasn’t been as dominating lately.
danimal15 - September 1, 2008
"Lately"?
You mean in his last outing?
In the three starts before that, Harden was 3-0, with one run allowed in 19 IP, 5 BB, 23 strikeouts. Pretty dominating, if you ask me. He’ll be fine.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
Thats miserable compared to the expectations we have on the cubs nowadays
cubsfaninatl - September 1, 2008
Not going to slam you. I'm just going to say they are not a perfect team.
But they are the best team in the NL. They have the highest winning percentage against winning teams in the NL. They will be fine. I’d rather dwell on the reasons they are so good than worry about all the things that could “possibly” go wrong.
Rick B - September 1, 2008
+1 and recommended
Ilan - September 1, 2008
Soriano
hasn’t hit a home run in weeks. What he HAS been doing is getting on base. Kind of like a lead-off hitter.
I just don’t understand why people think he doesn’t play the game right. I really don’t.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
Soriano hasn't hit a HR in weeks?
Hm. Guess I imagined the gamewinner on Friday.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
sorry
forgot about that one.
The point remains, he’s not been striving to hit HRs left and right. He’s been putting the bat on the ball, and getting on base.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
Point taken.
But when he’s on one of his hot streaks, he’ll do that on-base thing AND hit multiple homers in a week.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
I know.
and I keep hoping one of those happens.
But when he’s not, I’d rather him get on base than try to hit HRs — and that’s what it appears that he’s doing.
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
Soriano
It actually hasn’t been weeks since his last home run he had a game winning hr against the reds on Friday. Soriano doesn’t play the game right due to his careless errors in the field, watch hr’s or warning track power that occurred in milwaukee and in Atlantla which put the team in unwanted position and his lack of big hits. He has had some clutch hits but when you make that kind of money it needs to be happening a lot more. I’m not a complete hater of Soriano but I think if he needs to improve in his all around play. In the end I do believe Soriano is going to have a tremdous last few weeks and will see the return of his deadly power
Bpatterson83 - September 1, 2008
So, if he got paid league minimum he would be ok?
LT - September 1, 2008
Soriano has always been a defensive liability
everyone knew that going in, atleast he is no longer playing second, except for that 1/2 inning earlier this year. I can handle his mediocre defense as long as he puts up his numbers. You almost sound like the guy I was sitting next to the other day. He had napoleon dynamite’s voice….“Gawd Soriano earn your paycheck……Put Derosa in right field already.” That is a direct quote by the way.
bheidge - September 1, 2008
why be satisfied with his mediocre defense?
I think most people would agree that with his salary as high as it is his overall game should be more consistent that it is. Sweet quote by the way
Bpatterson83 - September 1, 2008
considering he has missed a lot of time
his offensive numbers make up for his defense…..so no i would not agree with you, nor do i think “most” people would
he will never ever do enough to earn his salary in the eyes of people like you…..it’s the same problem a-rod has
take a look at the cubs record when he’s in the lineup vs. when he’s not….he completely changes the way teams approach the cubs
cubswynn - September 1, 2008
yeah he gets paid alot but
its not like we got barry zito’d or carlos silva’d. I am worried a few years down the road when his bat speed decreases though…….
bheidge - September 1, 2008
i do too
these back loaded contracts are gonna SUCK…hope hendry is smarter than me
cubswynn - September 1, 2008
As I have said many times...
… if the Cubs win this year, I don’t care about the backloaded contracts.
Al Yellon - September 2, 2008
doesn't that go without saying?!
cubswynn - September 2, 2008
Soriano's defense isn't mediocre.
Seriously – when you compare him to his peers, as in other corner outfielders, he is a plus defensive player.
cwyers - September 1, 2008
I say mediocre
because, he doesnt really make too many great plays and a lot of times he just mindfucks himself out of a routine play. Compared to other Left fielders he could be considered above average…….but I hold him to a higher standard than that and I have no explanation why
bheidge - September 1, 2008
for every bad routes he takes
his arm makes up for it…..let’s not forget that part of his game
cubswynn - September 1, 2008
agreed
he definitely has a cannon for an arm.
bheidge - September 1, 2008
Well maybe you shouldnt hold him to a higher standard.
Has he given any reason to? Unlike Dome, Cubs didn’t get Sori to make their outfield defense better. So why hold him to a higher standard.
If it has to do w/ his contract….. not his fault the Cubs signed him too that much.
Madison Cub Fan - September 1, 2008
Plus as in...
…Soriano + ball hit to him = poor jump, bad route, dropped ball and at times, less than a maximum effort to get to the baseball.
I know we disagree on the revelance on certain statistics and I also realize there are some less than stellar corner outfielders, but I do not believe that Soriano is a + defender at his position.
MPH73 - September 1, 2008
Im no sabermagician.....
so I would be curious to see how his stats look as opposed to other LF’ers in the NL.
Madison Cub Fan - September 1, 2008
Sigh.
Soriano’s total line, 2008: .288/.343/.539
Soriano, RISP, 2008: .292/.385/.635
Soriano, Bases Loaded, 2008: 1.000/.500/1.500
Yep. Look at all of those pitiful stats!
cwyers - September 1, 2008
dfa!
cubswynn - September 1, 2008
The dude is talented...
…and he can flat out hit, especially when he gets in one of his locked in modes. I have come to appreciate his skills with the bat more and more and he is a + hitter at the plate.
MPH73 - September 1, 2008
You're Free To Dislike A Player With The Best Stats In The World
You can say you don’t like his style, or the way he wears the uniform, or that he reminds you of a high school bully, or that he just irks you for some intangible reason. I can accept that. But don’t make the mistake I have on occasion, which is to try to statistically justify a personal dislike only to have the numbers betray you.
CaliCub - September 1, 2008
I call your stats and raise you...
.250 BA vs RHP. (.383 vs LHP)
.753 OPS vs RHP (1.190 vs LHP)
Late innings of close games
.176 ba (6-for-34), 3 RBI (.243 OBP, .412 SLG)
Behind in the count
.185 BA, .188 OBP (Is behind in the count 61% of the time)
Average in extra innings
.100 BA (1-for-10)
With two outs
.255 (27-for-106)
BA vs Division Rivials
.211 vs Reds
.179 vs Astros
.242 vs. Brewers
.259 vs Cardinals
.417 vs Pirates
Of his 60 hits at Wrigley this year, just seven went to right
Look, we can both throw stats at each other. Pitchers pitch Soriano outside and he keeps trying to pull it. That is just stupid, and it hurts the team. It doesn’t mean they should cut him. But it would be nice to see him do a little more.
Ross - September 2, 2008
Soriano
bugs me sometimes but I feel like defending him. No team baseball? Did you miss his take-out slide to keep the 9th inning rally
-which he helped start -going, yesterday? Not clutch? What difference does it make if he hits his 3-run homers in the 8th inning or the 3rd inning? You’re knocking a guy for driving in 63 runs in 89 games (and out of the lead-off spot) because they’re not driven in at the right time of games?JohnM - September 2, 2008
That wasn't supposed to be crossed out - it was supposed to be in parentheses
Soriano, or course, did help start that 9th inning rally with a clutch single with a runner on first and one out.
JohnM - September 2, 2008
Yep depressing
pretty much sums it up.
sue369 - September 1, 2008
shit, to make it even more depressing..
I start school tomorrow!!
Chanman25 - September 1, 2008
Al, wasn't it D. Ward, not Soto, who had the single?
GoCubbies34 - September 1, 2008
And Soriano, not Theriot
GoCubbies34 - September 1, 2008
I think Al was talking earlier in the game, against Oswalt.
Carolina Cubbie - September 1, 2008
Correct.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
Gotcha...
I misread that as the two singles being the two hits in the ninth.
GoCubbies34 - September 1, 2008
Positive spin.
Here’s some positive spin.
Even though the Cubs lost, it is essentially a wash, as EVERY other team chasing them lost, so now there’s just one less game on the schedule. The Happy Digit is now 15 for a playoff spot, so I’m cool with it.
BTW, I was at the Nationals-Phillies game today, and the Nationals are a completely different team then they were two weeks ago. Big time offense now.
flyingdonut - September 1, 2008
3 game home losing streak...our longest of the year is 4 overall
We have had a 4 game losing streak this year, June 26, 27, 28, and 29. We lost to Baltimore and then were swept by the White Sox (Crawdad, I said the magical word!). Puts things in perspective a bit once we know that the “worst” we have been this year was losing four games!
Dan
dtpollitt - September 1, 2008
That may have been the dates...
But the Cubs swept the White Sox at home……..The White Sox swept the Cubs at the Cell
kcjones - September 1, 2008
I think he meant..
… the longest losing streak is 4, overall, not 4 at home.
Al Yellon - September 2, 2008
I hate to admit it but I'm starting to get nervous
Being a fan for many years I am starting to wonder if the collapse is starting. The last few weeks have been joyous. I have taken Al’s advice and have really started to let every game sink in as I take note of where I am during this “magical” season. A win tomorrow will do wonders for my psyche.
mgfabc - September 1, 2008
A collapse is virtually impossible.
If the Cubs lose every one of their remaining series, Philadelphia or St. Louis would have to sweep three of their final eight series. And win the other five. Not going to happen.
Rick B - September 1, 2008
For those
that want to sit the entire starting roster tomorrow, have you looked at the schedule? Do you not realize that there are 2 off days in the next 7 days, and 3 in the next 14 days? What do you want, rest now, or rest all of October?
Moose
moose97 - September 1, 2008
+1
The only guy who really looks like he needs a day off is Soriano. That, I might consider doing.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
+2
Grockcubs - September 1, 2008
Agree
No need to rest the starters all at once at this point.
Carolina Cubbie - September 1, 2008
With the
off days upcoming, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some starters get the day before/after off days to give them two days in a row off. Now that I can support…
Moose
moose97 - September 1, 2008
sure
you could give each of the four starters listed above two days off in the next 7 days, and STILL only sit one of them at a time. One the day before the first day off, one the day after the first day off (the 4th), one the day before the second day off, and one after the second day off (the 8th).
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
My biggest concern is the offense
Despite the fact that the Cubs DID manufacture runs to score and win a few ballgames the past couple of weeks I have concerns going forward. Especially come playoff time when we get the privilege of facing Webb, Haren, Johnson in the first round. If Soriano isn’t hotter than shit then I worry about this Cub offense against good pitching.
MDBNIU - September 1, 2008
Don't be so sure Arizona is going to win that division.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
MDBDNIU
when the Cubs are winning what do you do with all your free time?
Madison Cub Fan - September 1, 2008
Da Bears!
drewishdrewid - September 1, 2008
What's the extra "D" stand for?
JohnM - September 2, 2008
anyone else
absolutely loathe valverde as much as me ? all his stupid ass quirks i absolutely positively can not stand that guy.
Cubbinstrongsince86 - September 1, 2008
same here
its hard to say this since I am currently a fan of Edmonds, but I really dont think I could cheer for that guy if he was on the cubs.
bheidge - September 1, 2008
I'm with you
the guy just pisses me off. He has given up 10 jacks in 62 innings. I would love to see Ramy dial up against him, or for that matters, any Cub.
Grockcubs - September 1, 2008
Let's keep calm. What has happened?
They won nine series in a row. They split with a good Phillie team. And if they win the next two they will win another series. They haven’t lost a series in over a month.
Rick B - September 1, 2008
+1
even if we lose this series, the astros are hot right now and oswalt is tough to beat REGARDLESS of who he is facing
cubswynn - September 1, 2008
From the "just when you thought you've seen it all" department...
I have to say Tejada’s triple was probably the most interesting hit of the day. He absolutely smoked a line drive to the left field corner that hit off the wall just below the basket and ricocheted all the way to and through the Cubs bullpen. If Ramirez hadn’t had to cover third, he might have fielded it. As it was, Soriano had to chase it all the way down. And he was chasing it – running all the way. No dogging it this time.
Just a very strange play and one to file away in the memory banks…
ballhawk - September 1, 2008
From my seats
in 204, it was impossible to tell what happened. I thought the ball had enough to get out, then I heard a groan and saw Theriot and Soriano going to get the ball. I figured Soriano had thrown the ball off the wall or something.
But that one will stick with me for a while.
Bill Potter - September 1, 2008
Hamels, Blanton, Myers, Moyer, Oswalt
some pretty decent pitching they have faced as well. Should have beat Moyer, Myers has been on a tear since being recalled. Al, I was sitting in 301 on Saturday and Sunday, must have missed you….
bheidge - September 1, 2008
I was going to post this too.
And while the resumes of those starters are impressive, the Cubs only mustered a total of 7 runs against these 5 guys. That doesn’t cut it.
And it’s not like the pitching will be much easier in the playoffs. Thus the reason for concern, quite well-founded in my opinion.
Perhaps the Cubs are in a funk, an offensive “dead arm” period, whatever. That said, they need to bounce out of it quickly because the schedule is not going to get any easier for the remainder of the season.
tville - September 1, 2008
I like the next 7 more than the previous 5
Brandon Backe
Randy Wolf
Johnny Cueto
Bronson Arroyo
Aaron Harang
Adam Wainwright
Kyle Lohse
bheidge - September 1, 2008
good good good point
cubswynn - September 1, 2008
Perhaps, but..........
………..Cueto looked good against the Cubs (7 IP, 1 earned) just a few weeks ago. Arroyo’s last three starts have all been wins (23 IP, 4 earned), including one against the Cubs at Wrigley, and Harang’s last two starts (13 IP, 3 earned) have been solid.
Wainwright is no pushover, obviously, especially in St. Loser, and Lohse, the Cards leader in wins this season, has tossed quality starts in his past three outings..
Yes, it should be easier, but if the Cubs fail to score more than 2-3 runs a game against the starters outlined, they can expect similar results.
tville - September 1, 2008
Were you wearing a BCB shirt?
If so, I think I saw you.
Al Yellon - September 2, 2008
I am not worried. We just had a 20-8 month with little contribution from Soriano
and no contribution from Z. I really like our September call ups and they will even get deeper when Iowa finishes. Yes, September is a tougher month for us then it is for Milwaukee, but I like our team against St Louis and Milwaukee and I think we will do just fine against those teams.
I think our bullpen and defense is better than both and that is what will win close games. I think we will win 15 games this month and if we do, I do not see Milwaukee catching us.
So we lost 3 in a row. Lou rested Z for the middle loss and it was a risk worth taking. We are trying to win the war and we may lose a few battles in between.
Keep the faith.
LAcarl519 - September 1, 2008
As concerns the Cubs making the playoffs, no problem......
but the bounce and fun (and Cubby swagger?) seems momentarily drained from the team. They need the upcoming breaks on Thursday and Monday to catch a breath. Of course a couple of wins wouldn’t hurt!
Carolina Cubbie - September 1, 2008
Fukudome
Either the guy is gassed, or this is how he really is. Hopefully Hendry does something in the offseason because he is great defensively.
Something has to be done, either by moving him to CF and acquiring a RF masher, or keeping him in RF and get a guy like Beltran.
But forget about that, onward to more wins.
ARAM FOR MVP - September 1, 2008
Hey Al,
I think I saw you on TV during the 7th inning stretch today. Were you wearing the Will Byinton T Shirt “We Are Cubs Fans”? It was right when the stretch started.
Fukudometer - September 1, 2008
Nope.
Had on an ABC-7 T-shirt today.
I didn’t know Will had shirts, too. I might have to get one of those.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
Team does look
a little tired, but hey every team has played the same amount of games.
GIve Dome a day off, and I would start giving Johnson some more time in center, Edmonds is really in a struggle.
Lou and Hendry have been smart giving Harden and Z some extra days.
I am mildly concerned, but I am confident they will come out strong tomorrow night.
Grockcubs - September 1, 2008
I posted this in one of the sidebar posts, but it bears repeating here.
In their last 14 home games, the Cubs are 8-6.
In their last 14 road games, the Cubs are 13-1.
Maybe the home/road split this month will work out, after all.
Al Yellon - September 1, 2008
That's promising. Thanks!
Mapmaker - September 1, 2008
Games like today
Happen this time of year.
Hopefully Lou will inject some of the call ups for some new life when the time is right. Wertz looked OK.
Watching at home it seemed like every foul ball was to right field for the righty hitters, nothing pulled, Tired or lazy bats today ???
Oswalt is one of the best over the long run and was hitting his spots well today.
Dero & Rami were on fire in August., Riot and Soto had a good month as well.
Lee was Lee with a few good games and some oh well’s
Edmonds has been down since the series with the Birds & , Dome and Sori have not been consistant lately.
These guys plus the pitchers, and bench I’m sure want it as badly as all of us do.
The cubs have played over 500 for the past 5 months, Why would anyone think that it would change now.
Send the goats back to the farm, black cats always have a spot of white on them, walk under any ladder you see.
Positive mojo is the way to go.
Hell, It’s September and eveyone is in our rear view mirror
Let’s gas up (oh well $3.90 a gallon) and take this ride to the Pennent and Series
parrotinct - September 1, 2008
Well done
OT-Three of the worst words in the English language: Table. Saw. Accident.
Mapmaker - September 1, 2008
This is no time to panic
Going into Saturday’s game with the Phillies, we had won 25 of 31 games. I figured being on that kind of a tear, especially having won 7 in the row before that exact game, and the facts that we were facing a red-hot Brett Myers and a stellar offense, we might as well accept a loss, as it would be coming sooner or later (that’s one of the worst sentences I’ve ever written). We just lost three games in which we had our numbers 4 and 5 starters pitching and the other one being pitched by our long reliever. Two of the games we lost to a very good playoff-caliber team and the other one we lost to an extremely hot team who had the one pitcher of theirs who is ridiculously good. After the kind of a tear we’ve had over the past month and a half, this was bound to happen.
Also, I don’t understand why people think Fonzy isn’t doing enough to earn his contract. First of all, he already earned his contract, when Jim Hendry was convinced that he would be the best player on this club at hitting baseballs. Yes, it would be nice if he didn’t do those annoying things like dumb defensive mistakes and watching balls that are borderline HRs, but his offensive production more than makes up for it. These are simple quirks that don’t seem to be complained about unless this team is losing. The dude can rake, and I think every single person on this blog has at one point or another pointed out how the lineup improves so much just with him being in it. In every sport there have been many players who are ridiculously good at one thing but are liabilities at another and there always will be. He’s not even so much of a liability in left with his cannon of an arm. Maybe his attitude toward the game makes him feel the most comfortable, and if he continues to perform like he has throughout his career, why shouldn’t he be as comfortable as he can?
rea5661 - September 2, 2008
It's a 3-game losing streak
against 2 teams that (1) are in their own division hunt big time and (2) playing about the best ball as anyone the past 4-5 weeks.
The pitchers can’t throw the big “S” every time, the hitters are just missing out. I mean come on, Saturday’s game…how many times did they have a runner on 3rd and not get him in? That shit is going to happen; better now than, say starting October 1st or so, eh?
I don’t buy the tired thing (guys have been getting rest and they’re only at 14 days in a row, not 20). They’re due scheduled off-days Monday’s the 8th and 15th. As for stats, I could give a rat’s ass. And I couldn’t care less about contracts right now. I really like Lou’s reaction the other day in the press conference after the game. A couple beat reporters with the panic button questions (are they really that stupid? How does one apply for a job like that, or did they flunk out of clown college?) lit Lou up and he said it best. “…if we got a hit every time runners were in scoring position we’d go 162-0.”
This is NOT panic time. Lou will give key guys off (not 4 at one time like suggested here; yikes!) and guys like D-Lee and Rami should benefit most. I have no issue with Fonzie getting a day off as well, or the domer, or TheRiot or even De-Ro for that matter. Lou has the luxury of a deep roster and including the call-ups, every one of the regulars can sit once or twice the final 4 weeks. Strategically resting them just before and after the off days of the 8th and 15th would help wonders.
The season could well be determined between the 11th and 18th, inclusive. While the Cubs finish up with StL on the 11th and go see the ‘stros on the 12th-14th, the Brewers go to the city of brotherly love for 4 games. Both teams are off the 15th, then the Brewers come here for 3 on the 16th-18th. If Philly can handle the Brewers (and that’s a big ’if’), the Cubs continue their road warrior play (13 of the last 14) and come home to hammer Milw like they did late July, The Cubs should be able to push a certain number to mid-single digits.
Now lets all relax and see the Cubs win tonight.
blackhawk24 - September 2, 2008
Good Catch vis-a-vis 14/20 Played In A Row
That said, I wonder if fatigue might still be an issue. Only 3 days off during August. I know I’d be slowing down after being out in the summer sun and humidity 28 out of 31 days!
Now, Lou said that now was not the time for wholesale experimenting with the roster, and for the most part I agree. Might still be nice to spell at least one regular every other day and give a McGahee or a Hoffpaiur a start.
CaliCub - September 2, 2008
Koyie's accident sounded terrible.
Good to hear he was able to make it back. I’m surprised this was the first we heard of this accident.
slocs55 - September 2, 2008
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