If you are a Cubs fan of "a certain age", you will recognize the headline of this post as something Jack Brickhouse would say every time the Cubs got out of a tough situation.
That was the case last night as I sat screaming at my TV after Kerry Wood gave up the two-run homer to Ryan Ludwick in the 9th inning: "He should have let Lilly finish it!"
Ted Lilly survived a shaky first inning and after that was outstanding, throwing only 90 total pitches and allowing just five hits, the single run in the first and walked no one and the Cubs survived Wood's rust and beat the Cardinals 4-3, holding on to their 4.5 game lead over the Brewers and reducing the magic number to clinch the division title to 13, and to clinch a playoff spot to 9.
It was the third straight game decided by a 4-3 score. The Cubs scored just enough runs in the second inning, helped out by two Cardinals errors -- and they should have scored more; they had three runs in with nobody out when Lilly raced home on a contact play and crashed into Yadier Molina, who held on to the ball and tagged him out. It was a very aggressive play for a pitcher, but Lilly has that bulldog attitude in him. Another run scored later in the inning and the Cubs had the bases loaded with two out, but Kosuke Fukudome was called out on strikes.
In the third, Alfonso Soriano threw out Cesar Izturis at the plate on one of his patented throws where he slings the ball sidearm and at first you can't believe he has anything on the throw, yet it gets there in time. It was a little to the first base side of the plate and so Geovany Soto didn't have time to get his leg in to block the plate; it was a very close play and replays showed that Izturis... well, he might have been safe.
Nevertheless, no one argued, and we'll take it. Lilly settled down and had several low pitch-count innings, and really, could have and should have been allowed to finish. Yes, I know Wood needed the work -- he's pitched only twice in eight days -- and it appears he still needs the work, since he gave up ringing extra-base hits to Ludwick and Albert Pujols, who doubled before Ludwick's homer.
Other good things: Soriano drove in his 70th run of the year. That equals his total from 2007 -- in 39 fewer games, and there are still 17 games remaining on the schedule. Felix Pie had a nice game in his first start since returning from Iowa -- walking twice (where did he learn to do that?), singling, scoring a run and driving one in. It's extremely small sample size, obviously, one game, and no judgments on his future can be made from this game. But it's a positive to build on.
One thing for the future that has to be decided immediately: where are the Cubs and Astros going to play their weekend series?
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he had spoken Wednesday to Katy Feeney, Major League Baseball's senior vice president of scheduling, and she had no concrete plans for rescheduling games.
There has been no known talk about shifting the Saturday or Sunday games, though there is speculation Saturday's game would be postponed if the hurricane hits Houston, possibly forcing a doubleheader Sunday or single games Sunday and Monday, which is an off day for both teams.
Another possibility is playing the final two games in St. Louis because the Cardinals will be in Pittsburgh.
Well, if they're going to play in St. Louis, why not play the entire series there, rather than make the Cubs fly to Houston, then fly back to St. Louis a day later? Phil Rogers, in one of his rare pieces that make sense, lays out the scenario:
The Astros seem to be preparing for a scenario in which the teams play Friday, hunker down while the hurricane blows through Saturday and then choose between a day-night doubleheader Sunday or single games Sunday and Monday (when both teams have scheduled days off). If the storm is too bad for them to play Sunday, theoretically the Cubs could stay over until Monday for a split doubleheader.
"I don't think we can get out [of Houston] if we get in," Piniella said Wednesday. "We stay in [through the storm] if we get in."
Huh? Isn't this just a little absurd?
While the lateness of the season dictates this series has to be played, there's no way it should remain in Houston, no matter how loudly McLane argues that his team deserves home-field advantage as it tries to stay alive in the wild-card race.
There are 15 major-league parks that will sit empty this weekend, including Wrigley Field.
The series should be moved to a neutral site—say, Busch Stadium in St. Louis or Turner Field in Atlanta—if McLane and Selig aren't agreeable to the Cubs getting three extra home games in the middle of the playoff race.
This probably could go without saying, but money is a factor. The Astros expect three sellouts, bringing in revenue to help underwrite their $90 million payroll, and will be forced to refund money if the games aren't played.
This is where MLB needs to step in, dipping into the central fund to help subsidize McLane's losses. Ticket sales from a relocated series could be donated to hurricane relief, with the Cubs and Astros providing matching funds.
Here's the predicted track of the hurricane as of 7 am CDT today:
MLB wants the Cubs to ride that out sitting in Houston? I say, no way. Move the series to a neutral site -- St. Louis makes the most logical sense. Hope they make a decision soon.
In any event, there is business to be taken care of first: win this series, and root for the Phillies tonight.
0 recs | 602 comments
First
wrigley_boy - September 11, 2008
Lilly should play fullback for the Bears
He’d be a great lead blocker!
wrigley_boy - September 11, 2008
Lilly heeded Lou's statement,
“Roll up our shirts and kick some ass”… Did it literally to Molina and also with his pitching arm. Nice game for Lilly. I am seriously surprised that after he ran over Molina that the team didn’t score 8, 9 runs. Figured that would have fired everyone up!
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
I loved that he just got up after getting tagged out
and walked to the dugout all badass like. I don’t think ANYBODY saw that coming from Lilly. And I thought throwing high and tight his next AB was a bit much.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Typical TLR...
I am sure TLR will do something else today to bait the Cubs to get out of their game.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
It got plenty of boos from the Cub fans in attendance.
We were not happy.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
What Lilly did was just Baseball...
I’m tired of TLR and the “whatever he says must be right” attitude the national media gives him. His players would have done the same thing to our catcher. Even his quotes from the game are snotty.
When asked about Lilly’s performance, La Russa hedged.
“I’ll let the other team talk about him,” he snapped. “I have no comment about him.”
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Agree...
…LaRussa has always had that chip on his shoulder and he handles these types of things like a child who had a lollipop taken away. The play was absolutely clean. When a catcher does not give you any of the plate, you have to expect to have contact and that is what happened.
LaRussa is a very good manager, but this side of him has always iritated me. One thing that I have always admired about Ozzie Guillen, he would have come right out and said that was a great play by Lilly and completely clean, just like he did when Hunter took out his catcher a few years ago.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
You hit the nail right on the head...
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
FWIW
Molina said the play was clean, since he gave Lilly no part of the plate.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
And I really wouldn't expect anything less from him.
Seems like a great guy.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
He is a great catcher...
…and he probably lives for that kinda thing. Probably could’ve done without the charlie horse, though.
daver - September 11, 2008
No kidding.
Got a nice deserved round of applause after the play, but I can’t say I was sad to not have to worry about his arm later in the game.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Yeah, Lash Larue and his Village People moustache...
…is a lot less intimidating both behind the plate and at it.
daver - September 11, 2008
Which reminds me:
Theriot and Fontenot need to grow Cajun Staches for our potential playoff run.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
The cardinal announcers
last night said it was a clean play also.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
i just had a
dyslexic moment…I thought that was TRL (ted roosevelt lilly) not TLR…..
i need more caffeine.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
I saw it coming
I love Lilly. I imagine he sits in front of a mirror saying " You talking to ME ?". He is what Carlos
would be if he just simmered instead of exploded.
Doggie Stalker - September 11, 2008
my wife asked me if Lilly was ok
Cut to a shot of him downing a bottle of water and looking like he had not a care in the world.
rgonzale - September 11, 2008
Happy with the win but....
…The Cubs team from the first 19 weeks of the season would have stepped on the Cardinals neck in the 2nd inning, scored 6 or 7 runs and that game would have been over.
Still waiting for that team to come back.
JB 23 - September 11, 2008
This was my reaction, too.
Y’know, I make every effort to be as positive and optimistic as possible, but I was just insanely frustrated with the offense last night. Nine guys left on base overall. Pie sacrificed to second twice to no avail. It just seemed like the Cubs got guys on in every inning after the second and then came up short.
I know, I know…getting a hit with RISP is never guaranteed or easy, but I, too, kept feeling like the team I watched a couple months ago – hell, last month – would have exploded for another three or four (five or six?) runs in the seventh or eighth. And then I watch Pujols basically get on base at will and then Cameron from “Ferris Buehler’s Day Off” hits that ANNOYING ninth inning home run. Argh!
Don’t get me wrong – I’m pleased with the win. And I was thrilled with Lilly’s performance (LOVED the body check on Molina) and very happy to see Dome and Pie both contributing. But, man, I’m just longing for a truly decisive victory. I want to see this team dominate again. Maybe Harden can get them back to that level this evening.
daver - September 11, 2008
Once they start hitting the way the have all season all those RISP won't be left on so much...
So, silver lining: at least they are still getting runners in scoring position.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
When the collar loosens...
…they will start to score more runs. Whether last night will loosen it remains to be seen (I still sense offensive struggles), but lets hope they can relax a bit.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
I think a win tonight
would go a long way to bring back the Cubbie Swagger.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
Absofreakinlutely.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Agree...
…they just need a little more positive vibe to really finish strong.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
I was thinking that last night.
Series win, over a rival, away from home, first two-game win streak since what seems like the stone age. It’s gonna happen.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Agreed wholeheartedly
Curtain Jerker - September 11, 2008
I didn't watch the game
I stuck to the plan of not watching the game, only turning it on after it’s over and so far so good. I’ll try again tonight. Saw the Lily highlight, that was awesome!!!
OT: Al, what’s the “B” under the recap? If you put your cursor over it, it says “Buzz Up”.
McRipper - September 11, 2008
Buzz Up...
… is a way to get BCB posts noticed at “Yahoo Buzz”, a new way of getting various stories and posts on Yahoo.
Oddly, I don’t see the “B” you’re talking about.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
You don't see it?
It’s on the bottom of the recap, where the comments are. It’s a yellow/orange square with a lower case purplish b in it and it says “Buzz up” next to it.
McRipper - September 11, 2008
Strange.
I see that button, but on my browser it’s next to the title of the post, not next to the comments.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
When you are in the post looking at the comments
It’s next to the title.
When you are on the home page, it’s next to the comments.
lindz221 - September 11, 2008
Oh yes
I see it now in the post.
McRipper - September 11, 2008
And now I see the button on the front page.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Actually
I only see it on the home page under the recaps, once i’m in the recap, it’s gone.
McRipper - September 11, 2008
Sounds like the brainchild of Digg & CNN's stupid "iReporter"
dtpollitt - September 11, 2008
I kept my respectful distance
again last night. Listened to the first couple innings, then sat watching “Man vs Wild” and whatnot with the wife and “checking in” on the game via Yahoo. Glad I did. I wouldn’t have wanted to sit through that 9th. Too many more of those, and I’m gonna have some real health issues.
Kegler - September 11, 2008
I was watching the RedSox game
and they came in with a score update and showed the Ludwick dinger and I said, “Shit, here we go again” but Kerry got it done.
I love Bear Grylls. His show is awesome!!!
McRipper - September 11, 2008
I watched the Replay of the Bears/Indy, Pack/Vikes Game on NFL network,
Then switched over the GN news at 9:53 for sports. Saw the highlights with Dan Rohn and he says “4-1 in the bottom of the 9th… Looking pretty good.” So then I flip to espn to see the final score and it was the Sox /Rays game then I see the same score update and thought the same thing… I was trying to see the final but had to go through some agony to do that.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
As good as Man vs. Wild is
It was very disappointing to hear that certain segments are staged, or that Bear receives help while in the wild. It was more fun thinking he actually was surviving on his own
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Watch Survivorman.
Far superior.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
While Bear
has a crew with him and does stage certain things to “show you what to do if you’re in this situation,” I gotta say I like him way more than Survivorman. With whatever help Bear does get, he’s still doing a ton of stuff that’d kill most of us. The whole point of Man v Wild is that he’s trying to show you how to get out alive and get help. Wtih Survivorman, who’s cool in his own way, he just survives in a place for a week or whatever. He doesn’t have to scale vertical rock faces, trudge across glaciers/deserts, trying to find his way. He just sets up camp and lives off the land, impressive in its own right, but not nearly so compelling, imho.
Kegler - September 11, 2008
True, but I like the approach far more.
He’ll take a bike, half a bottle of water, and half a protein bar to simulate a biker getting lost and only being able to use what he has with him. I think you’re just taken by Bear’s English accent over Les’ Canadian one. ;)
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
You got me there
Bear’s accent lends his show added authority. Makes me sit up straight and listen. I could listen to him describe eating giant grubs raw and drinking his own urine out of a snake hide all night long. MmmHmm. : )
Kegler - September 11, 2008
Men ;-}
Emelie - September 11, 2008
If Bear was an English lady
I’d own the DVDs.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
If Bear was an English lady
he might not be as attractive. And I say this as a married man.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
If Bear was an English lady
I think I’d lose my obsession with them real quick like.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I thought Bear was an English lady
Silly me
Weeghman Park - September 11, 2008
+1
“If Bear was an English lady…”
He’d have a much more difficult time urinating into things. : )
Kegler - September 11, 2008
I'm thinking if we keep this up
a google search for “English lady” is gonna link to BCB.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I say
we go for it.
Kegler - September 11, 2008
+English lady.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I stuck to the plan also. Nice work.
graceunderpressure - September 11, 2008
It's A Win!
A win is a win is a win! The Cubs scored more runs than the Cardinals. Wow! That’s enough “in-depth” analysis.
memphiscub - September 11, 2008
What a game to go to last night!
With the four-run second (only dampened by the fact that it could have been more) to Fonzie’s rocket in the third to tag out Izturis (my throat still hurts from cheering so hard) to the “Oh, God, please, I don’t think I could take this loss” in the ninth, it was a blast.
Now I’m hoping my buddy’s sister comes through with tickets for tonight. And I’m really hoping the Cubs/Astros series gets moved here. That would be awesome.
Oh, and as promised Al, I’ll try to devote at least fifteen minutes a day the rest of the season to wearing my Rami jersey.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Glad you saw a great game!
You can wash the jersey if necessary. But don’t fail to wear it every day!
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Whatever it takes...
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Someone called in to Dave Kaplan's show..
after the game and said there were a lot of Cardinal fans selling good tickets outside the park for half price or less. He ended up getting seats near the Cub dugout. Might be worth a drive down there.
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
Hmm...
might do.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I can't believe all that reverse stuff worked
Great job by all of you here yesterday. We’re not out of the woods yet, we need to avoid losing another series tonight. !og sbuC
tony412 - September 11, 2008
.emoclew er'uoY
Zeke - September 11, 2008
I would love for the Houston series to be moved out of Houston
Especially if they play it in Busch. The Cubs have played very well there in the last few years.
daeviant - September 11, 2008
absolutely
it would be more or less a home field advantage for the cubs, they wouldn’t have to travel….not at all fair to houston, but thems are the breaks
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Correct me if I'm wrong
but I think our magic number to clinch the wildcard is 9 not 10. The cardinals, philles and atros all have 67 loses, we have 58 loses. That’s a 9 game lead (in the lose column) with us having 17 left to play; 17-9=8 + 1 would be 9.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
I was told there would be no math...
but I think that’s right.
hokie316 - September 11, 2008
I believe you are correct.
I’ll fix the post.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Also
the standings board lists our streak at Lost 0. Impressive, no?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
But you have to include the Brewers?
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
I think
We eliminate the Brewers because the Cubs only fall into the wildcard if the Brewers overtake them.
puckishcubsfan - September 11, 2008
It's a bit complicated.
The Cubs can eliminate everyone EXCEPT the Brewers with the magic number of 9. If that happens, the Cubs and Brewers would both be in, and one would be the division winner and the other the wild card.
At least I think that’s how it works.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Yes... you are correct.
I’m still elated over the win I am not thinking right this A.M.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
this is setting up perfect for me
i’ll be at the cardinals game a week from tomorrow……i would crap myself if i was at a playoff spot clinching game
please God, one time baby!
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Bring diapers.
daver - September 11, 2008
i would wear diapers
if that meant a guranteed clinching game….swear to god
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Very True
Easiest method:
MAGIC NUMBER = 163 – W1 – L2.
W1 = Cub Wins
L2 = Trailing team Losses
Goat Whisperer - September 11, 2008
Moving this weekend’s game to St. Louis wouldn’t make much sense. The forecast is for heavy rain tomorrow through Tuesday. Maybe as much as 8 inches.
I’m going to tonight’s game. Hopefully we’ll get it in.
Go Cubs!
Spartan1979 - September 11, 2008
Atlanta might be a better choice, then.
But they’ll have to decide before tonight’s game if that’s what they want to do.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
I heard something this morning...
they might even be considering Kansas City since the Royals will be in Cleveland this weekend.
Blue W - September 11, 2008
Could work...
… although, neither the Cubs nor Astros are familiar with the ballpark.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Would the Cubs draw better than the Royals in KC?
I think that would make for an interesting scenario.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
That would be interesting to see.
sue369 - September 11, 2008
Is there any doubt?
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
The only doubt would be the short notice.
But given advance notice, I’m sure the Cubs would fill the place better than the Royals. I know if I had the time this weekend, I’d pack the car and head to KC.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
without a doubt the cubs would draw "okay"
for such short notice, i think a lot of fans from DSM would make the 2 1/2 drive to KC for this game…..great now i’ll be disappointed if it’s not KC
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
2 1/2 hour drive*
sorry, fingers got too excited thinking about this
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
I think they'd draw pretty good in St Louis too.
Lots of Cub fans already in town, plus I bet Cardinal fans would a) like to see two different teams play in their ballpark (and, no doubt, become Stros fans for a few days) and b) love baseball to begin with.
God, this would make my weekend.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
no doubt
cards fans, i hate to admit this, are good baseball fans period
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
They’re the self-proclaimed “Best Fans in Baseball.” They see everything through Cardinal colored glasses.
Spartan1979 - September 11, 2008
Which begs the question--did Reds fans see the world
through Pete Rose colored glasses?
Just askin’
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
and ...
they’re ridiculously self-congratulatory. If you truly think you’re the best fans in baseball, there’s no reason to tell everyone (ad nauseum) about it.
elgato - September 11, 2008
There are definitely good and bad
as with any team. The problem I see when encountering the annoying Cardinal fan is that, to me, they come across more as anti-Cub than pro-Cardinal.
A guy at work who went to the game last night as well started talking about the “funny” shirts he saw Cardinal fans wearing last night, prefacing it with “I know you probably won’t find this funny, but…” and I cut him off saying I would NEVER wear an anti-Cardinal shirt. Why show hatred for someone else when I can show my support for my team? Don’t get it.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
It is a bullying attitude...Plain and Simple
I don’t understand the hatred…it would be one thing if we had a history of preventing them from reaching the playoffs/WS (ala Red Sox/Yankees).
Heck for years, we probably have aided them more in their quest to reach championships than prevented it considering our crappy teams, crappy trades, etc. etc.
They should thank us for our years of ineptitude
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
Would they root for the Stros?
Houston is in the wildcard hunt too… With Houston out of the way it would help the Cards.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Good point.
I guess my subconcious hasn’t fully accepted the fact that the Astros are back in it.
So they’d be cheering with us? Weird.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Some folks on VEB
are saying they’d rather see the Cubs in the playoffs than the Brewers. The Brewers and their untucked shirts have irritated a lot of people this year.
ChipSet - September 11, 2008
I've noticed that as well
Seems like the Cubs look slightly better to Cards fans this season when compared to the Brewers.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
The devil you know, I guess.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
That's a hard question to answer
I’m not sure I can see cards fans rooting for the Cubs, but pennet races make for strange bedfellows. I think the cards fan relize that the division is a long shot for them, but the WC is still possible.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
The Cards fans would pretty much have to root for the Cubs...
Houston is a half game up on them in the standings.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Busch Stadium erupts for applause as...the Cubs win.
Now if only I could get a CD of “Go Cubs Go” into the booth.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Oh how hilarious would that be...
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
That would be better than a rickroll.
daver - September 11, 2008
you're just upset that you've been....
rick rolled
tootle - September 11, 2008
No, no, no...
…you can’t announce that you’re rickrolling someone.
daver - September 11, 2008
I know...
I said that yesterday. and you said you fell for it.
tootle - September 11, 2008
Oh yeah...
daver - September 11, 2008
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
everyone is toasting one another with old styles
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
who would Card fans pull for?
I would think Card fans would need to call a temporary truce and pull the Cubs as WC seems more likely for them than division title. The past few days, Dodger fans have actually been Giant fans as well since they’ve played AZ.
revtrh - September 11, 2008
this pennant race is making for VERY
strange bedfellows.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
I wouldn't mind Atlanta
cubsfaninatl - September 11, 2008
Hurricane
I live in Dallas, and right now, on Thursday morning, it looks like the storm will land far enough south of Houston so as not to be especially dangerous in Houston. So the scenario that Saturday is postponed and they play Sunday or Monday seems to make sense. The storm is supposed to be in Dallas, 250 miles away, by Saturday afternoon.
3744nsheffield - September 11, 2008
I'm not sure what you're looking at...
…but parts of Harris county are already being evacuated. I think all talk of Ike going south of Houston died off yesterday. I hope you’re right.
TXCub - September 11, 2008
I think you are looking at an old map
It is going to be much closer and Houston is going to be on the bad side (front right quadrant).
wnielsen - September 11, 2008
Yes, but
Keep in mind that the forecast maps look a lot like they did before Rita, which basically missed us entirely. Anything could happen at this point….
DaveinHouston - September 11, 2008
This storm is HUGE......
You’re not going to miss major impact from this.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
And BTW...
My thoughts are with you…..please exercise good judgement and caution.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
Very good points Al on the upcoming Houston series.
So good in fact, that it all but guarantees none of the sensible (not to mention charitable) options for moving the series, teams and fans out of harms way will be enacted. I’m betting “gate greed” wins out in the end. Too bad.
Zeke - September 11, 2008
Houston
The Astros website has an article about possibly moving the Friday game up similar to what Phil said. However, this mornings forecast is for tropical storm force winds to begin Friday at noon so I think this plan is out. Regardless of what makes sense, the consensus here is that they will play a doubleheader on Sunday and a single game on Monday. MLB might veto that since that would still require the Cubs to come in ahead of the storm. Your guess is as good as mine. I’ve got to go start tying everything down.
TXCub - September 11, 2008
I just hope that all this doesn't screw up the pitching rotation for the playoffs.
a double header could mess up the order that has been put in place.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Heyheyhey...
… don’t get too far ahead!
Remember, there will be two off days after the regular season ends. It can still be readjusted.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
I guess... everything will work out like it's supposed to. God willing.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Take care.
sue369 - September 11, 2008
My compromise
Have the games at Wrigley let Astros bat last and split the revenues or something like that.
puckishcubsfan - September 11, 2008
Um, no.
daver - September 11, 2008
Just bring em to St Louis so I can go.
How hard is that?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Why not?
JohnM - September 11, 2008
Just a gut reaction.
The Astros would never go for that.
daver - September 11, 2008
Correct.
There are other choices, and it would be unfair to the Astros to make them play the games at Wrigley. If they can’t play in Houston, a neutral site would be the best idea.
Many Houston-area sports events have already been moved or postponed. It’s really irresponsible of the Astros to insist the Cubs come to Houston when evacuations are starting.
Move the games. Anywhere.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Totally agree.
daver - September 11, 2008
I just thought an offer could be made
not that this should be imposed on the Stros. If they are as financially motivated as Phil Rogers says, then a portion of Wrigley revenues may be a better deal for them than all the revenues from a game in KC. But I guess it would not go down well with their fans, and probably their players and manager.
JohnM - September 11, 2008
Plus if your the astros
would you feel OK going to Wrigley? they just swept us thier.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
That's true.
Maybe the Cubs could use that as a selling point. Of course, if (er, I mean, when) the Cubs won the series, the ‘Stros would probably whine about it for years afterward. I dunno…it just doesn’t sound like something that would ever happen.
daver - September 11, 2008
I know this has never happened
but maybe the Cubs could be the road team in Wrigley as another selling point the astros
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
Don't think it happens...
…because the teams chasing the Cubs, would say the Cubs are getting an unfair advantage with 3 extra home games.
Lastly, sending two teams into harms way with this storm is just nuts. I know Mclane is pushing hard to keep them in Houston, but common sense has to move these games to a neutral site.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
lets follow the presidential elections and do something historic
play these games at principal park in lovely des moines, iowa! after all, the icubs are no longer in need of it
all in favor?
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Aye!
iCub - September 11, 2008
There's no way MLB would agree to play them in a minor league park.
There’s too much at stake and minor league lights are not up to major league standards.
There’s one more reason they couldn’t play in Chicago. The Cubs cannot play home night games on Friday — and to make them fly home from St. Louis late tonight and play a day game Friday would be unfair to them. In fact, it’d be unfair to make them play a day game in Houston on Friday, as has been suggested by Astros management.
Move the games to a neutral site.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
sorry Al, maybe I should add
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
From the same sarcasm society:
MLB is welcome to move the games to San Juan, PR, Expos style. There are no storms in the forecast for this weeekend. Just kidding! ;-)
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
Just saw this, from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Call me crazy, but if state officials are planning on using your stadium for emergency purposes, doesn’t it make sense to just move the entire series, as we’ve discussed?
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
I think someone from MLB...
… has to knock some common sense into the Astros and tell them to move the entire series out of Houston.
Oh, wait. MLB and common sense? Lost my head for a second.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
The MLB/Fox Wizard put a spell on you.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Lilly
is just impressing me greatly in his Cubs tenure.
I really respect a pitcher who this year is having an “off” year, but he’s a gamer, and he doesn’t take any **** from anyone. He’ll defend his teammates who are hit by pitches, or even buzzed inside. He’ll try and knock out Yadier Molina at the plate trying to score.
The man might not have superstar stuff on the mound, but I really like the man’s moxie when he plays.
DWChaney - September 11, 2008
Couldn't agree more
He can be so frustrating at times, but I like his attitude, “silent Crazy”. Lou should have let him finish the game. Wood and the rest of the bullpen are scary.
mgfabc - September 11, 2008
the pen isnt going to stablize w/o being used
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
+ English Lady
Plus, like I said before, Woody only gave up hits to two Cardinal batters: Pujols, one of the top hitters in the game ever, and Ludwick who is having a career year. The other three ABs were outs.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
is english lady
the new addition to the point system?
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
Is that a new kind of perfume?
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 11, 2008
Earlier conversation in this very thread
had a high usage of the term English Lady. I made an offhanded remark that, at that rate, a google search for the words English Lady will link to BCB.
Trying to make that dream a reality.
English Lady
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
+Double English Lady
Blue W - September 11, 2008
haha
it looks like you signed your post “english lady”
you english lady you.
- english lady points for being unclear.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
I thought that too after I posted it.
I’m cool with it.
-English Lady
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
Mmm...
English Lady…
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Soon to be accompanied by English Leather.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 11, 2008
"Do I make you horny?!"
in my best Austin Powers voice.
Weeghman Park - September 11, 2008
Oh, I forgot to say "English Lady"
Weeghman Park - September 11, 2008
How right you are
n/t
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
Goes without saying
THoughts and prayers to BCBers in the path of this storm and to any who have family in the area.
puckishcubsfan - September 11, 2008
Amen...be safe
JCD - September 11, 2008
As a Cubs fan living in Houston...
I appreciate the sentiment. Even though I’ve lived down here for over ten years, this looks to be my first big hurricane to go through. Go Cubs!
dedfishflote - September 11, 2008
Take care.
sue369 - September 11, 2008
Thanks Sue
BTW, I grew up in Clinton, IA before moving to Chicago for college. I’m still a huge Hawkeye fan and get home to the family farm at least once or twice a year. I enjoy your posts, sense of humor, and passion for the Cubs.
dedfishflote - September 11, 2008
Thanks!!
I lived in eastern Iowa for 10 years and have been to Clinton many times.
GO HAWKS!!!
sue369 - September 11, 2008
Go Cyclones too!
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
cough cough
cy-clowns you mean
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Cough..undefeated ...cough Cyclones..
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
undefeated?
who have you played so for? sister mary margarets school for the blind and west des moines valley?
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Who did Iowa beat last?
Wasn’t it some airport in Florida?
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
I will never ever say that.
sue369 - September 11, 2008
Take care, please.
One question: Is the stadium in a flood area?
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
I don't see how...
…MLB can keep these games in Houston with the likelyhood of the storm reeking havoc for most of the weekend. The smart play would be to move the games somewhere else, to assure you can get them in.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
Exactly.
Let’s hope they make the right call, and soon. If there is rain predicted for St. Louis, then make it Atlanta, or somewhere that has a dome.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Miller Park is open :)
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Another good idea!
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
And judging by how EMPTY it was...
…during yesterday’s Brewers-Reds game, the ballpark and surrounding businesses could really use the additional revenue.
daver - September 11, 2008
I would be there in a heartbeat!!!!
To bad there prolly is next to no chance of that happening.
Madison Cub Fan - September 11, 2008
Everywhere else other than Houston
there is going to be more Cubs fans than ‘Stros, so why not… I don’t think it would happen either but they would be assured of getting 3 games in this weekend.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
The Stros...
…would view Milwaukee as a Chicago suburb and would probably want the site to be more neutral from a geographic standpoint, travel etc..
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
Minor leauge park
I vote Lexington Kentucky
Do I need the sacasm sign here?
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
Twinkie Dome
Twins are on the road this weekend, so maybe they could play there…wait, do the Gophers still use that place as their home stadium?
raisin1 - September 11, 2008
No thanks.
We need a real ballpark at least.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Yes
the new stadium for the Gophers isn’t finished, and they have a home game on Saturday. Minneapolis is out.
Josh Timmers - September 11, 2008
I might drive up for that!
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
was at the game last nigth…great game
Soriano throw from LF,,you could see it in his eyes he was going to make that play,,,it was almost like he was setting him up to run..
Wood giving up a HR was not good…but the Cardinals call in show afterwards had most of their fans mad about not getting another run more than being happy about the runs they did get.
cozmotaylor123 - September 11, 2008
That was my thought.
They can cheer all they want (and they sure did) but get two more outs and it means exactly nothing.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
and yelling
knock his a** out when Lilly was 1/2 way down the 3rd base line does get you some dirty looks…oh well..it was the right play….
cozmotaylor123 - September 11, 2008
Hell, my Cubs jersey alone got dirty looks.
But it is, after all, a friendly rivalry. Everyone was amicable.
Except for the moran three seats from me (and two seats from my friend) who felt compelled to comply with every cheap musical/graphical urge for crowd noise. That got a wee bit annoying.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
It is sheer stupidity to have the Cubs go to Houston.
The Astros and Cubs should go somewhere else on Friday. If Ike is not too bad, they can return to Houston Saturday and play the three games on Sat/Sun/Mon. If it is a serious hurricane, then the three games can be played in the other location and we all move forward.
But the idea that these teams play a day game on Friday in Houston when you also want people to evacuate the city (possibly) is insane.
LAcarl519 - September 11, 2008
Agreed.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
I have tickets to both Friday and Sunday games
Was looking forward to seeing the Cubs because I couldn’t get tickets to Wrigley when I came up to Chicago with my sons this summer. Hopefully the storm won’t be too bad, and we can at least take in the Sunday game.
dedfishflote - September 11, 2008
Power failures are likely during hurricanes
Power failures can stretch on for several days or more after serious storms. It is serious lunacy to hold these games in Houston this weekend.
Cajuncub - September 11, 2008
Exactly.
Also under consideration should be the safety of players and fans just trying to GET to the ballpark.
Move the games. Now.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
And Astros team employees!
As I posted below… it takes a lot of people to run a ballpark. The ’stros would be very irresponsible to tell them to not evacuate for the sake of baseball games.
hip2bsquare - September 11, 2008
I'm surprised that the Players Association hasn't weighed in on this with the Astros.
No way that the MLPA likes the possibility of having their players sent knowingly into harms way for a series that has options to be moved to many other, safer locations. .
Zeke - September 11, 2008
I'm surprised Lance Berkman hasn't run screaming toward dry, inland safety yet
Cheap shot, I know.
JohnM - September 11, 2008
Cheap shot; Yes
Funny; Yes. I love it.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
lmao
Well done.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
No doubt the Astros are distracted with obvious family issues
Evacuations are not fun and wrought with all sorts of complications.
Cajuncub - September 11, 2008
yah i wonder how much their mind will be on the hurricane
and not on the game
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Magic Number
Hey Al, I was kind of hoping your random cub for #13 would sarcastically be Neifi!
gp1966 - September 11, 2008
Happy thoughts, man, happy thoughts.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
LOL
No way… can you imagine the firestorm here if I had done that?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Come on...
we all have a sense of humor, don’t we? As long as it wasn’t Ohman, then I’d be really mad.
gp1966 - September 11, 2008
LOL again
I’d never have done THAT!
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
oh god
the fan posts would BLOW UP!
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Turk Wendell could have been appropriate also
tootle - September 11, 2008
Cubs- Astros in KC?
I’ll vote for that one…my KU sophomore and his buddies could drive over from Lawrence for the game.
thermal54 - September 11, 2008
+1
i think we all agree this is the best choice, bud are you listening?
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
I say the Cubs convert the Arlington Park racetrack in Arlington Heights, IL...
…to a ballpark and hold the game there. Who’s with me?
daver - September 11, 2008
i dont know
ive seen too many broken legs there and we all know what happens to competitors who break legs there…..
mjk83 - September 11, 2008
Aw, c'mon, I could ride my bike to the game!
daver - September 11, 2008
me too
and considering how bad euclid would back up that would be the only way to do it.
mjk83 - September 11, 2008
Arlington Park
I can see the roof of the grandstand from my office in Deer Park. Short bike ride for me, too.
thermal54 - September 11, 2008
And instead of having a sausage race...
…like they do in Milwaukee, they could just have a horse race. C’mon, it’s perfect!
daver - September 11, 2008
I like this idea.
I can visit my relatives in Rolling Meadows and catch the Cubs and gamble on the ponies.
This has all sorts of positives.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
You know, if there wasn't rain forecast for Indianapolis
I know Victory Field is available, has 14,000 seats and I have the alarm code so everyone could get in…
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
First off, great game by Lilly
and not just the pitching but running over Molina. Guess he took Lou’s words to heart. But Lou should have left him in. Come on, 90 pitches after 8; 8 innings that is. I remember Woody games when he hit triple digits in the 4th. Z? I’d kill for Z to be that efficient.
Now, onto the hurricane topic. McClain (’stros owner) wants them to ride it out; perhaps to the point of a day-night on MONDAY if Sunday is a no-go as well as Saturday. Are you kidding me, Drayton?
If – and that’s a BIG IF – Bud Light has one stroke of common sense, the Cubs won’t even go to the big state of Texas this weekend. Figure something else out. I’m totally on board with TheRiot’s comments; who better to know than someone who grew up with that every summer/fall?
blackhawk24 - September 11, 2008
I'd be worried that Friday may be a no-go, too, even for a day game
The eye of the storm will be ashore sometime late Friday night, and the storm will likely be near Category 4 strength at that point – Friday afternoon could already be pretty intense in Houston. Why send the Cubs into harm’s way when there’s almost no chance of the games being played?
And it’s not just the players, either. How many Astros team employees and their families would be forced to stay through the worst of the storm rather than evacuate? It’s just plain irresponsible to ask them to stay just for a baseball game.
hip2bsquare - September 11, 2008
Good point.
The minimum wage teenagers don’t need to stick around just so the organization can make a bit more money.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
It was an interesting game
last night. How can you not love Ted Lilly? The guy was awesome. Pie played a great game and I would love to see him play several more games like that. Nice to see Dome get to play too. I think having those two in the game last night provided a spark that this team needs.
sue369 - September 11, 2008
Seeing Lou's face after Dome took that called third strike last night...
I’m not sure Dome is on Lou’s Christmas list.
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
Pie could get more playing time in RF.
He’s played RF in spring training and definitely has the arm and range for it.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
FWIW
Felix may have worked on it in Spring Training, but he hasn’t played it since. He’s started in RF four times in the last 2 years (and not in 2008) – Three times with Iowa in 2007 (8/2, 8/4, 8/5) and moved there one other time (6/1). Also, he played RF once in Winter Ball – he started in right for Licey on Nov. 1 in 2007.
That said, I think he has the athleticism to overcome some of those issues.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
was that the called third
where the pitch appeared to be at the letters?
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Yeah, it may have been a tad outside also.
But maybe too close to take when the count is 3-2.
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
Probably too close to take
The high strike definitely seemed in play last night – the HP ump was definitely getting a lot of looks and questions during the game.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
pitch tracker said it was a ball
lou can’t be mad at him for that…..can he?
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
With two strikes against you, and with an erratic home plate umpire...
..Lou may have thought that Dome shoulda been more aggressive, and perhaps protected the plate a bit more. I love Dome’s patience at the plate…but sometimes it can backfire and look a little bit too passive…..
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
Buuuuuutttt...
if the pitch is indeed called a ball (as others who had a better look said it very well could have been) Dome walks in a run and keeps the inning going. Real sticky situation, but it thankfully didn’t hurt us.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I understand...
…but on a close pitch, you can’t get rung up with the bases juiced and pass up on an opportunity to do some damage.
I understand he has a good eye, but you have to change your approach with 2 strikes and expand the zone a tad.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
I don't disagree on any point.
Perhaps Kosuke was afraid of striking out again and thought, on that last pitch, if he thinks it’s a ball he’s gonna take it.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I was always taught...
…with 2 strikes, you have to expand the zone a few inches. The reason why; never put your fate in the umpires hands with 2 strikes.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
+1
Never, never, never take a pitch when it is close to the strike zone and you’re batting with 2 strikes.
blackhawk24 - September 11, 2008
You hit the nail on the head.
Fukodome is playing scared. He’s more concerned not to fail than doing the right thing. Therefore, he’s lost his aggressiveness at the plate. That pitch was too close to take.
Many players in this team are playing not to lose instead of playing to win.
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
His confidence...
..is just lost right now and has been for quite a while. Its just amazing that he hasn’t been able to recover it for this long, because I really think he is somewhere between what he did the first 3 months and what we have seen the last 2 months. There are mitigating factors here with what he has been through, which is pretty unique.
I sure hope he recaptures his confidence before October, because he can be extremely valuable both in the field and at the plate.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
If he doesn't by October
I think his second year in the majors could be impressive.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I wholehearted agree
Emelie - September 11, 2008
Cant take called thirds
I know it sucks, but you have to protect against anything that can get called a strike, not anything that actually is a strike. I am sure Dome is frustrated at the low quality umpiring behind the plate here in the states, but he has to adjust.
californiachicagoan - September 11, 2008
I just pictured Dome...
…bringing a laptop into Lou’s hotel room and showing him the Gameday results. Lou looks at the screen, grumbles something about how his grandkids tried to get him to play video games with them once and it gave him a headache, and hands the laptop back to Kosuke.
daver - September 11, 2008
He'd probably think it's some crazy Japanese invention.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Well, from Fukudome's face
and from what I could tell from seeing the pitch on TV, it was ball 4.
ChipSet - September 11, 2008
+1
seems like the whole team becomes more patient at the plate when Dome is in the lineup. And it was great to see Pie with the good eye and going with the pitch and getting a solid hit to left. Looks like he learned a lot in Iowa.
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
KC is suppose to get pounded with rain this weekend also
Although the last time the cubs played here during interleague play there were a bunch of cubs fans, alot of people from chitown down here
cubsfaninkc - September 11, 2008
Yeah, I just looked at weather forecasts.
Both KC and St. Louis have heavy rain in the forecast all weekend.
Maybe Atlanta is a better choice. Or Milwaukee. Or even Tampa.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Please not the state of Florida
Haven’t we had enough that state?
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
Anywhere but Tampa!
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Cubs fans in KC area
My son said a lot of the people he knows from KC are Cubs fans.
thermal54 - September 11, 2008
DC!
Nationals Park is beautiful, and EMPTY this weekend. Bring the games here! Supposed to be in the 70s all weekend with no rain.
All three games would be sellouts – playoff implication baseball in September here? Something we’ve never seen.
Oh well, i can dream.
flyingdonut - September 11, 2008
I second the motion.
I promise I will go to every game, and buy food — which in Nationals Park will run me about $4000.
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
LOL
But hey — that’s not a bad idea, either. There are a ton of Cubs fans in the DC area.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Emil Verban Memorial Society
Are they still active?
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
Yes, they are.
There is a member of the society who posts regularly on this site.
Want to identify yourself?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
It's Hillary!
Hi Senator Clinton!
Josh Timmers - September 11, 2008
LOL
No, it’s not Hillary. Correct gender, though.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Hmmm....
Doogie Stalker and Emelie both travel a lot, and I know Emelie goes to D.C. occasionally, so my guess would be one of those two.
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
You have to promise to wear a Soriano jersey, though.
:D
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Which one?
My son has a Nationals Soriano jersey, he could wear that one.
flyingdonut - September 11, 2008
Just print a Cubs logo to tape over the chest.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
The reason why it won't be played in DC
The Nationals don’t want the embarrassment of being outdrawn by the Cubs in their own ballpark. :-)
Josh Timmers - September 11, 2008
Same for KC.
St Louis or Milwaukee seem like the obivious/best choices.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Milwaukee would be AWESOME
but won’t Astros almost consider it a burb of Chicago?
Madison Cub Fan - September 11, 2008
Forecast for St. Louis
is rain all weekend. Atlanta is the more obvious choice.
Josh Timmers - September 11, 2008
True, unfortunately (for me).
I just hope they decide before the team commits to flying to Houston.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I highly doubt...
…the Cubs fly to Houston tonight.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
Whats a little turbelance...
That is what makes the ride fun…
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
Let's see if the MLB has the Brains to do the right thing here
parrotinct - September 11, 2008
MLB??? Brains????
Two words that rarely go together
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
Historically...
MLB <> Brains <> right thing.
Don’t know how to write a “not equal to” sign in cyber space.
blackhawk24 - September 11, 2008
you could always
type equal forward slash equal ( =/= )
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
<> works
as does !=.
ChipSet - September 11, 2008
Both are mathematically valid
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
Rich Harden can essentially end the Cardinals season today
They are a wounded fighter, and Harden can bring the knock out punch.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
harden wins
albert might as well go under the knife now…..screw the mvp!
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
MVP only goes to a playoff team.
Right, Albert?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Remember- The MVP has to go to a player on a playoff team
From the mouth of Albert Pujols.
I don’t plan on ever not mentioning that when this subjects is brought up.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
haha ever? or every?
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
If you look at it from Houston's side
they are right back in this wildcard, they just beat the cubs for 3 in chicago and the two team ahead of them are playing each other. I would not want to give up my home field advantage either. Plus they know that the cubs fan base travels well. the last thing that they woud want to do is put these games closer to chicago.
cubsfaninkc - September 11, 2008
It shouldn't be up to them
Safety first
nji232 - September 11, 2008
It's not our fault that safety first is very convenient for the Cubs heh heh
dr stabbingworth - September 11, 2008
I can understand that
but is it really worth risking people’s safety?
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
That's true...
…and, as usual, the Astros play well at home: They have a .592 winning percentage at the Juice Box vs. .493 on the road. Nonetheless, safety should be the overwhelming mitigating factor here.
daver - September 11, 2008
Safety is the biggest concern, sure
so dont play games in unsafe conditions. But to turn the games into de facto Cubs home games would be really unfair to the Astros, and there should be another way to do it. If there’s a day off Monday to take advantage of, that should be explored (assuming the damage doesnt preclude playing the game that day). Even if it’s a double header Monday with a makeup game reserved for the day after the season ends, if needed, at least that way you’re not stealing home games from the Astros and giving them to the Cubs while both are in the middle of a playoff race.
Gator Cub - September 11, 2008
Al gets full credit for the win
due to the reverse-mojination pregame thread. Hazzah!
kentmeister - September 11, 2008
+3.14
So the question is, does Al do it today? I say why not, do it until they lose.
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
the juice runs out..
my antique car Wrigley post won 2 games then lost. So you never know!
Thanks for the pi!
kentmeister - September 11, 2008
Yabbut...
… if I “reverse” again, wouldn’t that reverse the reversal?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
I think you get 2 points for that in wrestling, if I'm not mistaken.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Not if you clap your hands
and spin around three times.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!
daver - September 11, 2008
Wow that almost makes my head hurt
If you try to fail and don’t, did you fail or succeed?
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
I think you mean:
If you try to fail and succeed, what did you accomplish?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Of course!
Therefore, of course!
Kegler - September 11, 2008
Another Geo picture on the pre-game thread at least
I personally think that helped a lot :)
Madison Cub Fan - September 11, 2008
That might be worth doing.
What say the rest of you?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
yes...
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
Whatever it takes to get a win.
hokie316 - September 11, 2008
don't mess
with what works.
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
Oh hell yes!!!
sue369 - September 11, 2008
Shocking that Sue agrees w/ that LOL
Madison Cub Fan - September 11, 2008
hee
sue369 - September 11, 2008
I'm secure enough in my manhood to say that would be...
daver - September 11, 2008
a red x?
sue369 - September 11, 2008
No way.
It doesn’t show up? It shows up on my computer. Hmm…
daver - September 11, 2008
Yeah daver
why must one be secure in their manhood to posta red x below their subject line?
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Is it like the scarlet letter and buried pirate treasure
Does the red “X” represents the forbidden booty?
is that what you were getting at?
Blue W - September 11, 2008
Lemme try again...
daver - September 11, 2008
twhs
Madison Cub Fan - September 11, 2008
Ahem...take two...I'm secure enough in my own manhood to say that would be...
daver - September 11, 2008
LOL!!
much better than the red z
gwood - September 11, 2008
BOOM!
There he is.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
lol
sue369 - September 11, 2008
there can never be enough Geo pictures
Emelie - September 11, 2008
I am not saying
they should not look at safety first, i am just seeing the other side of it. I dont like the idea of waiting till monday or DH on sunday/monday. plus if there is any damage to the stadium then they may have to move these game to the end of the season or wait and see if they matter.
cubsfaninkc - September 11, 2008
The Juice Box...
… has a lot of glass in it. A Cat 4 hurricane might blow out some of the glass.
There’s no way they’ll wait till the end of the season, because that could throw the playoff schedule into chaos.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Juice boxes
are made out of a type of wax-coated card stock, Al, fyi. I worked for Minute Maid here in MI awhile back. : )
Kegler - September 11, 2008
And if they are going to use the stadium as an emergency facility...
they are probably going to need it Sunday and Monday too.
Planning time is almost over. They need to make a decision soon along with the local relief authorities.
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
Three observations
1) Derrek Lee cannot hit a fastball anymore
Since the beginning of this year, if there is a fastball down and away above 90mph (and if it’s a slider, forget about it), Derrek simply cannot hit it.
2) If Kerry cannot locate his fastball, he is in for a rough night. A 95mph fastball right down the middle only requires half-decent contact to be hit a LONG way, like we saw last night.
3) Last night’s win inspired little confidence- a dominant outing by Harden and 5-6 runs by the Cubs tonight and they should get their swagger back.
SouthsideCub - September 11, 2008
In Derrek's defense
a fastball above 90 low and away is probably the toughest pitch for a 6’5" gentleman to hit.
I wonder if you looked at a hitting chart of Major League right-handed batters, what the collective batting average to them on the low and away pitch is.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Possibly
I guess it’s just clear that he ain’t the hitter he was even 2 years ago.
SouthsideCub - September 11, 2008
I'd agree with that.
But I also think we’re all a little spoiled by his 2005 season. In some cases, he’s a victim of his own success.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
I think we could probably call
2005 an outlier in his Statistical Career and that he is now performing per his pre 2005 norms
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
The difference...
…between Lee doing more damage or hitting a bunch of 2 hop grounders to SS is just not swinging at that pitch.
For 95% of hitters, if a pitcher is able to pound there weak spot all day, most of the games would be 1-0. The reality is, most pitchers don’t have the command to do that and the best hititers have the knack of jumping on the most hittable pitch most of the time. When a guy is pressing, he tends to take the hittable pitches and swing at the pitchers pitches and that is what Lee has done a bunch, and also the reason he is not driving the ball more.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
+1
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
True, but Lee loves that low ball around the knees
Outside corner is difficult, but he used to drive that into right field.
dr stabbingworth - September 11, 2008
debbie
downer
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Hey y'all
Excited for some Harden domination tonight…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
TWSS
daver - September 11, 2008
Lets just hope the rain stays away until he is done pitching
Or just stays away
nji232 - September 11, 2008
So that we can focus on Nevada...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
My only worry about them is if we get 52 again
They lost their top RB for the season last week. We get Willy Mo and Danario back.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
Yeah I saw that kid tore his ACL...
…So, you rooting for USF tomorrow night? Or do you want kU to be ranked high when we destroy them?
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
I never, ever,ever,ever,ever,ever want kU to win
I hope they lose by 60 and Reesing eats turf all night.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
Haha me too.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
KU...
is headed for a major, major downfall. A gift of a schedule and some BCS nonsense (let’s see, KU has shitty schedule, loses to Missouri, but still gets a better bowl) has set them up for a mighty fall…
With a real schedule this year, KU will be exposed.
Kansas25 - September 11, 2008
I won't be losing any sleep over that fact
kU does have one hell of a coach, but you could just tell last year against MIzzou that kansas didn’t have the same caliber athletes.
It doesn’t help that they have the best/worst Big 12 South rotation ever. Two years of Texas, OU, Tech. Then two years years of A&M, Okie State, Baylor. Really sets up against having sustained success.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
Agreed...there needs to be some sort of rotation realignment
if not TOTAL realignment sometime in the not too distant future. But that’s a story for another time and place.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
FWIW
Just wanted to point out something that I noticed—check out the difference between our record on CSN (51-19) and our record on WGN (28-29). While this sucks for those of us who only get WGN (I have felt all year like an overwhelming number of the few games I actually get to watch are losses), it may bode well for the rest of the year. 10 of the remainder of the games are on CSN, while only 3 are on WGN, with a few others on WCIU and FOX/ESPN. Just thought it was curious.
Also, why does CSN have a majority of the games? Shouldn’t it be split kind of evenly between WGN and CSN? It sucks living in Southern Indiana (or any of these other areas) where Extra Innings is blacked out and Comcast doesn’t have the wherewithal to offer CSN with our cable.
Caheisey - September 11, 2008
Yeah, Al brings this up from time to time...It's on the sidebar....
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
yeah
that’s where i looked for the records, wasn’t sure if it had been noticed much or not
Caheisey - September 11, 2008
Switch to UVerse if you can.
I live in Indy, and it was the best move I’ve made in a long time. Plus, they carry CSN Chicago.
Or, find a BW3 – they have Extra Innings, so you’ll be able to follow the game. Plus, today is 20-cent wing Thursday, or something like that.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Trey, I got my shirt. You're the man!
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
I try.
Enjoy it.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
i want to switch to Uverse so badly! Unfortunately it’s available in some parts of Bton, but not my part apparently :-( And BW is one of my go-to places for games :-)
Caheisey - September 11, 2008
It'll spread
UVerse wasn’t in my part of Indy for a while, but once it got here, I switched from Comcast as soon as I could. It’s worth it.
Besides, you’re in Bloomington, there’s plenty of places to watch the Cubbies. If I could, I’d go to Nick’s nightly.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
it gets expensive going to nick’s nightly ;-) or any bar, for that matter. yogi’s is most common for my cub-loving pals and i, as i live right by it.
Caheisey - September 11, 2008
Yogi's is solid
I always try to stop by there when I’m in town.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Interesting
I wondered why I always felt like when I actually got to see the game on TV, the Cubs were not going to do as well.
This last stretch is really annoying. Most of the games are on Comcast, and us cheap bastards with no cable get hosed.
dr stabbingworth - September 11, 2008
Two things
1) Replace the pages of Chuck Norris facts and replace them with Ted Lilly Facts
2) Suggest Cubs/Astros play at Wrigley. Houston shouldn’t complain—they swept us there last time—not that they will this time or anything…
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
Point two is being discussed above.
daver - September 11, 2008
Thanks...that's what I get for skimming (sigh)
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
Great idea
just started a Ted Lilly Facts FanShot.
digitalbenjamin - September 11, 2008
Just finally saw...
the Lilly play at the plate on First and 10 (somehow omitted on Sportscenter). I freakin’ loved it. Hell yes Ted Lilly. That’s what this team needs. A little attitude. We’re the best team in the NL, and we need to act like it. Not play dirty, but play tough and with the swagger we deserve to be playing with.
Kansas25 - September 11, 2008
Ted Lilly got me awfully excited last night when he decked that guy
Who would have thought little Ted Lilly would be the biggest man out there.
Also Geo withstood the hit of Prince Fielder, while Molina couldn’t handle 170 pound TRL. I’m glad we have the catcher we do.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
I'm typically not one to delve into "intangibles"...
but one has to think the rest of the Cubs seeing little Ted barrel into Molina had to be a little pick-me-up.
Kansas25 - September 11, 2008
Here's a tangible "intangible" :-) :
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
Only worry was it was his pitching side he used
to level Molina. The replay on the StL network was also impressive.
blackhawk24 - September 11, 2008
Pretty sure he went in with his right shoulder...
that pic was taken after his ass-kicking full body follow through…
carmen_fanzone - September 11, 2008
Take a look at the pic above by zevkalman
then look at the reply on the Cubs website. Sure looks like the left side hit first and if he were a little higher up, it’s the way I loved to drill someone with an open ice hit.
blackhawk24 - September 11, 2008
You'll note the rolled up shirt Lilly is wearing...
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
Yeah. The guy is a badass. No temperature below absolute zero (Kelvin)
is gonna bother him.
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
Shirt rolled up: Check.
Ass kicked: Check.
daver - September 11, 2008
Bwahahahah: check
that was funny,…made my co-workers look at me.
cubfever7 - September 11, 2008
Thankfully, Lilly wasn't hurt.
They should not have had Lilly going home on contact. They should protect the pitchers. You don’t send them to collide with the catcher. Wait until they are driven in safely from 3B.
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
According to Lou...
…Lilly was told to make the ball go through and he didn’t. Guess he was trying to make something happen.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
So he did it on his own.
At least, that gives me the peace of mind that Lou’s staff knows what they’re doing.
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
So you did it on your own, didn't you Highway? I'll have
your stripes for this!! (Random “Heartbreak Ridge” reference)
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 11, 2008
I still support Wood to pitch in the 9th, even if we had blown the game.
Although that’s easy to say now – LOL
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
hell no
that was an awful, awful decision. Have Wood ready if Lilly F’s up, but you have to let Ted keep going.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
His velocity does seem to be down a bit
and he pretty much was trying to get ahead in the count with his fastball and staying away from the Slider/Uncle Charlie most of the night.
My guess this was from lack of work…at least that is my hope.
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
Plus, in Woody's defense
he gave up hits to the Cardinals two best hitters. The other three batters he faced were outs.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I don't think his velocity was down.
At least it wasn’t according to Gameday: He was hitting 96 with his fastball and even threw a 98 MPH fastball to Ludwick. (The home run pitch was clocked a 97.)
daver - September 11, 2008
I only saw one pitch at 97
and that was the First Pitch Strike to Pujols…the rest seemed to be at 94. Although I admit I had a towel over my head right after Pujols and Ludwick got their hits so I did not pay a ton of attention to the pitch speeds on their hits
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
If a starter has 8 IP, one run, and fewer than 90 pitches
and doesn’t get to finish — when would a starter EVER get to finish?
ChipSet - September 11, 2008
When he has 110 pitches and his team is up 7 runs
nji232 - September 11, 2008
Dusty? Is that you?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Dude, nothing wrong with riding the horses.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
LMAO
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
I have Ned Yost on line one.
He’d like to answer your question.
daver - September 11, 2008
Play the Astros at the Cell
Sox play at night, Cubs could play during the day. Given all the Cubs fans that show up for games here at the Juice Box, the Cell might actually be less hospitable.
DaveinHouston - September 11, 2008
That's pretty much home field advantage. No way houston accepts that proposal...
you know, being contenders and all.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
No matter where the Astros go beside the Juice Box
The Cubs will most likely have the most fans. Too bad, deal with it. If they have an issue with it. Technical balk them and make them forfeit the games.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
I just technical balked myself...
in private of course.
:)
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
For what it is worth
Lilly should have went on Theriot’s swinging bunt…and stayed on DLee’s swinging bunt. However, I will take the win.
With all of that Said, I jwant to see some Extra Base hits with less than 2 outs tonight and at least one SAC Fly. It does amaze me that we are fourth in the league in SAC Flys with 42. The leader has 45…goes to show ya how hard it is do, I guess.
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
Can I just say
I am a bit disappointed that Nefi is not the magic number jersey wearer. What is wrong with site????
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
see the above posts regarding this
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Actually I should have said "please be specific".
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
I figured but
I don’t really know how to read so it won’t help.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
It's been way too long...
and I’m SO HARD right now!! Anyone else as fired up as I am for the return of Rich and to see this rotation stabilize again?!?
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
Wow.
I have no words.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Odd...
you sure you’re on the right website?
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
LOL.
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
LOL
Sorry all… I know my post was a little inappropriate but since seeing Harden make his debut at Wrigley, I’ve been…well, hard.
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
Of course, the injury history is a concern...
But I’ve found that Viagra is available in Cubbie Blue!!
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
Well, I can't unread that now.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I thought if you had an erection for more than 4 hours
you were supposed to see the Doc.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Only if that erection...
is caused by anything other than a flame-throwing Canadian with a disgusting splitter…
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
Oh my.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
I'm done now.. I promise
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
So...you've finished?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
TWSS
nji232 - September 11, 2008
I've finished for now...
However, I’ll be “up” for more later… Probably sometime around 7pm CST
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
This is escalating quickly
nji232 - September 11, 2008
Boy, that escalated quickly... I mean, that really got out of hand fast.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
There were horses and a guy on fire and I stabbed a man in the heart with a trident.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that...
…you should probably find a safe-house or a relatives…Lay low for awhile…Youre probably wanted for murder.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
497-498-499-500.
As you can see, I work out.
cubfever7 - September 11, 2008
egad!
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
...
I shall not generously giveth my TWSS, and have thus decided against it here. Too obvious a setup for a TWSS, and the laws of TWSS are unflinchingly rigid.
Kansas25 - September 11, 2008
But in all seriousness...
A “solid” outing from Harden tonight and a series win would do wonders for this club… Put last week exactly where it belongs, in the past, and move on to the Houston series (where ever it may be)… All this team needs is its swagger and confidence back, and taking 2 out of 3 from our arch rivals, on their turf, coupled with Harden reassuring all of us of his dominance, with Z coming back on the horizon would reaffirm my belief that this team is, without question, the best team in the National League.
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
Is it safe to assume...
…you’re pitching a tent outside New Busch Stadium?
daver - September 11, 2008
Still waiting for the play on words friend...
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
+English Lady
Kegler - September 11, 2008
English Lady?
I keep hearing talk of this “English Lady”. “English Lady” this and “English Lady” that. What is this “English Lady” of which you speak? and what does it have to do with a “Bear Grylls”? come to think of it, what the heck is a “Bear Grylls”?
Blue W - September 11, 2008
It's the main activity
at an Alaskan tailgate (rimshot)
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
Well, English Lady me blind.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
English Lady website.....(adults only)
go here
Bump Bailey - September 11, 2008
Damn.
I’m at work, and that’s akin to the allure of The Red Button.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
We have a lovely red hand that appears to slap you across your perverted face...
but whatever.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
The shiny red button
maybe something good…..
maybe something bad….
tootle - September 11, 2008
The shiny candylike button
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
WILL he hold out folks? CAN he hold out?!
How can he possibly resist the diabolical urge to push button that could erase his very existence?
Will his tortured mind give into its uncontrollable desires?
Can he withstand the temptation to push the button that even now beckons him ever closer?
Blue W - September 11, 2008
NO I CAN'T!!!
mjk83 - September 11, 2008
Swagger and confidence
isn’t back yet. They backed into the win last night. They still aren’t hitting (all singles), and aren’t getting the big hits with men on base.
We need an offensive explosion, not wimpy singles.
Clark Addison - September 11, 2008
A win is a win is a win is a win is a win is a win....
carmen_fanzone - September 11, 2008
No, really,
tell me what you see. ;)
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
The start of a wet t-shirt contest.
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
for tiny people?
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
It's a start...
Blue W - September 11, 2008
Or a big ass glass.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Is that vodka?
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
Now THAT'S optimism!
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
(GRIN)
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
subliminal messages?
Emelie - September 11, 2008
LMAO
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
Why do I want to go and buy 2 Cokes now?
Blue W - September 11, 2008
and drink them though this?
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
I see a glass
that is twice as big as it needs to be
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
wait
they aren’t hitting? They had LOTS of hits.
Man. WE WON THE FRAKKIN’ GAME! This is what good teams do — they WIN ball games even when they’re not 100%
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
you play
to win the games!
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Yeah but Drew
I gotta say I understand the point here. There was a heavy reliance on the poor defense of the Cards to win that game…and even then it still almost got away from them.
I too am concerned that they are not winning the way they used to. They are sort of winning by default.
Yes a win is a win is a win but come October, there won’t be too many if this is how they are playing…just my opinion though.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Oh, it's not a pretty win
but taking advantage of other team’s mistakes helps you win in the post season. Remember Bill Buckner.
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
Sure, but a team can't depend on that every day
Fraggin Judge - September 11, 2008
No
but if you can make SOMETHING happen, you can manufacture wins.
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
i agree
when you put pressure on the other team to make plays to get ya out, you can force them into mistakes and then capitalize.
wins dont have to be pretty…. they just need to be.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
Latest on the weekend...
Per Artcile on ESPN
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3581523
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
That's just stupid.
So make the Cubs fly there and ride out a hurricane and then be ready to play on Monday. Ridiculous. Plus, what if the stadium gets damaged in the storm?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Not only that
But what if Houston doesnt have any power?
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
Right.
And what if they are using the stadium for emergency shelter, as noted below?
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Or if people have to live there for a few days!
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
They could move to the Astrodome...
(shudder)
hip2bsquare - September 11, 2008
Blasphemy.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Besides, the Astrodome is no longer set up for baseball.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Was it ever?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Rimshot!
Good point.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
+1!
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
haha
last team to play there was the bad new bears
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Let them play! Let them play!
hokie316 - September 11, 2008
The offense will be fine...
Everyone on this team started feeling the pressure, and when Z and Harden went down… it multiplied ten-fold… Think about how hysterical we all were? You think these guys don’t feel some of that? The key is to make it through this offensive lull and to have Z and Harden come back strong… Just knowing that they are OK will stabilize the rotation and spark confidence in the whole team, from the offense to the bullpen and finally, to the crazy fans.
Hard4Harden - September 11, 2008
Hilarious...
From SportingNews:
When you hear the name Ted Lilly, you probably think “crafty lefty, decent stuff, a good middle rotation guy.” But when I think Ted Lilly, I think of two words: Bad. Ass. Oh, that’s funny to you, is it? That I’d think some fleshy, unathletic looking pitcher would strike fear in hearts of fellow ballplayers? Fine then, watch this video from last night’s game against the Cardinals and you tell me who the badass is.
linky
And thanks to Deadspin, for being the middleman…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 11, 2008
That
ROCKS
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
wow. he DID lead with his pitching arm.
THAT’s how you send a message. MAKE THEM BEAT YOU.
This play, and when Lilly struck out Pujols in the late innings. That frakkin’ ROCKED.
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
Great video!
And, taken from the comments section, here’s an article from the Cardinals Web site with TLR’s comments on the play. In short, LaRussa says:
Expect tonight’s game to be extra interesting.
daver - September 11, 2008
He is such a bag of ______
clearly planning something. I wish Lilly could give HIM a taste.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Just don't play into their tactics
That is what he wants. He wants us to get out of our game so that they can take advantage. If we get, take our base. Deal with this next year not during the pennant race
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
Get out of what game?
Kidding kidding…kind of.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Yeah, my impression is that...
…Lilly is this team’s designated enforcer, and he’s obviously not going to be in the game. I say if the Cards throw at a Cubs hitter and Lou chooses to respond, go with Howry.
daver - September 11, 2008
He'll put it right over the plate.
Please do NOT use HR Howry.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Hm, yeah, that's true...
…at least Gagne had the good sense to throw two feet behind Edmonds’ back. Waitaminute, they just brought up this Randy Wells guy – maybe he’d be a better option.
daver - September 11, 2008
When it comes to baseball
anyone is ALWAYS a better option than Howry.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Latroy Hawkins
Dave Smith
Goose Gossage
Shawn Boskie
are those better options than Howry?
tootle - September 11, 2008
Antonio Alfon-suck-a
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
If he weren't such an important part of the bullpen,
I would suggest Jeff Spellcheck, he throws the ball much harder.
(fooled you there with the subject line didn’t i :D )
gwood - September 11, 2008
OT: New Cubs Feature on ESPN
ESPN found Cubs fans to cover the last 100 years – from the famous (Billy Corgan) to infamous (Woo Woo) – check it out.
Wonder if they contacted Al about being a voice, since they got Nick Evans from GROTA to appear.
FWIW, I turned this into a FanShot, too.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
I would love to have
lunch with the guy born in 1908. Just the little video clip and article about him are incredibly interesting.
gwood - September 11, 2008
BREAKING NEWS:
Score Reporting:
Cubs/Astros to play double header on Sunday and a single game Monday.
No Games Friday and Saturday.
This has NOT be confirmed
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
Anything for a buck.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
TWO DAYS
without baseball????
drewishdrewid - September 11, 2008
The Score...
…is reporting they are thinking of not playing Friday or Saturday and playing 2 on Sunday and one on Monday and they are going to decide in a couple of hours.
This is nuts. That would mean the Cubs fly to Chicago and go back to Houston on Saturday night, because I would assume they wouldn’t want to be there during the height of the storm. Getting into Houston on Saturday or Sunday would not appear to be a given, but that is just me.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
There likely won't be any electricity at the Ballpark....
Even on Monday. In Florida, power repair crews . WON’T GO OUT IN TROPICAL STORM WINDS OR HIGHER
kcjones - September 11, 2008
They are in major denial in Houston....
and are in for a rude awakening this weekend.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
Agree...
…I was in Hurricane Fredrick that hit Pensacola and Mobile in 1979. I’ll tell you, it scared the shit out of me. I believe the winds were about 100 mph (which is about what this storm is) and it brought down big pine trees like match sticks. One thing that most people don’t realize, is when a hurrican comes through a whole bunch of toronados devlelop along with it.
I just think this is really really stupid.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
Frankly.....
They probably weren’t in good shape to play 2nite either,,,,
kcjones - September 19, 2008
ooppss..
They ’re in pittsburg
kcjones - September 19, 2008
This is boarderline insanity
So let me get this straight.
The Cubs would fly back to Chicago (to a city that will have an EMPTY ballpark)
And then fly back to Houston 2 days after a major Hurricane has just struck?
THATS FLIPPIN’ STUPID!
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
and par for the course when your talking about MLB.
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
Yep.
Absolutely ridiculous. There is precedent for moving games like this to a neutral site — they did it in 2004 with the Marlins, WHO WERE IN PLAYOFF CONTENTION AT THE TIME, and last year with the Indians and Angels, BOTH OF WHOM MADE THE PLAYOFFS LAST YEAR!
Move the games.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
What if they need the stadium for shelter or something.
There was already talks of this. I find this series very minor to what that of what these people down there are going to experience. sad…
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
Does the gate matter that much
when most of the city will be evacuated and/or cleaning up from a hurricane? Good grief, this is the height of greed.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Exactly.
Absolutely stupid.
Al Yellon - September 11, 2008
Somebody has to pay for the Doctoring of
Tejada Birth Certificate, Berkman’s Buffet, and Oswalt’s Tree Stand
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
i think for shits and giggles
they should leave the roof oopen until the storm hits and then see if they can get it shut while the hurricane ravishes Houston.
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
I'm surprised...
they didn’t schedule a triple-header for Monday.
hokie316 - September 11, 2008
Tripleheaders are prohibited under the collective bargaining agreement
The only modern-era one happened back in 1920.
You’d think playing games in a hurricane would be prohibited by the CBA too, but I digress.
hip2bsquare - September 11, 2008
Nice addendum.
A triple-header, in today’s MLB, would be 10am-10pm minimum.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
I'm sure Drayton would be up for it
if he could get three gates out of the day. Despite what the CBA says.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
I misplaced my link to the 'sarcasm' sign.
hokie316 - September 11, 2008
Here ya go...
…from the Flickr group.
daver - September 11, 2008
It's a beautiful day
lets play three
MerlinDog - September 11, 2008
Never forget who Bud works for
The Commish is appointed by and works for ownership…so if McLain (sp?) thinks he can make a few dollars while endagering the lives of people at the ballpark, then Bud will sign on with that plan.
Curtain Jerker - September 11, 2008
Totally agree.
Madness Utter madness.
daver - September 11, 2008
Where is the MLBPA?
They always seem to poke thier nose into just about everything why not here?
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
Because this isn't prevented by the CBA
They don’t just complain about things they don’t like. They lodge protests when baseball is in violation of the collective bargaining agreement. There is nothing in the CBA preventing teams from playing three games in two days.
Josh Timmers - September 11, 2008
this is an incredibly stupid decision that MLB appears to be making
I will just say this. F Major league baseball. People get killed in hurricanes. This isn’t a goofy thunderstorm with pretty lightning and loud thunder. This is a gd hurricane. Glass breaks, things get ruined. What if that stadium gets damaged in the hurricane? Then what? You are endangering a lot of lives to play a bseball game.
Insert a lot of F-bombs in that mini-rant.
nji232 - September 11, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
LOL, seems like enough
nji232 - September 11, 2008
NO...it's not a thunderrstorm....
Take that severe thunderstorm/tornado that hit severl times this summer in the midwest…now imagine that lasting a day or day andd a 1/2 instead of an hour or so.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
The Cubs need to do what the Red Sox where ready to do in Spring Training
Boycott the games until the games are going to be held in a neutral safe location.
Period
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
Woudn't they forfeit the games
though? Not sure how MLB would handle that.
gwood - September 11, 2008
Red Sox wanted to boycott over money IIRC
So we have an even more worthy cause
nji232 - September 11, 2008
more worthy to US...not the MLBPA or MLB.
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
we are the only ones that should matter
nji232 - September 11, 2008
But they had a right
The games in Japan were in violation of the CBA. They were paid money (they actually were demanding money for their coaches and trainers, not themselves) to waive those provisions of the CBA. When baseball wouldn’t pay the trainers and coaches (who aren’t covered by the CBA) the Red Sox rescinded the waiver of their rights under the CBA.
This is not a violation of the CBA. The Cubs would forfeit in such a situation.
Josh Timmers - September 11, 2008
I could see this scenerio...
…they plan on playing Sunday and Monday and the storm causes enough havoc by Saturday to make that impossible. The Cubs would be Chicago and Houston at home, potentially stuck there and not able to get out on Saturday or Sunday to get to a neutral site.
I can just see this thing blowing up and these teams getting screwed with after season makeup games.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
Plus the annoyance
of going from St Louis to Houston (or to Chicago then Houston) then back to St Louis, or Milwaukee, or…
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
This seems pretty simple, $$$$$$$$$$$ dictate the decision
you’ll have to snatch 3 home games against the cubs away from the Astros. That is aolt of dough to lose
graceunderpressure - September 11, 2008
Yeah..it's like what....5 of Soriano's game checks?
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
That means very little
If the Hurricane damages the stadium
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
no kidding, but unfortunately we know where the focus is in buisness
graceunderpressure - September 11, 2008
Or endangers people.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
can anyone answer this
was the stadium funded by tax payers? my guess is yes, so it should be used for the people, not for a baseball game
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
It is appropriate that this would come from the people
who brought you Enron Field, back in the day.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
I am awaiting
statments from Curt Schilling and Hank Steinbrenner about how Hurricanes should not be allowed to interfere with Baseball
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
off topic, but do I have to ban the cubs again tonight
I know I started this thing (and it worked mind you) but do I have to? Man it was hard, and I got anxious around 10 pm, probably less so than if I was actually watching Kerry Wood
graceunderpressure - September 11, 2008
no
there are no jinxes, no curses, no bad karma
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
Now you're just being religiously intolerant
daeviant - September 11, 2008
I would say no.
Your self-imposed ban broke the cycle of losing and the Cubs shall triumph consistently going forward. Of course, if they lose tonight, you’ll have to ban yourself from at least one of the “Hurricane Games.”
daver - September 11, 2008
Houston begins to evacuate -- low-lying areas first...
From CNN:
Will there be enough people in the city to watch the game during the next week?
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
From the Houston Chronicle
So, we should have confirmation of everything soon, hopefully.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
How about the safety of the players, the workers, their families, etc
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
My thought exactly.
daver - September 11, 2008
McLance's statement is a lie...
If people’s safety was the most important thing they’d be playing somewhere other than Houston.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
What a bunch...
…of BS!
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
McLane doesn't care...
…the tickets are already sold.
What I would love to see, is the potential of a class action suit that would force McLane to refund the tickets because of the conditions that could exist and people could not get to the game.
MPH73 - September 11, 2008
If we do end up playing in Houston
I hope to hell we sweep there asses!
Galvan316 - September 11, 2008
the only logical choice is moving the entire series to st. louis or Kc
I live in Columbia (neato!)
graceunderpressure - September 11, 2008
I think the currently
weather forecast for those areas would preclude that
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
no no no it is expected to be beautiful here this weekend , honest............
hey don’t go looking at the weather channel now buddy
graceunderpressure - September 11, 2008
I for one
will be willing to hold part of a huge tarp over Busch if they play here.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Just keep Vince Coleman away from it!
hip2bsquare - September 11, 2008
I live in STL
so I would love to him them here
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
really?
i hear montana is beautiful this time of year
cubswynn - September 11, 2008
I'm gonna move there soon...
gonna be a dental floss tycoon.
hokie316 - September 11, 2008
oh I love zappa
Emelie - September 11, 2008
She's happy about the Cubs win
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
...and we're happy to see her here.
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
She is one
my short list
gwood - September 11, 2008
‘on’ not one
gwood - September 11, 2008
yes
mjk83 - September 11, 2008
From The Houston Chronicle
Astros weigh decision on Friday’s game against Cubs
By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Sept. 11, 2008, 10:20AM
19Comments 0Recommend Share
Print Email Del.icio.usDiggTechnoratiYahoo! BuzzAstros owner Drayton McLane expects to learn about noon today how the club will proceed for Friday’s series opener against the Chicago Cubs at Minute Maid Park.
As of 10 a.m., McLane said the Cubs were still expected to fly in tonight, but the key will be fans’ safety. McLane said the team is working closely with the emergency management services.
“The most important thing is people’s safety. We’re trying to do what is best for all our fans and their families. We’ll know more later today,” McLane said.
TexBro - September 11, 2008
Just off a plane from Houston, they're nuts if they try to play any games at the juice box this weekend
I was supposed to go to the game Fri. night but SW is cancelling flights and the roads are starting to jam up with people getting out of town, they’d be insane to try to play anywhere near Houston, just play the damn games in St. Louis!
alabebo - September 11, 2008
Re: Chicago @ Houston @ somewhere
How does broadcasting work? Do both teams get to bring their crews, cameras, etc. in like normal?
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Most times the home team shares cameras, crews with the visiting team.
alabebo - September 11, 2008
Gettin outta Houston
Harris County and City of Houston officials are calling for the evacuation of citizens residing in Zones A & B of the evacuation plan. Evacuation is to start at noon today for residents in ZIP codes 77058, 77059, 77062, 77520, 77546, 77571, 77586, and 77598.
http://ktrh.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=121300&article=4224360
alabebo - September 11, 2008
This hurricane is gigantic
I sincerely hope that everyone in the path of this storm gets out of the way. In Austin, well inland, they are saying that it will be a Cat2. Imagine what it will be on the coast.
Look at the size of this storm…
How anyone can be considering baseball is beyond me.
Curtain Jerker - September 11, 2008
Ted Lilly is not afraid of Hurricanes
He punches them in the EYE….
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
Cue the Chuck Norris/Ted Lilly jokes please...
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
Actually, they've already been cued...
…in this fanshot.
daver - September 11, 2008
My bad
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
No biggie...
…just trying to make sure they all end up in the same place. Funnier that way.
daver - September 11, 2008
Ted Lilly destroyed the periodic table,
because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
Blue W - September 11, 2008
Oh I like that one...
Kinky Reggae - September 11, 2008
That one is good
gwood - September 11, 2008
Berkman
If the series is played in Houston, count on the Astros being without Lance Berkman. He was the first one smart enough to get out of a lightning storm at Wrigley, he’ll be smart enough to get out of Houston as this storm approaches.
StampMe - September 11, 2008
That was awesome, especially when they caught Derrek Lee's "OH SHIT!" in the dugout...
Hilarious.
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
my favorite was the reed johnson
point “look at berkman”.
what a strange game that was.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
Weird...
just as I read this a coworker said the words “fear for your life.” I think Berkman did just that.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
Ya know
We talk a lot about the players on the ball club and a lot of times we forget that these guys have families. Even though these guys are multi millionaire dollar athletes, they still tie shoes, wipe noses, go the zoo, watch their kids go to school, graduate etc. They do all the things that we do…just with more money. If we would not stay to endure that hurricane, why should they.
This is just irresponsible of MLB to put them in harms way. Forget the issues of playing a doubleheader, etc. The safety of their franchises should come first and if there is an alternative that works, than use it. In business you can mitigate a risk but when it comes to a hurricane/weather, you can’t mitigate God.
TheRiot Police - September 11, 2008
CNN: "Kanye West arrested after skirmish"
Translation?:
“Los Angeles International Airport does not care about black people.”
(lol)
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
Nice
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
Or black puppets.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
G O B ! ! !
Oh COME ON!!!
malicedoom - September 11, 2008
I think I've made a huge mistake.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
He's been holding in all of that rage since the VMAs.
daver - September 11, 2008
I'm going to chime in here....
It’s not a matter of IF Houston gets hit w/ a hurricane…It’s WHEN Houston gets hit w/ a Hurricane…..A 230+ mile swath of the Gulf coast is going to be impacted w/ Hurricane conditions….at 1PM the storm was 531 miles away…..Take off 115 for the bredth of the storm….that makes HURRICANE CONDITIONS 415 miles away……a 550 mile swath of the Gulf coast is going to experience Tropical Storm conditions…so tropical storm conditions are only 256 miles away…….the storm is moving at 10 MPH…..SO…Houston will likely be experiencing tropical torm conditions in about 26 hours…or by 3PM tomorrow….and Hurricane conditions in 41 hours or about 7 AM Saturday….so even if he moves the game up Friday afternoon…iit is unlikely many will show up as they will be busy “battoning down the hatches” …..and McClain wants to send a stadium full of fans out on the road in the middle of a tropical storm? The tropical storm conditions could possibly last 55 or more hours…..
Also, many roads will likely be impasssible after the storm due to trees, powerlines , traffic signs and signals….which will take days to clean up……so He wants fans to come out Sunday in a tropical storm or Monday on dangerous roads to see a ballgame?
kcjones - September 11, 2008
News Reports: Houston apparently will be "heavily punished"
and:
zevkalman - September 11, 2008
I hate to say it...
…but this is sounding like Katrina all over again. The Cubs should flat-out refuse to go.
daver - September 11, 2008
I don't know if it will cause the flooding that Katrina did.
Possibly in Galveston and lower-lying areas it will, but your point is true. The Cubs should not be traveling there, given the forecasts.
Bill Potter - September 11, 2008
Yeah, I just mean in terms of unpreparedness.
daver - September 11, 2008
I don't think you'll see the loss of life or flooddiing liike Katrine
But it will take WEEKS to clean up after this storm
kcjones - September 11, 2008
I wouldn't trust Rickie to do that all himself.
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
:)
n/t
kcjones - September 11, 2008
He would just kick stuff, fumble it, and throw it away
wnielsen - September 11, 2008
I find stormpulse.com to be an excellent spot to
track storms as well as http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
If they do play in Houston Friday
the Juice Box is gonna be one eerie place to be
spoiledcubbage - September 11, 2008
agreed
if I lived in houston id be out of there. id have boarded up my house and headed for the hills.
mjk83 - September 11, 2008
I'd be staying around and getting ready to loot the shopping malls and hang out on my roof...
until FEMA showed up and gave me a free mobile-home and a Visa checkcard.
santoswoodenlegs - September 11, 2008
This is Texas....
The store owners will be outside on a rocking chair with a gun and a “you loot we shoot” sign. And they don’t need to wait for FEMA.
sanantonecub - September 11, 2008
Ah Texas
no place quite like it.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
Good place to be when the zombies rise, too.
See, also: Winchester.
neverAcquiesce - September 11, 2008
News Alert from CST:
Ah, the Times. A news alert for nothing really new…. (here)
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 11, 2008
Wow, interesting stuff - thanks!
Sounds like maybe, just maybe cooler heads are prevailing.
daver - September 11, 2008
Gordon Wittenmyer already said his flight got cancelled to Houston...
I can’t imagine the airlines would fly anywhere near there… The Government is evacuating people. It’s going to be bad. Not sure what McLane is thinking. Play at a neutral safe place. People aren’t going to be going to a ball game if things are destroyed on the home front. People probably won’t even be back from the evac.
Fishbone2 - September 11, 2008
The 5PM advisory is out
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/text/refresh/MIATCPAT4+shtml/112047.shtml
kcjones - September 11, 2008
They are kidding themsellves if they think Houston will be in any shape
to be hosting a baseball game on Sunday…………and I’m not sure why they think the can host a game on Monday either.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
The Cubs should insist on at least 1 game
Friday or Saturday at a Neutral site. You gotta stay in a “groove”…I’m surprised the Astros (at lest the players and manager) don’t want that either.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
Saturday game now also postponed due to Ike.
MinnesotaFan - September 11, 2008
DUH...
I’m not making fun of you……BUT if I were either team….I would not want 2-3 days off then have to make it up with ddouble headers, etc.
I would insist we play SOMEWHERE Saturday…..and then Sun Nite/Monday (play it by ear) if Houston is ready…which it won’t be…so you play at the neutral site more.
kcjones - September 11, 2008
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