We stand on the cusp of history every single night, or so it seems. Last night's thrilling 5-4 Cubs win over the Brewers, reducing the magic number to four (thanks to the Marlins' 5-1 win over the Astros, the quirky little possibility that the Cubs could sweep Milwaukee yet not clinch the Central was eliminated), and also gave the Cubs 52 wins at home in 2008. That's the most home victories in a season since 1935 -- breaking the previous high, 51, set in 1984. (I've added a right sidebar box listing the top win seasons at home.)
Leaving the ballpark, it seemed there were way more people milling around Sheffield and Waveland than usual -- people starting to come down to the area just to soak in the atmosphere, even without tickets, and this is only going to increase over the next few days... and hopefully, deep into October.
Those who did have tickets saw a game in which none of the Cubs pitchers threw with their "A" game -- Ryan Dempster labored through six innings, giving up no runs and striking out nine through five, allowing only Prince Fielder's shot onto Sheffield that looked like it was going to hit the just-past-full moon rising over the bleachers; that made the score 3-2 and though Dempster trudged out to the mound to start the 7th (surprising us), Lou had no intention of letting him go past the 114 pitches he did throw.
The bullpen struggled. Carlos Marmol threw pretty well -- but Fielder hit his second homer of the day off him, muscling a ball to the opposite field, to bring the Brewers back to within a run after Alfonso Soriano had homered in the bottom of the seventh. Then Kerry Wood -- who we noticed in the bleachers had almost none of his best stuff while warming up -- fired up the radar gun to 96 and 97 MPH once he hit the mound. Even then, he gave up two hits and a run before floating a gorgeous breaking pitch right over the center of the plate, fooling Fielder for a game-ending K, as the crowd got just about as loud as I've heard it all year.
Earlier, two fine fielding plays -- one by Mark DeRosa, one by Reed Johnson, both flat-out dives to get sinking liners -- had helped keep the Brewers in check. Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee pulled off a nice DP to end the sixth, a play that got Brewers 1B coach Ed Sedar tossed, arguing that Lee had taken his foot off the bag; replays appeared to show that he had made the play. Meanwhile, Milwaukee was also keeping the Cub offense down with some nice fielding plays -- particularly one bouncer up the middle that J. J. Hardy prevented from being a hit. It was a well-played game, tense and exciting all the way through, something we should hope and expect to see continuing as we make our way to and through October.
Dave and I had a long discussion about whether a team should celebrate a division title on the field (he claimed the Yankees never did, just high-fiving and then leaving the field). He said no -- that should be reserved for winning the pennant or World Series. I disagree. Celebrating a division title is the celebration you have earned for success over the long six-month road to the postseason. It doesn't mean there isn't more work to be done -- obviously, once you get in you want to win -- but I think any team that's made the playoffs has earned the right to celebrate it, particularly in front of its own fans if the schedule breaks that way.
We hope that'll be soon, perhaps even by tomorrow. After that rough stretch to begin this month, the Cubs have won five in a row, gotten back to break-even in September (6-6) and look as good as they have all season. Since a 3-2, extra-inning loss to the Marlins on July 26, they are 31-14 -- their best 45-game stretch since they went an identical 31-14 from June 30-August 18, 1989. What perfect timing to go into the postseason.
0 recs | 667 comments
First!
Who’ll be #4?
Clutch16 - September 17, 2008
You haven't looked yet? It's been up since last night.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
In the thread :)
Clutch16 - September 17, 2008
Oh!
I get it now.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
and
you just became #4
cozmotaylor123 - September 17, 2008
Actually, in that part of the thread I was #5.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
First?
Scrapptastic - September 17, 2008
i'll join in
first?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I'm #4
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
oh, you meant the magic number... darn...
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
I think your 5
ThisOldCub18 - September 17, 2008
well, counting only comments, not replies...
I’m #4 on my screen, though I may be otherwise after servers sync up, But hey, nothing wrong with being George Brett!
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
no you're just drunk on old style already
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Would there be anything wrong with that?
ThisOldCub18 - September 17, 2008
i meant that as a complement
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
hey, it's 8:30 am somewhere...
…like here! Barkeep – pass me another!
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
I said it Sunday...
and Monday…..
Second to Z’s no-no, that double by DLee on Sunday is going to prove to be a good ending to september and a great start to october. DLee is BACK!!!!
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
This calls for a nice, tall frosty... Whoops!
The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street - September 17, 2008
Shouldn't
you be drinking Old Style?
ThisOldCub18 - September 17, 2008
miller
brewers……party foul……get it?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Got it thanks
ThisOldCub18 - September 17, 2008
You're not living the High Life...
crw89 - September 17, 2008
I love this guy
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Me too.
The new one with the ostrich burgers is the best. I like that they don’t take the beer.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
Anyone know who he is?
He’s created a great charactor.
Ihatethecards - September 17, 2008
His name is Windell Middlebrooks
I guess he made an apperance at Miller Park sometime in July.
Blue W - September 17, 2008
...go sit in the sunshine, watching your favourite pitcher...
…get lit up?! Take him out, take him out! They can’t even hear me through this glass. Come on guys, I got’s to go smell me a hot dog or something.
That’s who I want to go see a game with anytime; not those schmucks in the skybox when he asks, “can anyone tell me what inning it is?”
blackhawk24 - September 17, 2008
That commercial cracks me up
particularly the end of the quote you started:
“I gotta go smell me a hot dog or something to make me feel alive!”
DWChaney - September 17, 2008
It is a great spot and the actor is terriffic
But why would Miller take….their beer out of somebody’s hands? (There’s a lot more going on under the surface in this ad campaign) The spots are creative and funny, but I keep waiting for somebody to call the cops. Perhaps SNL could re-write a new ending….
The spots seem to imply that Mller is now aiming….for a lowered-income customer. Guess “Miller Time” is only for the blue-coller, now. Until this campaign, they haven’t been able to market this brand with any consistency. (Remember they tried to have the ‘woman on the label’ tell stories? That campaign imploded under its’ own stupidity.) Miller Lite/MGD are Miller’s major sellers, but the flagship brand has fallen on hard times. Now, it appears the brand is now aiming at those who buy Old Milwaukee, Keystone, and the like — “regular guys.” This brew isn’t for those who have significant incomes. (And, they NEVER advertise Miller High Life Light)
("But we paid for that beer, officer — arrest that man!)
Now that’s what I’M talkin’ about…
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 17, 2008
I agree
I both love and hate these commercials. It has under the surface some class envy going on. “This is our beer, don’t those people have it.” is kind what this commerical says to me, but I still find them very clever and funny.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
Exactly.
They’re funny cos the actor has great timing, but they’re the very definition of pandering.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I agree
These ads are a jab at the “elites”. They are basically saying, “this beer is for you, the common man, not those snobs.” The irony is they are asking the common man to line the pockets of the real elites who make the beer (it’s not as if Miller is a mom and pop outfit).
The ad at the baseball game goes further in this direction than the previous ads, where he doesn’t take the beer away from the customers, but instead from stores or bars who are charging too much for the product (at least that’s my recollection).
SuperContext - September 17, 2008
He converts the tailgate
to something appropriate with regular burgers and let’s the elites keep the beer.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
"Take him out! Take him out!"
daver - September 17, 2008
i agree al
celebrate on the field…..winning the division is definitely worthy of celebrating and i think we know by now, this team likes to celebrate
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
What a difference a week makes
This time last week we were contemplating a possible Cubs collapse after blowing a game in St. Louis. Now the Cubs are once again large and in charge.
I so hope they can sweep this series so I can be in attendance for the clincher.
SuperContext - September 17, 2008
let the record show
i’m a proud member of the “not on the ledge” crowd
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I remained off the ledge most of the time
I was getting ready to climb on if the Cubs had dropped another game or two in St. Louis, though
SuperContext - September 17, 2008
Not me, I was there and proud ...........
ledge all the way!
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
please do not read as Lidge all the way!
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
I believe
I said in post somewhere on here that I was not on the ledge, but I was about six away from it.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
Ha ha
I was cleaning the space where I thought I was going to sit.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
I edged toward the window at one point...
…but never got out on the ledge.
daver - September 17, 2008
I was a pround member
of the ‘hiding under the bed during the 9th inning’ crowd. Cats, move over…
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 17, 2008
My name's Drew
and I’m not on the ledge.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
hi drew (in unison)
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Hi my name is Shawn and I'm a Alc...
Oh, wait sorry wrong metting.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
I was headed toward the edge....
but I had just poured a nice cold Old Style and didnt want to waste it before assuming my seat on the ledge. Good thing for beer, eh?
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
i remained firmly off the ledge as well
but i was about 3 seconds away from mashing the panic button and screaming.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
Changing moment in September....
in my opinion was when Lilly bowled over Molina in STL. Since then i dont think we have lost.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
+1 i said that the second after i saw it
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
me too.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
You guys are right.
Sometimes it takes a galvanizing moment to turn things around, something unexpected like that to fire up a team. Man, did that one work.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Whether he's pitching, batting or running
catchers fear Ted Lilly.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
he's bowled over catcher in one game
almost threw a no-no in his next. What does he do in his next start to top those things?
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
bats 8th!
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
+1
tootle - September 17, 2008
Soto does not fear Ted Lilly
He feeds on the awesomeness
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
Soto was not born
he was created from Ted’s aura to fulfill his need of a catcher that matches his awesomness
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
Soto is the Eve to Lilly's Adam.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
That doesn't sound quite right.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Oh...
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
uh....
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
...it's a joke...
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
uh...
how about no?
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
...people.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
i know
i laughed.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
Then my work is done.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Awkward!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
That was a...
…take notice moment, no doubt. As a player, you look at that and say; “holy shit, our starting pitcher just bowled their catcher with his pitching shoulder”. Tends to pump a fella up a tad, especially when things aren’t going your way.
To add to this, I would also mention Reed Johnson’s breaking up of the double play in the first game of the series the Cubs swept in July. Remember, the Cubs were down in the 7th and that was a fairly routine double play ball that gets Milwaukee out of that inning. Johnson had the presense of mind to get a bigger lead (Fielder was behind him) so he would be right on top of the 2nd baseman when he tried to turn 2. That was a big, big play.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
agree with the Lilly
crunch job on Molina, I thought when I saw it " Lilly stood over Molina for a couple seconds, and said enough of this"
Good call.
Grockcubs - September 17, 2008
i heard him say
cubs get your heads out of your asses
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
me I was saying omg what a stud
he deserved those words normally only uttered to refer to Geo
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
It wasn't September, but my changing moment was...
…Reed Johnson’s tremendous diving catch way back early in the season. The one where he slid into the wall, flipping his hat brim up, and Wood’s in the bullpen with a WTF expression on his face…
Great play, but the kicker for me was the way Reed got up, and nonchalantly flipped the ball into the air and catching it again, then he just trotted in, like he does this all the time.
Brought to mind Gary Barnett’s motivation nugget in his pre-sleaze days when he coached Northwestern football. “Expect Victory!”
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
And they didn't even win that game.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Fontenot's pinch-hit double...
to give the Cubs the lead in the July 27 Marlins game is my turning point nomination.
The Brewers had caught the Cubs and were beating Houston. The Cubs were trailing 5-0 to the Marlins. It all turned around in the span of about 30 minutes, and the Cubs haven’t looked back.
hokie316 - September 17, 2008
Man it would be so cool...
if somenone could compile all of the great Cubbie moments from this season into a video montage and post it on youtube.
That would be great thing to watch in a couple weeks heading into the postseason. Wish I could do it!
Matty G - September 17, 2008
Keep checking YouTube.
I’m sure someone will do it in one form or another.
daver - September 17, 2008
If somebody knows how to download video from MLB.com
I would be more than willing to make a video montage. The only issue is me getting the video off mlb.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
The casual just-doin'-my-job-Ma'am attitude
is really amazing. No fist pump after the amazing play, maybe a brief exultation at most, then back to work.
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
Yup.
He let DeRo and Demp’s stunned silence speak for him.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
i love reed johnson
he’s been so much fun to watch this season.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
That was awesome.
I was there and felt, even though he was out, that I had seen something special.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
That's a good point.
Other teams do not have rosters. Just a list of players Ted Lilly allows to live.
daver - September 17, 2008
Ted Lilly doesn't really throw the ball.
He uses the power of his mind to teleport it into Geo Soto’s glove.
And then he uses leftover power to make you think he threw it.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
It's a shame Ted Lilly isn't pitching tonight.
He could reduce the MN from 4 to 0.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I was not on the ledge
but I was pacing near it, contemplating a leap after losing 7 of 8
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
they should celebrate on the field
especially if they can clinch this weekend at Wrigley.
mjk83 - September 17, 2008
100% agreed.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
I agree with you on this, too, Al.
IIRC, there was some talk last season about not celebrating the division championship too much. I disagree – it’s a huge accomplishment worthy of celebration. The Cubs are almost there.
daver - September 17, 2008
Abso-f***ing-lutely
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
Especially if it's Saturday
(said by the man who just secured tix)
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
And a National broadcast on FOX.
However to clinch on Saturday means we lose at least one to the brewers so I say NO, Clinch on Thursday.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
I'm with you.
Get it done.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
I didn't say they shouldn't clinch earlier.
I said they should have the celebration on the field if they clinch Saturday.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
I agree, celebrate on the field.
ASAP.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
I want to see FOX stuck with
the ambulatory Cards visiting the hung-over Cubs
Goat Whisperer - September 17, 2008
You meant to say clinch Thursday...
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
at any point Thursday through sunday
I meant during the homestand.
mjk83 - September 17, 2008
I am getting giggly
Cubster - September 17, 2008
hey Al, Prince's bomb went out to Sheffield, not Waveland.
I should know – had it been Waveland, I could have caught it. But it’s too much for these tired old bones to run over to Sheffield for the lefties, so all I could do was listen in agony…
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
Actually...
he launched it into the lake, but I think I see did it fly over Sheffield on the way.
Damen Jackson - September 17, 2008
The funny thing about it was....
I saw Cheeseburger pose for a minute and it pissed me off, but then i said to myaself, eh hopefully Soriano will hit one and do the same. And he did.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Actually...
I think it was that Cubs 5-3 double play the inning before. All the Brewers were pissed, and Hamburglar looked especially vengeful about it.
Damen Jackson - September 17, 2008
He was quoted as saying
“Robble robble robble!”
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
LOL
You’re right. The OTHER homer was to left.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
another thing
i usually say players can admire their homers all they want
but when your team is spiraling out of control, you still are down 3-2, prince looked like an idiot for getting cocky
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
The little respect I had for Fielder went totally out the window last night.
The guy hits a bomb (absolute shot) poses, then jaws at the fans all the way down the 1st base line. Very professional bro. The pose I can take it’s the jawing at the fans that I find ridiculous. But I guess this plays into the Cubs favor… This Brewer team gets consumed about a lot of stupid things: Jawing at fans who called him Cecil, worrying about what is and isn’t a no hitter, their right-fielder who got voted in by the fans to the all-star game ripping those same fans for booing their poor play. No wonder they aren’t winning, there is obviously too much other stuff consuming that team.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
Again pointing out the complete lack of leadership they have.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Agree...
Even though the Brewers have a soft schedule after the Cubs, I don’t think this team makes it. Around all that talent, That leadership is missing.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
I'd argue...
…that the Brewers suffer from the same offensive woes the Cubs had in 04. They have a talented lineup, but a very one dimensional lineup of free swingers. These type of offenses do well mid-season, but tend to struggle when the pressure mounts and scouting reports tighten up.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
Add to that the lack of leadership...
… we are familiar with the results. Milwaukee may be in for the same.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
On leadership
Jeff Passan column from today
tony412 - September 17, 2008
That does make a lot of sense.
daver - September 17, 2008
Well said.
And next year could be worse.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I think they're missing a bullpen
and defense a lot more than they’re missing “leadership.” And if Ryan Braun and Corey Hart decide to slump—well, CC Sabathia and Prince Fielder can’t beat a good team by themselves, as proven last night.
The only “leadership” they are lacking is a leader who wouldn’t let Brian Shouse face a right-hander. Apparently, Sveum is no better in that category.
Josh Timmers - September 17, 2008
i didn't see him jawing
but it wouldn’t surprise me
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I had the Brewer telecast last night...
and he was. Looked like a big roid rage. The commentators mentioned it. I thought he was jawing at the dugout trying to get them fired up. But then after watching the replay a ton of times and then him still yelling when he was walking back to the dugout, it was definitely at the crowd. Jsonline confirms it:
Fielder jawed throughout the game with Chicago fans behind the Brewers’ dugout, who taunted him by calling him "Cecil," a reference to his father, with whom he’s estranged. As he rounded the bases on a monster two-run homer in the sixth off Ryan Dempster, Fielder shouted back at those fans.
"When they don’t say my name, that (makes me mad) a little bit," he said. "That’s not my name. Say my name."
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
wow
if calling him cecil really pisses him off that much, i’m sure that is going to follow him everywhere
unless his response is to hit bombs like the one last night
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Yeah... he and his Dad are estranged. Lots of hatred toward him.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
i knew they hated each other
just surprised he lets fans know it gets to him…..wait no i’m not
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
From what I've read, I'm not sure Cecil hates Prince....
It’s Prince’s anger at his dad for whatever reason, and his little childish psychology that is preventing any kind of father-son reunions…
zevkalman - September 17, 2008
Actually...
I think it’s that Cecil robbed him of millions that’s the problem.
Damen Jackson - September 17, 2008
Really? Didn't know that. Sounds like a real nice family :-)
zevkalman - September 17, 2008
Cecil acted as Prince's agent
when he signed his first professional contract. He then gambled away pretty much Prince’s entire signing bonus.
Cecil wants to “make up” and “make amends” but Prince isn’t having any of it.
Josh Timmers - September 17, 2008
Didn't the IRS
come to Prince too looking to collect on Cecil’s tax debts or something like that?
gwood - September 17, 2008
From what Josh said, it seems that the IRS would have come
to Prince to get a piece of the signing bonus, and Prince probably had to tell them “Look, my dad gambled away all the signing bonus, I’ll have to pay you the taxes due after I get my first paycheck!”
Man, sounds like a real bad situation…maybe I should start lovin’ fatso a bit more….he’s had a hard time of it….
zevkalman - September 17, 2008
My cat's named Cecil
after Cecil Taylor…but I really enjoy the fact that this is a detested name for Fielder.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Nifty.
My cat’s named after Archie Shepp.
sniffy the bee - September 17, 2008
very cool :-)
Emelie - September 17, 2008
That's awesome!
My kittens are named Ayler (after Albert Ayler) and Misha (after Misha Mengelberg).
John Q Freejazz - September 17, 2008
I thought the fans behind the dugout told him
that they had eaten the last of his nachos or something, because he was pissed!
Blue W - September 17, 2008
This is why they lose though...
Fielder is more concerned about what the fans are saying. Yost was more concerned with CC getting the no-hitter. I mean seriously.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Damn, looks like the Wrigley faithful got into Veggie Boy's head.
Well done.
daver - September 17, 2008
And now that it's known that it really bothers him
he’s sure to get it everywhere.
But, in his defense, that is rather disrespectful of the Cub “fans” to do that all night (if, indeed, it was all night).
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
nah
i’m not old school and i know it…..this doesn’t bother me
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I'm all for taunting and getting in a guy's head
but going into their personal lives is a bit far. And if it leads to two-homer games, it’s way too far.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
true
i guess it is his dad after all……it’s easy to not think about baseball players as real humans, however if he lowers himself to the same level and jaws back to the fans, then i don’t feel bad
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Right.
I’d have more respect if he hit the shot, put his head down, and let that speak for itself.
But I can also understand taking that such to heart that you wanna make those who did it hurt as much as you are.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Remember "Bleacher Bums"?
Specifically: “Everybody knows about Ruthie!”
And what follows…
MN exile - September 17, 2008
Give him a few years, see if he turns it around
He’s a tremendous baseball talent, but still quite the angry young man. And if half of what I’ve read is true about the whole father/son thing, Prince has more than a few issues to work through. Some players can make that anger work for them (Sheffield), some self-destruct (Strawberry). Others turn it around and get their heads straight. Griffey Jr. was a bit of an ass when he first came up, but clearly has become of one baseball’s leading citizens.
ballhawk - September 17, 2008
I would
worry about him eating his way out of the league, Goodness. I know it was mentioned he is a vegatarian, oh really.
Grockcubs - September 17, 2008
Candy bars and ice cream are still ok to eat though...
and I am sure beer is ok too.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
mmmmm
Liquid Bread.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
His favorite vegetable is Carrot Cake
gocubsgo22 - September 17, 2008
We'll have to disagree I guess...
from where I’m sitting’ he’s a one-dimensional slugger who’s career one expects to be cut short with weight-related issues. Can’t field. Can’t hit for average. Can’t run, and a little disruptive to the team.
Damen Jackson - September 17, 2008
I tend to agree with you.
His window for production is closing pretty quick. DH in my book.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
totally agree.
There is nothing tremendous about him except for his size.
Pujols is tremendous, Fielder had 1 season where he hit 50 HRs. That doesnt make you a tremendous player. He is good, but not that good (all the reasons you listed).
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Without getting into the personality issues
because I don’t know about that, Fielder draws a lot of walks. He’s probably a player like Boog Powell or Kent Hrbek—you’re right in that he’s going to eat himself out of the league, but those guys didn’t do that until they were about 33 or 34. He’s still got a decade of dominance in him.
Josh Timmers - September 17, 2008
Sure...
If you can manage the weight well enough to limit injuries in the meantime, and move him to the AL, where he can DH 30-40 times a year. But you’ll need to start managing how you utlilize him in the next few seasons, which really isn’t the mark of a “great” player.
Damen Jackson - September 17, 2008
I didn't realize he was jawing at fans.
(Just watched the replay on Gameday and it doesn’t show him running to first base.) But, yeah, the pose didn’t bother me all that much. I mean, he did hit the thing a mile and it’s not like the Brewers have much else to celebrate right now.
But Fielder’s tendency to take his frustrations out on others (fans, umpires, his own pitchers) is a big reason the Brewers are NINE games behind the Cubs in the division and in dire jeopardy of missing the postseason altogether.
daver - September 17, 2008
Guess they yanked Parra out of the starting rotation too.
Wednesday will be the match a lot of people wanted around here:
Harden and Bush.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
Oh, my.....Harden vs. Bush sounds like a movie title starring actresses with names
like Jenna Haze or Traci Lords
zevkalman - September 17, 2008
it'll be a bang up game for sure
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Let's call it "The Porn Game."
daver - September 17, 2008
Let's play two...
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
With a
cigarette break in between
gwood - September 17, 2008
Let's gang bang this thing and go home.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Reminds me of that camp fire sing-a-long
Knock Knock…….
…..Eisenhower Who?
I’s an hour late for the gang bang…..
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Harden came out on top of Bush
the last time they met – in the 4 game sweep at Miller Park.
Lots of good double entendres in that game thread. Much like a 13 year old school boy, I’m looking forward to more on Thursday ;)
DWChaney - September 17, 2008
twss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
harden came out of top of bush? that’s so wrong for so many different reasons
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I'm tellin' ya...
…if there’s a play at the plate and Harden slides into Bush we will NEVER hear the end of it.
daver - September 17, 2008
And if he's safe
the crowd will explode.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
holy cow, I think he's gonna make it!
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
An Len
yells “Oh Baby!!”
gwood - September 17, 2008
*And
gwood - September 17, 2008
I just hope Lou knows when to pull Harden out...
leaving him in too long can have unwanted ramifications.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
are you Catholic, too?
Yay, I get to use that joke 2X in 2weeks
Shanghai Badger - September 17, 2008
No..I'm the father of 3.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
ron
is still reading faxes
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
lol!!
Emelie - September 17, 2008
I bet the photographer who takes that picture...
…will call it a money shot.
daver - September 17, 2008
Ha!
And if the ump takes a moment to make the call it will most definitely be a pregnant pause.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Let's just hope
that Harden’s helmet stays on when he slides into Bush
gwood - September 17, 2008
Harden always uses protection.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
batting with a helmet
takes away half the fun.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
Unfortunately
they there is no pill that will protect Harden’s head from a fastball
gwood - September 17, 2008
But if he removes the helmet
they make him slide in the backstop.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
ain't nothing wrong with a little
backstop ball to change the pace.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
I've seen Harden throw a mean backdoor slider.
daver - September 17, 2008
And the sensitivity
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
and uses the slide step
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
c'mon
i want consideration for best twss of the year!
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
fail
a twss on a deliberate double entendre defeats the whole purpose of twss
Emelie - September 17, 2008
oh
i was so excited to do the twss, i didn’t finish reading the rest of his post lol
-1 me
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
:-D
so close and yet so far
Emelie - September 17, 2008
twss
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
sheesh :-)
Emelie - September 17, 2008
ha
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
-1
For nominating yourself. The award show hasn’t even been announced yet but I hear Russell Brand is a leading candidate to host.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Bloody hell.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Ello Gov'na!
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
What's all this? What's all this?
Weeghman Park - September 17, 2008
I had thought of you when that happened wondering which street you were on
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
Dang, I was hoping you caught that one.
daver - September 17, 2008
I dearly hope that Lou
sits Howry for good from here on out. I’m so glad he pulled him after that walk and after, what? a total of 6 pitches? Couldn’t understand why he put him in in the first place.
Whatever. Onward to the postseason!
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Hope?
He was hoping he would snap out of it?
Remember right now we do not have a 7th inning guy.
Samarja seems to be that guy but he walks way too many people.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
yep.
I’m giddy about the team but worried about the 7th inning.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
In the playoffs...
How about Marquis in the 7th (or 6th depending)? I think he deserves to be on the playoff roster and the middle relief is a gap.
Rick Rueshel's Paunch - September 17, 2008
That would scare me
Marquis still walks too many people for my comfort
gwood - September 17, 2008
Yep...
hopefully Samardzija turns it around and becomes the 7th inning guy
crw89 - September 17, 2008
Gaudin
is supposed to be back by next week, assuming he continues to progress as he has
tony412 - September 17, 2008
Gaudin, in my opinion, is the key
He is everything that Hory no longer is. Fastball/slider with good control and few walks.
With Gaudin healthy, the Cubs bullpen should be just fine.
7th- Gaudin/Cotts/Samarzjia (sp)
8th- Marmol
9th- Wood
blowout win/loss- Howry
SouthsideCub - September 17, 2008
I thought
Marquis historically had not been very good coming out of the pen. I assumed he was one of those guys that needed a set pre-game routine to set himself mentally to pitch.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
I don't know how he would do mentally it those situations..............
but I think he deserves a role in the playoffs, he has been a real benefit to this team as a 5th starter
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
It may be a little early to say...
…that Samardzija walks too many guys. In 23.3 innings of work, he’s walked only 11 guys. And his K:BB is 21:11. He’s had only two outings this season when he’s walked more than one batter – his last appearance vs. Houston and on Aug. 29 vs. the Phillies.
In any case, I almost fell off the couch when Lou put Howry into a one-run game. I’m just glad he pulled him as quickly as he did.
daver - September 17, 2008
maybe
Howry was the only one warmed up, and Lou knew Demp had to come out?
it’s sad when we’re glad that Howry only WALKED the guy, tho…
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
and Gaudin is hurt
philadelphiacub - September 17, 2008
Angel Guzman was warm....I just cant fathom why Howry made an appearance in a one run game
….He should be allowed to dress for the rest of regular season and then fade off into the sunset.
JB 23 - September 17, 2008
it is weird............
Dome is in big time dog house, but Howry appears to be immune from the dog house…………..hmmmm, someone has some dirty pictures
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
At least the leash was short
on Howry last night. So glad to see Lou come out and get him after the walk. Even saw some fands get up and cheer Lou as came out of the dugout.
tony412 - September 17, 2008
and boy, did they boo that walk!
I was booing from the couch. Howry makes me so mad I could spit.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Yeah on 4 straight pitches too
sad but at the same time, you’re glad it wasn’t a double or HR and that Lou pulled him.
tony412 - September 17, 2008
I know its hard to watch...
…but I think Lou sees what Howry has been able to do in the past and he knows it would be very nice to see if that pitcher is still there for the playoffs.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
This is what I don't understand
I really like the fact that Lou gives pitchers more chances than I ever would to work their way out of slumps (remember Marmol’s?) but what I can’t fathom is the fact that Howry hasn’t pitched well all season long and still Lou trots him out in critical situations. I’d rather have anybody else on the mound. Anybody.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Lou HAD to let Marmol work it out
The Cubs had no other option nearly as dominant as Marmol and thankfully Carlos got himself right again. With Howry, I really don’t understand how many chances he’s been given. Last night would have been the perfect time to see if Guzman could have been a playoff contributor
TORCO - September 17, 2008
I understand...
…and I think its the fact that Lou puts a lot of value on being able to recapture the Howry of years past and to see if that pitcher can be found before the playoffs.
Heres the deal, Jeff S. has really good stuff, but his inexperience (and recent performance) is pushing Lou to see if he can draw out the Howry who has been through all of this before and has had good success.
Howry has a track record in pressure situations and Jeff S. doesn’t. Lou is giving Howry every opportunity to show he can still do it. How much more leash he gives him, I don’t know.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
That was Howry's last chance this season
gocubsgo22 - September 17, 2008
Could have been.
n/t
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
Let's all hope and pray
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
We seem to say that...
…after every one of his appearances, though.
sniffy the bee - September 17, 2008
gets old, doesn't it?
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Lou comments on Howry...
…in this article from today’s Sun-Times. Key quote:
It does seem like Lou just cannot break free of the idea that Howry is his seventh inning guy. I just don’t get it. It’s Sept. 17 and the guy has a 5.43 ERA. Let it go!
daver - September 17, 2008
Mancrushes, some people have them
But it’s time for Lou to break free of this one. N-O-W. Because Howry is D-O-N-E.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
ARGH!!!!
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Dear Lou,
We don’t care what the pictures are. We won’t be shocked. Let Howry release them. We’ll love you anyway.
Sincerely,
Cub Fans Everywhere
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Lou
Stop it
nji232 - September 17, 2008
Also
ONE game does not make a trend, as was evidenced last night.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
The decision would come down to
two of the three of Howry, Gaudin, and Guzman. I would take Gaudin for sure if he is healthy enough and between Guzman and Howry, I don’t know.
gwood - September 17, 2008
Yep, I said it when Gaudin came over from the A's.
Gaudin is the new Howry. Guzman’s got great stuff, too, but he hasn’t pitched much over the last year or so and is probably still an injury risk.
daver - September 17, 2008
I agree,
so I think Howry still makes the postseason roster
gwood - September 17, 2008
noooooooooooooooooo
(at least I’m consistent)
Emelie - September 17, 2008
I don't want him there either
but I don’t know if I want Guzman or Howry there, I suppose I know what Howry has been doing this year, so Guzman is a better option
gwood - September 17, 2008
I honestly believe absolutely anyone is better than Howry
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Antonio Alfonseca
Tommy Lasorda
Lee Arthur Smith
Dennis Eckersley
Dave Smith
Dwight Gooden
Chan Ho Park
Roberto Novoa
do you honestly believe your blanket statement now?
tootle - September 17, 2008
is that
Tommy Lasorda NOW?
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
You decide
tootle - September 17, 2008
hmmm...
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
I meant
on the team, silly
Emelie - September 17, 2008
okay....
Theriot is or is not a better pitcher than howry…..
discuss
:P
tootle - September 17, 2008
Sounds likeq
Lou is addicted to Howry “crack”
come on, Lou. Just say no.
DWChaney - September 17, 2008
Well crap.
sue369 - September 17, 2008
that was before last night's game
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
whew. maybe there's hope yet
Emelie - September 17, 2008
my heart broke last night
when dome struck out looking BAD
i thought yikes, this could be the nail in the coffin for him this year
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I know............anyone have a picture of a lost puppy (bengi anyone)
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
Facing Sabathia...
…and the other lefty coming from the side, was about the worst possible matchup he could have had.
With that said, Fukudome does look like a beaten man, and it will be intereting to see how Lou tries to put him in the right situations to boost his confidence.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
Bunts.
He is just not seeing the ball, and when he starts i would get him to bunt 2 out of 3 abs.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
That's a good idea.
Would help him get his confidence back.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Sure wouldn't hurt...
…and it would be nice to have the left handed bats (Edmonds & Fukudome) contribute in the playoffs. It will make the lineup much more difficult to deal with.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
When the Brewers brought Shouse in
I was surprised to see them pitch to Hank White. I thought for sure they would walk him and pitch to Dome… who I don’t think would have had a chance they way he’s been going. Call it a rookie manager’s mistake?
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
+1
Really seems obvious. Cos I’m sure they knew Lou would want to keep Dome in for his defense.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I think the Milwaukee media would have ripped Yost for that and
no one is really saying anything about that move… Which turned out to be the winning run!
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
Sometimes you just try and trust your pitcher.
It worked out for us last week against Pujols, and last night against Fielder. Both situations had an open base.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
But...
Situational Lefty Shouse (who gets lit up by righties) vs. Dome would have been a much better match up for them. That was the best possible match up for Blanco. Guy doesn’t throw hard, comes in side arm so righties see the ball the whole way. In the Cubs case it was the closer vs. their best. power vs power.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
Maybe that's why he's a third base coach.
Good for us, though. Hope he’s got two more brilliant managerial performances in store in Chicago.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
No doubt...
Get this over with sooner than later. Get some rest and see what happens in October!
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
Probably...
…though Dome did hit a double off Shouse in one of their three matchups this season. Maybe that’s why Sveum pitched to Hank White. Either that or maybe the Brewers hadn’t updated any of their numbers on Dome since June.
daver - September 17, 2008
The saddest moment for Dome
was when he flailed at that first pitch… the ball was somewhere near his shoes.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
nah.
he’s still got the best RF glove in the game. Sabathia is a FANTASTIC pitcher AND a lefty.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
Mine too.
Dome looked hopelessly overmatched against CC. Kosuke’s a bench guy at this point, and I think he’s disciplined enough to serve the Cubs well in that role.
To add to the sadness, this Paul Sullivan piece from today’s Trib speculates that Dome could lose his postseason spot to Pie if Felix gets hot.
daver - September 17, 2008
That does require
that Lou play Pie to see if he could get hot
gwood - September 17, 2008
I really don't see
how we don’t bring both.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
I don't either
like Al said before, there is no reason for 12 pitchers on a postseason roster
gwood - September 17, 2008
Fukudradle
Everytime he K’s he’s spinning out out control. And tell him to fix those divots, damnit.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Call me weird
But if we lose tonight or tomorrow I hope we win Friday and the Brewers win Friday night so we don’t clinch when they lose but hopefully with a win on Saturday.
puckishcubsfan - September 17, 2008
Not weird at all
I want the Cubs to clinch with a win so the fans can have that moment to celebrate.
SuperContext - September 17, 2008
ugh
i know exactly what you mean, but i’m torn
i’m attending my last game this regular season and would like to be in wrigleyville that night when it happens, however i wouldn’t complain if they got to win their way into the playoffs, instead of waiting for another team to lose
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
friday
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I was in the same boat last year
I had tickets in Cincinnati to the next to last game on Saturday, the Cubs won on Friday night and I wasn’t sure if I want the brewers to lose that night or not.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
its a bittersweet position to be in
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Weird
Me too and that whole thing was weird but at least the Cubs were in the clubhouse when they won. They’ll all be home by the time the Brewers even take the field on Friday.
Let’s get it done.
puckishcubsfan - September 17, 2008
no way....
…..they’ll be at home, they’ll stick around the clubhouse
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
It's a beautiful day...
…let’s play two.
That way we can clinch today!
sniffy the bee - September 17, 2008
Motion from the floor recognized
And seconded!
sanantonecub - September 17, 2008
4!
CubFaninNY - September 17, 2008
Question....
If we win tonight, does anyone have any suggestions as to when I should arrive at Wrigley to get Standing Room tickets for tomorrow? I would assume extremely early if it was a weekend (which I will be doing on Saturday more than likely) but how about tomorrow?
Thanks!
AndHart120 - September 17, 2008
Wow, that's hard to say.
It’s a Thursday afternoon game… I wouldn’t ordinarily expect a lot of people there early. But for a game like that… who knows, there may be people lining up overnight. I wouldn’t even begin to try to guess.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Go tonight, and hide in the men's room until tomorrow's game :)
RIOTSHIRTS.com - September 17, 2008
Did anyone else think it kind of odd
when Soriano took that unbidden bow to the crowd?
Emelie - September 17, 2008
I did
but then I assumed it was just Soriano messing around
gwood - September 17, 2008
he is an odd fellow
isnt’ he
Cubster - September 17, 2008
yes
i went back to playing pool, looked back at the tv and saw the tail end of the curtain call
i thought to myself “curtain calls come cheap these days”
but they again, it is alfonso….he loves the attention
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Sori is just in his own world..................
i use to think he was trying to be little Manny, but now I just believe they share the same brain
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
I will take
him in the Cub world, the guy can change a game, more to the positive than not.
Grockcubs - September 17, 2008
Hasn't Manny done the same though
during his time in LA?
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
the big difference is
manny doesn’t care what the fans think about him, sori certainly does
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Guess hack celebrator.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
he was just jokin' around.
they’re all getting a bit giggly.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
I think someone dared him
He certainly looked embarrassed after that and smiled at a teammate. Sounds like it was some sort of dugout prank or dare.
Josh Timmers - September 17, 2008
that's what the Cubs Cast guys think too
that the dugout was playing a bit of a prank on him … heh
Emelie - September 17, 2008
I believe it
The funny thing is, I believe Sori’s the perfect candidate to bite.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
I love those guys
they crack me up
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
Prolly why he came out with both arms open
then looked at the team like, “I knew they weren’t cheering!”
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
and he hit the bottom of the stairs
and started to laugh. it was hilarious.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
I was figuring...
9-9:30 about the time we get there to be one of the first for the bleachers. I got standing room for the second to the last game last year even when the line stretched all the way to the Harry Caray statue.
AndHart120 - September 17, 2008
whoops
that was supposed to be a reply
AndHart120 - September 17, 2008
Does Lou have a man crush on Howry?
I really can’t believe he is still being used in important spots. Boggles my mind. His fastball topped out at 88 or 89. Soriano made a nice play against the wall to save Howry, (the first time I can remember Sori didn’t look deathly afraid of the wall) because every time he pitches he gets hit hard.
In regards to whether the Cubs should celebrate when clinching the division, we aren’t the Yankees, we aren’t “Cubs nation”, the players should do what they see fit, not compare to what other clubs have done in the past. I don’t see them celebrating on the field and then losing site of the most important goal.
It seemed as though most Brewers fans don’t know what to think, a lot less hostility last night than other Cubs Brewers games. Except for the 1 guys that got tossed and in the process pushed a security guard, bad idea. Al, you probably saw him down the line in left field.
slocs55 - September 17, 2008
I noticed Sori's fearlessness with the wall too
He’s playing MUCH better defensively these past few weeks.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
DFA
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I'm quite lazy
Or else I would look this up myself, but when was the last time the Chicago National League Ball Club won back to back division championships?
sanantonecub - September 17, 2008
Never
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
Good reason to celebrate
n/t
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
Sorry I was going write more but my boss walking in
They have never won back to back division but in 1906, 1907 and 1908 they won back to back to back National league pennets. That was long before division play.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
The last time they won back-to-back championships
of any sort was 1906-1907-1908.
Josh Timmers - September 17, 2008
Worked in the evening
lucky I can follow on the computer. Got off work, driving home at 10:45 eastern, can get 72WGN on radio, Pat and Ron where great. Sat in the driveway listening to Pats call on the strikeout of Prince. Man Ronnie, I don’t know, I hope he makes it, or maybe it is just our preception and its not as bad as it sounds, but by the sound of it Ron had a tough ninth.
This is why I love the Cubs, sitting in my driveway at 11:05pm, Camden Delaware, cool fall night, and Woody the current Cub who has been through the most, gets Prince looking
Walked into the house with a huge smile.
Go Cubs, keep the petal to the floor.
Grockcubs - September 17, 2008
Sorry for the spelling, pedal, just a little happy
Grockcubs - September 17, 2008
no I think Ronnie had a rough 9th.
I do worry about him.
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
OT
the Cards have been eliminated from division contention. Anyone have the dead bird in the road?
CyberCyclist - September 17, 2008
Not a big Cards guy either
However, give credit they hung in there, with a banged up team and a make shift rotation and pen.
Grockcubs - September 17, 2008
i doubt they roll over for us
pujols and TLR won’t let that happen……if anything they are gonna love to play spoiler if the opportunity presents itself
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Or try to start fights...
They are still probably sour over Lilly taking out Molina. Wouldn’t be surprised.
Fishbone2 - September 17, 2008
yep
someone’s gettin’ hit.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
It's okay.
The Cubs will have their fall jackets out to protect them. The fall jackets the Cardinals won’t need this year.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Cards made it much farther than they ever should have
so you have to give them credit for that. But TLR and crew can play their hearts out against us this weekend, cos I’m hoping it don’t matter a bit.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I give them all the credit they deserve
but the picture makes me laugh.
CyberCyclist - September 17, 2008
The Cubs are not the Yankees...
this would be, what, the 5th division title since 1945? Both 1984 and 1989 clinching games were on the road, correct? 2003 was at home (game one of a doubleheader, I think, but didn’t they have to wait to see what the Astros did?). Last year was just bizarre… waiting around after the game in Cincinnati for the Brewers to lose.
If the Yankees want to treat winning like it’s old hat, I guess they’ve earned that right. A division title is, while not the ultimate goal, a significant accomplishment, and I’d be disappointed if the Cubs didn’t celebrate on the field.
hokie316 - September 17, 2008
they clinched after winning the 2nd game in 2003. Things fell into place—we won game 1, the brewers beat HOU, and we won game 2 to clinch
revtrh - September 17, 2008
"back to carter, the pitch,,,,,
…….a little pop fly to grace…..he’s GOT IT….THE CUBS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS, THE CUBS ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS!" – pat hughes
“partner, partner! i know these fans and i’m a fan….i’ve been waiting for this for so long, this is a year that i’ll never, ever forget…..WE’RE IN THE PLAYOFFS!” – ron santo
i have this clip on my ipod, listened to it enough times that’s a rough translation
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Gotcha...
I was sitting at Sloppy Joe’s in Key West during those 2003 games, and my dad was calling me with updates. I wasn’t exactly… umm… sober.
Still, if they’re fortunate enough to do it, a clinching game against either the Brewers (no scoreboard watching necessary) or the rival Cardinals at Wrigley would be a rare opportunity.
hokie316 - September 17, 2008
was hemingway wasted too?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I don't think that's a Shirley Temple in his hand...
hokie316 - September 17, 2008
should the starters be rested?
when the cubs clinch, they will likely have at least a week left. should they rest the starters heading into the playoffs? the yankees used to do that and it seemed to work.
RTGrules - September 17, 2008
i think they start the games
but are left in for a five innings or so, then pulled
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
no way.
If we clinch by this weekend, i would give them Monday off (like a typical day off), and possibly thursday of next week. But have to be business as usual.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Right.
You don’t play them for five innings every day — they’d get rusty. That’d be like spring training all over again.
They sit for a day, then go back to playing every day — especially since after this weekend the games would all be vs. the Mets & Brewers, who are battling for the wild card.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Billy Herman and Don Zimmer!
Excellent choices for the magic number, Al.
(I should point out, though, that the link under Billy Herman’s name goes to Keith Moreland’s stats.)
hip2bsquare - September 17, 2008
Shoot.
I meant to change that. I’ll fix it. Thanks.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Was hoping for Jeff Blauser for some reason
gocubsgo22 - September 17, 2008
Ugh.
Blauser. Bad memories.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Very good backup paid strong starter money.
See also “Jason Marquis”
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
How about Rammy?
He seems to have a good at bat almost every time up these days. (knocking on my desk which is probably not real wood) Being down 2 strikes to CC and he goes with the pitch….unselfish, smart and effective. It’s nice to be able to have confidence in your middle of the order guys.
tony412 - September 17, 2008
Probably the best pure hitter
the Cubs have had in my lifetime.
His ability to take what he’s given and make the most of it is phenomenal. Brenly pointed out that Ramy was completely fooled by CC’s breaking ball, but extended his swing and flipped it over Counsell’s head for a 2 run double.
Sometimes he swings for the fences too much, but he is a great hitter.
SouthsideCub - September 17, 2008
Best Cub clutch hitter
in years
Cubster - September 17, 2008
I love that he adapts (usually)
He will be aggressive in some spots, but shorten up and look the other way when he gets down 2 strikes. I like guys who seem to understand game situations and that you don’t need a home run every at bat.
JCD - September 17, 2008
what great product of our minor league system
the pittsburgh pirates
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Here here.
There’s nobody on the roster, not even Fonzie, that I want up in the clutch more than him.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
he's gotten much better at choosing when to be aggressive
all the walks this year i think are the step. if they’re giving him nothing, he doesn’t get himself out anymore.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
Well, there was Billy Williams in my lifetime.
Pretty good “pure hitter” if you ask me.
MN exile - September 17, 2008
wasn't he
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
Al... Do you think they should replace Wrigley?
Story in Tribune about players wishing they had something like Miller Park. I am torn… I love Wrigley but understand that time marches on.
Cubster - September 17, 2008
i'm okay with the suggestions
of building a replica off of pieces of the current stadium, like keeps the outfield wall, bleachers, scoreboard
but how much history does the grandstand really have?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Agree...
…retain everything from foul poll to foul poll and rebuild the rest.
I would imagine the new structure would be quite a bit higher to fit in as many suites as possible, but the total seating capacity would stay about the same.
I understand the players discussion of amenitites. I have been in both home and away clubhouses and they are very small compared to the league average. The big thing though is proximity of batting cages, weight rooms and training facilities so they can be beneficial.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
I started a Fanpost about this topic early this morning
Which Al’s posted in…
sanantonecub - September 17, 2008
oh
thanks
Cubster - September 17, 2008
how crazy is it
that all year we assumed the brewers would make the playoffs, either as the wild card or the division champ……and now they are .5 games back in the wild card
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
they make great decisions
Glad they waited to pitch CC against us (which we kill) instead of Philly (that they got swept by)
Cubster - September 17, 2008
Just shows...
how much managing has to do with things. Yost bitching about CC’s no-hitter was silly, he took the focus away from what was important and placed it on something that is not important.
Fielder yelling at the fans yesterday – why??? Ignore it, i am sure it wasnt the first time a fan said something to you.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
but yost wanted to tell his kids
20 years from now that he managed a no hitter! what a dumbass, i’m gonna miss opposing him
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
oh, I'm sure he'll be back.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
There is a fine line...
…between knocking the train back on the tracks or completely pushing it into the ditch. This is where a manager really earns their dough, in understanding what their particular team needs to get back on track when the inevitable bad streak happens.
Here is the big difference; players may not like what Piniella says or does all the time, but when they look at him, they see a winner that is going to do everything in his power to get the team to the promisedland. In Yost, I think they tended to see more panic vs Lou’s – “we need to roll up our sleeves and kick some ass.” He put it all on the team and not some variable they have no control over. Was it a coincidence theat Lilly runs the catcher the very next game? It could have been, but I think it was the right message at the right time.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
Celebrate on the field
bring out dozens and dozens champaign bottles, just like they did in 1998.
blackhawk24 - September 17, 2008
I still have a bottle of champagne
That Terry Mullholand threw me in the bleachers from the one game playoff in 1998.
gocubsgo22 - September 17, 2008
wow that is very cool
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I'll crack open the champagne when we win the division
It really isn’t something that happens all the time. We aren’t the Yankees, we need to celebrate every chance we get.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
me too!
and it’s going to be the finest champagne the local gas station has!
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
anyone else for maybe a little grape juice to celebrate with?
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
Sprakling Cider perhaps?
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
you sprakle with cider?
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Only when I'm drunk.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
lol
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
This reminds me.
I need to spackle my kitchen wall.
daver - September 17, 2008
I know it's childish,
but “spackle” is one of those words that always makes me chuckle.
gwood - September 17, 2008
In 5 years...
maybe it will be old hat and we wont celebrate.
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
fyi
tuesday next week is scheduled to be
santana vs. harden……get ’em rich!
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Here's to that game
Not Mattering!
sanantonecub - September 17, 2008
amen............let's hope
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
also if that game ends up not mattering............
rich harden will NOT be pitching in it
graceunderpressure - September 17, 2008
yah
that’s why i put, scheduled to be…..
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I think Harden WILL pitch...
… because they want to keep him on schedule. Expect him to be on a pitch limit, though.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Agreed
Both pitch and inning limit. Something like 80 pitches or 5 innings.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
This is a big game...
…for him after his velocity was down a good 4-5 mph his last outing.
I have a hard time believing he just decided to ease up that much, and I hope he stays healthy.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
That game will matter
we can help determine who makes the playoffs, Milwaukee or the Mets. Don’t know which team I would rather be a potential opponent in the playoffs.
gwood - September 17, 2008
For some reason
the Bears Super Bowl shuffle comes to mind:
Bring on Sabathia, Bring on Santana,
This is for Harry and Papa Cub Santo
tony412 - September 17, 2008
that is fantastic
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
On celebrating
Those aren’t scripted, they’re spontaneous. I think there will be a little celebration, but my guess is that it won’t be as much as, say, 1984 or 1989.
No, the Cubs aren’t the Yankees — but they want to be in the sense that winning is the culture. I think they feel that there is unfinished business, and they aren’t going to go wild over a division title because they want more.
We’ll find out soon by their response if that’s correct!
Shanghai Badger - September 17, 2008
Oh, and again
Since I posted this in the overflow after 1 AM, getting home from the game:
Shanghai Badger - September 17, 2008
that and milton are my favorite :)
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
Last night was
amazing. I am here from San Diego for the last six home games (5 if they clinch, because Sunday I may opt for the Bears instead). Got up to Milwaukee for Monday’s game. That was incredible. What a great start to my trip. Oh, and met Ryno, my favorite baseball player of all-time, at Murphy’s before the game yesterday. So awesome.
paulucla - September 17, 2008
Celebrate on the field...
… in the clubhouse, on the streets, wherever. Just do it ASAP!
Bluesunit08 - September 17, 2008
What a win.
I had things to do last night, and WGN radio is very spotty, but it came through loud and clear for the eighth and ninth. This was almost exactly like the Cardinal game last week: chance to take the lead, top hitter at the plate, base open, another good hitter up next. And Woody got it done.
My night was fully made after watching the recap on Baseball Tonight and seeing that tonight’s game is on ESPN. Oh happy day!
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Joe Morgan...
Yay….happy… : /
CubsBullsBears - September 17, 2008
Better than not seeing it at all.
Oh, mute button, how I sing your praises!
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Joe Morgan
only does Sunday night games. So it will be Suttcliffe, probably
gwood - September 17, 2008
Should be Suttcliffe & O'Brien
not Miller/Morgan, they’re only on Sunday.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
Even if there is no field celebration...
There won’t be room for any automobile traffic on the corner of Clark and Addison!
sanantonecub - September 17, 2008
In years past WGN does live coverage after a clinch
I’m sure they will localy but does any know if they will on WGN America?
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
not sure if this answers your question
but last year, when the brewers lost, wgn cut into scrubs and went to the wgn newsroom to announce the cubs clinched and then cut to their locker room
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
ps
i know this bc it’ll stay on my tivo FOREVER
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I switched over to WGN when they clinched last year
but since they have rebranded to from WGN Superstation to WGN America I afraid they may not do it this year.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
good point...
Which has made me wonder why they dont just block off the entire surround area for home games during playoffs. Yes i live in wrigely and it would be a bitch to get around – but in the long run it is much safer for people.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Finally
DLee is starting to hit for more than just singles. It’s huge for the Cubs to have Lee hitting for a little power heading into the playoffs.
slocs55 - September 17, 2008
+1
He is the glue that makes Sori and Riot, come together with Rammy and Soto to make a pretty scary 1-5 lineup
tony412 - September 17, 2008
Celebrating...
I think they should celebrate, but nothing as extravagant as last year’s champagne soaked party. The theme for this division title should be “Unfinished Business”. Save the real celebration for the real goal at hand.
CubsBullsBears - September 17, 2008
Yes. Act like they've been there before and recognize what the REAL prize is...
"Unfinished Business"- I like this as the official playoff motto. Anyone second this motion?
Zeke - September 17, 2008
As Kenny Lofton said in 2003....
We haven’t won anything yet.
Yeah, the magic number is four, but think about it. There are still five games left with the team chasing us. It’s easy for them to catch up, especially given that we play nothing but plus .500 teams the rest of the way. Indeed, as it stands right now, we play all of our games on the road next week, against teams fighting for playoff spots.
I just can’t relax until we clinch.
Go Cubs.
Cubfansince1957 - September 17, 2008
We only need to 4-8 the rest of the way
not counting the September 29th game if it’s played. I think we can do that.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
It can actually be 3-9 if
one of the wins are vs the brewers. Plus the 4-8 assumes the brew crew goes undefeated.
MerlinDog - September 17, 2008
Right.
Didn’t mention the Brewers cos them going undefeated in the state that they’re in is not a realistic possibility.
I will feel really happy and relieved when we officially make the playoffs, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel pretty darn confident right now.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Rammy interview after the game
on CSN, refused to show any signs of an early celebration, instead stressing nothing has been won yet and anything can happen.
tony412 - September 17, 2008
that's a great sign
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Agreed.
This team seems to approach everything with the right attitude and determination.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
Exactly why
I wouldn’t think celebrating on the field would deter them from focusing on the big goal.
slocs55 - September 17, 2008
That filters down from Lou
CubsBullsBears - September 17, 2008
Edmonds has been a help as well
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
why would anyone be celebrating?
We haven’t clinched anything yet.
VegasCubFan - September 17, 2008
See main post above
When they clinch.
slocs55 - September 17, 2008
Because tomorrow
is Sanantonecub’s birthday. We have to celebrate that and if the Cubs just happen to clinch tomorrow night all the more to celebrate. :D
sue369 - September 17, 2008
+1
daver - September 17, 2008
All of the plus .500...
teams are playing very bad baseball right now.
23Ryno - September 17, 2008
sorry forgot the reply button,
23Ryno - September 17, 2008
Wood is making me nervous
I hope he’s getting back on track. Seems to get himself into too many jams in the 9th. I DO like the fact a few days ago against the Cards with the game winning run on base, he struck out Pujols, and last night getting Fielder in the same situation. Just wish he’d stop making it so damn interesting!
Lou In Blue - September 17, 2008
Can't help myself...
TWSS
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
approved....
Just wish he’d stop making it so damn interesting…. is twss if I ever saw one. :)
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
Anyone else read Suly in the Trib
saying Dome could be potentially left off the postseason roster? Guess i just hadn’t thought about this…
Kosuke Fukudome could be pushed out of a postseason spot if Felix Pie has a hot finish. Because Fukudome is no longer a starter, manager Lou Piniella has to consider the strongest alignment for his bench.
Full article
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
unreal how far he has fallen
Im not pronouncing his career over, but right now it looks like he is a $48 million waste of money. As nice as his D is, that AB last night further proved he can’t handle major league pitching right now.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
come ON!
it was Sabathia! We already know Dome has a problem with LH pitching, and it’s CC freakin Sabathia. No way Lou was expecting Dome to do anything huge there; Dome was in the lineup for his glove.
He’s NOT a waste of money. He hasn’t gotten nearly enough time to prove that either way.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
+1
Even the best right handed hitters have problems with CC, there was no way Dome was expected to succeed in that match up.
gwood - September 17, 2008
Uh doesn't matter who he has been facing lately
He has looked awful at the plate. I want Dome to be good, but he isn’t what we thought he was, and he has been a waste of money this season. Hendry took a risk and SO FAR it hasn’t paid off.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
that's not true.
he hasn’t batted a ton, and he’s got some good hits.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
We will have to agree to disagree on Dome
Lou has made his position on him clear. We won’t be seeing much of him the rest of the season.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
So you don't think he makes the postseason roster?
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I think he makes the postseason roster
He has value as a defensive replacement, I can’t argue that. Having his D in RF won us the game against the Cards last week, and thats not the first time he has done that.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
Agree.
I think maybe he’ll get more time to work on things after (if, for you superstitious lot) we clinch, but I doubt he starts in the playoffs. Good to have in the field for the eighth and ninth, though.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Who know what could happen
Maybe he gets 10 days worth of starts at the end of the season and he gets a hot bat. That would be awesome, but I don’t see it happening.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
Prolly not, but you never know.
Either way, I’m not worried.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I agree that you set the postseason roster
to give yourself the best chance of winning, but if they leave Dome off, does that forever damage him on this team? To be so highly touted and producing early on to Marquis status?
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
There ain't no way...
…Dome is not on the post-season roster.
MPH73 - September 17, 2008
That's what I think.
There is too great an investment in him to keep him off the roster.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
I would think so
for the reason that we have enough firepower to carry him, even if he’s not hitting well. A run saved in the field is the same as a run scored IMO. Playoff games are low-scoring and we will need his defense. Hell, even our pitchers are RBI guys! LOL
If he DOES hit, we should be in real good shape.
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
I don't think he was a waste of money at all
he had a hell of a first half of the season when soriano was injured and the rest of the team wasn’t hitting up to its full potential.
Plus, he has saved a number of runs/games with his glove in right
gwood - September 17, 2008
and it is his first year...
i think before we Jacque Jones him i would at least give him one more year.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
I agree.
Dome had a fantastic first three months of the season. He’s obviously fallen pretty far, but my guess is Lou has decided to just take the pressure off him entirely by putting him on the bench and letting him continue to get major league experience in the hopes that he can turn things around next season. I think it’s too early to say he’s a waste of money.
daver - September 17, 2008
way too early
and if that truly is Lou’s logic, more power to him
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Agreed
BUT if that is Lou’s Logic why-o-why does Howry even see the mound anymore?
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
He may view pitchers and hitters differently.
daver - September 17, 2008
Howry has a MLB track record, Fukodome does not.
cowsarecool220 - September 17, 2008
Howry has a track record of FAIL in 2008....
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
I get nervous everytime Howry is in the game. I sure hope he is not on the postseason roster.
ThisOldCub18 - September 17, 2008
wow
but i’d be VERY surprised……sounds like he just need a topic to write about
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if Pie made the roster...
… in place of a pitcher. The Cubs don’t need 12 pitchers in the postseason.
Keep both Dome and Pie for defensive/pinch running purposes.
Al Yellon - September 17, 2008
I was just thinking the same thing
If they only take 11 pitchers, then both Pie and Dome can be on the postseason roster. Both can be used as pinch-runners and defensive replacements late in the game. That’s quite an outfield defense, Soriano-Pie-Dome.
gwood - September 17, 2008
And if you're simply trying to hold a late lead
you got Reed-Pie-Dome.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Even better!!
gwood - September 17, 2008
That's the outfield...
…I was looking forward to seeing all season. Funny how things work out.
daver - September 17, 2008
amen
my comment was i’d be surprised to see pie replace dome
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I like this idea.
daver - September 17, 2008
Interesting.
However, Dome could be used in the defensive replacement/pinch runner role that Fuld provided last year. Would Lou carry more than Soriano, Edmonds, Johnson, Pie as outfielders? I guess it would be a decision between Ward and Dome.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
It seems as though Sullivan is suggesting
that Pie would be just as good, if not better defensive replacement/pinch runner that you mention…Don’t know if I agree, just sayin’…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
D-Ward wins that battle every time
His bat is only 100 times more likely to get a big hit.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
Any word on Gaudin?
It would be awfully nice to have him back into the mix. Prolly would make Lou less likely to use Howry.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
As long as he's avoiding
Clark St., curbs, and dumpsters, he should be just fine for the PS.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Well all that can be avoided if he just drinks somewhere safe
nji232 - September 17, 2008
wow
i feel like i totally missed something…..?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Gaudin got hurt bc he fell into a dumpster while wandering the street late at night
Tell me that isn’t alcohol related
nji232 - September 17, 2008
Prolly the sparkling cider.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
or someone w/ him could have had just cider and made sure he drank safely
I’ll volunteer for the job if it needed.
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
"We're going home, Chad.
Yes, home. No…that’s a dumpster."
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
chad says
“what? ryan? dempster you’re a pussy”
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Wait, seriously?
daver - September 17, 2008
That's what I was thinking.
I kept hearing talk about Gauding being out and was afraid I missed something. Google searches brought up nothing.
How does one fall into a dumpster anyway? They’re not at ground level. Only the inebriated thinks, “Walk the rim of a dumpster like a tight rope? You know I can!”
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
*Gaudin
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
HA
Not literally into the dumpster, apparently he was attempting his own sobriety test walking the curb and failed miserably failing into the side of the dumpster, back first?
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Ouch!
Maybe he fell into that handle that sticks out on the side.
Wow, I hadn’t heard that at all, but here’s confirmation from Gordon Wittenmyer’s blog.
daver - September 17, 2008
That's awful.
But I laughed nonetheless.
Hope he’s fine for October. He’s the seventh inning pitcher Lou desires.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Seriously
Apparently he fessed up after management kept asking him what was up. I don’t know the whole story, I heard it on ESPN a few days ago.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
how in the world did i miss this
is this farnsworth all over again?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Sure sounds like it.
Hey, Chad, buddy, we’re kinda tryin’ to win a championship here.
daver - September 17, 2008
May be available by this weekend
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
woohoo!
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
Supposed to be with the club this weekend according to Trib
gocubsgo22 - September 17, 2008
Great Sign in the stands last night
Real Magic numbers
ACOOOOOO
Would it not be sweet
Lets hope and pray
parrotinct - September 17, 2008
Brilliant.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
someone who is smarter than me
can you break down who you think will be on the post season roster?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I'm not smarter than you, but
DLee
Rami
Soriano
Theriot
Soto
RJ
Edmonds
Cedeno
Fontenot
DeRo
Dome
Pie
Z
Demp
Harden
Lilly
Marquis
Wood
Marmol
Shark
Gaudin
Howry
Cotts
Marshall
Thats prolly not right, and no doubt I forgot someone important, but thats my guess.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
that's 24
plus ward
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
guzman left off?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I want Guzman
I don’t think Lou trusts him. Maybe if he gets some innings after we clinch.
nji232 - September 17, 2008
Random question
Anyone else think Joe West is a spitting image of Charlie Weis? I was just waiting for Fielder to trip rounding the bags and fall into West, taking him out.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
I hope they clinch with a WIN
Rather than waiting 2 hours for the Brewers to lose and then celebrating.
daeviant - September 17, 2008
These last 5 games...have been "clinching" wins for me.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Last nigiht's ninth inning...
…turned the game into a bit of a “clenching” win for me.
OK, now that I’ve told that joke, I really want to say that I felt oddly calm during the ninth last night. I just had a feeling Woody was going to get him. That slurve was wicked.
daver - September 17, 2008
I had no doubts.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
What I do know is I'm going to start
wiring up some fireworks tonight. This way, come tomorrow I can be ready. The only drawback is if they clinch on the weekend, it’ll be light outside still and the effects of the shells I want to shoot off will be diminished.
blackhawk24 - September 17, 2008
FIRE IN THE HOLE!
daver - September 17, 2008
TWSS!
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Anoyone interested in seeing a REAL show, my uncle bought me some fireworks...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Sweet.
My avatar’s from that very ep.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Thats a great ep.
Dwigt.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
I don't understand.
You wanna see other people? Only other people.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Here's the thing.
Chili’s is the new golf course. It’s where business happens. Small Business Man Magazine. I sent it in. Letter to the editor.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Gonna be working late tonight; burning the midnight tequila.
Why don’t you guys go home? Truth is, they don’t get much work done when I’m not here. That’s not true. They get more work done, in fact. No, not more. The same amount…of work…is done, whether I am here or not. Okay…
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Yes I have acted before.
I was in a production of “Oklahoma!” in the 7th grade. I played the part of Mutey the Mailman. They had too many kids so they made up roles like that. I was good.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Mr Scarn, perhaps you would be more comfortable in my private jet.
Perhaps I would, Goldenface.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Awesome Blosom, extra awesome.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Did you do her?
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
DID YOU...DO HER?
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Could it be
that Agent Michael Scarn has finally found his Catherine Zeta?
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
who's dwit
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Wow, out for a few days and the Cubs are doing quite well!
Maybe our power should stay off until they win it all. We’ve been down since Sunday and I missed all the big happenings. Still out at home, just got back up at work. Hope they sweep big time. Go Cubs!!
Jettero2112 - September 17, 2008
can someone explain to me
how the playoff seeding works
if the wild card comes from our division, we would play the team with the worst record…however if the wild card is mets/phillies, we would play them
is this right?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
The short answer is...
Nobody can play a team from their own division in the first round.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
so i guess the crux of my question is
if the wild card (mets/phillies) has a better record than the dodgers, who do we play?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
If the Mets/Phillies...
win East/Wild card will play the wildcard of Mets/Phillies
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Wildcare
I think the wildcard is always considered the 4th seed, no?
gwood - September 17, 2008
We have the best record...we would play the wildcard regardless of the other division winner's records.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
what's the reasoning behind this?
doesn’t it make sense for the number 1 seed to play the team with the worst record, as long as they don’t come from your division?
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
It's just the way it works.
The only exception is if the wild card comes from the same division.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
It does make sense, but
the division winners are rewarded for being division winners.
gwood - September 17, 2008
i suppose
i guess this also prevents the wild card from playing a division foe
for instance if the cubs did play the dodgers, then it would be the mets vs phillies
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
I think the reason behind it
is to ensure that the two best teams meet in the Championship series. Since the top teams may be in the same division, MLB doesn’t want them to meet in the Division series.
cowsarecool220 - September 17, 2008
You are correct.
Basically if the Brewers win the wild card we will play the west. If the Mets/Phillies win the wild car – we will play whichever one wins the wildcard.
HIGGY - September 17, 2008
Here's your magic number!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Optimist says our MN is Hot Girl.
Pessimist says our MN is Horrible Movie.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
There's a movie?
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
she talks?
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
I'm sorry, what?
I wasn’t paying attention…
Blue W - September 17, 2008
How abiut this one?
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
this is so geeky on so many levels
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
And therefore rules.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Yeah, we're finally getting to my level of geekiness.
Blue W - September 17, 2008
And the geek shall inherit the earth.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Yeah, but it's great to look at.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
you do know...
…..she’s not real right?! haha
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
when has THAT
ever made a difference? :D
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
First crush: Ariel from Little Mermaid
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
With or without the fin?
;)
gwood - September 17, 2008
She probably gives great fin.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Don't think I ever got that far down.
I thought, “Hmm. Shells. I like those.”
That may have started my obsession with red hair, too.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
my first crush
oh how times have changed
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
+2
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I'm just now seeing what you did there
and I like it.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Cheers.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Yeah
she’s no longer just a crush, I would imagine
gwood - September 17, 2008
how rude!
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
well said
I see what you did there ;)
gwood - September 17, 2008
Stephanie Judith Tanner
My, how you’ve aged.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Holy Cr@p!
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
There's always that problem
Illustrated here. Warning: NSFWish.
Clutch16 - September 17, 2008
Don't ruin it for me!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
This one is...
I want to burn this picture and inject the ashes into my eyeballs.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
All I can say is - WOW!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Never hated seeing the Red X so much.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Magnificent
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
If I can add one word here, it would be - breathtaking.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Call me crazy, but I am partial to this Jessica
gwood - September 17, 2008
this is getting creepy and fast!
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
With all these pictures appearing at work, I find it hard to concentrate...
Need to take a cold shower fast….
zevkalman - September 17, 2008
meh...butterface.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Sometimes
I agree with you
gwood - September 17, 2008
Like this photo for example.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
i'm not a fan of her either
i don’t get what people see in her besides her body
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Yeah, she's GROSS!!!
Rabble, rabble, rabble….
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Ms. Fox on the
other hand….
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
Well...
if we agreed about everything…one of us would be unnecessary.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Seriously???? butterface?
I’m with gwood on this one she is smokin hot!
ThisOldCub18 - September 17, 2008
i would only let her do me
bc she’s famous
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Generosity at its finest.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
StarF***er
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
Weird, that song played on my iPod yesterday.
daver - September 17, 2008
David Guetta agrees
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
That's when I use these
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Save a tree...
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Jessica's Rear?
Yes, please.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Here's my favorite jessica.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
fail!
gwood - September 17, 2008
And this one.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
fail again
;)
gwood - September 17, 2008
Throwing it out there: Isla Fisher
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
'Hot Rod' anyone?
Sooooo hot in that….Along with everything else haha….
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
This girl I was head over heels for reminded me so much of her.
That was nice.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
As Fez would say
YUMMY
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
I thought he was more famous for saying
“$1000 Cash Money”
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Actually
his best lines are
"blah blah blah YOU SON A F A BITCH!’
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
oooh...
angry! Be angry at the camera!
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
Well since we are probably going to win the Central
I’m going to say I would prefer if the Phillies win the East and the Mets win the WC, so we face the Mets, and hopefully the team in the West can win the short series so we can face them in a long series.
cubsfaninatl - September 17, 2008
+1 milllllllllllion
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
What is this? BCB Playboy?!?
Men.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Hey, y'all get your Geo pics everyday.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
+1
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Guys.. keep this in mind
Since Al started w/ Geo pics the cubs have gotton out of their slumb
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
And I'm all for it.
Don’t mean the glorious recap thread needs to go without My Precious.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Uh huh
at least he’s clothed!
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
All these girls have been clothed.
Mostly.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
at least 50%.
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
Though, to be fair
I’ll glady accept a pic of a lady wearing only a catcher’s uniform.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
done.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Now that's my kind of receiver!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Stee-rike!
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
That's a chest that really needs protecting.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
Yes.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Fine...one for...
the ladies.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Nice!!
gwood - September 17, 2008
Mulletman lives!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 17, 2008
How did my picture get on there...?
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
I'm jealous.
I’m too bald to grow a mullet, but I keep the hair on my back long to compensate.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
We need Al's pregame post... fast :-D
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Here ya be:
He thinks you’re number one.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I fixed it for you.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
um.... no.
Emelie - September 17, 2008
aww... I think he's #1 too
thanks, Never!
Emelie - September 17, 2008
Fully clothed, I have no problem.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
sigh :-)
sue369 - September 17, 2008
Em I got a ton of Geo pics from Mondays game
Would you like them emailed to you? I sent them already to Sue
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
Did you get my email?
sue369 - September 17, 2008
yeah... did you get mine.
It kept getting bounced back saying wrong addy.
Madison Cub Fan - September 17, 2008
yes I got it.
sue369 - September 17, 2008
absolutely! thanks!
Emelie - September 17, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
A T-Rex flying a plane is about the most awesome thing ever...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
how about
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
what the eff
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
one more time
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Nice.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
LOL!!
worth the wait and your effort
gwood - September 17, 2008
don't worry humans
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
This is getting out of hand quicker than normal...
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Not as dangerous as...
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
haha i love it
this thread is really slowing down for some reason
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Goddammit.
You need to switch to flickr.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
y?
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Just messing.
Work blocks photobucket but not flickr. Everything you ever post is Red X for me.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
LMAO
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 17, 2008
YES
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
red x! Awesome!
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
HA!
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
nice!
Its baby Hobbes (my cat)
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 17, 2008
I was wondering why this thread was taking so long to load.
Now I know.
Al needs to write a recap of his recap so we can have an overflow thread.
daver - September 17, 2008
Seeing as tonight's game
doesn’t start for another 5 1/2 hours you may be right.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
I heart that.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
OT: There's currently about $0.04 left in the stock market
happy times!
Emelie - September 17, 2008
can I have a gum-ball?
drewishdrewid - September 17, 2008
Well they do say that when the Cubs win the _____, Hell will freeze over.
Maybe this is just the the start?
MikeOxbyg - September 17, 2008
Nah. You guys are such pessimists.
OT: Do know an easy way to get rid of all these locusts. They just keep coming.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
You owe me a new keyboard
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Ha!
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
I just bought AIG
All of it.
wnielsen - September 17, 2008
We're partners...Iooks like I bought it with you.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Did they have change for a dollar?
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Well...seeing as how big corporations are evil...
this is a good thing right?
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
In this case the big evil corp
and the govt are now the same.
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
Which is why you should be careful what you wish for...
because you might get it.
santoswoodenlegs - September 17, 2008
Is it 1984?
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
OT: josh howard is a dumbass
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Yup.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Hahahahahahahaaaaaaa
Gus Ferrotte is starting for the Vikings….AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAA
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
who?!?! haha
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 17, 2008
I just saw this article for the first time?
It kind of bothers me actually, specifically this quote:
It seems the majority of the team would like a new park… intriguing, I dont like it<
Link
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 17, 2008
Ha, Marquis said something along the lines of
“just throw a Jumbotron out there.”
Not cool dude. Not cool.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 17, 2008
Link
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2008/9/17/616082/trib-article-cubs-warm-to
N Oakley - September 17, 2008
There's a whole fanpost on this
Frankly, I wouldn’t mind it. But that’s just b/c I like pumping my fists to techno music.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
Are you serious??!?!?!?!
You wouldnt mind a new park… your crazy, Wrigley will never be replace, or SHOULD never be replaced
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 17, 2008
If they followed Marquis plan
and the stadium was about to fall over… I would be ok with it, to keep all the elements of Wrigley in a new stadium… but come on, you out of all people I thought would be against that idea
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 17, 2008
Dude, you know me.
Jayo525 - September 17, 2008
I actually thought you would enjoy the new park idea for some reason
Give me a ring when you got time today
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 17, 2008
If they clinch it in the next few days I hope they celebrate it
on the field so the fans can celebrate too. I also hope whe they clinch it it’s televised by either CSN or WGN. That way those of us at home will get to see all of the celebration. If they win it on Sat. when Fox shows the game we probably won’t get to see most of it. Unless of course CSN and WGN break into their regular programing to bring us the celebration.
sue369 - September 17, 2008
Well if we take 2 of 3 from the Brewers...
That means we could clinch Friday with a win and Brewer loss….BUT since the Brewers don’t play until after the Cubs game, the celebration would be ‘after hours’….which means no televised celebration.
RIOTSHIRTS.com - September 17, 2008
Same as last year.
neverAcquiesce - September 17, 2008
Easy solution is sweeping the brewers. :)
Brew-ieve!
RIOTSHIRTS.com - September 17, 2008
they showed the locker room celebration last year on wgn
cubswynn - September 17, 2008
Last night's game = awesome birthday present for me
and Woody’s NASTY third strike was the icing on the cake!
Seriously, that was Marmolesque in its filthiness.
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
Happy belated birthday!!!
sue369 - September 17, 2008
Ty...tyvm :-)
spoiledcubbage - September 17, 2008
Off topic, sort of...
Did anyone catch Baseball’s Golden Age the other day on CSN Chicago? This is the show where they show old color film of baseball – not sure if it’s been computer colorized or if this is indeed color film. The show fascinates me to watch baseball players from the 30s and 40s and 50s in color.
Anyway this weeks ep featured a 10 minute part on historic Wrigley Field, with lots of color film from the 40s, both inside the park and outside. Just fascinating.
The other two segments were on Joe Dimaggio’s time with then Yankees, and the inception of the New York Metropolitans. Good stuff – highly recommend the show if you’re a baseball history buff.
DWChaney - September 17, 2008
I have been watching this series off and on out here
I have always wished to be able ot go back in time to be a fan at these old ball parks, and watch some of the original HOF’ers. I was old enough to remember Crosley Field, Yankee Stadium before the renovations, Connie Mack Stadium, Tiger Stadium, Forbes Field. I remember Kessinger hitting an inside the park HR at Forbes. I love looking at Wrigley from the 40’s through the 60’s. I went to a Cubs-Cards game at Wrigley when Roger Maris played for them.
Even though I have always hated the team that plays at 35th and Shields, I would go to games there to watch other teams. I saw Roger Clemens when he was a young buck with the BoSox, George Brett, etc. The Sux weren’t drawing flies, and I could get a front row, upper deck ticket at game time and have a great view.
It’s a great show.
BigJohnAZ - September 17, 2008
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