Before we move on to the Division Series against the Dodgers -- and I'll have some thoughts on that posted either later today or tomorrow -- I thought it would be nice to take a deep breath, a few steps back, and think again about this remarkable baseball season we have just experienced.
I've renamed the box on the right sidebar that contains the Cubs' record in their best seasons, that I've maintained on a daily basis since May, "Most Cub Wins In A Season". In the entire 133-season history of the Chicago National League Ball Club, this year's 97-victory bunch won more than all but eight of the previous editions. Of those eight, seven of them won pennants and the other one, the 1909 team, won 104 games and finished second (and likely would have also won the pennant, which would have given them five straight pennants, if Johnny Kling, their fine catcher, hadn't stayed home in Kansas City all year in a contract dispute). There is no doubt that this is the best Cub team in decades, likely since the 1935 Cubs won 100.
The 2008 Cubs led the NL in runs, and by a substantial margin: 855 runs scored; the next-best teams, the Mets and Phillies, tied at 799. They led the league in doubles, walks, OBA and SLG. They finished tied for second (with the Brewers) in ERA, and second to the Dodgers -- and this will likely come into play starting Wednesday -- in fewest runs allowed. They lost six in a row once, and apart from that the longest losing streak of the season was four. They had winning streaks of nine, seven, six and three five-game streaks. Their mission now is to win eleven of the next nineteen.
We all have our memories of our favorite games, performances and players this season. Personally, I love this team. There isn't a single player on the 2008 Cubs that I dislike -- although I'd prefer that Bob Howry not make the postseason roster, I think he's a standup guy who's doing the best he can, it's just not good enough. So to end this brief review, a few notes on how pre-season (or pre-POSTseason, if you are inclined to do so) analysis or looking at early-season performance isn't necessarily the way things are going to turn out.
Speaking of the makeup game today, it is the first such game played since 1973. I posted this in the recap thread from Saturday's game; if you missed it, here are the circumstances surrounding the 1973 Padres/Pirates makeup game, courtesy of Mike Emeigh of SABR:
In 1973, the Mets were 81-79, the Cardinals were 81-81, and the Pirates were 80-81. The Mets had two rainouts with the Cubs to be replayed at Wrigley Field, while the Pirates had a single game to make up with San Diego. Had the Mets lost both games and the Pirates won their game, there would have been a three-cornered tie for the NL East title. As it turned out, the Mets defeated the Cubs in the first game of the scheduled doubleheader to clinch the division, while the Pirates were losing to the Padres. The scheduled second game of the Wrigley Field DH, being no longer necessary, was cancelled.
To expand a little on that, the two Mets/Cubs games were rainouts that had occurred on the season's final weekend, when the weather in Chicago was dreary and cold, but the Mets were already in town. The Pirates/Padres game had been rained out in April, and San Diego had to make a special one-day trip to Pittsburgh, much as the Tigers have to do today. The 1973 Padres were a terrible team; they lost 102 games, but their win that day helped to deny the Pirates a shot at a tiebreaker.
This has been a fascinating and joyful baseball season, filled with marvels. May those marvels thrill us as Cubs fans for four more weeks.
0 recs | 652 comments
Let's go Cubbies! Couple more days 'til it begins all over again..
GoCubbies34 - September 29, 2008
Best Cubs Team I've Seen
I’ve never seen a Cubs team with as good a starting rotation as the 2008 club. There aren’t any big holes in the lineup unless you count Dome in the second half of the season. Marmol and Wood provide the best 1-2 punch I can remember the Cubs having in the bullpen. I think this team is a little better than the 1984 club. Let’s hope the 2008 team does better in the playoffs. I sure am glad there can be, at most, 2 games, not 3, in California in this Dodgers series.
memphiscub - September 29, 2008
Comparison with 1984.
That was a terrific team. This one has a deeper rotation, a FAR better bench (I mean, Tom Veryzer was the backup SS) and a much better bullpen.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
The fact that the Cubs were able to field a competitive team
against two of the NL contenders while using backups bodes well for the post season. This team is extremely deep and if the pitching holds up they should go deep into the playoffs. Ted Lilly performance in September is extremely positive. To have a #4 starter perform like he has is almost unbelieveable. He is a real luxury. Big Z is probably our 4th best pitcher and he threw a no-hitter 3 starts ago. I can’t wait till wednesday.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
The '84 bench may have been weaker but I'd sure like to have the '84
versions of Bosley and Hebner to pinch hit.
My main fear is that Cubs are built more for 162 game success and not 5 game series success. I agree it’s amazing to have such solid number four and five starters but that’s more important over a season, not in a five game series. The starters don’t go deep enough into games and the bridge to Marmol is weak and creaky at best. I imagine Lou and Hendry have thought about taking Gaudin out back of the ballpark and shooting him for the “accident” that injured him.
If they can get past the five game series I like the Cubs to go to the WS.
the nth - September 29, 2008
Weak and creaky? Marmol is one of the most dominating relievers in the
game right now. It’s funny how we can be so tough on our own players. We expect them to succeed every time and if they don’t, they suck. Take a poll of how many managers would take that weak and creaky arm over what they have in their bullpen, you would be surprised.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
That wasn't an insult to Marmol
“the bridge to Marmol” would be those who come in before him (and after the starter)
GoCubbies34 - September 29, 2008
My mistake, I misread it.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
There' no room for politics here
but it is sad that Howry was once for it, but now he’s against it.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
I wish I weren't three years old in 1984
Or I could do a better job of comparing this year’s team. :)
Brett Taylor - September 29, 2008
AGREED....
Never been so excited for the playoffs to get under way!! This year’s team has easily been the best Cubs team of my lifetime and I am ready to watch it continue on!!
All things great in 2008!!
By Santo's Grace - September 29, 2008
Reflecting on Howry
Did any of the past Cubs teams with great records have someone who sucked as bad as Howry on their playoff roster?
adam316 - September 29, 2008
If they did, he probably never saw the field.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Couldn't Lou find someone better to put on the roster
So they can never see the field just to make us all feel better? Because I am very nervous. Lou has continuously given Howry the perfect opportunities to blow games for us all season long, and I am seriously concerned that this trend could continue in the playoffs.
adam316 - September 29, 2008
I would go with Wuertz. I know he has a tendency to walk people when he gets under pressure,
but his slider can be nasty and he can get a big strikeout. He has good velocity now and I would take a flyer on him. He certainly wouldn’t be worse than Howry and he usually doesn’t give up home runs.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
I'd go with Angel Guzman.
He throws hard and has good breaking stuff. Yeah, he lacks experience, has been oft injured and could get lit up just as easily as Howry but, used judiciously, he’s a (relatively) young, fresh arm.
daver - September 29, 2008
Angel was looking nice the other day
hopefully Lou looks to the ‘hot’ arm
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
Hopefully
but I doubt it :(
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Yes.
The 1984 Cubs had Dick Ruthven. Ruthven had gone 6-10, 5.04 during the season and should have been left off in favor of Rich Bordi, who had thrown much better during the season and was better suited to bullpen duty.
But no. Dallas Green had liked Ruthven from the Phillies days and wanted to reward him with a roster spot. He never did pitch in the NLCS; the Cubs could have used Bordi during that game 5 meltdown.
Sigh. Let’s hope Lou comes to his senses before the roster is made official.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
well last year's Red Sox team had their own Howry in Gagne and won it all
Chanman25 - September 29, 2008
Best season in my lifetime
and this season is only beginning. Round one is over, three rounds to go. I’ve enjoyed every day of this season and I’m looking forward to enjoying October even more!
Now if I just get tickets to the NLCS…………….
mrcubsfan - September 29, 2008
Except for the sixty year-olds around here
We can all make that statement. And honestly, the Cubs really were only that good in 1945 because so many of their players were 4-F. So really, anyone who isn’t in their seventies can make that claim.
Happy days, happy days.
Josh Timmers - September 29, 2008
That's a misconception Josh.
VE Day was in early May, (7th & 8th), and most MLB players that left to serve were either already back in uniform for the beginning of the ’45 season, if not soon thereafter. Many of the players that served in WW II were stationed state side playing baseball for military teams as well. Not all that served in the great war were state side though; for one example, Bob Feller was at Iwo Jima.
Many men in that time didn’t go to war, but not all of them because of a 4F designation. Some had brothers in the service and were prevented from sending all male children of service ago to war, (so as to not leave the parents without at least one son at home). Some of these men were simply deemed too old to serve in the capacity in which they were needed.
My father, (too young to serve by a year & a half, and with his only older brother in the Pacific Theater), attended 2 games of the 1945 WS at Wrigley with his father. My dad, (80 yrs. old now), was, and is a die hard Cubs & Sox fan, as his father before him. My dad has told me many stories about the 1945 Cubs, which featured many good players. Among them; pitcher(s) Claude Passeau, Hank Borowy & Hank Wyse. Infielders Phil Cavarretta, Stan Hack & Lennie Merullo. Outfielders like Andy Pafko, Peanuts Lowrey & Eddie Sauer. The ’45 Cubs were managed by Charlie Grimm, (no slouch of a manager).
Make no mistake, there were a number of 4F designees in MLB at the time. However, the Cubs were good that year, because, well… they were good. They had 98 wins against 56 losses, (a .636 clip). They also had the WS title almost in their hands, before losing game 7, by a score of 9-3. According to my father, and my grandfather, the 1945 Cubs were one of the best teams in the Major leagues in the 40s, including 1945.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Old fans talking
My father turned 81 yesterday, 63 years ago he was going to Loyola U in Chicago via the old North Shore RR and was able to attend a number of WS games.
We talked about this team since he later became a Am. Legion Manager and I played to HS. we both lamented that Judge Prentice Marshall was not alive for he was also big Cub fan and once the competitor for Commissioner of Baseball.
This year’s club has by all aspects enveloped the personality and approach to the game from their Manager and Bench Coach. Both Piniella and Trammell played the game correctly, pitch by pitch and situation by situation. This is why they suddenly changed their offensive make up to the plate and walked—-taking pitches and attempting to gain a situational advantage both at the plate and game on.
Trammell played one of the steadiest gloves at SS the club defensively for the most part does that. What people fail to really understand is that getting an out is so big and giving another team 4 or 5 outs in an inning is killer. What the club added when they got Edmonds and Johnson were two gloves in the OF and also two guys that complimented each other. I have to say that Theriot is not Ozzie but he sure holds his own.
As for pitching we both agreed that if Dad were the manager that the Cubs need to win on the mound especially against the Dodgers. Dempster will do well, and Piniella will have a quick hook with Z…..Marquis will be ready early. We will not see Howry unless there is a real blowout either way, what we will see is a lot of Samardz, Cotts, Marmol and Wood, they throw strikes and get outs.
We both agreed when challenged this year situational situations this team responded. In fact look for DLee and Ramirez to have big games unlike last year. We both agreed Lee wore down and another rest will move his warning track power to over the wall.
Also figure that Edmonds might have a couple big contributions thumbing his nose at the Cards and Padres.
This team should make it to the WS—-period and Piniella’s no nonsense will prevail. Finally the guy who might be a situation hero could be Fontenot who is a better hitter than Walker every was.
Ivy Walls - September 29, 2008
Trammell
should be in the Hall. He was pretty much an equal to Ryne Sandberg throughout his career. Maybe if he hadn’t gotten jobbed in the 1987 MVP voting (George Bell? What were they thinking?) he’d be getting more consideration.
Josh Timmers - September 29, 2008
I completely agree.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Me too.
I watched both Trammel and Lou Whitaker play a lot of years in Detroit. As with Ron Santo, there is no doubt in my mind that ALL of them belong in the HOF.
Trammel and Whitaker were great in their own right and together, they were quite something to watch. Offensively, defensively, they did it right. They respected the game, their teammates, their opponents and each other.
Quite simply, the embodiment of the HOF in my mind.
Zeke - September 29, 2008
Good morning everyone.
It’s almost my favorite month of the year, (October), my birthday, the leaves are changing, MLB post season, FB getting into full swing… This is going to be a great year. Bring on the Dodgers! Don’t worry about Manny, they can pitch around that fool. I hope they make him try to field his position. Soriano is a not a good OFer, but Manny isn’t much better, he doesn’t have the arm that Soriano has. The only one thing I don’t like is that the Brewers are the Wild Card. It doesn’t bother me, I didn’t care if they played the Dodgers or the Mets. It’s the NLCS I’m concerned about. If the Cubs have to face the Brewers in the NLCS, it will be unfair, the Cubs beat them in 161 games, (162 for the Brewers), and then they would have to face them again, just because they were the best SECOND PLACE TEAM! Does anyone really think that either the Mets or the Brewers deserved to be in the post season- they are both poor teams, who are incomplete, held together by band aids. Please MLB, get rid of the Wild Card now.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
-1
I don’t think Manny is a better fielder than Soriano and I completely disagree about the Wild Card.
But yah, BRING ON THE DODGERS! They were my preferred opponent in the playoffs and they don’t scare me one bit.
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
The only reason I think Manny might be a better outfielder...
is that he came up playing the OF. As far as the Wild Card. How much sense does it make for the Cubs, (or any team for that matter), to play hard all year to win their division- only to have to beat the second place team in the playoffs, again! The Brewers should not be given the opportunity to beat the Cubs again, they didn’t win the division. I hate that Selig instituted a way for a losing team to actually continue into the postseason. (I mean that they didn’t win their division, not that they didn’t have a winning record.) They shouldn’t be called the wild card, they should be called the best of the losers…
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
And yet...
… the Brewers had a better record than the Dodgers. So the only reason they are “losers” is that they were arbitrarily assigned a different division than LA.
This system isn’t perfect, but it has produced some memorable postseason ball.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
Not to mention the Dodgers
have a worse record in the WORST division in baseball, while the Brewers played in arguably the best division in baseball.
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
what would they have done
had they still be in the AL (which I think is where they belong)?
Set the Stats-back machine, Wilton!
Why, they would have won the AL Central division, pushing the White Sox completely out of contention, and keeping Boston in the WC slot.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Someone brought up an interesting point on WGN yesterday
If the Indians had kept Sabathia, they might have won the AL Central, and the Brewers wouldn’t be in the playoffs.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
rarely
does one guy make such a big difference. Think the Indians are kicking themselves right now?
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Maybe
I think they have to see how the return players pan out.
If you’re the Tribe GM this morning, you have to tell yourself that you acted on the information that you had. That’s all anyone can do.
But yeah, it’d be hard not to wonder at least a little bit.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Strange but true.
CC Sabathia made his first start for Milwaukee on July 8.
The Indians had the 2nd-best record in the AL from July 8 to the end of the season. They very well might have won the Central if they had kept him.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
Possible
but don’t forget, they got a treasure trove for Sabathia from the Brewers (LaPorta is going to be very good) and even with Sabathia, it seems hard to believe that the Indians could have competed with the Rays, Angels and Red Sox in the playoffs.
But we’ll never know, I guess.
Josh Timmers - September 29, 2008
They probably believed
they were gonna suck the 2nd half as much as the first half. CC also pitched out of his mind with so much on the line for him personally. Wonder if the Indians will be players for him in the offseason.
The amazing thing for me is that from the Brewers perspective, making the trade for him worth it came down to a couple innings there at the end. If they lose yesterday and the Mets win, it was all for nothing.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
Not for nothing --
They’ll get two compensatory draft picks if they don’t keep him.
All in all, it was a decent gamble for the Brewers.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
So, if the Cubs hadn't used Howry yesterday...then getting CC would have
not helped the Brewers, and the Indians would have won…and…wow, the Butterfly Effect!
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Howry
just ruins everything.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
Maybe the Brewers will send Howry a share of their postseason prize if they win. :-) (just kidding)
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
That's why I've always liked the wild card system.
When there were no divisions, then only the best team from each league made it to the World Series. Once divisions were established it was inevitable that a # 2 team in a strong division would be left out of the postseason. Instead a division winner with a worse record would get in. The wild card corrects that inequity. It was maligned, like other innovations, due to the NFL. There, a wild card usually has a slightly over .500 record. But after seeing it work and produce champions, I think most have come to realize the value of the wild card in MLB.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
The value of the wild card?
You’ve got to be kidding me. Once divisions were established, it was inevitable that a #2 team would get left out of the post season? Of course it was inevitable, they didn’t win their division! If Bud really wants to make it equitable, then they should do away with divisions, set it up geographically, and then the top 8 teams make the play offs- just like the NBA. The wild card really doesn’t correct anything. It was created by Bud, because of his expansion gone wild, (he didn’t have the cojones to contract anyone), and also for money. No one can convince me that a second place team deserves to go to the post season to potentially have a chance to beat their division winner, when they already had 162 games to try to win the division.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
That 2nd place team deserves it as much as a first place team with an inferior record.
They don’t control that another team in their division has a better record. If the object is to have the better teams make the postseason, the wild card contributes to that.
By the way, in any divisional system, it’s also possible for the # 2 team to beat the # 1 team in their region even though they didn’t beat them in the regular season. And in the NBA the winner of a division always makes the playoffs, regardless of how their record compares to other teams. Divisions in baseball are geographically divided, too. The difference between MLB and other sports is that there are only 2 wild card teams in total. That’s why is not as easy to make the postseason in baseball as it is in the NBA or the NFL.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
They don't control whether another team in their division has a better record?
That doesn’t make any sense at all. If they beat the other teams in their division more head to head, (i.e. the Cubs & Brewers), then they most certainly have control over whether they have a better record than another team in their division. If the Brewers took all the games that they played against the Cubs this year, they would have won the division. They have direct control over whether or not they have a better or worse record, (every team does), by virtue of playing a 162 game schedule and by beating that particular division foe more head to head. It’s really rather simple…
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Yawn.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Yawn right back.
I know I’m a traditionalist, and that no one on here agrees with me. (Well, I do know of one person on here), and many in the circles that I run in. Indeed, I have a book half-written regarding Bud Selig that encompasses this & his sad reign as commissioner.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
I'm not totally disagreeing with you Jimmy...
It’s just…
that you keep…
saying it…
over and over…
and over…
again.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I haven't said it for months now...
and I’m stopping now. Everybody loves the wild card!!!
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Satisfied, SWL?
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
No, no, no.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
As a traditionalist
should MLB go back to no divisions and the best team in the AL faces the best team in the NL in the WS?
The Wild Card should not be eliminated but there should be a “penalty” for being the Wild Card team. I think it was Mike Scioscia who first advocated that the first game of the 5-game NLDS should be played in the Wild Card’s home while the other 4 should be in the division winner’s home. This gives the division winner the advantage they earned.
MetsSuck - September 29, 2008
Not necessarily.
If a team beats their division leader but loses against everybody else, but meanwhile the division leader wins more consistently against others, the division leader will have a better record.
You logic is more against any kind of playoffs. Any playoff system carries within it the risk of a team with the better record in the regular season not making the World Series.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
That would be correct if the schedule wasn't set up with playing...
division foes somewhere between 16-19 times a year, depending on how many teams are in your division. In your scenario, the “division leader” wouldn’t likely be the leader, due to the fact that they lose more to teams in other divisions. It’s logic & simple math. My logic is not against any kind of playoffs. My logic is simple, they played the teams in their division more, and could not win their division. They were second place.
With all this said, I know I won’t win anyone over to my logos regarding this. That’s ok though. I’m steadfast. People can like it, or dislike it. Cest’ la vie.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
I'm talking 2008 NY Yankees, for example.
They split their season series with Boston (9-9). Yet they finished behind Boston because the Red Sox played better against other teams.
The Yankees also won the seasons series against Tampa Bay (11-7). But the Rays won the division because they played better against everybody else.
In summary, the Yankees played better against the leaders of their division. But their record is not good enough to make the playoffs.
And Boston had the 3rd best record in the AL. Surely they deserve to be in the postseason over those other teams that didn’t win as many games. It is not the Red Sox’s fault that they play in the same division as the Rays.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
Al,
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Al,
They weren’t arbitrarily assigned to any division, they hardly could have been assigned to the West! So, in fact, the only reason that they are the best SECOND PLACE, LOSER OF THEIR DIVISION team; is because the Cubs proved it over a 162 game schedule. That’s it.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Right, but the point is...
… ANY second place team COULD have won.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
I think you are a bit off about the wild card Jimmy. The wild card has given one team a shot to
make the post-season if they have a really good year and the first place team has a great year. It has kept interest in the races late into year and I think that is a good thing. As far as us beating them again, if we are the best team then we should beat them. We will have home field and all things being equal, we should prevail. If we can’t beat them in a seven-game series, we don’t deserve to make it to the WS. If we had been the wild-card team, I don’t think anyone would be advocating turning it down. These are the top 4 teams in the NL. The tounament starts now and may the best team win it.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
+ 1
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
Manny playing Defense
Is quite possibly the most ungraceful thing in the world- Cubs should run on him at every opportunity and pressure him to make plays.
I don’t think the Cubs need to pitch around Manny- they need to be aggressive with him and the guys around him (Ethier is a good hitter) . Manny is crafty but can be attacked.
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
Cue the video
of Manny rolling around in the outfield
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I'm waiting to see Manny scared to hit the brick wall and the ivy.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
That's just manny being manny!
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
He definately was scared
When the Red Sox came to town a few years ago…
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
Anyone sitting in the left field bleachers...
…should be sure to remind him about the wall every five to ten minutes or so.
daver - September 29, 2008
Agree--Alf has a more deadly arm than Manny and..
in general, Alf takes better routes to the ball.
cubfever7 - September 29, 2008
+1
To even out that -1 that cubswynn gave ya, plus I want to tell you Happy Birthday a little early.
adam316 - September 29, 2008
Thanks Adam.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Even though I can't wait for Wednesday night
Another part of me doesn’t want the beginning of the end to this great season to start. It’s sorta like how I felt about Christmas when I was younger. Half the fun was the build up to that day.
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
L'Shanah Tovah
to those celebrating for the Jewish New Year!
This year, in 21 attended games, my record was 18-3. That has never happened before, and I don’t expect it will happen again (although it’d be nice!).
I also opined at the beginning of the season that I thought it would take at least 95 wins this year to make the post-season.
Wonderful, exciting year so far. Division Champs –
not enough for me anymore…or my 88 year old dad.
The E-Man - September 29, 2008
L'shana tovah to you!
Unfortunately I won’t be attending any services tonight. But I did have an enjoyable visit from my brother and his wife last week in town from Chicago, and we even found a great kosher resteraunt in London called Ruebens with the best
corned beefsalt beef I’ve ever had, I think. Absolutely delicious.sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
I once went to New Year services in a synagogue in Ramsgate...in Kent....
Nice folk there.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
L'Shanah Tovah and GO CUBBIES
We have tickets for Thursdays game at Wrigley… and I am so jazzed about being there… Great way to start off the New Year…
MinnesotaFan - September 29, 2008
Throughout the season I despised off days,
I believe I will enjoy this Monday and Tuesday.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
we can bank sleep
for those 10pm starts, right?
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Darn!
I don’t have rollover minutes.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
You know it.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
I found it amazing...
…that the Mets and Brewers played an entire season and were exactly tied until the 8th inning of their respective games. People talk about football as a game of inches. But baseball seems to be the same.
TXCub - September 29, 2008
I know...
Maybe that’s why people get so mad about those early losses in April and May, they count just as much as games do in September.
CubsBullsBears - September 29, 2008
GO CUBS!!!
malicedoom - September 29, 2008
That Green Day song...
“Wake me up when September Ends” describes my mood right now perfectly. I can’t wait until Wednesday.
CubsBullsBears - September 29, 2008
Thanks for the recap Al
Best Cubs team in my lifetime and a season filled with great memories. This is the first time going into the playoffs that I feel pretty confident about our chances. Let’s fly that W flag a lot this month.
digitalbenjamin - September 29, 2008
11 times.
That’s all we need.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
Or the way i like to put it...
Win the last game they play this year.
HIGGY - September 29, 2008
Inside the numbers
All the Cubs have to do is go 11-8 over the next 19 games to win the World Series. Seems do-able to me!
DKT - September 29, 2008
11-8 might do it for the Cubs
But I COULD NOT TAKE the tension of 3 series going the max.
Doggie Stalker - September 29, 2008
11-8 only if they don't lose 3 or 4 in a row.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
Right.
It’s not as easy as the .579 pct (not that that is easy) would suggest. April – September, you can go 0-4 and recover to go 11-4 after. Not in October.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I feel completely different this year............
Last postseason I really had few expectations, and felt nothing we the Cubs laid an egg. I guess I felt as emotional as the team looked at the time, completely dead. This season of course is different, expectations are high. To me, WED night is key, if the Cubs can win game one, I think everyone takes a deep breath and they roll on through.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
+1
Last year I felt we really had only 1 solid starter, Big Z. It’s funny because right now he probably is the 4th best arm on this staff. If you remember, Lilly and Hill were really shaky going into the NLDS last year. I was really impressed with Lilly’s start on Saturday. He domanated some of the best bats in the NL in a game that meant nothing to the Cubs, pretty impressive. I think we will be fine this year.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
I think Lilly is great when he stays aggressive......
The only time he gets in serious trouble is when he starts nibbling around. When he pounds the strike zone with confidence he is often a shutout pitcher, but he always has that one inning where for whatever reason he gets corner happy and refuses to attack. Typical bad Lilly inning is nibbling around walking two guys, has to give in and throw a gimme pitch, three run homer.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Well said...
…and the same can be said for virutally every pitcher.
As a pitcher, pitching from behind in the count, is not your friend.
MPH73 - September 29, 2008
Maybe the fact that he had nothing to lose made him more aggressive.
Whatever it was, it was extremely effective.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
It does apply to every pitcher, but
I think Lilly walks that line a little more precariously than others because his stuff is not completely dominant. Look at Harden, he tries to give games away walking a guy per inning and rarely gives up more than a run per start. With Lilly I always tell my wife, here he goes nibbling around, Troy Glaus 3 run homer.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
I agree...
…the guys with dominant stuff can get away with it a little more.
With that said, any pitcher plays with fire when they keep going 2-0, 2-1 or 3-1 with the hitters. Even the guy with dominant stuff, can give up that 3 run bomb, because a guy just laid for the fastball and guessed right.
MPH73 - September 29, 2008
Lilly's MO has been if we score 5, he gives up 4. I would like
to see him be a little more agressive in the strike zone and stay ahead of the hitters.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
I'm not complaining, he has been great, but...........
you are right, he either has that bad 6th inning or bad 1st inning. I can stomach the bad 6th inning if we are scoring runs, but I hate 1st inning runs.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
The only pitcher on the staff
who makes me more frustrated about that kind of thing is Marquis. When he gets nervous, and stops trusting his defense behind him, he nibbles, and WHAMMO.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Yeah, he just loses it (out of the blue)
He is a great #5, but could be a solid #2 or #3 if he could just keep it together on a consistent basis.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
It's up to the offense
Last year 1-8 essentially went AWOL, especially Rammy. The big boys need to show up this year. Capitolizing on opportunities (man on 3rd/less than 2 out) will be essential to Cub success. That and starters going 7.
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
Oh yeah
also continuing to be patient at the plate. They did a great job this year making starters work, clogging the bases, then clearing them. Can’t get over anxious, especially against Lowe.
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
I was a little concerned this weekend with the offense.........
particularly Sori, D Lee and Aram. I know it is hard to get up for relatively meaningless games, but I can’t stomach those three being cold again in the postseason. Aram and Dlee can be patient solid guys if they allow the at bats to play out and not try to yank everything. Sori will be either hot or cold no in between and no rhyme or reason for it as it happens.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Without a doubt
the best Cubs team in my lifetime. I’m also very grateful to be able to recognize and appreciate all the different aspects of the team that make it so special. As I went to bed last night I started to for the first time this postseason feel a little anxiety about the Cubs first game. I can’t imagine what it will feel like on Wednesday.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
That's funny
thinking about the first playoff game actually kept me from sleeping last night!
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
Yeah there's so much on the line
how can you sleep? I think everyone should visit their doctor during the off days.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
Al, how's Geo?
Is he gonna be good to go Wednesday?
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
As far as I know, yes.
He probably could have caught yesterday, but what was the point? Now he has two more days to rest.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
Thanks!
I think he’ll come up big…I’m calling LDS MVP.
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
I might have a heart attack this week...
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Big Z's no-hitter was good practice for the playoff games
The only thing is, every inning of the playoffs is gonna be like the 8th and 9th inning of the no-no.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
And I, for one, can't wait.
That’s what we live for, right?
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
Hell yes
Much better than watching the Cardinals and Astros duke it out for the NL Title.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
I'll tell you one thing
I’ll be drinking a lot. Definitely takes the edge off.
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
What's our vector, victor?
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Roger roger
gocubsgo22 - September 29, 2008
do ya like
gladiator movies, Timmy?
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Excuse me, stewardess, but I speak jive
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Cut me some slack, jack
daeviant - September 29, 2008
shiiiiit
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
chump don't want no help, chump don't get no help.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
and Leon is getting LARGER!
JB 23 - September 29, 2008
There's a sale at Penney's
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
A hospital? What is it?
Well, it’s a large building with a lot of windows. But that’s not important right now.
daver - September 29, 2008
You're Kareem Abdul Jabbar
You play basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers!
DKT - September 29, 2008
No, Son,
my name’s Victor Murdoch.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
My father says sometimes you don't try that hard.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Tell your dad to carry Havlicek and Russell up the court all day long!
OK, Timmy, I think it’s time to go back to your seat.
Weeghman Park - September 30, 2008
+1
A fresh case of Corona is ready to go for games 1 and 2
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Luckily I live above an irish pub
daeviant - September 29, 2008
It would be luckier if you were next door...
Stairs can be a hazard when drunk. Or curbs – right, Chad??
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
those loading docks will get you if you're not careful
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
I'll wear a helmet
daeviant - September 29, 2008
You might want a flack jacket
Probably would have helped Gaudin’s back on his trip into the dumpster
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
twhs
daver - September 29, 2008
And I'm above a German bar
very convenient
lindz221 - September 29, 2008
I live down the street from a German bar!
But the TVs in there are too small.
daeviant - September 29, 2008
But I bet all the clocks are on time! :-)
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
I live in a Cantina
it’s called my house. A pretty hot chick lives there too. She says we’re married but I can’t confirm or deny. Go Cubs!
tony412 - September 29, 2008
Are droids allowed in there?
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Those aren't the droids you are looking for.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
He doesn't like you
I don’t like you either.
You better watch yourself. I have the death sentence on twelve systems!
daeviant - September 29, 2008
That's the widely accepted version of what he said...
but this is what really happened.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
TNWHS?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
nice
gocubsgo22 - September 29, 2008
Restricted at work
daeviant - September 29, 2008
How about...
this link?
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
That worked!
I didn’t know he was an architect.
daeviant - September 29, 2008
was...lol.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
robot chicken is the greatest
What’s an Aluminum Falcon!
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
I'm Sorry
I don’t understand the words coming out of your mouth.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
Yeah, well i'm .5 mile
From a great pub.
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
I know..............
I wish I could just enjoy it, but it is a roller coaster and I’m already putting so much on WED night, I don’t want this team to be down a game and get all tight on us. Let us all work our mojo and get Derek Lowes sinker up in the zone.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Did some number crunching this morning
I haven’t done this much math since I graduated from college in 2007, but I saw the Dodgers lead the Cubs in team ERA and wondered if this was true of the starters also. I just grabbed the four playoff starters since those are the ones that matter.
Cubs: Dempster, Harden, Zambrano, Lilly combined ERA of 3.33
Dodgers: Lowe, Billingsley, Kershaw, Maddux combined ERA of 3.94
Also, most every baseball person knows Dodger Stadium is a pitcher’s park. Just thought these numbers were interesting. Hopefully this holds true!
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
Kuroda is starting game three
I think he 1-hit the Cubs this year, didn’t he?
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
oops
You’re right. Screwed that one up I guess. My friend told me Kuroda was hurt, and since I don’t pay much attention the Dodgers, I took his word for it. Guess I will have to re-figure things.
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
I believe you're thinking of Hong-Chih Kuo, a left handed reliever for the Dodgers.
cowsarecool220 - September 29, 2008
yeah he is starting game three according to espn
personally I hope we don’t have to see Maddux. Look what soft throwing Suppan did to us. Give me fastballs
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
We beat him once and he beat us once
He has a 0.59 era against us this year. I would be scared except Rich Harden pitches that game.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Harden
I wonder how his control will be that day. I know he needs extra days off, but he wasn’t exactly Mr. Control out there the last two starts. 11 walks in 11 combined innings. Of course, he only gave up 3 hits during that span also…
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
His control is a concern
I think the time off will be good for him, same with Z.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Look at the Dodger's staff...
…and their team ERA at home vs away. You will find a huge difference (about 1.5 runs per game), while the Cubs staff, is within .2 both home and away.
When a pitcher throws in Dodger stadium (especially at night), they know they can be aggressive and go right after guys. The same goes for Wrigley, when the wind is blowing in.
MPH73 - September 29, 2008
Great point
makes me feel better about having 3 of 5 possible at home. Hope Demp brings his A game.
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
Cwyrers had stats the other day...
showing that there’s really no difference in the hitting stats between day and night games at Dodger Stadium. Surprised me too.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
Huh. The fans show in the
3rd regardless of time?
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Interesting...
…and I am sure Cwyers is spot on with his stats.
Anyway, the Dodger pitching staff is not nearly as effective away from home, while their hitters are about the same home or away.
MPH73 - September 29, 2008
True that...
Lowe has been awsome lately, with a Sept. ERA of 0.59. But his road ERA is 4.42 this year, so I like our chances.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
Correction
With Kuroda minus Kershaw, the ERA becomes 3.54.
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
Um I hate to mention this
But it is Kurada minus Maddux not Kernshow.
Doggie Stalker - September 29, 2008
I looked it up
I saw this article and it says that Kershaw has been sent to the bullpen. From the article it sounds like if they go a fourth game, it’ll either be Lowe on short rest or Maddux.
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
Hmm....
I think I would rather face Maddux than Lowe on short rest…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
I agree
The thing that worries me about Lowe on short rest is the fact that he’s a sinker ball pitcher. I know it’s not easy to be sharp on three days rest, but less rest might actually make Lowe better. Get a little more sink on that ball….
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
In that case
Marquis should pitch every day. Haha.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
Haha
Yes, probably should. But you know what I mean, I think. i don’t think short rest affects a guy who relies on his movement to get outs as much as a guy who relies on spotting his straight four-seam fastball.
rambler19 - September 29, 2008
Oh, absolutely I agree with you.
Plus, a guy like Lowe (who was in those PRETTY big games for the Red Sox in ’04) probably would be so amped to pitch that the adrenaline would get him through any fatigue issues…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
For Maddux, definitely
His post-season numbers have always suffered due to short rest. When he was pitching in the post-season for the Braves, I just refused to watch any game he started on less than four days’ rest. A lot of Braves fans would wonder how I knew the Braves were going to lose that particular game.
Clutch16 - September 29, 2008
Interesting tid bit
If the Dodgers were in the Central they would have finished 5th! The NL Central is pretty dern good. Cubs better roll over them. Manny doesn’t scare me.
cubbie-swagger - September 29, 2008
ESPN has their series page up
Already prolly mentioned, but one more link to it can’t hurt.
All 5 “experts” pick the Cubs.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
I hate when the "experts" pick the Cubs
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Me too
Didn’t Gammons say the Dodgers would upset?
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
He must not be cool enough to make the front page of predicitons
Rob Neyer continues his love for us.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
One-nut hates the Cubs though
daeviant - September 29, 2008
He wants the Phillies to win it all
I think he knows the Cubs can beat them. So he just picks them to not be an issue for Philly.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
And,
I think he wants Boston to win it all. They all do over there in Bristol.
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
They'll find some arbitrary reason that it's "good for baseball"
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Of course!
Like the coining of the phrase “Dynasty” and such junk…
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
He's living vicariously through the '08 Phillies
since he choked when he made his WS appearance with the Phils.
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Steve Phillips I presume?
JB 23 - September 29, 2008
Skeev Phillips is a panty sniffer
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Ad hominem argument...
A better argument would be how he gave large contracts to aging veterans like Mo Vaughn, Roberto Alomar, Pedro Astacio, Mike Bordick, Bobby Bonilla, Rickey Henderson, Kenny Rogers, Jeromy Burnitz and Kazuo Matsui.
Hmmm….the guy is a genius….
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Yeah
I turned the TV off last night when I saw him say that.
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
Of course he picked them
three former Bosox (Nomar, Manny, Lowe) to feed his Boston woody.
Canadian Cubs Fan - September 29, 2008
FWIW...
… the Dodgers have three ex-Cubs, too: Nomar, Maddux, Juan Pierre.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
but he doesn't have
a Cubs woody, only a Boston woody.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
By the law of distribution
Nomar cancels out
Sorry bad math joke.
daeviant - September 29, 2008
I was told there would be no math here!
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
I hate it more when the results don't!
To hell with the expert predictions. Let’s Go Cubs!!
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
All of the experts
Picked the Cubs over DBacks last year (IIRC)
gocubsgo22 - September 29, 2008
Ugh
you had to go there huh?
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Thanks for reminding us. :-)
It allows me to visit my “inner hell” again…
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
that was last year.
this is not.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Stayed up all night after Game Three
Getting swept + bad fish ‘n’ chips for dinner = sheer agony
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
I did the same thing..
Although I basically starred at the tv for most of the time while drinking a lot of beer. I think I watched some college football but i couldn’t tell you who i watched lol
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
Mizzou played Nebraska that day
We were tailgating all day for the biggest home game of the season. I went back to my room to watch the first 2 innings of game 3. Rich Hill gave up that homer and I don’t think I have ever been so drunk/angry in my life.
Thankfully we beat the Nubs 41-6, tho that hardly made me feel better.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
yea tailgating that day would have helped bunches.
but my girlfriends parents were in town (Illannoy fans) and that weekend the Hawks lost to Penn St, Green Bay lost to Chi on sunday night (i’m sure most of you on here weren’t bummed but i was) and the cubs got swept. One of the worst sports weekends of my life..
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
Yeah...
…that was a long day…It was so damn hot, too.
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
speaking of sheer agony
the next time I say I want pepperoni pizza, someone stop me. Yeesh.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
hot snakes?
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I'm on fire, baby.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Don't forget Steve Phillips
ran the Mets into the ground.
“Genius” he is not.
The E-Man - September 29, 2008
But Omar Minaya has done SO much better for them.
I mean, look at all the NL pennants and World Series he has won.
Oh, wait.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
That's the other Omar.
He’s got to be the worst GM in the league. Glad he’s there. Between him and Cashman this year aren’t they 0 postseason for around $330 million of payroll?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
No, Jim Bowden is the worst GM in the league.
Al Yellon - September 29, 2008
Not sure about that. If he had some money to work with, things might have been different.
There’s a good article about him and the Lerners in the Washington Post today. What a crappy owner, sorta like Philip K. Wrigley, but much worse.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
However, he has been questioned in the scout skimming 'scandal'
And if Bowden is tied to that in any way, shape or form, I’d say he’s up for worst GM
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
I hope he's up for jail time also, albeit unlikely....
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Actually, Al is right. I haven't been keeping up with Bowden apparently
Check out the Wikipedia article about him. Wow.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Sounds like Wikipedia vandalism
there’s no source given. You should have seen the Bob Hope wiki page awhile back — pure adolescent graffitti was inserted into the lengthy article in several places.
JohnM - September 29, 2008
Good point. Maybe I should be more careful about quoting Wikipedia.
But in science and math the articles are very well-written and discussed.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
My favorite Wiki "alterations" would have to be those done
to Marty Brennaman’s page last year. They were removed within about 48 hours—but they were hilarious. Something about a feminine hygeine product?
cubfever7 - September 29, 2008
+1 and then +1 again
gocubsgo22 - September 29, 2008
Didn't they just fire almost all of their coaches but not Acta or Jim?
Amazing
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Bill Bavasi sez
only cuz I got fired.
Josh Timmers - September 29, 2008
What astounds me is
they’re talking contract extension for him!
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
or got them to a world series...
and was in office when they drafted/signed Reyes/Wright
DartmouthCubsFan - September 29, 2008
This is going to be so nerve-racking...
… I think the liquor store down the street just painted in a ‘reserved space’ for me. Awfully nice of them.
malicedoom - September 29, 2008
I feel your pain.
I had baseball dreams all night. The wait is tough, but the games will be so tense for me. I can’t learn to relax, and I just feel my blood pressure rising; by Wednesday , it’ll be a healthy 160/100.
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
Yeah, I become a pretty nervous, obsessive guy when the Cubs are in the playoffs
Not good for my system. :-)
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
The other night I dreamed I was with the Cubs
And I was put in as a pinch runner, and I missed a hit and run signal, and I was out. I felt really stupid. After the game I was hanging out with Geo, and he was in a wheelchair.
I think that sums up my baseball stress right there…
daeviant - September 29, 2008
Wow. I think you need a drink.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
I'm going to have a steady drip all month
daeviant - September 29, 2008
See a doctor and get rid of it.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
TWHS.
bikemonkey - September 29, 2008
If you missed the sign, how were you out? Doesn't that mean you didn't run?
Or did you think the H&R was on and it wasn’t?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
We are all going to be complete wrecks
Have the expectations ever been this high? I can think of one other time, and I don’t want to talk about it! Anyway, if the Cubs have success we will all be flying higher than we can imagine. If they fail, well I think we have been through worse.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
The best part of the season to me
I’m as guilty as the next fan of often focusing too much on the ultimate goal the team is trying to reach rather than simply savoring each game as it is played. The best part of this season to me is that there were so many great, well-played games throughout the season. This was very different than ’03 and ’04 when, frankly, the team played some mediocre baseball for much of the season before turning it on and it was almost as if, especially in 2004, the team won in spite of itself.
This team is very, very different from those teams, and maybe any other Cubs team since 1989 – a season I felt as a fan was very similar to this one. Go Cubs!
BeltwayCubsFan - September 29, 2008
2004 team
..didn’t make the playoffs.
bikemonkey - September 29, 2008
How about the .300 seasons from:
Theriot, Fontenot, and Reed Johnson. That’s pretty cool. I can’t remember the cubs having 3 regulars who hit .300. Fontenot actually finished with a team-high in OPS, at .909 (if you take out the limited sample from Hoffpauir). Zambrano’s batting line was pretty damn amazing too. And of course, seeing 6 20-hr guys on the roster at once is also pretty sweet.
Jerry Mumphrey - September 29, 2008
The reality of the post season is that
I think we all feel confident that our pitching (overall) will be good enough to win each series. The hope is that our offense doesn’t enter into any multi-game funks.
BeltwayCubsFan - September 29, 2008
nail on the head
Note to the Cubs Offense: Play for the single and the rest will take care of itself. Please Please Please do not try to win the world series with every at bat. Aram you are awesome, please don’t get yank happy, D lee, little singles to right field and the world will open up for you. Sori, just be hot when it counts, I have no idea what else to say to you, you won’t listen anyway.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
The one thing that makes me less nervous . . .
Is that I believe they are determined to meet higher goals. I don’t think there will be panic . . . other than from us!
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
It's weird, but the Cubs are the most experienced team in the NL playoffs (they could be tied with Philly)
and I think last year’s defeat served a purpose for the team throughout the year and will carry them through the playoffs.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
I completely agree
They’re on a mission.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
from God?
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
Let's hope so!
Because if the Cubs are, “They’re not gonna catch us”
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
And if they win
it’ll be orange whips all around.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
"Hi...we're in a truck!"
That line gets me every time. LOL
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
My favorite:
“Uh, what kind of music do you usually have here?”
“Oh, we got both kinds, country and western!”
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
Another Favorite Of Mine
“If the shit fits, wear it” – Donald “Duck” Dunn
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
"You want outta this parking lot? Okay..."
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
"You boys owe me a lotta money for all dem beers you drank!"
daver - September 29, 2008
We're Da Good Ole Boys
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Hello, my name is Jacob Stein, American Federation of Musicians...
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
How are you gonna get the band back together, Mr. Hot Rodder? Those cops have your name, your address…
They don’t have my address. I falsified my renewal. I put down 1060 West Addison.
1060 West Addison? That’s Wrigley Field.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
ah, ya beat me to it
Dang it
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
"Chickenwire?"
daver - September 29, 2008
I falsified my renewal
Put down 1060 West Addison
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
That's my wife's main argument as to why the Cubs will go all the way this year.
“Last year gave them a taste and now they’re battle tested”.
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
It's scary to say, but they are, which is something the Cubs haven't been in a lot of years
I look at the Dodgers like last year’s Cubs team – happy to have survived and gotten in. This year’s Cubs team knows playoff pressure and how to respond to it (hopefully)
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
We wouldn't be Cubs fans if we didn't worry
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I didn't say not at all nervous....
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
we're suppose to be nervous..
but i’d rather be in our spot then a White Sox fan right now. They still could have two games to go to even get the playoffs. Imagine the let down they could have from there..
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
+1
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
White Sox Fan
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
On that note
It’s raining in Chicago right now. Doesn’t look too bad.
But the rain may push the Sux game. I just hope against hope they miss out.
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
Anyone else going to be following the Sox game today?
I think I’m going to tune it in via Gameday Audio just to enjoy the drama.
daver - September 29, 2008
Just cant stand the White Sox
Announcers- that mangled mess of lingo they use hurts my ears
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
you can put that on the board.....
chopper two hopper!
That stuff is so awesome, how can you not like it, it is like so genious, I mean can anyone top it…………….i’m so glad I’m a Cubs fan!
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
not being able to spell genius is also genius?
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Yeah, Ed Farmer has all the emotional resonance of a cement block.
And Steve Stone? Well, I’m hesitant to say anything for fear someone will post that picture.
daver - September 29, 2008
both 1980 All Stars
Is it any wonder the AL lost?
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
FYI
It’s on ESPN 360
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I'm going to watch the game on ESPN 2 today..
It’s still good playoff drama. Them playing for there lives, Detroit playing basically to be spoiler. Then IF they do win they have to get back up for one more day of baseball
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
Yeah, it's a crazy situation.
daver - September 29, 2008
How much will Detroit be up for it?
They had a disappointing season. They planned on going home yesterday, but instead they have to travel to Chicago for another game?! I have a feeling they are going to mail this game in.
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I don't know.
Either they like the idea of screwing both the White Sox and Twins by making them play another game and will mail it in or will be so peeved from having to play that they will want to squash the Sox on the national stage.
Fun for all.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
I can't blame Detroit for mailing it in..
hell i’m guessing they were hoping the Sox would lose then they wouldn’t have to do this but either way I’m guessing Leyland wouldn’t mind breaking up the party on the south side, it would be a nice topping to a bad year if they player spoiler to a division team
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
The ballplayer polls I've seen
indicate that MLB players’ favorite road destination is: Chicago. So I bet a lot of the Tigers don’t mind the extra trip. Plus they have a lot of days off after tonight so they can party hearty.
ChipSet - September 29, 2008
Their plans of going home changed over two weeks ago
They pretty much knew they had to play this one.
I trust professional players will show professional behavior today. I also believe there’s bad blood between these two teams and Detroit will play with a chip on their collective shoulder. Besides, Gary Sheffield is one pitch away from losing his shit all over the field. Freddy Garcia may have something to show his ex-team. Again, I hope against hope Detroit wins.
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
Yeah, that's a good question.
I think Freddy Garcia will bring his A game (whatever that is these days) just to show up the Sox. Otherwise, I’d guess the Tigers will be swingin’ at everything – especially if this rain keeps up. I think the Sox are going to have play pretty horribly to lose this one.
daver - September 29, 2008
that might not be as far fetched as it sounds..
they have played some pretty horrible baseball over the last few weeks, I wouldn’t put it by them.
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
Yeah, if the Tigers get into their bullpen early...
…I’ll be able to hear the boos from my office downtown here.
daver - September 29, 2008
Quote from the Mpls Star Tribune
“You know what, I’m going to come in here and maybe smoke a cigar,” Gardenhire said. "And whether we go play those suckers or not, it’s up to them. It’s all on their shoulders now.
“I don’t have to make a pitching move, I don’t have to pinch-hit anybody. It’s all on Ozzie’s butt. So go get ‘em, Ozzie. Let’s see what happens.”
Link
chilango2 - September 29, 2008
Nice. There's no love lost between those two teams.
If the Sox do force a game tomorrow, it could be real interesting.
daver - September 29, 2008
One more reason to cheer
for the Twins
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Well, that and...
…it could end up being Cubs vs. Twins. Might get some work out of that one.
(I do like the idea of being paid to go to one or two of those games!)
MN exile - September 29, 2008
A unintended bonus
This season has really helped me pass the time here in Kuwait. I left while they were still in spring training, and I have been following them everyday. Getting up, getting on the net(when it works) checking the scores, reading the blogs, catching some of the games, the time has gone by so fast. It’s October now, and I’ll have 3 months to go by the time it all ends. Surely not something the cubs intended, but it was a nice bonus!
I think they’ll do well. They’re certainly the most balance team in my book. I really like this team’s chances.
nmcubsfan - September 29, 2008
Colin Cowherd, is trying to get Steve Phillips to say the Cubs will implode
thankfully Phillips isn’t copping to it
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
that should have been it's own comment, sorry
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Cowherd is an idiot
he is such a homer for SoCal teams…..in particular USC
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Nothin' wrong with being a homer for USC...
Just sayin’ :-)
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
yuck
I put them in the same class as the Yankees
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Being a USC alumnus I must point out that....
IIRC Mark Prior and Dave Kingman came from USC…also Tom Seaver, Mark McGwire, Ron Fairly, Fred Lynn, Bill Lee, Roy Smalley, Don Buford, Rich Dauer, Steve Busby, Jim Barr and Steve Kemp.
Again, just sayin’ :-)
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Mark Prior and Mark McGwire are points of pride at USC?
nji232 - September 29, 2008
You forgot the most important guy....
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
LOL. Where'd you get that from? :-)
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Most disturbing GIF ever.
daver - September 29, 2008
I can't believe you just name dropped Mark Prior
my apologies to Dave Kingman, Tome Seaver, Fred Lynn, etc.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Cowherd also said we wouldn't make the playoffs during our sept swoon
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Colon Blowhard
A “paint by the numbers” host if ever there was. Makes no bones about wanting to be popular and therefore his slot contains the usual predictable pandering. Totally devoid of an organic thought or feeling about sports and athletes.
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
He takes up airtime
by repeating the same thing over 10 times in 10 different ways….ugh so annoying
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
When are the postseason rosters due? IOW when do we learn who the Cubs cut?
Jerry Mumphrey - September 29, 2008
My guess is this afternoon we'll hear it
Unfortunately, Howry won’t be on the cut list.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
If Howry makes the postseason roster....Lou is dumber than I could have ever dreamed or imagined.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I really have to believe...
…that, after yesterday’s game, Lou is second-guessing himself about giving Howry a spot.
daver - September 29, 2008
After yesterday's game, even Howry's mother is second guessing Lou
JohnM - September 29, 2008
Had to read that twice.
You double negatived me with won’t and cut.
Agreed, he will be on the roster. Dammit
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
That's why I prefaced it with "Unfortunately"
Actually, it was intentional to get your hopes up as payback for Saturday . . . .
Argh.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I don't not understand what you're saying.
daver - September 29, 2008
Part of the Wolverine secret strategy.
Spies watching summer camp noted that the Badgers imploded when presented with too many first and goals off of turnovers.
Sadly for you, I don’t believe the game result said much about MI.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
They had a pretty damn good 2nd half...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
Agreed.
This weekend will show whether it was a fluke or a trend.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
I agree. I think it said a lot more about UW's offense and prep
I felt Bucky was overrated going in, but I didn’t see that coming.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I put that one on Bielma
I don’t understand why we ditched the run in the second half. All we had to do was control the game, add a score and put a knife in them. In typical Bielema fashion, they came out in the second half complacent and figuring they had it won.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Chryst has to share the blame
They moved the ball at will the last two possessions. Doing that once in the third quarter might have been enough.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Agree...
To me they just came out in the 2nd half like they had won it. Takes 4 quarters boys…
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Also question the handling of Beckham
If he was healthy enough to play on the last drive, why wasn’t he healthy enough to start the game?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I didn't understand that either.
I think they were trying to get away with playing him as little as possible. Like I said, they figured they had the game won and weren’t gonna use him.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
I think you're right
They tried to get away with one and have him rested for OSU.
Man, has the luster come off that matchup. I was looking forward to the atmosphere — UW would have been #6 at worst going in. Overrated, sure, but that’s where they would have been.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I'm going to the PSU game and thought
that game could be huge in deciding the Big 10. It still may but with that loss I am kind of down on the team in general.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Same here on being down.
The same thing that makes college FB great is what makes this really disappointing. A national championship was a pipe dream, but we can’t even imagine any more this year.
Still, there is hope for a conference title.
My dad and I have tix for Saturday — he was disgusted, too. Not sure if we’re going to go or not yet.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
*the one and done thing
is what makes it exciting
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Logical Question though. Game starts at 7pm
Cubs play at 9…
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
I know.
Dad lives in Kenosha, I’m in Racine — we’d probably head to State Street for the rest of the game and then stay in the Dells.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Would still be a fun time.
For me though, I would have a tough time missing the Cubs.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Last time I faced that situation
October 11, 2003. Rami hits a GS in the 1st, Cubs win game 4 and Schabert finds Evans for the TD to beat the defending national champs.
A Cub fan on State Street high-fives me and says, “We’re going to the World Series!”
It ain’t over yet, I said. “Yeah, it is!”
Kids . . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Ugh...
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Guess you could always watch
the first 2 hours of the Badgers then get out before the Cubs start… That is what I would probably do.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Depends.
If we go, and IF the Cubs are up 2-0, probably would stay for the duration, unless it’s a blowout.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
From the Blue side - thanks for the gift guys. We won't win many Big 10
games this year so I’ll cherish this one.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
A gift it was, indeed.
Not trying to make fun of your team, but I think we all know that the boys in red blew it.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
You're not making fun of them, they suck. Their offense is gimmicky,
the have very little leadership and I question their coaching. Rodriguez will get a pass for a ehile, but if he doesn’t bring in a bunch of blue-chippers, the alumni will will fry his ass. This aint Morgantown and he better bring a winner fast or he will be back to WV real fast. Schools with winning traditions like Michigan won’t tolerate the type of play seen thus far. It’s embarassing and ridiculous. And a man in my position can afford to look ridiculous! Sorry, I slipped into Godfather mode there.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
No worries, I'm a paisan myself
I like Bielema, but he and his staff let one slip.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
He is bringing in a bunch of blue-chips...
…Like, already has ten 4-stars signed I believe…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
Will believe it when they enroll.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Which is true for every school in the nation...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
I believe it when they are on the field.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Not sayin I didn't enjoy it and
yell real loud.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
That was too easy for you...
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
As you should have
I would have had the situation been reversed.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I agree I thought you guys were way overrated (#9?), but
still expected your team to roll.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
I was concerned going in
Thought it could be a tough battle.
No way would I have thought a 19-point deficit could be overcome — until I saw the first half. Was very concerned with the missed opportunities.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Tribune said Lou would unveil it Tuesday
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
unveil it...........like a fine piece of art (without Howry)
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Completley OT, but funny still
The Raiders coach obviously doesn’t care about his job anymore. He tried a 76-yard FG yesterday.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Wow
That is just plain dumb.
tony412 - September 29, 2008
No it's not...it just puts the rest of the league on notice...
The Raidahs are NEVER out of FG position!
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Ahhh, the last Sea Bass fan.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Laces OUT!
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
"The engine's running, but there's no one behind the wheel."
daver - September 29, 2008
News from LA
Looks like their middle reliever lefty, Kuo (2.14 erac), will miss the NLDS
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
opps.....2.14 era
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Link? Sorry I'm lazy today.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
sorry
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3614421
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
will Howry miss the NLDS? Just asking?
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
they were saying that last night he is probably out for the NLDS..
That is a big hit for them. He was solid for them all year. Instead Klayton Kershaw is going to be in the pen.. thats what the indication on BBTN was last night (I know its an ESPN show but this was actually stuff happening and not opinions so I’ll listen to that stuff)
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
To All My BCB Friends (and yes, I consider you all "friends")
I want to thank you all for contributing to a fun and exciting year.
This site has provided me with solid statistical info, wonderful historical nuggets, tons of belly-busting laughs, and the next best thing to sitting in the Friendly Confines on game day. And what a relief to find a Cubs blog/board free of bitterness and smugness – that is, unless I’ve forgotten to take my meds that day. :-p
The 2008 Cubs are the best edition I’ve seen since climbing aboard back in 1977. I was too little to recall the 1969 team, and up until two weeks ago I felt the 1984 team was just as good. But around the time of Z’s no-hitter I was finally won over. Never saw a Cubs team with such a solid offense and rotation, as well as a competent manager who “gets it”.
With that, I am going into total hibernation during the division and championship series. No TV, no radio, and no Internet. When it comes to games that matter, I tend to turn into a cross between Ray Rhodes, your average Philadelphia sports fan, and the infected from “28 Days Later”. I don’t need that kind of rage in my life, and neither do my family and friends and Internet chums. The 2003 NLCS was a lesson in poor manners and ugly behavior that I’ll never forget.
I look forward to returning when the last out of the NLCS is recorded by Kerry Wood and it’s off to the World Series for the first time in 63 years. Winning the pennant is enough of a goal to me, and if they accomplish that then I don’t need anything else. My life as a Cubs fan will have been fulfilled.
See you for Game 1 against the Rays. EAMUS CATULI
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Quitter.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I cried in 2003, that is not bad behavior
my wife called me a baby, but I didn’t hurt anyone or anything, but I did hurt. I hurt inside badly for weeks. If you are encouraging us to rise above, I agree, but I also know I will be yealling and screaming and acting like a child that I always do when the Cubs are playing
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Ah, but wait 'til you see all the cool Photoshops I'm making when they win the pennant!
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
I understand, man. As the playoffs come by, I spend them with my kids and siblings....
…and during WS time (insh’Allah) I will be taking my kids to Chicago, and spend the week with my Uncle who lives a few blocks from Wrigley.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
I don't get it.
If you can’t deal with poor manners and ugly behavior in the playoffs, what makes you think it’s going to be any different in the World Series? If anything, the haters and bandwagon jumpers will be worse then.
daver - September 29, 2008
I meant MY poor manners and ugly behavior
In front of my wife, nephew, and his fiancee, I picked up a beer bottle and was ready to hurl it through our living room television when the Marlins went ahead in the 8th inning. My wife had to grab my arm and threaten to divorce me if I threw it. I unleashed a torrent of language that made my nephew’s fiancee blush and clomped off to bed. And that was the only beer I had the whole game.
Five years later I am still apologizing to those who were there. It was inexcusable and embarassing. And I vowed after Game Seven that would never again ever happen.
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
By a dog to kick...jeeze.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Oh they were there, and wouldn't come near me for three days
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
It was an awful moment for all of us.........we excuse you
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Ah, I see.
Well, uh, I’d suggest building some sort of soundproof, underground bunker to watch the games in then. Maybe put up some chickenwire in front of the TV screen.
daver - September 29, 2008
Just watch the games alone, man.
You don’t need non-fans around objecting to your behavior. Get a TV and hide in a separate room, man.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
Wife out of town Thu-Sun
So all I have to do is work late on Wed (3:30 start time out here) and all will be well.
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Don't you sometimes wish you could slip into a coma for the next three weeks?
daeviant - September 29, 2008
I want to thank Al and the others who run this site
It’s been a great year, but it has been made even better knowing that every morning I’m greeted with a sober, fair and fan-focused recap of the game, with few sky-is-falling or we’re-the-best-ever moments.
So thanks to Al and thanks to the Cubs for making this summer even more enjoyable than it should be.
SouthsideCub - September 29, 2008
Your welcome....since I do kinda run things around here.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
We both know you're only good for
the absurdist and hilarious pictures you post.
/waits for response utilizing absurdist and hilarious picture
SouthsideCub - September 29, 2008
I'm only doing absurdist pics today...I'm saving the hilarity for Wed.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I'm kind of a big deal around here, too.
daver - September 29, 2008
I'll admit it, I'm a peon.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Same here
Like ninja posters, we toil in anonymity!
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Much as I like "cubbie swagger"
I think too many people here are overconfident on the Dodgers. They may have the worst record of any post season
team but they have been on run since getting Manny and Blake. They have two very good pitchers ( Lowe and Billingsley) and one pretty good # 3 ( Kuroda) There middle relief significantly more reliable and they have more speed. This not a team to be taken lightly. Sure if Dempster, Z & Harden are lights out and we get to Marmol and Wood things should be good but Harden is REALLY fragile and Z seems to be a mess. Alas we all know that especially in a SHORT post season series, teams that appear to be vastly inferior triumph because of a few players who just shock you. I would MUCH rather be playing the tired and stressed out Mets ( I think the Phillies owe us for making CC pitch yesterday ). The Cubs are a better team and I am pretty sure that should be enough but don’t think this will be easy.
Doggie Stalker - September 29, 2008
Kuroda won't pitch in the NLDS...
and they’re going to rely on Kent , Nomar and Furcal to perform well after coming back from injuries. And their goo pitching….is mostly a product of their ballpark.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Kuroda isn't pitching?
Link?
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
Ooops...I was under the impression that Maddux would pitch Game 3...
OK…so Kuroda will pitch…but Maddux won’t then.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
However, Lowe has been violently ill the last 3 days...
and while I don’t necessarily think it will keep him from starting Game 1, it could be a factor when it comes to fatigue in the game.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
It won't matter...unless he's gonna have a bloody sock...then I'd be worried.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
don't get me excited like that
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Can you change your avatar
it’s really freaking me out haha
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
no
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
yeah I second that, that is awful!
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
i bet she's a screamer
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Sho 'nuff, dawg!
daver - September 29, 2008
Luckily for me not.
BEFORE anyone asks though I would like to say I have NO mixed feelings if he does. I mean I would prefer a whole bunch of
errors leading to UNearned runs but I will take a runs off him or any other pitcher any way we can get them.
Doggie Stalker - September 29, 2008
Furcal has only had 9 ABs
In the last 5 months! I love the idea of testing him at SS while he is shaking off rust.
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
In hindsight
so glad we didn’t sign him a few years ago!
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
Their goo pitching is what won them the division.
Because you can hit a fast ball, but ya can’t hit goo!
daver - September 29, 2008
grey goo on the road
that stuff tends to spread like wildfire!
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Vy am I dripping vith goo?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I don't know that anyone is taking the Dodgers lightly
It’s just that the Cubs have been the dominant team in the NL this season, and match up pretty well against LA. While the pitching is good for LA, the Cubs have shown a tendency to wait on pitches and make pitchers work, capitalizing on opportunity.
Dempster has been solid all year, so there’s no reason to think he won’t be. Zambrano, well, let’s hope he’s like last year’s starter. It seems that when he makes comments about needing to get his head together, he does it for a while. Harden’s fastball can dominate lineups, and he’s healthy heading into the postseason.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
Not to mention that the team that everyone picks to lose in the series always tends to
play a bit less nervously than the team that is heavily favored. The Dodgers like being spoilers, although having lived in L.A. I dislike their Hollywood chic a lot…
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Here's to Sori
Starting off the series with a big blast to calm everyone’s nerves
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I sure know a lot of people that think the Cubs are gonna lose...
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Ultimately...
….it doesn’t matter what we think. Anyone who goes into a series convinced they know the outcome is an idiot.
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I'm convinced we're going to sweep the Dodgers....I am an idiot.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I'm convined we're going to take the series
so maybe I’m an idiot too, but there it is.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
You're all idiots, that's what makes you so cute.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
+1
cubswynn - September 29, 2008
I'm definitely not taking them lightly.
To be honest, I’ve been more worried about the Dodgers than I was about the Mets or Brewers.
daver - September 29, 2008
You can thank Howry for this matchup.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
Scoring more than 1 would have helped
I am no fan of Howry, but the Cubs weren’t going to win by a 1-1 score.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
True. But expect low score games in the postseason. Pitching is generally good.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
No, pitching is king!
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Al is king, pitching is cotton.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Actually, Al is the Cotton King.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
And he hangs at the...
daver - September 29, 2008
There's one in Shanghai, too
But I couldn’t find a pic of the outside.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
except for the Dbags!
exception that proves the rule! Waaaahhh wahhhhh waaaaaahhhh!
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Good point.
And let me take this opportunity to proclaim how happy I am that the D’Bags crashed and burned this year. I know, I know…on paper, they appeared to be an easier opponent than the Dodgers. But I’m glad that the Cubs won’t be playing at that purgatorial hellhole known as Chase Field nor facing the mummified remains of Randy Johnson.
daver - September 29, 2008
oh, I COMPLETELY agree.
I think we would have beat them, but I despise that stadium almost as much as that terribly place in florida what name I will not speak.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
D-backs=2007 Brewers; Dodgers=2007 Cubs?
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
as long as Cubs
=2007 RedSox, I don’t really care. :D
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
or 2004 Red Sox
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
Good point. Scoring on an error and a double play that didn't happen doesn't exactly
give you cause to complain.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
All that concerns me is that Howry won't help to win close games.
Fraggin Judge - September 29, 2008
Sure he will.
Just not for the Cubs.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Actually not
Howry is an equal opportunity screw up. Remember on Thursday he gave up A TWO RUN LEAD against the Mets
and I strongly suspect we would have WON that game.
Doggie Stalker - September 29, 2008
With this team, the one thing I have learned over the past few years
is not to make any assumptions and not to take anything for granted.
Just excited for the rest of the ride…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
Someone please enlighten me!
I know we have all done our share of trying to understand the Howry issue. But I really need to know how he can be within the same zip code of a playoff game the way he has been pitching this year. My wife turned to me yesterday and just smiled when he gave up the homerun to Braun. She then said, “why is he still pitching for us?” If passive onlookers are noticing, why can’t Lou. I would so much rather see Wurtz out theree, at least when he misses, he misses the strike zone. Howry NEVER misses the freaking strike zone.
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
My wife says the same thing
about Cedeno… but people find ways to rationalize that situation as well.
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
my wife too commented on Cedeno
he looks like I felt when playing college ball………..out of my league
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
With Cedeno, it's because there is no viable alternative
For a back-up SS
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I wouldn't worry too much
At this point, methinks Lou is only gonna use Howry if the game is already a blowout, or if it goes deep into extra innings. Besides, the other viable options right now are Guzman (looked good yesterday, but really no more trustworthy than Howry) and Wuertz (nice stats, but is terrible in pressure situations). As good as this team is, there are still gonna be 2-3 guys on the postseason roster who just don’t belong.
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
I'm not so sure....
you would think the role you just described would have been how Lou used him the last month…but he keeps putting him in close games. I just get the feeling that if Howry is on the playoff roster Lou is gonna use him as he always has, and with the same predictable results.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Because Lou
trusts him. We don’t know why, but he does. Howry was the first confirmed player on the roster after the starting pitchers — not that Lee and DeRo and Soto aren’t going to be on the roster, of course they are, but Lou announced the starting rotation, then he said in an interview that Howry was on the roster.
Who knows what it is? But that’s the way Lou wants it, and he HAS managed this team to 33 games over .500. It can’t be ALL luck.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Lou Giving Fans/Media The Middle Finger?
Is this his way of saying “grumble, I’ll show ‘em who’s boss”?
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
I doubt that.
he just thinks there’s a good reason to play Howry. I don’t think Lou concerns himself much with the fans.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
the reason is?
also, I’m getting sick of Howry’s stoic nature. Throw a glove or something. Can we take a little of Big Z and give it to Howry and vice versa. How can you be that ambivalent when you are giving up big hits everytime out?
graceunderpressure - September 29, 2008
Maybe I'm wrong but I've heard that he is a stand-up guy who readily admits his
failings. That’s apparently one of his good points. If Lou wants to continue pitching him, well, that’s not Howry’s fault.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Best Admission From Howry Would Be
“I’m not going to cost this team a pennant so I’m going to tell Lou to leave me off the roster”.
CaliCub - September 29, 2008
Great...we can all rest assured that Howry will freely admit it...
when he gives up game-changing bombs to Manny. I’m very comforted by that.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
If he does admit his failings
It must take HOURS
Doggie Stalker - September 29, 2008
He was visibly pissed after the homerun
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Maybe it's all been an elaborate ruse.
Howry has been giving up hits and home runs all year to lure opponents into thinking he’s hittable. Then, come playoff time, he’s going to pull off his mask – Scooby Doo style – and reveal the REAL Bob Howry. Y’know, the one who throws 98 MPH cut fastballs like Mariano Rivera on Red Bull. Have no fear, Cubs fans!
daver - September 29, 2008
Funny Enough
I like this theory – it confirms my deep confidence in Pinella
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
Hoping to find that Howry is a Stud vs LAD
Here are his career splits vs current LAD:
Jeff Kent, Manny, and Kemp are all over .400 against him… limited PAs so take it with a grain of sale
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
You're forgetting Howry's most important statistic
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
I just had a chilling thought.
Do you think this guy knew something the rest of us didn’t?
daver - September 29, 2008
like 12 Monkies?
He came from the future?
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
Yep, exactly.
Someone needs to track that guy down and pick his brain. He could be the Chosen One.
daver - September 29, 2008
Speaking of the future:
A headline on Cubs.com:
Alas, it’s about 1908…
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
I don't get it
Who is that guy and what did he know?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Perhaps...
…this link will jog your memory.
daver - September 29, 2008
Thanks,
I missed that completely. He tried.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
2 Things that stand out
He was barefoot- everyone knows you have to leave your shoes behind when you time travel.
And if I remember correctly, Howry didn’t even flinch (or notice) until way after security had restrained our friend from the future.
This makes me think that in the dimension that Howry exists in this fellow might not have been visible to him- kind of like in an M.Night Shyamalan movie.
Ziggy why haven’t I jumped!?!
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
And look at those shorts!
I mean, come on, they don’t make shorts with that many pockets in this day and age. Only a fashion designer of the future could come up with a garment like that.
Damnit, Kowalkoski, if you’re still out there – I will find you! You WILL tell us what you know and what we need to do to keep Howry off the mound in the postseason!
daver - September 29, 2008
I can't tell for sure
but i think he is wearing a Samardzija jersey
Andre Fonseca - September 29, 2008
Because you leap, Sam, not jump!
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Why would the T-1000 aka Bob Howry flinch?
CubsBullsBears - September 29, 2008
Yea the picture on the right looks like he traveled back in time
Once he found out that Howry made the postseason roster. He went back to be like “come on, take him off the time now, it will be worth it next year” as he looks at Lou in the dugout with his arms in the air!
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 29, 2008
OK Al, I can't let this pass twice
You know me and you know that I’m obsessed with pre-1920 baseball history. But I want to point out that the Pirates won 110 games in 1909. The season wasn’t really close. Yes, Jimmy Archer was a drop-off offensively from Johnny Kling, but he was probably at least equal and probably a small defensive upgrade.
So do you really think replacing Archer with Kling was worth six wins? Maybe, but it certainly isn’t as clear as you claim. If you want to go by Bill James Win Shares (yeah, I know there are problems with those. Give me a better way to evaluate 100 year old ballplayers), Archer had 7 WS in 1909. Kling, in maybe his best season in 1908, had 22 WS. That’s a difference of 15 WS, which translates into five wins. The Cubs still don’t win the pennant with Kling under that system.
Also remember though, that Kling would have been a 33 year old catcher in 1909. His body was starting to break down and while he did come back and play well in 1910, even after a year off, he could only play 91 games. Really productive 33 year old catchers were a pretty rare thing before the 1990s.
The Cubs were likely better in 1909 with Kling behind the plate rather than Archer. But the Pirates had one of those out-of-their-minds seasons like the 1984 Tigers or the 2001 Mariners. I don’t think having Kling behind the plate makes up the difference. At best you can say the 1909 Cubs might have won with Kling behind the plate. I don’t think you can claim it would have been likely.
Josh Timmers - September 29, 2008
This deserves a recommendation, which I will give.
Al, you need to learn more about pre-1920’s before you can put it in the front page.
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
Just win.
I have really enjoyed lurking on BCB all year. Shame on me for not contributing, but I do appreciate all the energy that is put into the site and the threads. It’s good to have a place to go when I am not naturally surrounded by Cub fans (where did all these Phillies fans come from?).
This is the best Cubs team I have ever seen. There have been more exciting individuals in my lifetime, but no team has been better across the board. MVP? None. (ok – maybe Soto) Michael Jordan was amazing to watch but he didn’t get to fall the ground hugging a championship until there was a team around him.
The end of this season has been a blur. I don’t know how I will stay focused on anything in the next few weeks and I can’t wait for game 1 to start.
I’m a lifer. I control my expectations. I find the silver lining. But these guys are not lovable losers (I always hated that approach) – they want a Ring. We want Champions. We want to move on from the last 100-bleepin years.
Just Win.
RavenswoodRob - September 29, 2008
Living in that neighborhood, hope your "Rob" is your name
not occupation.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
I sure like the new Icon in the upper left corner
Nothing like seeing playoff banners on the wall with the leaves changing colors.
tucsoncubsfan - September 29, 2008
Where are the pre-season facts of what people said about the Cubs?
You got the Mets, Tigers and D-Backs covered… but what about us?
SouthsideCUBSfan - September 29, 2008
It was something about
kicking ass and taking names
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
...and chewing bubblegum.
As fate would have it, the bubblegum never showed up and taking names is boring.
daver - September 29, 2008
I knd of prefer taking ass and kicking names.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Boy, I really hope that is champagne dripping down Cecil's face...
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Pournography?
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Chubby Chaser I would presume.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Chuk-ography?
Is Cecil chuking there?
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
I saw that on the Sun-Times Web site this morning...
…and almost threw up.
daver - September 29, 2008
It is a brutal picture...
Not sure why any photographer would be proud to post that “in the celebration” picture.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
I think he's daring people to Photoshop it.
daver - September 29, 2008
With one of Valverde?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
What a slob, the man has absolutely no tact. He's an embarassment
to fat people, black people and all vegetarians around the world!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
Don't forget bullies!
Just ask Manny Parra
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
The man is repulsive. I would put his face on ipecac bottles.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
This is what happens when
you see prince.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 29, 2008
And he's a menace to everything flying
Yes, even the birds.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Eh, I was thinkin' of something else.
daver - September 29, 2008
Are you sure?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
LMAO.
Oh man…I guess we are on the same page. I pray to God no one runs with this idea or at least doesn’t post it here.
daver - September 29, 2008
apple
sauce
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Sox start delayed...
Anyone heard any updates?
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
I've got the audio on...
…Farmer and Stone just said they defintely will play today. Apparently, it’s not raining at the Cell (though it still appears to be downtown here). They didn’t give an exact time but said they’d be starting pretty soon. As of this post, the tarp is still on the field.
daver - September 29, 2008
Cool, thanks...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
I'm south end of the loop with unobstructed view of Cell from a high floor.
Can’t see the structure or lights.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Does your post mean it's raining?
Whoa, they just showed some scenes of the NL team from NY yesterday after their loss and did they ever look down. Love it.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Raining, foggy and dark
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Do they play this game tomorrow if it gets rained out
and delay the start of the ALDS?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
They said they are "going to get it in today."
Delivering an ultimatum to the weather…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
Ozzie will go off on a tirade against God and Mother Nature
if they get rained out.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Is that something we can buy tickets to?
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
I've got ESPN2 on for the rain delay
and I’ll TIVO his rant for you if it happens. It’s getting real old listening to the heads on XM radio talk about how great the team from Milwaukee’s comeback was. But they did say other than the two HRs this week, Braun has been terrible at the plate. Now we’re delayed 2 hours on the Southside.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
I agree with a poster in another thread
CC deserves a lot of credit, but playing Pittsburgh didn’t hurt, either.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I told my Brewer Buddy that and he agreed.
Pirates had them on the ropes a lot in each game and didn’t capitalize. If it had been a better team the Brewers don’t sweep that series.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
I think that's true
More than likely, the reward for the Brewers is the playoff spot itself, but anything can happen in a short series.
Is it Wednesday yet?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
No doubt. I am ready for the playoffs.
After watching a bunch of meaningless games, I’m ready to see the Cubs get that fire back. I am glad Lou got to rest some of the guys but it was painful to see them lose the games they did and how they did.
Fishbone2 - September 29, 2008
Maybe they could move the game to Milwaukee!
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
Get on the bus!
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Yeah, it's very gray up here near North Michigan Ave.
daver - September 29, 2008
Yup, with the Dow down 560 and the sky above...
am busy looking for the locusts.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
Speaking of Howry & the Dodgers, does anyone remember this 'gem' from last year?
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200705250.shtml
JFCubFan - September 29, 2008
Oh, yeah. I remember that.
Was on my way back from a Shanghai trip. Left the hotel after the 7-run 7th. Followed the 8th via cell phone.
Thanks for the reminder….
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
the good news is
Joe Biemel is still on the Dodgers.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
Question for SWL and Sue,
Are you guys suspending your campaign to devote your full effort to the Cubs’ playoff run?
DeRoMyHero - September 29, 2008
If the Cubs don't win 11
They lose my vote.
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
Leaders must be able to do more than one thing at a time...
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Ah, a pre-'car accident' M.H. pic
malicedoom - September 29, 2008
Who the hell are
you people who voted for the Cubs to lose the NLDS? WOW!! What team were you watching this season? Good Lord….way to be supportive of your team.
sue369 - September 29, 2008
I don't think you have to be a member at BCB
to vote. Those little men in Milwaukee may be lurking.
N Oakley - September 29, 2008
or a stray Dodgers fan, wandering over to the BCB world...
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
Or Drayton McClane
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
he's probably had interns voting on any site with a NLDS poll all day.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
Haha while they wear those Selig shirts...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 29, 2008
LMAO
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
Ah, I didn't think about them.
sue369 - September 29, 2008
Is it still raining in Chicago?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
nope
They’re calling for a start to the Tigers/Sox game at around 4:15 local time last I heard.
cubbot - September 29, 2008
No...
Just cloudy here downtown.
CubsBullsBears - September 29, 2008
They just scrolled on the bottom of ESPN2...
while the SSB is playing at the Sox game that Big Z was going to start game 2. I thought he was going to start game 3 or was that just a rumor?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
I heard it's going to be...
…Dempster – Big Z – Harden – Lilly (if necessary).
daver - September 29, 2008
thats correct
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
OMG, Steve Phillips in the booth for ESPN...
I guess the sound will stay off today and we’ll have to listen to Steve Stone instead on XM with the delay.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
You cant win either way then.
Hammer - September 29, 2008
You're right..
maybe I’ll just enjoy the silence. It’s only an AL game after all. I know it’s been like a 3 hour rain delay but it looks like there are about 15 faithful fans at the Cell. Maybe 20.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
My buddies are there.
Two very good friends but the absolut WORST type of Sox fans. The worst.
One of them got sent to the hospital for saying something to the wrong guy.
Hammer - September 29, 2008
Gary Sheffield is still in the MLB? And he can still steal second base?
Wow.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Cubs resign Michael Barrett
Cubs have resigned “slugger” Michael Barrett to become Bob Howry’s personal bull pen catcher and roommate on the road.
Acording to Jim Hendry " Michael is a proven fighter and will hopefully put the fear back into Booy’s game. The only fear lately is projected by the loyal cubs fans when Bobby is given the ball"
parrotinct - September 29, 2008
Joke, right?
About Barrett being a slugger and all.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Barrett was put on the 60-day disabled list by the Padres on Sept. 11th
And BTW, I liked the guy. I only wish the best for him. Not the greatest catcher in the world, but a good hitter.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
"but a good hitter"
and he was good with a bat, too. :-)
ChipSet - September 29, 2008
wait
really? What???
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
OMG just turned of the Sox game and see that the Cell isn't full...what's the deal?
alabebo - September 29, 2008
Surprised?
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
short notice for this game...
…..day game on a Monday…not the easiest day to get out of work. 3 hour rain delay.
Hammer - September 29, 2008
3 hour rain delay
and i don’t know how it is in the city, but its almost COLD here.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
Wrigley would have been full anyway, along with all the bars in Wrigleyville
alabebo - September 29, 2008
Well, we're the odd 20%
sanantonecub - September 29, 2008
Who's starting for the Brewers for Game 1?
Gallardo?
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
Looks like you're right.
Gallardo in game 1 followed by Sabathia in game 2.
link here
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
End of 2
Sox lead Tigers 1-0 on a Dye RBI single.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
Sox
have a no hitter through 3 (trying to jinx them)
Charlemagne - September 29, 2008
A no-hitter?
As in, their pitcher hasn’t given up a hit? He hasn’t let anyone hit him yet? One without hits?
Wow, a no-hitter.
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
It worked. ;)
Magglio Ordonez leads off the 4th with a single.
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
Rack 'em up! A double play for the Sox!
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
Daggummit, Ah really want to pull for the Sox. But Ah really can't stand their ballpark.
And Ah don’t like their TV announcers either.
zevkalman - September 29, 2008
yeah i was really hoping to not be blacked out
Hawk Harrelson is killing any motivation I had for cheering on Chicago.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
Those guys are like nails on a chalk board
alabebo - September 29, 2008
Thank God for the mute button.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
Yeah
I might just fire up gameday and sorta half-assed follow them.
And remind myself how much I hate AL baseball.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
BTW:
i still can’t believe they’re playing Griffey in CF.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
+1
Never understood that move. LF maybe, but really more of a DH at this point.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
when the trade first went down
i heard talk of switching him to 1B.
He’s not an OF anymore. He’s almost painful to watch.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
LOL
Someone at Evil BCB projected Hoffpauir to be in the top 10 in MLB slugging percentage next year. Not sure what they’re smoking over there.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
Perhaps they would like to trade for him....
Hoffpauir for Hardy….straight up.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I'd take it.
They’ll need a first baseman after letting the Fat Man go this offseason.
Bill Potter - September 29, 2008
I respect Sackmann alot
He writes for THT, which I believe is the best baseball-oriented website today. He did say it sound “insane,” but if he projects it, I would actually believe him.
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
Agreed...
He’s written some interesting and intelligent posts, but I’m not sure how anyone could project anything with any accuracy on a player who’s only played about 30 MLB games with about 10 starts.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
His over the top Cub hatred precludes me respecting him
I can understand a rivalry, but he comes across as goofy.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Tigers tie it up, 1-1
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
runners at corners and no out current..
Sox better look out, this is there season
mkcubs21 - September 29, 2008
Garcia is pitching pretty good
57 pitches through 4 innings. 1 ER, 2 H & 2 BB
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
they should've scored more than 1 run in the first
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
I wonder who he'll sign with for next year
He can be a good #4 starter, in my opinion.
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
Not sure how much of it is him being good
and the Sox offense being “home run or nuthin’”
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
End 5
Tigers 1
White Sox 1
Clutch16 - September 29, 2008
Cabrera doubles with one out in the 6th.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Go Mig or go home
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
Poor Collier, gets leg amputated from club shooting a while back:
from ESPN
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
completely off-topic
…but I’m looking for a good tattoo studio in Chicago.
I’ll be in town during the post-season and want to get this:
on my forearm.
sniffy the bee - September 29, 2008
Try either the Tattoo Factory or Jade Dragon Tattoo. They should be able to hook you up.
I’ve got the old Cub with the bat in his hand on my right arm. I’m thinking of getting your Cub logo above on my left arm to match, with eventually the new cubbie bear in the C, and the classic Big C with ubs on my chest.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Thanks a million...
Jimmy.
I can’t think of a better occasion to add to my skin scrapbook!
sniffy the bee - September 30, 2008
565!!
YES AFTER COUNTING EVERY POST I GET THE HONOR OF HAVING THE 565TH POST!
Chanman25 - September 29, 2008
John Kruk...
Just called us “miserable losers” on ESPN2… thanks Kruky!
CubsBullsBears - September 29, 2008
Sounds like he gets angrier at the Cubs everytime he gets to talk
nji232 - September 29, 2008
John Kruk's five stages of grief
He’s grieving for his doomed Phillies, methinks.
1. Denial
“I’m just not impressed with the Cubs right now.”
(last week)
2. Anger
“The Cubs are miserable losers.”
(today)
3. Bargaining
“Maybe the Phillies can’t beat the Cubs, but they can at least push them to 7 games in the NLCS.”
(ETA: next week)
4. Depression
“I guess it just isn’t the Phillies’ year. The Cubs are getting all the breaks right now.”
(ETA: NLCS game 4)
5. Acceptance
“The Cubs really are better than the Phillies.”
(ETA: Never)
hip2bsquare - September 29, 2008
In what context?
Kruky has been a little “off” these last few weeks. Normally I don’t have that much of an issue with his commentary. He’s played the game and we haven’t…
DKT - September 29, 2008
Grand Slam White Sox....
White Sox 6
Detroit 2
Detroit allowed a double 3 wild pitches(the first 2 allowed the runner to move to third and score)…a single and 2 walks before giving up the GS….LOL.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
If the Sox don't win tomorrow's game each person here can cyber-punch me
No question in my mind, The White Sox kill tomorrow.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Cubs could forever change the view of Cubs
With 11 wins nobody could ever call us losers again!
sanks - September 29, 2008
Cubs in 4
The Cubs shouldn’t lose more than 1 game in this series. If they lost to this team it would be tragic.
sanks - September 29, 2008
Hyperbole much?
When a parent loses a young child, that’s tragic.
When someone with a mortage to pay and six children to feed loses their job, that’s tragic.
When tens of thousands of people die in an earthquake, that’s tragic.
This is a game.
If the Cubs losing to the Dodgers would be your idea of tragedy, you either have incredibly misplaced priorites, or have led one hell of a sheltered life. From what I’ve seen the last two days, I’ll bet they’d love you in a game thread this week.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Dude chill....they guy was just making a point. Jeeze. It's TRAGIC that people can't be nicer.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
His point was over the top
And he made it several times yesterday. Remember how that annoyed you when someone repeatedly said the same thing?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
I don't really see what was "over the top"...but OK...I obviously don't know the history here...
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
I probably overreacted and thought so after I posted
But tragic is too strong.
The whole “WS or total failure” theme from yesterday got old fast.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Totally agree with you.
sue369 - September 29, 2008
Having six kids IS tragic.
What we know about the few Sox attendees is this: Each is a serious student of the game unlike us Cub fans who just like to drink beer and party. Why it must be a thrill to sit next to the average ChiSox backer and just soak in the knowledge – to really understand for the first time the game within the game of baseball.
the nth - September 29, 2008
Whoa, this is getting a little intense
and the Cubs aren’t even playing.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Hyperbole much?
When a dinosaur fights a giant gorilla, that’s intense
When a radioactive vampire shark attacks a group of whitewater rafters, that’s intense.
When tens of thousands of people simultaneously do the hokey-pokey , that’s intense.
This is a blog/message board.
santoswoodenlegs - September 29, 2008
Yeah but I said a "little" intense
so that means close but not quite so what is that? Whitewater rafters deserve to get attacked by radioactive blood-sucking things anyway. What is the opposite of hyperbole?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
hypobele.
see whut Ah did thar?
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
I sawl that but I dint much care for it much.
Goin and gitting all edjicated like an all an slingin your fancy terms around like they was chickens at a killin jist don’t suit my fancy none, nope, not’tall
Weeghman Park - September 30, 2008
I'm waiting for the picture..
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
+ 1000
blueapple - September 30, 2008
Sox win...finally ending the regular season
I’m just teasing SWL, that was pretty good for such a short amount of response time
We need some Cubs baseball; this is too weird; there’s not even a west coast late game to watch on MLB;
just something called Monday Night Football; what is that, anyway?
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
regular season aint over yet
Chanman25 - September 29, 2008
Yeah it is;
a playoff game to determine a division champion is by definition a post-season game; it is not on the 162 game schedule.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
well it is still considered in regular season stats though
Chanman25 - September 29, 2008
You are correct, Sir! I was misinformed.
AL season ain’t over yet. That explains the Cubs’ 163 game season in 1998 which I had forgotten about.
Weeghman Park - September 29, 2008
Welcome to Bleed Sox Black!
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
too bad you guys
couldn’t clinch a week ago. That’s when all the cool kids did it.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Too bad your team ...
… couldn’t win a World Series in the last 100 years!
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
THIS YEAR.
Focus, little crabby man. We’re talking about 2008.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
And they still haven't clinched anything yet.
Bump Bailey - September 29, 2008
White Sox
White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Ms. Cleo you are not...
I noticed that you brought up your early observations that turned out right. Here’s an observation that you blew, a swing and a miss!
Back when Al gleefully made this uninformed observation, I was slammed for pointing out just how uninformed that slam was.
The Sox finish the 162 game season tied for first. Now I didn’t predict that either, I predicted 3rd place and that the Sox would be much more competitive than Cubbie fans hoped. I had no idea that the Indians and Tigers would flop so badly.
The season now boils down to one game for the Sox and Twins. All I have to say is …
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
oh FFS
go away.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
WHY?
This is a White Sox discussion thread, right?
And for all the proclamations of “not giving a damn about the Sox” and how Cubbie fans are “fixated on the Cubbies” we now clearly know that those boastful claims are a load of (feces).
I’ve been away from Bleed Sox Black, I mean BCB for a few weeks, and in that time there has been even more Sox talk.
BTW congratulations halfblindcubbiegirl on joining a Sox discussion group, well that is one outside this hotspot for Sox talk.
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
We finally got him!
Took you long enough to get here. We have been putting bait out for a while now. All we ever do is talk about those big boy White Sox. How we wish we could be them, how we wish our season was hanging on one game tomorrow instead of preparing for the first round matchup that is upcoming.
Hopefully the rest of us Not Cub fans just Sox-obsessed people joining up on this Cubs board will be so fortunate to watch your softball team play another day.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Yo Crawdad...
Not all of us hate the Sox. I’m happy as a pig in shit that they won today, and that they will play a game 163 to decide the AL Central. While they are not a complete team, and I don’t like Ozzie, they have a number of good, if not great players, among them: Alexei, (reminds of a young Soriano with that big stick of lumber)- I’d trade Theriot for Alexei Ramirez any day of the week, and not think twice. Gentlemen Jim Thome, Pauly, and JD, (one of the most under rated & over looked players in the game).
They are unbalanced as a hitting attack. Their pitching started out strong, and has declined in the second half, (most noticably the bull-pen, and mostly due to injury). The Sox defense, much to my surprise, has improved quite a bit in the second half, (I mean, who thought that Uribe would lock down 3rd the way he has?). Lastly, Ozzie: his head didn’t explode, and he wasn’t one of the first to be given their walking papers- but he is, (as Cypress Hill sang), insane in the membrane… While at the same time he still manages to get this 2008 Sox this far.
With all this said, I forsee a drubbing of the Twins tomorrow night, and will be watching with my best friend of 20 yrs., (a die hard Sox fan).
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Fair and balanced assessment!
I agree!
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
...and you thought all we do is drink beer, and look at ass.
Just one of many media driven sterotypes that simply don’t ring true.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Moderation & discretion!
I don’t believe I’ve ever said those things about Cubbie fans. Nothing wrong with either though, in moderation and a bit of discretion.
And to like I said to the obnoxious Cubbie troll who posts racism and hate on the Sox NG the Cubbies have had a great season. Celebrate that Cubbie fans! They are the best team in the NL. On the other hand, there are at least three teams better than the Sox in the AL. Without a bit of luck and a hot streak the Sox, even if they win tomorrow, will not be facing the Cubbies in the World Series this season. If that’s the way it ends for the Sox, so be it. I’ve seen my favorite team win it all and in a manner that the Cubbies will be hard pressed to surpass.
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
Lets toss this out there right now
Whether its by an inch or a mile, winning is winning.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
Just curious...
… if you said those things about the 2006 Cardinals? Were you one of those Cubbie fans who dismiss the amazing 2005 Sox as merely “lucky”?
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
Sounded to me like a compliment of the White Sox.
Why would that make you defensive?
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
that's what Mr. Crabs is
Defensive.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
lucky? going 11-1 is hardly lucky
But it counts just the same as going 11-8.
nji232 - September 29, 2008
DAMN STRAIGHT!
n/t
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
Moderation & Discretion is right.
You might not have said those things… that’s why it’s a stereotype. I also think that the chances of a Cubs/Sox WS are akin to a snow ball in hell. Additionally, IF that were to happen, and IF the Sox were to win… I believe I’d slit my wrists.
At the same time, I think most of us Cub fans on here are tolerant of you. At the same time I think that you do attempt to bait some of us at times- which isn’t really sincere, and some what unfair.
We don’t want to argue with Sox fans’. We want to enjoy this great Cubs season, this great Cubs year. That’s all… Be cool.
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Hyperbole and seriousness...
I know you’re being hyperbolic and I understand what you’re saying but as a personal aside, I hate jokes about suicide.
I know you don’t mean it, but baseball is not worth a fist fight and hardly worth a life. Enjoy the season and the beauty that is this game. IF the Cubs make to the World Series and lose to the Sox (or whomever) in the end so what. You’ve seen something, a Cubs World Series, that few people have seen and I don’t believe anyone has ever seen a Cubs World Series game live on TV.
Now I will really go.
Peace out!
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
sigh.
it was so nice. And now you’ve returned.
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
White Sox
White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Seriously
why do this?
If you want to talk Sox we can. But do it without the 100 year bullshit. We’ll talk about YOUR TEAM if you want, but only if you’re not a complete pain in ass.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
How'd you enjoy watching this...
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
It hurt more than I care to admit, and I'm jealous as hell...
I want the Cubs ring this year!!! It’s been a longer wait than the Sox, and this team, this year, has all the ingredients to go all the way, and bring another parade to the streets of Chicago!
GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
what have they done for you lately?
other than not be able to clinch first place in the same amount of games that the other division winners have been able to?
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
Oh, poor boy...
… were you sad when it took the 1998 Cubbies 163 games to clinch a mere Wild Card spot?
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
2008!
Focus, Krabs! FOCUS!
drewishdrewid - September 29, 2008
You know a lot about baseball and actually say some interesting things
When you don’t come here with a chip on your shoulder. Why you insist on doing that is beyond me.
And, as you like to use the search function so much, just remember:
White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Thanks, but...
… whether you put “Sox” in a comment one time or 500 times I believe it only counts as one post about the Sox. Well over 15,000 posts here at BCB about the Sox, good thing you guys “don’t give a damn about the Sox” and are “fixated on the Cubbies!”
“Good night and good luck” to the Cubbies in their post-season quest!
Talk to you next when and IF the Sox make to the post-season.
DrCrawdad - September 29, 2008
Best of luck to them tomorrow against the Twins.
The White Sox, that is.
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Bland statement which I hope makes you mad:
You’re a dumbass
NittanyCub - September 29, 2008
you forgot to say White Sox
nji232 - September 29, 2008
No worries, NC -- I got ya covered.
White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox White Sox
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Hmmm. Who's obsessed with who? Your recent activity, Doctor.
Bleed Cubbie Blue
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Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Oh, and White Sox
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
Goodnight all... Goodnight John boy, Goodnight Mary Ellen... Goodnight Grandpa.
Goodnight Kate Winn- wherever you are…
Jimmyeatworld - September 29, 2008
Nite, Jimmy
Shanghai Badger - September 29, 2008
night jimmy
(white sox)
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 29, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 30, 2008
that reminds me
I need underpants.
drewishdrewid - September 30, 2008
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