There's nothing I could say here that would make you, or me, feel better about today's 4-3 Cub loss to the Reds.
Nope. Nothing. Had something all planned out to write about how well Sean Marshall pitched, that ONEDEC had driven in what turned out to be the winning run, and that Kerry Wood threw well in his first appearance since Tuesday.
Unfortunately, Wood, just as Bob Brenly suggested, was overthrowing since he hadn't pitched since Tuesday (maybe he should have been in last night's game -- right, Lou?), couldn't throw strikes, and ONEDEC turned into CEDENO again, booting what might have been a game-ending double-play ball, allowing the tying run to score, and after that, well... you don't need me to tell you what happened, or how you felt afterward.
Worse, the Cubs have to sit and stew about this for more than two days, until Tuesday night in St. Louis. Then, they'll have possible worries about Hurricane Ike, which by Friday may be bearing down on the Houston area; who knows whether they'll force mandatory evacuations there and maybe the series will be moved elsewhere (speculation on my part, but this sort of thing has happened several times before, including a pair of 2004 Expos/Marlins games that wound up at the Cell, and the three-game Angels/Indians series played in Milwaukee last year).
Oh, and another thing. Can we end the Hoffpauir-in-the-outfield experiment? On the Reds' first run, scored on a fly ball to Hoffpauir, he made a valiant effort, but the throw was way off. If Kosuke Fukudome is in RF, maybe the Reds don't even run on his arm. That makes the 9th inning very different. Yes, Dome looked bad striking out in the top of the 9th and the look on Lou's face spoke volumes afterward -- I'm guessing you won't see him in the lineup anytime soon -- but there is value to his defense.
It's just not good. Not good at all. The only good news today came out of Milwaukee, where San Diego's Chris Young two-hit the Brewers and Milwaukee pitching got annihilated by the Portland Beavers San Diego Padres for 14 hits, two homers and ten runs. In fact, hats off to the Padres, who gave the vaunted Brewer lineup seven runs in four games while splitting the series, and helped out the Cubs in reducing the magic number to 16.
The Cubs will have to play better. Simple as that. As for me, I'm getting off the computer. Suggest you do the same, for a while at least. Shake it off and we'll get 'em on Tuesday.
0 recs | 389 comments
@$%@#$%^#@$^#
n/t
ar_hawkins - September 7, 2008
Hmmm.
You could have saved me a lot of time. All I needed to do was write what you did.
Al Yellon - September 7, 2008
no
We all come here for your words of assurance and advice…which today was get off the computer and try to forget this one. Which I’m going to go do…let’s get em in St. Louis!!
ar_hawkins - September 7, 2008
was watching this one at work
and feeling good about seeing the number drop cause of something we did.
The reds go up to milwaukee for a 3 game set starting tommorrow. Here’s hoping the reds can take something from this series and and know around the brewers
and more importantly here’s hoping the cubs get something going in stl on tuesday.
mjk83 - September 7, 2008
once again...
… the Cubs were unable to drive in runs in “big inning” situations. The Cubs should have been up by 6 or 7 in the ninth. It seems, though, that given a few runners in scoring position, the Cubs just have no ability to drive in runs or stay out of a DP.
Its going to be a challenge for the Cubs to blow their lead over the wild card but this problem, which has plagued them all season, will make it a particularly short October for them if things don’t change.
DmL
dmlichte - September 7, 2008
+1
Plenty of blame to go around for today’s implosion but the lack of situational hitting is the thing that stands to haunt us most in postseason. And there’s no reason to think it will change in Oct. Postseason only tends to magnify problems like this.
bluekoolaide - September 7, 2008
time to change the line-up
Lee need to not be hitting clean-up. He has been a disaster there, simply put. I’d prefer to see Soriano there but if he won’t move, its time to move the pitcher to the #8 spot and have Theriot hitting 9th, in front of Alfonso.
DmL
dmlichte - September 7, 2008
You mean 3rd, but point taken.
Move Lee down and DeRosa up.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
I say go for it
If we’re going for a shake up, go all the way.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
And that, fellow Badger, is the real problem
Stop leaving runs on the bases.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
A-Frickin'-Men!!!
Now if we can only get that message across to the Cubs
bluekoolaide - September 7, 2008
Koolaide, answer this
Koolaide, do you or anybody else have access to the stats that show how often the Cubs leave runners on 2nd base with no outs or 3rd base with less than 2 outs. For a team that people say has a great offense, I disagree. They might lead the league in run differential, but I think it is important to get runners in when you have them on 2nd base with no outs and/or on 3rd base with less than 2 outs. I know that you can’t get those runners in all of the time, but I would think that a team, that some claim is a world series contender, should do it a lot more than they have. My guess is that they are in the bottom half of the league in getting those runs home. If anybody has stats like that I would love to see them. I don’t want to know the BA with RISP, but rather the percentage of runners that score when they are on 2nd base with no outs, and/or 3rd base with less than 2 outs. In my mind, teams that are considered world series contenders (the cubs) should score those runs more often than they have this season. It seems like the cubs score less than 50% of those runners, and I think a world series contending team should do it closer to 80% of the time. Heck, the way the cubs have been playing lately, I would be happy with 50%
Call me a “hater”, but I prefer the term “realist” I think the Cubs are a poor fundamental team when it comes to moving runners over and hitting a fly ball when needed. Today’s game is a perfect example. Ramirez leads off the 8th with a double and he dies there. That run would have made a difference in how the bottom of the 9th played out. Soto’s double play earlier in the game with the bags juiced also hurt. There are countless examples of this, especially lately.
chipdowski - September 7, 2008
Great questions 'Dowski
and I’m almost afraid to find out the answer. Granted 90% of my baseball viewing probably revolves around the Cubs and so their failures at those times might tend to stand out a bit more but, still, it DOES seem like they strand runners with less than two outs more than I would expect a genuine World Series contender to do.
as i said above, it doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence re; the playoffs.
bluekoolaide - September 7, 2008
Thanks
Kool-aide! But give me some statistics. Can you? Or maybe somebody else can!
chipdowski - September 7, 2008
My pet peeve was just described vary well by you...
No stats…but I do believe that that was a huge issue w/ the offense last year and that they are much better this year save the last week or so at not wasting opportunities….
The other thing to keep in mind is that when you lead the league in OBP (not sure if cubs do or not….but I’ll bet their close) you are naturlly going to leave runners on base….
I like looking at the ratio of total runners left on (look at ESPN box scores) vs. runs scored….
IOW…..I don’t mind seeing 20 runners left on base when an offense scores 10 runs….It’s really aggravating when say 15 runners are left on while only scoring 3 runs…
Just my $0.02
kcjones - September 7, 2008
They really have been burned been the two out RISP hit this week
They have not been able to get one and other teams are doing it against them…
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
Ouch
I missed the last two innings. I was all ready to read a puppy dogs and rainbows recap.
But no! Hopefully someone will step up and stop the bleeding.
Dave in the basement - September 7, 2008
As anyone who really knows the game
Like anyone who knows the game I see a team 29 over 500 who had a bad week.
People that don’t call them pathetic. this week they have played pathetic but they are not a pathetic team.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Pathetic?
Where did I call them pathetic?
Dave in the basement - September 7, 2008
So glad I was at work and watched the carnage
only on game day. There are on;y 75 TV’s around me, but I didn’t tune a one to WGN. Thank heaven for hunches.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 7, 2008
17 LOB?!?
Hopefully I misread that. Ouch again.
Dave in the basement - September 7, 2008
No.
Everyone wants to add up the individual LOB’s in ESPN.com’s boxscores. You can’t do that, because they count that with less than two outs — example — bases loaded sac fly, that box score adds two LOB. Not accurate.
The Cubs left 10 on base.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
10 is still too many.
Al Yellon - September 7, 2008
No argument there
I’m just tired of overly dramatic responses — not necessarily Dave. By the logic that the box scores use, if you load the bases with none out, two batters strike out and the next hits a grand slam, the team left 6 on base — in one inning.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Unless you are scoring 10
n/t
kcjones - September 7, 2008
You did misread it
I read 18.
WittyUserName - September 7, 2008
Total is 10
Per above
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
No you read right.....
I disagree w/ many others here…..the official box score total was 10…BUT … I do like the ESPN box score of adding up total runners left on…..it gives you a real good idea about how well the offense is “hitting in the clutch”
kcjones - September 7, 2008
KC, answer me this
If you load the bases with none out, two batter strike out and the next hits a HR — you really think that should count as 6 LOB? Really??
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Or if #8 hitter leads off with a hit
The pitcher sacrifices. That’s one LOB?
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
It doesn''t.....
Look at how ESPN calculates…….In case 1….that is 0 runners LOB b/c they scored…..bases loaded no outs …3 strikeouts…thats 9 LOB
Case 2…te runner is only LOB if he/she doesn’t score.
kcjones - September 7, 2008
This team is falling apart.
Lou gets paid to stop this crap.
He might be getting red faced but he needs to do he F-ing Job.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Agreed
He’s certainly trying – ask Dome.
But I hope he can figure this out faster than he figured out the way to Cincinnati.
08Cubs - September 7, 2008
Trying - whatever
Lou’s taking it out on a guy that’s disappointed him by not having the power he never was going to have, but Lou expected. If Lou was trying, the ABs would be going to Fontenot instead of Swingnmiss Micah.
DGU - September 7, 2008
was the Hoff
0-for again today?
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
1-3, 1 BB, 1 run scored, no K's
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Dometastic.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
Poop
Well…this team has hit the trifecta of ways to lose games during this losing streak
1)Blowout (Friday Night)
2)Middle Relief, No Clutch Hitting (Tuesday Night)
3)Blown Save (Today)
I don’t think they can get much lower….
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
I disagree...
It shouldn’t have come down to that……no clutch hitting…..SCORE MORE RUNS
kcjones - September 7, 2008
ugh
In a few hours, we get to watch the Bears.
Turning in to a long Sunday. I knew after Cedeno’s error that we used up our mulligans and the game was over.
thermal54 - September 7, 2008
that's the one thing that can save my day :)
sackings108 - September 7, 2008
SURE DID
n/t
kcjones - September 7, 2008
Im over it.
Entourage starts tonight so I got that going for me.
Hammer - September 7, 2008
Exactly!
The resuscitation of Vinnie Chase’s career begins tonight!
(I’m so glad I didn’t follow the game thread today. Looks like the last overflow thread degenerated into adolescent name-calling and overreacting almost immediately after the error on Cedeno. Sad…)
Goodie1969 - September 7, 2008
Yes, it got ugly
fast in there.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
TWSS
zm1217 - September 7, 2008
fail
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
vultures waiting for the carcass
Emelie - September 7, 2008
glad I missed it.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
thanks for the reminder!
have to put that one on my record list
Emelie - September 7, 2008
Can't wait for this
CubsBall2202 - September 7, 2008
Don't forget
New HBO series “True Blood” starts tonight, too. I’m almost as excited for that.
But yes, I can’t wait for E and the boys and the endless hot-ass women.
dtpollitt - September 7, 2008
Absolutely agree re Hoff in RF
As much as Dome’s hurting offensively, his defense in RF is second to none. Hoff adds nothing. Also, I put responsibility for this loss on Wood. He walked ’em on. What happened afterwards was salt in the wound.
Emelie - September 7, 2008
Responsibility's on Lou
for forgetting Wood was in his pen for a week and for putting Hoff in RF and a half dozen other things. I thought this would be impossible but…
Lou Piniella was outmanaged by Dusty Baker.
Lou needs a few days off.
DGU - September 7, 2008
Outmanaged?
You’ll have to explain that one to me. What exactly did Dusty do besides fill out a lineup card?
Less is Walrond - September 7, 2008
I think he was saying
Its more what lou did then what dusty did. Lou left Wood in the pen without using him for too long and it hurt us.
cubsfaninatl - September 9, 2008
I was hoping to head to
St. Louis this week with a series win….
Marshall pitched well…
cozmotaylor123 - September 7, 2008
I was too cowardly to watch
as soon as there was a runner on 2nd and 2-0 count on the batter I just switched to
Dogers/D’backs. I had a VERY bad feeling. Way too many blown chances but Marshall did pitch well and one bit of good news, tomorrow the brewcrew faces Volquez. Bad news he has not pitched all that well lately. Overall the Padres really shut the brewers down, they won 2 games out of 4 by one run. I also saw Ned going out the mound and seeming to have some kind of disagreement with Parra, not sure what it was but he looked pissed.
Doggie Stalker - September 7, 2008
This team may make the playoffs, but...
… they will be three and out in the first round the way they are playing now. Every aspect of the game has been declining over the last 30 days.
I hang this one on Wood, though. Overthrowing? You are a vet and there is simply no excuse. This is about mental toughness. Simply throw strikes. If you can’t get the job done, tell the boss and step aside for someone who can.
Pathetic.
Ross - September 7, 2008
Go root for the Brewers
go root for the Brewers.
It is not uncommon for closers to struggle when they don’t pitch for stretches of time.
Overreaction to a bad week. If you knew the team you’d know this was a good team who had a bad week.
Pathetic teams aren’t 29 over 500.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Overreaction not anymore
Losing 2 to Phillies- OK, they are good.
Swept by Astros- OK they are a hot team.
Losing 2 of 3 to Cincy and giving as many runs as we did to them in 3 days is not acceptable.
BUT everyday is a new start and they can turn it around.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Please don't tell me what to do...
This isn’t May. It isn’t June. The Cubs in May or June would easily beat the Cubs of August/September.
I know the team, and I can see what is wrong. And what is wrong are several of the same problems that the Cubs have struggled with all season.
I am not rooting for any other team, nor am I rooting for the Cubs to lose. However, I am frustrated when professionals can’t do the fundamentals to get wins. Over throwing? Take a breath, step off of the mound.
The game was pathetic. Kerry Wood’s performance was pathetic. If you want to try to point the blame somewhere else, or be an apologist for the team’s failure, then be my guest.
Ross - September 7, 2008
However, Brenly was correct.
Sometimes pitchers overthrow when they haven’t pitched in a few days, and just stepping off the mound wouldn’t help.
Lou should have used him on Saturday night. So what if he pitches Saturday AND Sunday? They have almost two days till the next game.
Al Yellon - September 7, 2008
Then quit watching
If you think this is hopeless, why are you paying attention?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
The Cubs blew games by wasting opportunities in May and June too
It was just less noticeable then.
kcjones - September 7, 2008
Or they make the
playoffs and get hotter than hell and win it all.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
That would be nice...
I hope you are right. It is quite possible that this team could do just that.
Ross - September 7, 2008
Wood and Days off
When Wood came in and couldn’t throw strikes to the first batter, it was just a matter of time before something bad happened, and it did. How many times do we have to watch Wood not get work in three or four days and come in and struggle?
FSArkCubsFan - September 7, 2008
It didn't surprise me.
I feared he would be a little rusty and he was.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
same here
i was hoping he’d get into LAST NIGHT’S game so that this situation would be less likely.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Yep. I blame Lou.
Cripes, though — start getting some more runners in.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
i know
just a frustrating game.
we should’ve had WAY more than 4 runs. we had harang on the ropes and just couldn’t land a knock out punch.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Yep
Too many LOB. Take care of that and the ninth inning becomes irrelevant.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
TWSS
Wow, I got you twice, Sue. ;-)
zm1217 - September 7, 2008
TWHS
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
I'm an easy target. :D
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Sure
Yes, Wood struggled but at the end of the day, he got the job done….he got a double play ball to end the game. Unfortunately, the guy masquerading as a major league SS didn’t get the job done. Of course every player makes errors, even on routine plays, but the difference between major league middle infielders and guys that don’t belong in the majors, is the ability or inability to make that play when it matters. It’s too bad the Cubs had a guy in that position that simply doesn’t belong.
krummy12 - September 7, 2008
what are you talking about?
Theriot wasn’t playing.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
The Cubs do it to us again
Why the hell do we even bother to care. This is an abusive relationship we all have with this team. We love them give them one more chance and they break our hearts again.
This team is pathetic but in all honesty we Cubs fans are more pathetic for continuing to keep rooting for this team.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Go root for the Brewers
Pathetic teams aren’t 29 over 500.
They are a good team who had a bad week.
calling them pathetic is stupid. They were pathetic today.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
Sorry to bother you
But before I run off here is a little riddle:
What do these numbers share in common?
1969
1984
1989
1998
2003
2004
2007
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Sad some fans want them to not make the playoffs
You obviously became a fan this year.
Fans who have followed them for longer than this year know that this is a good team who had a bad week.
You think they are pathetic.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
You clearly have a higher
tolerance for pain than most human beings.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
TWSS
I’m basically just rifling through the comments looking for good ones to cheer us up.
zm1217 - September 7, 2008
Tell us when you start...
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Wouldn't it be
TWHS?
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Hey, either one works for me.
zm1217 - September 7, 2008
You tell 'em BrewCrew
It’s actually obvious that you’ve been a fan for a long time like me (30+ years) and so, forgive us if we’re a little more jaded and fatalistic than some of the “lovers”-we’ve been down this road MANY times before and this latest nosedive is starting to seem eerily familiar.
bluekoolaide - September 7, 2008
I know!
Years the Brewers didn’t go to the playoffs?
Really, that was too easy.
Ross - September 7, 2008
Its time
God the Cubs have a bad week and there’s panic in the blogosphere.
They are still 29 games over 500. If they were 5 over 500 a 7 of 8 is more indicative of talent level.
And the great sainted Brewers. If they were all that great they’d be in first after this week. The Cubs still knocked 6 games off the magic number this week despite losing 7 of 8.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
Well I tried to warn everyone
They don’t win on my birthday :(
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Sadly they didn't
win on my birthday either. :-(
sue369 - September 7, 2008
But they NEVER win on mine
Or at least they didn’t in 2007, 2003 or 1998…
ak123 - September 7, 2008
aw, sorry.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
mine either...
course, thats in the middle of november
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
or mine
but as long as they win more than they lose…
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
29 over 500
For the so called fans calling the team pathetic. Go root for the Brewers.
They played pathetic for a week.
Pathetic teams are not 29 over 500.
And I love how everyone is so worried about your beloved Brewers. If the Brewers were so great the Cubs wouldn’t have knocked 6 games off the magic number while losing 7 of 8.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Wow
Some fans want to see them miss the playoffs.
So you think the team is a pathetic team? There’s a difference between a pathetic week and a pathetic team.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
deja
vu.
:D
They need to get out of the losing ways. It’s not the end of the world, but it’s not good.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
People
It seems people don’t see the difference between a pathetic week and a pathetic team.
If they were 500 or in the area of 500 you could say that.
But a team who loses 7 of 8 and is still 29 over 500 is not pathetic.
I think the Brewers must be frustrated. They really had a chance to make hay this week.
They went 4-5 during this stretch.
They go 6-3 they are 2 1/2 out.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
for pete's sake
will you quit?
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
I'm just doing it to this guys repeat posts
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
girl..she's a girl
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Pathetic posts are worse
than “pathetic” teams.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
People are venting. If you don't like them. Don't read them.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
No
Vent, schment. If you post on here, be prepared to take the crap if someone doesn’t like it.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
and you should be prepared to hear about dishing out criticism of other's feelings.
santoswoodenlegs - September 7, 2008
I am, and that's fine
I apologize for nothing. Not my fault some Cubs fans have absolutely no perspective.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
who asked for your apology?
santoswoodenlegs - September 7, 2008
You certainly sounded like you wanted one
Don’t you have a goofy picture to post or something?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
I guess that makes you
Great job! How did you get it?
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 8, 2008
You've made it easy
And if I’m the Forum Police (ridiculous), it appears I’ve got a lot of “deputies,” too.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 8, 2008
I think we know the difference now...
…that you’ve repeated it 8 times
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
oh, I forgot...
;)
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
That's right dude
Just keep repeating yourself till you actually believe it’s true.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
You honestly don’t see the difference between a good team having a pathetic week and a truly pathetic team.
You want them to miss the playoffs. I want them to make the playoffs.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
Who the hell ever said they what the Cubs to miss the playoffs
Stop putting words in people’s mouth. It makes you look like an disingenuous A&^hole!
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
When people call
When you called me Pollyanna for stating facts you revealed your true colors.
You called them a pathetic team.
They are good team who had a pathetic WEEK.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
When you assume you make and #$@ out of "u" and me.
This team has proven that when the pressure is on (which it is bigtime) they choke. Just like the last 99 Cubs teams before them.
It just makes them another Cubs team which after such a strong start and all the talent they have to have “just another cubs team” in my opinion is pathetic.
You sir just want to see peaches and cream in the future and can’t stand the fact that this team is not what we thought so you attack others that will not reinforce your delusions.
But Sir your delusions are you delusions but don’t attack me for having a different opinion.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
For YOU to be calling anyone out for "attacking"
is the highlight of this unbelievably weird day.
YOU have been nasty and irritable for the last few days. TRYING to pick a fight. And if you want one, we can find someone for you to fight with. (Bruce? ya here?) Maybe YOU need to take a step back and STFU.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Wowie Zowie
Frankly, I agree with you. He does need to stifle himself. I’ve never seen the wrap-up thread get as ugly as this one has.
Talk about weird — KOW is tantamount to the voice of reason. Any thread that makes you this pissed off must be ugly — and it is. Time for me to stay away for a while.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
That is a bunch of BS and you know it
Your boy toys have been attacking me all f-ing week and I finally had enough and stood up to them.
You can pick a side but don’t make up facts just to win an argument. It makes you look weak.
And stop telling people you disagree with to STFU. That is 5-year old BS and most people expect more, especially from you.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 7, 2008
Making up facts?
You’re the one who’s been taunting people w/ snide comments for the last few days. Not me.
But you can be snarky with just about everyone, but picking on KOW is out of line. She’s great and the most even keeled person here. Pick a new target if you need to.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
thanks for taking this on, HBCG
I just don’t have the interest or the energy… sheesh
Emelie - September 7, 2008
I got your back, hbcg
Heck, I was there today and sat through that ninth inning. It didn’t feel particularly good, but even the best teams have bad weeks.
I was upset after the game, but perspective is a wonderful thing. The Cubs still knocked a bunch of games off the magic number, even while playing tihs badly.
I am convinced there are many Cubs fans that just love to be miserable.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
I think she's a "she"....
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
You've said this like 5 times in here already
we get the point
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Maybe the Cubs...
…just needed to add a little excitement to the race (like they did last year) to rekindle the competitive juices.
They have had a lackluster 8 game stretch, and I do think they will awake from this coma and be just fine.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
I guess it cant be a bad thing
CubsBall2202 - September 7, 2008
Like all smart fans
Like all smart fans you think this.
Calling a team pathetic is one thing,. Saying they had a bad week is another. They had a pathetic week.
Pathetic teams are not 29 over 500.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
How about...
…a pathetic team this week?
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Thats my point
Carmen that’s my whole point. they are a good team that’s had a pathetic week. Brewcrew and his ilk are saying they are a pathetic team overall.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
Well, they're allowed to vent, I guess...
…but I’m getting a little worried as well. Hoping for a quick turn around, but jeez…today doesn’t make me feel much better.
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
I’m not worried because this is a good team.
Next Sunday they could very well be 90-69 and have a 6 game lead. In reality that’s more likely than a continued collapse.
I’d be more worried about the affects of today’s loss if this team hasn’t shown resiliency all year and last year too.
What must be frustrating is the Brewers. If they had had a good week they could be in first or 1 or 2 games out.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
Absolutely....
It’d be worse to be a Brewers fan right now. :)
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Actually wasn't it 2004
If I remember 2004 and we were trying to get the wildcard and the leader had a week like this and we were frustrated because we also had a bad week and could have done so much damage?
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
In 04
All we had to do was in like 2 games and we couldn’t. It was a frustrating week. They made a big deal all over on ESPN, mlb.com, etc. about how this would be the first time cubs would go to back to back post seasons since 1907 and 1908 or something like that.
If this year turns back into that I truly don’t think I could follow the team THIS closely next year.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
I agree
sue369 - September 7, 2008
No worries
Terrible week (1-6), yet the Cubs knock four games off the magic number. Brewers and Phillies play each other next week, at a minimum those games will get knocked off. I’m not concerned. They’re 29 games over .500, and everybody’s panicking.
flyingdonut - September 7, 2008
Exactly
Exactly.
I think fans who call the fans who say this pollyannas actually hope the Cubs don’t make the playoffs.
Yes the cubs had a pathetic WEEK. They are not a pathetic team.
If people really don’t know the difference they are crazy.
I have to leave soon. In Indy in our hotel on husband’s laptoo have to leave for Bears game.
This hotel sucks by the way. For 280 a night.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
No1 wants the team to fail
They are just being realistic so it’s not too depressing if we collapse. I refuse to get to that point but I see where they are coming from.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
what hotel?
derv - September 7, 2008
So they lost... Booo Hoooo
Would any of you feel better if the Cubs had lost their first 57 games and then won 86 straight?
Good teams lose tough ball games and bad teams lose tough ball games. The main difference is that the good ones tend to win a few more games than the bad teams.
The Cubs have the most wins in the NL and came into today tied for the most wins in the big leagues. I could be wrong, but I think that means that they’re good.
Any given day, any given team can win any given game in any given sport. This is why they play 162 of ‘em. If the Cubs are better than the Brewers, they’ll play better over 162 games, plain and simple.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
Ryan, God Bless You
This is the most level-headed and reasoned post I’ve read all day. It’s nice to see…thanks!
Goodie1969 - September 7, 2008
Thanks.
To me it just seems silly to get worked up over ONE game or ONE week.
I am a huge Cubs fan, but I’m a realist. Its not who has the best record today, tomorrow or a week from now. Its who has the best record at the end of September.
I guess it comes down to one simple question. Do you think the Cubs are better than the Brewers? If so, you’ve got nothing to worry about. If not, you shouldnt be surprised if the Brewers win the division. Either way, you shouldnt get THIS worked up about a winning team in first place.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
It's not so much the one game...
… it’s the way they lost today. Had they gotten blown out like Friday, it might not have hurt so much.
Al Yellon - September 7, 2008
I hear you, Al
Like I said, I was there today and saw it for myself. It sucked. No two ways about it.
But I also was there Saturday night, with about 30,000 other Cubs fans, and it was glorious. Not just the game, but the atmosphere … everything.
There have been a lot more glorious nights this season than ones that have sucked. I think that will be the case in the end, too.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
If you can keep it positive
After being there, then a lot of the rest of us ought to be able to settle down, too.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Well, you wouldn't have wanted to be around me
the first half-hour or so after the game. But a 5-hour car ride tends to bring you back to earth. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
2005 Sox
I actually had a Sox fan talk me off any ledge reminding me of the 05 Sox who went through a rough September but the fight helped them in the playoffs
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
See my post below...
The last 3 World Champs have had issues…
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
Very well said Ryan.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Feel free to panic...
…but you are talking about an 8 game stretch when 130+ games had already been played. I would challenge anyone to show me 95+ win teams that didn’t have at least one bad 10 game stretch throughout this marathon of a season.
There are countless examples of division winning teams that struggle just like the Cubs are now, and if you want to ignore the first 130 games, I guess you can say this will continue the rest of the way – I doubt it.
The only thing I care about is how this team is prepared for the playoffs, and I think Lou and the Players will be mentally ready to be sharp.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
When I played ball...
…revenge was great motivation. Righting wrongs was great motivation. Getting the chance to play in the postseason was great motivation.
But the best motivation of all is losing… If you think that the Cubs dont have a sour taste in their mouth after their most recent stretch of bad play, you’re wrong. It should be great motivation to prove to the doubters that they ARE the best team in the NL and I fully expect to see the Cubs play inspired baseball.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
Speaking of revenge... file this one away for future reference
Should be interesting next time Kerry Wood faces Jolbert Cabrerra. Won’t be this year as Cubs are done with Reds, But Woody did not appreciate Jolbert’s bat flip at all and let him know it. Of course it was misplaced anger, probably should have been directed at himself. But most pitchers keep that mental “little black book” and have long memories. Heck, position players too.
Anyway, I’d say Jolbert’s gonna get one in the ribs from Woody next April or May.
ballhawk - September 7, 2008
I agree.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Its hard to get mad about that...
Jolbert is a 35yr old journeyman who has only seen 1 playoff AB. Today’s game winner might have been the biggest hit of his career. While I can understand why Woody got mad, if the Cubs lost a walk-off after having a long winning streak I doubt Woody reacts the same way.
Either way, I doubt Jolbert sees too many more AB’s in the 9th inning, so Woody probably wont face him again.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
Believe it or not...
…this stretch of losing should firm their resolve, if they are the winning type of crew I think they are.
It’s a long long season, and the good teams find a way to get it done when the going gets a little tough and this will be good preparation for a playoff run.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
Cant agree more.
Here are some stats for you…
Last year the Red Sox were 6 games up on the Yanks on Sept 7th, and finished just 2 games up.
Cleveland and the Angels finished more than 6 games up after both being 5 games up on Sept 7th, 2007, and look how they turned out.
In 2006 the Cardinals were 6.5 games up on Sept 7th, and finished just a game up. The Mets, on the other hand, were 11 games up and finished 16.5 games up and with the best record in the NL. They were so good, in fact, that they finished 9 games ahead of the 2nd closest NL team. They went on to lose to the Cards in the playoffs.
The 2005 White Sox finished 4 games up after being 9.5 games up on Sept 7th, 2005. Many ‘experts’ thought that the Indians were going to overtake the slumping White Sox before the Indians themselves slumped their way out of the playoff hunt. The White Sox, of course, went on to win the World Series.
See where I’m going with this. Its not uncommon for good teams to lose a bit of their edge after a long season before making the playoffs. I’m not saying anything about the Cubs’ playoff hopes/chances other than that this is FAR FROM uncharted territory.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
Better to get this stretch out of the way now...
if this were the last weekend of the season, I’d be really worried about how poorly they are playing. I say get this funk out of the way and have a strong last 2-3 weeks of the season. If the team is playing well at the end of September, it will carry over into October.
DKT - September 7, 2008
Something to get your mind off this game - fun with magic numbers
Seeing as how Al is using Cubs jerseys as his magic number counter, and posting a random Cub who wore that number as well, that got me thinking about one of my [many] mental exercises I go through when the wind is blowing in and there is absolutely nothing happening out on Waveland for hours at a time.
What athlete comes to mind when you see/hear a number? Any sport, any league, any team. Essentially it boils down to… who is [insert number] to you? Looking at the whole two digit spectrum – 00 to 99 – is more than enough for a fanpost of its own, but that’s also a fanpost better suited for the off-season.
But for a condensed version that is apropos for comments, I’m going to stick with the magic number of the day. And obviously, you pretty much have to exclude Cubs if you want to make it interesting. Not that Cubs aren’t interesting, but who would have come up with someone beside Mark Grace for yesterday?
So I’ll start with my #16. Bill “Knock Knees” Nelson. Quarterback for the Cleveland Browns in the late 60s, early 70s.
ballhawk - September 7, 2008
23
Jordan
No doubt
dtpollitt - September 7, 2008
Um, Dan? The magic # is 16...
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
well, duh... ;-)
I was trying to limit this to just the magic number of the day (16), but I’d have to say Jordan is the exception to every rule.
Seeing as how Al started posted at #20, I guess we could backfill a little bit. Here’s my list so far:
20 – Maurice Lucas (Marquette)
19 – Willis Reed (Knicks)
18 – Omar Moreno (Pirates)
17 – John Havlicek (Celtics)
16 – Bill Nelson (Browns)
ballhawk - September 7, 2008
23
is Ryno to me but I hate NBA basketball….
LT - September 7, 2008
Jim Plunkett
2 Super Bowl Rings after being left for dead by the NFL
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Ronny Cedeno is Brant Brown
This game felt a lot like the Brant Brown game back in ‘98. And you know what? That game didn’t kill us that year and this one won’t kill us this year.
MerlinDog - September 7, 2008
Theriot
Since every time Theriot makes a mistake people say Cedeno would make the play we have to say Theriot makes that play.
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
If Theriot made that error...
……he would be absolutely crucified on this site.
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Yes he would have.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
I'm surprised
People aren’t blaming Theriot for this error.
Had he not felt sick he would be in and then we would have not had that error.
This is sarcasm on my end but we all know at least 1 person who goes on here feels that way.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
well
we don’t know what we would have had. I didn’t watch the game, so I don’t know how Cedeno played. It’s not like Riot hasn’t booted balls. Everyone has.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
Nothing quite like a game where you get your guts ripped out
to make the Bears game look appealing. Yay for Chicago sports.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Come on
Come on it’s the beginning of the Kyle Orton era. The greatest QB in NFL HISTORY!
puckishcubsfan - September 7, 2008
Go Boilers!!!
Brees had a great game today, maybe Kyle will follow suit…
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
i think kyle will be good,
at least way better than people expect.
i’m still more worried about our defense. and their ability to tackle.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I'm hoping Kyle
will have a good game too and not just because he’s an Iowa boy.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
I'm looking forward to watching some Packer football tomorrow night.
Bring on the Vikes, baby!!!
zm1217 - September 7, 2008
Well if misery needs company
I would suggest checking out D’Backs, Mets, Twins and Brewer blogs. Or for the best team
money can buy check out this http://www.stubhub.com/new-york-yankees-playoff-tickets/
Bet there is a big market for those tickets.
Doggie Stalker - September 7, 2008
those tickets arent that expensive
derv - September 7, 2008
Wanna hear pathetic
You can still get tickets for Cubs at Shea the last week the stadium is open during a pennant race. I mean GOOD seats. Like blocks of seats.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Definition Of Class
Kind of makes you feel like a heel for screaming obscenities at Cedeno (if you are one of those that did), doesn’t it? Here’s a guy whose actual career is affected by what happens on the field, not just his hopes for the team he roots for, and his first thought is how that guy is feeling after a play like that. Almost makes me sick to think of some of the childish, vile things said about Ronny on this site after that play…
Goodie1969 - September 7, 2008
it is sad
Dempster is a good guy.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Dempster is a class act and a team leader.
And I hope he goes out on Wednesday and shuts out the Cardinals, with Ronny getting a hit or two behind him.
Al Yellon - September 7, 2008
Speaking of Cedeno/Theriot
Is Theriot injured? I missed end of game (on a plane). Why was he taken out?
ak123 - September 7, 2008
L&B said he wasn't feeling well
“under the weather”
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
hungover?
Didn’t he have a few “flu like symptoms” earlier in the year that was implied by that?
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Eh
could be anything.
He could’ve used a day off anyway so with the half game and the off day tomorrow, he’ll have a chance to get better for St Louis.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
True
Just bringing up what they were saying earlier in the year.
Actually that reminded me of Cedeno in 2006. There were articles on how he had a reputation to go out and party at all hours and how he felt he had SS guaranteed. Then he got sent down in 2007 and got his head together and focused. Still not paying off completely I guess.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Cedeno just tried to move too fast
its not the mortal sin everyone’s trying to make it out to be. Its a play that SHOULD have been made, not to give him a pass, but really. it shouldn’t have ever gotten to a 2 run game to begin with. We should’ve had more than 3 runs.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Those things are said about Theriot every day on this site...
….or Dome or Fonzie or Marquis….
Why should Cedeno be any different?
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
He shouldn't AND
He’s been on this team longer and should not be making these sort of plays as often this year. And there’s been a bunch.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
I don't think its a Cedeno thing
its a human thing. Theres a line that everyone seems to completely ignore when when Cedeno makes a bad play that rarely gets crossed any other time.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Well
How about the comments that are simply addressing Cedeno as a baseball player? Particularly those that point out that he’s not a very good one. On a human side, I feel for the guy after today’s gaffe. In the unfortunate circumstance that he plays baseball for a living, opening himself up to scorn and ridicule from all parts of the globe when he fails, he isn’t warraned sympathy. I guess that is just what comes with the major league paycheck. Believe me, he’ll be fine. It’s just that he fails more often than he succeeds and for that, he doesn’t belong under the spotlight.
krummy12 - September 7, 2008
After watching...
…the replay, that was a tough in between hop for Cedeno. I am not saying he shouldn’t have at least got the out at first, but he was clearly looking to turn two, when he probably should have either charged the ball or backed off to get an easier hop and one out at first.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
It was a tough hop
maybe he made it tougher by cheating towards 2nd to try for the DP, but even if he gloves it and gets the force at 2nd and nothing else, the game is 3-2 with 2 out and Wood has another chance to get out of the inning. You can go back to the lead off hitter, when Jimmy Ballgame over ran the blooper, if he stays at first, most likely a different inning, and hopefully, outcome.
I don’t mind losing 4-3 if both teams play well and we get out pitched or something. This game was given away, pure and simple. Even in the first couple of innings, we helped Harang out by swinging at garbage. The LOB’s and the errors did the rest. We let the Reds hang around until we served it to them on a silver platter.
BigJohnAZ - September 7, 2008
I have no quarrel
with people civilly arguing their opinions (hopefully based on empirical evidence) about a certain player, but what I was referring to is things like:
Just emotional hyperbole that contributes nothing but negative energy to the community. Reminded me of one of my favorite movie lines of all time:
“It’s impressive to see a man feeding off his emotions.” -Det. Wm. Somerset (Morgan Freeman) in Se7en
Goodie1969 - September 7, 2008
You act like this hasn't happened all year....
Look up Bob Howry’s bad outings in game threads…
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
I really don't want to see the search results so
I’ll trust you that it’s just as bad. I’ve read enough negative stuff for today. And I know it’s a frequent occurrence, but today I guess it just bothered me more because of the sudden loss coupled with the comments. Not trying to police anyone…just expressing my disappointment.
Goodie1969 - September 7, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 7, 2008
+1
Watching the replay of the end of the game, it looked like Ronny was going to burst into tears. Good for Dempster. A class guy all the way.
Bump Bailey - September 7, 2008
I've always like
Ryan and now I respect him even more.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Great Grandfather Bumkus
Yes GG Bumkus Nimblenikelfoos had to take a team of horses from Elgin to Cinncinnatti
He asked friends Johnny Baker and HR Howry to help him with directions……
They took a wrong turn just south of the lake…. of course there were no signs saying this
way to Indianapolis and so forth …… any way some Amish stopped them in Ohio and
told them they were lost………. embarrassed they told no one how stupid they were….
Of course GG Bumkus had few responsibilities and wasn’t running a Baseball Team.
I’m more concerned about the Manager and Coaches mental state then
the Wins and losses ……… Evil is at work, Steven King – the Red Sox fan
is in on this mark my words
nimblenikelfoos - September 7, 2008
I know there's a point in there somewhere...
….could you tell us the moral of the story?
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
With Lou's look of disgust at Dome's K....
…I begin to wonder. I thought for sure he’d be playing today. I like Micah, but he is not an outfielder and really, really hurts the defense.
I just wonder what Dome’s role is going to be the rest of the season.
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
Micah should be a PH
Keep DeRosa in RF. Play Fontenot at 2B. I’m no manager but that platoon seems most successful this year with Fuku slumping.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
I just hope Felix comes up soon
DeRo is fine for spurts in the OF, but I want a natural OF out there in important games.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Now that Iowa's season
is over it will interesting to see how soon or if Felix makes his way to the bigs.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Only late innings
He isn’t going to help offensively. Put Felix in 8th and 9th and move DeRo back to 2B.
ak123 - September 7, 2008
I think Felix could help offensively
if he ever got a legitmate chance… but another OF would be a good thing.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Felix should perfect the art of the drag bunt....
…with his speed…..
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
I just hope he can put the ball in play
more often and make the other team make plays to get him out.
But we won’t know if he’s gotten that unless Lou gives him the shot to, and I don’t know if he will.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Felix, who - Pie?
I’m cool with giving him a 9th or 10th chance, but not this year. This is not the time to focus on his development.
I have spoken.
lostinthevines - September 7, 2008
Lucky for Pie
it’s not your decision.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
That's for sure.
So you would plug him in right now? The phrase “… Felix could help offensively” has never been uttered until now, nor should it be again until Spring 2009.
lostinthevines - September 7, 2008
i think he could
is it really likely? probably not.
mostly, i just really want another NATURAL OF. DeRosa is fine for stints out there, but in a close game I want someone who is a natural not someone capable but out of position.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
or maybe
the tear he’s been on in Iowa WILL translate. We don’t know.
It’s got a higher upside than Casey freakin’ McGeehee.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
Amen to that.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Actually
Pie’d have a better chance under lostinthevines than he does under Lou. When people say Pie’s had 9 or 10 chances, I’m not sure what that refers to. I thought perhaps it referred to Pie playing 9 or 10 games consecutively in his ML career, but I’m not sure he even did that. Probably it’s the 9 or 10 swings Pie took in batting practice after which Lou watched and decided – against the judgment of scouts everywhere and the Cubs development team – that Pie would never make it.
DGU - September 8, 2008
I don't see Felix as a late inning replacement if he gets called up...
Where? Left? If Dome’s not starting, you’ve got to put Kosuke in RF in the late innings.
Johnson and Edmonds (save today) have been pretty solid in CF.
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
I would take Pie all day long in CF late in a tight game
….over Edmonds or Johnson. He is a natural and probably twice as fast as Edmonds.
Jimmy has been nice, but he has made several poor plays this year in CF due to age…
JB 23 - September 7, 2008
Word
Speed doesn’t have a bad day. And I’ve liked what I’ve seen out of Pie defensively…
DKT - September 7, 2008
+1
And who knows? There’s a good chance that Felix makes the putout on the play Edmonds botched, which changes the whole dynamic of the inning.
Bump Bailey - September 7, 2008
Add his throwing ability...
To that of Soriano and Fukudome and you’ve got three outfielders who can make amazing throws.
(In other news, remember when Soriano was the worst left fielder in the history of the Cubs and everyone wanted him taken out in late innings? Now he’s apparently a vital part of the outfield defense in late innings.)
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
Crap happens to good teams
and it happens to bad teams. It’s just another day in the life of a baseball team. Tuesday is a new day.
GO CUBS!!!
sue369 - September 7, 2008
...after this week and the tough losses...
I don’t even get mad any more. Just shake my head and say “Oh, Cubbies, why do you put me through this?” LOL.
I’m sure it’s going to turn around, but jeez, the waiting is horrible.
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
I know why they are losing
I said way back when I wanted to see Cubs clinch at Shea against Mets when I bought all my tickets.
Since I think the world revolves around me they are losing so I can see it happen in person.
That’s one plausible answer :)
ak123 - September 7, 2008
Yeah, I'm not
a patient person so I hope it turns around soon.
sue369 - September 7, 2008
+1
As bad as this week has been, good things (the magic number going down) have happened. We always hear about the dog days of summer, well the Cubs seem to have found it the first week of September.
It’s infuriating, especially in the aftermath of a game like today’s, but it helps to remember that this is still the best team in the National League, even if they don’t always show it.
Head to St. Louis, take care of business, and I’m sure we’ll all breathe a sigh of relief, just as we would have today if they had held on.
Bill Potter - September 7, 2008
It is funny how today's disaster has it's roots in the 11 inning disaster from
earlier this week. Kerry Wood is forced to throw two innings because we can’t get timely hits so he has to have a couple days off. Then we have a day off and continue to lose. Then we have a blow out win. Next thing you know, Woody hasn’t pitched in 5 days.
Bottom line: I’d rather Woody get time off right now even if he has a first day back where he is not so sharp. So be it. This will leave his arm in better shape for late September and beyond when the Cubs really need him. In spite of his less than sharp performance today, he put us in a position to win, but Cedeno booted the ball (as it did hit the interior of his glove—that is an error).
Sh^t happens. These guys will dig deep and give us their usual good effort against the DeadBirds. Nothing like the Cardinals to bring out the best in our team. I am looking forward to Tuesday.
LAcarl519 - September 7, 2008
The irony in the Cedano Situation
Is this
If Theriot is in there, maybe he makes the play but he probably does not turn the DP because of his arm strength.
Then, lets say K Wood blows it anyway. Everybody on here would be asking for Theriot’s head and screaming that Cedano would have made the play and gotten the DP.
I just find that Ironic…
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
Like 10,000 spoons when all you need is knife....
you’re exactly right.
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
hmm... I think even Theriot could throw it 10-15 ft. ;-)
assuming he fields it cleanly, all he’d have to do is flip back towards 2nd baseman to start the DP. So I think the issue, at least this time, is the glove, not the arm.
ballhawk - September 7, 2008
Oh...I think he would have went straight to the bag and taken it himself
He would have had to in order to even attempt to turn the DP.
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
I think the worst thing about this game
(aside from the gut wrenching losing part anyway)
Is how it justifies the Theriot defenders/ Cedeno haters respective positions.
Its a play that should & could have been made, but IMHO we should’ve had a big enough lead the 3 in the bot 9 wouldn’t have really mattered. This was a team failure, not a SS failure.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I'm with you
Too many LOB today. And once Kerry started firing more balls than strikes up there, you just kind of got the feeling that something was about to suck…
Goodie1969 - September 7, 2008
I get your point...
….and agree that, as a team, we didn’t come up with the plays (or runs) we needed to win this.
But, I think you know that Riot gets his fair share of crap on this board for things that, ultimately, don’t affect the outcome of the game. Right or wrong, I think you’re going to see some backlash on here from some of those pro-Riot people who are going to say “Cedeno booted it, cost us the game, and this is the SS you want out there everyday?” I think it’s only natural. Maybe not fair, but natural.
It already started in the 3rd overflow discussion, I’m sure it’s not going to go away before Tuesday night’s game. I’m surprised a fanpost isn’t up yet….lol
carmen_fanzone - September 7, 2008
I agree...
…but you still need to hold onto 2 run leads when your bats are not delivering (and they won’t all the time). Cedeno did the equivalent of an anxious hitter and got greedy thinking of 2, when if he would have read the hop correctly, he would have just settled for one.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
The worst thing about this game...
Is that the Cubs lost.
The Cubs had the same amount of base runners as the Reds did, thanks to 2 Cubs errors. The Reds hit into two double plays. The Reds left a runner in scoring position in the 2nd and 5th. The Reds had a runner thrown out at the plate in the 4th. To say the least, the Reds had ample opportunity to score a few more runs.
While the Cubs had plenty of LOB in the Box Score, they only left 4 men in scoring position.
Both teams had ample chance to score in this game, and the Cubs just came out on the losing end today. It happens
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
I've always said about the SS defense question
that Cedeno makes spectacular errors, which are hard to forget and Theriot is pretty steady on the easy plays. It’s in the plays at the edge of Theriot’s range where Cedeno more than makes up the difference. I certainly understand that frustration Pro-Riot guys will have at the botched play – as a pro-Cedeno guy I was frustrated at the botched play.
DGU - September 8, 2008
could someone please...
…explain the Cedeno play to me? I left in the 8th thinking this game was a lock, and I have not seen a replay of exactly what happened yet. I read the overflow thread 3, but no specific details.
Thanks
derv - September 7, 2008
I only watched it once
but IIRC, Woody got a chopper to SS. Cedeno went to glove it and took his eyes off to start to shovel the ball and just missed gloving the ball.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I don't think he ever had
any intentions of shoveling to Dero. He was going to take that all the way which would have been the right play cause that is the only way he could have turned the DP.
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
Cedeno
moved to his left took his eye of f the ball and the ball glanced off his mitt into the OF. He was looking at 2nd base before he caught the ground ball. It looked like if he fielded the ball, all he would have to do is take 2-3 steps and touch 2nd base and throw to first completing the DP and ending the game.
But this was a team loss. When it rains it pours unfortunately!
chipdowski - September 7, 2008
unbelievable. absolutely unbelievable.
derv - September 7, 2008
Where he messed up...
…was in trying to get as close to 2nd base as possible, rather than playing for the right hop. He ended up getting himself in an in between hop situation because he got ahead of himself a little bit.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
In part
I’ll agree in part that Cedeno’s “error” (which incidentally has laughably re-scored as a double), was that his footwork was bad. He tried to measure his steps so he could step on second and throw in the same motion. It was purely a fundamental mistake. He only need one out. He didn’t need a double play but either way, a fundamental error, clearly.
krummy12 - September 7, 2008
I feel like breaking something
derv - September 7, 2008
Seriously?
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Not really, but I just saw the replay and I just cant believe that happened
derv - September 7, 2008
Like...
Breaking open a bag of chips?
Breaking down the walls of racial prejudice?
Breaking my bad habit of chewing my fingernails?
Breaking me off a piece of that kit-kat bar?
If thats what you meant, I free like breaking things too.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
maybe I will just break dance instead
derv - September 7, 2008
Give me a break...
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
I'd pay a dollar
to see you break dance. :D
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Defending Hoffpauir
The throw wasn’t that bad at all. As Brenly said, it was just a short hop for Geo. Soto is NOT good at blocking the plate and catching throws from the outfield, unless they reach him on the fly, a la Soriano’s successful toss. Hoffpauir’s throw was on target, and in time to get the runner. It wasn’t perfect, but it wasn’t terrible, either.
It wasn’t like the kind of bad throw that made the Cubs give up on Eric Patterson in LF.
I’m glad Lou is experimenting with Hoffpauir, and hope he gives him one more series out there. Then, let’s go with DeRosa in right and Fontenot at second, and have Hoffpauir available off the bench.
cubzfan - September 7, 2008
I agree to 1,000th
Dero in right Fontenot at 2b, I also agree Al, Woody needs work. I love him not being used 3 days in a row, but not to be used for 4 days in a row is on Lou.
This was or is the toughest loss of the year for me.
All I can say lets forget about this week, have a solid next week, and thank you Padres
Grockcubs - September 7, 2008
Dero isnt a very good defender in the outfield...
…his arm is somewhat of a liability because he doesnt have a strong enough arm to make accurate throws from the outfield. Teams will run on him until he gets his first assist, same as they will Hoffpauir. Maybe we should use that young guy with solid defense and blazing speed… whats his name? Felix something…
And DeRo hits better as a 2B (.302) as compared to a right fielder (.272).
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
DeRosa's arm is fine for the outfield...
…it’s just not as good as Dome or Soriano’s.
cwyers - September 7, 2008
It isnt bad.
That doesnt mean that its good. While I dont expect it to be as good as those two guys, I do expect teams to run on it. Same as Hoffpauir.
What it comes down to is who you prefer to add to the lineup. You can either add Fontenot at 2B and move DeRo to right field, or you can add an outfielder and keep DeRo where he currently plays.
Personally I’d prefer to see the Cubs go with the best possible defense. Fukudome, Pie, or Johnson would provide that. If we have learned anything its that defense is vital. Just ask Ronny Cedeno. Or Alex Gonzalez. Or Leon Durham. Etc.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
blaming wood and the defense is ridiculous
How about the offense? They had multiple opportunities to put this one away. 5 runs in two losses against this awful team is a joke. Outside of last night the biggest problem remains the offense. And while Cedeno cost us 3 runs, we would have had maybe 1 run if it weren’t for him since he drove in one and enabled another. The OFFENSE is the culprit — and how about Daryl Ward taking a single pitch. My god, he is terrible this year.
BeltwayCubsFan - September 7, 2008
but if that play was made, game over and we win. sounds to me like a routine double play...
derv - September 7, 2008
No runners on base = no chance of pooched DP ball
It’s on Wood today.
But as Al said, yesterday would have been a good time to get him some work.
Either way, closers are paid to go in cold and get outs. He couldn’t do that today.
lostinthevines - September 7, 2008
Theriot would have caught the ball.
santoswoodenlegs - September 7, 2008
I hate to be the one who says it...
…but havent we seen this before? The shortstop botched a double play ball and the Cubs end up losing?
Haha, in all seriousness, Wood didnt make his pitches, Cedeno didnt make the play, blah blah… the Reds BEAT the Cubs. That was a legit shot down the line, and if Cedeno only gets 1 out on that play the Reds STILL win.
Relax. They’ll probably win at least one more game this year.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
I wouldn't call it a routine...
…double play ball. The way the ball was hit, the only way it would have been a double play is if Cedeno would have come up with the tough hop he tried to play. If he would have played to field the ball first, I don’t see them turning two.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
Agreed...
It was not a routine grounder by any means. It was a high, hard chopper, and judging by the way it rocketed off his glove, I would bet it had some english on it. It would have been a spectacular DP if he had pulled it off. But it woud have been nice if he hadn’t taken his eyes off the ball.
Ross - September 7, 2008
It was inexperience...
…and probably a little of him trying to do too much. An experienced guy would have read how the ball was hit and played the ball first and not worrying about turning two.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
Wood is the closer
Wood is the closer. His job was to simply get through one inning without giving up two runs. Yeah, more runs would have been nice, but they weren’t there.
He gets paid to be successful in that situation. His inability to throw strikes is what led to this loss.
Ross - September 7, 2008
So he should throw a scoreless inning every time out?
That is absurd.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
The top closers
throw scoreless innings, or at least fewer runs than their team is leading by.
ChipSet - September 7, 2008
every time out?
Marino Riveria has never blown a save? Really?
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Even K Rod blew one on Sat night
No closer is a lead pipe lock.
BigJohnAZ - September 7, 2008
He didn't have to be scoreless
One run would have been fine. Two runs might have been survivable. But not three.
So yes, ideally, in a perfect, flawless world, I would like my closer to be perfect every time out. Of course, that is impossible. Sometimes you just get beat. But what I would like to see is a guy not beat himself.
Ross - September 8, 2008
Good thing I had football to keep my blood pressure down...
MrNFL - September 7, 2008
At This Point, You Either Trust Them Or You Don't
If you just started watching the Cubs this season, it’s doubtful the recent stretch of poor play would suddenly turn you against them and have you moaning “same old lovable losers”. So it seems the anger and fear of the Cubs blowing yet another division/pennant is characteristic of those who have endured 2004, 2003, 1998, 1989, 1984, 1969….
Granted, none of the players were around for 69 and 84 and 89, and only a couple players were around for 03 and 04. Plus it’s not like Wood and Z and ARam want to intentionally lose. But for those who believe in curses or fate, or think that the pressure of ending a 100-year championship drought is just too overwhelming, logical arguments are of no use. Empirical evidence may suggest that this year’s club is the best in the NL, but there are those who would reject the numbers outright because “they’re the Cubs, they’ll find a way to choke”.
I point the finger directly at myself in this. I’m probably one of the bigger Debbie Downers around, always replaying past defeats in my head while letting the stat-based arguments in favor of the Cubs go in one ear and out the other. Even today I found myself complaining that the Cub hitters weren’t trying hard enough to stay out of DPs like all the other clubs do. Finally I asked myself, “do you or don’t you trust the Cubs to win the pennant?” My answer was a resounding….not really.
Nevertheless, it’s important the energy in this forum stays in the right direction, so I’m putting myself in total “lurk” mode for the rest of the season. I will be back for a final comment at whatever point the Cubs’ season ends – and I promise to keep it civil when I return.
CaliCub - September 7, 2008
Well said Cali
I feel pretty much the same way-years and years of disappointments have a tendency to do that to people. I told myself as I was coming out of Game 6 back in ‘03 that, as much as I’d always root for the cubs and hope for the best, i’d never let myself get so sucked in again. That pledge lasted until exactly the first day of spring training in ‘04.
I understand that complaining can annoy people but, at teh same time, sometimes it also helps to vent to people who share the same passions. It just needs to be done with a certain amount of civility-something that tends to be easier said than done when we’re online.
bluekoolaide - September 7, 2008
Venting is cool
What gets me — and a lot of others — is “This team sucks.” or garbage like that, just purely emotional. As I said to someone else a while back, typing it might be cathartic, but reading it sure as hell isn’t.
You’re generally civil. What bugs me — and you, IIRC, is when someone presents a concern spelled out logically with evidence, and people dump on the poster because they’re “hating” and everything is sunshine and rainbows.
Basically, what it comes down to, is what you said – civility.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
I give you a lot of credit, Cali
I think too much emotion and illogic makes for a bad blog. This isn’t a criticism of you; too much ranting and raving, and too many unnecessarily negative thoughts don’t really illuminate the debate.
I hope you can find you can return before the end of the season, because I think when you’re on point, you really are an asset to this board. Hang in there.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 7, 2008
The Cubs will make the Playoffs
I do not doubt this.
What I personally have a problem with is the pattern of losing when the team should be peaking and rolling into post season with a bang – not a whimper. JUST like last year.
And, we all know what happened then. I am not satisfied any longer with just “making the playoffs”. Maybe most of you are. I don’t know…
The best players on the team during the last 10 days-2 weeks, for the most part, have not gotten it done. In order to win it all – or get deep into the playoffs, our top players are going to have to start bringing it – including the manager. Or once again, we will be one and done.
There are MANY troubling signs right now that are not setting things up well for October: errors, Kerry Wood, Harden, Z, DPLee, and the poor hitting with RISP, and 2 outs and RISP.
I hope I am wrong, but this shit is not encouraging. They are certainly not playing like “the NL’s best team…”, IMO.
Or, maybe the NL is just that bad!
The E-Man - September 7, 2008
Ladies and gentlemen...
…your 2008 Chicago Bears!
cwyers - September 7, 2008
Matt Forte !! TD !
….I pretty sure Benson has only one run in his Bear career of that distance
JB 23 - September 7, 2008
Saw that just now....sweeeeeet
zevkalman - September 7, 2008
It's amazing how this is just sort of mediocre rather than actively bad.
And hey, we’re winning!
cwyers - September 7, 2008
Ronny Cedeno = Alex Gonzales
Rick B - September 7, 2008
Today he might be.
And as they say, “tomorrow is a new day” or something.
In other comments in this thread I said this same thing, tongue in cheek style, because its was a very similar situation. The key difference is that today was a fairly meaningless game in the scheme of things.
Ryan at Cubshub - September 7, 2008
The ball hit to Alex was a piece of cake compared to the one hit to Ronny today.
I’ve watched the replay a bunch of times now, and in no way, shape or form was that a routine grounder, as many on here have described it. It was hit hard, bounced high and hard, and had a lot of overspin on it.
Bump Bailey - September 7, 2008
Imagine for a moment...
that you’ve been in hibernation since the beginning of April. You wake up today to see the Cubs leading the Brewers by four games in the NL Central with 19 games to play and tied for the most wins in all of MLB. You would take that in a heartbeat, right?
They WILL begin to play better because they ARE better than this. You don’t always catch the breaks. Sometimes you get the broken bat single, sometimes you make an error. Sometimes you hit three home runs in a game and sometimes you blow a save.
Look at the Colorado Rockies. Last year they were the NL Champs and this year they are 10 games under .500 in the worst division in baseball. What’s my point? I have no idea! I just have a feeling that the Cubs are going to be just fine. Time to rally – it’s September! The best days are ahead!
DKT - September 7, 2008
With apologies to SWL -- but one of his images is a propos today :-)
zevkalman - September 7, 2008
If the phillies lose, does our magic number go down at all?
CubsBall2202 - September 7, 2008
I'm not entirely sure - depends on which magic number.
We have two – magic number to clinch a playoff spot, and magic number to clinch division.
cwyers - September 7, 2008
Well by mentioning the phillies, id say playoff spot, seeing how there 2nd in the wild card
CubsBall2202 - September 7, 2008
magic number
playoff spot: 13
division: 16
according to cubsmagicnumber.com
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
our playoff magic number does
DC Cubbie - September 7, 2008
I don't think so
…since the Brewers are leading the wild-card. (Unless that has changed to the Phillies in the last couple of days.)
Great question, though! :)
Dave
Dave in the basement - September 7, 2008
Brewer's magic number to clinch the wildcard is our magic number for the playoffs, IIRC.
And that goes down if the Phillies lose, I think.
cwyers - September 7, 2008
Cubs will be fine
but……..NO way can you have Cedeno on a playoff roster. He’s utterly useless
plenz - September 7, 2008
It's almost like you haven't looked at the Cubs' depth chart...
…because at shortstop we have:
And that’s IT.
cwyers - September 7, 2008
It's ok, Colin.
We’ll just put Casey McGeehee in that spot. No worries. o_0
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
haha
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Cedeno's an asset v. RHP
and most of the time in the field.
What’s become clear is that Cedeno tries to do too much as a backup player desperate for more playing time. Cedeno sees Lou benching Dome and giving ABs to Micah. But Micah’s not stepping up. There’s a potential opening for Ronny to get more playing time and he wanted to do something spectacular to earn it. We’ve seen this all year when Cedeno’s sniffed the opportunity to get a little regular playing time. He tries to do too much.
This year has shown that Cedeno will be a good everyday SS, but that he can’t do it under Lou’s management. He deserves a spot on the playoff roster, but going into next year he’s worth more in trade than as a backup for us under Lou where he isn’t comfortable.
DGU - September 8, 2008
Too bad he took his eye off the ball
IMHO, he was trying to locate the bag and the runner at the time the ball was heading up the middle. All 3 of those things at one time spells one thing; disaster. Not saying TheRiot would have made the play either.
Remember hearing it somewhere, probably here, that Cedeno was in Lou’s dog house at one time or another this season. This play will not help.
blackhawk24 - September 8, 2008
How large are playoff rosters?
Dave in the basement - September 7, 2008
25
cwyers - September 7, 2008
not big enough for Casey I hope
DC Cubbie - September 7, 2008
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/c_c_sabathia_prince_fielder_keep
Chanman25 - September 7, 2008
It's getting way to close to having to press this...
MrNFL - September 7, 2008
Lieber done for the year
Per this article on Cubs.com
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080907&content_id=3434049&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
Does this mean an Angel Guzman type player is eligible to be on the playoff roster since he would be replacing somebody on the active roster? Or does Leiber not count since he was on the DL till 9/1?
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
I suspect
It’s really more that he knew he’d never see the mound again and didn’t really feel a part of the team.
Lou has done a lot more good than bad, but he didn’t really give Leiber a fair shot this year. It’s too bad; Jon’s a good guy.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Probably right
…I am just curious if Guzman can take his spot on a playoff roster if he deems himself worthy. I know that in order to be on the playoff roster you have to be on the active roster by 8/31. However, if an elgible person goes on the DL, I think you can replace them with anybody..ala Frankie Rodriquez (sp)…
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
Also...I agree with you assessment
He had two bad games in that band box of stadium in Cincy…
I will tell you this….Lou is kicking himself for trading (or forcing the trade) Eyre. He is too right hand heavy in the bullpen and the fact that Marshall is the spot starter it really inhabits his lefty lefty matchups
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
It's ironic
Because his lefty-righty obsession is his white whale.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Lou would only kick himself
if he thought he was wrong.
DGU - September 8, 2008
Sorry, I completely glossed over your question
Yes, Guzman could be on the roster. He could replace Chad Fox, Lieber or anyone else on the DL. The rules were changed recently (2006?) to allow things like that.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
I think it has been that way since at least 2002
FRod got on the roster for the Angels in that way. I was not sure if he would have been elgible to take Lieber spot since Lieber was still on the DL till 9/1.
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
Yep, anyone on the DL at any time can be replaced
Maybe that’s the change that was more recent.
Too lazy to look right now.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Lieber was on the DL on 8/31
That’s the key date — the Cubs had FOUR players on the DL that day, INCLUDING Guzman. But he’s eligible.
That’s why the Cubs recalled Rich Hill and put him on the DL on 8/31 — so they’d have another eligible spot.
Al Yellon - September 8, 2008
I really expected Leiber...
…to be a key contributor this year and it just didn’t work out that way.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
i know
if you forget the reds, he had a good season…. stupid reds.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I don't know...
…if his arm is sore or not, but Lou has always had a penchant for RH pitchers who are power guys. I don’t necessarily agree with him on this, but that is what he likes.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
power guys usually have high K rates
that helps your defense. :-)
but Lieber isn’t really Lou’s kind of reliever.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
They do...
…but they can also have higher walk rates. All in all, power guys are usually more effective as relievers, but I was expecting Lieber to be part of the staring rotation at some point.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
then why
sign him in the first place? that’s what I don’t get.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
They were looking for starting...
…pitching depth and I think Lieber was a good guy for the price. It just so happens that Lou tends to give the power guys a longer leash.
I though Lieber pitched fairly well except 2-3 outings. Who knows how much his health was an issue, but it obviously played a role.
MPH73 - September 7, 2008
I think Hendry wanted Lieber in camp to compete for a starting spot.
As you correctly point out, Lou likes the power guys, which is why Lieber never really had a chance even though he had a good spring. And when he didn’t make the rotation, he was odd man out. He wasn’t really suited for the bullpen, and then Lou didn’t use him in long relief, which is the ONLY role he was suited for.
Al Yellon - September 8, 2008
Another piece of somewhat good news
The Cubs should miss Oswalt. He should pitch on Thursday….
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
The way were hitting right now, it doesn't really matter who we play
CubsBall2202 - September 7, 2008
Well...I would rather not face him
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
same here
i just hope houston has cooled off by then.
stupid astros.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Two stupids in two posts
At least you’re not dropping F-bombs anymore ;-)
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
I'm calming down.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Plus the Bears are looking good
:-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
meh
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
look, after todays game
take your victories as you get them.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
That's not one for me
But the Badgers are ranked #10…for now.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Yeah, but USC is rated #1 -- go trojans! :-)
zevkalman - September 7, 2008
i can't get into college yet
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Study harder
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
haha
as SOON as i hit post i knew that was gonna happen.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
You know me well, grasshopper
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Well...I think Mr Badger
Prefers the team to the North…
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
Indeed he does
Although, when I see the teaser for the 10:00 news, I wonder why.
Top story:
Brett Favre
Second story:
Brett Favre
Third story:
Rodgers’ debut
Fourth story:
Weather
Fifth story:
Accident in Franklin, UW-MKE student in critical condition.
Podunk town.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
haha
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
The tragedy is
I wasn’t making that up
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
i know you weren't
as a podunk townie myself, i know all too well.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I don't watch local news because of that
I get both Chicago and Milwaukee stations. I know Chicago is just as dopey with the weather at times — people standing in front of the damn salt trucks when 2" of snow is predicted in December . . .
Are they as bad with the Bears?
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Hm. it depends
Chicago is a summer city. But when the Bears are good, they are all over it. But when they aren’t… well, unless you look for the sports segment you might not know they played.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Are they ever the top story at 10 in September?
Favre is in July….
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
rarely
we have baseball.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I wonder if Milwaukee realizes they do, too
They did mention the Brewers. I forget if it was before or after the accident. Definitely after the football
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
after all of the football?
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Yep
Every once in a while, stuff like that reminds me why I never bothered to move to Milwaukee
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
double meh...
santoswoodenlegs - September 7, 2008
You've won my vote.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
haha
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
I tell ya...the
Stros have a fairly easy schedule on Paper after us…. Same came be said for the phils after the crew. They could make things very ineresting…
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
I suppose they could
I’ve said it before, but I really wanted the Phils to win tonight. I want the WC race to tighten up so that the Brewers play tight.
Of course, the Cubs need to take care of business themselves.
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
Playoff magic number drops to 12 with the philly loss
CubsBall2202 - September 7, 2008
Hey Chicago Whattya Say....The Bears are gonna win today....
zevkalman - September 7, 2008
Knight Rider? Really?
Are there really no original ideas left?
And what’s with these other commercials that keep telling me to see Alice? I don’t even know Alice…
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
well, see
.one pill makes you bigger
one pill makes you small
one pill makes you angry
and one pill makes you not care at all…
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
Ah, so I should feed my head, then?
Shanghai Badger - September 7, 2008
go ask Alice.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
you might need a stool.
drewishdrewid - September 7, 2008
bears pull the upset!
woohooo!!
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Well...
IMHO, with the events of this afternoon, that is sort of like sharding. You are glad that you did completely crap yourself but you still crapped yourself. Get where I am coming from…
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
did not
TheRiot Police - September 7, 2008
take the positives where you can get 'em
but i love my bears. and when the bulk of your friends are colts fans games like this matter and are great! :-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Amen!
Go Bears!!
Itchy - September 7, 2008
And looked great doing it too!
sue369 - September 7, 2008
Kyle played well
he was money on 3rd down
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
Didn't Iowa recruit him out of highschool?
Or maybe he had a better chance of playing right away at Purdue?
Bump Bailey - September 7, 2008
Purdue got in on him early
with the promise of a chance to play. Colorado came in late and tried to steal him but he followed through and became a Boiler.
Itchy - September 7, 2008
Gaudin, anyone?
when was the last time he pitched?
is he still alive?
CubFaninNY - September 7, 2008
flew back to chicago to get his back checked out
doctor on monday. will know more later.
halfblindcubbiegirl - September 7, 2008
thanks!
CubFaninNY - September 8, 2008
EYES ON THE PRIZE, PEOPLE!
A Bears win is not good enough, as good as it feels.
CubFaninNY - September 7, 2008
One would think, that after all these years
even though many were on the DL for significant portions, Woody would know how to control his pitches and not try to throw the ball through the catcher. Guess not.
I was listening to Pat and Ron at the time; the only thing they could say was Woody was throwing nothing but fastballs. The biggest issue was walking Valentin after an 0-2 count. That in of itself tells me Woody didn’t have his head on straight. At that point, I turned to the wife and kids telling them this one could get away.
Well if Cedeno was a bit in Lou’s dog house before, he’s certainly in it now. I’d like to think TheRiot would not have booted that play; one that could have ended the game in a 6-3 DP. I could only think having watched the replay later is he took his eye off the ball for just an instance to locate 2B and the runner.
blackhawk24 - September 8, 2008
I hope you're wrong about Cedeño.
We need him to rest Theriot in the stretch. I hope Lou realizes that yesterday’s was no routine grounder. That ball had a lot of spin in it. Cedeño’s mistake was trying to advance it instead of waiting for it. He did it to make a DP that would have been difficult had he stayed behind to field the ball. If I’m right, then the error is meaningless because Woody’s wildness and the hit that followed would have scored the winning run anyway.
If there is a culprit to this week debacles, I point to Kerry Wood blowing two save chances in his last two appearances and D. Lee’s inability to produce with men in scoring position. Add Fukudome’s inability to hit in the second half of the season, especially in the last month, and Ted Lilly’s meltdown in his last start and that explains the debacle.
Nevertheless, during this losing stretch the Cubs managed to shave two games off their magic number to clinch the division. That’s a positive development.
Fraggin Judge - September 8, 2008
Slumps happen, even bad slumps
Cubs just happen to be hitting the skids during the most visible month of the season. They’ll be OK. What worries me most heading into the post-season is the pitching. As much as I like Kerry Wood I am rarely comfortable when he takes the mound in a tight ballgame. How’s he going to perform under the intense pressure of the playoffs?!? Looks like Chad Gaudin’s back is an issue. If the Cubs lose him then that puts even more pressure on a strained pitching staff come playoff time. Rich Harden and Carlos Zambrano both need to come back strong or I fear a swift playoff exit.
My new offseason mantra? Find an upgrade over the declining Derrek Lee. If Mark Cuban buys the team then encourage him to make a big splash by dishing out $200 million for Mark Texiera.
MDBNIU - September 8, 2008
4-Game Lead
That’s still a nice thing to have with 19 games to go. The key thing is to win at least three of the six games with the Brewers down the stretch. If the Cubs overall record is 10-9 the rest of the way, the Cubs should win the division.
I was in St. Louis on July 5 when Wood blew a two-run lead the Cubs had going into the bottom of the ninth. The Cubs came back from that. The Cubs will recover from this. I’d like to thank the Brewers for having a dismal week. Milwaukee’s performance lately has kept me from jumping out of a basement. I don’t want to jump from a window. The landing would hurt too much.
memphiscub - September 8, 2008
Please NO Pie
You can tell they are going bad…. when people are actually asking for Pie.
This guy is NEVER going to be more then a poor imatation of "K"orey Patterson.
nimblenikelfoos - September 8, 2008
No Pie, please.
This is no time for experiments. This is a contending team. It’s not the place nor the time to develop players. AAA is for that. If that’s not enough for Pie, there are ML teams that can be a better fit for him next year, like the Orioles or the Royals, for example.
Fraggin Judge - September 8, 2008
What is Micah Hoffpauir, then?
Answer: An experiment less likely to pan out than Pie.
DGU - September 8, 2008
Amen brother
MDBNIU - September 8, 2008
Hey
If you were my brother, I’d ask our mom to get a retroactive abortion.
WayneCampbell08 - September 8, 2008
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