I went to sleep last night figuring the Brewers had won -- they were leading 4-2 going into the 9th -- only to wake up and discover, happily, that the Reds had won a game in their last at-bat for the second day in a row, beating Milwaukee 5-4, reducing the Cubs' magic number to 15 and making the Cubs' division lead 4.5 games going into the series with the Cardinals tonight.
Yes, the Cubs are cold, 1-5 in September so far. Guess what? So are the Brewers, at 2-6 this month.
One more note for this morning: I keep reading all over this site about who you'd want the Cubs to face in the postseason. Never mind that they have to get there first. Frankly, I don't care who they play -- while you've been debating Diamondbacks/Dodgers, the Phillies have sneaked to within three games of the Brewers for the wild card.
And the Phillies host the Brewers for a four-game series this weekend.
So, don't make too many plans. The cautionary tale is the 2006 Twins. For nearly four months the Tigers led the AL Central, heading for the best record in the league and home field throughout the playoffs. They lost their final five games and wound up as the wild card; the Twins finished first in the Central and drew Oakland in the first round, with home field.
The Twins got swept. Meanwhile, the Tigers won their Division Series with the Yankees and then, without home field as the wild card, swept the A's in the ALCS.
Just get in. Myownself, I'll be happy to see the Cubs in the playoffs two years in a row. Would I rather they had home field throughout? Of course. But wild cards have made the World Series each of the last six years and won it three times. Once you get into the postseason, it's a crapshoot.
Just keep winning and good things will follow.
0 recs | 398 comments
First!
Don’t care who they play, just that they play in the post season.
Jettero2112 - September 9, 2008
Kudos to you!
Al, I made that same point a few nights ago; that the wildcard team has won the WS three of the last six years, and was roundly criticized for mentioning it; the dissenters’ opinions were that “them that means the wildcard team didn’t win it the other three years”.
My point was that the division title means nothing; that the Cubs (at that point) were nine or ten games in front for the wildcard spot and therefore had a great chance of making the playoffs. Division title are great, sure, but that’s not what a team strives for when then they take the field for Game One in March or April.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Go Cubs Go!
Start a new winning streak tonight in Wrigley (Mid)west!
The Ryno and I Know - September 9, 2008
just win
don’t care how. just win.
mjk83 - September 9, 2008
Copycat Brewers!
letting 3 runs score in the 9th, where did they get that idea?
Alright, let’s have a great game tonight, and get that “W” flying again. Oh, how I have missed her.
Blue W - September 9, 2008
Oooh, the Brewers fans were pissed...
They DID NOT like losing that game – at home, no less…
DKT - September 9, 2008
Lack of attendance in Miller Stadium?
Are they really drawing 30K fans these days for a playoff team out of a capacity of 40K? Or was that a Day game figure. I see also they drew 32K on the Thurs SD game. I thought they had big support in Milwaukee these days?
rmonday557 - September 9, 2008
Monday night was the Packers season opener
That’s what is REALLY important in Wisconsin. Baseball just fills the time between football seasons in Cheese-land.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 9, 2008
True, just win.
But there’s no denying that losing the division and being the wild card team would be a let down. I don’t want to back up into the playoffs after such a good season. If this team chokes in the final stretch it probably won’t get far in the postseason.
Fraggin Judge - September 9, 2008
That's the spirit!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Again, read my post.
The 2006 Tigers stumbled into the postseason and then went 7-1 and roared into the World Series. True, then they forgot how to field and lost it. But at least they got there.
Same for the 2000 Yankees, who I mentioned yesterday — lost 13 of their last 15 regular season games but WON the WS.
Now, I’m not suggesting I WANT the Cubs to do this, quite the opposite. But getting in, no matter how, is the first goal.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
Locally here in Michigan Al, no one expected anything from the Tigers in the playoffs...
after their BAD play against the Royals at the “Coma” (Comerica Field) at the end of 2006. I think the Yankees came into their playoff series with the Tigers very overconfident- remember, this was just 3 years removed from that DISMAL 2003 Tigers team.
The Yanks won game #1 and thought it would be a cakewalk.
It just doesn’t work that way.
But I completely agree. Yes, I want the Cubs to have the best record in the NL, clinch home field through the NLCS and then win the whole enchilada. But the first step is to GET IN.
To that end, the Cubs Wild Card magic number is 12.
Zeke - September 9, 2008
Before anyone corrects me, I meant Comerica Park.
It got the “Coma” nickname during the first few years of this decade when you could have dropped the backstop net, played a game and not hit any fans in the stands with foul balls. It was pretty desolate.
Zeke - September 9, 2008
I expect
the Cubs to play well in St. Louis. Our rotation is coming back into focus. The defense needs to shore itself up, while a few timely hits will get us back on track.
Slakkr - September 9, 2008
I'd agree with that.
Getting the rotation back on the rails will do wonders for everyone. It’s amazing how touchy these things can be. You’d like to see a better ability to adapt to adversity, but I guess that’s just not possible sometimes. And I imagine every team goes through the same thing.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
I agree on the defense
bats come and go, but this team is capable of playing superb defense, and there is no excuse for the sloppy play of late
TC Cubby - September 9, 2008
I think is was genious of the Cubs to let the Reds come back and win Sunday...
…so that they had a bucket load of confidence going to Milwaukee.
OK, that’s not what happened, but in a season of “cosmic karma”, it sure seems like that was the result.
The Reds score 4 in the 9th Saturday, 3 in the 9th Sunday and 3 in the 9th last night. I’m just glad the Cubs are done playing the Reds for the year. Let other teams deal with them for the rest of the month.
Let’s play two!
Zeke - September 9, 2008
Is that Quade w/ you in your avatar?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
I hope you are kidding....That is Sandberg.
TheRiot Police - September 9, 2008
I honestly couldn't tell, with the shadows like that!
Of course, that’s Sandberg in mine, too.
My bad!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
It is indeed Ryno. The Peoria Chiefs came to Lansing to play the Lugnuts this past April.
The shadow was compromise you get when you ask a complete stranger standing in the autograph line with you to snap a picture. Ah well…
Zeke - September 9, 2008
The Cubs few cold streak this year
end without warning. I remember that funk they were in around the All Star break. Things looked really bleak; the brewers had tied the Cubs for first and we were heading to Milwaukee for a four series that look disastrous. The Cubs seemed to turn it around on that Sunday game against the fish. After that they went on a massive hot streak that didn’t end until the middle of the phillies series. I suspect that they will do the same very soon, hopefully not cooling off and having a hot September and October.
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
I think we are debating two different things
If we end up in the wildcard because we finish the season playing decent ball and MIL runs the table then so be it – at least we head into playoffs healthy and playing solid fundamental baseball. If we limp into the wildcard (or even as division winner) continuing to play uninspiring baseball well that is kind of concerning. I know that regular season streaks don’t necessarily carry into playoffs and just getting there is all that matters, but I’d think that if we playing good ball we won’t care as much who we face.
Of course, personally I’d say ABA (Anyone but Arizona)
BeltwayCubsFan - September 9, 2008
I pretty much agree with
everything you said. After all we have done this season, to ONLY get the WC would be a let down, unless we suffered a rash of injuries and we limped into the post season that way.
Lately, we have won consistently on the road until Cincy, but we never, ever play well here in AZ. Personally, I want home field throughout the NL playoffs and take our chances on the road in the WS. Remember the 2001 WS? The home team won every game.
I also agree that if a team gets hot in the playoffs, the home field advantage is negligible. If we get hot in October, and carry it through the entire month, we should win the ultimate MLB prize. If we are struggling, I want to be in the Friendly Confines.
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
is pie coming up today?
i would really like to see this kid one more time before we ship him off..
BelieveinBlue2314 - September 9, 2008
I'm ambivalent...........
I just get the feel we have another C Pat here. And I’m not really feeling Micah H either. Some guys come up and just look like they belong, no matter what the number are. And other guys dominate the minors and come up and look lost (micah H on sliders)
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
but
why not have that extra body on the bench? at some point before the end of the season we’ll need a pinch runner late……we could always use his defense
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
yeah, you're right
I just don’t expect much
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
i don't expect anything out of his bat either
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
He can't hit any worse than Casey McGehee.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
from your keyboard
to the mountain top.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
He's had every opportunity to hit
better than McGehee, though, and has choked it off just about every time.
Though as a late-inning defensive replacement, Pie’s certainly more valuable (and I think we all agree on that).
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
not this season
he hasn’t had that chance.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
Sigh...let the great Pie debates begin anew.
Whether 70 PAs this season constitutes “every opportunity to hit” is highly subjective. I don’t think it does. And to say he “choked it off just about every time” (?!) isn’t really accurate either.
He did have 14 hits and drew 4 walks in that span. Yeah, yeah…he whiffed 23 times, too. I don’t think anyone can argue he put on a great offensive performance, but 70 PAs (and early in the season, no less) is still a pretty small sample.
daver - September 9, 2008
How many games did the PA's happen in?
If he had them in less than 20 games, maybe the sample size is enough to reflect his skill. If his PA’s were spread over 25-30 games, IDK.
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
He's played in...
…exactly 30 major league games so far this season.
daver - September 9, 2008
30 games ought to be enough to judge a ballplayers worth - MDBNIU
640K ought to be enough memory for anybody. -Bill Gates
Trust me, these Indians won’t put up much of a fight. – Gen. George Custer
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
Guitar groups are on the way out. --Decca Records exec, England 1962
JohnM - September 9, 2008
So sayeth Decca to Brian Epstein
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
If that was an absolute
Robin Ventura would have never had a career.
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
Corey Patterson looked horrible last night.
He’s hitting .206 and looked bad until the 9th inning when he kept the Reds rally alive with an infield single off the pitcher.
DKT - September 9, 2008
Apologies, since I'm sure it's been asked and answered a million times already...
…but when was the last time the Cubs made the playoffs two years in a row?
malicedoom - September 9, 2008
1907 and 1908
Thier last two World Series wins
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
Two very good years, IIRC
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
The first two seasons
they were officially “The Cubs.” Baseball Reference lists 1903 as the first year they were called “The Cubs” and that’s probably right, but nicknames were just that back then—nicknames—and different writers called them different things. (Luckily, “the Microbes” didn’t catch on.) In 1907, Frank Chance insisted that every writer call them “The Cubs.” I assume he wouldn’t speak to the writers if they called them something else. But 1907 was the first year someone on the team insisted that they were “The Cubs.”
Josh Timmers - September 9, 2008
Two in a Row
Would be an amazing accomplishment….this would be the first consecutive post seasons since 07 and 08 if Im not mistaken, correct?
Man that would be great if the Brewers fell flat andmissed the playoffs totally….Cubs v Brewers is really becoming one of the best rivalries in the game…so my disdain for milwaukee is growing year by year (the team that is, never been to the city)
bren - September 9, 2008
Yes, but...
In 1907 and 1908 postseason meant the World Series. Now with the two playoffs rounds and the division championships it’s easier to get into the postseason.
Fraggin Judge - September 9, 2008
What I learned on Sunday
After struggling to gather myself after watching the 9th inning implosion I handed the remote to my wife (so I wouldn’t throw the damn thing). She began watching come creepy show about pageant girls. Anyway, one girl spoke about how her mother would get so nervous watching her compete in pageants. The girl said, “I don’t know what the big deal is, it is going to happen the way it happens.” I never thought I would gain comfort through beauty pageants, but there you go. That being said, I’m truthfully trying to avoid watching the St. Louis series. The Cards series are always hard for me and I don’t want to hear Al Haborsky talking about gaining momentum on the Cubs and all that crap. So we’ll see how I do. After all it will happen how it happens.
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Weekend
Who do we root for this weekend?
I’d say go Phillies.
puckishcubsfan - September 9, 2008
Phillies
Lets go Phils!
flyingdonut - September 9, 2008
I say phillies also
But as long the Cubs win this weekend we move closer to a playoff spot one way the other. A philles lose moves us closer to at least a Wild Card and a brewers loses moves us closer to the division. Maybe with some luck all four games will extra innings and put both teams into a nosedive.
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
Opps
that should be a reply to “weekend”
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
If "Just Get In" is as important to you as you say...
The magic number should be twelve.
DaveinHouston - September 9, 2008
True enough, for postseason play.
Traditionally, magic numbers are shown for first place, though. That’s what I’m going with.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
I'm good with getting the cold streak out of the way now
Teams simply cannot stay hot for 162 games…..having this slump now then breaking out of it will both energize and build confidence going into the playoffs. While I’m frustrated with the team and having a hard time watching lately, I’m not on the ledge. Weren’t we playing pretty GOOD ball when we went into AZ last year?
iluvryno - September 9, 2008
They were, but my personal opinion on that is they simply ran out of gas. It took them so much to get there, and it took so long to do it, that they ran out of gas. Don’t have anything really to back that up, but that’s what I think.
nmcubsfan - September 9, 2008
They've never quit so far
So far this year, every time their backs are against the wall, they come up big. That was the case after the all star break. they had been playing bad, and MIL had caught them, and their backs were against the wall. Lose to the fish, and you lose the lead. Lose to the brewers in the 4 game set, and things look really bad, but the cubs picked themselves up and came through. I expect them to do this. The games from here on out are huge: 6 withSTL, 6 with the brewers, 3 with the astros and 4 with the Mets. Every game counts big, and I think that this is where the cubs will come together, take care of business and get into the playoffs.
nmcubsfan - September 9, 2008
we can be philosophical about this........
but i think it is as simple as if they hit, they will be fine. If they continue to pound balls to the short stop and 3rd basemen and leave half of the world on base. we will fall and fall fast.
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
That's the bane of every team, isn't it?
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
i don't understand why talking about...
…who you would want to play is a bad thing?!?
to a lot of people, like myself, it’s fun to talk about who you would want to see in the playoffs…..it’s like discussing during the offseason which free agents the cubs should go after
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Fun to talk about..
…. but let’s keep our eyes on the prize, the first step of which is getting in. After that’s accomplished, then speculate all you want about who you’d rather play.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
But why, Al?
We are not the ones playing the games. What we think about won’t change a thing. It’s fun to discuss what’s going on and what may come—part of the enjoyment of the season for many of us.
jdb-44 - September 9, 2008
If ifs and buts were six packs, we'd all be hung over tomorrow
Though I do agree with you – it’s fun to discuss potential and/or hypothetical matchups, but it’s irrelevant unless we’re in the playosffs (and I understand that you understand that).
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
sorry but that logic makes no sense
that’s like saying we shouldn’t discuss what we think is going to happen in upcoming games bc it’s irrelevant unless we win
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
OK
The Cubs’ potential postseason opponents will not have any chance of actually being the Cubs’ postseason opponents unless the Cubs actually make it to the postseason.
Better?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
well yah....doesn't that go without saying?!?
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Ergo, my first comment made total sense
Owned.
I was responding to Al’s “first-things-first” comment, saying that ya gotta get there before you discuss matchups. My point was that it’s OK to discuss, regardless. Hell – ESPN has a whole TV series devoted to the “what if?” thing.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
amen
us simply talking about something will make no difference on how the cubs actually play
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
"We're so sorry.....Uncle Al..."
we’re so sorry if we caused you any pain…we’re sorry Uncle Albert, but the kettles on the boil and I believe it’s gonna rain."
That said—I agree. As Pop fisher said in my all time favorite movie. “Don’t jinx this thing and lay off the booze….no more booze.”
cubfever7 - September 9, 2008
c'mon
you actually think you are significant enough to have an impact on how the cubs play?!? you sitting here on some blog will absolutely NO affect on the outcome of this season
this is along the same lines when people say “don’t talk about a no hitter” when you are sitting at home on couch in west des moines iowa…..sorry folks be realistic
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Who crapped in your Cheerios?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
I thought they were Coco-puffs...
Blue W - September 9, 2008
now they are coco-puffs
but people are delusional about how much power they have over games simply by the words that the speak
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
I'd agree with that; I guess it's a matter of superstition,
as with the “don’t talk about the no-hitter” rule. Players don’t even sit by the pitcher in the dugout during one.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
It's the butterfly effect
A butterfly flaps it’s wings in the amazon and starts the chain reaction that causes a hurricane
carolinacub - September 9, 2008
yup- i actually think I'm REAL significant
cubfever7 - September 9, 2008
you're not, trust me
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Again, with the crappy Cheerios...
Go do something to help you feel better about yourself. No one here did anything to you to deserve your crap.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
oh my god i think he knows i was joking back with him
stop being defensive for other people, you’re starting to sound like you are the crabby one
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Haha that's an awesome sign line, BTW...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
SIG line...
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
You know what you need to do...
…to atone for that typo.
daver - September 9, 2008
head to beach?
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Precisely.
daver - September 9, 2008
shit
head to A beach…..great now i’m coming with ya
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
I was willing to let it go...
…but now that you mention it, yeah, you better drop and start pounding.
daver - September 9, 2008
TWSS
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
ready
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
Thnk her name is "Sandy"?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Think she needs any help pounding?
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
TWSS
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
LOL.
I knew I shouldn’t have tried to argue about Felix Pie with that kid.
daver - September 9, 2008
haha
swl this was a long time coming
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
OK
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Seems like someone should make a "small sample" joke here.
daver - September 9, 2008
I agree!
Yes, the Cubs have to just get there, and it probably would be good if they—the ones actually playing the games!—would just “take care of business”, and they would then be “in pretty good shape”, to use a couple of over-used turns of phrase.
However, for us, the fans, cubswynn is right. What we think and hypothesize has ABSOLUTELY NO BEARING ON WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE GAMES. If you worry about getting your hopes up and feeling silly if you are having an animated discussion about the World Series, and then the Cubs don’t even make it…OK, I can see that. But it’s not going to affect the team in any way if we start looking forward, and that’s what really counts.
Everyone together, now: curses, jinxes, and karma are make-believe, as is “destiny”.
Nothing is “meant” to happen. The team that plays the best will win.
So let’s hope for the best, and maybe our Cubs will pull it off this year! GOOOOO CUBS!!!!!!!!
jdb-44 - September 9, 2008
Of cours it's not going to affect the team.
But I’d rather focus on beating the Cardinals this week than who we might play in October.
One thing at a time.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
I think that's the Brewers problem (focus on the here and now)...
Check out what Torres says after the blown save:
http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/archive/2008/09/08/torres-words-speak-louder-than-actions.aspx
Fishbone2 - September 9, 2008
Moran
Prolly shouldn’t be blowing saves. Then they prolly would be talking about catching us.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
“This is a team in trouble. Big trouble.” Love to see that as the last line of a story about the Brewers. I think that he is right.
Archie - September 9, 2008
That's from the teams beat writer too.
He has never been overly critical of them, so to hear him say that, the pressure must be pretty thick in the locker room.
Fishbone2 - September 9, 2008
What's the over/under...
…on the number of days until Prince slaps somebody?
daver - September 9, 2008
Question
Is that person holding a sandwich or not? ’Cause that will affect my answer.
Archie - September 9, 2008
Yep. Veggie hoagie. Go.
daver - September 9, 2008
Is Prince upwind or downwind?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Then no
He doesn’t want to take the chance of him dropping the sandwich and spoiling all that perfectly good food…
Archie - September 9, 2008
Prince is in an awful slump: he's hitting .167/.272/.179
(not including yesterday, so it might be worse now).
He should slap his own fat @ss
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
Prince needs to start eating meat again
Prolly would solve all his problems
nji232 - September 9, 2008
I for one
am a meatatarian.
Archie - September 9, 2008
That new Wendy's commercial
is hilarious…. “It’s a personal choice for me”
tony412 - September 9, 2008
A Prince-CC tug of war
over a 12-inch Subway.
Bill Potter - September 9, 2008
TWSS
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
daver - September 9, 2008
Hey, I gave 'er a shot
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
TWHS
daver - September 9, 2008
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
What took you guys so long?
…waiting…..here it comes…..
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
I suspect his reaction IMMEDIATELY after blowing the save was mre along the lines of
“shit”.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Just win, baby.
malicedoom - September 9, 2008
... and keep rolling those RPS out there, Neddy!
No wonder they’re pitching CC and Sheets until their arms fall off. Look what happens when they don’t!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Let's get back to winning series...
2 out of 3 in STL, 2 out of 3 in HOU, then come back home and finish the Brewers and sink the Cardinals. Make it happen!
CubsBullsBears - September 9, 2008
Seems like a good three days to stomp on the throat of the Cardinals
Some of their fans down here think they are still in the race for the playoffs given the recent struggles of the Brewers and of course the Cubs. Lets end that silly talk this week.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
exactly! +100
Please oh please can we put these guys away once in a freaking blue moon.
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Cardinals make the playoffs?
CubsBullsBears - September 9, 2008
The cards are only 4.5 back in the wild card
but time is running out. Hopefully we can be the nail in thier playoff coffin
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
Well now they think they are in
The other day LaRussa was leaving at the end of the year to go play GM in Seattle. I want to hear more of that talk.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
+1
tlr leaves st. louis and that’ll be a HUGE blow to their team……wasn’t there talk of him replacing dusty next year?
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
there were some mentions of it
when Krivsky went to Cincinnati after last season. The reports got a little louder once he became GM in May or so.
Bill Potter - September 9, 2008
The current rumor is what I said above
He would go the Seattle and be the GM. Obviously Cincy seems like an obvious landing spot because of his link to their GM.
These are just rumors at this point.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
I would prefer Seattle
lets get him out of the NL Central.
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
please God please
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
For those of you who live around st. louis
you know how bad it is to be a Cubs fan around here. The Cards are believing right now and as much as I can’t stand these guys, trust me La Russa and Duncan send those guys out there ready. The pitchers have a game plan that they usually stick to (how Wellmeyer has won, how Loshe has won, etc ) and the team has tenacity. They smell blood in the water the way the bre w Crew and the Cubs are playing, in fact they assume both teams will choke it up. I’m telling you, this series is big (at least in my mind) .
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Its big for all of us who have to deal with arrogant Cardinal fans
I can’t wait to trot around campus in my Edmonds jersey shirt tomorrow
nji232 - September 9, 2008
I'll be there tonight
my first trip to the new ballpark.
MOCubsfan - September 9, 2008
And now we also have to deal with
Houston “believing”. 11 out of 12, I’d be believing too. We should go out and buy new hammers since we have a lot of coffin nailing to do this week.
tony412 - September 9, 2008
Their believing is going to hit a brick wall real soon.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
Yep. Per today's updated standings on...
…coolstandings.com: Houston still has only a 2.9% chance of making the playoffs. By comparison, the Cards have a 5.1% chance, the Brewers a 75.1% chance and the Cubs a 99% chance. No guarantees; take it for what it’s worth – but still pleasant to read.
daver - September 9, 2008
I'm a Philly Phanatic
this weekend!!!
Lou In Blue - September 9, 2008
big d needs to start it off tonight
to get this pitching staff back on track
BelieveinBlue2314 - September 9, 2008
I will be at the game this evening.
Looking forward to the beautiful weather and a Cubs victory!
Scrapptastic - September 9, 2008
better get used to it now its not looking good for houston this weekend
BelieveinBlue2314 - September 9, 2008
Question?
Found out this morning that work is bringing me to Chicago next week and just in time to catch the Cubs v. Brewers. I understand that this is probably the hottest ticket in town, but what’s the best way to go about seeing this game live? Anyone have extra tix?
cubbiefanTN - September 9, 2008
I MAY have an extra for Wed
You can e mail me at jrosner at kino dot com.
In general if you only need one I would wait and see what you can get at box office day of game.
eBay is OK probably not a lot of singles and you need to be very careful on some of descriptions.
Stubhub is more reliable but also more expensive.
Doggie Stalker - September 9, 2008
Yeah, I find the reliability of StubHub to be more important than the inexpensiveness of Ebay.
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
Odds are this has already been talked about, but just in case
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3577185
Pujols considering that elbow surgery again.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
that elbow sure must be hurting him..............
I hate to see him with a good elbow!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
OTOH I can't but really like that guy. He plays hurt, and he plays hard. A true star....
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
Pujols is in line to win the NL MVP, bad elbow and all
Which is really a testament to how great a ballplayer he is.
MDBNIU - September 9, 2008
If Albert wins the MVP, he has to give it back based on what he said two years ago
Let me get the link to his comments real quick
nji232 - September 9, 2008
Here we go
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2680495
No playoffs, No MVP. His words not mine
nji232 - September 9, 2008
If not Albert Pujols, then who?
My second in line for the vote would be CC Sabathia.
MDBNIU - September 9, 2008
Couldn't be, yes you............sorry got confused for a second
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
After Aramis...
Closes out the season with another 8 HRs and 25 RBI, the MVP is his.
CubsBullsBears - September 9, 2008
I would give it to Pujols based on his numbers and the "talent" around him
I am rooting for him to win because of his comments. I would love to see the STL media justify his whining two years ago.
I would give CC my second place vote as well, only if the Brewers make the playoffs.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
Well then it's settled.
If Albert wins, he hands it over to Aramis…or Geo. Another interesting quote from that article:
daver - September 9, 2008
Funny because Soriano doesn't seem to "respect the game"
And we all know the Albert is the great defender of baseball’s unwritten rules.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
Yeah, it doesn't seem like Soriano...
…would have gelled well with Pujols or TLR for that matter. When I think of guys like Glaus and Ludwick, they fit right into the mold of predecessors like Rolen and Edmonds, who had that kind of workmanlike approach to the game. For better or worse, Soriano just doesn’t roll that way. He would have stuck out like a sore thumb on that team.
daver - September 9, 2008
Which makes me wonder how K-Rod would work out there
Obviously he would be the answer to their prayers, but his celebrations would cause some real issues.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
speaking of sir albert........
I thing we have handled him relatively well, but just in case Rothchild doesn’t explain this and the far chance that Cubs pitchers are blogging this AM. Here is my note to the pitching staff. Don’t throw anything to Albert ANYTHING take all the chances you want with Ludwick, Ankiel, Glaus. Don’t throw ANYTHING to Albert. PLEASE!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
It's pretty amazing...
…that he’s made it this far into the season – and put up the kind of numbers he has – without blowing out that elbow. I figured he’d be done by the All Star Break. Then again, he is Albert Pujols.
daver - September 9, 2008
ECHO, ECHo, ECho, Echo, echo....
MDBNIU - September 9, 2008
try ebay thats your best bet in the timeframe that you have, it always works for me
BelieveinBlue2314 - September 9, 2008
thanks!
cubbiefanTN - September 9, 2008
We ordered tickets
from StubHub for the last series in Milwaukee the end of this month and it took like two days for them to get here.
sue369 - September 9, 2008
We should send the Milwaukee bullpen a bouquet of flowers
MDBNIU - September 9, 2008
I think your idea is a good one as soon as their bullpen gets off their hallucinatory medications...
You’ve not doubt read that last night (after his blown save) their closer Salomon Torres brashly proclaimed that the Brewers still would catch the Cubs.
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
If the Cardinals still think they're in the wild card race...
check out the Astros. They are hot and have a pretty soft schedule remaining (with the exception of the Cubs this weekend). It would just be like the Stros to come flying into the playoffs.
Carolina Cubbie - September 9, 2008
Stos are hurting though...
Backe, Wandy R. and Wigginton all hurt. They are having problems keeping guys healthy.
Fishbone2 - September 9, 2008
10-9 Overall, 3-3 Vs. MIL
If the Cubs post both of those records, then the Brewers would have to go 11-1 in their 12 remaining games against teams other than the Cubs to tie Chicago for the division title.
memphiscub - September 9, 2008
10-9 overall seems completely illogical the way this team has been playing lately
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Lately...
But if they play the way they’ve been playing the past 5 months, than 14-5 could be possible too.
CubsBullsBears - September 9, 2008
Since I'm turning over my negative leaf today..........You are right!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Don't you think...
their recent 1-7 record seemed illogical after they won 7 straight?
Things can turn in a hury.
MPH73 - September 9, 2008
actually Brewers would have to go 12 and 0 against their other oppponents in that case
Since the Cubs would then have the tiebreaker (head to head 9 – 7) and the Brewers would have to beat us by a game to win the division
TORCO - September 9, 2008
Most important fact of Brewers/Phillies series
Cubs magic number to get into post season via wildcard or division will reduce by at least 2 no matter how they do.
ak123 - September 9, 2008
Good point!
So, no matter what happens, by Sunday that number will be no larger than 10.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
no, it wouldn't
if cubs lose all games, and if the phills win all games, then our magic # for wild card stays the same at 12, but our division drops to 14,
JPetey - September 9, 2008
No,
if the phillies sweep the brewers this weekend then that would drop 4 off our magic number. So it would be at least 11
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
That's also saying
We lose every game from here until Sunday.
If we were to win the next 6 games and Phillies swept Brewers (with Brewers winning next two against Reds) our magic # could be 4?
ak123 - September 9, 2008
just dont loose games with Stupid Defense
Play smart, get the lead going into the 8th & 9th innings and have the right guys in the field.
it will be ok !!!
parrotinct - September 9, 2008
sure that Cedeno play should have been made.........
pretty awful hop, and if we could hit with runners in scoring position, it wouldn’t have mattered. At this point I would take lazy fly balls over another freaking ground out. Get the ball in the air D LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! (that felt good)
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Wasn't that a pretty bad hop, by the way...?
It looked as though it had a lot of topspin, and although CEDENO! took his eyes off the ball for a critical moment, I’m not sure that play could’ve been made even if he hadn’t.
jdb-44 - September 9, 2008
I believe it was scored as a hit for that very reason.
And no runners on base = no chance for pooched DP ball.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
A lead? What's that?
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
NL Central Standings for the Month of September Only
Astros, 6-1
Reds, 4-3
Cards, 3-3
Pirates, 3-4
Brewers, 2-6
Cubs, 1-5
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
Funny I hadn't noticed this (thanks though)?
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
2006 Cubs were spoilers
If I recall we knocked the Dodgers out of contention in late September that year.
ak123 - September 9, 2008
Took 2 of 3 from LA in September.
But, at the end of that series, the Dodgers were still in first place by 1/2 game over the Padres. The Dodgers actually got into the playoffs that year, tying for the division title with SD; they won their last 7 in a row.
SD got the division title on a tiebreaker and LA was the wildcard; they got swept by the Mets.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
2006
Feels so long ago…
ak123 - September 9, 2008
LET'S FLIP THE SCRIPT
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Thoughts on Houston series
Any talk in Chicago about the series and the storm ???
parrotinct - September 9, 2008
There is a fan post about it
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2008/9/8/609939/hurricane-ike
MerlinDog - September 9, 2008
No mention of it in Chicago.
But we’ve been talking it to death here.
Al Yellon - September 9, 2008
Storm?
Ha
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Let's hope Lou stops sacraficing defense for offense.
Put Fukudome in right instead of Hoff.
Rick B - September 9, 2008
Fukudome seems to have disappeared since September callups
I like the guy, but he isn’t doing anything with his bat. His defense if awesome, pretty much irreplaceable, but Lou doesn’t care because the team isn’t scoring runs.
I assume that come every 8th or 9th inning with a lead the rest of the year, Dome and Pie will come in for the rest of the game.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
Yep, I've had this same thought.
I’m just wondering whether Lou will put RJ in left, too.
daver - September 9, 2008
I would like to think he would
Even though I love Alfonso, I would rather have great D once we have the lead late in games.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
Post-Season Match-Ups
No matter how poorly they may have fared lately, I’ll be praying that the Cubs don’t have to face Brandon Webb and Danny Haren in a five-game series.
Zooty Zoot - September 9, 2008
I fear those two as well
But I’m sure that strikeout happy offense really wants to face Z, Demp, and Harden
nji232 - September 9, 2008
Right now, the DBacks...
…have a lower chance than the Phillies of making the playoffs. They’re still in contention, but they’re far from being the frontrunners in that division.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
I think the Phillies scare me just as much as the D-Bags, if not more
We struggle with them for some reason. They have a great lineup and a solid closer. Maybe I want the Brewers to limp into the playoffs just so we dont play the Phillies.
nji232 - September 9, 2008
did you not hear about
wagner?
tootle - September 9, 2008
whoops...
was channeling mets for some reason
tootle - September 9, 2008
I'm always curious as to how these "probabilities" are calculated by each and every one ...
so I know how much to “believe” in them :-)
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
Believe Colin's probablities...
…if you believe none else…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
I don't do my own sim, except for select Cubs series. (Maybe I'll roll out the Predicatron tonight.)
I just use the BP playoff odds report. They do a Monte Carlo simulation of the rest of the season.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
I really enjoyed your spreadsheet
with the Cubs remaining games and the probability to win that you shared with us perhaps a week or so ago? Right before the slide, I believe…
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
I updated it this morning. Last two spreadsheets are the latest win probabilities for the Cubs and Brewers down the stretch.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
Thanks man!!
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
Colin, what are your thoughts on...
…coolstandings.com? I just discovered it recently. It looks like they’ve got the Cubs coming in at around 97 wins.
daver - September 9, 2008
Very similar methodology.
They both use a Monte Carlo simulation and Pythagorean win %; BP goes the extra step of adjusting win % by strength of schedule.
Incidently, I just ran the Predict-A-Tron, and Cubs win chances for the series against the Cards:
0.542
0.553
0.648
cwyers - September 9, 2008
2 Main Problems with Monte Carlo simulations:
(1) is that you have to somehow assume a given probability density function. In real life, you can model it from past behavior, but it is still past behavior (e.g., if your best two pitchers get injured, it’s no good). In Science, they use things like the normal distribution (for example), if they have a good argument (e.g., law of large numbers).
(2) statistical noise. monte carlo simulations only converge as the number of simulations as 1/sqrt(N) where N is the number of times you do the simulation to find the expectation value. So a question to ask: how many times did you do the simulations to get your answer?
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
I didn't use a Monte Carlo sim at all.
I used Pythag to figure out a team’s expected record with those starting pitchers – so the Cubs have a higher expected win when Harden pitchen than when Lilly pitches, for instance. Then I used the log5 method.
As for Coolstandings/BP, the PECOTA odds report does adjust for some things. The best way to do it would be to do Pythag win/loss based on a projection of future performance, but that’s a real pain to do. I’ll admit I don’t know a lot about Monte Carlo sims.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
Interesting, thanks!
daver - September 9, 2008
I don't think that Colin does those simulations...
…but you’re right, I believe Colin more than I would believe most anyone :-)
zevkalman - September 9, 2008
See above...
…if you have not checked out the spreadsheets, you should, they are pretty cool :)
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
ssssshhhhh
we’re not suppose to be talking about this…..somehow us talking about this is going to cause the cubs to lose tonight because we aren’t focusing on the next opponent
cubswynn - September 9, 2008
speaking of teams that look burnt out...
for all the hand-wringing over the past week about the Cubs, the Diamonbacks have been arguably worse, with Haren and Webb getting beaten (Haren twice in the last week), as Arizona has lost control of a mediocre division.
Bill Potter - September 9, 2008
That's what happens when you don't hit
and the pitchers don’t have their good stuff. Webb was horrible the other day, I think he’s tired. His arm slot was low and his sinker simply tailed to the right instead of down. Of course, their BP isn’t anything to write home about, either.
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
Medicine to cure the funk...
The offense needs to score multiple runs early. They have not been doing a lof that lately. It will take some pressure off both the defense and the pitching…
TheRiot Police - September 9, 2008
Yes, scoring early...and cowbell.
daver - September 9, 2008
Fellas, fellas...
we’ve wasted two good tracks now…That last one, was even BETTER THAN THE FIRST!
PurpleLineToWrigley - September 9, 2008
I put my pants on just like you - one leg at a time.
Except once my pants are on, I make gold records.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
I'd be doing myself a disservice
and every member of this band if I didn’t perform the HELL out this!!!!
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
We need more cow bell
Cubster - September 9, 2008
Not sure if this has been posted earlier
but yesterday the 250,000th HR EVER was hit by Gary Sheffield.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/250_000.shtml
Neifi Puppy - September 9, 2008
Couldn't happen to a bigger prick.
Can’t stand that guy.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Well, that prick is having a pretty awful season.
.225/.320/.396 (.716 OPS, 88 OPS+)
daver - September 9, 2008
Awful season, great season, whatever - he's a whiny, race-baiting bag of tools.
And I know you weren’t defending him, dcd. I’m just reiterating my distaste for that waste of space (hey – was that illiteration?).
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Oh, I know.
I just took a peek at his numbers and thought I’d share. I seem to recall some scattered talk of him signing with the Cubs to play right field before Dome was acquired. I’m really glad Hendry didn’t go in that direction.
daver - September 9, 2008
"bag of tools" I like it--can't wait to use it on someone
cubfever7 - September 9, 2008
Might I suggest Marty Brenneman?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Priceless!!
cubfever7 - September 9, 2008
what? Sheffield can't hit without the roids. Shocking!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
And Gagne can't pitch without them, either!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Ahh! Why didn't the picture appear?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Confiscated by Congress as evidence.
daver - September 9, 2008
Seriously - why didn't my pic appear?
Why can’t we just cut-and-paste? DAMN YOU, BILL GATES!!!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
It's not working because you posted the URL to the HTML page....not the picture.
You’re welcome.
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
DAMMIT!
How do I do it right? Once I click the icon above this text box, the “http” prompt appears – then what?
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Oh wait - I get it - sorry!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
TWHS
daver - September 9, 2008
Drum roll, please...
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
DAMN DAMN DAMN
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
LSA!
daver - September 9, 2008
YAY ME!!!
SWL, I am Kwai Chang to your Master Po
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Funny...
Gagne in French means, “win”.
jdb-44 - September 9, 2008
It actually means "gain", as in "earn".
But close enough…
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
Isringhausen means "busted sausage"
or something like that. Weird, huh.
Blue W - September 9, 2008
Bow to the master.
daver - September 9, 2008
Bow to your Sensei!
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
Man oh man you're good.
Hysterical – when he says “Grab my hand. The other hand. MY other hand” ’cuz Kip was screwing up. Genius.
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
daver - September 9, 2008
Sweep the knee, Johnny!
lostinthevines - September 9, 2008
leg...
facepalm.
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
But Sensei, I can beat this guy
TheRiot Police - September 9, 2008
the cubs
will get in..i dont care if there is still season to play or not..the wildcard is a lock and im not scared to say that because i dont think there will be any jinxing on that one…so i think the division would be huge to have the home field advantage
if people dont think the cubs would have an advantage with being the home team in a 5 or 7 game series then it is crazy…im sick of this stuff like lets just get in and who cares about the division…
the division is huge…i dont want to have to play the first two games in arizona or in LA or in one of the two east teams parks in the first series..the cubs have been much better at home this year and in my eyes i could see home field advantage playing a huge part in our success in the postseason…yes there has been teams who have overcome and won on the road throughout the playoffs but it would be much better if we had homefield…so we need to stop sayin lets just get in and be happy..no this team should have different expecations then others..its on another level then past cub teams ..simple as that
cubbiepride - September 9, 2008
that kind of talk will cause a division around here...................get it?
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
you are a real wild card...............get that one too? I'm on fire
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
in all seriousness.............
I agree with you. I think all of this talk of “just getting in” is becuase we have lowered our expectations and probably just don’t want to admit it. The last 10 games have definetly altered the view of things hasn’t it?
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
yes it has
10 days ago if we said we would just be happy with the wild card we would of sound dumb
cubbiepride - September 9, 2008
Remember the Sox
Went through this exact phase. I still remember the Jay Marriotti column calling their magic number a “tragic number.”
As Al pointed out quite well the other day, teams go through these late season slumps and still end up winning it all. Doesn’t mean the Cubs will be the next to do so, but nor does the slump mean they can’t or won’t be.
Orval Overall - September 9, 2008
sounded*
cubbiepride - September 9, 2008
his point exactly!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
oh, sorry, your point exactly!
(didn’t realize you were correcting yourself)
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
would have*
daver - September 9, 2008
asterisk*
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
The espn.com preview of tonight's game ended with two encouraging notes:
Lohse is 0-1 with a 6.92 ERA in two starts against the Cubs this season.
and…
Chicago leads the season series 5-4, and has won 10 of its last 15 at Busch Stadium.
Blue W - September 9, 2008
not to be a downer, but............
I miss the days when we all just KNEW we were going to win, it is like we are all grasping for freaking straws around here. Man I hope they turn it up a notch.
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
+1
Now I am going into tonight’s game not expecting much. Just like the Reds series.
Fishbone2 - September 9, 2008
Damn it, Debbie!
I think you’re right.
Blue W - September 9, 2008
Well, I'm not quite to the point...
…where I feel I’m grasping at straws. Going into tonight’s game, the Cubs have Ryan Dempster, who has been among the best pitchers in the National League this year (151 ERA+), and the team still has a very strong offensive lineup.
Plus, they have been playing better on the road of late, and they’re still above .500 on the road at 35-33. Our boys did get blown out by the Reds in game one of that last series, but they responded in kind in game two and if that chopper to Cedeno in game three takes a weaker hop, we would probably all feel a lot more confident right now.
I’m choosing to be cautiously optimistic about this Cards series – don’t call me Debbie Downer, call me On-an-Even-Keel Neil.
daver - September 9, 2008
We may or may not win tonight...
but just having the possibilty of us winning and seeing the look on LaRussa’s face is worth watching for. I’ll give the devil his due as a manager—but do I ever LOVE seeing his vegan butt lose.
cubfever7 - September 9, 2008
Another thing I realized during this bad streak..............
I realized that my 20 month old son doesn’t give two cents if the Cubs just blew a game. You know that feeling we all felt during last Tues astros game and then again right after Sunday’s game. Well then you look at your son running around and pointing at pictures of Clifford in his favorite book and you realize how small this all can be when you place it in perspective. Of course he will someday be a 20 year old crying at the TV after we blow another one. Oh well
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
my vote is yours old woodenlegs.
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
kind of looks like my son too!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Your son is orange
daeviant - September 9, 2008
It is a very nice shade of orange , though!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
no, but he was jaundiced for a few days after birth, more yellow than anything
overall he is just beautiful!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
Well, I hate to be a downer but...
…it’s not going to get any better anytime soon. My daughter is five and, even though she’s well aware that I love the Cubs (and, in her heart of hearts, I think she does, too), for some reason she decided that she liked the Reds on Sunday. Why? I have no idea. I think she was just mad at me for paying more attention to the game than to her. In any case, while I was curled up in a fetal position on the floor after the walk-off loss, she was jumping around the family room yelling “Yay, Reds!”
daver - September 9, 2008
wait, are you describing your daughter or my wife?
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
We should form a support group.
My wife has been known to laugh in my face when the Cubs lose, too.
daver - September 9, 2008
An hour after the game on Sunday..............
my wife approaches me and says “so are you mad about the game?”
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
My wife thinks it's cute to
talk to me as if I were a sad little 1 yr old… “Oh poor baby, it’s gonna be all right” as she tries to wrap her arms around me as I want to body slam her. hahaha j/k
tony412 - September 9, 2008
My wife just leaves the room after I have viewed a Cubs loss
and yells at me. Calls me a baby for bitching about the team and how they lost the game. She tells me to grow up.
BigJohnAZ - September 9, 2008
Mine tells me that I take the fun out of baseball...
Nice to know all the guys are pretty much on the same page and that the wives are all similar as well.
Fishbone2 - September 9, 2008
My husband curses after a loss
like I do and then he goes outside or to the garage to take out his frustrations.
sue369 - September 9, 2008
Just don't take out your frustrations
on each other. That’s why my first wife left me!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
No we would never
do that. We feel each others pain so we can help each other that way.
sue369 - September 9, 2008
my wife
is a Marlin’s fan.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
You're married to a 73 year old retired postal worker?
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
No, no
She’s a fan of pan-seared Marlin.
…Right?
Blue W - September 9, 2008
well, she does like fish.
But that’s not what I’m talking about.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
nope.
she’s a living, breathing, 39 year old Marlins fan.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
Nah....
that’s like finding bigfoot in Georgia
tootle - September 9, 2008
I'm telling you.
she used to go to games. She can NAME people from the 2003 team. She knew that Derek Lee had been traded to the Cubs.
I’m considering laminating her and putting her in a climate controlled environment. True rarity is very hard to find these days.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
Did you know this about here before you married her?
When did the symptoms first start? There may still be time, if we can get here some help, she may still be able to live a full productive life.
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
I knew she was a national league girl
before we got engaged. In fact, it was her love of baseball that drew me to her, in part. She HATES the DH rule.
I make her wear Cubs shirts to try and divert the energies. Sometimes it works.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
I'm Bill Curtis...
and I’ve just found…the internet.
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
That's like being married to a unicorn.
daver - September 9, 2008
I know.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
What you are describing is you first experience
of offspring revolt. Be prepared for many instances of theis phenomenon which will include mocking you choice of music, clothes and an irresistable urge for her to date the most offensive, obnoxious and generally deplorable human being on the face of the earth!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
that is what my stepfather said...................oh wait!
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
that should read father in law (i'm truly an idiot)
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
You're just having a bad day
happens to the best of them
gwood - September 9, 2008
+1,000,000,000
Been there lived that
carolinacub - September 9, 2008
Oh, man...I am so NOT ready.
daver - September 9, 2008
Don't worry about it. It gets much worse
When you find youself pacing the floor at 1 o’clock in the morning imagining all of the utterly terrible things that that scumbag could be doing to your little girl, you will have officially joined the ranks of the tortured dads club.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
and hey
maybe it’ll be my son.
heh-heh-heh.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
Mine is only 10 weeks old
and I am already planning the gun collection I will have hanging opposite the front door for any boys that come a callin’.
And if you haven’t ever listened to it yet, or don’t like country music, every father of a daughter has to listen to Rodney Atkins song “Cleaning this Gun.” It’s perfect!
gwood - September 9, 2008
I have a good friend who has a daughter in grade school....... this is a sign he has
Guns don’t kill
Dad’s with pretty daughters do
Madison Cub Fan - September 9, 2008
That's awesome
I need one of those
gwood - September 9, 2008
He's an infantry guy in the Army w/ an incredibly cute daughter
So that makes it just that much funnier.
Madison Cub Fan - September 9, 2008
Okay guys the truth
Is the way I’ve lost over 140 pounds is not diet. I hop on my bike and start riding after every Cubs loss and it actually started during last year’s Bears season on the stationary bike that I create by hooking the back wheel of my bike on a thingamabob.
Can you imagine how far I’d be if this had been a bad season?
(i’m only half joking. I go out on the bike with the kids for a little while to cool off after a bad loss)
puckishcubsfan - September 9, 2008
Tampa Bay
has lost six of seven too. It’s not just us that’s struggling.
Josh Timmers - September 9, 2008
and their 6 fans are in complete despair
graceunderpressure - September 9, 2008
That is not fair
The MARLINS have 6 fans, the Rays have at least 50.
Doggie Stalker - September 9, 2008
I think the Marlins and Rays
share fans, depending on what team is doing good.
tony412 - September 9, 2008
The Rays have 50 fans, but their all senior citizens
so they only count for 6 fans.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
There are alot more than 50...
it’s just that they all have eaten dinner and are in bed by the 7:05 start times.
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
Stay away from the Golden Corral parking lot when all the old folks Florida baseball fans start driving home after dinner
Death and mayhem on the streets
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
That reminds me of a South Park episode
daeviant - September 9, 2008
That's it: +1
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
Al...how can you post a story with a headline like that and NOT give us...
this link!
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
Where can I get one of those shirts?
Blue W - September 9, 2008
Goodwill store
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
I still can't figure out...
…what the hell they’re saying in the chorus of that song.
daver - September 9, 2008
"She gets woolly; cause young girls they do get wooly."
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
Women get weary! They do not get woolly!
Gimme that guitar, meat.
daver - September 9, 2008
Scare em......What?......There just kids.......scare em.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
It's a simple game..you throw the ball, you hit the ball, you catch the ball
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
Sometimes you win.....Sometimes you lose.....and
Sometimes it rains.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
I can get us a rainout
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
Is "Willie Mays Hayes" a character in a baseball movie?
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
I'll let the rest of the gang fill you in on this one as I am disappointed that
lacking in the dialog of one of the best basaball movies of all times.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
I feel for you Weeghman that you are unaware of
the musings of Pedro Cerrano, Eddie Harris, Dorn, Jake, Ricky “The Wild Thing”, Harry Doyle and the rest of the cast of “Major League”, perhaps the funniest abseball movie OF ALL TIMES!!!!!!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
I kind of thought that's what it was but I don't have that movie on DVD so I don't watch it every night
like the other classics-you think it’s funnier than Bull Durham?
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
It's a different type of funny. Bull Durham captures
the essense of minor league life and the frustrations of a career minor leaguer in Crash Davis. He is philosophical in his plight and sees the talent in Eppie Laloush that he will never have. In his words " A million dollar arm with a 10 cent brain". Major league was just played for laughs. Bob Ucker was amazing and the cast of misfits makes for an interesting ride.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
Ucker is a genius; you're right-different art forms
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
I know this is sac-relig...but to me Bull Durham
is the one that’s over rated…..Costner made three great baseball movies and that one is at the bottom in my view.
Juat about every critic raves about Bull Durham…but it’saverage to me…I’ll take Major League—For the Love of the Game—The Natural…
cubfever7 - September 9, 2008
For the Love of the Game? that was pure drivel! That was
by far the worst of the three. At least Bull Durham had some interesting characters. FTLOTG was boring!!!
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
but it did foreshadow Koiye Hill's comeback.
If Billy what’s-his-name in For Love of the Game could comeback, so too did Koiye…
Bill Potter - September 9, 2008
Yeah, of those three...
…“Bull Durham” is my hands-down favorite. Of course, I should probably confess that I haven’t seen “For the Love of the Game.”
daver - September 9, 2008
You haven't missed anything.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
"Hated it."
FTLOTG that is
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
Yada-yada-yada, something about September
Blue W - September 9, 2008
something like this
Ba de ya – say do you remember
Ba de ya – dancing in September
Ba de ya – never was a cloudy day
CyberCyclist - September 9, 2008
That sounds about right - thanks.
Of course, I realize that I could just do a search for the lyrics, but some mysteries in life are just better left unsolved.
daver - September 9, 2008
I look up lyrics
to songs a lot. I drives me nuts when I like a song and can’t understand all of the lyrics.
CyberCyclist - September 9, 2008
Hold me closer, Tony Danza?
Jayo525 - September 9, 2008
My mom's favorite band
and, coincidentally, one of mine also.
Ba dee yaaa dee yaaaa dee yaaaa
Jayo525 - September 9, 2008
Outstanding
One of the great bands of all times.
SWL I gotta hand it to ya. That was perfect product placement, you have just earned my vote
carolinacub - September 9, 2008
I posted this in the wrong thread...
But this is a fan comment from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
derv - September 9, 2008
So Prince Fielder is...
…literally a pile of poop. Well, from that perspective, he’s actually having a pretty good season. Most clumps of dung can’t slug more than .350.
daver - September 9, 2008
Aah, but he is NOT a clump of dung,
He’s a pile of poop …
There’s a difference.
Blue W - September 9, 2008
BCB Version...
*all italics by me
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
I haven't seen that many crazy markups...
…since Kerouac’s original draft of On the Road.
daver - September 9, 2008
You've got the original?
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
I wish.
I could use the money (to buy playoff tickets, of course). No, I just read an article about it somewhere.
daver - September 9, 2008
I have a copy of the scroll that was published a few years ago
It’s great to read if you’ve read the published version enough to feel where it’s different. I wish Jack had written something about baseball-it would have been great just like when he writes about jazz.
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
Yeah, that would have been really cool.
daver - September 9, 2008
Jim Irsay has it.
Yeah, the owner of the Colts bought the original manuscript. I think he donated it to a museum here in Indy, where it went on tour for a while…
Bill Potter - September 9, 2008
The scroll?
Weeghman Park - September 9, 2008
2 friends
2 friends from a non sports net group are going tonight and the Cubs are 14-2 in the last 3 years when members of this group attend their games on the road.
puckishcubsfan - September 9, 2008
I have been a real ass the last few days
So I would like to apologize for that. I will try to not let it happen again.
Second today is the start of new series and a new day so on that note: LETS KICK THE CRAP OUT OF THE CARDS!!!!!
Go Cubs!
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - September 9, 2008
DFA Theriot
santoswoodenlegs - September 9, 2008
At least we're not the Brewers
If you are depressed that a few Cubs fans have been climbing up on a ledge lately, you should check out the ESPN.com Brewers bulletin board:
http://boards.espn.go.com/boards/mb/mb?sport=mlb&id=mil
I don’t know what the normal tone is there, because I have never visited before, but they are leaping off the ledge in droves.
vonde6 - September 9, 2008
Geez!
You don’t even have to read the posts, just look at the list of topics!
DKT - September 9, 2008
LMAO.
I think my favorite is “Fukkkk this team.”
daver - September 9, 2008
"And I'll tell ya something else RIGHT NOW"
is pretty good too.
I just imagine this guy storming away from his computer only to return seconds later.
Blue W - September 9, 2008
this Resipsa guy
seems like a real treat. We could hook him up with BlueMike in about two seconds. He thinks SHEETS has punted on the season???
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
"List of Players that have QUIT on this team and city"
He mentions Gallardo – who was been out most of the season due to freak injury.
wnielsen - September 9, 2008
wow.
keep the gas-cans away from those guys.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
Pie and Wells called up from AAA
according to Twitter cst_cubs
Emelie - September 9, 2008
That should make Drew happy.
sue369 - September 9, 2008
indeed
Emelie - September 9, 2008
hells yeah.
I even took a moment off of pounding sand to celebrate. :D
BIG THINGS for Pie now! He’s getting a real chance, I hope.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
I think his real chance
will consist of 8th/9th inning defense and pinch running.
wnielsen - September 9, 2008
he might get some at-bats.
It’s not like Dome is going to keep him in the shade.
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
Given the Dome situation...
…and the fact that Edmonds seems to be wearing down (no comment on whether or not he is, just that’s the impression that I’m getting of Cubs’ management’s view) he could see a bit more playing time than that. If Hoffpauir keeps hitting .125/.300/.125 he’s not keeping Pie out of the lineup.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
As per Gordon'
cubsnlinux - September 9, 2008
oops..As per Gordon's twitter..
Felix Pie and Randy Wells are called up from AAA
cubsnlinux - September 9, 2008
see above :D
Emelie - September 9, 2008
I don't know anything about Randy Wells...
What can you tell me?
DKT - September 9, 2008
He's not
Kip Wells
gwood - September 9, 2008
Here’s his stats.
If I had to guess, looking at those stats and just intuiting, I’d guess he’s something of a finesse/“soft-toss” guy, but that’s just a hunch.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
102 K's in 118 innings? Not exactly a soft-tosser.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
He's 6' 5"
Big Dude!
DKT - September 9, 2008
You can get Ks without throwing heat, especially in the minors...
…which is generally how you put up three years in AAA with those sorts of numbers. That said, I’m not claiming to know anything in particular.
He was taken in the Rule 5 draft by the Blue Jays, got returned to us. Started out in our system as a catcher.
cwyers - September 9, 2008
Not saying he's a fire-baller, but soft-tosser generally make you
put the ball in play and don’t average a strikeout per inning. He might have a big hook ala Rich Hill. Forget I said that.
willie mays hayes' gloves - September 9, 2008
This will make the BCB Girls happs
Geo Soto just named Gillette Rookie of the Month.
(New window)
drewishdrewid - September 9, 2008
wo0t!!
sue369 - September 9, 2008
made me happier :)
Madison Cub Fan - September 9, 2008
Pregame thread
active
wnielsen - September 9, 2008
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