In keeping with today's Brewers theme, the Cubs and Brew Crew meet for the third and final time this spring today at Maryvale. The teams split the other two meetings; after today, they'll next meet up for the first of 17 regular-season contests on Friday, April 10 in Milwaukee, the Brewers' home opener. In keeping with the idea that the regular season schedule has to make as little sense as possible, the two teams won't meet at Wrigley Field until Thursday, July 2.
Today, Jeff Samardzija, who is still described in this recap of yesterday's game as a "candidate for the fifth starter spot", will get the start against the Brewers' Dave Bush. The Brewers' Ryan Braun, who is off playing for Team USA in the WBC, left last night's game with a minor oblique strain. Braun says it's nothing, but Milwaukee can ill afford to lose him.
The article points out what you may have seen, that Atlanta catcher Brian McCann played the 9th inning in left field. What none of us knew at the time was this:
Manager Davey Johnson said he considered using pitcher Ted Lilly in left field.
"With the injuries we were looking at, I figured I could probably run Lilly out there for defense," Johnson said. "But I wouldn't run him out there to hit. So the healthiest probably was McCann. I said, 'Can you play left field?' He said, 'Boy, I'd love to.' "
Now that would have been fun to watch.
Today's game is on WGN radio and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
There are also two WBC games tonight:
MLB.com Gameday for Venezuela vs. Puerto Rico. Time: 7 pm CDT. TV: ESPN. (Winner qualifies for semifinals.) I'm rooting for Venezuela so that Geovany Soto can come back to Cubs camp.
MLB.com Gameday for Cuba vs. Mexico. Time: 10 pm CDT. TV: ESPN2. (Loser is eliminated)
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 357 comments
Chipper Jones, Dustin Pedroia, now Ryan Braun.
The U.S. injuries are beginning to pile up. I caught some of the Team USA game yesterday and enjoyed it, but all these strained muscles are going to, shall we say, further strain many fans’ patience with this tournament.
daver - March 16, 2009
The immediate problem is
teams cannot replace a player in the middle of a round. (Pedroia was replaced before the 2nd round.) The USA team seems to be running out of available players for round 2.
The long term issue is the length of the injuries in regards to their MLB team. Hopefully they’re minor as it would be a shame for anything serous to happen to a player.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Braun's injury is the same one he had last year.
Now, I’m no medical expert, but I wonder if this could linger throughout the season…
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
So on some days this season when Lou wants to rest guys
Big Z can patrol right and Ted and play left. Awesome
nji232 - March 16, 2009
Zambrano in RF at Wrigley?
I shudder to think…
Clutch16 - March 16, 2009
Z
I’m not so sure he’d be any worse than Hoffpauir.
Off to the game in 5 minutes.
puckishcubsfan - March 16, 2009
I still think we should put Zambrano in the OF.
And laugh our asses off.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
We'd be laughing until he laid out to catch a fly ball...
…broke a couple ribs and was out for several months.
daver - March 16, 2009
Or laid out a teamate by running him over.
willie mays hayes' gloves - March 16, 2009
I could see him flattening Dome easily.
daver - March 16, 2009
Yeah, they would have to scrape poor Dome out of the ivy.
willie mays hayes' gloves - March 16, 2009
Z smash!
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Not a real game...
…I’m thinking more like those goofy All-Star softball games. Zambrano would be a great captain for those teams. He would run all over the field and catch/field others’ routine ground/fly balls, he would be perfect to be mic’ed up, and he would probably try to hit a bases empty grand salami every time at the plate.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
So...
pretty much another day at the office for Z huh?
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Man oh man...
I would have loved to see Lou’s reaction if he was watching that game and out goes Lilly to left. Lazy pop fly and just before the catch…a little one-legged hop.
CubFan81 - March 16, 2009
Lineup...
… via Bruce Miles’ blog:
Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Hoffpauir, RF
Ramirez, 3B
Fontenot, 2B
Johnson, CF
Bako, C
Samardzija, P
Milton Bradley & Randy Wells are sick today.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Has Bradley been healthy for 10 consecutive days yet?
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
i think so,
back in 2005, he was for like, 17 or 18 days.
tim815 - March 16, 2009
Dismissed as coincidence.
daver - March 16, 2009
Milton should know better than to go out drinking on a sunday night
nji232 - March 16, 2009
Aww shucks
really wanted to see what RW could do today.
tony412 - March 16, 2009
He actually looked really good on Saturday.
Struck out the side, IIRC.
daver - March 16, 2009
we're almost to actual
starting lineup starting lineups!
drewishdrewid - March 16, 2009
What is GameBoard sick with?
This is like being a teacher. You get to hear every kind of excuse in the book. I wanna start a list of GameBoard’s excuses.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
So far...
1. Tight Quad
2. Flu-like Symptoms
3. Tummy-ache
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Next excuse
will be “dog ate my batting gloves”
muehlman - March 16, 2009
Offically, they say it's the flu...again.
Who the hell gets the flu 2 times in less than a month?
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
If it's the bird flu...
…can we void his contract?
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Does pre-gaming St. Patrick's Day
count as the flu?
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
Isn't that the old rule
hangover = flu-like symptoms?
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
I guess it doesn't really matter. This is just PRACTICE anyway.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
That's the rule.
so maybe Milton was just having fun in Phoenix last night…
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
it does in Wisconsin!
MikeOxbyg - March 16, 2009
WBC
I’ve been meaning to throw my two cents on this but man, the US’ bullpen sucks.
dmlichte - March 16, 2009
McCann DID play LF
I saw it with my own eyes.
tony412 - March 16, 2009
Manager Davey Johnson said he considered using pitcher Ted Lilly in left field.
How’s he gonna run down the catcher from all the way out THERE?
drewishdrewid - March 16, 2009
would he bounce his glove if another pitcher
gave up a long home run?
tim815 - March 16, 2009
Would he no longer bat 9th?
tony412 - March 16, 2009
Wonder what part Teddy'd brag about more,
playing left field or batting higher than 9th in the order?
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Don't forget Davey Johnson
was the manager of this game on July 22, 1986 in which Roger McDowell and Jesse Orosco alternated between the mound, left field and right field depending upon whether a left-hander or a right-hander was batting.
It was a brilliant move and the type that no manager ever makes for fear of being criticized by the Jay Mariotti gang.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
Is there a writeup or more analysis of this game
available anywhere? I’d like to know more . . . was this strategy ever used again?
madcow256 - March 16, 2009
That has happened on a handful of occasions.
It’s used by managers when they run out of pitchers/position players in extra innings and they have to keep doing this because they literally have no one else.
Here’s an example from a Cubs game vs. the Dodgers on August 17, 1982. Incidentally, Steve Sax, who scored the winning run in the 21st inning, was out. Take a look at who the plate umpire was and you’ll figure out why he was called safe. That game might still be going.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
It happened just last year, actually
In a Braves-Pirates game on April 3, Bobby Cox moved his pitcher, Chris Resop to LF while Royce Ring pitched, then brought Resop back to the mound. Resop wound up giving up the go-ahead base hit in his second time on the mound
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
Wow
I missed that one somehow.
Of course. the Mets won the game in 1986.
Bobby Cox can get away with it because everyone knows he’s a genius and he’s not going to get fired.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
Exactly.
If Ned Yost was attempting it, he’d be ridiculed. Bobby Cox has definitely earned tenure in the unconventional move department.
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
If by "unconventional" you mean "can't manage a game"...
There is a small (but growing) cadre of Braves fans who are coming around to this way of thinking. Bobby Cox is a great manager over an entire season. He keeps his guys in reasonable shape, clearly sees who needs rest and who can go, and has (had) a remarkable farm system from which he can draw when the going got rough. However, his in-game decisions are (usually) suspect and have led to snatching defeat from the jaws of victory on more occasions than I can count. There’s a reason that I wouldn’t mind him getting tossed from a game for arguing with an ump (back when that was a regular thing): his assistant coaches generally made better in-game decisions than Cox ever did.
This doesn’t get a lot of press because of his tenure, but it explains an awful lot about the single WS title in those 14 straight years’ worth of Division Titles.
Clutch16 - March 16, 2009
But in that game
Lasorda used Valenzuela as an outfielder and moved him away from where he thought the ball would be hit. Johnson took it a step further and used two pitchers at the same time. When a left-hander came to bat, Orosco took the mound and McDowell moved to left field. When a right-hander came to bat, McDowell moved from left field to the mound and Orosco went out to left.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
Look at the box again.
Lasorda DID use two pitchers — Valenzuela and Bob Welch — though not at the same time.
The Retrosheet boxscore details all the position switches.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Yes
but he wasn’t moving those pitchers playing outfield to the mound and then back to the outfield. He was just moving Valenzuela and Welch around the outfield.
As I said below, I can’t believe we didn’t remember Zimmer pulling it, but I have an excuse that I didn’t have cable in 1990.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
Here's a list
of games in which pitchers moved to the outfield and back to the mound. Most were in the late-70s and 80’s.
Ironically, neither Al nor I remembered Don Zimmer pulling the stunt in 1990 with Les Lancaster and Paul Assenmacher. Maybe that’s because it ended disastrously for the Cubs.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
Let me add
that the Mets-Reds game was especially famous because 1) it was the 1986 Mets and 2) the move was somewhat forced because of a bench-clearing brawl started by Ray Knight and Eric Davis.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
I didn't remember Zimmer doing it either...
… and probably for exactly the reason you mention. Also because Assenmacher didn’t play the outfield; he just left the game after pitching to three batters and allowing a single and a walk.
Boxscore
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
A late addition to knowing thine enemy
The Astros have reached an agreement with Ivan Rodriguez, per Jon Heyman.
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
Hopefully
He doesn’t continue to hit like he has in the WBC.
DMCub - March 16, 2009
I'm not putting too much stock in WBC numbers.
The one thing that can help Pudge is that short porch in left field. If he cheats on fastballs and focuses on being a dead-pull hitter in that park, he could still hit a bit (at least in Houston).
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
Predicting Al's eneny rankings (NL Central 2009 standings):
Cubs
Brewers
Reds
Cards
Astros
Pirates
Also, the idea that one of the most important rivalries in baseball will meet 14 times after July 2 but only 3 before that is ridiculous.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
And we'll be sick of the Astros.
11 games by June 11 vs. Houston.
You’ll just have to wait to see what order I put the rankings.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Wasn't that how the games with the Pirates were
last year? 18 games in 6 weeks or smeothing?
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
But I never got sick of seeing them
Shockingly enough – I kinda wished we could play them another 18 games.
Clutch16 - March 16, 2009
I only did
because it made me worry how we’d play against real major league teams.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
to rip gorzelanny or duke
for the seventh time in 2 months
tim815 - March 16, 2009
Not a bad crack at it.
But I hesitate to think that Douchey Baker’s team will finish ahead of LaRussa’s Cards.
DMCub - March 16, 2009
The Reds are just a hot pick right now.
They have a good deal of quality position players like Votto, Encarnacion, Phillips, and Bruce. They have some decent key pitchers, too, in Cueto, Bailey, Volquez, Owings, and Harang. I like quite a lot about those players.
Oh, and don’t forget, they have Hairston, Jr. and Jacque Jones. And Dusty Baker. Maybe I should change my mind…
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
I dunno...
Lilly in left might not be such a poor idea…
He’d just stare at the fly ball and it would meekly land in his outstretched glove.
northernsails - March 16, 2009
Game underway.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Not that Micah needs her....
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
Shallow pop-up
Can’t work every time.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
I really like that picture. Classy.
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
haven't seen that one before
but i like it.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Micah ALWAYS needs EA.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
maybe I jinxed it with my statement that he doesn't need her
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
I remember this year's first and second meaningless ST games...
…and I was bitching about too many pictures and stupid EA posts. Mea culpa. Not only are there never too many EA pictures, apparently they have magical powers. Sorry dudes and dudettes.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Is there a countdown til opening day?
Because all this meaningless baseball is starting to wear on me. I want real games with actual major leaguers!
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
I agree.
This painful off-season and extended spring training has been brutal. It’s testing the patience of the fans and our loyalties to meaningless info and games.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
The countdown to Opening Day is on the sidebar.
It’s three weeks from today. Hang in there.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
3 weeks?
Good lord. I may die.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Trust me...we're all gonna die.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Especially since its absolutey gorgeous outside
it feels like opening day should’ve already happened.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
And it's probably nicer than it will be on Opening Day.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
I know
but dang.
extended ST stinks.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
And if we're sick of ST,
the players must be bored out of their minds.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
yeah, who the heck is that soriano guy that made it to second???
He’s never gonna make the major league squad!!!
And who’s that Dave Bush guy pitching for the Brewers???
He belongs in single A!!! K, that one might actually be true.
Beaushek - March 16, 2009
When you see Casey McGehee running for a carriage made out of a pumpkin.
You’ll know that the real games are beginning….and the fairy tale of Spring is over.
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
Anybody have any guesses who might be the player
to have a break-out season out of the blue?
Like Ryan Ludwick last season. Not top prospects break-out season, totally unexpected break-out season.
Any ideas?
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Ricky Nolasco...
Which would not be totally unexpected, but still…Could be a STUD this year.
PurpleLineToWrigley - March 16, 2009
Nolasco was a stud LAST year.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
How about Anthony Reyes
now with the Indians (former Card)?
That’s the type of player I have in mind.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
How about Alex Gordon?
A former top prospect that everyone has given up on after two ho-hum seasons in the majors.
Josh Timmers - March 16, 2009
C'mon Shark
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Oh my god....
Prince…
PurpleLineToWrigley - March 16, 2009
Well, it sounds like a cluster out there...
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
Fielder with a triple, scores on Hoffpauir throwing error
I’ll let others make their conjectures.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
I think the error was given to Fontenot on the throw
but Hoffpauir misplayed the ball originally.
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
My bad
Sorry about that.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
No worries.
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
a 3b?
good lord.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Ball hit Hoff's glove
LBR throwing error
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
dang Hoff!
Emelie - March 16, 2009
::sigh::
I was hoping Jeff would be lights out today. :-(
sue369 - March 16, 2009
we have absolutely stunk in ST
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Nobody has been as bad as the Astros.
I was reading an article on mlb.com and apparently they’ve only won 1 spring training game so far.
That’s pretty bad.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
small comfort but comfort just the same :-)
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Last year's WS winners, the Phillies, are 6-9.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
and hamels is going to have his left wing looked at
tim815 - March 16, 2009
Double for Hart
Shark working on hanging curveballs?
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
Looks like Shark has eliminated himself from the
5th starting derby and is not doing himself any favors in the competition for the bullpen.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Is there a picture of someone that we can post to make Hoff play better defense?
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
Derrek Lee?
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
tying his shoes!
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Yes
I could go for that.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
How about this?
bobby h - March 16, 2009
Ha! Ha! Good one!
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
Bwaaaahahahahaha
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
Do you have a link to a bigger-sized file of that image?
I’d like to send it to my old college roommates.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
That was it...
I just google imaged ‘Greetings from Iowa.’
There were quite a few post cards that came up
bobby h - March 16, 2009
Thanks Bobby
And thanks for not directing me to lmgtfy.com.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
xene - March 16, 2009
AAGH!
Don’t scare him! (Or us!)
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Does EA go both ways?
Get your mind out of the gutter…
I’m just wondering if we post pictures of EA whenever a lefty Brewer is up, will that help Micah’s defense?
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
3R homerun Bill Hall
Breaking ball not breaking for Spellcheck.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
must be the thin AZ air (not kind to breaking balls)
LAcarl519 - March 16, 2009
I don't know
you could see Marshall’s curves breaking very easily last Friday all the way from the LF berm.
BigJohnAZ - March 16, 2009
So if Gaudin is off the 5th starter list, is Samardzija now on the track to Des Moines?
Sounds like the breaking balls need some work.
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
He appears to pitching his way to Iowa today.
Maybe he will rebound in his next outing?
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Possibly.
Baseball is a game of adjustments, after all.
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
sheesh
Emelie - March 16, 2009
GAMEDAY IS BEHIND.
Shucks.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Stop this Jeff!!!!
sue369 - March 16, 2009
Is his breaking stuff broken?
Or is that the problem?
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
sounds like the breaking stuff is all up in the zone
Bill Potter - March 16, 2009
"I have an idea"
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
I wish ESPN could loan Erin's services out for the tourney...
…she would make a GREAT post-game interviewer during Cinderella stories and heart-breaking losses. Or just fun to watch.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
"these boots are made for walking.."
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Well...this appears to be helping sort out our rotation and bullpen.
NOT.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Maybe just makes decisions easier.
Such as the decision on whether to use shark in the bullpen or send him to AAA.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Samardzija
36 pitches, 18 strikes in first inning. Missed high with everything.
Bruce Miles - March 16, 2009
That's good, right?
Quick! Go ask Lou who’s the 5th starter now…
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
It sounded even worse than that.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
:-(
sue369 - March 16, 2009
Gameday makes me laugh...
It said that Ricky Weeks took 3 called strikes.
pscrblazer - March 16, 2009
Maybe they're trying to see if we're paying attention?
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
XBH for RJ
Two bagger for Reed.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
Reed is always reliable
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Pat says Lilly starting tomorrow for Team USA
pitcher or LF?
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
LF, probably...
Davey Johnson wants McCann at SS, and he’s moving Rollins behind the plate.
Also, what is a grown man doing allowing people to call himself “Davey”?
pscrblazer - March 16, 2009
RBI for Bako
RJ scores. 5-1, 1 out, top 2nd.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
It's almost like reading predictions
for the future when you listen to the audio on mlb.com.
It’s funny when they come true, only a few moments later.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
I'm sorry dude
I’m looking for airline tickets without anything else to do and I figured I could do a bit of PxP since noone else was doing it. I’ll quit.
If anybody knows where to find cheap-o business-class tickets, I’d appreciate it much.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
Please continue!
It’s fun to read the future!
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Shark wasn't helped
Could have been out of the inning after 14 pitches, but Hoffpauir couldn’t come up with high flyball off bat of Fielder with two outs. He broke in and then went back and misplayed it. Went for a triple.
Bruce Miles - March 16, 2009
if the Prince got a triple...
…it makes sense that a misplay was involved.
pscrblazer - March 16, 2009
I still remember Geo
standing his ground last year when Prince scored. Somehow Geo came out in one piece.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
I feel like Eurasia could have formed, split, and reconnected in the amount of time it would take Prince Fielder to reach third base.
And tectonic plates don’t move very fast, if you catch my drift.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
It could do that in the time it would take Hoffpauir to catch a fly ball, too.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Imagine Micah judging a flyball in Wrigley
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
I prefer
to not have nightmares, thank you very much.
drewishdrewid - March 16, 2009
I'm going back outside
ugly meaningless game loses to 64 degrees with sunshine.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Good choice.
Don’t forget the sunscreen!
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
will Dave Otto be making an appearance in this broadcast?
LAcarl519 - March 16, 2009
No Otto
Judd Sirott will do a couple innings in relief of Pat.
Bruce Miles - March 16, 2009
ugh
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Double ugh.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
I like Judd.
He has a nice voice. I read he made many mistakes, but filling Pat’s shoes can be nerve-wrecking.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
Maybe.
I don’t care for his voice. You do, and that’s what makes broadcasting such a difficult job. Some people will like you and others won’t.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
I was actually talking about the Brewers' broadcast...
but you just made me realize that I can switch to WGN on MLB.com.
LAcarl519 - March 16, 2009
Pat and Ron
don’t like this “fancy” medical terminology.
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
Pat & Ron talking about Braun's injuries.
Talk about Milton! Talk about Milton!
Talk about Milton!
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Bradley
Sick with flu-like symtoms
Bruce Miles - March 16, 2009
hung over?
pscrblazer - March 16, 2009
riiiiight ;-)
Emelie - March 16, 2009
How many games you figure he'll play this year?
I’m not being facetious.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
132.
drewishdrewid - March 16, 2009
You must be adding:
Spring training
+
Regular season
+
Playoffs
+
Winter ball
=
132
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
nope.
I’m projecting him to play 132 games in the regular season.
drewishdrewid - March 16, 2009
At this rate, that "regular season" would have to be about 300 games long.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
We should have a contest.
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
$10 say ≥90
n/t
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
one at a time
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
We all know what "flu-like symptoms" are.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
My problem is...
it’s the 2nd time in less than a month….grow up Milton….we’re showing you the “respect” ($) you wanted so badley.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Game Board quickly turned into Game Bored :-(
LAcarl519 - March 16, 2009
Grow Up?
did it ever occur to you that maybe he really is sick?
tizzle - March 16, 2009
No, actually, it hasn't.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Well
why would anyone believe that, Bradley’s always been known to fake illness right?
tizzle - March 16, 2009
If it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck...
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Dang
Why did we ever sign this lazy guy, I guess its obvious to all that he doesnt really want to play.
tizzle - March 16, 2009
I know you're being sarcastic...
…but I’m gonna hit +1 on this one!
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Well, whatever your
take on Milton may be, I just think witholding judgement until games that actually mean something are played may be the most prudent path. If this kinda stuff maintains after April 6th, then I’ll allow my panties to bunch up, until then I’m gonna hafta go with a big, fat “meh”.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - March 16, 2009
Did it ever occur to you that getting the flu twice in less than a month is BS?
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Wow
you guys look for any reason to hate him dont you?
tizzle - March 16, 2009
this isn't exactly trumped up stuff
Emelie - March 16, 2009
I think
everyone is overreacting a little bit
tizzle - March 16, 2009
Or someone is
a bit naive.
sue369 - March 16, 2009
haha
all I am saying is everyone here just assumes that Bradleys a liar, Please tell me why that is?
tizzle - March 16, 2009
Nobody has called him that....
you seem to really be hellbent on painting us with a broad brush. If DLee had done the same things this spring as Milton I’d be saying the EXACT SAME THINGS about him.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
how about if he painted you with a dude brush?
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
keep your man brush away from me...
gooey white paint….
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Can I see that painted horse picture again now?
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
You didnt
have to say it, its obvious what you think of him.
tizzle - March 16, 2009
Here is what I think of Milton Bradley...
He’s a very good offensive player that cannot stay healthy enough over the course of an entire season to justify the contract we game him.
Here is what I think of tizzle…
He’s a guy with a Boner for Milton Bradley.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
rofl!
oh the pain of truth
Emelie - March 16, 2009
What
are you tryin to say about me?
tizzle - March 16, 2009
Why are you having so much trouble understanding?
You were able to glean my total hate of Milton from my previous posts. Did your crystal ball stop working?
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
It
seems as though you want to call me a name, but I cant put my finger on it. hmmm
tizzle - March 16, 2009
you practice how you play
MB admitted that he took games off last year with the Rangers for aches that he would normally play with, but only if they made a financial commitment to him.
Here, the Cubs have done so and he’s already loafing and taking days off. He’s setting the tone for the regular season. He’s sending messages to impressionable youngsters on how veteran players act. He’s showing his brand new teammates that he really doesn’t care about being prepared to start playing games that count in 3 weeks.
Given his history, do you really think fans are over-reacting by wanting to see him actually play?
He loafed after a ball hit in the gap on Sunday. Made a little half hearted backwards swipe and jogged toward it as it scooted past him.
I’m not a fan of GameBoard. Never have been. I was very unhappy that the Cubs signed him. I’d love to see him prove me wrong and show me that he’s an important part of this team. But he’s not off to a good start.
ScottT - March 16, 2009
You just look for every available reason to hate this man don't you?
You’re not even gonna give him a fair shake. You don’t know what it’s like to have to defend every injury and day off to the press and fans…you’re so mean.
LEAVE MILTON ALONE!
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
At this point, he frankly hasn't done anything to prove me otherwise.
The guy’s got 17 ABs in 19 spring training games.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
And I could
pass for Erin Andrews twin.
sue369 - March 16, 2009
Why, hello Sue....
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
LOL!!! :D
sue369 - March 16, 2009
I guess he's getting his boozing in shape for the regular season
pscrblazer - March 16, 2009
He got paid! We respect you!
NOW PLAY
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Shark's second
14 pitches, 8 strikes. Just a ground-rule double to ?Duffy.
Bruce Miles - March 16, 2009
Bruce, what's the word around camp for Shark - bullpen with the big club or starting in Iowa?
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Lou says
Cubs may decide by end of this week. He said Samardzija could fit in the seventh inning if he doesn’t make the rotation. This will be an organizational decision however it shakes out.
Bruce Miles - March 16, 2009
Let's hope he gets another outing...
… this one’s pretty bad.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
thanks
oddly enough, I think it will depend more on how others perform. If nobody else steps forward, Lou may have to keep him in the bullpen.
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
OT: Anyone catch Eastbound and Down on HBO
that’s one funny show… about a washed up ML pitcher
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Can I wear the Scream mask? You know, the mask from "Scream"?
The rest of that quote isn’t appropriate, but that line in episode 1 had me hooked.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Jerry Reed is my hero
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
When's it on?
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
Sunday nights
it’s a Will Ferrell vehicle … think there are only a few episodes left
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Season finale is Sunday, actually
It hasn’t been picked up for a second season yet.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
it's the best thing out of HBO in ages
I’ll be surprised if they don’t pick it up
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Ahem.
THE WIRE?
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
I said in AGES... the Wire seems so long ago *sniff*
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Okay. Whew. I was worried there, Em.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
How about
Flight of the Conchords?
jerry morales rules - March 16, 2009
well yeah there's that too
why are you bothering me with facts?
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Best show ever on HBO
Fraggle Rock. Hands down. End of discussion.
14theofleury - March 16, 2009
My favorite show on TV right now
Kenny is so cool. I wish I could grow a mullet like that.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
I have no idea
how/why people find WIll Ferrell funny. I am sick of that doofus character that he plays constantly and this drivel is just an extension of that.
jerry morales rules - March 16, 2009
tell how you really feel ;-}
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Some of them are hilarious
Anchorman was golden. And Ricky Bobby was too close to being my brother-in-law to not LMAO.
But my favorite of his is “Stranger than Fiction” which I loved. Everything else was kinda “meh” thuogh.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
I am in love
with that show. The 3rd episode was a bit of a turd, but I’ve been watching them over and over. He’s John Rocker and Mitch Williams and the Canseco twins all rolled into one.
JodyDavis - March 16, 2009
and this is when Marshall is crowned the fifth starter
geez, Shark looking ugly out there.
Chanman25 - March 16, 2009
and it's
breaking my heart.
sue369 - March 16, 2009
we had such high hopes
Emelie - March 16, 2009
::sniffs:: I know :-(
sue369 - March 16, 2009
eh Shark's got plenty of time to prove his worth, especially if Harden and Lilly are gone in two seasons
Plus, I like Marshall better..
Chanman25 - March 16, 2009
And I can
always go to Des Moines and see the Shark pitch if he does indeed get sent here. :D
sue369 - March 16, 2009
goody for you then!
Chanman25 - March 16, 2009
if the Shark's destiny is as a starter
I really do think he is better off getting consistent work in Iowa. No reason to rush him to the big show where he will not have the chance to develop all of his pitches.
Cheer him on Sue…I do think he will eventually end up in Chicago (no team gets through the whole season without injuries to the rotation).
LAcarl519 - March 16, 2009
I certainly will.
sue369 - March 16, 2009
another hangin' curveball
bye bye for Hall
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
heh heh... Pat said "one hop" describing a ball hit to Soriano in left field.
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Ugh. This batting practice needs to stop.
Is Spellcheck on some sort of program today?
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
maybe he's got the flu
Emelie - March 16, 2009
another gapper
double for Cameron
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
Theriot doesn't see the ball... I'm shocked.
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Stevens now pitching.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Bye bye Stevens.
Des Moines for you.
Al Yellon - March 16, 2009
Pat and Ron are hungry ...
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Bored too.
I think they’re sick of spring training games too!
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
7-1 Brew Crew
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
Pat: "...late for a sliding Bush"
Ok SWL, I think that’s your cue…
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Yeah I heard that too. Oh well.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
This is a PG-13 blog....not going there.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Ron and Pat talking about spreads and sliding Bush
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
once again Cubs creamed in ST
Emelie - March 16, 2009
pretty soon they'll have to call this game out of mercy
Emelie - March 16, 2009
If it's that tough to throw a breaking ball in AZ
maybe they should throw something else
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
"Please stop the madness."
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
looks like a fake pic..
Chanman25 - March 16, 2009
not a bad photoshop job.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
Is that her?
I don’t care, nevermind. GOOD FIND.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
no mercy rule in ST unfortunately...
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
what's the most lopsided ST score? any idea?
Emelie - March 16, 2009
thought I saw a 20-1 score the other day
white sox – mariners maybe?
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Lots of Des Moines tickets going out
Chanman25 - March 16, 2009
they miss Sue... ;-)
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
:D
sue369 - March 16, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
lol!
Emelie - March 16, 2009
uh, um........nope
sue369 - March 16, 2009
"Gimme something to smile about."
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
I hope that was a "cough"...
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
burp!
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
diet Coke getting some free advertising...
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
RON JUST BELCHED REAL LOUD ON THE AIR
PAT: IS YOUR COUCH BUTTON WORKING??
WOW THAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME, WITHOUT A DOUBT.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
Ron: That’s so unclassy…there’s no class there whatsoever.
I have to admit, this is exactly why I love Ron. He’s great, IMO. Just a normal dude.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
"normal" wouldn't be the word I'd use
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
Haha
Yeah, Ron and normal…not so much. He’s a bit of a goofball.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - March 16, 2009
♫ Because space between the oddballs is so very long ♫
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
FYI
trying to read a book with a golden retriever who’s convinced “go play, i’m reading” means “lets wrestle” is difficult and muddy. But funny.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
what does "let's wrestle" mean? ;-)
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
it means
I’m bored! If you’re not going to play I’m going to sit on your lap so all you can do is pet me!
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Ship your doggie to New York anytime
I have lots of time to pet & play ( WITH DOGS THAT IS)
Doggie Stalker - March 16, 2009
we'd just finished playing ball
not even 10 minutes before. he stopped playing and went to lay down in the shade. so i grabbed my book off the coffee table and sat on the porch. which was apparently not allowed. :-P
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
ahhh.... the anti-MiltonBradley dog...
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
TMI Ron!
Emelie - March 16, 2009
I sometimes wonder if Ron realizes he's on the air
cowsarecool220 - March 16, 2009
bases loaded, no outs
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
top of 4th, RJ up
flachimesa - March 16, 2009
In Bako we bust
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
this is pathetic
Emelie - March 16, 2009
??
Bako do something wrong??
DamonBerryhillsMitt - March 16, 2009
just popped up
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
prompted by the limp popup
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Koyie
Hill.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - March 16, 2009
Doug Deeds Dissapoints
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
or however you spell that!
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
dirty deeds done cheap
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Pat
Do you notice how Pat differs to Ron when there is absolutely no reason to? I love Ron, but sometimes it just feels like Pat has to throw him a bone.
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
defers
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
having spelling difficulties today?
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Jeff Spellcheck...
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
just a bit
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
A lot of PBP guys do that with their analysts
PurpleLineToWrigley - March 16, 2009
Yeah
but thats part of being a team… if you’re dominating the conversation you throw the other guy a bone.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
I get it
but it feels condescending
northofwrigley - March 16, 2009
I'm outta here. This game sucks.
Have a good afternoon everyone. It’s about 74 here in Kansas.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
OT: Because this is a boring game
Title of Sasha Baron Cohen’s next flick:
“Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America For The Purpose Of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable In The Presence Of A Gay Foreigner In A Mesh T-Shirt.”
Emelie - March 16, 2009
for reals?
I loved Da Ali G show.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
for reals
he’s back in the news because he fooled the Alabama National Guard into allowing him to train, etc. They are, needless to say, embarrassed.
Emelie - March 16, 2009
does it have a release date yet/
i haven’t been to see a movie in ages.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
I haven't seen one yet... he must be close though
Emelie - March 16, 2009
sounds good
i’ll have to keep my eye open for it. :-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
July 10
My wife is at SXSW. I’ll ask her to get on this action and score me some swag or something.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
lucky wife! someday I'll get there
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Cohen just debuted new footage at SXSW.
Go to Cinematical and find it. No video but a recap. Spoilers galore but it’s very, very funny.
dtpollitt - March 16, 2009
thanks! I'll look forward to it
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Spooky
I was just reading about this on another tab. Something about it being a “good Deja vu.”
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
Since we're going to go OT
Anyone know a really good baseball book they’d recommend to me? I’m house sitting for a friend next week and need a book to distract me from not having a computer.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
I just got Sweet Lou and the Cubs by George Castle
Al recommended it earlier … covers Lou and the 2008 season… looks like a pretty fast read
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Might have to add that to the list
i need to hit barnes and noble sometime this week.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
This seems like something you'd like...
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
i don't even know
how to respond to this…
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Or check out the stuff this author has written...
Her website.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
yep - lefthanders get all the babes!
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
SWL - can you photoshop Micah and EA's heads on here?
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
If he breaks camp with the team...yeah.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
I own this one
JodyDavis - March 16, 2009
Temptation? The Drifter?
I guess women need a plot. I only need a Victoria Secret catalog :-)
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
I think that man is way too old for her.
santoswoodenlegs - March 16, 2009
I had decided
Not to purchase any books from the weird and crappy little bookstore that moved into the former Shoe Pavilion space, but then I saw a shirtless cowboy kissing a naked baby,
JodyDavis - March 16, 2009
Now why is this guy substituting for Pat again?
Emelie - March 16, 2009
Judd Sirott
nephew of Chicago news/media personality Bob Sirott
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
thanks. what happened to Pat? or is this an audition?
sorry if I missed an earlier convo on it
Emelie - March 16, 2009
i assume its just
pats routine of getting an inning off each game
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
well they need someone to take over for Corey what'shisname (Provus?)
you know, the guy that takes over for an inning, so Pat can go to bathroom, stretch legs, grab a beer, etc.
Not sure if Judd is the guy yet, or if they’re just auditioning.
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Seems he's Corey's replacement
Al and a large majority don’t like him. His voice timbre is very similar to Corey’s and his pacing is comfortable to me. I wouldn’t be mad if he gets the gig.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
I don't mind him
and after listening to some truly awful announcing that other teams have it’s hard to complain
Emelie - March 16, 2009
K thanks
I don’t usually listen to games on the radio… didn’t know the routine.
Emelie - March 16, 2009
First impression is that I dont like him...
but we’ll see. Id rather Pat did the whole game but…
MikeOxbyg - March 16, 2009
OT...tonight
on Sports Nite at 10 p.m. they are interviewing several Cub players and one of them is Geo. ;-)
sue369 - March 16, 2009
I just dont get the excitement around Jeff Spellcheck
Im not trying to be a downer but what puts him on top of the list of pitching prospects Ive neve seen him be very lights out or exciting?
Plz explain, ty :D
Rudey - March 16, 2009
5:00 pm - time for the Simpsons!
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
Meh. That's M-E-H.
They’ve been showing nothing but new—crappy—episodes lately.
Last night’s new episode was particularly annoying.
Watching the last six or seven seasons has been like watching a good friend die a slow and painful death.
Sorry for venting about something so unrelated.
chilango2 - March 16, 2009
you mean like ER? ;-)
except ER was never a good friend of mine. But it has been dying a slow and painful death for a very long time. Almost as bad as the Jimmy Smits character on NYPD Blue…
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
I remember when they were funny
seems like a long time ago.
halfblindcubbiegirl - March 16, 2009
Back on the Tracey Ullman Show?
I agree.
Clutch16 - March 16, 2009
Syndication is your friend
here in Chicago, you can see Simpsons 3x a day during the week. Yes, they’re reruns but from long enough ago that they’re still funny.
ballhawk - March 16, 2009
The game is getting interesting now?
8-6.
zevkalman - March 16, 2009
Wellington Castillo might be a prospect after all
Nice three run homer. 8-6 Brewers.
Qixotl - March 16, 2009
OK, I'll put the radio back on.
How did Marmol throw? Less adventures than last time?
LAcarl519 - March 16, 2009
Was not listening then...
but no hits, one walk, and one K in one inning is a decent line
Qixotl - March 16, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.