We all remember Z's last start in Milwaukee, the no-hitter he threw on September 14, 2008 against the Astros. Z threw well again vs. Houston in his first 2009 start, and now returns to the scene of his greatest triumph. More importantly, the Cubs need the win to even the series with the Brewers.
Bruce Miles returned to the road with the Cubs for this series and recounts this exchange between Lou and a radio reporter yesterday:
Lou Piniella had little patience with a radio reporter's question after the game. Piniella was asked if he thought about walking Corey Hart intentionally in the ninth inning of a tie game with Rickie Weeks on second base and Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder coming up. Hart wound up walking anyway after a wild pitch.
"What are you talking about, walking Hart?" Piniella shot back. "I don't even know what you're talking about. To face Braun and Fielder? You manage that way, you'll be fired about a month into the season."
Well, this is what we discussed at length in the recap last night. While Lou might be right about intentionally passing Hart, once Hart did walk, I think walking Braun was a no-brainer, to set up a force at every base. You can argue about whether Braun's grounder could have been a DP ball (I say no, because Ryan Theriot's momentum was taking him away from second base), but while both Braun and Fielder are powerful hitters, Fielder's a much easier DP possibility given his lack of speed.
Anyway, it's done. Onward; will some of the regulars get a day off today or tomorrow? Lou's thinking about it. Maybe all you Micah Hoffpauir fans will get to see him today, although he's 0-for-2 in his career vs. today's Milwaukee starter, Dave Bush.
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Aramis Ramirez (.320, 3 doubles, 3 HR) and Alfonso Soriano (.320, 1 HR) like to feast off Dave Bush. In fact, the entire Cubs team likes to hit him -- he had a 6.10 ERA against the Cubs in 2008, and they beat him twice.
Prince Fielder is 9-for-28 with a homer off Z, but other than Fielder, oddly, the Brewer who hits Z the best is his former catcher, Jason Kendall (10-for-33, .303, all singles). Ryan Braun is 5-for-16 vs. Carlos. All told, he allowed Milwaukee only one run in 21 innings over three 2008 starts (a 0.43 ERA).
Today's game is on broadcast TV in the Milwaukee area (WMLW, Ch. 41), on CSN Chicago, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter. Don't be fooled by the Mediacenter listings: it says WGN, but that's wrong. It also says that the regional Fox-TV games are being carried by the respective regional cable outlets, but that's also wrong. Seems they still haven't worked out the bugs.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 132 comments
Hopefully the Cubs win today
Don’t get a better pitching matchup.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
I love the ERA comparison...
sanantonecub - April 11, 2009
Seems like we should be able to get this one
The offense should be able to feast today.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Yes, but
Bush has much the better K/BB ratio ;)
simonuk - April 11, 2009
I'll be staying up for some reason
To watch this one… starts midnight my time. Not on AFN unfortunately but that’s what MLB.tv is for…
sanantonecub - April 11, 2009
Question for those better at stats
We were trying to figure out if pickoffs to second base are successful more than they end up being thrown into center field.
Can anybody point me toward a study that might calculate that?
nji232 - April 11, 2009
no reason we should not win this one
plus I ahve family there (cousins who are Brewer fans) so i canot think of a better say to say I love my cousins, then to mix a little Cubbie Victory in with it.
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
Wow...
Jason Bay just made a fantastic juggling catch on the warning track to retire Hunter in LAA…..
sanantonecub - April 11, 2009
I'm stuck with the Cardinals game
They are getting really lucky so far.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
i'm subjected to a
‘non-league’ game.
twins @ chisox
tim815 - April 11, 2009
Mr. Twitter reports
Same old lineup as usual
Soriano, dome, lee, bradley, aramis, fontenot, riot, hill, z
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Bored with the lineup already?
:-P
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
no
I meant to make a quote of the tweet, which was
But then I changed my mind for no real reason.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Just razzin' ya
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
Two things I am hoping for tonight:
1) 7 solid innings out of Z, and
2) early and solid offense from the Cubs (some nice RISP-action would help!).
These two things should allow Lou to use Patton and Guzman to mop up (or maybe even Marshall) and give the regulars in the bullpen some rest.
Am I asking too much?
LAcarl519 - April 11, 2009
I would also ask for Hoffpauir to bat instead of Miles
When we need to drive a run in late in the game.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Well if my "wish list" comes true
we won’t be in that tight of a game tonight. :-)
LAcarl519 - April 11, 2009
WGN Radio Feed
Does anyone know if the braintrust at MLB.com has figured out the WGN Audio feed on Gameday Audio yet? I tried yesterday at the beginning of the game and got nothing but silence.
TXCubsFan - April 11, 2009
i had a message that said audio would be available later....
MinnesotaFan - April 11, 2009
Same here....
Living outside of the US I rely on MLB.Com and this always happens every year…. Normally everything gets figured out about 2 weeks into the season but there’s a lot of cursing from my end until that happens
kiwibob - April 11, 2009
they should discount the season when it happens
instead of charging for what you didn’t receive
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
Yes they should
Trouble is “they” don’t seem to give a toss about their customers….
Strange business model but “they” obviously seem to think it all works out for them….
And sadly “I” have no recourse other than to shout at strangers in the street
kiwibob - April 11, 2009
as long as people continue to buy it
they will continue on with their crappy customer service
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
Its a monopoly
total market control means the consumer gets screwed
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
The blog is funny....
Have you read the MLB “discussion” blog thing….. comparing the comments that customers make to the respones by mlbsupport is pretty funny…..
kiwibob - April 11, 2009
True...
Although wouldn’t more buy it if it was brilliant?
kiwibob - April 11, 2009
liriano is walking in back to back runs as the white sux beat up on the twinkies
MinnesotaFan - April 11, 2009
Great wasn't it?
And how about the pitching by Large Bart?
GO-GO-WHITE-SOX!
DrCrawdad - April 11, 2009
I admit
I didn’t think Colon had anything left in the tank. He pitched very well today.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
LARGE BART
Not the same flame-thrower but a very strong outing today. For all the talk about how he was a bad signing, check his numbers last year – he did pretty well in limited action. Then had elbow surgery.
Contreras wasn’t great last night but he was not at fault for the fire, it was the Sox BP which as I said earlier here may very well be the Sox real trouble this season.
DrCrawdad - April 11, 2009
Pujols launches a bomb into big mac land
Grand slam to make it 6-0. Former closer Jason Motte now pitching in the sixth, and he gives up some hard hit balls.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
That experiment lasted long...
Curtain Jerker - April 11, 2009
Why do teams pitch to him?
Walk him, even with the bases loaded.
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
Just thinking the same thing
Why on earth do you let the best player beat you?
:glares at Lou:
Can’t believe we didn’t walk Braun yesterday
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
Agreed.
But… it’s done. Let’s win this one.
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
I know
I just wish I could believe Lou learned something from that.
At least Z goes tonight. Hopefully he can build off the strength of his last start.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
As a coach, I ordered an IBB to a stud hitter with the bases loaded
We were leading 4-1. My pitcher called time, came over to talk to me, said he wanted to challenge the guy, we lost 5-4 on a grand slam.
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
I wonder what the pitcher said
and if anyone ever second-guessed your calls ever again.
Curtain Jerker - April 11, 2009
The MLB.Com
Media Center site keeps giving me some message on games being subject to a “national blackout.” I’m hoping that isn’t going to apply to Cubs game tonight…anybody know what the deal is with that?
OmahaCub - April 11, 2009
Games that start after 7 pm ET are not subject to the blackout.
Thus, the Cubs game is not affected.
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
Nice!
Thanks for the heads up Al, I appreciate it.
OmahaCub - April 11, 2009
On just Saturday Al, the weekend or every day?
Zeke - April 11, 2009
Probably just applies to FOX blackouts on Saturday
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
Correct!
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
OK. Thanks.
Zeke - April 11, 2009
More twitter updates
We really have some catching injury issues right now.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
(cues the Blanco fan club)
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
except that blanco would have had the messed up toe instead
since he would have been the one batting.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Sheesh.
Hill’s not going to have any limbs left at this rate.
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
Why do I have this "National Lampoon" image of the limbless frog on the wheeled cart in my mind?
Zeke - April 11, 2009
'Tis but a flesh wound!
Clutch16 - April 11, 2009
And cue
reason 9011 why I’m not a catcher.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
Is that reason # 90210?
Zeke - April 11, 2009
Um no
I hated that show and everyone on it.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
My wife liked it. Never saw the allure myself. It was a soap...
Zeke - April 11, 2009
Did he hurt the toe when he slammed the ball into the ground?
j/k
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
hit the toe with the ball?
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
That's what I'm asking
Hi Tim
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
did he kick it after throwing it to the ground?
Hiya Flachimesa
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
Hank White?
Best catcher this side of the Mississip. (Which side is that again?)
OmahaCub - April 11, 2009
Well good evening ladies and gents
I’m back from Florida and raring to post with yall
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
Welcome aboard sir and or madam. Would you like a hot towel with your beverage and canape?
Zeke - April 11, 2009
and///or, hmm well that would definitely be an interesting combination
That would be lovely
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
This isn't my table, but I'll let the steward know...
Zeke - April 11, 2009
Indeed.
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
howdy
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
welcome home
are you freezing yet?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
eh, well its a bit nipply...erm nippy at home right now but it's all good
I’m finally able to watch a game!
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
Where in Florida?
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
the panhandle
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
Panama City?
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
well closer to Destin
It’s a very nice area
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
I was raised in Panama City.
Also lived in Ft Walton (Eglin AFB). Destin is in between the two. Gorgeous beaches.
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
Wow Pujols drills another one
3-run homer this time. 2HR 7RBI game.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
we play them next week?
Right?
Great. So glad he’s heated up.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
Let him get it all out of his system now.
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
As long as its not contagious
He’s the only one who scares me in that lineup… but if whatever is in his system spreads….
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
This latest homer wasn't off a real good pitcher
A random Astro lefty who was in the game to eat the inning. The Cardinals can do no wrong today anyway.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Pujols sure loves drilling balls
NittanyCub - April 11, 2009
TWSS (sorry)
Zeke - April 11, 2009
too easy..
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
Like a 6" put
Zeke - April 11, 2009
mmhmm
Chanman25 - April 11, 2009
blackout?
so i’m in madison and i thought for sure i’d get to watch the game but i don’t get the milwaukee station that it’s on (i have charter). i’m assuming that i’ll still get blacked out on EI (free trial)? i’ve been debating getting mlb.tv.. wouldn’t that get blacked out too though?
illinicubgirl - April 11, 2009
You should get it on the EI free trial...
… but I wouldn’t swear to that. Anyone else know?
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
i think they blackout by zip code..
and i’m assuming all of wisconsin would get blacked out then.. this is so frustrating..
illinicubgirl - April 11, 2009
Yabbut...
… on the free preview, you shouldn’t be blacked out. Again… could be wrong. You’ll just have to turn on the TV to find out.
Al Yellon - April 11, 2009
yeah
I have some hope still. but I won’t know until 6:10..
illinicubgirl - April 11, 2009
I think the game is on MLB Network
Don’t know if you get that or not.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
The Cubs game is on the MLB Network?!
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
nope
i just checked..
illinicubgirl - April 11, 2009
Thanks
Had my hopes up there for a second
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
Don't know if you have DirecTV
But I have a channel 214 here that lists the Cubs game and a 214-1. The label is MLB right below the MLB network.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Are you talking about the Extra Innings package?
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
no
its the same as NFL and NHL Network
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
So, the MLB Network
the one with Harold Reynolds?
I’m at school doing homework, but was going to head home if there is a Cubs game playing on TV. So this is important lol
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
correct
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
it also took Pleasac from CSN
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
What TV service do you have?
nji232 - April 11, 2009
Comcast
In St. Paul, MN
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
I don't know if its worth the trip
For it maybe not being on TV.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
I was sent to the EI channels anyway
So the whole thing was a giant DirecTV lie to me.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
No those are in the 700s
There is another channel right below MLBNetwork that says the Cubs-Brewers is on it.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
CH 214
is labeled with todays game and todays date, so it is possible it will be on there
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
Yeah thats what I was talking about
It might be an MLB alternate maybe? I don’t know what it is but it says Cubs-Brewers.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
lucky for me, i have CSN on my DTV
even tho I am in Texas……
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
tomorrow
it won’t be an issue cuz it’s on espn. but even better.. i’ll be at the game. :)
illinicubgirl - April 11, 2009
Easiest way to ensure seeing the game
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
not fair!
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
We used to get all the regional networks
But they were blacking out all the actual sporting events so we got rid of it.
nji232 - April 11, 2009
I have posted a trick before
about how to get around it.
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
I'll need to get that from you later
Sounds like an excellent trick
nji232 - April 11, 2009
whats your email?
Cubbie-Tim - April 11, 2009
I think you're out of range to get Cubs games
but since they’re playing Milwaukee, you’ll probably get blacked out.
There are other alternatives to viewing, but these are things which BCB does not speak of.
NittanyCub - April 11, 2009
just in case..
I think it’s ok to email me with alternatives, right? kelbel582 AT gmail.com
I really don’t want to miss this game… but I also don’t feel like going to a bar with all the brewers fans..
illinicubgirl - April 11, 2009
And here I thought U of I alum didn't know how to use e-mail : D
I keed, I keed. Sending one your way
NittanyCub - April 11, 2009
OT: Great seats released for Cubs home opener
Just pulled 4 tickets just to the OF side of the Cubs dugout. Section 9 Row 8.
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
Nice
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
It's a shame I already have 4 seats in 204, Row 18
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
I am officially addicted to MLB Network HD.
All day long they’ve been running these World Series highlight shows. Caught the 1945 Cubs v. Tigers episode earlier. The Cubs really put it on the Tigers in that first game. Too bad it didn’t last. Great TV series though.
Goodie1969 - April 11, 2009
OT: Papelbon struggling in 9th vs Angels
Bot 9th, 5-4, runners at 1st and 2nd, 1 out
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
Considered one of the best closers in the game
Papelbon just loaded the bases with a walk.
2 outs.
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
That's why he's one of the best
37 pitches, bases loaded, saves the game 5-4
flachimesa - April 11, 2009
Must be a good feeling as a fan
I would imagine
DTJchris - April 11, 2009
Can we JUMP yet?
sanantonecub - April 11, 2009
What, no role call?
Zeke - April 11, 2009
dan usually does it in the first pitch thread
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 11, 2009
are we there yet?
Zeke - April 11, 2009
Game on lets do this
nji232 - April 11, 2009
wow. Nextdef makes a big diff on MLB.TV
Emelie - April 11, 2009
Yup...
sanantonecub - April 11, 2009
Noone gave me a jump link :(
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/4/11/830673/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-brewers#comments
sanantonecub - April 11, 2009
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