Before today, the last time I had been in Wrigley Field for a professional sporting event was on January 1 for the NHL Winter Classic.
Trust me on this one. The weather was better then than it was today. Today was my 28th consecutive home opener (and 33rd home opener overall), and while we've had colder ones (the 32-degree opener on April 8, 2003, for one), and wet ones (last year's drizzly loss to the Brewers), the combination of cold -- 36 degrees; a strong wind -- in from right field (what else is new in Chicago in April?); and rain and drizzle that never did stop, the conditions in which today's game was played may have been the most miserable that I can remember for an opener. (The game we dubbed the "Typhoon Game" in 2003 might have been the only one I can think of that was worse.) In fact, had this not been the home opener, I suspect the game would have been called around noon (not to mention that tomorrow's forecast isn't much better); it never did stop drizzling and Ted Lilly said in his postgame press comments, "It's very difficult to pitch under these conditions."
Difficult, maybe, but Lilly made things look easy for six and two-thirds innings, allowing only one baserunner in that time (Chris Iannetta's third-inning walk), before Garrett Atkins hit a soft single between Mike Fontenot at third and Ryan Theriot at short. That was it -- Angel Guzman, Aaron Heilman and Kevin Gregg finished up with only a couple more walks, never really being in danger, and the Cubs had a 4-0 home-opener win over the Rockies, their first home-opener win in three years. Lilly got two outs closer to a no-hitter today than he did last September 15 at Milwaukee vs. the Astros, where Mark Loretta broke up his bid with nobody out in the 7th.
Conditions being what they were, the Cubs had to play small-ball; Lilly contributed at the plate, too, drawing a walk, laying down a nice sacrifice bunt and putting his body on the line with a takeout slide on what might have been an inning-ending double-play ball. Lilly's slide forced Rockies 2B Jeff Baker to make an errant throw to first that got past Todd Helton and allowed Theriot to score the Cubs' second run. It also prolonged the inning; a walk and a single later, the Cubs had their third run.
It was also nice to see Derrek Lee hit the ball with authority today; his first hit, a double, was smacked on the nose and the single was perfectly placed. Those who continue to say Lee needs to be demoted in the lineup, quite frankly, need to see Lee play more than seven games before making decisions like this.
Little nagging injuries forced one lineup change today: Aramis Ramirez showed up with a stiff back, so Fontenot played third. (I'm guessing A-Ram wasn't too unhappy not having to play under the horrible conditions today, and Fontenot did a fine job, including catching a couple of popups in foul ground with drizzle in his eyes.) Milton Bradley's out for three games or so, according to Lou's postgame comments, and Geovany Soto should be ready to start on Wednesday, when weather conditions should be more baseball-like, and remind us less of January.
One change at the ballpark today: bleacher season ticket holders and Cubs Club "marquee" members now enter through a "VIP" entrance in the RF corner on Sheffield. This is because the Cubs have re-opened the ticket windows on Waveland opposite the firehouse for "day of game" sales. It's not the usual day-of-game sales, though; you must enter the park right after you buy your ticket and you can only buy one. Thus, if your group has four people in it and you all want tickets from this window, all four have to be in this line. There was a steady stream of people buying tickets at these windows and going in even up to the delayed game time at 2:30, so for anyone who wants to take a shot at last-minute tickets, it appears that you might have a good chance to get some from these windows.
There's a lot to like about the Cubs' 5-2 start, even though there have been shaky bullpen performances and some nagging little injuries. The Cubs are playing like the team they were last year, confident of victory but not overconfident, with a different hero each day. This is something to build on... after a well-deserved off day tomorrow. (Maybe we'll all be thawed out by then.)
Wrigley Field as it appeared today at the scheduled starting time, 1:20 pm CDT. Photo by Al
0 recs | 209 comments
Man, I love Lilly....
zevkalman - April 13, 2009
As far as starting pitchers go he is my fav
Madison Cub Fan - April 13, 2009
Great start to the season, 5-2
and we are currently tied for the division lead too, which is good. Nice to see Zambrano and Lilly producing, now hopefully Dempster can rebound from his last start. I’m excited about Marshall’s start though..
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
+1
Except… Marshall’s start will officially move him out of the bullpen… and I’m not so confident in our pen right now (Marmol and Marshall aside).
SackMan - April 13, 2009
good start 5-2 with two road series wins
great start is 7-0.
Now they have to get settled tomorrow and come back on Wednesday and record their first sweep.
Ivy Walls - April 13, 2009
To me... it's a great start.
We opened up on the road against two division rivals, and won both series. Last year, we were under .500 on the road, until late in August.
SackMan - April 13, 2009
I would say 5-2 is a great start
7-0 would be otherworldly.
You must be impossible to please.
Not Bruce Froemming - April 13, 2009
I agree
sue369 - April 13, 2009
+1
daver - April 14, 2009
Yeah, if Lou would only listen to us and change the batting order,
we’d be 7-0 now. Who does he think he is, the manager?
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
Yeah
Because Lou reads BCB everyday.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 13, 2009
or if he just quit, it might help, too.
Bill Potter - April 13, 2009
D-Lee haters calling for a demotion...
Are out of their minds. He is still a vacuum out there at first, and he’ll still put up some respectable offensive numbers (albeit not 2005 numbers). Now moving him down in the line-up is a different story…
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
you can't demote him
which destroys that post
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
exactly
and I do agree he should be moved from the 3 spot CubsBullsBears
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
Give him more time
Gosh, you guys act like you’ve never seen someone slump before.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 13, 2009
I said last season he should bat 2nd
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
Second?
That won’t make much of a difference, of course in my opinion. Why second though?
wrigleyrocker12 - April 13, 2009
ARam is arguable the best hitter, and should be 3
Soriano leads off, so with Lee behind Sori, he should see more fastballs, and Lee does make contact still (hits or not). It is a lot like Sandberg was in the 2 spot
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
He is the best hitter
But Lou will never do that move, nor should it be done. slump slump slump
wrigleyrocker12 - April 13, 2009
2nd tis the WORST spot in the batting order for D-Lee
with the increase in ground balls he has hit.
cowsarecool220 - April 13, 2009
he would see more fastballs I bet with Aram behind him hitting 3
which would help that. and with Soriano showing renewed speed, i think it would be a good fit in the 2 hole IMO
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
yeah yeah yeah i know
TWSS….let me beat y’all to it
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
How'd all those fast balls work out for Lee last year?
I’m pretty sure Ramirez hit behind Lee for most of last year so I don’t think that’s the answer.
Whatever is holding Lee back now would happen regardless of if he hit 2ns, 3rd, or 7th. Derrek Lee is a pro – given enough time, I’m sure he’ll figure out what’s wrong and either rebound to hit like the Derrek Lee we all know or Lou will see enough to make a change.
ballhawk - April 14, 2009
Demote him...
As in relegating him to the bench with Hoffpauir playing everyday.
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
PUKE
drewishdrewid - April 14, 2009
Just wait until KOW sees this...
daver - April 14, 2009
oh boy....
sue369 - April 14, 2009
pardon me, but...
what the hell are you talking about? No one’s suggesting sending him to Iowa, just getting him out of the slot traditionally reserved for the team’s best hitter – when he hasn’t been for a while.
Gibbon Jockey - April 13, 2009
I'm refering to this Fanpost...
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/4/13/833885/it-is-time-to-demote-d-lee
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
He's suggesting
The Cubs move him in the order, not to Iowa.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 13, 2009
Lol...
When the hell did anyone mention Iowa? There are people calling for Hoff to start in place of Lee, I would consider that a demotion.
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
I see
I think you take the Hoff-power talk too seriously. Most of it is in jest – well, at least that’s how I take it. I don’t think anyone’s suggesting taking his glove out of the lineup, rather moving him out of the part of the lineup that’s traditionally reserved for the club’s best hitter – a position he hasn’t been able to hold down for much longer than 7 games now……
Gibbon Jockey - April 13, 2009
In jest... No. It's not.
There are really people out there who thing Hoff should start in place of Lee, on this board and all over the talk radio shows.
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
In all seriousness
Does benching Lee in favor of Hoff-power legitimately sound like a good idea? Even the simplest of baseball noobs would find that an odd conclusion to reach.
Take those cries as either sarcasm or ignorance. Either way, it doesn’t matter.
Gibbon Jockey - April 13, 2009
You think too highly of people...
Of course it’s a ridiculous idea, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people supporting that idea. But you’re right, it’ll never happen and it doesn’t matter.
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
i see no problem with Hoff spelling Dlee
once every 4 or 5 games
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
We won 97 games last year with Lee in the #3 hole in 154 games. BR lineup listings here. I know our lineup isn’t the same with DeRosa gone and GameBoard here, but obviously something worked in 2008 with the #3 hitter.
Dan
dtpollitt - April 13, 2009
Exactly. Thanks Danny. Your #4 should be arriving shortly...
Jimmyeatworld - April 13, 2009
With Soriano batting
leadoff, I like a high OBP guy batting second (Theriot, Fukudome)
The only thing I would consider is moving the 3,4,5 guys around
3. Milton
4. Aramis
5 .Derrek
But Lou is smarter than me so I will defer to his judgment
bheidge - April 13, 2009
Let's See
Lee batting 5….I feel this could work
Bpatterson83 - April 13, 2009
We got Bradley...
so we could alternate LH and RH as much as possible.
Kansas25 - April 13, 2009
doubtful he stays healthy!!!!
Bpatterson83 - April 13, 2009
Do tell.
daver - April 14, 2009
Lilly
looked like he had amazing command even with the crappy weather. I am being happily proven wrong about D. Lee and Kosuke not playing up to the potential. Hope D. Lee can keep up his strong April and continue it through the season
jkobus - April 13, 2009
Lots of good things today
Derrek lee with a nice 2-3 performence.
Kevin Gregg with a scoreless outing, but no save.
Bradley only out for 3 games
Geo back wednesday
Any update on Rammy?
wrigleyrocker12 - April 13, 2009
Don't forget...
Fukudome still hitting the ball and showing patience at the plate.
CubsBullsBears - April 13, 2009
On TV it looked absolutely
crappy! I’ve been there when it’s been cold but probably not like today. Let’s wait for a month or so to challenge dropping guys in the order, dumping them, trading them or DFA’ing them.
mrcubsfan - April 13, 2009
even with a good groin
i would have benched Bradley in this weather
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
agreed.
…and TWSS?? (i know it’s a stretch)
bikemonkey - April 13, 2009
PASS
Madison Cub Fan - April 13, 2009
DENIED
daver - April 14, 2009
Only seven games into the season, yet there are 5 memorable games
Soriano’s jack to start off the season
Fukudome’s monster game
Soriano’s HR in the 9th to win a game we had no business winning
RJ’s spectacular catch
Lilly’s near no hit bid
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
Only 155 to play
we’ll have many, many more highlights! but you’re right, magical start.
mrcubsfan - April 13, 2009
I couldn't really tell you which is my favorite of all
But Soriano’s blast against Milwaukee was oh so sweet to put us ahead
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
RJ might steal the pick for me
that one had huge implications
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
Good point, Chan.
Lots of memories already. Soriano’s homers, Dome’s hot start, Reed’s catch (that I’m certain will end up on the MLB highlight reel—how often does a play from game #5 end up on that list?!), and Lilly’s great start.
Al, I wasn’t around on your old site for the Typhoon game, but I think you have referenced it here on BCB over the past few years. The weather looked real bad on WGN. We are atop the Central right now, with the Cards @ D-Backs tonight. Oh, and don’t forget…Marquis @ Harden on Wednesday!! Think the crowd will give Jason a few claps? I’d like to think so.
Dan
dtpollitt - April 13, 2009
hopefully
Marquis did what he was suppose to do as our fifth starter.
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
Marquis was booed roundly when introduced today.
That surprised me. The only nice round of applause, among the Rockies, was for Glenallen Hill. I guess that Glendon Rusch got a hand too. Everyone seemed oddly silent when Baylor was introduced, as if trying to decide whether to boo or clap…or maybe that was just me.
LaddieRenfroe - April 13, 2009
I don't get why we would boo Jason.
He seems liek a good guy and was more than a serviceable #5. Oh well.
dtpollitt - April 13, 2009
Yeah...
…it’s not like he was a latter-day Farnsworth.
LaddieRenfroe - April 13, 2009
He's a traitor and a member of the rebel alliance. Now take him away!
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
heard that on the broadcast as well
Marquis laughed it off, but I think it reflected poorly on the fans. Marquis did everything he was asked to do while a cub. It’s not like he demanded that inflated salary from Hendry.
Gibbon Jockey - April 13, 2009
+1
bad taste. Might have been the best fifth starter we have ever had. Very serviceable. No time on the DL and pitched whenever asked.
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
only problem was that silly
NY accent
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
whachootalkinbout, Willis???
drewishdrewid - April 14, 2009
good point
I never cared for Marquis but for a fifth starter he ate up innings and for the most part played his role.
Bpatterson83 - April 13, 2009
Booing Marquis is ridiculous.
slocs55 - April 14, 2009
The sad truth is that there are a lot of crappy Cubs fans
dr stabbingworth - April 14, 2009
too many cannot get over his contract
and that he was a Cardinal. Personally, i wanted to keep him, he was a good #5
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
The "ex-Cardinal" thing makes no sense to me.
Marquis did his job while he was here. We had no trouble embracing Edmonds last year. Frankly, I don’t care what other team anyone plays for before he’s a Cub, as long as he produces in the blue pinstripes.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
I agree
but many complain about stupid little things like that
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
I really don't think the ex-cardinal thing was really a factor. I think a lot of people
were upset at his attitude in ST last year. He intimated that he didn’t want to go to the bullpen even though he probably didn’t beat out Marshall for the fifth spot. That along with the amount of his contract really rubbed people the wrong way.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
That was a tempest in a teapot, I think.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
So do I, but for some reason people seem to fixate on things like that. A lot of people
are resentful of highly paid athletes if they are not humble enough. It’s like “You’re getting paid millions of dollars and you should be damn grateful!” I think it’s kind of silly.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
More of a
mountain out of a molehill
CyberCyclist - April 13, 2009
I think we can sneak a few more cliches in on this one.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
We should avoid cliches like the plague
DTJchris - April 13, 2009
an apple a day...
oh nevermind
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
I agree
I thought the boo birds were wrong. I think the man did a decent job in the role he was in while with the Cubs. I clapped, but not many others.
wild bill - April 14, 2009
I had to clap for Glenallen Hill.
He was awesome.
I booed Marquis because of the whole “I need to provide for my family” bull that he tried giving the team in spring training last year. I haven’t been able to respect him since then because that was a complete lie.
Keith - April 13, 2009
He never said that.
He said he wanted to start, and while his attitude about that and the way he went about it was wrong, he did later settle it up with Lou.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
+1
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
Ehh
""So as much as I want to be here in Chicago — I love it, I love the fans, I love the stadium — I also have a family to worry about, too. I think I can take my services elsewhere if that’s the case and I can help another team, in that capacity as a starter."
Still don’t respect the guy.
Keith - April 13, 2009
I don't see "provide for my family" in that quote.
He was under contract at the time, and still is. Don’t see how that morphs into what you’re trying to make of it, i.e. saying he needs more money.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
I'm sorry I didn't get the quote exactly right.
But I still don’t like Jason Marquis either way. Is there something wrong with that?
Keith - April 13, 2009
Not at all.
You & I disagree. I think Marquis did as he was asked here. Was he overpaid for that? Sure, but the alternative — having a crappy fifth starter — would have been worse.
Al Yellon - April 14, 2009
He made a useful
pinch runner ontop of being one of the better 5th starters in the league
gwood - April 14, 2009
I liked having the extra pop in the bottom of the order, too
Clutch16 - April 14, 2009
In addition
The entire thing bothered me. The fact that someone would whine about going to the bullpen to me is incredibly immature because Marquis is (presumably) making more money than he should be earning through following his passion in life. If you’re 29 years old and making 9.75 million a year, you should not be whining about pitching in the freaking bullpen.
Keith - April 13, 2009
Now, on THAT...
… I would agree with you.
Al Yellon - April 14, 2009
One last thing.
If you want to talk about getting quotes wrong, I would suggest that you look at your signature. Just sayin’.
Keith - April 13, 2009
Well that I got,
but my jaw dropped when Kevin Gregg was LOUDLY booed in the introductions. Tacky, and terribly premature, if you ask me.
Damen Jackson - April 13, 2009
+1
redward - April 13, 2009
Yeah, that was not good.
sue369 - April 13, 2009
its insulting to Cub nation IMO
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
Boos for Lee Smith in 1987
I remember Lee Smith getting booed way back in 1987 after he had blown some saves. I knew the Cubs wanted to trade him, but why did they trade him for Al Nipper and Calvin Schiraldi? I wish they had gotten Bob Welch for him. Oh, BTW, Smith had the best years of his career in St. Louis in the early 1990’s, when the Cubs didn’t have a dependable closer. If Lee Smith can get booed in Chicago, you know Kevin Gregg can.
memphiscub - April 14, 2009
Even the Cards fans booed Mott on opening day
I think the state of sports is changing, and it’s for the worse.
dr stabbingworth - April 14, 2009
OT: Tampa destroying Yanks
9-0 after three innings.
Good.
DTJchris - April 13, 2009
Certainly have to like the Starting Pitching
Of course we had outstanding SP last year and it only goes so far in the playoffs if the offense doesn’t perform. Lilly didn’t even get a turn in the rotation in the playoffs last year. Was today the first Cubs pitcher to go past 6 inn?
BeltwayCubsFan - April 13, 2009
I am really impressed with the win today
It is tough to win a ballgame without one of your most dangerous hitters in the lineup. It is hard to win a game without two of them in your lineup it is damn near impossible to win three of them out of the lineup. i like this team a lot. I really like Reed Johnson and I think Ruff Ryder Lilly is one of the most under-rated signings. He is won what 34 ball games over the past two + years. Just wow. I am really impressed with this team.
The bullpen still makes me nervous. I dont think lou ttrusts Greg. But kerry struggeled early last year also. Dont forget that.
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
What makes you think Lou doesn't trust Greg. Could it be the profanity-laced
tirades that come spewing from his mouth every time Greg walks a batter?
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
Something like that
or the pacing. Lou really fricking hates relievers. I dont really understand why….But i kind of cracked up the other night when Larry made the change. Cuz i had never seen that before
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
I think that was Lou trying to save himself and Cotts. If he had gone to the mound, I know
he would have lost it. That would have be a sight to see.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
true
kinda embarassing to be ejected for assaulting your own pitcher
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
especially at someone else ball park
Madison Cub Fan - April 13, 2009
Lou didn't go get Gregg off the mound...
Cause the Umps would have taken the baseball bat from him and tossed him…
Lou looked like he wanted to chew through the railing…
Endrick - April 14, 2009
One of our most dangerous in the lineup?
We were missing 3 of our 4 most dangerous in the lineup: GameBoard, Aramis, and Soto.
dtpollitt - April 13, 2009
Read the entire post.
It will answer your question.
muehlman - April 13, 2009
OT: I dont know if anyone caught this
but Daniel Cabrera of the Nationals struck out today in his one and only At Bat. He is now in his career 0-17 17 K. My roomate who i s an orioles fan claims that he has only seen him make contact once. This could be an epic streak folks
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
is he a lefty?
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
a six foot nine right hander.. He appearently loows worse with a bat in his hand then lilly and marshall combined
keep an eye on this
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
WOW
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
Yea its unfreakingbelievable
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
maybe we need a Cabrera-0-Meter
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
We need it I am telling you. An ot cabrera meter.
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
He cant even lay bunts down
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
He layed down a sac bunt in 2006 vs. Braves' Chuck James
otherwise, he’s struck out every other plate appearance.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL200606300.shtml
Top of the 5th, Orioles Batting, Behind 0-2
flachimesa - April 13, 2009
Wow good research.
I had read something by jayson stark that he never did that
fischisgod - April 14, 2009
The Nat's are 0-7
Well we had Detroit in the NFL go 0-16, I see the potential here…
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
They got Dunn though
he could probably help the Lions too
bheidge - April 13, 2009
Good point!
cowsarecool220 - April 13, 2009
Dusty will manage them to a win
when he mismanages the bullpen vs the Nats
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
with how poorly and pathetic their team plays
I honestly don’t see them winning a game until the Marlins series this weekend..at the earliest..
Chanman25 - April 13, 2009
Al, Can you explain the Day of Game Ticket sales thing again
Does that make the ticket windows out by the marquee pointless on gameday? Do we go to those booths for standing room only tickets. Oh and this is for everyone: How much are SRO tickets now? I used to do it all the time but then I started actually getting seats. That limits my choices of marquee games. For some reason I remember them being 12-15 bucks a couple years ago. I haven’t done it in awhile however.
Oh…and go Cubs.
TkGoUWGB - April 13, 2009
I'm not sure, honestly.
I had this explained to me by someone else. Try calling the Cubs and asking.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
Same as last year
They just moved the day of game ticket windows from Sheffield to Waveland. The new Captain Morgan club now covers the entrance that people used when purchasing day of game tickets. There is now a “Cubs Premium Ticket Booth” where the box office used to be on Sheffield. Pretty scamy if you ask me.
Day of game tickets haven’t been sold at Clark & Addison windows for a few years.
stucook - April 14, 2009
Premium Booth
The Premium Ticket Booth has been there for two years at least….
tallCubbie - April 14, 2009
I was confused by two things...
1. Why the game didn’t start at the scheduled 1:20 time…having sat down in my seat at about 12:45, the weather wasn’t any worse then than it was at 2:30. At a few points after 3, during the early innings, it seemed to be raining harder than it had been before the game started. Maybe they were waiting to see a forecast or something but saving us an hour of sitting in that crap would’ve been nice.
2. Why they persisted with the player introduction ceremony. Yes, it’s opening day, baseball’s equivalent of a wedding reception, but in light of the weather, I wish they’d just gotten down to business. Clapping for Rockies coach Glenallen Hill was nice, but the pleasure was outweighed by the pain from my freezing feet (forgot to wear two pair of socks).
It didn’t help that it was an interminable game. Jimenez went 3-2 on every hitter…he’d thrown over 90 pitches before getting an out in the fourth, despite having only given up a single run. He would work very quickly with no runners on base but then slow down to crawl when a runner reached. The people sitting around me were discussing whether or not Steve Trachsel would’ve worked quicker…not a big deal in mid-July but in today’s weather, it was awful. On top of that, despite pitching well, Lilly worked a lot of deep counts too.
LaddieRenfroe - April 13, 2009
They did the player introductions while they were still getting the field ready for play.
cowsarecool220 - April 13, 2009
Right.
It took them a LONG time to squeegee the water off the field after they had dumped it off the tarp. Maybe you missed that.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
I watched them remove the tarp...
…then push the water into the drain tiles behind the infield, on the left-field side. The field-prep took place before the player introductions and while that process is both necessary and time-consuming, I have to wonder why it didn’t begin earlier.
LaddieRenfroe - April 13, 2009
Starting Pitchers
It takes the starting pitchers 30 to 35 minutes to warm up prior to the beginning of the game. So as soon as they make a decision that the weather will allow the game to start – you need to figure the game will start about 40 minutes later.
Also, they will not get the starting pitchers warmed up until they are sure they can get the game started.
tallCubbie - April 14, 2009
Great game today!!!!
I liked the 7th inning stretch today. Did they skip God Bless America? I thought they sang it @ all parks on Opening Day.
Also, Sutcliffe seemed stone cold sober today. I thought for sure he’d have a few beers in him by the stretch
calicubfan - April 13, 2009
Sutcliffe drinks?
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
That game in San Diego when they had to cut his mic was classic!
I think he spent that day on a golf course w/ Bill Murray if I recall correctly.
calicubfan - April 13, 2009
Given Lilly's near no-hitter last year
and today’s near no-hitter that he’s due for the real deal before the end of this season.
Emelie - April 13, 2009
That'd be way cool.
I like Lilly and the bulldog attitude. Best third starter in the game, I’d say.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
+1
He’s worth every penny he makes. He doesn’t have the greatest stuff in the game, but he knows how to pitch. If you give him a lead, he very rarely loses it. He may give up a dinger or two, but knows that you have to keep guys off the bases when you have a lead. He’s a great front-running pitcher. Ted Lilly is a real professional out there. I enjoy watching him compete and I am glad the Cubs got him.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
+2
puckishcubsfan - April 13, 2009
We (his glove and Molina)
know what kind of competitor he is. I really like seeing that kind of fire and attitude out of the players on my favorite teams.
He is worth every penny that the Cubs signed him to. I am very happy that Hendry was willing to disregard his health to get Lilly signed.
gwood - April 14, 2009
Z teased us for a long time
Then we finally got one
nji232 - April 13, 2009
I would love
to see that too Em. I hope he does get it done.
sue369 - April 13, 2009
He's definitely due
I said before that I love the guy for having pitched a winning game for the first Cubs win I got to experience live, and he’s been great since arriving in Chicago. He reminds me a lot of Maddux, which makes it hard to root against him. I hope he keeps this up.
Craig in South Bend - April 13, 2009
Lou and closers
This is Lou’s 3rd year with the Cubs and each year he’s had a different closer each year.
2007 Ryan Dempster who looked shaky to start the year. Key point, Ryan was walking guys, struggling with his command in the 2nd game of the year and Lou went to the mound and yelled at him to throw strikes. Demp straightened things out and the team won the division.
2008 Kerry Wood hit the first batter he faced and gave up the lead in a tie game on opening day. Woody struggled with his command early on but straightened things out and the team won the division (and had the best record in the NL).
2009 Kevin Gregg struggled with his command early in the season. How will the season end? I’d bet Gregg will get things straightened out and have a successful season.
cowsarecool220 - April 13, 2009
I hope you're right.
Because we need Gregg to be solid.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
good analysis
fischisgod - April 13, 2009
Hopefully as the weather improves, so does Gregg
I’ve got to think that warmer weather will help his knee, which may be stiffening in colder environments. This way it won’t be a given that he’s entering the game because he can’t sit down and get up to throw again.
Bill Potter - April 13, 2009
Call me goofy
Call me goofy but I didn’t find it horrible today. Not great but not all that horrible either. Of course I was wearing 112 layers and had a full winter outerwear compliment of hat, scarf and gloves.
puckishcubsfan - April 13, 2009
You're goofy.
It was absolutely miserable.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
Maybe
Maybe it was where you were sitting too.
And I am goofy always goofy no matter what the weather is :).
And I agree the weather was worse than for the hockey game.
puckishcubsfan - April 13, 2009
What are you, a polar bear? It looked nasty out there.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
It helped
It helped I had the following on:
Leggings and heavy jeans.
Warm socks.
A blouse, shirt and heavy sweatshirt. Have to save the Cutler jersey for a warmer day.
My winter parka.
Heavy winter gloves.
A hat.
A magic scarf.
HAt of winter coat over that.
puckishcubsfan - April 13, 2009
It must have been the scarf that did it for you.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
Magic?
That’s just cheating.
chitownhawkeye - April 13, 2009
Magic Scarf
A magic scarf isa combination hat and scarf where you pull the top over your head for a hat and then put the rest around your face like a scarf. I had it on over a wolly hat.
puckishcubsfan - April 14, 2009
I got cold just looking at the people in the stands and on the field
More than a few red-faced athletes on the field, too — and not from exertion. When you can see your breath and it’s raining? It’s too darn cold.
Emelie - April 13, 2009
Spoken by someone living in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Where it is currently 40 degrees, warmer than Chicago.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
You tell her Al!
Jimmyeatworld - April 13, 2009
looked like attire for a Bears-Packer November game.
Ivy Walls - April 13, 2009
Like I said.
It was warmer at the hockey game.
Al Yellon - April 13, 2009
lol! too true. The slush melt has begun.
Emelie - April 13, 2009
oh! the signs of spring!
the slush melt, the flowers, the utility men with no shirts…
drewishdrewid - April 14, 2009
Yeah. The geese are here
and it is in the 40s and sunny. Tryouts are on for Little league and Pony League. Sounds like Springtime in Fairbanks to me!
Tekboy - April 14, 2009
I actually agree
I was in section 404, left field corner upstairs, not under the roof. I had on four layers under my winter coat and a blanket across my legs, just to keep the rain off my jeans. I was also wearing winter boots. I thought the weather was actually more tolerable than a game I attended in May last year. The first 6 innings or so were misty and cold, then it actually got colder after the mist stopped.
I thought I might be pretty miserable, but it wasn’t too bad. Not like bad football weather.
I didn’t sit there for hours beforehand, though. I left late and walked into the park at 2 p.m., then stayed for the last pitch.
cubzfan - April 13, 2009
Glad you got to see the game after your long drive up.
Al Yellon - April 14, 2009
First hit at Citi Field
… and first HR at Citi Field was hit by former Cub and current Padre Jody Gerut. He led off the first inning with a HR.
dmlichte - April 13, 2009
Jody Gerut. Now there's a ex-Cub worth forgetting!
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
His brief stint for the Cubs was forgettable...
…but Gerut’s an easy guy to root for.
A local guy (Willowbrook HS grad), he destroyed his knee shortly after the Cubs passed him on to Pittsburgh. Despite multiple surgeries and not having played any baseball for more than years, he came back and put up solid numbers for the Padres last season.
Now, I’ve noticed the “inflammatory” thing below, and I’m just filling in background info, explaining why he’s one of the few opposing players that I’ll cheer loudly for. He only played a few games for the Cubs and suffered a devastating injury shortly after being traded so I can understand why somebody would call him “forgettable”. The forgettable players that succeed are the best.
LaddieRenfroe - April 13, 2009
Same with Glendon Rusch
I agree with your last line BTW, always gotta root for the underdog.
DTJchris - April 13, 2009
great points
Cubbie-Tim - April 13, 2009
I'm with you on Gerut.
I still don’t understand why the Cubs gave up on him after two weeks.
Al Yellon - April 14, 2009
I've always liked Gerut as a player.
He had a damn good season last year (.845 OPS in 328 ABs). Jody’s got some speed, some pop, appears to be a pretty decent centerfielder. And that Padres team – wow. All I can say is they appear intent on getting in all 60 of their wins early.
daver - April 14, 2009
In other ex-Cub news...
… Felix Pie is 3-4 today with a HR.
And before someone jumps down my throat, no I am not suggesting trading Pie was a bad move. Sometimes it’s just time to move on and give a player a chance with another team.
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
Bluemike, the floor is yours.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 13, 2009
Oh, come on
Any player can have a good game. You do know what Pie’s OPS was heading into today’s game right? A whooping .393. That’s not On Base Percentage or even just Slugging Percentage, no, That’s On Base Plus Slugging Percentage.
.393
DTJchris - April 13, 2009
Exactly, what is your point, then?
cowsarecool220 - April 13, 2009
You're looking for someone to jump down ur throat...
…by posting that, aren’t you???
calicubfan - April 13, 2009
Was the Jody Gerut post inflamatory too?
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
You're comparing apples to oranges!
Gerut never came close to having all the hype and expectations Pie had. Wouldn’t you agree?
calicubfan - April 13, 2009
You're right...
… but every team has it’s players that don’t live up to the expectations. For example, the Sox and Sox fans like myself had a lot of expectations and hopes for Joe Borchard. He failed dismally for the Sox. They traded him to Seattle and then he went on to I believe Atlanta.
I don’t hate the Borchard, in fact I’ve quietly rooted for him and hoped he turned his career around. I’d be glad to hear of Borchard succeeded, if a Cub fan told me of a great game by Joe, I’d say great for Joe Borchard. In fact, I remember being happy when former Sox player had a big day a couple years ago for Atlanta.
Didn’t the Cubs turn Felix Pie around to get Aaron Heilman (sp?)?
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
That last former Sox player was Willie Harris.
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
And noted it...
… here.
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
Someday, you'll feel the same way about Chris Getz...
…and, for Braves fans, DeWayne Wise last year.
LaddieRenfroe - April 13, 2009
Are you saying...
… that you think Chris Getz will help the Sox win another World Series Championship?
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
LIGHTEN-UP!
The guy is having a good day. Good for him. That’s all I posted and that’s all that’s meant and I thought I made that clear.
The Cubs won today, on opening day at Wrigley. They have a terrific opportunity to win the NL Central for a third consecutive time.
An ex-Cub, one who’s struggled in MLB, has had a good day. Can’t you just be happy for the guy and not shoot the messenger for a change?
DrCrawdad - April 13, 2009
good for him.
he deserved better from the Cubs.
drewishdrewid - April 14, 2009
It was miserable but I have been to worse.
It was cold and it was wet but it was not that windy. I was screwed because my shoes were soaked and that got my socks wet but I got extra socks put them on an then tied little plastic bags over my feet before I put them back in the shoes so my feet would stay dry. I admit by the 7th my toes were REALLY cold still it was a great game.
Re the intros, Marquis should have been cheered not booed and I am sorry to say that Rusch was also booed. I did love the fact that the loudest intro cheers did not go to Sori, A-Ram etc but to Reed Johnson.
I believe there will ACTUALLY BE SUN by the game Thursday but not sure I remember what it looks like.
Doggie Stalker - April 13, 2009
There may even be sun by Wednesday.
Wish I had seen those plastic bags. I think I was frozen to my seat.
Al Yellon - April 14, 2009
Plastic bags
There was a guy hawking the ones with Cubs logos by the EL and he started yelling “Overpriced garbage bags with Cubs logos on them!” I had to laugh and bought one for my husband who forgot his heavy winter coat.
puckishcubsfan - April 14, 2009
OPENING DAY IN THE MIDWEST......
WEather was not the best but Lilly did a great job …..The boys need Tuesday off to rest up then it appears to be a warming trend . ( And yes maybe some much needed sun ) …All said when the W flag goes up it’s a great day to be a Cub Fan…. Oh yeah let’s give D. Lee some time to work on his offense ….
cubs north - April 13, 2009
Another sign that Ryan Dempster "gets it"...
As you may know, it’s not all that uncommon to sometime see players in full uniform cut across the concourse between the clubhouse and the dugout. So before the game started, my wife was in the concourse area right outside the gift shop when all of sudden, she sees Ryan Dempster walk by.
He stops, pokes his head into the gift shop – which obviously was quite crowded – and tells everyone “Make sure you buy up all those Ryan Dempster jerseys” and then continues on his way.
Second best quote of the day (I’m still laughing over Lou’s “you can’t forecast the weather”…)
ballhawk - April 14, 2009
Oops
I was in the gift shop when that happened.
Also got into a conversation with some people from Colorado who were just shaking their heads sadly when they saw 2 people in Cutler jerseys. One said he wasn’t the biggest Hurdle fan but there is no way Hurdle will ever be the dumbest coach in Denver after what the idiot Broncos coach did. .
puckishcubsfan - April 14, 2009
thats too funny...
but sad for the poor people of colorado
fischisgod - April 14, 2009
My favorite quote was from Heilman
Too tired to get it exactly but after expressing his admiration for the fans who filled Wrigley in the crappy weather and particularly the many who stayed till the bitter cold end, he said that the Cub fans were really NOT " fair weather fans" Nice from a new Cub and one of only two that LIVES in Chicago ( Cotts is the other).
Doggie Stalker - April 14, 2009
I thought
Dempster lived around the corner from wrigley or at least within walking distance. Heard a number of stories about people walking and talking with Demp after the game.
gwood - April 14, 2009
I think Demp lives
the off season in Colorado.
Shark lives in Chicago too. He’s only 10 blocks from Wrigley.
sue369 - April 14, 2009
Regarding Lee moving down in the order.
I want the Cubs best hitter in the 3 hole, that is A-Ram. It isn’t what Lee hasn’t done with the bat, but it is what Ramirez can do, especially with those extra ab’s.
slocs55 - April 14, 2009
Still cold.
Felt like God was testing my Cubs faith yesterday. Lilly’s performance definitely made it a lot eaiser to stay. I was really happy when we got the 27th out, but I couldn’t get back on the red line quick enough.
cubswynn - April 14, 2009
One of the most interesting moments of this game for me...
…was watching Lou’s mound visit with Fully K in the eighth inning. If you ask me, Heilman got off easy – Lou didn’t read him the riot act the way he did Dempster in early ‘07. (Anyone else remember this? The temperature was about the same, though the location different.) Nonetheless, it was pretty clear Lou wasn’t reciting a Hallmark card from memory. Good thing Fully K got the results Lou was looking for…eventually.
Guzman’s one
inningbatter got off to a rough start, too, but he recovered nicely. The Cubs bullpen – like most (all?) bullpens this time of year – is a work in progress. But I see plenty of reason for hope.daver - April 14, 2009
I remember Lou's
visit to the mound that night. He told Dempster to throw f’ing strikes and Demp did.
sue369 - April 14, 2009
I was remembering
Lou’s visit to Marquis last year in Dodger Stadium, I think.
Usually the pitcher will nod or add their own words… but I don’t think Marquis even tried. Lou was on a whole ’nother level that night.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 14, 2009
Random thoughts
Quade held up two runners at third. The first one I think is was Lee’s double and Fukodome was held at third. I am not sure he would have made it. The second time I forget who was held up. But by that time the Cubs had left quite a few runners on the base.
My thought on that second time that maybe he should have been sent just to shake it up some. My fear was with all the runners left on base that this would bite them in the kester. Luckily it did not.
Most likely the wet infield may have played a roll in Quade holding them up. Question. Was that a hit and run with Sori in the first inning or a straight steal? I thought is was rather strange to try and steal with the slow infield.
wild bill - April 14, 2009
Hit and run
Minus the “hit” part. Thanks, Theriot!
Clutch16 - April 14, 2009
Yea
I missed it. I thought is was rather strange to try a straight steal with the conditions. THX
wild bill - April 14, 2009
One more
I wonder if anyone else heard this. Lou was doing the postgame show. Of course the weather came up. This was a greate Louisam. He said " can't forecast the weather". I nearly went off of Lawrence Ave laughing.wild bill - April 14, 2009
I'm sorry
it was the pre-game show, not post game.
wild bill - April 14, 2009
Yep, I heard it.
Hilarious, classic Lou.
daver - April 14, 2009
dee lee
Al, Dee Lee still needs to be demoted in the lineup.
jimvanders - April 14, 2009
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