Which markets will the magic Fox wizard send the Cubs/Cardinals game to today? "Check local listings!"
Last year, there was a Fox-TV page that listed every market and the game its local Fox station was carrying. Unfortunately, that page is stuck on the games from last September 27 and hasn't been updated. Today, the Yankees/Indians, Cubs/Cardinals and Rockies/Dodgers are the three selections -- which means if you are on the East Coast or West Coast (or in the Denver or Cleveland spheres of influence), you are probably out of luck to see today's game.
Once again, a cry goes out to Bud Selig: "Let our people watch!" There is no technological reason why it couldn't be set up via MLB.TV for people to watch online, while still getting fed the local Fox commercials in their market. Why they wouldn't want to increase the number of eyeballs is beyond me. They don't seem to understand that a Cubs fan in NYC, given only a Yankees/Indians game, is going to turn the television OFF when he/she can't see the Cubs.
Before we move on to today's game, I wanted to say a few words about yesterday's game threads. I have not had a chance to look through the entire threads, but I understand things got a little, um, contentious. We all are passionate about the game and the Cubs, and believe me, I do understand how some negative feelings can come out when the Cubs aren't doing well. However, I would ask for people to please tone down the negativity -- look how quickly things can turn around, as they did yesterday -- and also, two other requests: please, no personal attacks on other posters, and try to keep the profanity to a minimum. The game threads are supposed to include everyone, and unfortunately, the Cubs can't win every single game (even though we wish they could!). Let's try at least to be nice to each other when things aren't going well. Thanks.
Back to baseball: Lou says be patient with the bullpen, but also echoed what I said Thursday about the starters:
"The job of a bullpen pitcher is to get outs," Piniella said. "What difference does it make if you're pitching the sixth or seventh or eighth? I said in spring our chore was finding a pitcher for the seventh. If we get into the seventh with our starters, it really helps our situation. The most important thing is for our starters to get us into the shorter part of our bullpen. I think that will help out."
Meanwhile, Bruce Miles reports that nothing's new with Milton Bradley:
For the second straight day, outfielder Milton Bradley declined to talk about Thursday's ejection and the possibility he might be suspended by Major League Baseball.
Bradley has not started since Sunday, when he strained his right groin. He was tossed from Thursday's game after being called out on strikes by umpire Larry Vanover. The Cubs said they had not heard from MLB on whether it might suspend Bradley for possibly making contact with Vanover.
"I don't know what I can say," Piniella said. "I sent him up there to hit. Three and two pitch didn't look like a good pitch to me. Again, umpires- I don't know how to answer your question, I'm going to be honest with you. If I don't know how to answer it, I might as well not."
Piniella also seems antsy to get the oft-injured Bradley back into the lineup.
"He's getting better; he's just not quite there yet," Piniella said.
Maybe Milton can play today. The weather's supposed to cooperate.
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While Kyle Lohse never pitched in the majors for the Cubs, he was in the organization and part of one of the worst trades in recent Cub history when he and Jason Ryan (who was the hot prospect at the time; Lohse was the throw-in) were sent to the Twins in 1999 for the remains of Rick Aguilera. Lohse has been up and down during his career, but is off to a really good start this year. In his career against the Cubs, though, he is only 1-2, 5.15 in 7 starts. Several Cubs hit him hard: Alfonso Soriano (.371, 13-for-35, 2 HR); Ryan Theriot (.529, 9-for-17); Derrek Lee (.400, 6-for-15), and Aramis Ramirez (.636, 7-for-11, a HR). Keep up the good work!
Ryan Dempster struggled through six innings last Sunday in Milwaukee, but got a win because the Cubs pounded Brewers pitchers. He will have to throw better today. Skip Schumaker (7-for-18) and Ryan Ludwick (5-for-10) hit him well; he's handled Albert Pujols pretty well, as have most Cubs pitchers (8-for-30, .267, 2 HR).
It's kind of pointless for me to post the MLB.com Mediacenter today, since it won't help you watch the Cubs game if it's not in your market. In case you want to listen via audio, or watch another game after 6 pm CDT, there it is.
With today's weird start time, the first pitch thread will post at 2:30 pm CDT; overflows will post at 3:45, 4:45 and 5:30.
And, for the Cardinals fan point of view, please visit our SBN Cardinals site, Viva El Birdos.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 91 comments
Go Get 'Em Cubbies
cubbot - April 18, 2009
bradley suspended 2 games
Ratola - April 18, 2009
Milton suspended two games
BS
This will be reduced to one or a fine.
nji232 - April 18, 2009
that's ********!
disgusting. Two games isn’t much but the principle is. He did not deserve it. Next time I hope he turns his cap around. bah.
Emelie - April 18, 2009
today FEELS
like the first day of spring, even with bad weather on the way. I have a good feeling about today. Lee is putting it together, Soto seems to be finding his groove. I’m disappointed Bradley isn’t ready yet, but if he’s going to sit, he should serve the suspension and get it over with.
If I had a pony, and that pony were a magic wish-granting pony, I’d wish that Greg Maddux were our pitching coach. Some how, some WAY, Lou and Larry have got to get these guys throwing strikes. Heilman HAS the ability. Guzman and Patton HAVE the ability. They just don’t seem to have the fortitude to stand up and put the ball over the plate. On the extended post-game yesterday, the host (who, otherwise, seems to be something of a jerk) said “THROW STRIKES! There are seven guys with mitts behind you!”
As long as any three of Soto, Dome, Lee, Rami, Fonty, Sori and Reed/Bradley can be hot, this team will be nearly unstoppable. We score six of our eight runs with small-ball yesterday — getting hits and taking walks, and then getting more hits and walks to drive runs across the plate. Get hits, throw strikes, make plays, don’t be stupid.
Sublime in its simplicity.
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
Listening to a bit 'o Lyle today, Drew?
Emelie - April 18, 2009
channelling him
maybe
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
drew...
ready for a big win today?
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
frakkin
ginormous. I want a laugher. I want to be able to put Miles in at third and Hoffpauir at short and say “eh, what does it matter?”
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
LOL.
Good thing Game’s groin still isn’t healed all the way, and that he’s not on the DL. Frankly, i still think he should appeal the decision, it’s a joke.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
well
on principles, I agree. On the other hand, he can get it right out of the way now — just don’t play him tomorrow — and that’s it, it’s over, right? I’d hate to have him appeal, be overruled and have to sit in a more critical game down the stretch. I don’t know much about the process, tho.
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
You are right...
It would work perfect right now, and save a possible missed game down the line.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
In all the pictures
I saw of immigrants on boats coming into New York harbor, I never saw one of them sitting on a pony. Why would anybody come
here if they had a pony? Who leaves a country packed with ponies to come to a non-pony country? It doesn’t make sense…am I wrong?
Goodie1969 - April 18, 2009
not really a huge deal
MB will need a few days off anyways…..
in principal they should look at the tape and see what a bad call it was…
cozmotaylor123 - April 18, 2009
This kind of bullshit makes me glad that the streaming community gets bigger and better every day.
xene - April 18, 2009
And MLB wonders why football is more popular....
CaliCub - April 18, 2009
Not the the NFL Sunday Ticket is any better
For those of us who can’t get a dish, we’re screwed.
I don’t understand why the sports leagues don’t go out of their way to allow a fan who wants to pay access to every game their team plays. I can see the supposed argument about empty stadiums, but if the stadium is full, like ours, give everybody access…if they’re empty, like say, Tampa Bay, at least get some revenue from people who might watch the games, but who won’t or can’t go to see it live.
That’s just good business sense, as far as I can see.
chitownhawkeye - April 18, 2009
My son
picked up MLB.TV so he could watch all of the cub games this year. He is a college student and only has basic cable and doesn’t get comcast or wgn. He was royally pissed off when he found out that they black out cub games in Iowa City. Are you kidding me? Iowa City is about 250 miles from Chicago. It’s ridiculous; if people want to watch the games, let them watch. It’s not like he can just motor over to Wrigley on any given night to take in a game.
qccub - April 18, 2009
Amazingly, the SD market Fox affiliate
gets Cubs/Cards, but L-A does not.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - April 18, 2009
I am jealous
LAcarl519 - April 18, 2009
Of course, I didn't notice
the Dodgers were a Fox option…so L-A should get the Dodgers…but, as L-A goes…so does SD…so, it’s amazing that San Diego does get the Cubs/Cards.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - April 18, 2009
And, of course
…I’ve just gotten home f/work, and regardless of what was printed yesterday and what is posted at Fox5/SD, the game being featured is……
well, you know.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - April 18, 2009
And if the Dodgers do well this season with Manny going HR crazy
Fox will carry even more of their Saturday games, meaning Cubs fans in LA better find other things to do that day.
JFCubFan - April 18, 2009
A perfect Saturday...
A Bulls win (leading at half time)
A Cubs victory
Blackhawks go up 2-0 on Calgary
…and the White Suxs get spanked.
LAcarl519 - April 18, 2009
Isn't it amazeing
How good Derrick Rose is? Especially at his age. I want to know what they’re going to do with Deng, because Salmons is so good, and I’d rather have him than Deng.
wrigleyrocker12 - April 18, 2009
Gordon is a FA, so Salmons will replace him.
eswan9 - April 18, 2009
You think
They won’t resign Gordon? They need too. I want them to trade Deng. He’s a baby. I want to see the roster for next year like this.
PG-Rose
SG-Gordon
SF-Salmons
PF-Thomas
C-Noah
Bench
Miller
Hinrich
Draft pick from this year
Tim Thomas
Roberson
Gray
wrigleyrocker12 - April 18, 2009
Well,
They had a chnace to at the start of the year, but IIRC he accepted the 1 year tender offer, so he could file for FA. The Bulls mgmt thought locking up Deng was a better move. At the time, I thought so too, but now since he has been hurt, not a good signing
eswan9 - April 18, 2009
Maybe the "White Suxs" got "spanked" but...
… the White Sox won 8-3 Saturday.
One other thing…
PSST! Cubbie fans don’t care about the Sox. You’re not helping prop up this urban myth.
DrCrawdad - April 19, 2009
I'll be missing the end
Stupid fox weird scheduling times. Watching the Bulls now, the Cubs at 2:30 and the Hawks later!
wrigleyrocker12 - April 18, 2009
and Versus decides to show Boston v Montreal tonight instead of Chicago v Calgary
do they really think a 1 v 8 match will be better than a 4 v 5? No hockey for me tonight. :-(
LAcarl519 - April 18, 2009
Hi guys
Had to put out fires yesterday afternoon and missed the game after the 4th, as well as the threads. Looks like it got contentious. Any gossip?
chilango2 - April 18, 2009
Mostly just jawing
When the game was looking bad, it brings out the worst
chitownhawkeye - April 18, 2009
They talked about you a lot after you left....
carmen_fanzone - April 18, 2009
I knew it!
They also pinned the Kennedy assassination on me too…
chilango2 - April 18, 2009
...and they think it was a TV stage, not the moon you landed on.
carmen_fanzone - April 18, 2009
GO CUBS GO!!!
YAY!!! Beat those birds again!!!
KC in OK - April 18, 2009
Two game suspension?
Another joke of a decision by Bud and his lackeys…
Fire Bud Selig, Save Baseball!
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
we should get bumperstickers.
If you love baseball, fire Bud Selig.
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
Heh, ill support that cause.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Great idea.
We should also start up a website, “Fire Bud Selig- Save Baseball.”
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
+10,000,000
Endrick - April 18, 2009
I'll invest in that enterprise
Hook it up Drew.
chilango2 - April 18, 2009
alright...
Now we’re rolling! Anybody else want to join up?
FIRE BUD SELIG, (A/K/A THE USED CAR SALESMAN), SAVE BASEBALL.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
I'm in!
chitownhawkeye - April 18, 2009
hmmmm
we could do a thriving garage business. let me think on this.
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
Yes, please do...
I have begun writing a tome re: why Bud needs to go, and my disdain of him is legendary. We must save baseball.
FIRE BUD SELIG, SAVE BASEBALL!
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
Goodie1969 - April 18, 2009
Ha. LOL.
Stop it Goodness… I’m gonna pee my pants.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
Or... 417.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
417
is HTTP error code for “Expectation Failed.” For realz.
Goodie1969 - April 18, 2009
I just spit up some coffee...
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
Bug Selig...
Where was that condom when his parents needed it…???
Endrick - April 18, 2009
For those of us in Arizona
Cubs game is on fox at 12:30pm
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Does anyone know who is calling the game for fox?
Is our boy Grace involved?
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Oh, oh is it Joe Buck?
Stabs self in eyes
chitownhawkeye - April 18, 2009
Prolly Buck and Brennaman
SportsSynch Radio hasn’t arrived yet…
chilango2 - April 18, 2009
both are play by play guys
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Gotta go shopping
so I’m going to miss the first part of the game. Hope to join you all in the game threads later! Keep it positive! GO CUBBIES! :D
drewishdrewid - April 18, 2009
I hope its the wife making you go shopping
not choosing shopping over beganning of Cubs game
Madison Cub Fan - April 18, 2009
Lincoln, NE
is picking up Cle vs NYY (at least that is what our guide says). Idiots.
Lets see, two midwestern teams playing each other… OR … lets choose two teams playing that are nowhere near here. GREAT CHOICE KPTM & KSNB…you idiots.
I could understand if they choose the Rockies game, but the Cubs are team of choice in the Omaha & Lincoln area…….the programming directors at these places must be as smart as Bud Selig.
cubbie08 - April 18, 2009
because as everyone at MBL knows
Lincoln, Nebraska is a hub of yankee/indian fans. I don’t get it. Al’s initial post is right on the mark. What is wrong with MLB?
VegasCubFan - April 18, 2009
I meant MLB knows
VegasCubFan - April 18, 2009
well lets start with its leader....
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
anybody know the lineup?
lexmarklover - April 18, 2009
just checked gordo's twitter.... and nada since Thursday
Madison Cub Fan - April 18, 2009
Gallardo and Santana
locked up in a good ole fashioned pitchers duel.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
thanks anyways bro
lexmarklover - April 18, 2009
ummmmmmm
“and part of one of the worst trades in recent Cub history”
Lohse, 9 seasons has a career ERA of 4.67, WHIP of 1.4 and a 78-80 record
Ryan, 2 seasons 1-5 ERA 5.94, WHIP 1.65
how is this one of the worst trades in recent Cubs history
ManBearPigMBP - April 18, 2009
Because...
We were stuck with Rick Aguilera. Doesn’t matter what we gave up.
goodstuff96 - April 18, 2009
Here, this might help out those who were curious on where the game is:
http://awfulannouncing.blogspot.com/2009/04/your-mlb-announcing-schedule-for_17.html
Zachary Zielonka - April 18, 2009
Ahhh good ole Thom. Just like old times.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Mark me down as someone who will turn off the TV
I get Cle-NYY. I’d rather be outside on this great day than watch that game.
rlpete - April 18, 2009
OT- This Bulls/C's game is awesome
baby bulls are growin’ up in front of my eyes
lexmarklover - April 18, 2009
Miles getting the start at 2B today.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Good. LBR needs a rest.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
Hoff in RF again, but batting 5th
Rami batting cleanup.
carmen_fanzone - April 18, 2009
Let's hope no tough balls are hit to RF...
… and that Hoff has a good day at the plate.
Jimmyeatworld - April 18, 2009
appears that the wind is pretty light so that shouldnt cause any issues.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Lineup
Fonzie LF
Fdome CF
DLee 1b
Rami 3b
Hoff RF
Soto C
Miles 2b
Riot ss
Demp P
carmen_fanzone - April 18, 2009
And the Cards...looks like Pujols is in
S. Schumaker 2b
R. Ankiel cf
A. Pujols 1b
R. Ludwick rf
C. Duncan lf
Y. Molina c
K. Greene ss
B. Barden 3b
K. Lohse p
carmen_fanzone - April 18, 2009
Appears on radar that there is rain around the ballpark.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
It's getting darker indeed
about 3.5 miles south of Wrigley.
chilango2 - April 18, 2009
from what I can tell it shouldnt cause much more than a minor delay if any.
AzCubfan24 - April 18, 2009
Looks like Vegas is stuck with....
(drum roll)….
the Dodgers/Rockies. WOoooweeee!!!!!
Time for sleepies…..
VegasCubFan - April 18, 2009
Bulls win. Very cool
LAcarl519 - April 18, 2009
I love the people in the crowd
wearing “Beat LA” shirts. Uh, might wanna beat Chicago first.
Goodie1969 - April 18, 2009
Blackout
I am in DC. They are showing the Yankees/Indians even though neither team is from here, this is a National League city, and the 4th inning score is 16-2 (!!!!) and counting (bases loaded, one out as I write this). The Cubs/Cards game meanwhile is at 4-2.
Why don’t they treat this like NCAA football? Start with the game you think most people want to watch, but pull the plug when its a rout. Id rather even watch the Rockies game right now than this junk.
Orval Overall - April 18, 2009
Cardiac cubs
Another close one, guess the offense is just gonna have to do it this year. Oh by the way Derosa had 6 rbi’s today….
blue vader - April 18, 2009
FOX Bay Area...
Stuck with the stupid Yankees game as well. If they were trying to get people to either check out other viewing options or look for illegal streams, they did a fine job.
bison - April 18, 2009
New kids on the block
Lets hear it for the Blackhawks and Bulls(clapping my hands).
blue vader - April 18, 2009
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