Permit me, if you will, a bit of personal indulgence as we await tonight's season opener. (You'll recognize the title of this post as the opening lines from Steve Goodman's anthemic "Go Cubs Go".)
I date my baseball and Cubs fandom to the first game my dad took me to on July 6, 1963 -- from that date, I followed the Cubs avidly on TV, went to the park when I could, and eventually wound up spending much of my summers there.
As a 12-year-old I experienced the hope and crushing disappointment of the 1969 season. For those of you who were around that age when one of the other Cub failures of the last several decades occurred, you know how that feels. As a child you want to believe that the men playing baseball wearing the colors of your team are larger-than-life heroes and that they will eventually win and bring you the championship of which you, and they, dream... and when it comes down to defeats in the way the Cubs have suffered them, in 1969, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008 (not to mention near-misses of various types for qualifying for the postseason in years such as 1973, 1977, 1995, 2001 and 2004), each one of us, as do I, have personal stories of where we were, who we were with, what stages of our lives we were experiencing, when these happened. It's the sports equivalent of Pearl Harbor, JFK's assassination, 9-11. We remember because the event was important to us personally.
For the playoff losses of 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003 and 2007, I was in the ballpark when they happened -- the first two on the road, the last three in Wrigley (I didn't go to Los Angeles for the loss last year, partly because I could see it coming and partly for personal reasons, which I won't get into here). Each one felt different, each one felt bad (although I think most of us knew the 1998 team had no business in the playoffs, was lucky to even be there, and it was no shame to lose that third NLDS game to an artist like Greg Maddux).
Which one hurts most? The answer really is, "They all do", but the ones that sear into my consciousness the most are the losses in 1984, when the Cubs were within six outs (yes, they were) of a World Series, and 2003, when they came within five outs.
The gallows humorist in me says that means they should only need five more NLCS to make it. The self-deprecating humor of a Cubs fan: how would we make it without it?
Last October, this site erupted in passionate fury over the horrid NLDS loss (no, it doesn't even deserve a link) after the most incredible regular season in more than 70 years. After game three I couldn't write more than a couple of paragraphs of disgust, but I know we all shared those feelings, and for some it went so far as to have you say you were quitting the Cubs, burning your souvenir jerseys and caps, and becoming monks in Tibet (OK, I made up that last part).
Time does heal all wounds, so they say, and the hurt of October faded, with winter waning, and the sunshine of spring beaming down on fresh baseball fields, bringing the promise of a new year, the "Wait till next year" that never seems to come for us as Cubs fans. Yet we hope, we return, we always think that "this year" is going to be "the year". (Please, though, Ron Santo: don't say it this year. Just don't.)
And so Cubs baseball begins anew today, and at last, after a spring training that seemed to last decades, we have reached the most special day in any baseball fan's calendar: Opening Day. When every team's fans, even those who, in their hearts, know their team isn't going to be any good, can think, "Well, maybe..."
For the 2009 Cubs, we have more than that. Jim Hendry, stung by the playoff loss, has retooled the team in a way that virtually no 97-win team has ever been remade: seven players who were not in the organization at any time in 2008 will take the field tonight in Houston as part of the 25-man roster. Perceived problems were addressed; whether those solutions will actually work is something we will see stretched out over the next six months, 162 games, another summer of baseball, the reason we're all here, no matter how you arrived as a Cubs fan or to BCB, hope does "spring eternal", in the words of that old cliche.
And, we hope, for eleven victories after October 4, 2009. It's far past time. May this be the year to fulfill all our baseball dreams. Go Cubs. And play ball!
0 recs | 600 comments
"But the longer you knock on the barn door, eventually you knock it down"
- Sweet Lou
china423 - April 6, 2009
I gotta be honest
maybe I’m just much busier, but I haven’t been able to drum up the enthusiasm this year like in years past.
2003 hurt, but it was so unbelievable that it didn’t take my hope away. Last year, such a dismal performance in the post-season left me thinking, for the first time, maybe the Cubs never will win it all.
So, we start again. No one ever said following the Cubs was easy. Let’s hope that quote above by Lou is correct—here’s to another post-season, and this time we’ll make something of it.
TC Cubby - April 6, 2009
I'm with you...
I’ve yet to be bitten by the enthusiastic bug for the new season. I think I still feel drained from last year and how even if we put together 6 months of fantastic baseball it’s all lost in 3 games.
Hopefully with the first pitch tonight the warm and fuzzies will return.
polly - April 6, 2009
Same here
Don’t get me wrong; I’m glad baseball is back. But this is the least excited I’ve ever been for an opening day since I started following the Cubs in 1982.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
spring training was so long
and so much of it seemed pointless. my bet is that if the cubs race off to a fast start we will all be re-energized…
brian custer - April 6, 2009
It certainly wouldn't hurt
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
i just want the cubs to look a live
esp after the listlessness they showed in NY.
Seeing the starters for 9 innings will be good too. 3 innings of guys you recognize makes long boring ST games even more boring.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I think the players were as sick of ST as we were
I’m thinking they’re going to be very fired up at the start of this game. Much as I’ll like seeing that in Soriano, I’m gonna hold my breath for Z.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
I'm with y'all...
….not really as excited this year as in years past. Maybe its the sting of last October, maybe (very likely) its the crappy/cold/wet weather here in Chicago, maybe its the fact that Northwestern had an excellent sports year so I didn’t need the Cubs as much….
Although, maybe this is a good thing. The expectations may be a bit off this year — less pressure, less unreasonable hope, and more of a chance for our players to just play the game without the 100 years stress….
Chadnudj - April 6, 2009
Many Cub fans feel the same way...self included
If diehard Cub fans weren’t already cynical and suspicious before, then they surely are now. Good Cub fans will doubtful be seduced by the unfolding of a good regular season. Rather they will be much more guarded.
And God forbid if the wheels come off this summer because it will get downright ugly at Wrigley.
BLou - April 6, 2009
I don't know as to the last sentence
again, I’m struggling more with apathy from last year, not cynicism and outrage
TC Cubby - April 6, 2009
Well, the opposite of love isn't hate- it's apathy...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
I think I get where he's going
I’m not sure what factors BLou is basing his last sentence on, but I think I understand the sentiment. I’m still kind of bitter at players for seemingly not showing up in the playoffs. I realize this is a new season with a different team and lots of new faces so it’s not really fair to blame them for last year, but the feeling still exists.
But speaking of the new faces, I think there might be even more anger at the management for moving some of the favorites on the team (Kerry, DeRo) in deals of arguable value. DeRosa was one of the few guys who produced for us in October and they traded him away for some no names? I could go on for a long time, but I realize now is not the time to rehash the offseason moves. But, that doesn’t take away from the bottom line that management make some questionable deals and I think people are going to have a short string to see if they pay off.
polly - April 6, 2009
Sorry
to disagree, but every season is a fresh chance. Being a life-long Cub fan has taught me, at the very minimum, that.
I’m saving this thread, in hopes of bringing it back in mid-October.
Go Cubs.
leothelip - April 6, 2009
What would the point of that be?
No one is saying the Cubs have no chance. We’re talking abou tempered enthusiasm.
I won’t deny having said that, whether the Cubs win 50 or 100 games.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I agree
This year has less juice, Maybe because of the 162 games played in Spring Training, The loss of Wood and DeRosa, and of course last years kick in the belly of the so called playoffs.
Maybe I will get it going when the season starts moving into the summer, I don’t know.
But I also agree with you Blue Mike, if the Cubs struggle this year it won’t be pretty, blame will be thrown around and hit everyone.
Hey, Go Cubs
Grockcubs - April 6, 2009
I kind of feel
the same way. I don’t have the enthusiasm this year that I did last year. Hopefully this team will change that soon.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Yeah I don't have the optimism in me this season
Its still probably a hangover from last postseason, I feel like this whole season is just a form of torture leading up to the postseason.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
i disagree completely
i assume that mine is not a view shared by many cub fans here; but i’m not just sitting around waiting for the post season. what saps me is when the team is out of the race by june. if they can stay competitive all year, then i get a full season of excitement, of watching the games every day, of following the other teams in the division. then i’m happy. the post season is a crapshoot. they choked. big deal. if they keep getting to the playoffs, they’ll win eventually.
now, i do think the team got worse over the offseason, and that’s a drag. and that’s taken away a little of my optimism. in fact, i think we’ll be looking up at the cardinals in a month. but the season promises to be a dogfight, and that’s what does it for me.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2009
Looking up at the Cards?
They’re gonna start Carpenter 28 times over the next month?
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
Carpenter will be hurt by mid-May
So even if they start hot in April I wouldn’t be worried. Plus Khalil Greene is their cleanup hitter.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
Plus Khalil Greene is their cleanup hitter.
Seriously?
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Thats what I was told this morning by some Cardinal fans
I’ll see if I can find a written source to confirm it.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
I didn't see the Cardinals' lineup anywhere
but I would imagine that Ludwick would be the cleanup hitter, or perhaps Ankiel. I could see Greene being the 6th, but not their cleanup.
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
Ok its a very real thing
Here is written proof that LaRussa might not be as smart as we all think.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
How is that even possible?
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
Pujols may see 4 walks today
I’m surprised more teams don’t intentionally walk him. Don’t let the best pure hitter in baseball beat you.
flachimesa - April 6, 2009
If that lineup stays what it is all season
Bonds’ walk record is in serious trouble.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
lots do
some one last year had a stat that pujols sees the least amount of strikes in the league.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
34 IBB is not enough, in my opinion,
compared to the 120 IBB received by Bonds. It doesn’t even compare to the 68 and 61 he received prior to the 120.
flachimesa - April 6, 2009
Wow, uh
I guess i was wrong. Greene is, in fact, the Cardinals cleanup hitter.
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
What I find more odd is that Shumaker isn't playing
They spent all spring getting this guy ready to play second and then on opening day he is on the bench.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
That's ridiculous
gwood - April 6, 2009
I...
what????
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Holy crap.
That’s gotta be a misprint.
daver - April 6, 2009
i think carpenter will pitch all year
and i think he’ll be effective. the lineup is powerful. i think their bullpen is shaky—and the backend of the rotation looks shaky, but i think they’ll overachieve. plus, they have the resources to make a big trade. look for the cards to be tough, and look for them to get off to a hot start.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2009
Finally!!
Now I have something to watch on TV everyday just about! (Except when I am actually at the game) Go Cubs!
All of us want that World Series, but lets not overlook all the fun the regular season can bring, we couldn’t make the playoffs without it!
AndHart120 - April 6, 2009
For the first time in months, I looked forward to a Monday morning...
I don’t have tickets to tonight’s opening game here in Houston (the planets aligned against me), but the jersey is on its hanger, the cap and Soriano tee are hanging on the hook on my office door, and as soon as the clock hits five, my coworkers and I are flying out the door to the nearest sports bar to celebrate the greatest day of the calendar year (that doesn’t involve a deity).
Forget the pain of the past, folks; glory in the beauty of baseball!
slackerlitgeek - April 6, 2009
baseball
doesn’t have gods?
snicker
tim815 - April 6, 2009
it does have gods
they walk on two legs, drive Lexii and go on the DL occasionally ..
cubnational - April 6, 2009
Finally
The road starts tonight. Lets go Cubbies!
Aramis Ramirez - April 6, 2009
Start of "Next Year"
I get tired of the refrain, “Wait ’til next year”. The wait is over. “Next year” starts today.
memphiscub - April 6, 2009
Next Year As Here .. see my sig
cubnational - April 6, 2009
Posts like this
are why I love BCB. You wrote exactly what I was thinking — or, more to the point, what I was feeling but couldn’t put into words.
Go Cubs!
ScottieG33 - April 6, 2009
It's a little change of schedule
for all of us to get back “in tune” with daily baseball, but I promise it will not take any of us long to get back in the swing of cubs baseball being on the air. I look forward to tonight and anticipate a great summer ahead. But, as any cubs fan, with guarded optimism.
Great kick-off story to start the season Al. Let hope we get off to as good of a start as you can write! GoCubsGO!
mrcubsfan - April 6, 2009
Today begins the day when I teach my 2-year-old some colorful language…as I scream at the television :)
chiavsfan - April 6, 2009
I haven't seen as much disappointment
My first game was in 1984. I was 8 years old. It was a loss to the Phillies on a wet dreary day. At least I got a mesh shirt out of it.
Anyway, I was talking to a friend a few weeks ago. We both agreed that if the Cubs won the division this season, or even the NLDS, it isn’t really going to be that exciting for us. Our celebration will be saved for when the Cubs win the NLCS and the World Series. I have a feeling that winning a playoff spot isn’t going to do it for a lot of Cubs fans this season. I just hope the fans actually show some enthusiasm at Wrigley when they ARE in the playoffs.
daeviant - April 6, 2009
special
It’s amazing that 49 years after first following the Cubs, this day is still very special to me. There’s just no game that can compare to baseball, football be damned!
KedzieKid - April 6, 2009
Hope springs eternal
in the human pest.
That would be all of us. Go Cubs.
Archie - April 6, 2009
I can't wait until tonight
No other sport has anything that compares to Opening Day. And no other sport compares to the fandom I have with the Chicago Cubs.
As a side note, my polo and hat came in my APO box from Cubworld today. Great timing!
I’ll be tired in the morning (the game doesn’t start until midnight) but it will be worth it. GO CUBS!
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Opening Day should be a national holiday.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
I concur
Unfortunately I’m taking 2 weeks off starting next week (Dublin and Germany are on the agenda) and 11 days in July (Atlanta and Chicago w/ games scheduled for both) so I am trying to save up the remaining time I have off!
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Agreed
Unfortunately, Opening Day is now a shell of what it once was due to baseball’s ridiculous scheduling in which all 30 teams aren’t playing their first game on the same day.
Bill Potter - April 6, 2009
And MLB gets to brand it "Opening Week"...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Scenario
I see a scenario where the Cubs flounder for a few months, panic and despair sets in, but they rally to “sneak” in to the playoffs. Everybody writes them off as backing in, taking the pressure off, and they get hot and go all the way! (Opening day dreams)
KedzieKid - April 6, 2009
That sounds like '07
Who will Zambrano have to punch this time?
daeviant - April 6, 2009
Except for the 'going all the way' part i mean
daeviant - April 6, 2009
LBR vs Z
It’s like a man boxing a kangaroo.
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
lol!
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Up a little early this morning?
Or still in Chicago?
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
it's 7:42 am not that early ;-)
Emelie - April 6, 2009
You're only one hour behind PDT?
Thought it was two.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
yep just 1 hour behind
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Well, it's 5pm here
So drink up for opening day! :)
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Oh, that's right
I’m thinking Hawaiian time.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
There you go thinking again.........
thats part of the problem.,
Madison Cub Fan - April 6, 2009
That's the best you've got?
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
No
it’s only opening day, can’t bring out the best material yet. :)
Madison Cub Fan - April 6, 2009
Will we be able to tell the difference?
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I bought a Cubs hoodie
at Wrigleyville Sports that looks like it’s been in the wash a few too many times. Why do we buy clothes that look like garbage? I look forward to wearing it at Wrigley. If I can actually get tickets.
daeviant - April 6, 2009
Edit
I look forward to wearing it at Miller Park when the Cubs are in Milwaukee, becuase that might be the only chance I get to see a game this season.
daeviant - April 6, 2009
The box office at Wrigley releases tickets throughout the season.
Keep and eye out as they release tickets before each home series or homestand.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
I have an extra Opening Day ticket
Go to the ticket exchange for more details
flachimesa - April 6, 2009
today opening day
and soon….
josh’s daily minor league reports
and may i be the first to say…..
how did vitters do?
tim815 - April 6, 2009
He didn't play
Don’t read a lot into that. He’s still a great prospect. You know, there are other players in our system than Josh Vitters. Every minor leaguer has his ups and downs.
Hey, I need to get into regular season shape too. :-)
Josh Timmers - April 6, 2009
just funnin' ya
anytime he didn’t get listed in your post, there was a rush to ask you my above question
tim815 - April 6, 2009
I might be off, but I think he was joking, too
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Yes
I was joking as well
Josh Timmers - April 6, 2009
I'm so glad todays game didn't get postponed like the Sox.
Wow that would suck to have to wait ONE more day.
cubswynn - April 6, 2009
On this note, I do have to agree
with John Kruk who wondered yesterday why, with so many teams in Florida, Texas, California, and other warm to moderately warm states, they schedule games in Chicago and Detroit. It makes absolutely no sense.
With that aside, 6:05 Central Standard Time will not come fast enough, I just can’t believe the game isn’t on WGN.
gwood - April 6, 2009
I've wondered about that too...
…the problem I see with that, is that it sucks because then Wrigley never gets a “true” opening day.
Why again is Minny creating an outdoor stadium?!?!
cubswynn - April 6, 2009
Good point
although I am really looking forward to the Twins new stadium regardless. I long to see outdoor baseball on a more consistent basis, plus the Dome really sux for baseball.
gwood - April 6, 2009
That dome sucks for everything
chitownhawkeye - April 6, 2009
The teams do this to themselves.
The most coveted home dates are in the middle of summer and least coveted are early in the season.
Scheduling without regards to the likely weather situation is solely the fault of the owners could rectify the situation if they wanted to.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Yes
The teams with domes and in California don’t want to get a bunch of low-attendance April games in exchange for a bunch of high-attendance June games.
The solution would be for teams like the Cubs to send $10 million compensation to teams like the Padres. Is anyone here willing to do that?
Josh Timmers - April 6, 2009
Isn't the massive Cubs fans attendance at Petco
when the Cubs in town compensation enough?
JFCubFan - April 6, 2009
I agree
I think they should just give us Peavy in return
gwood - April 6, 2009
Because no one is willing to pay
the extra $150 million for a roof.
Josh Timmers - April 6, 2009
This question comes up every year...
It’s simple.
April and May games have a built-in attendance disadvantage because they are during the school year. So, day games are during school and night games are on school nights.
Front-loading warm-weather and dome teams with home games during that time means they get fewer games during June, July and August, when those disadvantages are gone.
Worf - April 6, 2009
I had a hunch
economics would get in the way
gwood - April 6, 2009
Always does
Some teams will sell out every date regardless, but for places like Florida, San Diego and even Houston, why give them one more hurdle?
Worf - April 6, 2009
People complained about this last year.
This year, the season starts a week later than it did a year ago, and we’re still dealing with bad weather in northern cities.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
It doesn't look like we'll have to deal with it at all.
Forecast calls for mostly sunny, high of 53 low of 37 next Monday. And that has been slowly increasing everyday.
As long as it’s not snowing, I’ll be happy!
cubswynn - April 6, 2009
The Tigers open in the Rogers Centre in Toronto against the Jays- not at Comerica.
Besides, Detroit is a little pre-occupied with another event going on at Ford Field today and tonight (next door to Comerica Park)…which my Spartans will win by the way…
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Go Big1T1en
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
+1000
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Heels baby Heels
carolinacub - April 6, 2009
Down boy! Here's a biscuit...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Heels
santoswoodenlegs - April 6, 2009
ankle breakers if I have ever seen them...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
not only the waiting
but that you’re already stuck playing catch up.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
My winter hibernation is over
I paid no attention to anything baseball related this past winter (only stopped by bleedcubbieblue two times). I’m back and ready. I’m thinking positive, at least till I see the first Soriano swing and miss (that is joke….calm down). Ok here we go
graceunderpressure - April 6, 2009
you didn't hear about the Soriano trade?
TC Cubby - April 6, 2009
For Peavy?
Clutche - April 6, 2009
nope
for marquis.
laidbackliam - April 6, 2009
Happy Opening Day everyone!
I still like the old saying “For Cub fans opening day combines the eternal hope of spring with the irrational belief in the impossible”
puckishcubsfan - April 6, 2009
"Hope Springs Eternal" and my father apologized
First, the magic of baseball is that at this time each fan of each team looks at the season and says, “yes now if….”
Al, as we discussed before we have some close benchmarks, my first game was actually at Milw’s old County Stadium, Friday May 3rd 1963, my father took me to see Warren Spahn who pitched for the Braves. I only have pieces of memory but my father said I enjoyed it too much, there were HR’s by Santo, Williams, Banks and Aaron. Cubs won late in the game and at 6 years old I was done. The next summer I played little league a year early and watched Brickhead on TV regularly.
He has now apologized for he was both a Cubs and Braves fan since we lived 45 miles from each stadium until the Braves moved in 1966, making me a Cub fan.
Ivy Walls - April 6, 2009
Did you live in Lake or Kenosha County?
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Lake County----hard smitten Waukegan IL
Ivy Walls - April 6, 2009
A stone's throw away.
Or a very short airplane ride
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
what? were closer to Kenosha's airport or Wkgn's?
Ivy Walls - April 6, 2009
Close to both
Once I get over the lake off ENW, I’m practically in UGN’s airspace.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
when you think of it that game had 6 Hall of Famers' plus Torre and Santo
Warren Spahn who was already a 300 game winner and went 23-7 that year was knocked out early. On the field for the Braves was 3B Eddie Matthews who ended up hitting 512 HR’s along with Henry Aaron (755 HR’s) and Joe Torre as their catcher (who once led the league in hitting .363 and ‘71 MVP) against the Cubs who fielded HOF’ers; Ernie Banks (512 HR’s) Billy Williams, (426 HR’s), Lou Brock and Ron Santo.
Now that was a marque game.
Ivy Walls - April 6, 2009
It wouldn't be opening day
I have to post this song
Opening Day
By Terry Cashman
I’ve been counting the days in the winter haze since the leaves began to fall
Now it won’t be long til the sun comes shining through
When the camps start breaking my spirits awaken
to that irresistable call
Of that old american song that is always new
The robin is here the sky is so blue
there’s a band there’s music and the flags are flying too
The grass is so green
It’s like never before
Its opening day I can be a kid once more
puckishcubsfan - April 6, 2009
slightly OT
Watched the opening game last night. The Jon Miller-Joe Morgan-Steve Phillips trio just sucks big time. Three guys who love talking, love hearing their own voice. Its just horrible and they need to get one of them out of the booth. I had to mute the TV.
dmlichte - April 6, 2009
As shown by the severe dislike for
the Joe Morgan-John Miller duo last year, I don’t think getting rid of any one of them will make the show any better. They need to get rid of all three.
gwood - April 6, 2009
Rec'd
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
they are poor ambassadors for the game and have voiced that opinion directly to Selig
rec’d
Ivy Walls - April 6, 2009
I was fine w/ Miller and Morgan
Didn’t love it, but was fine with it. Last night it was constant. There was not one moment of silence to enjoy the game. It just plain awful.
dmlichte - April 6, 2009
ESPN does have awesome production though.
The camera angles they get are awesome.
cubswynn - April 6, 2009
My first green post!!
I would like to thank the members of the ESPN Sunday Night broadcast for being such an easy target. Without them this wouldn’t have been possible.
gwood - April 6, 2009
I am once again in Game Gear
They kicked off a new initiative here at the call center and are making it a competition and tied it into baseball and opening day .. The top dog here at the center is a Cubs fan and we smiled as we came in today.
So I’m sitting here in my Cubs home jersey, bright blue cap from my all time favorite sport and a longsleeve Soriano T, trying hard to get enthused on break.
It’s hard to do. God knows I love the Cubs but I’ve just got a bit more perspective on things in my own life and while I will hold the Cubs close and hope they’ll go all the way, I’m not going to try to follow them as often as I have the past seven years.
And watch, this will be The Year .. and I’ll have missed a lot of it ..
Hmmm .. guess that MLB.TV sub don’t look too bad now ..
GO CUBBIES!
cubnational - April 6, 2009
Game Gear On
and Cubs Flag flying high again baby!
JFCubFan - April 6, 2009
Although my heart is still a little numb and achey from last year...
I say PLAY BALL!
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
too scared to think about it
This is a new year
Ivy Walls - April 6, 2009
Thanks for the post
I too, was 12 years old in 69 and have an emotional affinity for that team that will never go away. Since, we have all suffered through the long valleys with the other brief, emotional peaks of 84,03,07,08.
However, I completely agree that it is time to enjoy the moment. We have one of the best teams in baseball, lets enjoy every day of it. I do NOT want to fast forward to October. I want savor the ups and downs of each game. If/when we get to where we all want to get to, fantastic. If we win 90+ but win no playoff games — I will be bitterly disappointed. But, I would rather have that, than what I have experienced most of my life – a team with no chance at all.
BatCubFan - April 6, 2009
Rejoice, don't mourn
This year more than any, us Cubs fans should be rejoicing on this day, not mourning for lost seasons past. As of this day, all teams are back to equal ground and for the Cubs and their fans, that is a good thing…particularly after how 2008 ended.
But more importantly, it did end…and it re-starts today. So put away the sorrow, put away the malaise, what’s done is done. There have been worse seasons than 2008 for Cubs fans…much worse…but rejuvenating yourselves for another ride, even if it turns bumpy and goes off course, is what baseball is all about.
And just because….
“When the day comes with that last winning run and I’m crying and covered in beer. I’ll look to the sky and know I was right to think SOMEDAY WE”LL GO ALL THE WAY" – Eddie Vedder
SOMEDAY IS HERE…..GO CUBS….
krummy12 - April 6, 2009
Opening Day + Beer + HD = Heaven
Also, I don’t know how many of you check this site (and no, I’m not affiliated) but Shirt.Woot has a goofy baseball shirt available. And if you don’t like the shirt, at least read the description, their writers are amazing and I got a few good laughs out of it.
Go Cubs!
Schwa - April 6, 2009
I, too, have tempered expectations this year....
….after being the most excited for a start of a season in 08. Hoping the radical change in the roster does the trick. Hoping Bradley lives up to the hype. Hoping LBR has a breakout season. Hoping Fukudome figures things out. Hoping the bullpen exceeds expectations. Hoping Harden stays healthy. Hoping Hoff provides the bat we need off the bench. Hoping for a roster void of DL stints.
And looking forward to many, many “W” flags flying in the game threads.
carmen_fanzone - April 6, 2009
Here Here!
Let’s do this boys! Let the grind begin again!
TyCubsfan - April 6, 2009
At least we won't
have to hear the one hundred year thing everyday all season and hopefully less mentions of curses.
hoppy91 - April 6, 2009
Ha, keep wishing
It’ll just be “over a hundred years” as opposed to “a hundred years.”
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
sigh. so true. we'll never get away from it. even if we win the WS they'll still bring it up
we’ll have to be like the Red Sox and win more than one WS before that gets laid to rest
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Another Opening Day Tradition...
On the Mike & Mike Show this morning, Buster Olney was questioning the health of Rich Harden’s shoulder after his last outing where he was throwing in the high 80’s, low 90’s. And the beat goes on.
kaseyi - April 6, 2009
Opening Fay 2009
I’m sporting the new D. Lee jersey !!!!!!!!!
cubsluver22 - April 6, 2009
Does Fay know about this?
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Does Tina know?
Clutche - April 6, 2009
THE NEW ONE?
i wasn’t aware that the cubs updated the jerseys this season
laidbackliam - April 6, 2009
This Fay sounds pretty easy to please.
daver - April 6, 2009
I'm not sure.
But Fay may be pictured below in this thread, reading a book.
Bill Potter - April 6, 2009
I am excited for the season and really wished people stop talking about how the Cubs play in October. Cubs have 162 games before they get the rights to play postseason games.
drodd - April 6, 2009
After watching them get pounded
in Yankee Stadium, any enthusiasm I had for them is gone. Fukudome is worse and Harden & Lilly were throwing BP and our closer (and heart of the team) is in Cleveland. So far, this team looks like shabbier version of last years. The middle infield defense will be shoddy at best and we have huge question marks in RF(health) and CF(Dome is terrible). Lee is getting old and the only consistent slugger we have is Aramis.
All that said, it’s a new season and let’s see how all these new pieces mesh together! Go Cubs!
Itchy - April 6, 2009
I'm not getting
at all worked up over two meaningless games in NY.
DMCub - April 6, 2009
Wow
It’s Opening Day and you’re that alarmed? If Bradley doesn’t qualify in your mind as a consistent slugger, you haven’t been paying attention. Same for Soriano. Quite frankly, the lineup is going to rake, plain and simple. You’ve got to come off the ledge man, the Cubs are much, much better than your post seems to indicate.
krummy12 - April 6, 2009
Soriano is a consistent
guess hitting hack! Bradley can be counted on to not play any more then 130 games at best and 1/2 of our CF platoon rarely gets the ball out of the infield!
I agree that they will rake on some days but in between I got a feeling we’ll see a lot of 1-2-3 innings. I just pray for no stints on the DL by our big guns! Go Cubs!
Itchy - April 6, 2009
-----------------> ledge
Emelie - April 6, 2009
LOL!
Not yet but give me a couple games……..
Itchy - April 6, 2009
Sounds to me like you're already out there.
Enjoy the breeze.
daver - April 6, 2009
I got laid off this week.
Just in time for opening day. Sucks not having a job but i get to catch a lot more day games.
BradB311 - April 6, 2009
I had a similar experience on October 1 . . . .
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Bet of luck in your job search.
Have you thought of registering at a temp firm?
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Yeah
I still have a part time job and an interview tomorrow. Hopefully that will go well. Not a whole lot of places hiring in Southern Utah, I’m sure it’s the same way in most of the country. Lots of people applying for very few jobs.
BradB311 - April 6, 2009
Good luck tomorrow.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Thank you
BradB311 - April 6, 2009
Hope all
goes well for you tomorrow.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Good luck
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Welcome to the club no ones wants to join
I know at least half a dozen recently laid off friends just among folks who sit in the bleachers. I am thinking of organizing an outing for
a " Lee Elia" section of MF&^%$#### Cub fans who don’t have jobs.
Doggie Stalker - April 6, 2009
I'd love to be a part of that
Unfortunately I’m a few miles from Wrigley
BradB311 - April 6, 2009
1969 hurt the most because.................
it was the first colossal Cub failure in my lifetime……so the rest just temporarily re-open the eternal wounds of ’69 which heal nicely by Opening Day.
Go Cubs
Clutche - April 6, 2009
... not because of the failure
I remember the 69 team not because of colossal failure. I remember it because of how we grew up with that core group of players, the shock have how good they became, and suddenness of national recognition. The 69 team had "Cubbie Swagger". It was similar to the special feeling of the 85 Bears team, or the 72-win Bulls team, maybe the 84 Cubs. These weren’t just championship teams, they were teams that will live in our hearts forever. Results aside, that was 69.
As enjoyable as 89, 98, 03, and 06 were – they didn’t match the feel of 69 or 84. Kinda like trying to compare 05 to 85 for the Bears.
That’s why last year was so hard, the 08 team came very close to earning that 69/84 status.
Eight hours to opening pitch- This is the year.
BatCubFan - April 6, 2009
That '69 team is how I forever became a Cubs fan
and suffered those heart-wrenching playoff losses thereafter including last year.
Although the past is dark the future looks bright.
THIS IS THE YEAR!
GO CUBS!
JFCubFan - April 6, 2009
Rick Sutcliffe's take on Kosuke Fukudome
Sutcliffe was on ESPN radio this morning. He was involved in the WBC and also spent several days at Cub spring training.
Sutcliffe says that Kosuke was not able to crack the top 5 outfield rotation for the Japanese team. He also mentioned that the Kosuke he has seen play this spring both in the WBC and in Mesa still has the same issues with his hitting approach and, as a former pitcher, he sees ample ways to get Kosuke out at the plate. He also went on to say that Kosuke’s fielding in centerfield is cause for alarm. Conclusion? Sutcliffe said that Lou Piniella will have Kosuke on a short leash and not to be surprised to see Reed Johnson become the full-time centerfielder by May.
BLou - April 6, 2009
And when Reed can't hit RHP
Joey Gathright!
Ugh
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Or..........
play Bradley in CF and Hoff in RF against RHP
Clutche - April 6, 2009
Ummm.....yeah, that's it. That's the ticket.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Paging Mr. Jim Edmonds, please pick up the white courtesy phone for an urgent call by Jim Hendry...
BLou - April 6, 2009
That'd be more likely, yes.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I'd vote for that.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
Let's keep the politics out of it ...........LOL
Clutche - April 6, 2009
voting is civics not politics
Emelie - April 6, 2009
civics = study of citizenship and government........
voting = express one’s preference for a candidate or for a measure or resolution in politics
Clutche - April 6, 2009
I think she meant civic duty
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Correct.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
I'll buy that
Clutche - April 6, 2009
Myself, I bought an Accord
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Shame on you.....
it’s our civic duty to buy AMERICAN
Clutche - April 6, 2009
The car was assembled in Ohio.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Nice try...
but were sending $$ back to Japan
Clutche - April 6, 2009
except
for the workers in Ohio getting paid to put the car together.
There are no american car companies anymore. There are simply global ones. A whole lotta Fords are made in Canada.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
GM and Ford's biggest market -- China
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
no, see
it’s ok for us to do it to other countries. Just not the other way around. o.0
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Ah, I get it now!
Thanks for that.
:)
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Protectionism doesn't work
Never did.
That’s not politics, that’s a history lesson.
Drew gives a socioeconomic lesson below.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
most US cars
come from parts made out of the country. Tons of “japanses cars” are made in the US. They’re global, and it’s a global market.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Indeed
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
True..........
but it’s more advantageous to this country, and to the future of AMERICAN manufactures like GM, Ford and Chrysler, if we purchase their products
Clutche - April 6, 2009
Chrysler
which was owned by… Daimler, right? Germany?
Ford has partnered with Fiat — France. They worked with Jaguar in the past — England.
GM… who would partner with GM?
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
It's a free market
People will spend their money on the best car. That’s completely ridiculous to buy a crappier car because of some misguided loyalty to companies that failed to keep up in a new marketplace.
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
Me thinks........
Buick was rated #1 last year. So should we all buy Buicks?
Clutche - April 6, 2009
US News and World Report ranking for 2008 cars.
Not a Buick among the bunch. Several Fords, and a Chevy, tho.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Yes, if that is the best car for you
But that is different than buying it because it’s “American”
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
Pretty much, yeah
I bought what I did because of the reputation and because I liked the way it looks. It’s like LBR — the V6 has sneaky power.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Isn't that the car Gathright jumped over?
daver - April 6, 2009
No, it's not mine, either
It’d be cool if he jumped over my car. I’d hold a photo out the sunroof and see if he could sign it while jumping.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
He's too old to hear the page
Clutche - April 6, 2009
i support this..Right now
kosuke to AAA and Edmonds up. I suspect Koskue is a sunk cost
fischisgod - April 6, 2009
He is a sunk cost, yes
Contract is guaranteed.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Great.....
idea that’s exactly what we need to put us over the top……… a 38 yr. old, out-of-shape, over-the-hill nice guy.
Clutche - April 6, 2009
As opposed to a 29-year old rookie who can't field
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Can't field?
Do you have stats to back it up?
Clutche - April 6, 2009
Nope
I also don’t have stats that back up the assertion that Prince Fielder can’t play RF. I’d wager not to many will argue that point, either.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Edmonds played pretty well with reed last year
fischisgod - April 6, 2009
TWSS
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Did somone sign Jimmy Ballgame?
Kinky Reggae - April 6, 2009
I think his restaurant in St. Louis has him bussing tables on Thursday nights.
daver - April 6, 2009
Yeah, I'm cleaning up...
tell JH to give me a call… I can pinch hit better than Hoff, can fill in at 1st, and play OF with my hands tied behind my back…
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
5 yrs ago maybe
Clutche - April 6, 2009
Edmonds
His defensive stats last year were terrible.
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
I know his stats. were'nt exactly glowing last year...
Use your eyes though, ED made the plays that needed to be made, and his defense helped the Cubs last year, it didn’t hurt them.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
His offense, yes
His defense, no. I wonder what the projections are for his offense this year.
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
Probably better than Fukudome's.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
Good one!!
Clutche - April 6, 2009
You missed my point entirely...
His defensive stats. were not glowing, however his defense did not hurt the Cubs, last year; in fact they helped. Use your eyes.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Why use my eyes
When the defensive statistics show that he was terrible? What is your definition of not hurting the Cubs? He didn’t drop any balls? OK then, what about all the balls he didn’t get to?
The Sabermagicians don’t lie…
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
Why use your eyes?
That’s a bad question. Baseball is not solely a game of numbers… If you don’t know that, there isn’t much I can do to help you.
Of course my definition of not hurting the team with his defense is not as simple as he didn’t drop any balls. ED simply made all the catches he needed to make, played a steady CF; and most importantly… I do not remember one game, one play that ED made, or didn’t make, that cost the Cubs significantly last year. Hence, his defense did not hurt the Cubs last year, it helped them.
Stats. don’t always tell the whole story, the game of baseball is a living, breathing thing, unlike any other professional or amateur game.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Sorry, but you can't send Kosuke to Iowa...
…before he’s played a single real inning. Maybe he will fail, but he’s going to have to fail before anything happens.
daver - April 6, 2009
Are you high?
Bradley doesn’t have the wheels anymore to play center, and Hoff is abysmal in the OF. Reed is not an everyday guy. Don’t give in to the fear mongers, Dome will be fine & we need him in CF.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
yo, Jimmay!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Happy Opening Day Drew!
Good to see ya.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Believe it or not, Jimmy...
…Milton Bradley has played 3,939 innings of centerfield at the major league level, putting up strong UZR/UZR 150 numbers while doing so. I’m definitely not in the Fukudome fearmongers’ camp, but Bradley could play centerfield. The biggest risk, of course, is it could put him at greater injury risk, given the larger amount of ground he’d have to cover.
daver - April 6, 2009
Honestly, I think I'd rather have him in CF, at least at home
RF in Wrigley can be adventuresome. Dome proved he could handle it last year – I don’t know if Bradley realizes the challenge in front of him.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
Oh, I know Game has played plenty of CF, and played it well...
However, I believe that he simply doesn’t have the wheels to play it anymore.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
I suspect you are right.
After he hurt his knee in SanDiego, I suspect he is no longer able to play center field.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Let me know how Dome is doing come 5/1
Clutche - April 6, 2009
I have feeling you'll already know...
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
I fear that we might be seeing that soon
I don’t like that defensive setup at all, but it might be necessary
nji232 - April 6, 2009
Bruce Miles said
the same thing this morning on Monsters In the Morning.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Bruce ALMIGHTY?
Clutche - April 6, 2009
"I got laid off this week."...by BradB311
OK, folks- if this didn’t put things into perspective for all of us, then shame on us…
Good luck BradB311. Hang in there and may better days be ahead for you.
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Thanks
I appreciate that. Like I said the silver lining is i get to catch a few weeks of day games. As long as i can afford cable. haha
BradB311 - April 6, 2009
"GO CUBS GO!" - best song in MLB other than "Take Me Out..."
Good luck Cubs fans. I’m predicting a CUBS – METS NLCS.
LOUtheMETandNATSfan - April 6, 2009
Good luck to you, too
And get Sheffield out of there! If he costs Murphy or Church AB’s, Manuel is a fool . . .
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Ha! Don't get me started. :-)
The debate has already commenced.
LOUtheMETandNATSfan - April 6, 2009
Yeah, I read some of that on Amazin' Avenue
I think the risk is higher than a lot of people think. Possible reward is high, but unlikely.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Nice post Al. I have to admit that I am less "amped" for OD this year as well.
There could be a lot of factors influencing this:
Recent Cubs history.
Seeing the Cubs lose three ST games in early March while playing some of the most listless ball I’ve ever witnessed them play in person.
6" of snow overnight and this morning in Michigan with more on the way.
The home opener at Wrigley still being a week away (at least I have tickets. No postponements, please…)
And lastly, being wrapped up in tonight’s national championship basketball game between my Spartans and UNC. GO GREEN!
Thank God the Cubs game starts at 7pm our time and for “picture in picture” on my TV. At least most of the baseball game should be done by the 9:21edt basketball tipoff.
Zeke - April 6, 2009
So glad that TV/Internet will be installed today
Go Cubs! I’ll be here with my BCB shirt on. Now if only my “W” flag would arrive…
Emelie - April 6, 2009
I'm just gonna go ahead...
And give the Cubs permission to win even though you can’t fly a ‘W’ flag yet. Hope you don’t mind.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
I'm a patient sort. Willing to wait a few hours ...
Emelie - April 6, 2009
You could always print one out . . .
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
lol!
I’m sitting in a completely empty house. I have a rocking chair absconded from the porch, a tiny tv to tide me through, my laptop and that’s about it. Takes a looooong time for worldly possessions to wend their way from Chicago to the farthest north.
Emelie - April 6, 2009
well, just use this as a wallpaper after they win games
(I won’t post the pic before the game)
linky
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Last year hurt the most for me
I was numb.
I’m about the same age as Al, and growing up in Battle Creek, Michigan, I found the Cubs around 1966 on a little radio with maybe a dozen transistors, listening to Vince and Lou. Then around 1970 our cable system started grabbing WGN-TV (over the air with a really tall antenna) and I grew to love them more with Jack.
But it was like having Lake Michigan as a buffer also eased the pain. I also had the Tigers. When the Cubs fell apart in ‘69, the Tigers had won it all the year before over the hated Cardinals, Denny McLain won 31, Lolich beat Gibson. One afternoon during the series one of the teachers cancelled class and let us listen to Ernie Harwell on the radio. So that wasn’t so bad. In ’84 I so wanted a Trammell & Whittaker versus Ryno series, but that Tigers team, bless you boys, they were awesome.
Last year stung, even more than those years, even more than 2003. I found BCB, have grown to really look forward to how the Cubs would find a way to win and sharing this site with Al and you guys and your great senses of humor. But how badly they fell off the cliff at the end, that hurt.
Now, I feel even more connected to the Cubs these days than the Tigers, they were my Michigan team but when I left Michigan and they left Tiger Stadium something about them left me. The Cubs are the Cubs, and even though I’ve only ever been to 1 game at Wrigley, they are in my heart.
Today I’ll get home early from work and on this box with millions of transistors, tune in Pat & Ron, syncing them to the Tivo so I can watch without listening to ESPN, and lurk in the game thread and start it all over again.
I love the Cubs and I think I’ve made peace with it being about not how the season ends, but how we get there, the ups and downs, and how much fun that is, even with the heartbreak.
Go Cubs!
mikeinseattle - April 6, 2009
+100. We have a number of the same experiences and sound like we may be around the same age...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Today is Cubs season and i am standing around at work with the funiest smile ever
I am going to preface this by saying that i have to wear a suit every day to work with a tie and everything and i am definitely wearing my zambrano jersey under my suit. I am hot and uncomfortable becuase i am going to expn zone in dc as soon as i get off work.
I love this team and i feel its going to be a special season.. Go cubs!!!
fischisgod - April 6, 2009
you could pull a Clark Kent
and rip your shirt open to expose your Z jersey. I’m sure the DC suits would appreciate that, don’t you think?
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Are you going to do the same for the polar bears?
:-)
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
lol... I don't have a Z jersey for an undershirt
I’ll save it up for my next Geo sighting
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Where did I say anything about a Z jersey?
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
yea my boss would kill me
fischisgod - April 6, 2009
alright....
let’s go!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Now?
I gotta wait about 3.5 more hours before I can bolt from work. The bar I’ll be watching at will be manned by a guy from Northern Indiana. I don’t think it’ll take a whole lot of arm-twisting to get him to put on ESPN2.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
You'd be surprised
almost everyone from northern indiana is a chicago fan. if you’re not blacked out you should be able to talk the bartender into it.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Where's Hammer?
Just in case:
Oswalt
Light ’im up.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
we have not heard
from the Hammer all off-season, and we are not amused!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
I think he stopped in once a few weeks back.
I hope he LIGHTS IT UP in the pregame thread today.
daver - April 6, 2009
I miss him.
Hope he comes back here for the games.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Hammer emailed me.
He’s firewalled at work so he can’t do day games here. But he did say he’d try to be here tonight, at least.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
Thanks Al.
That’s good to hear he’ll be here for some of the games.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Proxy time
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
Stop . . . Proxy time
Every time you see him, the proxy’s just so tight.
He goes 4-for-4
Oh, wait . . .
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Time has healed my wounds...
now lets start off this new season w/ a win over the team i have to hear about so much down here in Texas! For some weird reason I’m not as nervous to start this season as i’ve been in the past. Go Cubbies Go!!
SoTxCub - April 6, 2009
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
hahaha
SoTxCub - April 6, 2009
lol
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Let's remember....
..not to pull a ‘Chicken Little’ in case the Cubs stumble out of the gate. Remember last year?
Al’s final post of the season was comparable posts after just a couple games into the season.
I have a good feeling about the start of the season……
Knock on WOOD.
Here’s to hoing Oswalt has another rough first half.
EJThunder - April 6, 2009
We can do that, now that he's playing for the Indians.
daver - April 6, 2009
I'm still confused about the 1984 comment.
Weren’t we EIGHT outs away? (2 in the 7th, 3 in the 8th and 3 in the 9th?)
Or am I insane? Or both. Help me out here.
malicedoom - April 6, 2009
I was wondering about that, too. Ugh, I remember that day…I couldn’t even watch the game, because I was in a high school marching band competition (which we lost, of course). We were on the bus getting ready to go home, and somebody said the bus driver said it was all over. Talk about feeling helpless—I somehow felt that if I could at least hear the game, it would have gone better…:(
jdb-44 - April 6, 2009
You guys are right.
It was eight. Time blurs bad memories.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
Tempered Expectations
…I lived and died with every game last year and it was severly unhealthy. I am going to trying to look at this season from 30,000 ft as opposed to 10 ft. I am not overly amped about opening day but I am ready.
My only fear is health…they have been fairly healthy the last two years and at some point you have to pay the piper. If they manage to stay healthy…they will compete for the playoffs again.
TheRiot Police - April 6, 2009
That is exactly what I've done since 2003 ended, and it's a wise move, trust me.
malicedoom - April 6, 2009
I think you make a good point
I got tremendously emotionally attached to every moment of last year, mostly because it was the best I have ever seen the Cubs play and things were happening and they were winning games that they were not winning in previous years. That attachment was not healthy.
I am going to root for the Cubs as hard as I have always rooted for the Cubs, but I am going to try and remain a little less emotionally attached this year and hopefully more sane.
gwood - April 6, 2009
Won't be able to post tonight cause i'm on my iPod on vacationi
I’ll be here in spirit! I live for this day…
Chanman25 - April 6, 2009
We'll miss you.
Have fun on vacation.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
I'll be reading!
it nearly impossible to post! Should be a good game
Chanman25 - April 6, 2009
Happy Opening Day everyone...
…I am optimistic as always but this year I would call it a melancholy optimism…..I am not quite as giddy as most years, mostly because we have a long long way to go. I will be as excited as the next Cubs fan about wins in April, May, June, July et al….but not to get too far ahead of things, but it’s really all about October. I am not really thrilled with some of the changes but Jimbo and Lou know alot more than I do so I will trust and watch with as much optimism as possible
Can’t wait for the first pitch tonight, a fun moment of each and every year.
JB 23 - April 6, 2009
Agreed, last year my expectations were extremely high
I guess you could say the same this year but I am not as excited.. That may end tonight!
Chanman25 - April 6, 2009
Has anyone tried to listen to MLB Audio today?
I’m trying to bring it up but it only lets me see the TV feed. I want to listen to the game, not watch. ( I don’t see any links for audio on the new player.) Their support number is useless and I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Got it to work!
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
This season feels like a lose-lose situation
I feel I can’t fully enjoy the regular season because postseason performance is the only thing that matters for this team. On the other hand if we don’t make the postseason that makes it even worse.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
incorrect
its baseball thats great
fischisgod - April 6, 2009
I feel sorry for you.
Last year is over. 2003 is over. 84 is over. 69 is done.
In fact, this is a golden age for the Cubs. We are spending money, getting national recognition, and we finished in first place two years in a row. Three in a row would be a fantastic accomplishment.
Yes, of course the nine straight playoff losses will loom over the team until they knock it down. But, I for one, am going to enjoy every one of the 162 this year. I have had too many years watching games that didn’t matter. I am grateful that we finally have an organization that is putting up a quality team year after year!
BatCubFan - April 6, 2009
But what does winning regular season games mean now?
The last two regular seasons were awesome, but now its all about getting to the playoffs so we can right the wrongs of the last two seasons.
With the team that we have right now all that matters is winning the world series, anything else is a failure in my mind. Don’t get me wrong I much prefer watching regular seasons like the last two and hopefully what this one will be over watching 2005 and 2006 type teams, but at some point I have to hold the team to a higher standard.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
i bet yankee/bosox fans
have the same thing. getting up for every regular season game when all you really want is Oct is frustrating.
But we have to get to Oct first. And I’m like you. The idea of climbing back on the merry go round is hard… but I’ll do it. Because I’m a Cub fan and I don’t know how else to do it.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
That's the beauty of Cubs, Red Sox, (some) Yankee fans, etc.
Is that they do get up for regular season games.
I’ll agree, this team will ultimately be judged for what they do in October (or for their failures in not reaching the playoffs). Still, I’m excited for that journey to begin anew, and the myriad of possibilities that this 162-game slate holds.
Bill Potter - April 6, 2009
it means everything
Look, getting to and winning the WS is a lifetime goal.
That said, if this will be the year, I want to savor each and every day. Who is going to step up and have a career year? Who is going to be added in July? I want to see Cubbie Swagger inflicted on a daily basis. I want to catalog a year’s worth of memories with the team that goes all the way. Yes, the final say won’t come to late October, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the path.
BatCubFan - April 6, 2009
I'll still enjoy the wins and the season
But I’ll do it with the idea in my head that unless the end result is a WS win the whole season was a waste.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
nonsense.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2009
Do you remember last season as a success or a failure?
nji232 - April 6, 2009
I remember it
as a damn good time.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Agreed!!
gwood - April 6, 2009
But in the end it was a failure
and thats my point. No matter how much fun this regular season is, no matter how many walkoff homers and sweeps of Milwaukee we have, it comes down to the playoffs. Thats how the success or failure of this team will be measured
nji232 - April 6, 2009
Measured in the record books
I suppose I’ll concede the point.
But last year was my personal best, most enjoyable season ever.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Last season was also my favorite season going into the playoffs
Because of the excitement of what could have happened. The playoffs ruined most of it for me. I know thats not a good attitude, but its what happened.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
I can't agree
Maybe my definition of failure is a little different, but we are talking about a team that many here are not used to seeing in the playoffs consistently. I will concede that last year’s end was a disappointment, but I cannot say that it was a failure. The Cubs won 97 games, while winning the NL Central for the second year in a row for the first time in a very long time. Made it to the playoffs, where only 25% of teams get to go, scored the most runs in the NL and posted a top five ERA. Maybe the season wasn’t an unmitigated success, but it certainly wasn’t a failure.
I gotta agree with Drew too, it was by far the best baseball season I have experienced thus far.
gwood - April 6, 2009
hear hear!
Emelie - April 6, 2009
it was that too
but that doesn’t mean its a success.
only one team had a successful season last year and that was Philly.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I would call the Rays'
season a success
gwood - April 6, 2009
I don't know that I subscribe to that philosphy
The White Sox can reasonably say that they had a successful season — they exceeded expectations.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
what about the brewers?
buckmulligan - April 6, 2009
do they have rings?
no. then it wasn’t a successful season.
teams exist to win championships. and only 1 team gets that every year.
that doesn’t mean the brewers or sox or cubs had a “bad” year. But getting to the dance isn’t enough for me.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
that's insane.
when was the last time the brewers made the playoffs? then, they finally make the playoffs and it’s still not a “success”.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2009
well
they were closer to being successful than we were.
at least they won a darn game.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I wonder what the feels like.
santoswoodenlegs - April 6, 2009
A lot like this:
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
Like a woman reading a book? I'd rather it felt like this...
santoswoodenlegs - April 6, 2009
and what
does that feel like? :D
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
I like pie.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Mmm...Pi
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I'm looking forward
to seeing him kick some AL ass…
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Me, too
I think he’s still got a shot to be legit
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
What did Al ever do
to deserve an ass kicking from Felix?
LT - April 6, 2009
that little kid in AI
was hella annoying.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
did you just
say hella?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
hella
yeah.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
What's up with the collar on the Snuggie?
The person wasn’t gonna look enough like a monk?
Kinky Reggae - April 6, 2009
BULL
Clutche - April 6, 2009
teams exist to make money
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
thats why people buy them
but people form teams to win.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
sure, but I think you're being a little harsh
uncharacteristically, too
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Maybe
but i’m frustrated.
not just with the cubs. just stuff in general i guess.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
cmon, HBCG
in just a few hours, Zambrano will be throwing in a game that MATTERS.
Cheer up! Only 161 games to go till the post!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
will he melt the snow
or stop my basement from flooding?
because that’d be nice.
worst. winter. ever. i would kill for 3 days in the 60s in a row.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
A couple errors behind him and he'll melt the snow
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
a couple of errors behind him
and the oct flashbacks will give me ptsd.
(i know ptsd is nothing to joke about, but my head my explode)
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
actually
on the bright side
the last time my basement flooded Z was pitching against the Astros.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Sept. 14, 2008?
What a glorious night.
chilango2 - April 6, 2009
indeed
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
um, well...
probably not, no.
Reed Johnson could tho.
It’s supposed to be warm, ah, soon?
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
You need a nice glass of scotch!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
hehe
i’ve never had scotch.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Poor poor girl...
You must try it.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Scotch, Scotch, Scotch...
I love Scotch.
DMCub - April 6, 2009
Yessssss....
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Laphroig
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Bless you.
daver - April 6, 2009
And therein lies the problem!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
The Macallan
12 or 18 year. Ice or soda chaser optional.
chilango2 - April 6, 2009
+1
DMCub - April 6, 2009
Good stuff, indeed
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I'll take mine on the rocks...
… with water, and a blended, or single malt is just fine.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Is now a good time to mention
I’m a 3-4 hour train ride away from Edinburough?
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
However you spell it
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
this is the interwebz
who needs spellcheck?
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
AAA Iowa
n/t
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
As good a time as any...
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
The best!!
sue369 - April 6, 2009
success.
buckmulligan - April 6, 2009
same here
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
waste?
are you sure you are a baseball fan?
Despite bitter disaapiontment in the final results, I will cherish 69, 84, 03, and 08. I don’t feel one second of my considerable time and emotion investment was a waste.
BatCubFan - April 6, 2009
Votto is clogging the bases against Santana
i hate the mets but i love watching santana pitch.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Dusty's gotta be fuming in the dugout
that’s two walks in a row.
gwood - April 6, 2009
How dare they take pitches
That’s completely goes against Dusty Ball 101
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
Cubs Tied for First!
Exceptionally nice article, Al. I’ve done my part, I’ve done my preseason work:
- Watched “Bull Durham” again – check
- Listened to Steve Goodman’s “Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” – check
- Washed my Cubs’ crying towel (Spring Training 2001) – check
- Renewed my MLB GameDay Audio account – check
- Vowed not to get so emotionally invested this year – check
- Resigned to wild mood swings from ignoring #5 – check
PLAY BALL!
AlaskaFan - April 6, 2009
Cubs fans vs. baseball fans
I’m not trying to be negative but there is a difference. I’m a baseball fan first and Cubs fan second. To me, there is nothing better than the return of baseball. It should be a national holiday.
At this point, I don’t really care how the season ended last year, it is a new season. I’ll be watching the Cubs tonight and after that I’ll be switching around looking for another game. I’ll be rooting for the Cubs all season but if they don’t make the Series, I’ll be watching it through to the last inning.
rlpete - April 6, 2009
Who's leaving work early today?
I’m hopping on the 3:30 train, getting a nice 6-pack of ice cold Old Style (Cubs cans of course), and preparing myself mentally for tonight.
CubsBullsBears - April 6, 2009
I am hoping to leave at 4,
heading to brothers for Cubs and NCAA. Grew up in NC for about 8 years, love the Heels, so it is the best Monday in a while for me.
slocs55 - April 6, 2009
Well, until about 11:45 tonight wiit will be. After thatm, not so much...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Let's try this again:
Well, until about 11:45 tonight it will be. After that, not so much…
Zeke - April 6, 2009
We will see...
I’ll leave it at that.
slocs55 - April 6, 2009
In all seriousness, it should be a good game.
The two best teams are definitely left standing, so whoever wins will have earned it. Great season for both programs…
Zeke - April 6, 2009
True
I have been impressed most by both MSU and UNC making very good teams look ordinary.
slocs55 - April 6, 2009
Congratulations. We wouldn't have won last night if Magic had come down from the stands and suited up.
21 turnovers and a deer in the headlights look is never a good combination for success. Great season for both teams, but CLEARLY, NC was in a class by themselves this year. So how exactly did they lose 4 games?
Zeke - April 7, 2009
I wasn't going to rub it in...but thanks.
the ironic thing is it wasn’t UNC’s pressure that caused so many of MSU’s mistakes, they were self inflicted. I saw the Heels play against Valpo at the UC in December, they weren’t the same team back then. Similar to MSU, they were a different team in the tourney. They finally turned up the defensive pressure during the tourney and their talent showed.
Congratulations for a great year! If it were anyone but UNC, I would have been rooting for the Spartans, especially if it was against the Big East.
slocs55 - April 7, 2009
I'm outta here at 4.
3 your time. Heading down to Charlie G’s (11th & West Peachtree) for nervous pacing, beer swilling, and screaming at the TV.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
wow aaron harang lost some weight
nji232 - April 6, 2009
i know
he looks a lot different
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
So, tonight's game is 6:05 PM CT, right?
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Yes
Can’t get here quick enough
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
You got that right!
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Great. Four minutes after my train leaves the station.
daver - April 6, 2009
I'm surprised by the lack of enthusiasm.
I would say I am a little more guarded this year, and realize a great regular season means nothing, but I love knowing I have the Cubs at least 5 days a week for the next 6 months. Baseball is so different from every other sport because of the schedule. It becomes apart of a fans life, I love it, and my girlfriend tolerates it (deep down she loves it too).
Nothing makes me more excited to know for 2.5-3 hours tonight I get to hang out with Len & Bob and watch our boys play some baseball.
slocs55 - April 6, 2009
blackout?
for those of us in the screwy state of iowa without CSN, are we going to be getting the shaft again tonight?
kodypuckett23 - April 6, 2009
ESPN2 is airing the game
Not sure if you guys are going to get shafted, though.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
Most likely
we do. I have only seen one game NOT get blacked out on ESPN when the Cubs are playing and it is broadcast by Comcast, WGN, WCIU.
Thank the good lord for satellite TV. Party at my house!
DMCub - April 6, 2009
If you get
Dish or DirecTV you can get CSN in Iowa.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Don't forget
MLB Extra Innings is free for the first week.
LT - April 6, 2009
Totally agree.
Enough of the hand wringing, a new season is upon us. In the immortal words of Judge Mills Lane, “let’s get it on!”
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
FIINALLY!
This felt like a long long winter. Even with snow on the ground, my heart is officially warmed! Play ball!
Kinky Reggae - April 6, 2009
FYI
The pregame thread will be up at 4 pm CDT.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
Pregame thread
PUT IT UP!
(Ahem, sorry. Still hung up on this Hammer thing.)
daver - April 6, 2009
First overflow at 4:30 CDT?
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
lol! and close to true, no doubt
Emelie - April 6, 2009
They long to be...close to you....
zevkalman - April 6, 2009
Damnit
I was about to post
WE WANT GAME THREAD! over and over
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
LOL
I can’t believe this thread had almost 500 comments by 3:25 CDT. Just wait another half hour.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
This is why opening day should be during the DAY!!!!
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Whoops. Wright was wrong to try to score in Cincy...
He’s outta here.
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Bad decision..
…. by the 3B coach. The throw took 5 bounces to the plate and Wright was still out by a mile. Hold the runner, bases loaded and 1 out. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
dmlichte - April 6, 2009
he looked like he was running in beach sand...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
Given the amount of rain in the area
it is probably like running in sand.
Bill Potter - April 6, 2009
yup
whether it was the weather or Wright being slow (not sure if he is as slow as he looked on that play) running w/ Wright was stupid. The ball was hit right to Jay Bruce.
dmlichte - April 6, 2009
I'm about to tune into this game.
daver - April 6, 2009
Anyone see Reed Johnson's latest blog?
admittedly, I’m catching up from being in Kansas for five days, but he says:
I love watching Patton pitch. He’s 24 years old and attacking the strike zone. The only problem Lou has with guys from a pitching standpoint is when they’re not throwing strikes and that’s not what Patton is all about. He’s about pounding the strike zone. I can see why any manager or any pitching coach could fall in love with a guy like that.
It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s with us the whole year. He’s not your typical Rule 5 guy. I think he can have a big impact on our team.
source, new window
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
This was one of my four Fanshots on Friday.
daver - April 6, 2009
and that's why I didn't fanshot it myself... :D
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Reds update.....
Aaron Harang threw 114 pitches over just 5 innings before being listed for a pinch hitter.
That’s an awful lot of stressful pitches in a short amount of innings.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Looks like Dusty's in midseason form.
daver - April 6, 2009
Yeah he likes to make pitchers work
and I’ll bet next month when Harang is on the DL Dusty will have no clue why.
nji232 - April 6, 2009
off to a big start
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Mets offense
Should have put up more than 1 run. Harang was not sharp but probably was benefited by the weather. Runners were on all game and the outfield defense had some problems. Harang could’ve easily given up 4 or 5, at least.
dmlichte - April 6, 2009
They got Harang out of the game by making him throw a lot of pitches.
That gets them into the Reds middle relief, usually the weakest point of a team.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
um, ok
But that doesn’t change the fact that the Mets stranded several runners and should have scored several runs off of Harang
dmlichte - April 6, 2009
Well, the relief pitcher the Reds brought in just walked Johan Santanna.
If an offense can get the other team’s worst pitchers (middle relief), they have a better shot of scoring runs.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
mets failing in the clutch?
i’m so shocked
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
They usually save this stuff for the last month of the season.
santoswoodenlegs - April 6, 2009
Boomshakalaka!
daver - April 6, 2009
Well, since everybody has written something, I'll do the same
This year has me filled with tension. But:
I’m trying to stay positive and think happy thoughts. I’ll delve into it with the same fervor and passion from years past. I’ll enjoy every game, every gamethread, every nugget of wisdom from Al, every win and every loss—yes, every loss too, as it means there is hope for a better day.
Can’t watch the games this week, as I’m in Mexico. But I’ll follow here and I hope someone’s nice enough to have the call.
Enjoy the season, everyone. This has to be a happy day.
chilango2 - April 6, 2009
So I have one more of these bars left right now....
I’ve been saving it for Opening Day since I don’t have a steady supply being in England. But when today should I have it?
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Maybe save it for the seventh inning stretch?
daver - April 6, 2009
That's gonna be around 2am
And depending on how many dozens of runs we’re up I might not be.
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Oh, right. The time difference.
Eat it now.
daver - April 6, 2009
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - April 6, 2009
I HOPE WE GET TO SEE MILTON (NOT BRADLEY) TONIGHT!
God I am excited!
Lou In Blue - April 6, 2009
I hope we get to see both
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
Ok, it's early, but let's just see who is here already...
ROLL CALL!
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Here for another 6 minutes
Then I’ll check back in on the iPhone from the bar.
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
Have a drink on me.
daver - April 6, 2009
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
here but leaving soon to head home. may log on later...
Zeke - April 6, 2009
I'm here, but this thread is slowing down big time.
daver - April 6, 2009
+1
What time does the pre-game thread go up?
chilango2 - April 6, 2009
I think Al said 4 pm central.
In other words, an eternity.
daver - April 6, 2009
Next one in an hour or so
Let’s see how bad we can slow that one down
Clutch16 - April 6, 2009
It's getting stuffed already, and slowing down as a result.
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
TWSS
daver - April 6, 2009
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Get stuffed - the pound sand of 2009?
daver - April 6, 2009
could be
could be!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Make it so.
Get Stuffed is the pound sand of 2009…
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
ooh
i like that!
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
TWSS
DMCub - April 6, 2009
:-P
that is indeed what she said.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I know...
I was there ;)
DMCub - April 6, 2009
You wish
;-)
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
you got
a small dog you want to memorialize?
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Rec'd
gwood - April 6, 2009
gets my vote :D
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Here for now, probably not game thread
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
i'm here
but dunno for how long
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Present
gwood - April 6, 2009
I'm here.
Still listening to the Reds game, good game so far.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
I'm watchin' it on mlb.tv.
So far, the revamped Mets bullpen is holding a one-run lead. Putz just put in a scoreless inning.
daver - April 6, 2009
I'm here
Old style in hand
Lou In Blue - April 6, 2009
Magnificent bastard
I’ll be doing the same shortly ;)
DMCub - April 6, 2009
Ten BCB points for whoever delivers an Old Style to me
All I have is an empty 2007 bottle stolen from a wrigleyville bar after a horrible loss.
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Have a virtual one?
Pictures anyone?
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
unless virtual has a nice alchohol content
doesn’t work
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Imagination?
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
I have a single Stella in the fridge
And also a 4-pack of british microbrew. Didn’t want to open that but I just might.
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Here in the lonely cubicle
Can’t wait to get out of here for tonight. I ended up getting an HDTV in December, so I’ll actually get to watch the Cubs in glorious HD. I’m so stoked though, can’t wait for this game to start.
Craig in South Bend - April 6, 2009
here impatiently waiting for cable guy
will be mighty upset if he doesn’t show in time
Emelie - April 6, 2009
God I love this time of year!
Wait, what?
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
bow chikka
wow wow
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Watching some pregame porn?
daver - April 6, 2009
Emilie
is waiting for her installer to come lay some cable. WINK WINK, NUDGE NUDGE!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
gawd you guys
Emelie - April 6, 2009
What do you expect, Em?
And do you have any brownies by chance?
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
here you go
Emelie - April 6, 2009
woohoo!
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
wait
there’s more than ONE cable guy? BOW CHIKKA WOW WOW!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Emelie's new home is Alaska
Don’t believe me? Just ask her!
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
Can she see Russia from her porch?
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
She's keepin' her eye on that Putin
And for the Cubs is a-rootin’
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
Can she see Russia from her yard?
Whatever happened to daBard?
Bleep yo, Mambochicken!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
DaBard is now Worf
His user name did morph
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
Looks like you
all are in good form for the start of the season. ;-)
sue369 - April 6, 2009
if that form is pear
I’m ALL OVER IT, BABY!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
so confused
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
'cuz you Purdue-d
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
is this routine from a movie
or am i lost completely
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
To see the poems that some found stinky
I suggest you click this linky
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
ah okay
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I thought I'd see more of a reaction
Or at least you’d ask for a Purdue retraction
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Hiya Drew!! :D
sue369 - April 6, 2009
hello
my lovely!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Geez... get a room guys...
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
Emelie
is using it for the cable installation.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
haha
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Hiya Drew
From Lady Sue
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
You really are
making me laugh out loud. :-)
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Aw, shucks, madam
I do what I can
God I love this time of year.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Its a little early to be high
oh, Badger from Shanghai
God I love this time of year!!
gwood - April 6, 2009
Well, it's been quite the boring day
Waiting for the Cubs to play
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I agree with you
just waiting to see Sweet Lou
Can’t beat this time of year!
gwood - April 6, 2009
I'm here, but have been lurking in the background...
all afternoon :) (When I saw a bunch of people start talking about how jaded they are ’cause of last season, I kind of lost my will to post anything though. So instead I kind of checked out of BCB and have been flipping back and forth to get as much of each game as possible. :))
I can’t wait for THE game to start though…
CubsWin!Oregon - April 6, 2009
DigitalBenjamin...
reporting for duty.
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
reporting for duty, SIR!
Emelie - April 6, 2009
oooh
saucy!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
that's "reporting for duty, SERGEANT!"
I work for a living.
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
Sir, yes Sir!
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
Spaceball One.... here!
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
Niiiiice
Lou In Blue - April 6, 2009
Ludicrous speed - GO!
daver - April 6, 2009
They've gone to plaid!
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
Rasberry? I hate rasberry!
daver - April 6, 2009
Spaceballs the flamethrower!
Lou In Blue - April 6, 2009
here
sue369 - April 6, 2009
last year was a great season... and for right now, i'm just hoping
for a something pretty similiar… and then of course hoping that this year we will do better in the post season… NY Times sports pages predicted Cubs over Yankess in 2009 WS (yep, i know it’s the NYT and what do they know about sports but it was still nice)…
PLAY BALL…. GO CUBBIES….
MinnesotaFan - April 6, 2009
Looks like it is time to see
how the Putz-Rodriguez combination will do.
gwood - April 6, 2009
Stay tuned.....
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Just me
or is “K Rod” the stupidest nickname of all time?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I think he'd celebrate a ham sandwich being delivered to the mound.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
the celebration doesn't bother me
its the fact that his first name doesn’t even have a K.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
It may be derived from his other nickname...
Frankie?
DMCub - April 6, 2009
could be
but its still irritating.
i hate the mets. why am i watching this game again?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
It's Opening Day!!!!!!!
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
true
:-P
and i won’t be able to actually watch the cubs game. stupid csn. why aren’t all the games on wgn anymore?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Well, you can go old school and listen to
Pat and Ron with the radio under your pillow and imagine the game.
Just like when you were a kid!
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
thats where i'll be
with P&R on the radio.
But still. Sometimes I’d like to see it.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I believe it has to do with the perception he strikes every one out.
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
Or at least he did...
until the velocity on his fastball went into steady decline…(Hopefully they’ll eventually need to update him to something like HR-Rod or “The-Mets-Are-A-Flaming-Wreck-Rod”…. :)
CubsWin!Oregon - April 6, 2009
K = Strikeout
But it’s still stupid
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I still hate
“the big hurt”
Lou In Blue - April 6, 2009
How about
the Big Murt?
DMCub - April 6, 2009
the adorable redhead?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Aw Matty.......
sue369 - April 6, 2009
Matt Murton had hair of red
Too bad he also had feet of lead
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
Lou liked him fine until he found
Flyballs to Matt would hit the ground
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
Matt Murton is GO!!!!!
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
I thought you had to be 16 to be in the dugout now
Yet I see darren baker sitting in the reds dugout, he cant be older than 10
nji232 - April 6, 2009
he is 10
they were just talking about him starting to get so grown up.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
He's a Baker
he’ll do as he wants.
chilango2 - April 6, 2009
He'll be ruining young pitchers in no time?
dr stabbingworth - April 6, 2009
HOLY CRAP I'M EXCITED!
ALREADY 500 POSTS HERE ON THE FRONT PAGE…OVER/UNDER ON GAMETHREAD BEING 1200?
I’M STOKED.
DAN
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
:-)
hi dan!! good to see ya
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
HOLLA
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
Danny boy...
You ready for your sandwich?
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
Yup. And I have my handy ROLL CALL picture ready to go...in 2.5 hours.
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
The first of the season.
Yahooooo!
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
You mean the one that you've been slacking on all preseason?
I want some kudos for picking it up occasionally.
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
here ya go
They gave us these for employee appreciation day. Seriously.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
ooooh those look good
I might need to go to the commissary this week
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
and that's a sad company you work for
or a great one with a sense of humor :)
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
pissed me off, it did
but then I got my raise and bonus, and decided not to look a gift horse in the tuckus.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
probably smart...
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
that looks like something straight out of SWL's cupboard
Emelie - April 6, 2009
I can neither confirm nor deny
that I stalk SWL in my spare time.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
that box is ginormous
i’m all for stupid humor but that seems like overkill doesn’t it
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
TWHS
hee hee
DMCub - April 6, 2009
32k
large but lean
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
not the picture
the box itself. the pixels are fine.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
oh, well.
we only got one bar each.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
oh okay
i thought they bought you the box.
i’m being literal again. my bad.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
I have a hard time making spring training games. They start too early. I'm still teaching or at school.
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
I have a hard time making spring training games. They start too early. I'm still teaching or at school.
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
One mo' time!
daver - April 6, 2009
haha.
I started to think I was going crazy or having extreme de ja vue…:)
CubsWin!Oregon - April 6, 2009
Yo, Danny!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Already drinking KEYSTONE...
…went into school early to be home early for the game.
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
Hi Dan!!
sue369 - April 6, 2009
It won't show up in the boxscore, but Adam Dunn misjudged the first ball hit to him
scored a double but it was catchable if played correctly. He also k’ed his first AB.
flachimesa - April 6, 2009
Lumberjacks aren't paid to misjudge.
Aim big, miss big. He hits 40/100 every year with fantastic OBP. I’ll keep my mouth shut on Milton for a few weeks.
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
Pretty par for the Dunn course, isn't it?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
Mets one out away from handing Dusty his first loss.
daver - April 6, 2009
Just arrived, but may this be the first of many.
Dusty and 100 losses has a special sound.
N Oakley - April 6, 2009
Mets beat Reds 2-1
cowsarecool220 - April 6, 2009
And KRod has one save in the books already.
daver - April 6, 2009
Ok, here goes...
Last year almost everybody thought ED, (Jimmy Ballgame), was through… Somehow I knew he wasn’t, (I’m no genius, but I had a hunch).
This year, everybody is down on Dome. I have the same feeling that he will rebound; and be key to helping this year’s Cubs team. I think I’m right, I hope I’m right… We’ll see.
We seriously have no other options in CF, Joey is not an everyday guy, RJ is not an everyday guy, and we can not expect Bradley to play CF again… We need Dome out there. Let’s all believe for Dome’s rebound, and encourage him, not malign him…
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
indeed
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
I'm with you, Jimmy
and I look forward to serving up some nasty crow to the nay saying crowd
Emelie - April 6, 2009
Glad yer back girl!
Jimmyeatworld - April 6, 2009
expect the unexpected...
A Dome rebound would be sweet!
My guess is “pick me ups” always come from places you don’t expect. That is what teams need. It is never the 5-7 key people that a team expects when you start the season—that is for sure!!
LAcarl519 - April 6, 2009
I really want
Dome to do well this season. I won’t give up on him but I think Lou may.
sue369 - April 6, 2009
It seems we have to extremes on this thread:
1) BCBers who ASSUME the Cubs will be in the play-offs so they are just going to yawn through the regular season and
2) BCBers who are jilted and will never trust the team again.
In between seems a whole lot of everyone else who are excited to get the season started and see the Cubs fight it out. I am in the camp that thinks things may be tougher this year than the consensus thinks (since all the baseball experts think the Cubs are a lock to at least make it to the play-offs). I take nothing for granted.
I am putting on my seatbelt and expecting a crazier ride than 2007. Like Al, I have suffered through them all since 1969. I’d rather suffer through play-off losses and near misses than years like 2006—ever again.
GO CUBSv2009! Make me proud!
LAcarl519 - April 6, 2009
The Cubs will shine
in 2009
LT - April 6, 2009
like a stream of gold
when all around is dark!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Unless a point I am missing
Drew is talking about pissing
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
I just can't ever resist
using that monty python line… “Your majesty, Owen just called you a stream of bat’s piss”.
“Really?”
“I only meant, your majesty, that you shine out like a stream of gold when all around is dark!”
“Very witty!, ha-hah!”
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
channeling Ernie Banks for that one?
you brought back 1969 with that…
LAcarl519 - April 6, 2009
Yep
LT - April 6, 2009
Per Wikipedia...
Each spring training, Ernie would be asked by Chicago sportswriters, how the Cubs would do that season. Many of his responses were memorable, but few of them were correct:
“The Cubs are due in 62”
“The Cubs will come alive in 65”
“Wrigley Field will be heaven in 67”
“The Cubs will be great in 68”
“The Cubs will shine in 69”
“The Cubs will glow in 7-0”
LAcarl519 - April 6, 2009
they were great
in 2008
and from heaven in 2007
But in the sticks in 2006…
hmmm. 2005 doesn’t rhyme with “shit”.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
in 2005
they took a dive?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
that still doesn’t rhyme with “shit”. :P
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
well no
but it does get the point across.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 6, 2009
you'll go bust-y betting on Dusty...
…still applies!
LAcarl519 - April 6, 2009
indeed it does.
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
In 2006
They shat 96 bricks
God I hated that year!
daver - April 6, 2009
2009 will be fun
Even without Adam Dunn
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
I wonder if the Indians were aware that today was Opening Day...
They looked terrible today…
CubsWin!Oregon - April 6, 2009
Early observations:
1 – CC looks like crap; no less than 4 pitches in the dirt, none of which (I think) were meant for the dirt
2 – Putz & K-Rod…has there been a better 8th-9th setup and closer situation? The Mets left a lot of RISP, and Wright screwed up on the base paths, but the Mets looks good. Then again, they’ve “looked good” the last two years.
3 – I hate Joe Morgan more than normal this season. And it’s Day 2 of the season.
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
Joe Morgan is full of crap
Across is face should go a slap
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
These aren't gonna continue in the game thread...right?
Right?
dtpollitt - April 6, 2009
Sadly I will be on a train
So no more poems will rain
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
Our friend Dan is growing terse
He’d prefer we stopped the verse
God I love this time of year!
I’m sure no one will have time between plays.
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I'm just crazy enough you know
To do this on through the overflow
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
That's a thought, Dave, it might work
Alhough some may think we both are jerks
God I love this time of year.
This old thread is getting slow
It’s past 4 — almost time to go
God I love this time of year!
Shanghai Badger - April 6, 2009
I think the Astros lineup back when they had Lidge and Wagner...
along with some dynamite 6-7th inning guys was better that Putz & K-Rod. K-Rod is not the same guy he was early in his career…
CubsWin!Oregon - April 6, 2009
T-minus 2 Hours... until the mighty roar of the great ZAMZILLA!
digitalbenjamin - April 6, 2009
ZAMBRANO SMASH!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
well, crap
It’s Opening Day, and I have to go to a MEETING? A MEETING????
I WILL WRITE A STRONGLY WORDED LETTER!
drewishdrewid - April 6, 2009
Everybody attention
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/4/6/822965/working-on-a-dream-cubs-vs-astros#comments
wrigleyrocker12 - April 6, 2009
Finally the game thread has popped
And my bad poetry can stop
God I love this time of year!
daver - April 6, 2009
Finally!!
I can’t believe how I feel today compared to, well, last October. It is a new day! Cubs can go all the way!!!
northofwrigley - April 6, 2009
OT- Chris Iannetta (Rockies)
He’s my pick for MVP this year. He just launched a 500 ft HR off Brandon Webb. This guy can rake….
Lou In Blue - April 6, 2009
Let this be the first
JUMP of the season…..
sanantonecub - April 6, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.