Carlos Zambrano, you done growed up.
And as a Cubs fan, I couldn't be prouder to think that maybe, just maybe, Z has, at nearly age 28, matured enough to be that #1 starter that we've been wanting him to be ever since he burst onto the major league scene in 2003.
The Cubs are already a game ahead of last year's pace; last year they lost their first two, but they're 1-0 after a convincing 4-2 win over the Astros in front of a Juice Box record crowd of 43,827, many of whom were loudly audible on the ESPN2 telecast rooting for the boys in blue.
Everything worked right today. Z threw six-plus innings, 97 pitches (59 strikes) before running out of gas in the seventh. Aaron Heilman, Neal Cotts and Carlos Marmol did their jobs setting up Kevin Gregg, who posted his first Cubs save. Granted, he allowed a run, but also, that run wasn't really his fault. After Milton Bradley gave Cub Nation heart failure by appearing to give himself an ankle sprain running across first base in the top of the 8th, I was surprised to see him still out there in the 9th inning. Joey Gathright moved into CF to replace Kosuke Fukudome -- but Fukudome, despite his offensive struggles, is still a plus right fielder. Why wouldn't you move Fukudome to RF and pull Bradley, especially when there might be an injury concern?
Bradley made a valiant effort on Geoff Blum's sinking line drive but couldn't come up with it. That put runners on first and third with nobody out, and a run scored on a sac fly, but Gregg bore down and retired Michael Bourn and ex-Cub Jason Smith (yes, ex-Cub, two games in 2001 before being shipped to Tampa Bay as the PTBNL in the Fred McGriff deal) to end it.
Everything worked right: Alfonso Soriano hit his 50th career leadoff homer... and was on pace for an infinite number of homers before he made an out in his second at-bat. Aramis Ramirez also homered and in so doing, reached two milestones: it was the 250th homer of his career (putting him alone in 192nd place on the all-time list), and 174th as a Cub, which ties him with Andre Dawson for 10th place on the all-time Cub list. If Aramis hits 33 or more homers this year -- and he's averaged 32 in his five full years as a Cub -- he will have 206, which would put him past Bill Nicholson and into 7th place on the list. That would trail only Sammy Sosa, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg and Gabby Hartnett. Pretty good company for A-Ram.
The Cubs also manufactured a run in the 4th on a Little Babe Ruth double, a groundout and a sacrifice fly and -- wait for it -- Micah Hoffpauir had a really nice pinch-hit AB in the 9th and drove in a run. If he can produce like that all year, I'll be happy to say I was wrong about him.
This isn't the first time I have watched a road opener from Arizona -- I saw the 2004 opener against the Reds on TV from here (via WGN), and was at the 2005 opener here against the Diamondbacks, the one where Z had a meltdown on the mound and had to be yanked one out short of qualifying for a win (the Cubs were leading 9-3 at the time). So it was strange to share in that out-of-town experience that a lot of you have, watching the game via ESPN. Dave O'Brien and Rick Sutcliffe did their usual good job; I like Sutcliffe and since he's a former Cub, he knows a lot about our team. But I have a few words for ESPN's producers:
Hey. Guys. PSST. The 100-year thing? We know. WE KNOW. WE FREAKING KNOW. Can you guys knock it off now?
At least they waited till the sixth inning today.
But the story of the game was Z. It was his first Opening Day victory in five tries (though he threw well in the 2008 opener and got no decision). Here's hoping he keep his head on straight, his shoulder healthy, and his pitches down all year... and maybe we have that ace we've been dreaming of.
Site notes: normally, I'll post recaps for night games the morning after, but since I'm still on Arizona time and today's game ended fairly early, thought I'd post this one tonight and let you get an early start on it. Also, I was remiss in not posting the MLB.com Gameday link on the pregame thread, which I have been doing since last year. It'll return tomorrow.
0 recs | 433 comments
Good recap
Why wasn’t Dome moved to RF when JG was brought in?
Goat Whisperer - April 6, 2009
Good question.
Wish I had an answer.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
I think we will see that from now on with that shoulder roll by Bradley
Ivy Walls - April 7, 2009
nope
Bradley was kept in in RF (My seats were in RF corner). Would have made more sense IMO especially after seeing MB limping after an AB in the 6th (he was hunched over for a few moments before limping a bit, then trotting out to RF).
I did like seeing MB huslte on every play. Ramis HR was a frozen rope, and a sight of beauty. Not one Astro moved on the field when he connected with that pitch.
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
If Bradley was pulled
that’s all we’d be hearing about this morning. “How serious is the injury to Bradley?” “Is the Cubs major off-season FA going to the DL?”
Bradley is a plus defensivly. You don’t take that bat out in late innings as defensive replacements even though there is a better defensive player on the roster. Maybe if the Cubs were winning by lots of runs, sure, but not in a close game. Soriano is not a plus defensively, so you do in regards to him.
jerry morales rules - April 7, 2009
this
I wouldn’t have put Gaithwright in there at all.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Not with a 3 run lead, but
it’s opening day and Lou wants everyone involved.
N Oakley - April 7, 2009
Bradley is a plus defensively? What?
Bradley is a plus defensivley? What’s that based on – he played DH last year. He sure didn’t look plaus on that ball he dropped in the ninth inning!
rememberthecoop - April 7, 2009
Anything to get Fukudome out of the game is a good thing
By mid-May hopefully Reed Johnson will be playing in center and Fukudome will be rotting on the bench.
rememberthecoop - April 7, 2009
Yeah
Very confusing. When i saw that Gathright was in center i was like “okay fukudome is in right”. But of course not…that would make too much sense. I guess it just takes Lou awhile to realize he needs to take the poor defensive outfielders for the better ones. I recall several late inning blunders by Soriano before Lou started taking him out in late innings so hopefully it is just a matter of time till he does it for Milton.
TJ3117 - April 6, 2009
I'm pretty sure...
Soriano was never pulled for defense.
He got pulled a few times during his hamstring problems though.
Kansas25 - April 7, 2009
Soriano is considered a good LF'er
remember?
Ivy Walls - April 7, 2009
that's because
he IS a good LF’er.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Uh, because he is.
I don’t know why the hell it’s so hard for people here to understand. He’s a good LF’er, but a bad defensive LF’er.
It’s not that difficult of a concept to grasp.
NittanyCub - April 7, 2009
It's even more nuanced than that.
Soriano is not a good or great defender. However, compared to his peers in LF, he’s near the top of the list.
N Oakley - April 7, 2009
Correct
And it cost the Cubs at least 2 games last year.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
You're being way too kind
Clutche - April 7, 2009
Referring specifically to not pulling him in the 9th
I’m thinking of May 1 vs. Brewers and the game in PGH
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
the only thing I could figure is that Lou did not want to lose Bradley's
bat in case Gregg had a melt down and we had to go to extra innings. The more Lou gains confidence in Gregg to hold a lead, the more likely he is to yank Bradley and move Kosuke to RF. Otherwise there is no reason to take a risk with Bradley defensively.
I think we will soon Joey in CF and Kosuke shifted to RF (or brought in off the bench when he doesn’t start) in tight games where we have a lead.
LAcarl519 - April 7, 2009
Thats kinda
what my guess was even though I still would have had both dome and gathright in the game.
cubsluver22 - April 7, 2009
Maybe, but why anticipate failure?
An OF of Johnson-Gathright-Dome in the 9th gives the Cubs the best chance to win once it’s already 4-1.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Amen brother.
daver - April 7, 2009
exactly what i said before
the speed of that group leaves little gaps to hit into
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
It would make more sense.
Of course, it would also make sense for Fukudome to have kept running full speed toward that blooper he let fall in front of him in the 7th.
Maybe Lou’s trying to send a message. If Kosuke is going to be the CF, he must call off the 2B and SS on that play, and run through the ball. His OF communication has been just terrible lately.
Edmonds would have caught that ball on the run, without diving. Of course, a lot of that has to do with positioning, and Edmonds always played a shallow CF. But Kosuke was playing really, REALLY deep last night, for a bunch of players who did not warrant it.
D98 - April 7, 2009
You don't play deep for a guy like Matsui either...
Not very experienced out there.
Fishbone2 - April 7, 2009
my only thought
is that dome was due up first if the game had gone to extras, but doesn’t make it a good decision by lou.
cubbiefanTN - April 7, 2009
Except you don't really want Gathright batting either in that situation
madcow256 - April 7, 2009
If Fukudome hasn't seen a fly ball in RF since 2008
that could be a reason why.
The Cubs were pretty adamant that Fukudome would play CF, and as such, he may not have worked out in right field during the offseason. If he hasn’t seen a fly ball in right since last year, Lou may have had reservations about making his first RF experience of 2009 in the 9th inning. I don’t remember seeing him in RF during Spring Training or the WBC.
I would guess that Fukudome sees more work in RF during workouts to avoid something like this down the road, because it would make sense to put Gathright in center and shift Fukudome.
Bill Potter - April 7, 2009
Astros radio guys
(and they were good) were saying that Lou and Quade were frustrated that Kosuke hadn’t been around to get much work in CF. Seemed to think that he would be uncomfortable in center, or at least a question mark.
TC Cubby - April 7, 2009
That could have to do with communication
Usually, early in Spring Training, teams go over pop fly priorities and player communication. A few teams in ST, we saw examples of the failure to communicate between Fukudome and a teammate. That would be very frustrating to watch.
I think he’ll grow into it, but the WBC certainly didn’t help him in that regard.
Bill Potter - April 7, 2009
That's a good point.
IIRC, he did play center throughout the WBC and spring training. I mean, I doubt he’s “forgotten” how to play right, but maybe Lou wants to keep him focused on center.
daver - April 7, 2009
That's what I'm thinking.
Like you said, I don’t think he’s “forgotten” how to play RF, but if he hasn’t been taking fly balls out there this offseason, I don’t think Lou would be too comfortable running him out there.
Milton looked alright out there, save for the cartwheel in the 9th.
Bill Potter - April 7, 2009
Here's the thing, though.
Fukudome is no longer an everyday player. He’s played enough RF in his career that he should be able to transition for one inning.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
I would hope so.
But if he hasn’t worked out at the position since October 2008, I can understand him not being out there.
That said, he needs to be taking fly balls in both spots, to be ready to move late in the game and to keep himself acclimated to right in the case of injury as well.
Bill Potter - April 7, 2009
hopefully
he can do that. With his abbreviated ST, it might have had an impact.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
That's what I'm thinking.
Between working out in CF for Team Japan, then his abbreviated ST with the Cubs where he was rushing to get used to CF with his teammates, I don’t think there was much time built in for Fukudome to work out in RF.
Now, as Al says above, he’s played RF in the past and should be able to play it for an inning. And while I agree, I just don’t think Lou would put him out there unless he’s seen him shag fly balls in right recently.
Bill Potter - April 7, 2009
Could be as simple as...
…Bradley was ok, and Lou didn’t feel like answering 200 questions about his health if he pulled him.
Good ballgame, and I really liked Z’s temperment.
MPH73 - April 7, 2009
Dave O'Brien and Rick Sutcliffe were good, but did you notice them call Fontenot, Mark twice?
cubs ftw - April 6, 2009
Missed that.
Al Yellon - April 6, 2009
so did the PA announcer in Houston
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
It's because he's wearing #17
daeviant - April 7, 2009
New to posting here
Been reading all summer, great blog Al.
The game was exactly what I expected from my Cubbies. Sori coming out strong(lets just hope he isnt as streaky as he usually is), Zambrano learning to control his emotions and settle into throwing strikes, D. Lee and Dome doing what they left off last season doing :(. And the bullpen still looks strong even with a few scares.
jkobus - April 6, 2009
DLee
batted .312 last year. By the numbers, he DID not start off the season even close to how he did last year.. and why make that comment, We won, and nothing terrible happened.. there is enough negativity on this site we dont need to add to it after we won with eeeeeze. A few scares in the bullpen? So a hit here and there, and a run scored on something that could have been prevented, we did it all right today… got to love it.. no need for negativity.
Dont take me the wrong way, WELCOME TO BCB!!! Its a cool site to be on and your gonna get a lot of good conversation and smart ass remarks.. Good to have ya.. LETS DO IT CUBBIES!
SouthsideCUBSfan - April 7, 2009
.312 right? Im too lazy to check right now
SouthsideCUBSfan - April 7, 2009
I wish D-Lee batted .312 last year
but unfortunately he only batted .291
DTJchris - April 7, 2009
man im trippin
I have no idea why I thought he batted .312, my bad.. but either way .291 isnt too shabby
SouthsideCUBSfan - April 7, 2009
Because maybe you saw that
on CSN with the triple crown stats. I could swear many of the stats were wrong last night on CSN. Most glaring was Fontenot’s stats showing him with only a .240BA. I looked closely at the screen to see if that was some partial stat like ESPN does real-time but couldn’t find anything. I remember Theriot’s numbers being wrong at one time but correct his last AB. Anyone else see this?
I’m really tired of CSN’s crappy coverage. When they replay a called strike, the zoom-in can’t seem to have the plate in the frame. Why bother showing that if the plate isn’t in the frame. You can’t see the damned ball position.
blackhawk24 - April 7, 2009
I noticed that too...
and then later in the game they had LBR at .306, IIRC…which is correct, right?
DMCub - April 7, 2009
I saw that too
Also, they had Z’s batting stats from last year as .204 with 0 HR…I had to look at it twice and say out loud “wait…what?” I don’t know where they were getting these stats they were posting.
HawkVision - April 7, 2009
Some of the stats were spring training stats
It said so on the graphic
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
The status were messed up on CSN until around the 7th inning
my buddy and I saw at lest 7-8 times where players hitting stats were totally wrong. Like WAY OFF.
What baffles me is not that bad stats would slip into a game… but how the producers let them keep going up inning after inning. And how Len and Bob didn’t bring up the fact that they were obviously WAY off.
Bad start to the season for CSN
digitalbenjamin - April 7, 2009
A lot of the stats I saw specifically said, "Spring Training"
What I thought was worse was missing pitches because they had to cram replays in after squeezing every nanosecond of commercials in that was possible.
They missed Ramirez’ HR because they just HAD to show Bradley’s DP immediately out of the commercial break, for example.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Lots of the bad stats referenced the 2008 season. i was all mussed up!
digitalbenjamin - April 7, 2009
There was something amiss with the Camera
that was supposed to cover the leftside of the ballfield. Several Plays to left field and the foul pop up that ARAM caught seemed to not be shown till the very last second..
TheRiot Police - April 7, 2009
They were mixing up stats between Houston and Chicago
Theriot had Bourne’s numbers in at least one at bat.
Bill Potter - April 7, 2009
interesting. maybe that was the problem...
digitalbenjamin - April 7, 2009
Yea I did see it on CSNs broadcast last night
Maybe some producer was wishful thinking with Lees numbers last year
SouthsideCUBSfan - April 7, 2009
I still have the Postseason stuck in my mind
And thats where both of them really lost a lot of ground with me. As for the bullpen, I am a very nervous fan like all the time. But they all did well, and did what they needed to.
jkobus - April 7, 2009
Lee hit .545 in the NLDS
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
And he's something like 0-15 with runners on base
Lee’s last two postseasons have been pretty horrific. 3 bloop hits with the bases empty while losing a game in a rout on the way to getting swept does not equal a good postseason.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Wrong
First of all, I was responding to someone saying he had a terrible 2008 post season. That is factually, statistically incorrect.
Second of all, the hitters in front of him were rarely on base to begin with.
I never said he had a great postseason. The burden of proof is on the person who said he was bad – it isn’t on me.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
What was wrong about my statement?
He was absolutely miserable with runners on base in the last 2 postseasons – and as I noted, he’s gotten plenty of opportunities. It’s about 15 AB with runners on in 6 games, and he’s done absolutely nothing.
His 2007 postseason was miserable by any standard. 4 singles, no RBI. 0-for-the-postseason with runners on, in multiple chances per game. 4 K.
His 2008 postseason AVG looked good, but it was completely empty. He had 3 doubles, all of which occurred with the bases empty with the game out of hand. He was 1-for-the-postseason with runners on, and that was a grounder-in-the-hole to SS that couldn’t advance Fontenot from 2nd to 3rd.
D98 - April 7, 2009
My headline wasn't the best
But your statement came out attacking mine, when all I was doing was refuting that Lee had a bad 2008 NLDS.
You referenced 2007 — nothing to do with my point. As far as runners on base and the performance of the rest of the team, well — one can only control what one can control.
Lee did not hit poorly in the 2008 NLDS. That was my point.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
lee may have not gotten a hit yesterday,
but he did drive the ball pretty hard on two at-bats. his first ab probably would have gone out in left center in wrigley, later he had that deep drive that barely went foul….
anyone else notice espn’s emphasis on OPS?
billmurrayforowner - April 7, 2009
I agree - his ABs were encouraging yesterday
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
I did notice that
the Sabermagicians are slowly taking over the world.
It’s good to see that some important stats are being recognized
gwood - April 7, 2009
D. Lee
I looked and didnt realize he was getting himself on base in the playoffs, I guess I just blocked out the memory in general.
If he can start getting the ball just a little further I will be a very happy Cubs fan. But its been like that for the past 2 years. He gets a nice hit but is just under it, or doesnt get enough on it and its caught at the warning track. I really just hope he can come out and hit somewhat like he used to
jkobus - April 7, 2009
He'll be fine. He's hitting the ball hard and squaring it up almost every at-bat. The
hits and home runs will come. He was just a little unlucky last night.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
I love the fact
that the first game of the year not only set the tone for this team in 09… but was probably one of the best games we’ll see all year… I am SO happy to be a Cubs fan right now!
lswaidz - April 6, 2009
It was a GREAT game
but hopefully that is Average to what we see all year.. if we want to win the WS, we have to play like we did today consistently.
SouthsideCUBSfan - April 7, 2009
Agreed. :)
It was pretty great to start the year off this way. Go Cubs!
slcathena - April 7, 2009
Great way to start off the season
It was also great to see Geo nail someone @ 2nd base also among those other things you mentioned Al.
Madison Cub Fan - April 6, 2009
+1
that was a brilliant throw. Tailed off perfectly to nail Tejada.
cubsonWGN4ever - April 7, 2009
It seemed like Tejada was experiencing 'roid rage all night.
the guy seemed to over-react to everything (good or bad). If the guy wants to be forgiven for his lying, I’d tone it down a bit.
LAcarl519 - April 7, 2009
That's his usual behavior. He's an ass hat.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
that was awesome.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Nice work on Geo's part
Kept the ball in front of him, charged it, and threw in a fluid motion. Tejada hesitated before breaking, though, and that was the difference between an SB and a CS.
Clutch16 - April 7, 2009
Yep, that was an awesome play.
daver - April 7, 2009
Geo's a stud.
Nice to see him showcase that already in first game of the season :)
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Yep!
slcathena - April 7, 2009
I wonder where A-Ram will wind up
on the all-time Cubs HR list when everything is all said and done?
DTJchris - April 6, 2009
probably depends on if he stays healthy or not
btw I love your tagline DT
Madison Cub Fan - April 6, 2009
Thanks
Royko was great, I still read his collections every now and then, and they still hold up to this day.
DTJchris - April 7, 2009
Did you see Roger Ebert's blog the last couple days?
He reminisces about the Sun Times and the Daily News and has a couple good Royko anecdotes and photos.http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/04/the_best_job_in_the_world.html#more
mikeinseattle - April 7, 2009
Not only was Royko a great writer...
… he was also a personable man. I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife at The Green Door in Chicago, (when Elsie owned it, before the sale in the early 2000’s), and they were both fun loving people. Too bad Elsie sold the Green Door, it was a great place. It still is a nice establishment, but it now lacks the homey charm that Elsie brought to it when she owned/ran it for so many years.
Jimmyeatworld - April 7, 2009
First Season Opening Homer
Since 2004 if I remember right. Also, the last time Al watched an opener from AZ. Kinda scary.
I’m just saying. Hopefully’s Soriano’s season opening homer will bring greater things than Patterson’s shot against Cincy in ’04.
dbaltman - April 6, 2009
Are you really comparing Sori to CPatt?!
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
You forgot the sarcasm sign
At least, I hope you did.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
That works...
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
As long as the season has a better ending than 2004.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
Definitely
And no, I wasn’t trying to compare Sori to Patterson. It was just the last season opening homer.
dbaltman - April 7, 2009
No it wasn't.
For one thing, if you’re saying Corey lead off the game with a homer that’s not right. Grudzielanek was the leadoff man that game. As Len and Bob said last night, the last guy to do that was Tuffy Rhodes.
http://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=200404050CN5
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
What a great feeling.
I got home in the middle of the fourth inning, just in time to see The Riot drive in the Wonder Hamster (I like that nickname better than LBR, but if people want to use the latter, I’ll switch). Unfortunately, I couldn’t log into the game threads because I had to make dinner, and then the dishwasher door jammed, and I had to fix it with one head in the dishwasher, and one in the TV set (good thing they won or it would have been one head in the oven – oh wait, we have an electric oven).
I too didn’t understand why Dome didn’t move over to right in place of Milton Bradley. I’m glad it didn’t cost us the game. It did cost Gregg a run, though.
Big Z cracks me up. In the post-game interview, Lou was asked whether he would have Z bunt in the seventh, and he said no because he doubted Z knew the sign (on a serious note, why doesn’t he?) When Z was asked about it, he grinned and said “there is no bunt sign for me!”
I’m not so worried about Bradley’s going ofer today. I am worried about Dome, though.
All in all, a very pleasant way to start off the season. These workmen-like victories feel better than a 15-1 blowout, where you kind of feel that we wasted some runs.
Cubfansince1957 - April 6, 2009
I like both nicknames :)
Clutch16 - April 7, 2009
Must . . .pay . . .homage . .can't resist!
M-i-ike,
M-i-ike,
Mike the Wonder Hamster!
He doesn’t bite,
and he doesn’t squeal,
he just runs around on his hamster wheel!
M-i-ike,
M-i-ike
Mike . . .the Wonder Hamster . . . .
HEY, MIKE!
Good ol’ Weird Al . . . sorry, not YOU, Al. ;-)
Edgewood - April 7, 2009
Dome...
My best guess about not moving Dome over to RF after Game Board came out is wanting to
have him there and working on being comfortable in center and not bounce him back and forth…
I would guess, assuming Dome starts finding his hitting stroke again, that once Lou feels he’s comfortable in center then a switch won;t make much of a difference…
But with his struggles at the plate the poor guy has enough on his plate…
Endrick - April 7, 2009
That's the only explanation
that makes any sense. But if/when Bradley gets hurt, Fukudome is going to have to play some right field.
Josh Timmers - April 7, 2009
I don't think a switch was made because Lou didn't want Fukudome's bat still in the lineup
The less Fukudome in the game the better right now.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
That's my guess.
He wasn’t playing that great of a CF, either.
I assume that Lou just wants to see as little of Fukudome as possible.
I still would have put Reed in right.
D98 - April 7, 2009
There was that bloop hit to shallow center
immediately after Brenly said he thought Dome was playing far too deep.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
He was far too deep.
That being said, he could have caught the ball easily if he hadn’t pulled up. He deferred to the 2B, which is just insane in that situation. It’s something you learn in little league – that’s the CF’s ball, and he needs to take control!
D98 - April 7, 2009
I agree
I’ll give him a few more games to do it, tho… :D
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
I know it's just one play,
but I’m pretty sure Kosuke would have caught that ball that Bradley missed. I also know it was a difficult catch but I guess I’m just not sold on Bradley. Hopefully Kosuke will get his bat going, I haven’t given up on him yet.
Fonzie2178 - April 7, 2009
I don't know...
Kosuke did drop a pretty easy one on Saturday in New York.
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 7, 2009
Oh, I didn't see that...
I was busy freezing my butt of at my daughter’s softball doubleheader. At any rate, I’d rather see Kosuke producing… I want Bradley to do well also but I can’t say that I’m a big fan of his. As long as he produces for the team, I’ll live with him.
Fonzie2178 - April 7, 2009
It was a blast watching the game in New York
At least 40 Cub fans took over Kelly’s Bar on Ave A & 1st street. Most people grew up near Chicago but there was one woman from London who adopted the Cubs while working in Moscow in 06 because they worst team around. It was a noisy bunch cheering every hit and strike out. We did our own 7th inning stretch & TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME sing a long. We got very nervous in the 8th and 9th. My favorite line of the night was when ESPN showed Gregg warming up and someone loudly blurted out " Our closer WEARS GLASSES ??". Most folks wore Cubs hats and many wore jersey’s including a sad DeRosa fan.
Might have been the most fun I have had watching an Opening Day game that I was not at. I think we had the noisiest, most crowded bar in New York tonight despite some silly basketball game that others had on their big screen televisions.
Doggie Stalker - April 7, 2009
Did anyone else look @ Gregg
and think of Major League.
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Let's hope he doesn't show us the "Wild" part of the "Wild Thing".
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
I'd forgotten what a weird pitching motion Gregg has.
It’s, like, half windup/half stretch. But, hey, as long as he gets the job done…
daver - April 7, 2009
it looks like he shot puts the ball...
except it goes 94 mph
billmurrayforowner - April 7, 2009
Exactly.
I kept wanting to tell him to bring his throwing arm back a little farther next time.
daver - April 7, 2009
1 down,,,,161 to go :)
n/t
kcjones - April 7, 2009
I think any announcer who brings up the 100 years should be treated like a cat. Spray them with water and flick them in the nose.
Cool Hand - April 7, 2009
why not neuter then as well
for safety
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
Well...
some of them are so old, nature has already taken care of this.
N Oakley - April 7, 2009
"Why wouldn't you move Fukudome to RF and pull Bradley, especially when there might be an injury concern?"
Why worry about such a little thing that had no impact on the game, I have nothing but respect for ya Al, but that is a really useless piece of negativity. What if they hit a 3 run HR and tied the game? Who would you want batting in extra innings/the end of the game? Anyways, great to be back to BCB, totally enjoy your work Al, thanks for making this a 1-stop Cubs news/rumor/opinion/blogging website
SouthsideCUBSfan - April 7, 2009
any chance
MB is left in there because Lou wants to see
1. how healthy he truly is
2. MB make his option year guarantee with playing time.
Lou was a player, and I would not be surprised if he leaves MB in the game a few times we all think he should be rested for safety, in order to help MB meet the stipulation for the option year to kick in.
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
How does Milton's option work?
Is it somehow tied to innings played in the field? Usually, it’s games played, right?
D98 - April 7, 2009
not sure off hand
if it is innings played, or AB’s
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
3-3 game for dome tomorrow. remember that.
xene - April 7, 2009
From your keyboard to his bat.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
...to the Crawford boxes.
daver - April 7, 2009
to victory
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
I'll bet that...
Reed Johnson plays CF on Tuesday. Theriot will probably move to the 2 hole in the batting order.
montecarlo - April 7, 2009
Since Wandy Rodriguez is LH, no one's taking the bet about Johnson
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
We had the good fortune
Of having this game on ESPN this afternoon, so i snuck home from work early and watched. Love getting Cubs games live, and of course the winning ones are a special treat.
Aussie Cub - April 7, 2009
Sequence of the game.
Top of the 4th inning: Fontenot leads off with a double, Soto moves him over with a well placed ground out and then Theriot drives him in with a sac fly. I can recall a lot of times last year (not just the Cubs, but all of MLB) where lead of doubles did not equal at least a manufactured run, so while it is too early to say this is a trend for the Cubs, it is still good to see this being done.
Also, I can see why Milton Bradley is always hurt… between him nearly blowing out his ankle slowing up at first and the cartwheel-Barzini-like flip on the fly ball to right center this guy seems to be a disaster waiting to happen.
drMeth - April 7, 2009
Like Ryno said during his HoF speech...
“…how a ground out to second with a man on second and nobody out was a great thing.”
Ok, so the GO was to 1st, close enough. The thing was Geo got the unofficial sacrifice. BB praised him for it, aptly so.
blackhawk24 - April 7, 2009
Ryno's HOF speech is really one for the ages.
Frankly, it may have launched his second career as a manager. I would not be shocked if he wound up as Lou’s successor.
You don’t see many people take chances like Ryno did on their “big day”. He really took some shots at the current state of the game… basically accusing everyone, from the league offices to the front offices to the players, of failing to respect the game.
Man, I love that guy.
D98 - April 7, 2009
I'm really impressed with his minor league managing so far
Completely different personality than what he showed while playing — much more vocal. I didn’t think that he had it in him.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Me either...
and Ryno is my all-time favorite player. Never did I think he had what it took to be a manager. I am happy for him and hope he continues his success!
Fishbone2 - April 7, 2009
Same here on all points
I’m not sure it’s a slam-dunk that he’s the next manager, but they could do worse.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
i love that he went to the minors to learn and work his way up
that shows his willingness to learn how to manage before jumping into the waters so to speak.
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
Agreed with all of you.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the major league coaching staff next year, as a prelude to managing in the major leagues.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
got a link
to the text?
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Better yet.
Here’s a link to watch the speech.
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers/detail.jsp?playerId=121665
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
unfortunately
streaming video is randomly blocked at work.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
watching that...
you wish bud selig had as much respect for ryno’s speech as ryno had for the game…i don’t think bud is even listening to sandberg’s speech
billmurrayforowner - April 7, 2009
if you just want to read it
(new window)
gwood - April 7, 2009
grakas!
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
you're welcome
gwood - April 7, 2009
Me too.
He was my favorite baseball player as a kid. Some girls had rock stars and movie stars posters on their walls, mine was Ryno. :)
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
And all Oppo!
californiachicagoan - April 7, 2009
Assessment...Cubs looked prepared
When I say prepared I mean mentally they look mature and secure in their skins in this position.
Zambrano was not overly hyped. Soriano was ready to smack a fat pitch and so was Ramirez.
Fontenot put three hits on the deck and scored twice.
Hoffpauir comes up and does what he is supposed to do.
Marmol comes in and stones their meat of the order. Then Gregg finishes the game, if Bradley makes the catch it was 4-1.
Ivy Walls - April 7, 2009
let's hope they look that way in the NLCS
Emelie - April 7, 2009
One step at a time
first, get to game #163.
Then win the NLDS.
blackhawk24 - April 7, 2009
Ok, now you really ARE up early
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
yeah this time you caught me
Emelie - April 7, 2009
Cable guy
finally left, eh? :P
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
lol! yeah but today I get the telephone guy!
Emelie - April 7, 2009
just another day
at Emelie “The Sun Never Sets in Alaska” Productions…
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
She'd better sleep if the cable guy kept her up until 4
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
He fixed her cable?
/Lebowski’d
Chadnudj - April 7, 2009
Totally agree.
This was a solid win – and just the way I like ’em (though I could have used another couple runs). Take an early lead and add on, maintaining it with good pitching and sound defense. Gimme another 90+ just like that, please.
daver - April 7, 2009
On The 100 Year Thing....DEAL WITH IT
Seriously. Complaining about it only makes it worse. It is the elephant in the room, and no amount of kvetching is going to change that. By virtue of the fact this franchise has been around as long as it has, and other “upstart” clubs have come in and won the Series since the Cubs have, much less more than once, is a legitimate story to mention. There’s nothing any of us can do about it, so what the hell.
BeerCub - April 7, 2009
+1000 and Rec'd
It is what it is. Deal with it Cubs fans. It’s not the announcers fault that the Cubs haven’t won in 101 years. Not to mention the fact that Cubs fans aren’t the only ones watching.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
I have no problem with it as long as they don't refer to us as...........
The Lovable Losers
Clutche - April 7, 2009
No, it's not the announcers' fault.
And yes, there are other fans watching. But I’m guessing they’ve heard about this, too.
It’s lazy. There are other interesting historical facts that can be discussed, but the lazy producers fall back on the 100 years, goats, Bartman, etc.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
I'm sure everyone's heard about it.
I just think die-hard Cubs fans are over sensitive about it, because we’ve heard it so much. Stop making me defend the ESPN announcers and production crew! Ugh I feel dirty.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
I think the point (and a better phrased complaint) is,
They should get some new material. It’s not an insightful observation by the broadcast team, it’s not news, it’s not clever. It’s boring.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
as long as their facts are correct
unlike the Houston fan who swore to God the Cubs had not been in a WS in over 100 years. I had to correct him after the 5th (or so) time in one inning he continued to shout incorrect information. Guy was cool, bought me a beer for correcting him.
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
At least he's not getting paid to make the observations
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Right it's boring to us, the rabid fan.
But to the casual viewer, they still find it interesting. I think it’s stupid that they do, but it is what it is. Until the CUBS make it happen, we have to deal with it. You lay in the bed you make.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
Do they, though?
How many people that follow baseball at all don’t already know it? I don’t want to watch a game and be constantly reminded that Tony LaRussa got pulled over for drunk driving, for example.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
I'm not one to defend Tony LaRussa,
however one thing has to do with baseball, the other does not.
The 101 year thing (like it or not) is still “newsworthy.” It’s sorta like when the news broadcasts stories on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Everyone knows what happened, but they still find it interesting.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
I kinda see your point on Pearl Harbor, and I realize your not suggesting it's the same magnitude,but
That was a world-changing event, and not a contest. In other words, it wasn’t pre-ordained that the U.S. was competing against Japan.
The Cubs play against other teams . . . every game, someone loses. It’s not like no one is trying to stop them from winning.
And, when people talk about Pearl Harbor, they say more then, “Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on 12/07/41” over and over again — background information is given. No one blames it on a goat or a hapless kid in headphones.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
But it's true
Clutche - April 7, 2009
It's also true that the sun rose in the east this morning.
Does mentioning that qualify as insightful commentary? That’s the issue that I have with it — I’m not trying to hide from the futility. Hell, none of us have any responsibility for that, anyway.
If they want to talk about it, fine — but expound on it, then. A made-up curse, a foul ball, a cat, etc. is all nonsense — and anyone who would purport those to be feasible on a mainstream news show would instantly lose credibility.
Expound on it with PK Wrigley’s tight-fistedness and racism, MacPhail’s lack of a plan, Himes’ ego, etc. But the curse schtik is old and tired.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Rec'd
Exactly.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
unfortunately
I’m afraid until the worm turns and they win the World Series, it’ll be the same tired old story. Eerily similar to the Red Sox and the silly Bambino & Buckner references.
cubbot - April 7, 2009
Exactly.
What’s the point in complaining about it? It’s not going away until we win a WS. Deal with it.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
I got a buddy who is a Red Sox fan
who would TOTALLY agree with you. Sox had to deal with the same thing until they won. The announcers didn’t discuss how Buckner overall had a great career at 1st. Just about that one play.
We can be sensitive all we want, but it won’t change the fact of that is how announcers are. As much as I would love to learn something listening to the game, that just doesn’t happen.
End of rant.
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Exactamundo.
Yes, the argument can be made the non-Cub fan watching the broadcast doesn’t know that fact as much as we all do, buuuuuuuuttttt…if you’re spending three hours of your free time to watch a baseball game chances are pretty damn likely you know about the 101 year thing.
Enough is enough.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
great game
Didn’t realize minute maid was starting its 10th season. Time flies!! Fontenot should be in the two hole but overall that lineup looks really good.
Al— no props for Soto not allowing tejada steal a base on him?? I was pumped when he was called out and tejada starting to throw a hissy fit. I was yelling go do that kicking and screaming on the pine. HaHaHa
Marmol was filthy last night!!
cubsluver22 - April 7, 2009
That was indeed a really nice throw by Soto.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
Bradley the DH
We own him for big $ for 3 years ….
I think what we saw in the ninth is going to make everybody wish we had a DH in the NL
nimblenikelfoos - April 7, 2009
Oh you mean...
you didnt like him high fiving the fan? I thought we had Manny for a second there!
AndHart120 - April 7, 2009
I actually liked that
Shows a little personality out there.
Clutch16 - April 7, 2009
one thing Bradley doesn't lack is personality.
as Sutcliffe said last night, “he has always had problems dealing with failure and this is a game where the best fail 70% of the time.” Let’s just hope that Hendry has invested in a good shrink for Bradley—because the guy does go all out, but he will fail. Dealing with his anger in a constructive way is why he gets traded every season.
Personally, I DO HOPE he learns how to channel his anger and stay healthy.
LAcarl519 - April 7, 2009
Fortunately, that fills a pretty crucial need for this team.
If the 2007 team lacked anything (besides the ability to hit good pitching), it was leadership / personality and, to use your term, “constructive anger”.
Milton’s a pretty good risk in this regard – maybe he’ll fire up, and loosen up, the other guys. In each of the last two playoff sweeps, the team has played like sleepytime zombies. A little emotion can only help…. as I said back then, if you have to lose, at least do it with some panache.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Agreed
Especially on the last point — if you can’t win, at least make it entertaining when you lose.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
He's exactly what this team needs. Did anyone notice
the big smile on Lou’s face when Milon got thrown out a second in a st game and got up and bitched at the umpire? When was the last time a Cub player go fired up in an exhibition game? Lou of all people know’s that the fire to compete has to come from within a player and Milton has it. Big Z has it too, but it’s different coming from an everyday player. The down side is that if that fire burn to hot, a player can find himself getting tossed alot or infuring himslf while trying to get to an umpire. If the manager can control that fire, it will rub of on the other players and become a positive force.
This is one of things I admire about Ozzie. His fiery personality rubs off on his team and raises their level of play. I believe that he gets more out of his players this way and it has become a positive force. The downside is that if you go to that well too often, yhe players will eventually tune you out. Guys like Billy Martin and Bobby Valentine evenyually lose their team because they run too hot. It’s a delicate balancing act for that type of manager.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
+1
This is what I was the most excited about when we got Bradley. He is a great hitter, but I’m more excited about his passion in playing the game and the way that he doesn’t put up well with losing. I think that this team could use a bit more fire…particularly in the post season. It really isn’t business as normal. Go out there and act like you do care and like there isn’t a tomorrow.
Archie - April 7, 2009
(oops - I meant the "2007 and 2008 teams")
D98 - April 7, 2009
meh ...
You could argue the 2007 team lacked a lot of things.
elgato - April 7, 2009
not as much as the 06 team did :(
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Huh? Bradley is actually a pretty good outfielder.
Unless you’re referring to the ankle tweek. If that’s the case, that could have happen to anyone, not just Gameboard.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
what
nearly making a huge sliding play that bounced off the heel of his glove?
I LIKED what I saw out there. He brought everything last night. He could have said to Lou “my ankle hurts, can I go sit down” and he gave it all. Give me more of that Milton Bradley, please.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
If you're saying Milton Bradley is bad at defense, I strongly disagree.
Nice try, though.
daver - April 7, 2009
Now that was a solid performance!
I was really impressed with how sound this team looked to start the season. With the exception of Bradley’s error in the ninth (it happens), I thought they executed wonderfully. I was relieved with the baserunning help in the first to get Zambrano out of the jam and I’m glad he settled in. The only thing that concerned me was the majority of Gregg’s pitches catching the middle of the plate (I’m sure he was nervous and wanting to prove something to his new team). Onward we go with our new winning streak!
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
Probably
just trying really hard not to walk anyone in his first outing for Lou. He knows what you don’t do if you pitch for Lou.
Archie - April 7, 2009
Infinite homers by Soriano
That line really bothered me. This is an impossibility.
If he homers in every AB he still hits a finite number because the other players have made outs.
If none of the other players make outs then the first game never ends, so all stats are “infinite”.
I guess I am a math dork and picking nits.
dgoody14 - April 7, 2009
nerd alert! (i'm joking of course)
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
Lighten up Francis!
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
The offensive stats would be infinite
But since there is no limit to the number of at bats, the top of the inning never ends, fielding stats will remain constant.
daeviant - April 7, 2009
Thank you,
I now visualize you as a chimpanzee siting behind another picking out lice and eating it. yuck.
N Oakley - April 7, 2009
I was actually picturing
A school nurse checking a kids hair for lice.
daeviant - April 7, 2009
CubFan81 - April 7, 2009
This takes picking nits to a new level.
daver - April 7, 2009
I don't think that makes you a math dork....
b/c I agree with you and there is no way w/ my lack of math skills I am one.
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Wonder Hampster and Scrappy Doo
I really like Fonty and The Riot together at the bottom of the order. They feed off of each other and also set the stage to be knocked in by Soriano at the top. Makes the Cubbies dangerous from top to bottom. No let up.
wombat - April 7, 2009
I call it the O-line
Fonten-O, Sot-O, Theri-O
Ok that was lame. Give me a break, I was drunk.
daeviant - April 7, 2009
heh
I liked it!
Floyd10 - April 7, 2009
No, that's awesome.
Well done.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
TWSS
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Fail
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
depends.
Is S = Emelie? :D
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
The cable guy was there until 4am
just saying it’s possible
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
heh heh ;=}
Emelie - April 7, 2009
Technically, Fontenot is in the middle of the order.
daver - April 7, 2009
The game was blacked out in my area on ESPN 2....
…luckily I found in on Comcast. I really hate blackouts.
Cubs and Hawks fan - April 7, 2009
Blacked Out on ESPN2 in Memphis
I saw the game on CSN Chicago on Extra Innings, but I can’t understand why the game was blacked out in Memphis on ESPN2. West Tennessee is not in the Cubs or Astros geographic territories.
memphiscub - April 7, 2009
Blacked out in Bloomington, IN too
And I couldn’t pull it up on anything else. So I had to sit and feel sorry for myself. (and apologize to my 6 and 7 year old sons who I had promised last week could stay up and watch opening day with me on ESPN2.) Boo Bud.
Archie - April 7, 2009
We got it at my house
Well, at least #1 son got to watch it. I was at baseball practice with #2 son. We’re just south of the border in OB.
HoodooMan - April 7, 2009
Thank God for Extra Innings
I’m glad I was able to get the game on Extra Innings from CSN Chicago. I have never known an Astros game to be blacked out on one of the ESPN outlets north of the border in Tennessee. I’m glad you were able to get the ESPN2 feed in Olive Branch.
memphiscub - April 7, 2009
I keep hearing complaints from Astros fans
That Sutcliffe was biased, often praising the Cubs rather than being neutral. Is this true, or was it just an emotional response from the Astros loss?
daeviant - April 7, 2009
The Astros Fans should wonder why..........
so many Cubs fans were at that game?
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
Lots of cry babies down there in Houston.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Seriously, call a wahmbulance.
Sutcliffe is a former Cub, and is obviously a Cub fan. He’s also one of ESPN’s regular announcers. These things happen.
Maybe if Mike Scott or somebody were better at announcing, then Houston could know the pure joy of having a former pitcher subtly hoping that you win a game while having no effect whatsoever on its outcome.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Sutcliffe makes no effort to hide the fact that he's a Cub fan
And I see a lot of whining on this board that the national announcers are “against the Cubs”, so any mocking of the Astros fans on this point seems sanctimonious at best.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Not so much against the Cubs
as it is taking cheap shots. Hate me all you want, but be original about it.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
I didn't mean the 100-year thing -- I hate that, too
I mean during national broadcasts, there are always complaints about, “Announcer X said Santana looks good today. What about us??” sort of thing.
People insist that the FOX, ESPN, etc announcers are rooting against the Cubs when they often sound objective.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
That's just complaining for the sake of complaining.
Plus, it’s easy to find a bias if you’re openly looking for one.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
That's basically what I'm saying
Those posts light up this board when the announcers aren’t outright pulling for the Cubs — being neutral is perceived as rooting for the other team.
So, I can understand why the Astro fans wouldn’t like Sutcliffe rooting for the Cubs. (Although I’m ok with it)
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
As am I.
Sutt is a former Cub who helped lead the team to the NLCS. He truly bleeds Cubbie blue and ESPN knew that when they hired him. He’s essentially the yin to Joe Morgan’s yang.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Now that would be a good matchup
First time Morgan smarmily says something untrue about Sandberg and Sut drop-kicks him out of the booth.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
I'd buy tickets to that one.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Cage Match on PPV?
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
Dig it, brother.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
rec'd
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
:O
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
got out your thesaurus morning I see :)
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Jeez.
You’d think they were playing in Milwaukee…
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Marmol and Gregg
Marmol was in the tougher situation in the eighth protecting a 2-run lead than Gregg was in the 9th inning protecting a 3-run lead. Marmol didn’t give up any runs. Gregg gave up one run and got the save. I believe Marmol is the better pitcher. Last night, we saw that the 8th inning pitcher has less margin for error than the 9th inning pitcher. Lou made the right calls to the bullpen.
memphiscub - April 7, 2009
100% agreed and rec'd
Marmol is the better pitcher and should pitch in the tougher situations, whether that be in the seventh or eighth inning.
gwood - April 7, 2009
To defend Gregg
Bradley should have made the catch…if he makes the catch a run probably never scores in that inning.
TheRiot Police - April 7, 2009
Why didn't...
Marmol get a hold last night? Am I missing something?
Hilary Lee - April 7, 2009
I agree as well. Last night was Exhibit A.
daver - April 7, 2009
Marmol looks like to out to prove he is the much better pitcher. Opposing
batters better look to be embarassed a lot this year. White Castle will be working overtime this year.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
although when he issued that walk....
I was worried for a moment
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Yeah, I coulda done without it.
But there are worse things than putting Fat Elvis on first base.
daver - April 7, 2009
That's good.
As mentioned many times, Marmol may very well have the harder role in pitching the seventh and/or eighth.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Z cracks me up
link
china423 - April 7, 2009
I really love Zambrano (in a completely platonic way)
When he’s not having a meltdown he’s fun to watch and listen to. I hope he really is all growns up now.
daeviant - April 7, 2009
I have to agree
Big-Z is a ton of fun to watch.
gwood - April 7, 2009
Not related to Z in anyway, but Im glad they ditched those stupid red billed road caps
bren - April 7, 2009
I got a collectors item now!
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
yeah, but
not those blue softball jersey tops that Z is so fond of. I guess its progress though.
CubFan81 - April 7, 2009
+1
I don’t know, but I have always liked the idea and look of away grays.
N Oakley - April 7, 2009
I dont mind those blues
But I wish theyd just scrap them in favor of a true retro third jersey
bren - April 7, 2009
I hope the 2009 Cubs have a solid BA--like the 2008 team at the bottom of the order.
I think this was a real key to the success of the 2008 offense. You give the opposing team’s pitchers NO REST.
Most teams have some weakness at 7-8-9. I think this is why Lou is so reticent to put Kosuke in the #8 hole. He’d rather have him in the 2 hole (when he plays) where he can bunt occasionally, or at least put the ball through the right side in hit & run situations.
LAcarl519 - April 7, 2009
I think this lineup has no gaping holes
Except wherever they put Fukudome. If Fukudome figures things out, then this is truly the best lineup in the NL.
daeviant - April 7, 2009
Hard to believe Z is 28
seems like he’s been a Cub starter for much longer. I remember watching him in Des Moines at age 19 and thought he might be pretty good.
My goal, wire to wire in 1st place!
mrcubsfan - April 7, 2009
I remember seeing Juan Cruz and Zambrano in 2001
And wanting Zambrano to go away, and Cruz to stay. Boy have times changed.
Although Cruz is growing up into a decent reliever.
daeviant - April 7, 2009
I was right there with you
I remember being terrified whenever Z came on the mound.
gwood - April 7, 2009
Yup, I was thinking the same thing.
When the Cubs traded Cruz, I remember questioning if they had kept the right one. Thinking that I might have traded Z and kept Cruz.
Glad I was wrong.
Archie - April 7, 2009
Wire to Wire
Sorry, Pittsburgh had the lead in the standings to themselves for a few hours … let’s give them some small hope
TC Cubby - April 7, 2009
I wouldn't think
Lou would keep MB in the game just so he wouldn’t have to be asked about injury concerns with the ankle. Besides that ridiculous thinking, it made zero sense not to move Fukudome into RF.
I hate to bury a player so early, but I just don’t see Fukudome working out in CF. Excluding his CF defensive issues, I think last year really got in his head at the plate. I hope I’m wrong, and we see the first half Dome again.
slocs55 - April 7, 2009
I think you're being too kind by half with Kosuke.
What have we seen in the last 10 months from the guy that gives any indication whatsoever that he’s going to be a legitimate major leaguer…. let alone a $12M/year player?
He is in the process of playing himself off the team. He needs to turn things around quickly, in the field and at the plate, or the new owners may decide that they’d rather pay him his $12M annually to sit at home and watch the games.
D98 - April 7, 2009
I sure wish I could score that kind of deal with the place I work for. :)
malicedoom - April 7, 2009
I'm trying to be optimistic,
but I agree, I could see him no longer starting by May.
slocs55 - April 7, 2009
To wax philosphical for just a moment
I said on this board before that after last year I wasn’t sure I could watch the Cubs in the same way, considering their best team in 75 years couldn’t win a playoff game.
I was wrong.
Watching Z sling fastballs past the Astros, and I’m right back there. Where I’ve always been.
Go Cubs.
SouthsideCub - April 7, 2009
welcome home
N Oakley - April 7, 2009
Solid
A mature win. I too like everyone else except Lou that Gameboard was still in right.
I just hope Soriano plays 154 games this year, I am thinking a huge year
I want to be patient with Dome, but boy this looks like bust all over it.
Grockcubs - April 7, 2009
The whole 100 year thing really...
Ticks me off. Mainly because it’s not just during the ESPN telecast of the Cubs game where I’ve seen it come up. I kind of expect that it will be mentioned once or twice during a national broadcast of a game in which the Cubs are playing but…
Last night, after the game had finished, when I changed back to regular ESPN to watch whatever game they were showing then, the announcers on that game started talking about how the Cubs/Stros game had just concluded and what the score was. And then they launched into a discussion of the curse and the 100-yr drought. Also, who was the smarmy arse who said he wouldn’t bet on the Cubs this year because you “Never bet against a streak…”? Ugh.
But that’s not even the worst of it! I was over with some friends on Sunday watching opening night between the Phils and the Braves and they started talking about it in THAT game! The Cubs weren’t playing! The Cubs had not just played or were about to play! There was absolutely no reason to launch into it and yet they found a way to squeeze it in anyway.
Sigh. It’s going to be a long season if this keeps up.
Hilary Lee - April 7, 2009
Actually, that was a stupid an incorrect statement. You always bet
against the streak, because all streaks end. The longer the streak, the more chance there is of it ending. Smart gamblers know this and use it to their advantage.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Partially true
The next outcome is independent of the previous outcome in a random event.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
I wasn't referring to the mathematical odds. I was speaking about the
ability to maintain a streak in an athletic event. Of course in a totally random event like rolling dice, the outcome is independent of the previous event. Long consecutive hitting or scoreless pitched innings are rare, so most gamblers will bet against them happening.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Yeah, that's true . . . I got hung up on the gambler thing
Thinking of games of chance
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
In the the words of Crash Davis, "Respect the streak because they don't happen that often."
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Very good game
- Soriano got off to a good start and seems poised to deliver on his contract
- Cubs EXECUTED on offense and Theriot, Fontenot, Soto and Hoffpauir produced in manufacturing runs — it can’t be about hitting the home run all the time
- Zambrano was solid, and importantly was able to compose himself after a rocky start
- Bullpen did the job
Only downer was Kosuke. He sucks. Not only can’t he hit, but his defense in centerfield is of such a dubious quality that Gathright has to come in as defensive replacement.
Memo to Lou: Cut to the chase. Bench Kosuke and given Johnson and Gathright the job in centerfield. The offensive production and the defense will be much better.
BLou - April 7, 2009
I certainly have been a Dome critic...............
but bench him after one game? absurd
Clutche - April 7, 2009
really. jiminy.
Emelie - April 7, 2009
In the poster's defense...
it hasn’t been one game. It’s been many, many months of horrible baseball, followed by a horrible WBC and a horrible spring.
At some point, you have to come to the conclusion that the guy isn’t very good at baseball.
I’m not sure we’re there yet, but seriously, I think we can all agree that we are only a few weeks away.
D98 - April 7, 2009
I'll take his career in japan
as evidence that he’s not horrible at baseball.
Obviously, something’s wrong. He needs to fix it. You gotta give him at least a month.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
I'm gonna make up a word here
but Fukie (or whatever nickname we are using) looks flaily when he is hitting. He looks like he lunges at the ball instead of swinging. Now, I am all for giving him more time, but he just doesn’t look comfortable of right at the plate right now.
gwood - April 7, 2009
I agree
I wonder if he’s trying to incorporate something new, or if he’s fighting himself.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
If I had to guess
I think he is fighting himself. I don’t know if he is guessing the pitches instead of reacting, but it almost seems as if he isn’t seeing the pitches very well.
gwood - April 7, 2009
maybe he needs glasses.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
He could borrow
Gregg’s maybe.
gwood - April 7, 2009
We prefer the term "spectacles."
Kevin Gregg’s our new spokesman.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Another thing to consider -
He is attempting to make the jump into a substantially tougher league, in his early 30’s, when most players’ physical skills are starting to slip.
That’s a pretty tricky double-whammy.
D98 - April 7, 2009
I think we can give up on the switching leagues thing
He’s had over a year now, and he couldn’t even crack the Japanese starting line-up in the WBC.
I can’t believe there isn’t a shitload of side-by-side analysis of good Fukudome and bad Fukudome. There has to be something in his swing that is different. He wasn’t magically good for half a season and a whole Japanese career.
dr stabbingworth - April 7, 2009
That worked for him in Japan.
And for 2 months (more or less) here in the States.
He’s 32 years old.
He’s actually at the age where players’ physical skills start to deteriorate.
At this point, I think it’s going to be difficult to teach our old dog any new tricks, and let’s just say I’m not too terribly excited to see what Kosuke Fukudome looks like as a 33 and 34 year old.
We’re not there yet, but we’re quickly approaching the point where we can call this the worst signing in Cubs history. $48M over 4 years…. for the 25th man on the roster. What an albatross on the payroll.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Will you give Tuffy Rhodes the same courtesy?
How about Orestes Destrade?
Japan baseball is a very good minor league, but it is not MLB.
D98 - April 7, 2009
didn't Tuffy Rhodes
hit three home runs leading off for the Cubs in one game a while back? :D
Dome clearly showed he could hit MLB pitching last year in the first half. I continue to think that something went wrong in the second half, and he’s trying to fix it.
Look, if you’re going to suggest that Dome was playing minor league ball in Japan, then fine — but so, the, did Felix Pie and Hoffpauir, and all sorts of people thought that they should get more time.
The Cubs have made a big investment in Dome. They have to give him some more time to work things out. If he still sucks by the middle of May, I’ll be calling for him to go too.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Lou isn't going to give him a month
Lou might not give him a week
nji232 - April 7, 2009
I disagree
We will still see Dome starting games in May.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Well, that depends on his performance.
Lou was pretty exasperated with Dome last year down the stretch, and really seemed to (publicly) come to the decision that Dome wasn’t any good in the playoffs.
If Dome hits, say, .193 in April, the way he did last August, I think that would pretty much be the end of his career as an MLB starter.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Entirely possible.
This situation could play out a number of ways, most of them not particularly good. I found myself wondering last night if Dome could have a Jacque Jonesish season – struggles early, hits the bench then gradually works himself back into the lineup and becomes a (surprising) key contributor mid- to late-season.
Whatever the case may be, I just wish people would give the guy a chance. But I know that’s much to much to wish for.
daver - April 7, 2009
I suppose.
But at some point, we just have to start believing what is right there in front of our eyes.
Maybe he could have been a good MLB player if he would have gotten here during his prime. Maybe it’s too much to expect a 32-year-old to make the jump from Japan to MLB.
Obviously, there are some hard feelings among Cub fans toward Fukudome, not just for his ridiculous contract and horrible performance, but for the impact his contract has had on the team.
Cubs fans liked DeRosa and Wood, and when the organization came to the realization that Fukudome represented $48M of dead wood, those two had to be shipped out, because they were the only guys who could be reasonably replaced with cheaper alternatives.
I agree that this situation could play out in a number of ways. However, the Cubs getting even close to $48M worth of baseball out of Kosuke Fukudome is no longer a reasonable possibility. It simply is not going to happen.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Dome
was an asset in that he seemed to add a level of patience to the rest of the team that we had not seen before as Cub fans. At least he is attributed with as much. So I give him credit for that.
gwood - April 7, 2009
That's a reach.
I know that is the storyline for Fukudome. I know that even some of the Cubs players have said as much.
But…. I’m not seeing it. I think people are being nice to him.
The Cubs dramatically increased their walk totals from 2006 to 2007, which we’ve all attributed to the coaching.
They did it again from 2007 to 2008 – I’ll certainly give Kosuke credit for the walks he drew, personally. The difference between Dome’s 81 walks and the 40-50 walks drawn by our
RF in 2007 makes up a sizeable portion of the difference.
The difference between Soto’s 62 walks and Barrett/Kendall’s 25 or so makes up most of the rest.
D98 - April 7, 2009
You're probably right
I am just going off what people who know more than me have said about Dome’s affect on the team last year.
All I know is that I am rooting for him to succeed. He is not in an enviable position, big contract, new country, new culture, being at the age where skill tend to decline, and now the added pressure of knowing that his job is hanging by a thread. I can’t imagine that is easy to deal with.
gwood - April 7, 2009
True, but....
I certainly envy his position of cashing $12M in paychecks every year, regardless of his job performance.
We’re all rooting for him to succeed. Obviously, the contract he was given was about three times too high. How can he sleep at night? (Answer: on a big pile of money.)
I’m not willing to give him one inch of slack re: the new culture, new country business. He’s in a major world city, with a thriving Japanese community. (OK, not like Seattle or San Francisco in that regard, but still.)
It just looks like a deal that isn’t going to work out for the Cubs. It’s working out pretty well for Fukudome, though. He has to look bad for a few years, but he’s very well compensated for his trouble.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Lou is already mad at him
For the WBC and his awful CF play when he got here. Then he sucked yesterday, leading to Lou just taking him out of the game. Lou has no patience for bad hitting (Felix PIe) and if he thinks he has a suitable replacement thats who will start.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
Felix Pie
didn’t cost $48 mill.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Salary shouldn't determine playing time
Performance should
nji232 - April 7, 2009
+1
Dome just needs some sort of, I don’t know, performance enhancement…thing…
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
that's a nice thought
but… cmon. Dome is going to get more of a chance than Pie ever did.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
He already has.
It’s not like Pie got month after month of starting every day and hitting .195, while getting praised for his defense.
D98 - April 7, 2009
I know.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
well yeah
Its just that Lou already is pissed at Dome, and it wont take much to get put him on the bench
nji232 - April 7, 2009
I haven't read anything that says Lou is pissed at Dome
I can see him disappointed, rueful, concerned, yadda yadda but I have seen nothing that says or indicates he’s pissed. Sheer hearsay.
Emelie - April 7, 2009
you keep saying that
but there’s no proof.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Well Peter Gammons mentioned it yesterday
The Astros people were apparently talking about it yesterday. Lou’s behavior towards him, and his comments about Reed Johnson the last week of ST all point towards Lou not really being pleased with Fukudome.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
what behavior?
I’ve no doubt that Lou is looking to make sure that he doesn’t have a black hole anywhere in the lineup, but that doesn’t mean he’s pissed at Dome.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
This is Lou we are talking about
Not Dusty, Lou gets pissed when players don’t perform and they become black holes.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
You're not answering my question.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
His look of anger in the dugout yesterday
His removal from the game when it may or may not have been better to shift him over.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
I didn’t see any looks of anger in the dugout. That being said, I missed the first two innings.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Lou always looks mad during the game.
daver - April 7, 2009
I'll need more than Peter Gammons and Astros homer hearsay...
…to buy it. Everything I’ve heard from Lou is that he’s going to give Dome every chance to succeed (or, in effect, fail). He may be skeptical and worried about Kosuke, but I don’t see why he’d be “pissed” at him. And I’m still waiting for you to explain why Lou is mad at Dome for the WBC.
daver - April 7, 2009
Because after you suck the previous season
and then change positions he should be in camp.
Then he doesn’t play in the WBC gets to camp with a week left unprepared to play his new position.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
He did play in the WBC.
In fact, he played his new position – centerfield. He just didn’t play in the last game for some reason.
daver - April 7, 2009
I agree on two fronts.
First, I don’t think that Lou cares what Fukudome earns, and I don’t think that Hendry gives Lou any mandates regarding who sees PT.
(He certainly didn’t give Dusty any, and Dusty appeared to be brain damaged.)
Secondly, GD I am still upset that this team traded Felix Pie for nothing. He cost zero net dollars to the payroll.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Lou is mad at him for the WBC, eh?
Do you have anything to back that up? Is Lou mad at Lilly, Marmol and Soto, too?
daver - April 7, 2009
Astros commentators (radio)
said that they had talked to both Quade and Lou about Kosuke in the WBC when he was going to take on a new fielding position. They said that Quade sounded like he wished he had had more time to work with Kosuke, and Lou was just plain mad at Kosuke.
TC Cubby - April 7, 2009
So the Astros commentators actually said, "Lou is just plain mad at Kosuke."?
daver - April 7, 2009
Given how much
the Astros commentators get stuff wrong, I’m not sure I’d trust them to get ANYTHING right.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
yes
talking about how kosuke didn’t have time to work on adjusting to cf—Lou was “just plain mad”, Quade regretted not having time to work with him
TC Cubby - April 8, 2009
Maybe he meant "BLou"
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
hee!
Emelie - April 7, 2009
Yes. I was at that game.
cubsonWGN4ever - April 7, 2009
Agreed, but --
If they were willing to give him a shot in 2009, one game isn’t it.
Unless he’s changed his name to Felix.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
pete's sake.
IT’S BEEN ONE GAME. Have you really so little respect for Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella that you feel that you need to make these kinds of statements OVER AND FRAKKING OVER AGAIN???
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
I'm glad Z shut up all the haters last night.
Like I said before, Z is our ace. Not only does he need to act like it, but we need to treat him like it. Starting him opening day was the right call and I think Lou deserves credit for that.
So Hoffpauir has to produce like that ALL year in order to get props from this site? Can’t you just say, “very nice at-bat in a big spot” and leave it at that?
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
Can you post links to the "hating"?
Unless you mean objectively pointing out shortcomings of a Cub is “hating”. If that’s the case, don’t bother. I’m not interested.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
At work, not enough time to find links.
But we both know during the offseason people were crapping all over Z. Saying he shouldn’t be the opening day starter, others even said he was should be our 3rd-4th starter.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
+1
There was plenty of anti-Z sentiment in the off-season.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Alright, then I apologize to cubswynn
Because I don’t recall that much.
I’ve called him out on his petulant immaturity, but never questioned his ability. He could be great if he truly does grow up.
That’s not hating . . . but maybe I got defensive unnecessarily.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
All is forgiven. We're all pretty generous after a wn.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
No apologies needed.
I wasn’t even referring to you specifically. I don’t remember who it was. I just remember after Z was announced the opening day starter, there were people on here crapping on him.
But you’re right, unless he grows up he’ll never live up to his potential.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
Yeah, I did get defensive unnecessarily
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
ok... I'll bite
Z was great yesterday and it was nice to see him act like an ace… but this has been a long time coming. If you don’t think that his overall performance merited people questioning whether or not he is an “ace pitcher”, you’re out of your mind.
dmlichte - April 7, 2009
Point taken.
Questioning is one thing. I remember it being over the top though (from some) though.
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
I understand where he is coming from. A lot of the complaints about Big Z sounded
like the typical Cub fan bitching. If you ask around the league, 99% of those polled will state emphatically that he is the ace of this staff. There has never been any question about that im my mind.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
parsing words
However if you take a look at his stats line last year, thats hardly “ace worthy”
dmlichte - April 7, 2009
The point is that as Cub fans, we tend to judge our players on a game-by-game
basis while outsiders tend to look at them on a much longer time frame. Last year, he went 14-6 with a 3.16 ERA and threw a no-hitter. In 2007, he won 18 games. Some would look at those stats and think “ace worthy”.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
his era...
…was 3.91.
dmlichte - April 7, 2009
I posted
the first EA pic last night, and when he got that hit, I said “it was very clutch”. IF he can be an effective PHer, I’ll be pleased.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Some thoughts
First off, I thought that Zambrano’s performance was the most important storyline from yesterday’s game. He clearly was all over the place and was on pace for one of his “bad games”, yet he settled down, got into a groove, and pitched 6 solid innings. If Carlos can do this more often he will take that next step that the Cubs need.
Oswalt just seemed to be a notch off. He lacked the zip and location that makes him a dominant pitcher. Whether it’s the WBC, just an off game, or a pitcher getting older, if Oswalt is more like yesterday’s version… its gonna be a long year for the Astros.
Bradley looks just spectacular at the plate. If Fukudome can get back on track, having these two in the #2 and #4 spots will really provide that balance and make it very difficult for the RH pitchers that the Cubs have struggled with.
The Astros actually have some really good pieces in their line-up, with Berkman, Lee, Tejada and Pence. Why they’re setting up the middle of their line-up with Matsui and Pudge is beyond me. Move Pence up to #2 (or even #1 with Matsui #2).
Other opening day notes from around the NL central
- Aaron Harang looked very mediocre in Cinci. I laughed when Peter Gammons raved about Harang’s performance because he was consistently letting guys on base and threw 114 pitches in 5 innings. If Harang continues to pitch like he did yesterday, Harang will continue the mediocre string he had last year.
- Wonder if the Cards can get Isringhausen back… its only one blown save but not what Jason Motte and his coaching staff wanted to see on opening day against Pittsburgh.
dmlichte - April 7, 2009
I wonder how long Khalil Greene stays at cleanup . . .
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
so he really batted there?
it wasn’t a typo?
Maybe LaRussa really has finally dropped a stitch.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Can you imagine what Albert must be thinking?
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Looking at that box score
Albert went 3 for 4. I can’t believe Albert got three balls to hit.
gwood - April 7, 2009
obviously
Greene was protecting him. o.0
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Yeah something tells me once smart teams face that lineup
Pujols will spend some quality time at 1B with lots of IBB
nji232 - April 7, 2009
Albert can hit anything.
The big story of that game was Motte’s meltdown. Obviously it’s just one game – but that must’ve sent a deathly chill down the spines of Cards fans.
daver - April 7, 2009
I think Soto played a large role in helping settle Z into his groove
Emelie - April 7, 2009
Sutt
said the same thing, how as soon as Soto saw Zambrano react Soto trotted out to the mound to talk to Big-Z. Soto is going to be a real asset to Z and the entire pitching staff this year.
gwood - April 7, 2009
Yup.
Soto is worth his weight in gold and may end up being the team leader Z flirts with being and that Woody was.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
He's only going to get better at handling his pitchers and his defense. Oh yeah, he can
hit a little too.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
He's a stud.
That sacrifice to get Fonty to third can get overlooked but was huge.
I bet Brenly will announce the Cubs forever as long as Soto is catching.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Good point. There is a serious man-crush going on there.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Maybe Bob
could be Sandberg’s bench coach and sit next to Soto every game.
gwood - April 7, 2009
With Theriot on the other side
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Bob and Sinatro can fight for the chance to snap up his chest protector.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Speaking of Theriot
I find myself chuckling everytime he slaps a ball between the second baseman and first baseman. I just remember all of the discussions here about a reverse shift for Theriot and have to chuckle.
If any manager employs a shift against Theriot, my bet is that LaRussa will be the first.
gwood - April 7, 2009
I still don't understand
why that hasn’t happened yet. It’s not like he hit a large number of balls to the left of second base last year.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
No kidding.
It’s like the defense is constantly thinking, “He can’t do that again, can he?”
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
it's some sort
of Cajun voo-doo. I garuntee.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Theriot
must pull every ball during batting practice, just to show the opposing manager that he can do it and encourage that manager to forego the shift. Either that or the Cajun voo-doo is the only other explanation.
gwood - April 7, 2009
I propose posting this
following every Theriot opposite field single:
Cajun Voodo asks: Who’s on first?
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
It's funny how teams will employ a shift against a guy like
Ryan Howard who rarely hits the ball on the ground to the infielders, but will play straight up against a guy like Theriot who hits everything on the ground. I think the ego plays some part in it. If you employ a shift agaist Theriot, you are admitting that his weak-hitting might beat you. No major league manager would admit that.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
I chuckled, but you're right.
And I’m sure The Riot’s fine with it.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Not a bad theory
The players that have a shift against them are usually the ones that the other team comes in saying “this guy cannot beat us.” I don’t think managers think that about Theriot.
gwood - April 7, 2009
I agree.
Plus you know that scrappy bastid would just start pulling ground balls to the massive hole at short and scamper around to second for an easy double.
daver - April 7, 2009
I suppose that is the definition of scrappiness
to an extent. Taking exactly what your opponent will give you.
gwood - April 7, 2009
Scrappy is as scrappy does.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Theriot needs a tattoo
I suggest
gwood - April 7, 2009
would he?
perhaps I should say, “can he”?
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
I think he could, yeah.
My opinion of Theriot has tempered quite a bit of late. No, I don’t think he should bat leadoff, but he’s better defensively than a lot of people give him credit for and I think he has good bat control. I think he’d make teams pay if they tried to pull a shift on him – not that any actually would.
daver - April 7, 2009
it would
be interesting to see, anyway.
drewishdrewid - April 7, 2009
Brenly would swallow his goatee if it happened.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
But would he
shave it?
gwood - April 7, 2009
+1
I think he’d make a minor change and pull the ball, which would end up as a double or triple down the line.
The reason teams shift on pull-hitters is because they can’t hit to the opposite field.
dr stabbingworth - April 7, 2009
Reverse shift has happened
and Theriot did start trying to pull the ball, but I dont believe it was with much success. New year, old lessons to re-learn I think. Plus not all tendancies carry over from year to year, I guess.
californiachicagoan - April 7, 2009
Not to mention the crush that many of the BCB women have :)
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
Stupid reply button Grrr
This was obviously suppose to reply to mancrush comment on Soto.
Madison Cub Fan - April 7, 2009
It was.
Hint: Try clicking on “up” to see what a comment is in reply to . . .
This went where it should have if you were replying to wmhg
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
If Motte fails...
… the Cardinals will recall Chris Perez from Triple-A and give him the job. IIRC Isringhausen just signed with Tampa Bay.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
I can't believe Perez couldn't make the team.
Granted, I’ve only seen him in person once, but the ball absolutely pops out of his hand. He throws the kind of heat that makes a casual fan take notice.
D98 - April 7, 2009
it was more a function of minor injuries that set him back in ST.
i’m sure perez will show up later in the season.
and mazel tov on lighting up oswalt and the stros last night.
tom s. - April 7, 2009
Istringhausen
Yup, he’s a Ray. More of a joke there.
dmlichte - April 7, 2009
I don't think Motte's failure is an if
He looked like a scared little boy yesterday, and now that he got booed off the field, he’s only going to be worse next time he goes out.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
Well, it was one game.
But I’m certainly not going to wish against the scenario you’re proposing.
daver - April 7, 2009
Until that guy learns to calm his nerves
and stops throwing straight fastballs, he won’t close too many games out.
nji232 - April 7, 2009
The Cardinals SBN thread was interesting
For a lot of reasons, but they seemed pretty upset over the booing. I hate the Cards, but their fans are a classy bunch on the whole.
dr stabbingworth - April 7, 2009
My day:
-I called my dad to let him know about EIs free preview so he could watch the Cardinal game. He remarked that I’d get to see the Cubs on ESPN and I casually replied, “Yup, I’ll get home just in time to see Soriano tee off to start the season.” Yup.
-Sped home and realized God truly is a Cubs fan as I caught ZERO lights.
-Turned on the TV just as Oswalt’s pitch was halfway home to see Fonzie LIGHT HIM UP! Words can not describe my jubilation.
THAT is how you open a season.
And good riddance to the red-bill caps. I knew I read that somewhere last year but hadn’t anything since so I’m glad to see it was true.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Caps
Yeah, Crane Kenney told the truth . . . but I wanted the softball jerseys gone. Oh, well.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
I can live with them...on the road.
They don’t clash with the grey pants nearly as much as they do with the pinstripes.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
True . . . but you'll see 'em at home again, too.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Oh, I know.
But 2009 is all about optimism!
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Silver lining
Even if you do hate them, ultimately they do help to generate more revenue for the team. Just sayin’….
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
Also true, but I believe that gets shared by the other teams.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Oh really?
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
Pretty sure, yeah.
I’ll have to see if I can dig something up on that.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
That happens in the NFL for sure.
I’m not sure that MLB has an organization equivalent to the NFL Trust, though. In general, they seem to be more of an “eat what you kill” kind of league.
D98 - April 7, 2009
Then shouldn't they have had a vote
in the Mets’ Inagural Season patch?
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Everyone should have!
I’m not sure if that is accurate, though — I’m struggling to find it. I swear I read it somewhere, though. I’ll keep looking.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Worst. Sleeve. Patch. Ever.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
Get the door, it's the Mets!
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
lol!
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
Who is starting today?
I thought it was Dempster, but FoxSports is reporting Lilly?
DMCub - April 7, 2009
Dempster vs Wandy
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=chc
cubswynn - April 7, 2009
Thanks.
I’m being lazy this morning ;-)
DMCub - April 7, 2009
Hey Al, we're going to need an overflow thread.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Unbelievable.
On a game recap?
Well, maybe I’ll post one on the sidebar later this morning.
Preview thread for tonight’s game goes up at 5 pm CDT.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
We're all just very chatty this morning.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
off the subject, but openind day related
Who was the Cubs pitcher in 92 or 93 that almost threw a no hitter against the Braves on opening day? It was at Wrigley and I think the Cubs lost 1-0 or 2-1.
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
Jose Guzman
You know, the guy Himes signed to replace Greg Maddux. The Cubs won; it was game 2. They lost game 1.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
What happened to him?
Did him and Derrick May end up being going buddies?
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
that should read "good buddies"
graceunderpressure - April 7, 2009
He was serviceable, but not great
Ended up having arm troubles. Now does Ranger radio broadcasts in Spanish.
Shanghai Badger - April 7, 2009
If anyone is interested...
I’m proud of myself – Went to bed at 3am after the game ended, was at work by 7:45am, and didn’t sleep at all during the day. Red Bull was my friend, however. And I’m still tired.
sanantonecub - April 7, 2009
Just think, you get to do it all again tonight.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Yeah, right...
No chance of that happening. I can’t make a habit out of this plus the game is an hour later. The next game I’ll be able to catch will be the 9pm start (3pm for you guys) in Milwaukee
sanantonecub - April 7, 2009
we'll miss you
but I’ll keep a batch of brownies waiting for your next appearance
Emelie - April 7, 2009
And say hello to the Queen.
willie mays hayes' gloves - April 7, 2009
Welcome to baseball season.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
I've never been a bigger fan of the Wrigley day games
Since I moved over here. I have it a lot easier than some friends thanks to those 50+ games that are in prime time here. I feel bad for the friends of mine that are west coast fans….
sanantonecub - April 7, 2009
No kidding.
The D’Back and Dodger games are bad enough for me starting at 9pm, so I imagine a 3am start is lovely.
neverAcquiesce - April 7, 2009
Nice start
to the season. I hope Fukudome figures things out this season. Just one game but he didn’t look good last night. We need him. I still don’t understand pulling him in the 9th and leaving Bradley and Soriano in the game. A previous poster thought Oswalt looked shaky; I disagree. He got off to a bad start, but after the 3rd or 4th inning, I thought he threw very well. Three earned over seven innings is a pretty good outing. I’m counting down the days until my visit to Wrigley on April 23. I just hope it doesn’t snow!
qccub - April 7, 2009
One thing I love
to watch is when Marmol is pitching and on the mound he bends at the waist and then turns his head toward the batter. It’s the way he turns his head and the look on his face is kind of intimidating. I don’t notice our other pitchers doing such an exaggerated head turn but I think it’s pretty cool.
Good game last night and fun to share the win with so many in here. I won’t be around for the game tonight but I’ll make tomorrow nights game.
I really hope Dome gets things turned around.
sue369 - April 7, 2009
we'll miss you tonight, Sue
Emelie - April 7, 2009
Aw, thanks Em.
sue369 - April 7, 2009
sorry you wont make the game tonight
Cubbie-Tim - April 7, 2009
i won't be here either
4-H.
Hopefully y’all will be singing when I get home. :-)
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 7, 2009
It was ONE GAME for Big Z - Calm down Al!
So he has grown up off of just one start? lol – It’s funny how we, as Cubs fans, always overreact to things. For ex, if we had lost last night everyone would be saying it was a hangover from the choke job in the playoffs and woe is me….I say let’s wait & see.
rememberthecoop - April 7, 2009
Z didn't choke in the playoffs.
His defense deserted him.
Al Yellon - April 7, 2009
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