Just before Alfonso Soriano came to bat with the Cubs trailing 5-2 and runners on first and third with two out in the sixth, BCB reader Bartlett Bob, sitting with us today, said, "I'm ready to catch his home run." To which Mike responded: "He'll get on and then you can catch Theriot's grand slam."
That remark resulted in general laughter, which became roaring good times after Soriano drew a walk and Theriot slammed a Burke Badenhop (who really ought to change his name to "Boris" and marry someone named Natasha someday) pitch into the left-field bleachers for his first career grand slam.
Oh, go ahead and laugh, because that's far funnier than what was going to be the lead to this recap around the fourth inning, when a young couple arrived with their six-month-old baby, who, attending his first Cubs game, promptly puked on his dad's jacket -- we figured that was a commentary on the Cubs' play thus far. The grand slam and surrounding fun is a far better way to begin the weekend, wouldn't you agree?
Back to Theriot's heroics; that ball was a legitimate home run, smashed several rows into the left-field seats, with no wind help. It was his eighth career homer and with one swing, he set a personal best with four RBI in one game. It gave the Cubs a 6-5 lead and completely turned this series around. The Cubs added two more runs, one of which became necessary when Kevin Gregg gave the Marlins a tally in the ninth, but after that Gregg nailed down the Cubs' 8-6 win over Florida this afternoon, a sorely-needed victory, credited to David Patton for his first major league win. Lou said several times during his postgame remarks that he hopes the team will build on this over the rest of the weekend. Sometimes big turnaround wins like this can send a team on to a long winning streak -- we had hoped that would happen after Aramis Ramirez' walkoff against the Cardinals a couple of weeks ago, but that didn't occur. Maybe now, with the calendar turning to May and players slowly healing and coming out of slumps, this year's edition can begin to play as we hoped they would.
Rich Harden had two bad games today. In the first two innings, he couldn't get the Marlins to stop hitting the ball, allowing five hits and three runs, and striking out no one. Finally, he got his strikeout pitch working in the third and fourth, but after striking out Alfredo Amezaga and retiring Marlins starting pitcher Graham Taylor on a sacrifice in the fourth, he almost literally couldn't find the plate, walking three straight hitters and hitting Jorge Cantu. The last walk and the HBP forced in runs and led to Jeff Samardzija's arrival; he faced one batter and then was removed for Carlos Zambrano, who apparently has a new career as a pinch-hitter. Z hit the ball deep into CF during his AB for an out, advancing Geovany Soto to third, but Soto was stranded.
Soto, for his part, had a good day at the plate, having several deep-count at-bats and winding up with two singles and a walk. Derrek Lee also had a pair of singles and scored two runs, and the Cubs, even with the ten hits, five walks and eight runs they did pile up, could have had more. Marlins 3B Emilio Bonifacio, who was acquired in an offseason deal that sent Scott Olsen and Josh Willingham to the Nationals, showed why Florida has made him their leadoff hitter and regular third baseman. He made two outstanding catches on line drives by Aaron Miles, both of which could have scored runs. Right after Bonifacio's second highlight-reel snag, Marlins CF Cameron Maybin also made an excellent diving catch on a Mike Fontenot line drive. It became a sac fly and scored a run, but both of those balls were smoked and the Cubs could have had an even bigger inning than they did.
We'll take it. Despite issuing five walks, Cubs relievers held the Marlins to no runs and no hits between the 4th and 8th (the total of nine walks by Cubs pitchers is unsettling -- that's got to stop). Carlos Marmol was shaky again, walking the first two hitters he faced before Larry Rothschild came out and talked to him, after which he struck out the side. Asked about this in his postgame press conference, Lou said that they're going to have Marmol throw some breaking balls in the dirt while warming up because they feel he's throwing "over" the ball and getting his pitches up, and they want him to get "under" the ball instead.
Finally, a big razzberry to weather forecasters today, whose forecasts almost universally said simply, "Cloudy". Well, yes, it was cloudy, but a moderate rainshower that was forecast by no one came through just before game time and lasted about three innings before moving on through. It was just about that time that Cubs bats started to come alive and pitchers started to pitch the way they're capable of. That's a good sign. Let's keep it going tomorrow.
0 recs | 159 comments
This had to give the Cubs a lift.
A lift that they desperately need. I’m a little worried about Gregg still. Nice to see good offensive days all-around. I feel much better.
wrigleyrocker12 - May 1, 2009
Nice to get a win...
unconventional to say the least, but very nice. Good to see the offense muster 8 runs despite only one extra base hit all day. Good to see Marmol find the strike zone again after the two quick walks.
Hopefully the team can build off of this with wins tomorrow and Sunday.
SouthernCub - May 1, 2009
Sorry I missed this one
Stupid on-site work. A buddy of mine texted me after Theriot’s GS. I believed him, but I thought for sure the wind had to be howling out. Seeing the replay made me glad to be wrong.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
I finally just watched it.
wow, he really slammed that ball.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
Quote from Lou, via...
… Bruce Miles’ game story:
Now, Theriot’s not going to become a power hitter, nor should he. But if he could hit 30 doubles this year — as he did in 2007 — he’d be a much more valuable offensive player.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
That depends...
if Theriot can hit 30 doubles AND maintain his high batting average, he’d be much more productive. But it could also be the case that Theriot’s approach last year (slapping singles the other way) is why he had such a high average. And he was unquestionably more productive in 2008 than 2007.
Now, I’m not sure whether there’s actually a correlation between changing his hitting approach and his higher average. But if there is, then I’d rather him just slap the singles and be a .720ish OPS guy rather than get doubles and be a .670ish OPS guy.
SouthernCub - May 2, 2009
It's possible that if he takes Lou's advice...
… he could do both.
Al Yellon - May 2, 2009
Possible, sure...
and if he can, obviously that’s preferred. Just wanted to note that it’s not necessarily as simple as hitting more doubles and maintaining the same other results. Though Theriot IS on a nice two-game stretch right now.
SouthernCub - May 2, 2009
Great comeback in spite of a horrible performance last night
Clutche - May 1, 2009
Great Win for the team!
NOW they have to get that problem of giving up too many walks settled (really, really fast)!
CubFanSince1970 - May 1, 2009
Go figure
I get free tickets they lose, i have paid for tickets, am unable to go and they win. how about them cubs, good win though, I’ll take that the rest of the season for sure.
Cubbinstrongsince86 - May 1, 2009
OK, that means you have to now pay for tickets every day and not go.
I mean, seriously, take one for the team!
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
I'll send some Caaash if it helps
100yearitch - May 1, 2009
So to all the ledge jumpers out there
you have 27 outs to get before you lose the game (or win it for that matter).
eswan9 - May 1, 2009
I take full credit for today's win.
This morning I decided that bolstering Cubs’ karma was more important than hometown loyalty, so I ditched my usual Indians cap and wore my Cubs one.
Should I test this theory tomorrow and let it ride, or is this meaningless and I can go back to supporting the Tribe (not to mention antagonizing the few Sox fans that frequent the area…)
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
Support the tribe
If you can get yourself a DeRo jersey to go with that hat. If not, stick with the Cubs.
wrigleyrocker12 - May 1, 2009
You need to wear the Cubs cap every day till they lose.
It’s only right.
You sure looked lonely out there this afternoon.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
Seeing how Kerry Wood and DeRo have been doing, I think it's time to take off your Indians hat
Wood: 6.75 ERA with 4.5 walks/9 innings
DeRo: .236 BA with .751 OPS
They need a change in mojo….
zevkalman - May 1, 2009
Interesting point. Will have to see how the Indians do tonight.
If they win, maybe I’ve been killing two teams with one hat these last few weeks.
I would gladly take my Indians hat off, nay, I would burn it at the stake if it meant both teams would go on winning streaks leading up to an October showdown.
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
If they have the October showdown,
who do you root for?
tucsoncubsfan - May 1, 2009
Don't know. Much soul searching will need to occur resulting in many anguished moments.
I look forward to such agony.
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
That would be a fantastic match-up.
We can only hope.
cowsarecool220 - May 1, 2009
Well, the Tribe won 6-5...
- DeRo had two hits and scored twice
- Woody had a 1-2-3 9th to pick up his 5th save.
That’s pretty damning evidence so I’m gonna shelve the Indians hat for awhile and keep wearing Cubbie blue.
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
Works for me.
Al Yellon - May 2, 2009
Works for me too!
zevkalman - May 2, 2009
This morning at Coffee
a friend of mine wore his 1907 replica Cubs jersey. Black and white with CHICAGO spelled verically down the button line. I told him wearing that would reverse our lowsy April. Several hours later it came true.
100yearitch - May 1, 2009
Keep him wearing the shirt!
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
you have to wear the hat.
you HAVE to wear the hat.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
BAH!
What do you brag about – that Indians 1948 World Championship? Or how the Indians almost won the AL Central in 2005 until the Sox swept them and knocked them out of a playoffs spot? Or is that you brag about how great the 1908 Cubbies were?
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
you appear
to have touched a nerve, Ballhawk.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
And the nerve it struck...
… my Funny Bone!
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
Does the baby want a bottle?
cubswynn - May 1, 2009
See, you're doing it again
You’re picking a fight, then you pretend to be injured when someone takes the bait.
Shanghai Badger - May 1, 2009
Where did I claim to be injured?
Oh, I may have hurt myself laughing at ballboy’s initial comment.
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
You didn't -- yet
Because no one’s taken the bait. That’s just how the pattern sometimes goes.
It’s too bad, because as I told you before you paid homage to me in your sig line, you do seem to know what you’re talking about. But for whatever reason, you feel the need to stir up trouble — and then you say you get ripped on just because you’re a White Sox fan.
Shanghai Badger - May 1, 2009
Stir up trouble?
What? Oh, I’m sorry I responded to comment about the Sox here where no one ever talks about the Sox.
Sox Win!
Good night.
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
I suppose so.
Whatever floats your boat.
Shanghai Badger - May 1, 2009
Yeah, I guess there was a comment.
Sorry. Used to you starting it. ;-)
Shanghai Badger - May 1, 2009
Sox win?
we don’t care.
Good bye.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
Not sure if a brief mention
of a few Sox fans around Wrigley constitutes “talking about the Sox” anymore than mentioning some young students I saw on a field trip today constitutes “talking about the education sysytem.”
Goodie1969 - May 1, 2009
but I think he does a search for the term....
and then comes and tells us how we are obsessed with them
Madison Cub Fan - May 2, 2009
Strawman...
… Great use of the strawman there!
DrCrawdad - May 2, 2009
Well, Doc, you seem to have misdiagnosed my comment.
I don’t brag about anything. In fact, I rarely say anything at all. Evidently the mere sight of Indians headgear is enough to set off the few Sox fans that walk around outside Wrigley. A representative sample:
“Indians Suck!”
“Fuck the Tribe!”
“Chief Wahoo this!” followed by some sort of crotch-grabbing gesture.
In the face of such verbal creativity, I am often held speechless, forced to accept that the fact that they sure showed me. So I say nothing, knowing that yea verily, I have been vanquished by a superior intellect. But I guess that is to be expected, for I am just a lowly ballboy…
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
OOPS...
In my experience the intellectual content of Cubbie loadmouth oafs is so much higher. I’ll never forget being told to “fuck off” while holding my 2 year old daughter for the offense of wearing a Sox jersey.
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
Crawdad...
what is your purpose on this site? I’m not being sarcastic or anything, I want to sincerely know what the reason is that you keep posting on this site, despite your hatred of the Cubs.
Last I checked, this was a Cubs blog. So why are you here? There are plenty of White sox blogs, I’m sure, that you could post about your hatred of the Cubs and myriad other topics.
Curtain Jerker - May 1, 2009
I don't presume to speak for the good Dr
But he seems to genuinely take an interest in how the Cubs are faring. He’s written some insightful stuff in the past, and sometimes an outside perspective is good to have.
The way I see it, he doesn’t hate the Cubs, just (many) Cubs fans. He especially dislikes the Cubs fans who say, “I don’t care about the Sox” and then go on to take glee when the Southsiders lose. I’m generally in favor of exposing hypocrisy, but he can occasionally get overzealous.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
You're right...
… I very frequently post positive things about the Cubs. Those comments are glossed over and what gets a response are situations like the above or when I am something other than a pollyanna about the Cubs.
And you’re right the hypocrisy is amazing. Heck, if some here don’t care about the Sox, fine with me. I don’t believe I’ve said nor intimated that Cubbie fans should follow the Sox. But if you’re going say you “don’t care about the Sox…” and/or that “don’t give a damn about the Sox…” fine, but then don’t throw a hissy fit when you get called out for having hundreds of posts about the Sox.
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
Click on my name ...
… and you’ll see why. But to fill-in, I’m a fan of the 2005 World Champion White Sox and I also follow the Cubbies. If I were in NY, I’d be still be a Sox fan but I’d no doubt also follow the Yankees and the Mets. In following them, I’d also have an opinion on them and express it where I saw fit.
And let’s be honest, there are Cubbie fans here who follow the Sox and post comments on the Southside Sox and very often here. Heck, even a certain central figure here (while being fixated on the Cubbies) lurks at White Sox Interactive!
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
Sounds good then
I guess I was just upset at you sort of picking on ballhawk because he wears a Cleveland hat and some Sox fans (emphasis on “some”) give him crap.
He’s a fan of the Indians and the Cubs, two teams who haven’t won championships in decades. Doesn’t make him less of a fan, just like i’m sure you weren’t less of a White Sox fan before 2005. Leave him be.
Curtain Jerker - May 1, 2009
Ballboy is a jealous, envious...
… Cubbie/Indians fan. And I don’t buy his “Oh, I only wear a Indians hat and Sox fans chide me” routine. Bullshit to that.
DrCrawdad - May 1, 2009
So what?
If he’s a “jealous, envious Cubbie/Indians fan,” who gives a damn?
Curtain Jerker - May 1, 2009
Thanks for the support CJ, but no need to defend me against Doc
at least not while the best he can do is call me “ballboy”. ;-)
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
so no mroe game thrads for me
since I missed todays with a meeting
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
I missed an entire weekend's worth of game threads
While on vacation in San Francisco. I know, I know, small sample size, but it didn’t seem to help. Looks like you guys are stuck with me.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
welcome home
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
I'm in San Francisco now,
And I went into town with the Cubs trailing 5-2. I texted a friend to get the final score, and, when he said the Cubs had won, I thought for sure that he was kidding. I’m glad to be wrong!
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
If you're the sort to bend your elbow
I can’t recommend Shanghai Kelly’s (Polk and Broadway) enough. It’s a tiny dive, and it gets ridiculously crowded on weekend nights, but the bartenders are awesome, the drinks are not light, and the decorations are…varied. They’ve got the MLB package on DirecTV, too, so you can ask for the Cubs game, and they’ll (generally) oblige. Don’t ask for sound, though – the jukebox is good enough for pretty much anyone.
Good drinks at good prices, and if it’s slow enough they’ll teach you the local game they play with dice cups. Great spot.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
Can't do it
Today was the only day that I’ll get into San Francisco itself, and I go back to Vermont on Monday.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
They're open 'til 2 :)
Of course, it’ll be ridiculously crowded, but the crowd generally like tourists (who aren’t jerks). I walked in there last Friday night and made a few fast friends by mentioning that I was from Atlanta.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
I'm not staying in San Francisco
I’m staying in Napa, and just got back after a tour of the city from the Muni bus system and the BART.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
Well, that blows that idea out of the water
Next time you’re out there, though…
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
Yep, next time.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
I'll look it up and see where it is.
Meant to include this in my other post.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
Polk & Broadway
Russian Hill area.
Their site has the location in Google Maps form, so you can always know how far away you are from “The Boozer’s Mecca”.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
Thanks
I don’t know when I’ll be coming back here.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
YOU MISSED ONE
Great game….A Riot grand slam….Tune in for another W today…..
cubs north - May 2, 2009
I know
I’m not sure if we get today’s game in Napa. I’ll try to tune in using the MLB Gameday audio if I can.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 2, 2009
I'll miss tomorrow's
because Max has a little-league game. You go to the game thread in my place.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
do I have to change my name then
to cubbie-drew
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
not unless
you want to. We’re all part of the big mambochicken in the sky anyway.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
but is there a
mambochicken in the sky dance we have to do at weddings?
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
are we going to weddings now?
are we crashing, or are we the band?
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
Of course
Y’all would have to be a one-man band.
Clutch16 - May 2, 2009
A win....
is a win even if its a win. Feels good to win. Maybe we can make this into a winning streak and win several. Bet the W flag is flying high because of today’s win. Maybe tommorroe a nice little erin andrews photo in the game thread.
cubsluver22 - May 1, 2009
With Lilly and Z coming up...
…I like our chances at taking 3 of 4. That would really help because then we’ve got Randy Johnson and The Freak coming to town.
cubswynn - May 1, 2009
Call me crazy, but
I think this is the year the Cubs beat Randy Johnson. It’s gotta happen evenutally, right? And he’s running out of time.
Not Bruce Froemming - May 1, 2009
I'm with ya. I'll be there to see it in person.
cubswynn - May 1, 2009
Have fun and bring home a victory
Either way, seeing a sure-fire HOFer at work is pretty cool.
Not Bruce Froemming - May 1, 2009
sure hope so
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
The Cubs won't face the Big Unit.
He is pitching tonight.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
Dang, I was hoping the Cubs would have a shot at him
Maybe in San Francisco … :)
Not Bruce Froemming - May 1, 2009
What disappoints me is that Lilly won't face Renteria
Shanghai Badger - May 1, 2009
Maybe in San Francisco...
… in September.
Al Yellon - May 2, 2009
Hmm yesterday he was listed as the probable starter.
cubswynn - May 1, 2009
That's good.
He’s been very hard to beat for us over the years.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
We needed that
And I enjoyed my time in the game thread.
puckishcubsfan - May 1, 2009
It was not fun early
But the rally chased away the troublemakers.
Needless to say, this was an excellent victory. Not sure there’s such a thing as a big win in May, but this is as close as it comes.
Not Bruce Froemming - May 1, 2009
Maddux sighting
Friend saw Greg and Kathy Maddux downtown this afternoon. He’s here.
puckishcubsfan - May 1, 2009
Already?
I would have figured him to be playing golf somewhere warm until the last possible moment.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
Big win
I figured the Cubs would win this game, although I wasn’t so confident when they were down 5-1. I didn’t get to see the end of the game but happy that they pulled it out. I think I’ve said this too many times but lets hope they can buld on it!
jeff_pico - May 1, 2009
Reminded me a bit of the 9-6 win over the Marlins...
in July last year. Fell behind by a bunch early (5-0 then, 5-1 today), and rallied with a big hit by a miniature infielder (Fontenot then, Theriot today). The Cubs then went up to Miller Park and swept the Brewers. Maybe today will be the start of a similar winning streak.
hokie316 - May 1, 2009
three relievers in a row
started out poorly and came through. that, along with the grand slam, could be the much awaited turning point.
amory blaine - May 1, 2009
being able to recover
from their mistakes is huge. This could be the day we all look back at and say “that’s when the Cubs turned it around.”
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
+2009
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
That would be awesome.
In 1989, it was when they came from 8 (9?) runs back to win, IIRC in August against the Cards.
In 2003, it was that late Augustcomeback against the Cards. in the series when they ended up taking 4 out of 5.
In 2007, it was the late-June Ramirez walk-off over the Brewers after being down by five early.
In 2008, it was that huge comeback against the Rockies – the day the Black Hawks greats did the stretch.
ChipSet - May 1, 2009
1984 Sandberg Game
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
Yes - absolutely
I was this/close (as Sneed would say) to going to the game that day – it was a Saturday, and back in ’84 it was still possible to “walk up” and get decent seats – but decided for some personal reasons to watch on TV instead. I lived in an apartment complex with an outdoor pool; my unit was not too far from the pool. The lifeguard told me later she had heard my shouts of delight – the two game-tying Sandberg HRs, and the final game-winning hit.
ChipSet - May 1, 2009
From that point on I expected the Cubs to win every day
Understand I had been a fan since 1977 and maintained a “hope for the best, expect the worst” attitude. But from the Sandberg Game to the day before the 12-game losing streak in June 1985, I had no fear that the Cubs would win every day. Of course they didn’t win every game during that time, but the feeling I had is probably the same feeling Yankees fans and post-2004 Red Sox fans have – “we’re the better team, we’ll win easy”.
CaliCub - May 1, 2009
Pretty good list; I agree with all of those
Although, 2007 (a) was Lou’s tirade
Shanghai Badger - May 1, 2009
Yes - that was clearly a key turning point
as was the departure of Michael Barrett. I’m thinking, though, more in terms of when it felt like this was The Year.
ChipSet - May 1, 2009
I personally think the turning point in '07
Was this game against Colorado.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 1, 2009
That was a thriller, for sure
But I didn’t really have a good feeling after that game, despite the win, because of the bullpen implosion in the top of the 9th.
If I read that Baseball Reference sheet right, does it really show the Cubs with a “100% win expectancy” after they took an 8-3 lead in the bottom of the 8th?
ChipSet - May 2, 2009
Yes, it does.
After the Cubs took the 8-3 lead, and then it shows a 99% win probability going to the top of the ninth. It then goes all the way down to 10% after the Rockies take the lead.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 2, 2009
One thing will make you sad about the Rockies game last year
That’s the day I started posting!
CaliCub - May 1, 2009
The 1989 game...
… was against the Astros on August 29.
And the 2003 series was in September, not August.
Al Yellon - May 2, 2009
Yep X2
I was thinking late August for the Cards series but see it was the first few days of September already.
ChipSet - May 2, 2009
I think Bradley will break out of his slump soon.
And Lee also. Bradley might have the fastest bat in the lineup and his potential in unlimited if he stays healthy.
Unique - May 1, 2009
Bradley
is definitely warming up. He’s about to go on a freaking tear. Damn it my Cubs are about to take their rightful place in the division. I feel it!!
cubsluver22 - May 1, 2009
yep!
Nice jack yesterday, he looks comfortable at the plate, and I think he’s starting to feel like part of the team. With him producing, Kosuke having a great start, and DLee, Fontenot, and Theriot hitting, we’ll get that chemistry back! Go Cubs!! (PS Yes Worf I’m warming up to Bradley) :-)
Fonzie2178 - May 1, 2009
The weather is supposed to be nice the rest of the homestand.
Hopefully, that will warm up the Cubs bats, too.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
It'll be nice
to get Aram healthy too, but I have to hand it to Mikey moving over to fill 3rd, I was wondering who would do that if needed, with DeRo gone.
Fonzie2178 - May 1, 2009
Fontenot has gotten better every day he's been out there.
Credit to him for doing a decent job at a position he had never played in the major leagues before this year.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
absolutely!
He’s really coming into his own as a major-leaguer. I always joke with my wife that he’s our cousin. Our last names are very similar! :-)
Fonzie2178 - May 1, 2009
Denise Richards is to Ryan Theriot...
..what Erin Andrews is to Micah Hoffpauir.
Nice comeback today. Hoping we don’t come out flat tomorrow. We need to build some momentum. Congrats to Patton for a nice outing and his first win. And Cotts coming back and retiring 3 straight batters. That was huge.
Guy in the bleachers made a great catch of the grand slam, too.
carmen_fanzone - May 1, 2009
If Denise Richards
is going to assume the mantle of Riot Rally Girl, the photos must be of early Denise Richards.
Nothing. Current. Please.
Goodie1969 - May 1, 2009
She looked good in a Cubs uni....
….and neither the Radio or TV guys were complaining.
carmen_fanzone - May 1, 2009
the 720 interview was awkward
Between Santo GEE WHIZZZING and then the granny she must think he is crazy
Hammer - May 1, 2009
So you're saying you listened through both interviews?
I admire your courage. If you like her, that’s great, but when I look at her I just see a tired, bitter woman. That’s kind of a turn-off.
Goodie1969 - May 1, 2009
To each his own...
carmen_fanzone - May 1, 2009
ROFL
true – i hate her. I back Rick Vaughn all day
Hammer - May 1, 2009
I'm A Theriot Supporter But....
… if that homer was several rows back, then I wonder how the guy caught seemed to be in the second row on the TV replay?
BeerCub - May 1, 2009
what's your point?
carmen_fanzone - May 1, 2009
"Several" could be "two".
Right?
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
AUUUGHHHH- "the guy THAT caught IT seemed...."
BeerCub - May 1, 2009
Watching the replay nobody was as surprised by the GS than Theriot himself.
puckishcubsfan - May 1, 2009
the sound
of astounded amazement in Len’s voice was funny.
drewishdrewid - May 1, 2009
I believe it was 2007?
Cubs were floundering and desperatly needed something. Dero up with the bases loaded against the Braves and he hit a granny – Cubs sailed from there and played great from there on out.
Lets think positive – such a long season and think even out in baseball so the upside should be coming out soon.
Hammer - May 1, 2009
....and yes Friday night at home
blogging about the Cubs watching a ridiculous chic flick that I would never tell anyone about.
Hammer - May 1, 2009
Steel Magnolias AGAIN, Hammer? :)
carmen_fanzone - May 1, 2009
Here hit this!!!
Take a whack a’ wheezer.
But NO – that was chicky but still a decent movie.
Hammer - May 1, 2009
LOL
carmen_fanzone - May 1, 2009
So what movie is it?
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
Ok
Ill tell. Only reason is because my girlfriend went to college at Vassar with Anne Hathaway and theyve been friends since then
KILL ME
Bride Wars
Please do not hold it against me – at least I am not paying attention. I have been running numbers to try and have the best possible fantasy baseball weekend.
Hammer - May 1, 2009
I was gonna guess "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"
Yours is worse, I think.
Clutch16 - May 1, 2009
Yep.
But you get credit for paying attention to your fantasy team.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
Ya think?
1000 times worse
This movie SUCKS!!!!!
oh wait
!!!!!!!!!!
Hammer - May 1, 2009
You are a good guy!
sue369 - May 1, 2009
So, Ryan Theriot hit his first grand slam today
and Prince Fielder has never hit a grand slam.
Isn’t baseball a swell game?
cowsarecool220 - May 1, 2009
Robin Ventura's record is in jeopardy
I think it Ventura?
Hammer - May 1, 2009
Well nevermind Lou Gehrig
Hammer - May 1, 2009
Actually, Gehrig's record IS in jeopardy.
Gehrig hit 23. Manny Ramirez has hit 20.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
WOW
Dont know why I thought it was Ventura – maybe the beating he took from Nolan rubbed off on me.
GO CUBS
Im out all
Marlins – Light em Up
Hammer - May 1, 2009
Ventura was getting close.
He had 18. Ventura hit 294 career HR. Every other player with 17 or more grand slams hit at least 500 career HR. Ventura’s number of GS is pretty remarkable.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
And in case anyone cares
List of all-time leaders in grand slams
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
One exception to the 500+ number...
… is, of course, Gehrig, who hit 493.
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
It would be interesting to know
what percentage of plate appearances (overall) are with the bases loaded, and see how that compares to the proportions of GS versus non-GS HRs. I guess I would have expected the 500+ HR guys to have had more slams than they do.
You’d think a pitcher is less likely to try to nibble the corners or miss the strike zone (on purpose) when the bags are loaded, lest he walk in a run.
ChipSet - May 1, 2009
Here is some of that info:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/split.cgi?t=b&lg=MLB&year=2008
Scroll down to the “Bases Occupied” heading. These are splits for all of MLB in 2008 at least. I don’t know if there’s a way to get the site to sum up more years than that or not. Anyway, last year it looks like hitters hit pretty close to the same number of homers with the bases loaded as they did any other time.
aldimond - May 1, 2009
Well, considering how many times the Cubs have left the bases loaded so far this season...
…screw the grannies – I’d be happy if they all just started channeling Pat Tabler. The guy had a .489 career average with the bases loaded
ballhawk - May 1, 2009
Yabbut...
… Theriot now has half as many career grand slams as Tabler did. FWIW, Theriot — before today’s heroics — was hitting .377/.441/.491 in his career with the bases loaded (53 at-bats).
Al Yellon - May 1, 2009
Kerry Wood hit one before Sammy Sosa did
it is a funny game at times
Cubbie-Tim - May 1, 2009
Well all -
I got tickets for tomorrow nice seats 10 rows behind the visitor dugout and the tickets for Sunday stink but oh well should be a nice weekend.
Hope you guys all have a great weekend – Cubs W’s included.
Hammer - May 1, 2009
You too.
I was flying with someone on Thursday who was going from Vermont to Chicago. He’s going to the Saturday game as well.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 2, 2009
Never thought I'd see the day where Theriot hits a slam!
Hope this ignites the team. We’re playing like crap.
SackMan - May 1, 2009
Here's to a healthy May!
Especially good to see Geo with a couple hits. Would love to see him and Fontenot go on a tear.
CaliCub - May 1, 2009
That was really
nice to see today. I also hope May is better for the Cubs in health and luck.
sue369 - May 1, 2009
It's up to the regular nine for the most part
We don’t have the “deep depth” (as Casey Stengel used to say) of last year so it’s important that the starters return to form.
CaliCub - May 1, 2009
I was so excited to see Geo do so well today!
Madison Cub Fan - May 2, 2009
I like winning.
dtpollitt - May 1, 2009
I'll second that
beats losing every time. The Theriot slam just seemed to change the attitude of the entire team today. I hope it continues.
qccub - May 2, 2009
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