Bleed Cubbie Blue

He did? How?

6+ IP and 2 runs allowed.

It’s also up for debate that his blowup fired up his offense.

MattHaggard - May 27, 2009 reply

I agree it fired up the team.

cubswynn - May 27, 2009 reply

I dunno.

“Fired up”? Guys got hits after Duke left the game, that’s the more likely reason.

Sorry Al, but I

loved Z throwing out the ump!! Now that’s entertainment-he’s fun to watch and he’s good. I’m tired about hearing about immaturity. He cares, he really cares and I thought he was right about the call at the plate and it was funnier than heck when the ump bumped him, he threw him out.
who cares about the stupid Gatorade machine, he was frustrated and it is fun to watch someone who cares about his job.

Sure, he cares.

I wish his caring would avoid suspension.

and maybe

he won’t get suspended. It’s awfully clear from the video that he was bumped by the ump. We’ll see.

You know that and I know that.

Unfortunately, MLB management has never been swayed by evidence and common sense.

they reduced Milton's suspension

to one game. Let’s see what happens.

I'd bet MY SOUL...

…Z gets a suspension! No question about it!

calicubfan - May 27, 2009 reply

You make contact with an umpire

and your going to get suspended.

How long is to be determined, due to the fact that it does appear the umpire initiated the contact, but it is certain that there will be a suspension.

cubsfaninatl - May 28, 2009 reply

we'll see.

i agree

any attempt to rein in z is going to hurt this team. i admire z’s heart, courage & passion. umps are tin-plate dictators and i despise them.

brian custer - May 28, 2009 reply

And that run was dicey at best

I really thought Morgan was out.

maybe

But the fact is, even after several replays, it’s too close to tell… and quite honestly, Z was in the worst position to know one way or the other. There is no way he could see the hand come in behind him. He over reacted and he’s going to miss a start and several pinch hit possibilities. Considering that Harden is not close to coming back, it’s going to hurt.

I don’t believe his reaction fired up the team. Nobody went off last night and we scored several runs late.

lohroffc - May 27, 2009 reply

One of those runs was UNearned

Doggie Stalker - May 27, 2009 reply

I'm not mad at Z at all

Good to know somebody gives a crap. Morgan was safe, but I honestly don’t think Z could have known that from where he was.

Good for Z manning up and giving us some fire and passion.

I agree about the makeup call.

And that’s part of why I think Lou needs to lead the Cubs towards shutting up about the umps and focus on playing the teams that are the real “enemy.” Reed Johns’s leadership needs to be re-affirmed by Lou. He may be doing that in the clubhouse and we’ll never hear it. I hope he is.

DGU - May 27, 2009 reply

The real victim?

I feel sorry for that poor Gatorade machine.

eths - May 27, 2009 reply

Or the repairman...

Who has to fix the damn thing… again.

CubsBullsBears - May 27, 2009 reply

I, for one, could stand to see MORE hissy fits being thrown by this team.

Because hissy fits win games?

Since when?

You want the whole team suspended?

I want the whole team to wake the hell up.

Did you not see them in San Diego? The were SLEEPWALKING through the games Al.

They woke up yesterday and continued today.

Had nothing to do with the tirade.

maybe.

maybe not. It seemed to me that they woke up more after the 7th today.

Hissy fits are a sign of life beneath..

The hissy fits don’t win the games, but the fire in the belly that makes you so pissed about a run getting across to the plate to tie the game that you’ll argue with the ump, throw things, and beat up a water cooler.. that fire.. That wins games. I’ll take the hissy fits that come with that.

DisCUBbobulated - May 27, 2009 reply

I agree, and I did say....

… I like Z’s passion. But you have to channel it properly. Unfortunately, this is probably going to cost him a start or two.

Explain to me how that helps the team.

Z will be fresher for the playoffs.

LOL

You’re on fire today.

ha

Bonds the team together.

Maybe the team says “it’s us vs. the world.”

cubswynn - May 27, 2009 reply

Maybe.

Or, it hurts the team when he gets suspended. I’d rather he channel his passion into his pitching.

Sure but you and I know that's never going to happen.

If this kicks the team in the ass, then it’s worth 1-2 games without Z.

cubswynn - May 27, 2009 reply

that's not him.

Sure, it worked for Dusty's team in 2004

/sarcasm

WIthout the suspension

There wasn’t the outburst. Without the outburst, there wasn’t the passion. Without the passion, you lose. The thing with Z, is he can’t just be the convenient half of himself – it’s like your wife telling you she doesn’t like the part of you that jumps up and down during a homerun at the pub – you have to accept it all. The passion helps the team – and the suspension is a necessary evil that comes with that.

DisCUBbobulated - May 27, 2009 reply

Reed Johnson is the man

He kicked Bradley in the butt the other day, and then is the star of the game today. Nothing but the best effort out of him at all times, and unlike some scrappy guys, cough miles cough, Johnson has the some talent in him, which makes him fun to watch.

Whenever Johson is performing...

I always make it a point to get into a position so I can watch him.

Right.

That’s who won today’s game — Reed Johnson.

Or Bradley.

True that.

Agreed and recommended, because I haven't used all my "Recommended" HP/MP yet today.

Well

This certainly was a good first game at Wrigley for the year. Whatever else you might say about Carlos, it is like night and day with having to watch the stultifying Nats every night. (Don’t hate on them – my job is in DC.)

Oh, by the way – nice win, nice rally!

08Cubs - May 27, 2009 reply

The Cubs are OUTLAWS?????

From Paul Sullivan:

Between Milton Bradley’s comments on an umpiring vendetta, Lilly’s criticism on Monday and Zambrano’s wild display, the Cubs are being viewed as a team full of outlaws.

Wow. Last season the Cubs are dissed for being too nice- so they go out and get a little “swagger” in Bradley to fuel Lilly, Big Z, et. al. Now they get dissed for finally displaying some sort of pulse.

Childish yes, but at least they are now showing SOMETHING other than a willingness to just drift on and on for the rest of the year.

I said DRAW partner!

I can see that...

We just need a John Kruk type to bring ‘em down to earth with a box of ding dongs or the Cubs truly will become the most hated team in baseball. I’d rather let the Yankees keep that title.

I like the Cubs being the most hated team

Everyone hates the Yankees… but they win. A lot. I’d take that deal any day.

I really don't like Sullivan at all

This reads like something Mariotti would say.

In Sullivan's defense...

… he didn’t say HE viewed the team as a team of outlaws, he said they are “being viewed” that way. He didn’t identify who is doing that, though.

I know...

…since I live away from Chicago, the Cubs are somewhat hated by some people. I think their jealous of all the attention the Cubs get nationwide… especially since in their eyes, their like… “the team has ever won anything, I can’t believe they…” I hear it all the time. Its really annoying.

True

I’d rather have a team of outlaws than “nice” guys though.

I don't care...

…what their labeled… as long as it comes with the title WORLD SERIES WINNERS! :O)

Now on THAT, we can all agree.

Definitely.

But outlaws seem more likely to close out a game when they have a chance. Nice guys don’t.

Why yes, I do have a bad-boy thing… why do you ask? LOL

A former Cub manager Leo Durocher liked to say "Nice guys finish last"

Nitpick alert

He never said that.

If you and Ralph Keyes insist....actually, I never heard Leo say it....

Guess you can’t trust all of what you read….

It was spun into a nifty "sound bite"

Came from a fortune cookie

Yes. I wasn't getting on Sully...

Just taking some amusement at the turn of events from one year to the next.

2008 = Too nice.
2009 = OUTLAWS!

Imagine that!

I say EMBRACE it. Use “Green Grass and High Tides” as this years theme song…;)

The Cubs have turned to the dark side of the force...

Hey, it worked for Darth...

…for a while at least…

…then, not so much…

Working once would be enough for me.

Those of the good side...

…find peace.

Those of the dark side… get a piece.

CUBS RULE! 09! OH YEAH BABY! YEAH!

San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - May 27, 2009 reply

I love this! Outlaws!

Like the Oakland A’s of the 70’s who hated each other and their manager Dick Williams but won anyway? Great! Love it!

I know

the nice guys lost last year bring on the Outlaws.

Kind of like Hulk Hogan going all bad.

Nodding in agreement with the other commenters..

This is part of who Z is, and while not the most comfortable part, the end results is someone who gives us good starts and can dominate opposing hitters. Today was an excellent game – we were limping along in another low-scoring game that we would have lost a week ago -and the Cubs found the fire to win. Good stuff! Yes, Z might get suspended for a start, but that doesn’t bother me.

DisCUBbobulated - May 27, 2009 reply

What are the chances Carlson has himself

in the umpire ejection fantasy league?

Least we won...

Last season… I remember talking about how I believe Fukudome’s patience rubbed off on the Cubs.

This season, I think MB’s problems have rubbed off on the Cubs.

I do believe what’s going on with the umpires is full of crap, but, the Cubs need to get hold of things before they start using it completely as an excuse for all of their problems. I think that’s happening with MB… then Lily, then Z.

Yeah, the UMPs stink… but, they are stinking with everyone. If the Cubs believe they are getting it worse than anyone else, then… it’s their own fault by not shutting up.

I have a feeling today was the end of Cubs and umpires fighting for a while

The message has been sent, and now its done.

I hope

…I just don’t want the Cubs to start blaming the umpires for losing… that will give them a reason to lose, not a reason to win.

I hope you're right.

+1

After watching MB play this year, though

I actually kinda do think the umps are out to get him. There seem to be a lot of questionable called strikes on him. But maybe that’s just Bradley’s propensity to take close pitches.

I don't mind a blow up

now and then because sometimes it does fire up the team. What I don’t understand is why a player or manager feels they need to get up so close to the umpire? They certainly can get their point across without being so close to the umpire and risking bumping into them.

Zambrano may have helped the team get fired up but then he may have hurt them by possibly getting a suspension. Kind of negates the whole thing.

tucsoncubsfan - May 27, 2009 reply

the ump

kept moving into Z and Z kept backing up.

can't wait to see how this story grows and changes over time but that's a good start

you know what?

I’ve become convinced that you serve no functional purpose. Anyone who sees the video can see that the ump initiated the contact.

The “kept moving into Z” and “Z backing up” are pretty good. I don’t think you can find anyone who would write that as part of a description of the events.

Drew...

he’s baiting you… In the words of Admiral Akbar, “It’s a TRAP!!!”

Yeah poor Carlos having to retreat from the charging ump

Having a good laugh at the way the story changes and grows over time is “baiting.”

Kept moving into Z while Z kept backing up, who wouldn’t agree to that?

a troll like you.

Ah... the fanshot with the Felix Pie/Milton Bradley photo is gone

darn, that was funny.

DTJchris - May 27, 2009 reply

She was spamming.

Funny, but not funny at the same time.

What! I called her out on that! I wanted a reason for the screw-up!!

Um, because she's stupid?

I had to watch it about 3 times to make sure it wasn't I that looked stupid for claiming it was Felix...

In no way do I condone spamming

but fanshot made the spammer look incredibly stupid. I mean, a picture of Felix Pie, sideways, during a segment about Bradley, and then getting completely called out/made to look stupid, was priceless.

DTJchris - May 27, 2009 reply

Need to sign...

…Rick Vaughn from the state penitentiary league. That would be nice.

Don't mix it up

It’s the California Penal League. ;)

slcathena - May 28, 2009 reply

I'm moving to California!

Emelie - May 28, 2009 reply

He could throw

a couple high hard ones that our catchers get “crossed up” on.

gwood - May 28, 2009 reply

See the replay of the ejection here

I agree that the ump initiated the bump but Z shouldn’t have taken the bait — not surprised or upset he did. However taking a bat to the Gator-aid machine in the dugout seemed a little too much.

mrtobby - May 27, 2009 reply

Oopps

Linky

mrtobby - May 27, 2009 reply

That replay...

… along with the video I posted, clearly show Carlson walking right into Z. The umpires have got to be placed under control.

I posted a fanshot with the video on the sidebar...

… it does look like the umpire initiated it. Of course Z’s going to take that bait, and the umpires know it.

there is no "look like" about it.

The ump moved into Z and had no reason to do so. Z’s shove was simply a response to the umpire moving in to him. The umpire initiated the contact without any question. He needs to be disciplined.

I agree completely.

But we have no MLB leadership that will stand up and say that, and then actually DO it.

I thought

it looked like they both made awkward movement towards each other and while the ump stopped his movement Z extended his arm into the umpire, probably expecting a bump that never came.

Bradley

I’m hoping that his season is the next Moises Alou. I think everyone remembers that after Alou signed here in 2002, he was both hurt and terrible throughout April and May. After that he heated up in June and gave the Cubs 2.5 years of good ball.

Josh Timmers - May 27, 2009 reply

+2.5

DGU - May 27, 2009 reply

Well OK, but if he starts peeing on his hands then we have to rethink this...

Actually, Alou was pretty bad all year in 2002.

This team doesn't need hissy fits, or pissed off people.

This teams need healthy players, and players who should be hitting: Bradley, Lee, Soto, Fontenot and pitchers who will throw the ball with authority, Demp, and Z.
Play baseball fellas with some energy, not acting like a child.

Grockcubs - May 27, 2009 reply

My point exactly.

Rec’d

+1

tville - May 27, 2009 reply

Good point

Watching the game today, I could not help but wonder what effect these player tirades are having on the young kids that are trying to emulate their favorite Cubs players. It really sets a bad example.

wccubfan - May 27, 2009 reply

I want Z

to do whatever it takes to win games.

How about we let parents raise their own kids and tell them what Z did was wrong if you think so. I don’t BTW.

If Carlos Zambrano’s antics on the field has more effect on a child than the parent’s words do, then I would have to say the problem is the parent.

Do you think Z is doing what it takes to win games

If he misses two starts?

you're expecting him

to predict the future. We don’t know how many — if any at all — starts Z will miss.

imho

he will get 5 games and will miss exactly no starts.

He pitched well, overreacted to the call, but the ump was approaching him and that’s what set him off.

If you want to debate Z the pitcher, I won’t go as far as you, I just want him to trust his stuff more and throw strikes. He gets into trouble when he nibbles and gets behind.

No way will baseball let him rig it to where he misses no starts

He will get 8 games and get it knocked down to 6 or 7.

we shall see, either of us has no way of knowing.

I would really like to know if the ball toss alone would have gotten him something.

I'll bet he doesn't miss a start

but gets an unusually large fine, insignificant for him, for not leaving after he was thrown out, throwing the ball onto the field, et cetera.

sports stars

aren’t contracted to be examples for your kids.

+1

cubsnlinux - May 27, 2009 reply

Make this green

Madison Cub Fan - May 27, 2009 reply

I'm gonna respectfully disagree here, Al.

I appreciate, value, and typically agree with you, but Zambrano is Zambrano, We ain’t gonna change that. He probably went one or two steps further than he shoulda, but this is nothing new. This team has been playing like crap, and if Dempster, Lilly, and Zambrano (notice—all pitchers…it hasn’t been their fault we’ve been losing) need to get fired up (along with Reed’s chat with GameBoard), then I’m all for it. This team has even stated it doesn’t know what it’s identity is (or for that matter, it’s leader). If it takes a few losing streaks or blow-ups like this, I’m all for it.

Dan

Hey, look.

I know it was great theater, and Z was probably just about out of the game anyway at 114 pitches.

If the Cubs go on a long winning streak, maybe you can credit this for “waking them up”. I just worry that this may have cost him a suspension, which will hurt the team.

If he's suspended

it would probably at most push his next start back a day or two

Depends on off days and...

… appeals, etc.

By the time they hear the appeal

hopefully Harden will be back… and it won’t even be a big deal.

The Cubs do have four Mondays off in June.

Maybe that’d work out. Still, you don’t want to see a player suspended at all.

Agreed

But, it happens. Gotta find a way around it.

At this rate...

Wells may get 25 starts this year. It’s all about timing…lol

How many games do you think hed get?

I can’t imagine it being more than 5 games

Usually when a starting pitcher gets suspended....

… they do 6 games, to guarantee he has to miss a start.

Or 7-8

No way he misses two. Even if he gets 10 games, I’m sure we could find a way to get him to miss only one start

Beckett got 6 and it was reduced to 5

I thought what he did was pretty bad too.

Beckett was more deliberate

I saw it live, he definitely threw trying to hit Bobby Abreu. Zambrano didn’t try to cause his fight, the umpire clearly walked into Z and bumped him.

Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009 reply

I agree that Beckett was much worse

Z alwasy pitches well every other start anyway...

he’ll just miss his “crappy start” and we’ll get him back for the next good one.

I just hope

Z didn’t hurt his arm with that foolish throw to left field.

danimal15 - May 27, 2009 reply

pffft

that wasn’t a hard throw.

Waking them up

Honestly I think Z was just trying to win the strange competition going on between our pitchers. Lilly running over catchers, Zambrano punching them. Lilly getting tossed from the video room, dempster hitting the G machine Zambrano taking a bat to it. And Lou of all people wants to talk to Z about control his emotions. Are they shooting some reality show at Wrigley that no one knows about?

This one is on the ump

Carlson clearly bumped Z, he clearly took a step towards him to initiate the contact. In fact, if you read Z’s lips afterwards, it looks like he says “You bumped me.” You can see it pretty clearly on the replay on ESPN.com.

Z deserves to be suspended for having his hissy-fit, but Carlson also needs to be disciplined for not backing away and instigating the contact. Umpires need to walk away.

The ump should be suspended

He clearly initiated the contact with z…..Im sure he wanted Z to get suspended for his “blowup”. Hopefully MLB finally makes a stance against the umps here.

Also I love that z had a tirade. I think it fired up the team and gave them the spark theyve been missing. Quit frankly, Ive been waiting for Lou to do it when they were in the 8 game losing streak.

You are assuming a thoughtful, logical, measured and rational response.

Does that sound in any way like a description of the rulers of Major League Baseball?

Nuh, uh.

Z will take it in the latkas and the ump will walk away scott free. You read it here first.

I agree

This reminds me a little of the incident with MB a few years ago in San Diego, but every time I see an umpire baiting a player like Carlson baited Z, I’m reminded of Tim Duncan getting two technical fouls when he was sitting on the bench talking with a teammate.

Granted, that was a more obvious example of an official going out of his way to eject a player, but Carlson should be suspended still.

Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009 reply

I hope the Dodgers are very, very scared of us this weekend.

Somethin’ lit a fire under our arses.

Now, on THAT we completely agree.

Incidentally, I stand by my headline. What are we talking about here? The win or Z?

Z’s antics overshadow the win. The headline is correct.

Wait...we won?

See?

I think we're talking about Z

because of the headline, not the other way around.

Why should the Dodgers be scared of the Cubs?

No Harden no “Z”, No Ramy, Cubs beat the Pirates 2 out of 3, WOW. The Dodgers buried us last year in the playoffs, they are doing just fine without Manny, hell Juan Pierre is hitting .400 for goodness sake. Dodgers scared, no, they are are a better team than the Cubs right now and they know it.

Grockcubs - May 27, 2009 reply

Wow man.

Not gonna call you if I’m having a yellow-ribbon moment, that’s for sure.

San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - May 27, 2009 reply

Broxton threw a 40+ pitch save today

in their sweep of the Rockies….so, at least the Cubs won’t see HIM tomorrow, in a potential save situation.

Has an ump ever been suspended for any sort of misconduct?

Not to my knowledge.

Yes...

Mike Winters, the guy who egged on Milton Bradley a couple of years back.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,298174,00.html

Thanks for the link.

This, obviously, isn’t as serious an incident as the Winters/Bradley one. But it’s the combined body of work that the umpires seem to be showing the Cubs — from Bradley to Lilly to Z — that needs to be examined.

They're evaluated constantly - strike/ball calls, out calls, ejections

Everything is examined. But its like the call at the plate. Z goes psychotic, but is likely wrong in his judgement of the call. The pitching to Bradley was within the guidelines. Ironically Bradley cried about the ball being low when the controversy was whether it was outside. Lilly’s actions were laughable. And what you’re asking the umpires to do will never happen in baseball or any sport because it would spell disaster.

I remember watching that game...

… it was kinda weird, the whole situation. I’m glad the ump got it, and got it good…

Grow up?

You want him to get a job in accounts receivable?

These guys are, after all, playing a children’s game.

salparadise23 - May 27, 2009 reply

True, but...

… how many players do you see acting like that?

Besides Z and Bradley?

Exactly.

… Ryan Freel left the game with a strained hamstring.

To play devils advocate

I don’t think Z at 28 is nearly old enough to suggest that he grows up.
Once he gets to Lou’s, or Bobby Cox’s, age, maybe then.

I’m just saying, in any other industry, this behaviour wouldn’t be tolerated. But this is entertainment, and bumping the ump aside, on field tantrums are part of the game.

chitownhawkeye - May 27, 2009 reply

Oh, and...

A DL stint for him would be welcomed — he’s been pretty useless.

Um, wouldn't a strained hammy suggest that some exertion was involved?

Did he pull it running off or on the field?

Base running

I can’t recall when exactly, but he pulled it on a base running play. He eased onto the base (I think it was 3rd) and immediately started grabbing his leg as if injured. In the top part of the next inning, Mike Fontenot replaced him.

When he hit his single....

…he rounded first and “slid” to stop when the OF gathered the ball quickly. He was limping back to first.

Freel...on base...BLEEP! Does not compute...

I love how all the problem children on the team

Miles, Cotts, Freel are being taken care of today. Patton better watch out.

Cleanin' out Lou's doghouse...

Today we settle all the family's business...

I'm out of player I don't like

which means I’m going to have to start hating Theriot again.

Just when I think I'm out

they pull me back in.

I agree my least favorite players are all leaving

but I there are still some pitchers in the bullpen that could use a lil of my dislike

Madison Cub Fan - May 27, 2009 reply

Again?

Why on earth did you stop?

I heard that Freel got a strained hamstring when he was racing Farney.

A DFA

would be useful for him…..why not keep scales to play at 3b while ramirez is out?

Who comes up?

Scales can’t come right back up after being sent down can he? I’m confused about some of the call-up/down rules.

DGU - May 27, 2009 reply

I think he can if there is an injury

yes

rules change if injury is the reason. Scales is probably better than Freel at this point.

jeff_pico - May 27, 2009 reply

Perfect time to recall The Substitute.

If he’s not back by the time the Cubs roll into SF, I’ll need to bring a sign.

Fox, start at 1b

yes? no? maybe so? star 69?

Chanman25 - May 27, 2009 reply

hoff

should be at 1b any opportunity he can get while lee is out……I was a hoff doubter but he has been solid

Agree...

…Fox should PH and be ready to DH in interleague play. That’s pretty much how Lou said he’d use him when he announced the call up.

Allright! I get to see Jake DH in all three games at Comerica in June!

And I’m a Tigers fan too, but how they are 4 games up is beyond me.

JUST WONDERING ....

Will you be wearing a Cubs Shirt or Tigers ? Or neither ?

cubs north - May 27, 2009 reply

Good question. Definitely going "frocked" for both teams.

In 1984 I was going to cut apart both of my Cubs and Tigers caps and sew them back together as a double-billed cap. I would switch the front of the cap each half inning. Unfortunately, it was never needed ;(

My plan this year: Cubs shirts and Tigers cap and vice versa. I’ve got three games to accessorize.

Zeke - May 28, 2009 reply

Me too (a Tigers and Cubs fan)

But against a lefty

I say bring on the Foxmeister!

Blanco at 3B?

I think Len and Bob mentioned something about Blanco playing third and first at Iowa – anyone think he should be played as a way to get Fonty to start hitting?

I prefer Fonty at 2B, playing in the Cajun Combo with The Riot.

Fonty has been hitting the last 4 games

Yea, I know...

Actually, I think I just enjoy seeing Fonty a little more at 2B. :D

Gotta ask: would you translate your signature for me?

It's an ESPN Deportes broadcast

I like their Spanish play-by-play man, Ernesto Jerez.
That’s how he would call home runs.

“Here comes the Venezuelan Bull (nickname in Latin America), Carlos Zambrano, to bat…the pitch…DEEP…NOO, YOU CAN SAY NO TO THE BALL!! THE CHICAGO CUBS WIN!!”

Doesn’t sound too exciting, until you hear it for yourself.
I hope I get to hear him calling it on Sunday, when ESPN Deportes broadcast the Cubs-Dodgers game at 7. :D

By the way,

Jerez called the 2008 Home Run Derby.

He was so overwhelmed by Josh Hamilton’s performance, he let Big Z call one of the home runs…Big Z can definitely call games, lmao.

Great. Thanks.

Zeke - May 28, 2009 reply

Oh, and the replay showed....

Soto was safe at home. He got his hand under the tag.

Another thing about Z's ejection

Believe it or not, some kids still watch baseball. Some kids … no, a LOT of kids … LOVE Z precisely because he plays hard, is a heckuva pitcher, and is entertaining. How do you explain these kind of antics to young kids watching and looking up to the guy? I know ballplayers of every stripe love to abdicate their responsibilities as a role model when times are bad (and soak up the adulation when times are good), but the truth is, kids look up to them. How do you explain to a bunch of Little Leaguers, “Okay, watch Z because he hustles and play hard … oh yeah … erm, um … what he did today was bad, very bad.”

I completely agree with Al. This was childish and uncalled for. I love the guy, love watching him, and love his intensity. But he’s not 21 anymore. He’s the ace of the freaking staff now. Act like it and have some respect for the game and the uniform you wear.

And if the team really needs to get 'fired up' like this ...

They shouldn’t be playing at the big league level. Having your manager get thrown out to fire up a team, or starting a fight with an umpire just to get motivated, is BUSH LEAGUE.

And yet....

…..it’s worked many, many times in the history of baseball.

Doesn't make it right

By that logic, spitballs should still be allowed. After all, it worked many, many times in the history of baseball. In fact, several pitchers who relied exclusively on the spitter are in the Hall of Fame.

Just because it’s worked doesn’t make it right. If you need your manager to throw a hissy fit (or your star pitcher to act like a raving loon) to get motivated, you really need a new line of work.

I'm sure Earl Weaver and Billy Martin...

…would disagree. It’s part of the game, it’s been shown to “fire up” teams in the past. Just because you don’t think it’s “right” doesn’t mean it isn’t something that is used to motivate teams.

Oh, and spitballs are illegal…arguments with umpires are still allowed, so your analogy is pretty pointless.

It has?

Name some occasions on which a player’s tirade “fired a team up” and then they started winning.

I was focusing more on the manager statement....

…but let me think about the player’s angle and see if I can come up with some examples…

Managers can do this...

… as Lou did two years ago. That, however, was calculated, as Lou clearly admitted later on.

I’m not sure it works the same way with a player.

I don't think a player fires up a team by beefing with the umps

A player can do it by throwing inside, or reacting to getting thrown at inside, or sliding hard, or reacting to getting slid hard on…etc.

I’m not sure other players really care that Zambrano beefed with the umps again. And I’m reasonably sure the Dodgers won’t be intimidated by it.

Well, there have been plenty of managers....

…who used a tossing to fire up a dead team without it being “calculated”.

Or, to be cynical...

who took credit for a winning streak shortly after they lost their temper.

Like when?

Name some teams and managers and specific incidents you can cite that “fired up a dead team” to a winning streak or a playoff spot.

Wasn't that true of the Z-Barrett slugfest?

Don’t remember much about the team’s situation right then, but it seemed they perked up after that.

cubzfan - May 27, 2009 reply

Because Lou took the focus off the fight with his tirade the next day.

So if Lou blows up tomorrow

we’ll have a pattern!

chitownhawkeye - May 27, 2009 reply

Billy Martin, Yankees, Game 2 of the 77 playoffs vs the Royals

…on the sliding interference call, to name one.

I’m sure there are instances of Earl Weaver, young Lou in Cincy,and even the man across town doing the same thing.

The Barrett/Oswalt tilt in 04

Fired up the Astros who marched all the way to the NLCS.

-1

For bringing up bad memories

Kirk Gibson ST in 1988

Chided the Dodgers for not taking their work seriously and being more concerned with the ol’ shoe polish in the cap gag. Team went onto win 94 games and the World Series.

1980 World Series, Dickie Noles

Brushed back George Brett and sent him sprawling in the dirt, Royals didn’t put up a fight, Phillies went onto win Games 5 and 6.

What about Zambrano punching Barrett?

Its entertainment

Z goes off more than most players. But do you really think most major leaguers act like choir boys. Is it better because you can’t hear every F* word that gets thrown around on the field?

My point is that Zambrano is worst than most, but just about every ballplayer has his less than shining moment during his career that kids shouldn’t try to replicate.

jeff_pico - May 27, 2009 reply

I coach little league and talk to them like little people.

Just like anything in life, you tell them that it was bad and they shouldn’t do it. You cannot shelter all the bad things in the world from the view of the kids, just use it as a life lesson.

I'm not saying you should shelter them ...

I didn’t say that or even imply it. You’re right, you can’t shelter them from everything. But you can certainly try as hell to make sure that they learn from what they see.

My two baseball heroes growing up were Pete Rose and Ryne Sandberg. So I don’t need to be lectured about some ballplayers being less than choir boys.

woah, who's lecturing...

you asked…How do you explain to a bunch of Little Leaguers, "Okay, watch Z because he hustles and play hard … oh yeah … erm, um … what he did today was bad, very bad."

Your question, not mine. I was merely giving advice from someone that, uh, coaches little leaguers. I also talked to them about Manny situation. Lifes about choices right?

So my view from the Z incident doesn’t even take into account whether kids are watching the games or not. As long as they don’t start taking bats to the umps.

Fair enough

I think we agree more than we disagree on this one. What you’re saying is fair and well reasoned.

t'anks

no hard feelings

Raise your own kids. Any fool that let's his kids emulate pro atheletes

gets what he deserves. I am sick of using “the kids” as an excuse for anything. He’s going to get punished, you TEACH kids they are responsible for THEIR actions. I thought it was great he cares and I thought it was really funny when he threw the ump out of the game!

And you see, this is the demographic you're worried about

A 9-year-old. So, I think you have the right to be concerned.

Kids emulate whatever they see

You might be able to teach youth they are responsible for their own actions but it’s pretty tough for a kid to comprehend that.

no

actually, it’s not. Be a good parent, and you’ll see how not tough it is.

It is absolutely not.

Kids have many mentors (parents, grandparents, teachers, preachers, coaches, etc.) in their life. They understand much more than you think.

To both

I’ll admit I have no children of my own. I do however work with children and you might be surprised at some of the things that a child will say and do when away from their parents and around their peers. Often they might not even know the meaning of what they are doing, they are simply imitating something they have seen.

As far as comprehension I guess my experiences are different. Up until a certain age I’ve noticed that kids don’t fully realize the consequences of their actions. Especially when many of their actions are dictated by an adult. I’ve noticed that moreso than understanding responsibility they are simply following directives that lead to right/acceptable behavior.

Adults imitate things

they see too. What should we do about that?

I'm not advocating anything

I’m not trying to solve a problem. I’m not concerned with what adults do, because they are obviously not children. The ability of a child’s mind to comprehend certain concepts is what I was talking about not the behavior of an adult.

I’m not seeing the discussion being oh you are doing this something needs to be done. I’m only saying that I think somethings can be beyond a child’s comprehension level regardless of how often they are told or taught it.

An adult that behaves like a child? Well I believe that is what started this thread.

The ability of a child’s mind to comprehend certain concepts is what I was talking about not the behavior of an adult.

Kids are way smarter than you give them credit for.

Kids are very smart

However there are still things that they are unable to comprehend. Being unable to comprehend something does not mean that you are not smart. It just means you don’t have the tools or the maturity yet.

Sure

but even young kids can “get it” if you put things in words they understand.

My niece plays soccer and she knows that the celebrations you see on TV aren’t appropriate for her because in her words “their games are bigger”. And she’s 8.

Everything for her can be a teaching moment, if you’re willing to raise your kids instead of letting the world teach her.

I have

3 children. We have taught them right from wrong but they make mistakes and we work on them not repeating them. You are not giving kids enough credit. Kids comprehend more than you think.

Actually, no

Kids learn what they’re taught. If THIS is the only thing they see, then sure, they’ll learn its okay. But if you teach them that this is NOT okay and let them see Z suspended/kicked off the field, they’ll realize this is obviously not okay.

+1

From what i have noticed

Kids do what they are told. As they get older they then begin to understand the logic behind what they are being told.

I tried to separate with age by using kids and youth but I guess that didn’t come across clearly.

My bad.

Won't someone

think about the children?

Gibbon Jockey - May 27, 2009 reply

Oh, please....

Yeah, that’s right. Snide remarks and snark are totally appropriate and called for. What was I thinking? God forbid you actually give a s**t and care about what you see and hear.

And yeah, I get it that it’s entertainment. But let’s face it. We wouldn’t be hear commenting on a blog about it if we didn’t think it mattered just a little bit more than that. So don’t give me the whole “it’s just entertainment” excuse. It doesn’t wash.

And as for teaching kids that they are responsible for their actions … duh. I agree with you. But do you really think Z was saying to himself, “Gee, I need to be responsible for my actions.” No, he wasn’t. He was carrying on like a jackass precisely because the ump made a call that he didn’t agree with. And instead of accepting the call (even if you’re angry about it) and bearing down the strike the next guy out, he threw a temper tantrum.

I don’t know how you define “being responsible for your actions,” but somehow I doubt that means “throw a temper tantrum.”

oh boo hoo

quit whining.

Ssssh

the grown-ups are talking

that obviously means you are

not to be taken seriously. You seem to have a daily rant about the Cubs, do you think people think you should be the GM? LOL!!!!

people react

in different ways. Again, this doesn’t work if you decide that Z is a raging lunatic, but then, I don’t think he is.

There’s nothing wrong with getting fired up about a game. You tell the kids “he’s going to get in trouble for that, and if you do it, you’ll get in trouble too.”

Z has no responsibility to your children.

your entire argument proves your weakness

what? a kid sees Z blow up on television so that undermines all the work her/his parents or coaches did in trying to teach how one should act in a baseball game or in stressful situations? Gimme a break.

This incident is poor form, but if there is even the slightest hint of gravity to the outcome then it’s YOUR failings as a parent or coach. Do your freaking job and raise your kids well, don’t piss and moan when they see something that you don’t agree with because, guess what, you’ve got a lifetime of those moment to deal with, the least of which is a professional athlete throwing a tantrum.

Gibbon Jockey - May 27, 2009 reply

you explain it by saying

look at what a great player he is! He’s passionate about the game, and he stands up for what he believes in!

But of course, if you think what he did was wrong, I guess that doesn’t work.

What he did today was, in my opinion, not “bad”. He was ticked off, he was goaded by the ump, and he gets to have a human reaction.

The Gatorade Machine

… initiated the contact with Z.

Watch the replay very carefully and you’ll see it.

08Cubs - May 27, 2009 reply

That machine

is a punk and had it coming. :-)

chitownhawkeye - May 27, 2009 reply

That Machine

also taunted Demp on Monday…Demp reacted by punching it….

At least Demp punched it with his left, hehe.

Do you think

the Gatorade Machine will be the most hated thing about the season this year? :P

The Gatorade Machine will get Steve Stone fired by the end of the year.

I have watched the replay 5 times now

I do not see the ump initiating contact. I see the ump on one knee to make the CORRECT call — funny how that is getting lost — and then standing up when Zambrano is towering over him.

Zambrano CHARGED the ump as well.

I will say that Zambrano’s bump is pretty light. There appears to be very little contact at all between the two men.

Len & Bob immediately say, “Carlos bumped him” and Pat & Ron (so I’m told) didn’t make any allegations toward the ump.

You honestly think Santo, in the heat of the moment, is going to give one rat’s butt about MLB and protecting umps?

So, I disagree with what has become the cause celebre on this board. “The ump started it!”

Let’s review:

Carlos made a wild pitch and failed to adequately block the plate. Then he charged the ump, bumped him (lightly) and acted like an idiot afterwards. And, as Al pointed out, risked his arm and Larry Rothchild’s safety (Not to mention ruined everyone’s chances for yummy Gatorade)

I further disagree with the notion that this is “what this team needs.” The team needs its second-best pitcher to not get suspended at least one start. The team needs its second-best pitcher not to rip his shoulder out.

And forgive me if I’m not planning my vacation around a World Series parade because of two out of three against Pittsburgh. Los Angeles is another matter.

So, I disagree. And I challenge anyone to really find me a replay that shows some egregious behavior by the ump.

He was on one knee. He had every right to stand up when a 6’6" guy is charging at him.

You are watching the wrong replay

He was not on his knee at the point of the argument when Z bumped him. You are correct that Z charged him, but there was a gap until the ump moved towards him and made contact. Z shoved the umps left arm with his right hand, the ump tossed him and Z responded by yelling “You touched me” or something similar before having his tantrum.

I just watched ESPN's replay

And see the angle you’re talking about. I had been watching Cubs.com’s replay, which I figured would show Zambrano in the best possible light.

That makes it much more clear what happened. And I still blame Zambrano.

The ump is indeed moving closer to Zambrano, and Zambrano brushes him away. While this angle does damn the ump more, it also damns Zambrano because contact is much more severe than I thought.

I do not see the ump touching him first.

But let us say he did. And the ump should be disciplined.

That does not excuse Zambrano for charging a kneeling ump. It does not excuse him from throwing equipment.

The Cubs should actually add a game’s suspension to whatever he gets from MLB.

Worf, you seem to hate the team, why not just go away.

Your posts are usually wrong and an just seem to be a childish attempt to show that you are a baseball god. Guess what-wrong on all counts.

Ah, more personal attacks

Don’t worry, I won’t bump you.

Other than the last sentence, I agree completely with what Worf said

Z should have taken the charge...

I, too, think Morgan was safe and I think the ump was in the right position to make the call.

When Carlson hit him, Z should have just flopped like a soccer player and writhed around. Probably would have looked something like this:
http://failblog.org/2009/05/27/headbutt-fail/

Your bias against Zambrano is obviously altering your perception of reality.

Zambrano’s contact was a minimal brush off after the Ump clearly initiated contact. I don’t know how you can say Z charged the ump when he was already standing at home plate. That is just silly. I hope you endorse MLB and the Cubs suspending Lilly for charging out of the dugout to confront the umpire in a game he wasn’t even pitching in. Lilly wasn’t even in the heat of battle like Z was today. Should the Cubs suspend Dempster for smashing the gatorade machine? You need to be consistent when judging the actions of Cubs’ pitchers. It’s too bad Zambrano let the call get to him because he had a really good outing up to that point.

Acapulco Taco Pie - May 27, 2009 reply

He charged the ump

The ump was on one knee and Zambrano was charging him. It was a charge of three steps, but a charge nonetheless.

The ump has every right to stand up and not be towered over by a 6’6" man.

I think the Cubs should suspend Zambrano for a game for risking damage to their property. His pitching arm is THEIR property and they paid $90 million for it.

Z didn't charge the ump that's just a falst exaggeration and undermines any credibility your argument may have had.

Acapulco Taco Pie - May 27, 2009 reply

Oy vey

You didn’t see that?

not the way you

describe it, no.

Call it whatever you want

But Z moved very quickly towards the Ump in an aggressive manner and was right on top of the ump has he went to stand up.

I think the Cubs should suspend Zambrano for a game for risking damage to their property. His pitching arm is THEIR property and they paid $90 million for it.

The Players’ Association would like to have a few words.

So would the civil rights division of the Department of Justice. The Cubs don’t OWN Carlos Zambrano. They pay him a fee for a service.

You’re just agitating now to get responses — a lot like that ump today.

If he were arm-wrestling on the side with his pitching arm

They could void his contract. I see no difference

cite

show me where, in his contract, it says he can’t arm wrestle.

Most players have a clause like that

motorcycling, pickup basketball, etc…

not sufficient.

show me.

Jeff Kent

had to lie to the media and the team about his motorcycle accident

Despite the team’s success that season, Kent’s relationship with the Giants had soured. The Giants front office had lost confidence in Kent after an incident during spring training left him with a broken wrist. Kent had initially claimed that the wrist was broken while washing his truck; ensuing media reports indicated that Kent had crashed his motorcycle while performing wheelies and other stunts, in direct violation of his contract.7

From wikipedia.

It’s a standard feature of most baseball contracts. Most sports contracts, actually. Michael Jordan specifically negotiated a “love of the game” clause, stating he could play pick-up basketball.

S.H.O.W. M.E.

There’s a hell of a difference between a motorcycle accident and arm-wrestling.

I do not have Zambrano's contract in front of me

But I am positive an all-purpose clause exists.

These guys are paid because of what they can do with their bodies. If they endanger that, they are useless.

Once again, you state "facts" that you have

no knowledge of. Very humorous indeed.

you cannot make

statements of fact if you don’t have the facts.

Either way, what happens on the field IS part of baseball, and therefore, doesn’t apply anyway.

The Cubs should actually add a game’s suspension to whatever he gets from MLB.

You MUST be joking.

you are a fool if you think he didn't block

the plate properly. The ump blew the call and you ALWAYS think you are smarter than everyone else. It’s pathetic reading your slop. You act like the teenager here.

The runner got his hand in

Ergo, the plate wasn’t properly blocked.

Which hand got in?

The one blocked by Z’s foot or the one he tagged?

The left hand

The one he got in. It was the right call. It was a good call.

those two are one and the same

You can't even articulate your argument

without making it personsal. THAT, sir or madam, is what is pathetic.

you are pathetic and arrogant. So sad.

Stop the namecalling!

Think of the children!

Yeah, I am tired of all the captial YOUs thrown my way...

The Gatorade Machine

didn’t break, as one of the Cubs’ trainers later found out. He served himself a drink from it, lol.

That thing is bulletproof. Or rather, Cubs-Starting-Pitchers-proof.

Were there wood splinters in the liquid?

Didn't Kyle Farnsworth take a whack at the Gatorade machine, too?

I know he injured his hand beating up on a wall fan, but I thought I remembered him busting up a Gatorade machine, too.

the gatorade dispenser..

..is new this year. farnsworth went off on a couple gatorade coolers.

bikemonkey - May 27, 2009 reply

Ted Lilly hasn't had his chance yet

When Lilly gets done

Gatorade will actually siphon off your electrolytes

Lucky for the gatorade machine

Ted saves most of his anger for unsuspecting catchers.

I'm pretty sure

everyone in the clubhouse will get their chance at beating up the Machine.

Big Z does not endorse Gatorade. Last year, he got out of a game angered by his performance and grabbed a couple coolers and trashed them around the dugout.

I’m sure many of you saw that.

Bravo!

applause

Can’t tell you enough how much I agree with you, Worf. Absolutely 100% agreed.

Don't be afraid of these people

The chorus is growing. Z opened a lot of eyes today as to who he is.

we know who he is...

and some of us are amused that some of you are throwing a bigger fit about Z fit than Z did when he threw it.

I did throw my dog across the yard

I'm actually not sure that's possible

sorry, Worf

you’re wrong. The ump was down on one knee, yes, and Z did move towards him, but then the ump advanced several steps, with Z moving backwards, till the ump bumped Z.

San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - May 27, 2009 reply

Respectfully disagree

The ump moved into Z. He initiated contact. I don’t know how you can miss that if you keep watching the replay.

There’s really nothing more I can say — if you cannot see that motion by the ump. Even jackass Vasgergian mentioned that on the MLB Net.

I think the contact was at the very least mutual. I don’t know if the ump was ‘baiting’ him or not.

Either way Z gets a suspension, he misses one scheduled start and starts the day after the suspension is lifted. The Cubs will survive and the game was won.

Now lets try to win3 out of 4 from the Dodgers.

jeff_pico - May 27, 2009 reply

Ump made first contact, Z responded

The video is clear. Carlson moved into Z. Period. He had no reason to do so. Z responded by pushing his arm away. He should not have done that, but there can be no debate about who bumped who first.

Carlson escalated it by moving forward. Umps are supposed to turn around and walk away, not bait the player into a bigger argument.

The question is whether the ump TOUCHED Zambrano

There is no question that the ump moved toward him. But I still do not agree that First Contact — heh – was made by the ump.

if Z

would’ve styed still then the ump was going to bump him. He was pushing him away before the umps contact was made.

We'll never know, will we?

If the evil genius ump was baiting the player, then he would have stopped short and when Z walked away, he would have gnashed his teeth, twirled his mustache and said, “Curses, foiled again!”

but

established the ump was coming toward Z. NOT what they’re supposed to do.

wow, deep thought.

Why do hate Z?

WRONG

umpires are not supposed to turn around and walk away. That’s crazy and would lead to bigger, longer arguments.

you are

as always, incorrect.

Z-antics

I’ve been a lifelong Cub fan. I like Z but didn’t think it was wise to sign him to the long term contract he received. Over and done, let’s move on. He needs to grow up and I mean big time. Pinella needs to discipline him and make it hurt. I can understand a once in a blue moon tantrum but this is a character flaw that needs to be dealt with. Management needs to earn there money and fine him or suspend him for a game. Sit him down and have a heart to heart with him and explain the way things will be. He is not above the team. I wouldn’t let my child do that on the ball field when he was growing up and I can’t condone it from a grown man. There is a respect for authority which he seems to be lacking and now is the time to learn about it before it gets any worse. Those who condone his actions need to face life and reality and grow up themselves. Enough said on this, I will not argue or visit this subject again unless it continues. I want to see the Cubs win as much as anyone, but lets win in a way we can be proud of with sportmanship and a respect for others, not filled with tantrums and fits.

Higgy5 - May 27, 2009 reply

I'm not as pure as you -- but I respect the sentiment

If I truly believed Z’s antics helped the team, I’d support them. But they do not. In the short-term, he is out for at least a start. In the long-term, he is building a reputation of clownishness that umps (and managers) will remember and even exploit.

I’m not a believer in winning the “right way.” To me, if you look up and see you scored more runs, you know you played the game “the right way.”

Zambrano isn’t helping.

Worf, you are right, umps and other players remember and reputations are built around our actions, especially during times of adversity. In the long run it can hurt you more than help if you act the fool or childishly.

Higgy5 - May 27, 2009 reply

Disagree.

Z is a horse. In addition to his staff ace status, he’s probably the most “complete” pitcher in the NL. Sure, he can’t throw a major-league curve, but his fielding and hitting are superb. Any team would be glad to snatch up his contract.

Well said

Well said, Higgy5. (wild applause)

It's pretty straightforward

Here’s the video. Pretty clear to me who hit who first.

The ump probably initiated the contact, what does that prove? If Z backs off even though being tossed and tells the ump he blew the call, which replay shows the ump probably made the right call, then he doesn’t continue to tarnish his already growing reputation as a hothead with childish behavior. He shows maturity that comes with growing up. He starts reversing his character in a positive way.

Higgy5 - May 27, 2009 reply

Thanks Ross.

Some don’t like facts to get in the way of their dislike of Z

I think that the ump made a small move that resulted in contact

but the irony is that the carefully edited segment that Ross posted isn’t conclusive. It makes it look like a simultaneous move.

Time for Z to enroll

in an Anger Management program. I was afraid he’d hurt himself or someone else in the tunnel. Jack Nicholson is probably free.

santo4hof - May 27, 2009 reply

I agree with you Al. Z needs to grow up. The umpires are getting more and more agressive.

Does anyone else think Z shouldn’t have even started the 7th inning? He was already at 105 pitches. I thought Lou should have gome with Guzman(7th), Marmol (8th) and Gregg in the 9th. They were all rested. All of this would have been avoided.

Rick B - May 27, 2009 reply

Is it time to let Dennis Rodman

give a seminar to the Cubs about antics with refs?

Cubbie-Tim - May 27, 2009 reply

didn't we win

a couple of championships with Rodman?

Rodman has five rings

When Zambrano gets five rings, he can moon the umps for all I care

you miss the point

Rodman didn’t change himself to try to win. He won as the person he is.

Right... which means he shut up and played when it was needed

Haven’t seen that from Z yet.

are you kidding?

were you IN chicago when he was with the Bulls? Rodman was out there ALL THE TIME. When he thought the refs blew a call, he made DAMN sure they knew it.

You can’t change the past to match your definition of the facts. Come ON.

What?

Rodman was way more over the top than Z ever was today.

He still won five rings

Part of it was that he knew when to turn it on and off.

Also, he had Jordan and Pippen, and Isaiah and Dumars, keeping control of him when needed.

Z has no one like that.

Maybe Z

needs to kick a cameraman in the nads then

LT - May 27, 2009 reply

More importantly...

He needs to change his hair color every week.

that would be AWESOME!

Part of it was that he knew when to turn it on and off.

o.0 Rodman. DENNIS RODMAN?

yeah, ok. He’s not Data. There was never any off switch. And you make it sound like Z is a blathering fool running through the town square.

lol

If you'd just allow technical balks like I want

Then Z could have gotten one, the batter would have gotten first base and nothing else would have happened!

I kid cause I loves ya drew. I’m going to bed soon!

And

Z doesn’t do this every game either.

I really don’t remember Rodman ever being a good civilized player.

I remember him getting clutch rebounds though

And making Karl Malone look silly.

Rings. Z wins rings, he can act like this.

Until then, he’s just a clown.

you miss the point

Rodman acted the fool all the way to the championships not just after.

Anyone got a link to a replay of the play in question...

…and Z’s meltdown? Thanks!

calicubfan - May 27, 2009 reply

+1

i missed it and cannot comment on what happened or not

Cubbie-Tim - May 27, 2009 reply

This shows a piece of it...

…but it doesn’t show him throwing the ball or glove.

LINK

calicubfan - May 27, 2009 reply

Timmy!

Check out Al’s fanshot.

Also, MLB has this:

oops...

Link

So how about Jake Fox?

We’ve finally seen him (and boy does he look goofy without the goatee) in a Cubs uniform.

I wasn’t initially impressed, but he did work that eight-pitch AB and smack a nice double.

it was a nice double

and a very good AB. I don’t think we have to worry about him being overpowered by ML pitchers, and he didn’t flail at the low and away stuff.

However, we’ve yet to see him on the field.

If Baseball Reference...

…is to be believed, I would rather he never take the field. “A notch below horrific” is positively amazing. I suspect he’ll become that go to guy off the bench we’ve been looking for.

With Freel out (gone?), I’d bring back The Substitute to platoon the infield. The addition of Andy White looks promising; the Cubs could have quite a platoon going…

This I agree with

Baseball reference had him as a “shut your eyes and swing hitter” and I didn’t see that at all.

First major league at-bat and it’s an 8-pitch at-bat resulting in a double? Awesome. And it would have been a good at-bat even if it was a long fly.

Sorry sir, but baseball reference..

…also shows that that was NOT his first major league at-bat. He had 15 PA’s in 2007.

bikemonkey - May 27, 2009 reply

sup baby boys

lexmarklover - May 27, 2009 reply

Can we change the subject?

Like to how great Reed Johnson’s catch in the ivy was. I’d almost rather talk about how Gregg scared me with his walks at this point.

Oh and I need to apologize to everyone. I changed my nail polish from my normal Cubbie blue to cow patches a week and a half ago (it’s a silly thing I do for work). I didn’t realize that it could have possibly caused the slump until I changed it back to blue and they suddenly started winning again. Sorry.

katie casey - May 27, 2009 reply

J'ACCUSE!

I know the feeling

When I stopped wearing the tangerine-colored thongs, they started winning.

out mental image.

my eyes my eyes!!!!

LT - May 27, 2009 reply

Don't you dare change that color again.

Glad you didn't reply to Worf.

I won't.

July would be the next time to do that, but they are playing the Cardinals then. I’d rather risk bad luck at work than get swept again.

katie casey - May 28, 2009 reply

I wonder what Z's teammates were thinking...

during Zambrano’s thing today. Were they thinking “geez what’s this idiot doing?” Or were they thinking “haha this is great?” Or did it fire them up to see their starting pitcher react accordingly?

I’m going with a combination of the latter two.

Someone said they

were laughing when he hit the Gatorade machine.

I know Lou definitely was.

Is Marmol the proud papa of a baby boy or baby girl?

With all the nonsense that went on today, I haven’t heard any info about the newest Cub.

Anybody have any info?

cowsarecool220 - May 27, 2009 reply

L&B said baby girl

Coraline? Something like that.

Thanks!

cowsarecool220 - May 27, 2009 reply

Charlie Marbles

is a Neil Gaiman fan? That’s awesome.

It's his second child.

I didn’t even know he was married.

judging from some pictures that have been floating around the web

there’s a question as to whether HE knows he’s married

My only and final thought on the game: Gregg didn't deserve a save.

2 freakin’ walks in the 9th with an almost-HR including a base running blunder? Nope….

three outs.

THAT’s what counts for a save.

Of course he deserved it.

Did Jordan ever sang the 7th inning stretch?

Why don’t they bring him often?

cubsnlinux - May 27, 2009 reply

I don't know. Is

that something he would even do?

My vote would go to Farney. Freel tells me that Farney is a great singer.

he might not. But that's what the great Cubs marketing team there for

cubsnlinux - May 27, 2009 reply

would he not be a White Sox fan.

He did play for them.

why do we need a conductor anyway?

why not just have the organ play?

or a recording of our Harry

louisiana lumberman - May 28, 2009 reply

jordan

i’m about 95% sure he has sung once or twice. couldn’t give you dates but he has done it.

Also can we keep D-Lee out of the lineup? I think the Hoff is twice the hitter he is at this point. I’ll give up the D.

Check the numbers, DLee has

had a way better May than Hoff and was one of the few Cubs hitting before he got sick.

N Oakley - May 28, 2009 reply

Additionally, there is a whole other half to the game...

… some call it “defense”, i believe. Yeah… Lee is better at that.

I want Hoff’s bat in the lineup as much as anyone. I just don’t want it at the expense of one our better hitters in May, and one of our better defensive players holding down an inexperienced infield.

AndrewJStone - May 28, 2009 reply

I feel sory for that new water-cooler machine.

Check on MLB.com for Bradley saying that he told teamates he wouldn’t be the one to break the machine. he was right.

Fraggin Judge - May 28, 2009 reply

It fired up the team

I get it. Reed Johnson saw Zambrano and said I’m going to hit a HR.

The antics didn’t do crap except get him suspended.

rlpete - May 28, 2009 reply

Here is my take: After Soriano's error (reason why Morgan was even on 3rd)...

Z was ready to snap. Someone probably should have went out after THAT play to talk to him… Soto, Lou, Rothschild, ANYONE…Maybe the outcome would have been different. Carlson clearly initiates the contact but Z probably shouldn’t have been in that situation in the first place. I am sure he is going to get 10 days for the contact and the ball throw.

Makes sense – good point, but I don’t think he’ll get a long suspension.

I am sure he will get 5 for contact...

and another 5 for inciting the crowd with the ball throw. 2 games for a position player or 2 starts for a pitcher.

You're sure?

I’d say the umpire giving the slight shoulder into Z will muddy things up. MLB can sidestep the whole thing with a few days and a big fine. That’s my guess. None of it will matter.

I wouldn't be surprised...

The way the Cubs have been lately with the incidents with Bradley, Lilly, now Z. I wouldn’t be surprised if MLB said, “enough is enough” and comes down hard. Z created a pretty big side show yesterday. MLB frowns upon that. Carlson did muddy things up but the bottom line is you can’t do what Z did and expect it not to “matter.”

I would have to agree with that

I’m afraid MLB is going to crack down

cubs

maybe z and bradley can get this team fired up.we need johnson out there more often too.dont use the injuries as an excuse. step it up and get the job done.

NOMAR - May 28, 2009 reply

Wait, we can't use the fact that many of our best players...

… haven’t been on the field to drive in runs, play defense, pitch at a high level… as a reason we haven’t won as many games?

So, by that logic, talent on the field doesn’t matter?

Its all luck?

We shouldn’t play the games?

AndrewJStone - May 28, 2009 reply

why do people think screaming, whining, and bitching fires anyone up?

When one of my teammates freaked out like Zambrano did (or something close to it, I’ve never personally seen anyone lose it the way he did), or constantly blames the umps the way Bradley does, we usually rolled our eyes and went about our business.

The number of people who think Z’s freakout had more to do with the win than Zach Duke leaving the ball game blows my mind

Quick thought about umpires

I am reading a book called Pillars of the Earth, there is a line in the book that says something like, a young, strong man can get into a fight, but a wise man can stay out of a fight. This came to mind when thinking about umpires over the past year or two. They are major league umps, it should be very simple for them to keep control of a situation without being confrontational.

But this is similar to PED’s, and the splintering bats, little will be done until something forces MLB to take action.

slocs55 - May 28, 2009 reply

Very

good book you are reading!

gwood - May 28, 2009 reply

My friend just gave it to me last week.

Only 50 pages in but it definitely has my attention, will tell you how I like it when I finish it in 10 years.

slocs55 - May 28, 2009 reply

it’s never time to grow up. Way to go Z. give him a piece of your mind.

stonepiano - May 28, 2009 reply

immaturity rocks!