I can see where a minor leaguer whiffs on a close pitch, but both those were low and in the dirt. Methinks Scales and Fox were trying a little too hard to be the hero.
it was a 2-1 game. We had chances to come back late in the game, and our bench nearly came through for us. I don’t see this as a terrible loss. It sucks, but Wells is REALLY becoming impressive, Guzman pitched well, and Scales and Fox are both doing well.
There’s no shame in getting beat by Randy Wolf, for pete’s sake. We kept it close, we played fairly good D (although I did miss the first few innings), we got beat, but the kids who have been called up look like they’re going to be able to make a real contribution. I mean, Bobby Scales was on a bus to Iowa yesterday, and he was very nearly a hero today.
we should have won this game and couldn’t execute. in golf terms, we were just throwing strokes away out there. hate that kind of game. i’d rather get shutout like in the cardinals series.
I liken this to a postseason type game, given the level of competition. Sure, the Dodgers are the best team in MLB right now and other teams have lost one-run games to them, but you’d still like to see the Cubs find a way to win a tight contest against a tough opponent. That’s why I’m bummed about tonight.
You are the Ying to my Yang, the zig to my zag, etc...
I just am a little more doom and gloom knowing that I have to deal with shitheads the next day at work. Please keep that in mind when I vent (if possible). I am a loyal post reader, but I don’t take the time to actually log in and post frequently. You I can handle, Not Bruce makes me crazy though.
I’m watching this year from the periphery and what I’m seeing is a struggling team that sometimes manages to put it in gear but mostly is grinding the clutch… I still think they’ll get it together in the next few weeks
I don’t want to base too much on one game, which I know is dangerous, but I have been watching this team all year, and I have to say, they just lack the magic that I’ve seen in the great Cub teams of my lifetime. The 1984 Cubs, the 1989 Cubs or last year’s squad, would have found a way to win tonight, even if they had hit into 4 double plays. Getting men on first and second with no one out in both the 8th and 9th and not being able to score is the mark of a team that just lacks that certain something. Maybe they’ll eventually find it – I hope so. But at the moment, I just don’t see a lot of life here.
Since ARam went down, the Cubs seem to be playing with the same kind of tightness they showed during the NLDS last October. Maybe overcompensation for their 3B going down?
Dan Plesac had an interesting comment in the tird inning. He said Soriano is much more selective early in the game. But late in the game, you don’t haver to throw him a strike. He will strike himself out.
Isn’t capable of concentrating for more than a few pitchers per AB…if that. He’s lucky he has freakish strength for a guy his size or he’d be toiling in AA for the better part of the past decade.
Nothing you can really do. A team full of guys who simply do not execute. Fundamental baseball has been missing in Chicago for the last 5 or so years and it doesnt look like it is comig back soon. We were able to slug our way past it last year in the regular season and were exposed in the post season. Our injuries have exposed it earlier this year.
I’m suspicious of any game in which a team has a home record of 44-3, or whatever it was. If it’s that easy to win at home, why bother playing the games at all?
I said he cant be relied on when it counts, D Lee has AAA power, Ramirez wont be the same when hes back, Soto’s in the quintessential sophomore slump, Fontenots being exposed….how can this team win the Division?
But it seems clear that this team does not “it.” Cant really define it, but it is some combination of fundamentals, clutchness and winning when you arent playing your best. The Cubs dont have either of those three right now.
I’ve watched, listened, or gametracked at least a part of every single game this season, and it’s just as frustrating now as it was before.
It’s no longer early, it’s no longer injuries. I’m more than worried about the build of this team, and the fact that we had two might-as-well-be rookies in the clutch. Ramirez being out hurts, but it doesn’t equal five wins. This is reminding me so much of 2004 = a team of headcases, underachieving, restless natives (fans) booing every single bad thing that happens… don’t get me wrong, I remain completely optimistic, but I’m starting to realise that this isn’t going to be an easy season.
No reason to ever be optimistic regarding the Cubs, is the way I see it. Expect the worst; hope for the best. So far, I’ve been watching them for 35 years, and the best has yet to happen.
One will be in the lineup though. And to be fair, Scales is 2 for his last 18. The homer was nice, but he’s not exactly the instant offense he was when he was first called up
Soriano has no idea where the strike zone ala Slammin Sammy. If only he was asked to bunt, but I guess that’s beneath him. He has his nerve to tell cub fans to be patient. Come on Lou. Ask some of these guys to bunt when it’s called for. It’s called fundamentals.
I asked earlier in the game if anyone on this team actually has a sac bunt other than a pitcher
I honestly doubt it. You saw Reed Johnson try to lay one down, and it was sad. He is usually exactly the type of player who should be able to do that. Same with Theriot, but I never see them do it. Honestly this game could have been changed early on, when Lee lead off an inning with a double. If Reed bunts him over to third, many, many things could have happened to get him in.
Instead Reed swings away, grounds to third, and Lee is frozen at 2nd
but it should not be taken as a sign of Johnson’s talent or fundamentals. He came up to bunt. He failed at that. Simply because the guys ended up at second third on a slow roller should not take away from the fact that he failed in a fairly routine task that he should excel at.
But according to certain posters on here, you would never ask Arod or Pujols or those guys to bunt so you cant ask Soriano.
1. He bats leadoff. If you want to bat leadoff, at least do some of the things leadoff hitters do.
2. He is not like Pujols or Arod. He is hitting 250. In his good years he can hit 280. He does not run well anymore, he doesnt pay good defense, he is very easy to pitch too and he doesnt mke the fundamental plays. Say whatever you like, you dont ask Pujols to bunt because chances are he is going to do something wel. You do ask Soriano to bunt because chances are he is going to flail away at low outside sliders.
Look, I have my reservations about the Cubs making the postseason this year. I’m even doubting they end up with more than 83 wins. So I try looking at the bigger picture and assess if they have the type of organization that, year-in and year-out, will be a contender.
My answer is “yes”…if the Ricketts sale goes through soon, and if the new ownership will realize the value of a productive farm system. Crane Kenney has been on record saying how much he wants to emulate the Red Sox organization, and I hope that includes their resurgent minor league system along with the cool ballpark and the nationwide fan base.
The next best thing to world championships and pennants is consecutive years of contention. And by that I don’t mean the mediocre “competitive within the division” soft stuff that Andy MacPhail peddled for 12 years. I’m talking a Braves-like run of 10+ postseason appearances fueled by wise spending and well-rounded farm products. Which I think is entirely doable so long as Tom Ricketts doesn’t turn cheap and the scouting-development department is well funded and well staffed.
and the market they play in, there is no reason for them not to be able to have a run like the Braves did… If we’re able to get the right people in charge and do the right things.
Is Tom Ricketts waiting for a loan to come through? Is Sam Zell waffling? Is the Trib still waiting for the 2/3 owner majority to approve the transaction?
And should be fired. how does Hoofpauer sit on the bench while we watch Scales and fox bat in the 9th?
See ya LOu…..good riddance you overrated old piece of shit!
but there was NOTHING wrong with Scales and Fox batting. Scales already had a homer and Fox had hit both in the inning before and in his previous at bat yesterday. Hoff is not THAT good . Lou has made many, many bad moves but that was not one of them.
You need a ball in the air. Hoff is your best choice. I don’t care if Sori has to come in and plat 2B. You need to make sure you get that run in before you can worry about making it to the 10th. With Hoff’s plate coverage and ability to put the ball in the air he was certainly the best choice. No doubt about it.
I agree, Jessica. The thing that confuses me is why he had Blanco
and Fontenot in the game batting back-to-back. Wolf’s splits verus lefties is sick. No way LBR should have been in this game. Scales should have been at second or third base. I think that move backfired on Lou bigtime.
(crickets)
leothelip - May 28, 2009
hi leo!
Emelie - May 28, 2009
I really want to see Scales
MAKE THEM PAY!
CaughtInTheVines - May 28, 2009
followed by cheering
VegasCubFan - May 28, 2009
scales bats
lefty
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
good game
zevkalman - May 28, 2009
Bases loaded, one out!
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009
cue Monty's musical W flag!
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
come on Bobby!!!!!
Zakh - May 28, 2009
We're here
C’mon Scales
chitownhawkeye - May 28, 2009
let's go scales!
cubswynn - May 28, 2009
clapidy clapidy claps
Cubbie-Tim - May 28, 2009
is this the we win in the 9th thread?
Cubbie-Tim - May 28, 2009
HELLS YEAH
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
Let's GO Bobby
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
wish i was @ wrigley right now....
not that u guys aren’t fun…but….
Zakh - May 28, 2009
I know
It’s more fun in person.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009
ball one
the infield is back.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
too many players used
no versatilty here, have to trust scales to come thru
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
Do you PR for Soto here?
To get some speed to stay ou tof the DP?
Allie - May 28, 2009
not sure if we have Hill available...what is the decision?
Zakh - May 28, 2009
Is Hill that much faster than Geo?
Sobenergy - May 28, 2009
not sure
but he weighs less, so less wind drag
Cubbie-Tim - May 28, 2009
i'd take a walk.....
Zakh - May 28, 2009
C'mon Bobby!
Jimmyeatworld - May 28, 2009
I can't breathe
BleedsbluinMI - May 28, 2009
strike one
1-1. Bases clogged.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
Come on Meat, throw me that weak-ass shit
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
I'm going to announce my presence with authority!
BleedsbluinMI - May 28, 2009
Contact!
cubbiepride - May 28, 2009
ball two
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
Love the crowd chanting
BOBBY BOBBY!
cubswynn - May 28, 2009
the fat lady will sing
her Scales
kentmeister - May 28, 2009
lol
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
2-1
Patience…
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
good count
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
cmon Iowa, win the game here
cubsonWGN4ever - May 28, 2009
hey Ben!
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
Hey! how are ya?
cubsonWGN4ever - May 28, 2009
grounder to first
foul. 2-2.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
YIKES
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
oh, boy.....love ya Ron
Zakh - May 28, 2009
2-2
Just fight em off if you have to
niuhuskie224 - May 28, 2009
MAKE THEM PAY
CaughtInTheVines - May 28, 2009
You can do it Bobb-ayyy!
CubsBullsBears - May 28, 2009
LET'S GO SCALES!
Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap!
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009
Scales
strikes out. Two outs. Bases loaded. Fox to the plate.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
DRAT
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
ah crap
sue369 - May 28, 2009
DAMN IT
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
WOWOWOW
cubbiepride - May 28, 2009
:(
Gah.
slcathena - May 28, 2009
at l;east swing it like you mean it
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
doh!
CaughtInTheVines - May 28, 2009
vomit.
buckmulligan - May 28, 2009
Love Ronnie muttering... "it's getting warm in here..."
Emelie - May 28, 2009
poo
p
kentmeister - May 28, 2009
well, we see what is for real about Fox here...damn, we needed contact there
Zakh - May 28, 2009
Lets Go Fox
niuhuskie224 - May 28, 2009
Ball 1 to Fox
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
Great
this would be cub-like… don’t we lead the world in LOB or something depressing?
Allie - May 28, 2009
yep
damnit.
Allie - May 28, 2009
Okay, come on, Fox!
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009
walk him.
buckmulligan - May 28, 2009
C'mon Fox
chitownhawkeye - May 28, 2009
poop
LT - May 28, 2009
Let's see what everyone is talking about
Show us why you are sooo damn wanted by everyone Jake. Park that ball
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
Strike 1 to Fox
1-1
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
wow what an inning
Emelie - May 28, 2009
i hate watching the 9th
always nervous
Allie - May 28, 2009
yep
Emelie - May 28, 2009
Me too.
slcathena - May 28, 2009
I hate delayed strike calls
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
I agree
Just call it
niuhuskie224 - May 28, 2009
This is why he was called up
leothelip - May 28, 2009
to whiff?
sue369 - May 28, 2009
lol!
Emelie - May 28, 2009
I'll take a WP
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
Fox fouls a bouncer to third
1-2.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
oh god, that was nerve wracking
cubsonWGN4ever - May 28, 2009
ug. i'm looking for the hbp.
buckmulligan - May 28, 2009
do it Foxxxxxxxxx!!!!
Zakh - May 28, 2009
SEND THE RUNNERS!!!
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
strike three.
game over.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
Dammit
chitownhawkeye - May 28, 2009
DAMMIT
Emelie - May 28, 2009
UGLY
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
technical balk
please
LT - May 28, 2009
DAMN IT
cubsonWGN4ever - May 28, 2009
poop
sue369 - May 28, 2009
I. Hate. The. Dodgers.
Bleurgh.
slcathena - May 28, 2009
Steve Lyons is a smarmy announcer
“That’s been the story here the past 100 years”…. WEAK SAUCE
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
that blows
LT - May 28, 2009
Two very bad at bats
Where’s the plate recognition!?!?!?!?!
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
That's what happens when you rely on Iowa to win a major league game
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Yeah,
because the other guys on the team were hitting the ball all over the park.
DMCub - May 28, 2009
Pitches weren't that close
I can see where a minor leaguer whiffs on a close pitch, but both those were low and in the dirt. Methinks Scales and Fox were trying a little too hard to be the hero.
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
I should have said when you HAVE to rely on Iowa
because your “major leaguers” are either hurt, or terrible
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
very bad at bats in key situations the last two innings.
we should’ve won this game. we could not execute basic fundamentals. embarrassing.
buckmulligan - May 28, 2009
kind of reminds me of that 8 game losing streak
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
gack
kentmeister - May 28, 2009
err, go get em tomorrow
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
you have to get something there
1 out bases loaded
niuhuskie224 - May 28, 2009
:::::sigh:::::
CaughtInTheVines - May 28, 2009
One lousy run is all we manage again
BleedsbluinMI - May 28, 2009
OUCH
louslovechild - May 28, 2009
Swung at ball two.
CaliCub, you jinxed it. I had my flag ready … I’ll make it tomorrow.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009
mea culpa
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
christ.
that was a tough one. not having much fun right now.
buckmulligan - May 28, 2009
Alright.
See you all tomorrow. sigh
slcathena - May 28, 2009
night
sue369 - May 28, 2009
AUGH
S.O.B.
Cubbie-Tim - May 28, 2009
scuffling...
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
I'm going to the rest of this series....
Hopefully they will play a little better for me
LT - May 28, 2009
Bring them luck
sue369 - May 28, 2009
Will do!
LT - May 28, 2009
And the winning streaks ends at 2
gaclaudy - May 28, 2009
still haven't won scoring less than 4 runs
this is getting really old
Allie - May 28, 2009
moldy, even
Emelie - May 28, 2009
Oh well. Lets get em tomorrow.
DMCub - May 28, 2009
Least clutch team ever
Rami in this inning sure would have been nice.
jbowling13 - May 28, 2009
+many
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
Is Wells going to be another hard luck pitcher who can't get run support?
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
he has been
in his 4 starts, cubs have scored 5 runs.
Allie - May 28, 2009
Wow...now there's some statistical back up. SHEESH, that's awful.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
looks that way
He could easily have 3 wins already.
jbowling13 - May 28, 2009
Rami over the last 3 weeks would've been nice
Allie - May 28, 2009
too impatient
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
team has no abilty to hit on the clutch
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
Later all
I will go rest my neck 9AUIGH!!!)
Cubbie-Tim - May 28, 2009
night Tim
sue369 - May 28, 2009
night, Tim. We've got your back... er, neck?
Emelie - May 28, 2009
All right, I'm off.
See you guys tomorrow. Let’s get them then.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 28, 2009
night
sue369 - May 28, 2009
Well it was fun all, a better result would have been nice
but there is always tomorrow. adios!
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
Game turned on the btm of the 8th
Dusty-esque execution there.
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
boy oh boy oh boy
BleedsbluinMI - May 28, 2009
cmon, guys
it was a 2-1 game. We had chances to come back late in the game, and our bench nearly came through for us. I don’t see this as a terrible loss. It sucks, but Wells is REALLY becoming impressive, Guzman pitched well, and Scales and Fox are both doing well.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
agreed
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
+Non ledge jumpers
DMCub - May 28, 2009
yeah
you can keep perspective.. i’ll be annoyed for a bit longer.
Allie - May 28, 2009
go rent Major League, trust me you cant be annoyed after that!
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
And then the Godfather
and then Bull Durham
And drink scotch!
Worf - May 28, 2009
I don't drink.
But I’ve added the movies to my “to rent” list.
Allie - May 28, 2009
fair enough
enjoy them with whatever comfort food or drink you like
Worf - May 28, 2009
with Godfather starred to be first
Emelie - May 28, 2009
thats been on my list for a long time
it looks great… i’ve just never gotten around to it.
Allie - May 28, 2009
Major League first, only because its baseball season
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
I politely disagree. Art trumps sports.
Emelie - May 28, 2009
who is this Art fella?
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
Just know that it was made in 1972
it’s pacing is different from today’s movies. Slower, more relaxed, etc…
Some people — my wife — can’t get that. I love her more than I love anything, but she doesn’t get old movies.
Worf - May 28, 2009
I love gangster movies usually
I loved Scarface. I enjoyed the first couple seasons of the Sopranos.
Allie - May 28, 2009
This is much more relaxed
Please let us know when you’ve watched it. It’s worth an OT thread.
Worf - May 28, 2009
Hopefully soon
:-)
Allie - May 28, 2009
If you liked the Sopranos you'll LOVE the Godfather
Emelie - May 28, 2009
Sorry Drew
This looked just like the Pads series. Nothing for 7 2/3 innings and a big ol tease in the ninth.
Worf - May 28, 2009
that's baseball.
There’s no shame in getting beat by Randy Wolf, for pete’s sake. We kept it close, we played fairly good D (although I did miss the first few innings), we got beat, but the kids who have been called up look like they’re going to be able to make a real contribution. I mean, Bobby Scales was on a bus to Iowa yesterday, and he was very nearly a hero today.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
I would agree
and I like Fox a lot
But it’s getting late early, you know?
Worf - May 28, 2009
yeah
its starting to feel a little less “early”.
Allie - May 28, 2009
9 losses in 11 games
and almost all of those losses because of a lack of offense. This wasn’t one game, it was the continuing of a trend
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
All true...
….and as they say, cold comfort is better than no comfort at all.
CaughtInTheVines - May 28, 2009
i see this as a terrible loss.
we should have won this game and couldn’t execute. in golf terms, we were just throwing strokes away out there. hate that kind of game. i’d rather get shutout like in the cardinals series.
buckmulligan - May 28, 2009
we had multiple chances
and didn’t take advantage of them. Hard to happy with that.
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
lousy outcome, good game
Emelie - May 28, 2009
Fair enough, but
I liken this to a postseason type game, given the level of competition. Sure, the Dodgers are the best team in MLB right now and other teams have lost one-run games to them, but you’d still like to see the Cubs find a way to win a tight contest against a tough opponent. That’s why I’m bummed about tonight.
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
we're waking up though, that counts for something
Emelie - May 28, 2009
"we" are? Really?
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
yeah. really.
Emelie - May 28, 2009
Lord, I would hate to see them sleeping.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
we scored 1 run. How are we waking up?
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
got some timely hits
just not timely enough.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
not timely enough? Dude, only in horshoes and handgrenades does close cut it.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
you have to be kidding me
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
I think that "not timely enough" will go down in history as the best line ever.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
seriously, no offense, but that might be one of
dumbest things I ever heard.
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
the "not timely enough" that is
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
I'm all for trying to find the silver lining, but that's nonsensical
I’m fairly certain I’ve seen you say on more than one occasion that the only stat that counts is the final score.
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
wins
the only stat that counts is wins. We got hits, just not enough of them at the right time. I don’t see what’s so complicated about that.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
what's complicated is being content with it.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
who says I'm content?
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
I guess I am reading that emotion into your posts. Sorry for implying.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
no
but I do try to take the positive away from any loss.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
to each their own. I find it harder to since I live in St. Louis and I get crap rubbed in my face constantly.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
well, ok
I guess.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
You are the Ying to my Yang, the zig to my zag, etc...
I just am a little more doom and gloom knowing that I have to deal with shitheads the next day at work. Please keep that in mind when I vent (if possible). I am a loyal post reader, but I don’t take the time to actually log in and post frequently. You I can handle, Not Bruce makes me crazy though.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
NB has that effect on most people
esp lately.
Allie - May 28, 2009
it's been all season. The guy's entire approach is to call anyone he disagrees with a name
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
I haven't seen NB on
in a few days, although I did take almost a week off.
I’ll keep in mind that you live in Cub Hell. :D
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
so the hits we got weren't timely
or we would have won right?
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
are you suggesting that more timely hits
would not have helped?
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
I'm saying there is no such thing as "more timely"
there is only a timely hits, and we didn’t get them, or for that matter timely contact.
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
not more timely as in less timely
more timely as in fewer timely.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
I am confused as to what you are saying here...
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
I'm not looking at the runs I'm looking at fighting back... before we were listless at least now we're a bit more focused
Emelie - May 28, 2009
Sure wish we had some of that fight early in the game then
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
Understood. So do I.
Emelie - May 28, 2009
if by fighting back, you win striking out twice with the bases loaded......
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
mean, not win
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
I know where you're coming from but they had more life tonight than they've had in a while
Emelie - May 28, 2009
THey had lots of life yesterday.....
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
Perhaps too much?
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
true I was just thinking that
I’m watching this year from the periphery and what I’m seeing is a struggling team that sometimes manages to put it in gear but mostly is grinding the clutch… I still think they’ll get it together in the next few weeks
Emelie - May 28, 2009
I certainly hope so...
I am taking a beating down here in St. Louis. Stupid Cardinal fans……
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
ouch. sympathies!
Emelie - May 28, 2009
It suck-diddily-ucks
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
Don't put up with any grief from them
I married one. DO NOT let them get a foothold. They will never let you forget it.
Worf - May 28, 2009
You sorry, sorry individual. Damn.
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
absolutely
don’t get me wrong — I wanted to win too. But we didn’t exactly get crushed.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
I'll apologize for the apologist...
Sorry, I just try to find the silver lining in every loss…..or something like that. Right?
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
I make no apologies
take the positive, leave the negative. Move on to the next game. What else can we do?
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
DRINK!
Worf - May 28, 2009
I wish I did on weekdays. I will have to bank it for tomorrow!!!!!!
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
I may regret the morn
Worf - May 28, 2009
To alcohol! The cause of and solution to all of life's problems (and the cubs)
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
I love all of you though!
Even Drew!
Worf - May 28, 2009
A Simpsons man: Cheers!
Emelie - May 28, 2009
indeed!
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
She really doesn't like baseball
she’s more of a Cards fan in theory. She’ll watch the playoffs if I take her out for wings and beer.
But she’ll wear the Cards hat and snark at me.
Good thing she’s hot.
Worf - May 28, 2009
Pictures, man, pictures!
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
Zambrano wil not appeal his suspension
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
This was finally a wise move on his part
tapdeer - May 28, 2009
yep
Emelie - May 28, 2009
I do respect that
Worf - May 28, 2009
later everyone, close games are like this
KaliCub - May 28, 2009
night
sue369 - May 28, 2009
bullpen did well
bats seemed to have gone back to sleep. big chance at the end there. kinda sux
brian custer - May 28, 2009
Lacking the magic
I don’t want to base too much on one game, which I know is dangerous, but I have been watching this team all year, and I have to say, they just lack the magic that I’ve seen in the great Cub teams of my lifetime. The 1984 Cubs, the 1989 Cubs or last year’s squad, would have found a way to win tonight, even if they had hit into 4 double plays. Getting men on first and second with no one out in both the 8th and 9th and not being able to score is the mark of a team that just lacks that certain something. Maybe they’ll eventually find it – I hope so. But at the moment, I just don’t see a lot of life here.
danimal15 - May 28, 2009
Similar to the NLDS last year
Since ARam went down, the Cubs seem to be playing with the same kind of tightness they showed during the NLDS last October. Maybe overcompensation for their 3B going down?
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
Strike Zone
Soriano, Scales and Fox all expanded their strike zones and struck out on pitches that were no where near the strike zone.
cubfred - May 28, 2009
Soriano has no strike zone
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
Watched the game on MLB
Dan Plesac had an interesting comment in the tird inning. He said Soriano is much more selective early in the game. But late in the game, you don’t haver to throw him a strike. He will strike himself out.
Guess he nailed that one.
cubfred - May 28, 2009
actually, it's with the bases empty, and anyone on
he wants to be the hero, and swings at everything with runners on. With the bases empty he’s somewhat selective
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Soriano
Isn’t capable of concentrating for more than a few pitchers per AB…if that. He’s lucky he has freakish strength for a guy his size or he’d be toiling in AA for the better part of the past decade.
krummy12 - May 28, 2009
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
So Frustrating
Nothing you can really do. A team full of guys who simply do not execute. Fundamental baseball has been missing in Chicago for the last 5 or so years and it doesnt look like it is comig back soon. We were able to slug our way past it last year in the regular season and were exposed in the post season. Our injuries have exposed it earlier this year.
Goats of the game: Soriano, Theriot, Johnson.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
And imagine that
all the calls in the NBA are going in favor of the home team. I’m shocked.
Allie - May 28, 2009
The way the outcomes are so predictable, they should call it the WWNBA
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
NBA
I’m suspicious of any game in which a team has a home record of 44-3, or whatever it was. If it’s that easy to win at home, why bother playing the games at all?
danimal15 - May 28, 2009
Adios Playoffs
bren - May 28, 2009
I am as pessimistic as they come but after 46 games,
that is a tad much huh?
louslovechild - May 28, 2009
No, they have no real threats in this lineup w/o Ramirez
And the bullpen is still shit, and Soriano still chases sliders
bren - May 28, 2009
thanks for you 2 cents, see ya.
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
Soriano being shit I agree with
Bullpen is straightening itself out. Fox, Scales, and Blanco, offensively and defensively, look better than other options. We will find our upswing.
louslovechild - May 28, 2009
I didnt say Soriano was shit
I said he cant be relied on when it counts, D Lee has AAA power, Ramirez wont be the same when hes back, Soto’s in the quintessential sophomore slump, Fontenots being exposed….how can this team win the Division?
bren - May 28, 2009
by getting
more wins than anyone else in the division.
See, it’s basic math…
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
youre fighting a losing battle my friend, have a good night. see you tomorrow
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
:D
night
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
Playoffs are certainly still realistic
But it seems clear that this team does not “it.” Cant really define it, but it is some combination of fundamentals, clutchness and winning when you arent playing your best. The Cubs dont have either of those three right now.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
wild card
at least, for sure. nl leaset & bwest suck
brian custer - May 28, 2009
we're fourth in our own division
not sure how you can claim we’re getting the wildcard “for sure”
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
I don't know how long I can deal with this...
I’ve watched, listened, or gametracked at least a part of every single game this season, and it’s just as frustrating now as it was before.
It’s no longer early, it’s no longer injuries. I’m more than worried about the build of this team, and the fact that we had two might-as-well-be rookies in the clutch. Ramirez being out hurts, but it doesn’t equal five wins. This is reminding me so much of 2004 = a team of headcases, underachieving, restless natives (fans) booing every single bad thing that happens… don’t get me wrong, I remain completely optimistic, but I’m starting to realise that this isn’t going to be an easy season.
camnorris14 - May 28, 2009
I'll just try and beat the obligatory "Then leave" comments that will surely come
and say I don’t disagree with you
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Leave? Why?
I said I was still optimistic, even though there really isn’t much reason to feel that way.
I’m still here, no matter how it goes.
camnorris14 - May 28, 2009
I know, but I figured some knee jerk would just read the topic, and post that
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Optimism
No reason to ever be optimistic regarding the Cubs, is the way I see it. Expect the worst; hope for the best. So far, I’ve been watching them for 35 years, and the best has yet to happen.
danimal15 - May 28, 2009
Wasn't Rami's VORP = like 6 wins last year?
He’s really valuable…
but i agree with you on a lot of this. its not really “early” anymore. and this is starting to become a disturbing pattern.
Allie - May 28, 2009
With Billingsly going tomorrow,
runs will be at a minimum. Does Lou play Scales and Fox?
louslovechild - May 28, 2009
I think the Fontenot experitment must end
Run scales and Fox out there and try to score some runs.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
As poorly as Fontenot has hit
his fielding at third base is even worse. Fox cannot be a whole lot worse.
cubfred - May 28, 2009
I dunno, that grounder was right at fox, and he still fumbled a bit.
Gonna be interesting when he has to range at all
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
+1 fontenot is bringing nothing to the team right now.
give Fox a chance
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
I'd be willing to wager he won't play both
One will be in the lineup though. And to be fair, Scales is 2 for his last 18. The homer was nice, but he’s not exactly the instant offense he was when he was first called up
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
To be honest
I don’t expect anything less than Billingsley shoving it up their ass tomorrow. Sad but true.
krummy12 - May 28, 2009
i don't know it is with joe torre
the guy gets all the luck
brian custer - May 28, 2009
if by luck, you mean better play, and a better roster, then yes
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
joe has some sort of pull
over these millionaire man-children. it is unexplainable…
brian custer - May 28, 2009
he's actually a competent manager.
We just haven’t seen that for a long, long time in Chicago
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Buh Bye D Howard
game over
AzCubfan24 - May 28, 2009
no concept of the strike zone
Soriano has no idea where the strike zone ala Slammin Sammy. If only he was asked to bunt, but I guess that’s beneath him. He has his nerve to tell cub fans to be patient. Come on Lou. Ask some of these guys to bunt when it’s called for. It’s called fundamentals.
ermilo2000 - May 28, 2009
I asked earlier in the game if anyone on this team actually has a sac bunt other than a pitcher
I honestly doubt it. You saw Reed Johnson try to lay one down, and it was sad. He is usually exactly the type of player who should be able to do that. Same with Theriot, but I never see them do it. Honestly this game could have been changed early on, when Lee lead off an inning with a double. If Reed bunts him over to third, many, many things could have happened to get him in.
Instead Reed swings away, grounds to third, and Lee is frozen at 2nd
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Johnson has
Fukudome has.
And Johnson moved two runners over to second and third with a sac grounder.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
By luck
Screwing up two bunts and then getting lucky you hit the ball poorly is no substitute for competence.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
are you new at baseball?
the game is mostly luck.
Allie - May 28, 2009
Yea right
its a pure crapshoot. Come on now. Being an apologist is one thing but give me a break.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
i'm not an apologist
but saying that doesn’t count b/c he got lucky seems silly.
Allie - May 28, 2009
It counts
but it should not be taken as a sign of Johnson’s talent or fundamentals. He came up to bunt. He failed at that. Simply because the guys ended up at second third on a slow roller should not take away from the fact that he failed in a fairly routine task that he should excel at.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
Good night all
enjoy talking to you all.
Rough night, but its a long season.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
did he advance the runners?
yes. Baseball is a game where if you succeed three times out of ten, you have a shot at the hall of fame. Give me a break.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
it was a FC, not a sac grounder
and it was after he failed miserably at laying down a bunt
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
he moved the runners
which is what he was supposed to do. Who cares HOW he did it?
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
I care. Because chances are it won't work out that way the next time he can't get a bunt down
fundamentals are an important part of the game. Yes luck plays a part, but good teams find a way to make their own luck.
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Actually
Johnson rounded out weakly to SS and both runners advanced. It wasn’t a sacrifice, but it achieved the same result.
cubfred - May 28, 2009
we'd all be happier
had he shot one up the middle. But he moved the runners over.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
actually, I'd have been happier had he been able to execute the bunt he was asked to do
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Really?
I’d have been happier to have knocked Wolf out in the 3rd inning b/c we scored 8 runs.
Allie - May 28, 2009
that wasn't going to happen
bunting the runners over should have been a pretty doable task.
Nice strawman though
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
wasn't trying to do strawman
i’m just annoyed we lost.
esp since we SHOULD be able to hit Wolf really well, and have in the past.
Allie - May 28, 2009
But according to certain posters on here, you would never ask Arod or Pujols or those guys to bunt so you cant ask Soriano.
1. He bats leadoff. If you want to bat leadoff, at least do some of the things leadoff hitters do.
2. He is not like Pujols or Arod. He is hitting 250. In his good years he can hit 280. He does not run well anymore, he doesnt pay good defense, he is very easy to pitch too and he doesnt mke the fundamental plays. Say whatever you like, you dont ask Pujols to bunt because chances are he is going to do something wel. You do ask Soriano to bunt because chances are he is going to flail away at low outside sliders.
Ryanocm1 - May 28, 2009
exactly
and he sucks in the clutch because his lack of a strike zone
DC Cubbie - May 28, 2009
he runs better this year
than he did last year. He’s the best LF in the league. He’s made several very good running plays this month alone.
You don’t ask Soriano to bunt.
drewishdrewid - May 28, 2009
double plays just killed them today.
lexmarklover - May 28, 2009
as did strikeouts with runners in scoring position and less than two out
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
Good night all!
Off to finish this scotch. The morn will get here very early!
Worf - May 28, 2009
Night Worf
hope the scotch goes easy on you, even if you can’t go easy on it.
Allie - May 28, 2009
Night, kiddo
Hey, sorry if I was a jerk over the that one thing earlier in the day I lost track of who was who there, but I remember you were involved.
See more movies!
Worf - May 28, 2009
its a good thing i'm really hard to offend
you’re fine.
Allie - May 28, 2009
That makes you a rare commodity on this site
Worf - May 28, 2009
aw
i think that was almost a compliment!
Allie - May 28, 2009
almost...
Emelie - May 28, 2009
I might try some Baileys
I like the sweet stuff
Doggie Stalker - May 28, 2009
Bailey's is awesome.
sue369 - May 28, 2009
Say it outloud,
the Cubs are relying heavily one players from AAA. That does not get you into the playoffs. There is no way to dispute that.
TCobb1911 - May 28, 2009
I never thought I'd end a game...
Breaking an oscillating fan, and calling bob costas a bad name, lol…
preachermancubsfan - May 28, 2009
The Bigger Picture
Look, I have my reservations about the Cubs making the postseason this year. I’m even doubting they end up with more than 83 wins. So I try looking at the bigger picture and assess if they have the type of organization that, year-in and year-out, will be a contender.
My answer is “yes”…if the Ricketts sale goes through soon, and if the new ownership will realize the value of a productive farm system. Crane Kenney has been on record saying how much he wants to emulate the Red Sox organization, and I hope that includes their resurgent minor league system along with the cool ballpark and the nationwide fan base.
The next best thing to world championships and pennants is consecutive years of contention. And by that I don’t mean the mediocre “competitive within the division” soft stuff that Andy MacPhail peddled for 12 years. I’m talking a Braves-like run of 10+ postseason appearances fueled by wise spending and well-rounded farm products. Which I think is entirely doable so long as Tom Ricketts doesn’t turn cheap and the scouting-development department is well funded and well staffed.
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
With the revenue the Cubs can bring in
and the market they play in, there is no reason for them not to be able to have a run like the Braves did… If we’re able to get the right people in charge and do the right things.
And if the sale ever finally gets completed.
Allie - May 28, 2009
You hit the nail on the head
“If we can get the right people in charge” I’m not remotely certain we have that right now
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
We may
or we may not.
But we need someone who KNOWS who can tell. Does Theo Epstein have a younger brother or something? He’s done pretty well.
Allie - May 28, 2009
What I wouldn't give for a Dallas Green or Goldie Goldsberry clone...
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
*Gordy Goldsberry
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
What (or who) is holding up the sale?
Is Tom Ricketts waiting for a loan to come through? Is Sam Zell waffling? Is the Trib still waiting for the 2/3 owner majority to approve the transaction?
CaliCub - May 28, 2009
Ricketts is having problems coming up with the money, and the Tribune going through bankruptcy isn't helping
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
it hasn't even gone to the rest of the owners yet
WanderingWanderer - May 28, 2009
I'm not really sure
all the finacial stuff is completely over my head.
Apparently Zell is trying to make Ricketts pay closing costs and Ricketts doesn’t agree. Or something.
But its dragging. And I’d like for it to stop. :-P
Allie - May 28, 2009
LOU PINIELLA IS AN ABSOLUTE IDIOT
And should be fired. how does Hoofpauer sit on the bench while we watch Scales and fox bat in the 9th?
See ya LOu…..good riddance you overrated old piece of shit!
plenz - May 28, 2009
Who is Hoofpaur?
Is he new?
Allie - May 28, 2009
No one has been more critical of Lou than me
but there was NOTHING wrong with Scales and Fox batting. Scales already had a homer and Fox had hit both in the inning before and in his previous at bat yesterday. Hoff is not THAT good . Lou has made many, many bad moves but that was not one of them.
Doggie Stalker - May 28, 2009
Respectfully disagree.
You need a ball in the air. Hoff is your best choice. I don’t care if Sori has to come in and plat 2B. You need to make sure you get that run in before you can worry about making it to the 10th. With Hoff’s plate coverage and ability to put the ball in the air he was certainly the best choice. No doubt about it.
TCobb1911 - May 28, 2009
I agree, Jessica. The thing that confuses me is why he had Blanco
and Fontenot in the game batting back-to-back. Wolf’s splits verus lefties is sick. No way LBR should have been in this game. Scales should have been at second or third base. I think that move backfired on Lou bigtime.
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 28, 2009
I think maybe Lou should give Soriano a game off..
…does anyone agree?
Cubs and Hawks fan - May 29, 2009
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