Usually this sort of thing is the province of blogs like this one, but Daily Herald sportswriter Lindsey Willhite today promotes voting for players who will hurt their league, depending on which Chicago team you're a fan of, and for the right reason -- because this game shouldn't be used to determine home field for the All-Star Game. Acknowledging that it's a "colossal waste of time - yet so much fun to contemplate and complete", he writes:
Let's mess with Major League Baseball's decree, now in its seventh year, to award the homefield advantage in the World Series to the league that wins the All-Star Game.
First, let's acknowledge there already are some partners in this enjoyable crime, such as members of The Sons of Sam Horn, the signature blog for Red Sox Nation. They launched a campaign last month to get Washington outfielder Lastings Milledge voted to the National League's starting lineup.
The joke? Milledge isn't even in the big leagues as he's struggling to hit .250 for Class AAA Syracuse.
Willhite lists players that Cubs fans should vote for, particularly for the White Sox' DeWayne Wise, who has played in eight games this year due to injury (5-for-23, all singles). I'm all for this; let's join in. Here's the online voting link. You can vote 25 times per valid email address. You can get an unlimited supply of valid email addresses here.
The Cubs will pass the million mark in home attendance today; through yesterday total attendance is 987,663, an average of 39,506 for the 25 dates. Both of those numbers rank sixth in MLB (behind the Yankees, Dodgers, Phillies, Angels and Cardinals), but the Cubs have played to 96.1% of capacity, second only to the Red Sox (101.6%).
As reported on yesterday's telecast, the beleaguered, battered Gatorade dispenser in the Cubs dugout will be removed after the homestand is over:
The Pepsi service technician who came out to fix the dispenser twice last week -- after a wayward punch by Ryan Dempster on Monday and Carlos Zambrano's bat-whacking episode on Wednesday -- will be glad to hear the news. He thought he might be on call the rest of the season.
On the other hand, maybe this isn't such a great idea. We hope no Cubs players get angry enough that they feel the need to take a bat to something. But if they do and there's no Gatorade dispenser... well, better put a helmet on Larry Rothschild (who just barely missed getting whacked by Z last Wednesday).
| Today's Starting Pitchers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eric Milton. Seriously, Eric Milton? The guy who hadn't won a game since 2006 until last week? The guy who has a career ERA of 5.00 in 1567.2 innings with 266 HR allowed? Good. Maybe the Cubs can tee off on him. The last time he pitched in Wrigley Field was September 13, 2005. The Cubs won that game, although Milton threw fairly well. I post that link not for reference -- because there's only one Cub from that starting eight, Derrek Lee, who will play tonight -- but for your amusement at looking at the lineup. I suggested yesterday resting Alfonso Soriano, but he is 6-for-12 lifetime vs. Milton.
Sean Marshall has two career starts vs. LA, both in 2006; here's the last one, from September 12, 2006. Only Brad Ausmus, the Dodgers' backup catcher, has more than six career AB vs. Sean (from his days in Houston, no doubt). Sean did make two decent relief appearances in last year's NLDS vs. the Dodgers, but perhaps that series should be left where it belongs, in the history books.
This is one of the games you'll want to mute your TV, if only so you don't throw a brick through it at Joe Morgan. Most of today's games should be over by now; here is today's MLB.com Mediacenter anyway.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 236 comments
I have done my part.
You’re welcome, Mr. Wise. You too, Commissioner.
Goodie1969 - May 31, 2009
if managers want to win the all star game
shouldn’t they play their better players 5-7 innings?
guys get yanked after 3-4. and dan uggla comes in.
tim815 - May 31, 2009
my guess
If the Z list all starts get selected they aren’t showing up. Its a funny thought but its not going to happen.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Milton pitches vs the Cubs several times in 2006
4/13
5/31
9/17
Or have you blocked out the 2006 season?
For some reason I have a memory of him nearly no-hitting the Cubs at some point when he pitched for the Reds, but my memory is apparently pretty faulty.
berselius - May 31, 2009
EDIT
Those three games I listed were starts he had in Wrigley
berselius - May 31, 2009
Milton's near no-no
Was as with Philadelphia in 2004. Grudz led off the game with a walk before being doubled off as Milton was subsequently perfect until the top of the 9th. If memory serves, that first hit probably should have been ruled an error.
kuma - May 31, 2009
Ouch, there's a good reason why I forgot details of that game
We broke up the no-hitter in the 9th and tied the game only to see Hawkins blow it in the 9th. Ah, the 2004 Cubs
berselius - May 31, 2009
I was there and it was not any fun
Glanville misplayed a ball in the 9th and after that Milton fell apart more or less.
Not a good idea to diss an opposing pitcher this side of Tom Gorzalonny who is now back up. Oh please let him get a start
against the Cubs.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
LET'S GET SOME RUNS!
Seriously, let’s tee of early and often and put this game in the win column by the 6th inning (making playing the last 3 1/2 innings a formality.
(Note the use of the apostrophe in “let’s”, as in Let’s Play Two"… ;)
Zeke - May 31, 2009
Milton
He can be tough
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Haha
I wish we faced a pitcher named Dwight now.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Don't take his swingline stapler!
gaclaudy - May 31, 2009
Given how garbage-y we looked
coming into this series, I figured we’d be lucky to split.
And we have a chance to win. Thats really cool. :-)
Also, sunburn hurts. Esp when its your ear. Ow.
Allie - May 31, 2009
Agreed
I thought we’d be lucky to win 1 of the 4 games. I think we’ll win today but there’s no shame in splitting a series with the top team in baseball.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
What a concept on the All-Star Game
I wonder if anyone else ever thought about that . . . .
Shanghai Badger - May 31, 2009
+20,000,000
Really original.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
actually it was posted here
to vote a horrific AL team
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
By me, actually
I guess I should have included the sarcasm sign.
Shanghai Badger - May 31, 2009
I too posted the idea
so hgh fives I guess
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
smart idea Tim!
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
Bleah!
Shanghai Badger - May 31, 2009
Woo-Hoo
Shanghai Badger - May 31, 2009
That game you linked to in 2005
Was actually Theriot’s major league debut.
Sobenergy - May 31, 2009
I'm NOT being negative
But Al, I feel like every time you make a pregame post about a pitcher we should beat, he throws a gem! :)
Plus Sean Marshall doesn’t get the run support he deserves. If he did I think it’s safe to say he’d have 5+ wins on his resume.
But regardless I feel good about today, Cubs are going to win. I’m 15-4 in Cubs games this year I’ve seen in CT. That’s a good sign!
ak123 - May 31, 2009
So I think I'm addicted to the Truelook Live Wrigley cam that someone posted...
in another thread. I just spent the last 3 hours or so watching the Cubs pitchers practice bunting and stretching, along with a desperate search to see if Erin Andrews was in the stadium (I had thought I saw her, which only made me refuse to give up). As it was, I pretty much was relegated to watching Steve Phillips mingle while the Cubs took batting practice…
sigh
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
3 hours? Things a little slow today?
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 31, 2009
hehe.
Well, it might have been 2 as I think about it. But yes…
I applied for a federal job online, and then found that I had nothing else to entertain myself with (In my defense, I’m out of town, so pretty much stranded in a room with my computer).
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
Yeah, I know how it is when you can't access your porn sites.
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 31, 2009
BTW
I met Erin andrews last week at the National Spelling Bee last week. Words dont really describe how beautiful and nice she is.
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
hot-momma
aich
oh
tee
dash
em
oh
em
em
ay
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
that's nice to hear
all-too-often, famous or semi-famous people are, uh…., jerks.
tim815 - May 31, 2009
Tom Bergeron who does dancing with the stars was real nice too
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
Super nice
I worked with her as well when she was at one of our shows.
Down to earth and respectful. Didn’t expect that from her at all. Very pleasant surprise.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
So you're saying there's a chance!?!
:-p
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
I wish man... One of thos emoments where the jaw dropped the floor when she smiled at me..
Really nice lady
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
I'm gonna pre-empt myself because I may not be around for his pearls of wisdom:
Odio a Joseph Morgan
Ich hasse Morgan Joseph
I urrejmë Morgan Jusufi
أنا أكره مورغان جوزيف
Мразя Морган Йосиф
Odi a Joseph Morgan
我恨摩根约瑟夫
Mrzim Morgan Josipa
Jeg hader Morgan Joseph
Ik haat Morgan Joseph
Inhoan Morgan Joseph
אני שונא מורגן ג ’וזף
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
you're being too subtle
and worldly
tim815 - May 31, 2009
私はモルガンジョセフ嫌い
means “I hate Joe Morgan.” Feel free to drop these in the game threads as he tells us about how great he was and how horrible Wrigley Field is and how Mr. Cub had great numbers thanks to the basket and not because he was any good.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
This will be one of the few games
where Judd during the 5th won’t seem so bad as I know what everyone who is watching is listening to.
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
I'll be using my sports sync radio
for the first time tonight. Oh, and by the way, Ik haat Joe Morgan ook.
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
I was invited over to a buddies to watch the game
A) I’m too tired anyways
B) I’d want to throw things @ his new tv.
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
I'd say that someone else's tv
is the best one to throw stuff at. Didn’t cost you anything! lol
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
but if I break it... it could cost me something :)
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
:)
Very useful. Though in German, you don’t need to reverse the name order.
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
Duly noted
Thank you!
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
You don't have to
in Dutch either. Still a great post though. Jij hoort veel Nederlands niet dat rond hier wordt gesproken. (you don’t hear a lot of Dutch spoken around here.) :-)
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
I have a friend who has a customer there so he travels there quite often
so he can speak it fairly well.
But your right I don’t know anyone else that can say as much as Hello
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
I don't either,
Funny since it’s just “hallo” lol let’s win this series tonight!!
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
OT but how did you learn to speak dutch?
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
I have family members
who live in Belgium. It’s actually a dialect of Dutch called Flemish.
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
Ahhh he works for a software company and one of his customers
is in the Netherlands.
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
I see...
Depending on where you go it’s a little different. A lot like here in the states, depending on what part of the country you’re from you use different accents and expressions. It’s fun to know a language that a lot of people (at least in the midwest) don’t speak!
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
Great post
But hey, when you live in the East Coast, you’ll take what you can get and a Sat/Sun Cubs game is fantastic!
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Jon Miller isn't so bad,
It’s the greatest second baseman to ever grace the game (just ask him) in the booth that is excruciating. Enjoy the game at any rate!
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
Thanks
As I said, as long as you can watch the team you enjoy, you can’t complain.
We just got ATT uverse here so I can get WGN. So actually its about 3 games a week. While I’d rather watch every game I’m happy to enjoy what I get.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
I only live about 200 miles from Chicago,
and I don’t even get every game. I liked it in the “old days” (lol) when all the games were on WGN. I don’t get Comcast Sportsnet Plus or WCIU… That’s cool that you have WGN now! I hope we steamroll the Dodgers tonight!!
Fonzie2178 - May 31, 2009
Bullpen
Not going to create a fanpost/fanshot — As I’ve been speculating, Marshall is moving to the pen when Harden gets back.
Check out the stats of some former Cubs relievers, too.
Linky
Shanghai Badger - May 31, 2009
dammit
I hope we don’t get bit by that decision. I think it’s a mistake.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
just depends
If Wells keeps on pitching like he can, which no one knows than Marshall just helps the bullpen depth.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
He has the Rich Hill bug
And hopefully it lasts for the rest of the season.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
don't
trade
_
wells
tim815 - May 31, 2009
I dont think its a mistake per se but...
WTF does Marshall have to do to stay in the rotation.. I think he has been good.
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
He needs to no longer be left handed
Or something.
I have no idea what else they want from him.
Allie - May 31, 2009
If I were him, I would march right into Lou's office, get right in his face and scream
“Play me or trade me!”. Think it would work?
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 31, 2009
No he would then get Pattoned or Eyred
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
Even if he announced his presence with authority, ala Nuke Laloosh?
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 31, 2009
I like that!
Great movie, saw it uncut for the first time in years last week.
BigJohnAZ - May 31, 2009
Howry > Heilman
Anyone want to argue?
ak123 - May 31, 2009
How about Howry = Heilman?
We saw Howry blow a LOT of games.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
I still think he's better
I guess personally the main difference between Howry and Heilman is that last year I rooted for Howry to turn things around. This year, I kind of wish Heilman was just gone from the Cubs. Obviously this is a personal opinion but that’s my thoughts.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
I think they are about even
Howry has cut down on the home runs this year. If he can keep that up he’s alot better pitcher than he was last year.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
funny how that happens
in a park with huuuuuuge dimensions
in fair and foul territory
tim815 - May 31, 2009
I respect your opinion quite a bit
Howry may have blown leads and games last year, but sometimes it was a result of circumstance and not of plain suckiness. Heilman was ran out of New York with good reason and he’s showing Chicago exactly why.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
seriously?
you don’t think that’s a little revisionist about Howry? People HATED him last year.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
Yeah man
I know hindsight is 20/20, but I didn’t rag on Howry last year.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
one tends to be wild in the strike zone
one wild in general.
relievers are potluck.
in wrigley, a good heilman is better than a good howry.
when they’re bad, in wrigley, it gets ugly quick.
tim815 - May 31, 2009
Quote from Howry
Howry claimed he walked people because Lou told him to. It’s on the Giants Media Network on their website.
I was just as shocked as you all were to hear it. My guess is 75% of that was the truth. He wouldn’t have said that in a public field if it were a complete lie.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Lou hates walks
I don’t buy that.
Allie - May 31, 2009
Just restating the interview
What the Giants Clubhouse Video. He said it on there. Just repeating the facts.
And maybe this is personal, but I met Howry and worked with him at WWE and he was a standup honest guy. That reason alone I believe what he said in that interview.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
howry didn't walk that many
he just got hit hard and often
tim815 - May 31, 2009
But in the interview
He claimed the walks he gave up were forced on by Lou.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
he walked 37 unintentionally in his ENTIRE cub career
thats 3 years an average of about 12 walks a year. Maybe its true but seems like he’d be hard pressed to walk any LESS than that. So would he never walk anyone if Lou hadn’t told him? The truth is surely somewhere in the middle.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Howry was easier to root
for b/c he was old and trying to learn how to pitch with less velocity.
Heilman is frustrating because he just kinda stinks.
Allie - May 31, 2009
Exactly
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
The pitcher I've had the most difficult time with was Neal Cotts
He drove me up a wall
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
He's gone, my friend
He’s gone, I believe, for good.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
Thank God :)
He was def my least favorite pitcher
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
Yup
And because we thought he could fight through it. Heilman on the other hand hasn’t proven a thing yet. If he can, I’m sure I as well as many can change our thoughts.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
I think Heilman is BETTER than Howry
or at the very least he has had less opportunity to be that bad. Lou’s CONSTANT use of Howry in KEY situations was the maddening part. Ok Howry got us nervous yesterday but using him with a SEVEN run lead is OK. I still think he needs to be slotted as the LONG reliever to go in early when the Cubs are up or down by a lot of runs and the starter has to go.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
I think it also boils down to
That is not the best at using relievers properly.
Marmol was used too much.
Howry was used too often in key situations.
Heilman is following same path as Howry with inherited runners.
Lou gives up on reliever too quickly.
Anyone want to add onto this?
ak123 - May 31, 2009
marmol
I still don’t think marmol has ever been used ‘too much’ Marmol is just streaky and he has had some god awful 2 week stretches.
Lou has been hurt by lack of talent in the bullpen. I think if he had more talent Heilman/Howry/Cotts/Eyre wouldn’t be an issue.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Agreed
I think everyone has a Howry/Cotts/Heilman on their team but they aren’t used as frequently as Lou uses them.
I do disagree about Marmol. Lou is going to wear this guys arm out. If he never goes on the DL I’ll be the happiest person ever but we all know if he ever does fingers will be pointed at Lou.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
ever notice that Marmol being 'overused' only comes when the Cubs are winning? Its a good problem to have.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Fair enough
He’s very important to the team.
I’m just looking at long term instead of short term. I know it’s horrible to say but if we win a World Series this year I could care less who gets Tommy John next year.
As I said, horrible to say but it’s the truth.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Marmol HAS been overused
There is simply NO excuse for the times Lou has put him in TO START an inning with a 4 plus run lead.
Twice he did it with SIX run leads ( last year). Again the idea that he just uses him to show everyone else he does not trust them is very dangerous. He is starting to trust Guzman which is good but Marmol is very erratic this year and needs to be used very carefully.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
+1
BigJohnAZ - May 31, 2009
Agreed
Marmol is Lou’s security blanket.
Allie - May 31, 2009
What is better a bag of dog poop or burning dog poop and the human response?
debate?
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
the dog poop is better
don’t like the burning portion of the aroma
tim815 - May 31, 2009
one of my favorite Matt Foley bits
“Oh my God!” (wipes off foot in house) “Looks like Fido had a hand in this one…” (crashes through living room window)
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
Not sure I like
this move.
sue369 - May 31, 2009
marshall should be groomed as a 4th starter
wells as a 5
tim815 - May 31, 2009
what?
Is this assuming that Harden is never going to pitch again? Or just for 2010 and beyond?
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
i'm not firing or benching anyone
i’m just sayin’ both wells and marshall should be treated as starters when possible
tim815 - May 31, 2009
Marshall could be a #3 on any team
THe problem is he gets no run support.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
I do wonder though
if this means the end of Cotts?
I doubt Lou would want 3 lefties in the pen…
Allie - May 31, 2009
cotts will determine his future in iowa
if he pitches poorly, he gets released,
if he does well, lou/jim will have a decision
tim815 - May 31, 2009
jeez
i’d forgotten he finally got sent down.
tired = no brain.
Allie - May 31, 2009
IF Sean to the
pen means the end of Cotts I could live with that.
sue369 - May 31, 2009
I would no longer ponder if since I'm left handed if I'd be of better use in the bullpen :)
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
I brought on the Howry > Heilman talk
Please don’t hate me as much as BLou.
I atleast respect your opinions :)
ak123 - May 31, 2009
it's a fine
conversation to have. :D I still don’t like putting Marshall in the pen, but who knows how long he’ll stay there, if Harden is going on an injury stretch.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
is Eric Milton's face
really that long, or is it a stretched pic?
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
Why the long face?
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Palomino?
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
That's a horse of a different color.
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 31, 2009
Donald Veal
Pirates doing what the Cubs should now start to think about they put Veal on the DL.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
In English please?
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
I mean the Cubs should put Patton the DL and work the Rule V rules
Seems to be what the Pirates are doing.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
as soon as it's needed, they'll do it
we haven’t had seven good, healthy pen arms yet.
tim815 - May 31, 2009
But there are limits on how long he can stay on the DL
without losing him I believe.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
any amount of time will help
On September 1st its pretty much a mute point got about 90+ days to get him there.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
so we should all
be quiet about it.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
Why not just end the Patton experiment
and let the kid go back to Colorado so he can actually get some work?
Sitting there isn’t doing him any good at all.
Allie - May 31, 2009
or work out a trade
and let him pitch in the minors where he should be
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
yup
thirty days on the dl.
the longer we hold off on the dl option, the better. maybe if everyone is healthy when harden gets back
tim815 - May 31, 2009
Yoda?
Is that you?
Allie - May 31, 2009
heya girl :)
how are you?
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
Sunburned and tired
You? :-)
Allie - May 31, 2009
Really busy & tired.. have caught much baseball in last few days
But the next two weeks, I will be able to watch/ listen to most of them so I hope they get their act together :)
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
Lineup
Soriano
Theriot
Bradley
Lee
Johnson
Soto
Scales
Babe Ruth
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
Babe Ruth
Is it Zombie day? :D
I’m glad to see Scales in there, and Johnson, although I wish they’d give Sori a day off.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
At least he's done well against this guy
6-12…
Would be nice if he started to heat up soon.
Allie - May 31, 2009
That has to be the lowest that Babe Ruth has...
ever been batted in an order.
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
I'm sure he's hit 8th before and its about as low as anyone can go unless you are on a Tony larussa team :)
Fontenot hitting .338 in his career as an 8th hitter :)
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Oh, I don't doubt about Fonty.
I was just being facetious about the actual Babe Ruth.
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
Marshall doesnt' get to bat ?
He is has been steadily improving his batting.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
Cardinals just lost to the Giants.
Yahoo! 5-3 in SF….
CubsWin!Oregon - May 31, 2009
could gain a game on both the reds and cards with a win
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
I hate facing junkballer Left Handers
It never ends well. Like Doug Davis earlier
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
In case anyone was wondering....
Vitters went yard again!!
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
#13?
Allie - May 31, 2009
I believe so yes...
He is sick…
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
Hope Daytona starts to dry out
Time for Vitters to move up, I think. :-)
Allie - May 31, 2009
.356 13 34
tim815 - May 31, 2009
hopefully he can keep that up in Daytona!!!!!
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
He has an OPS over a 1.000
The leading homerun hitter in the MWL league alst year had 22 i believe i read.. Vitters has 13… Makes you think if he keeps it up and then does well at Daytona or Tennessee we could have a top 5 or so prospect…
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
Cubs should make an impromptu Ryne Sandberg appreciation night...
Just to piss off Joe Morgan. Heck… he might even leave the ballpark and go sit in his hotel room.
SackMan - May 31, 2009
They should make Morgan MC the event. His head would explode halfway through the ceremony.
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 31, 2009
the question is
could you tell?
Allie - May 31, 2009
Hey I just hope the Cubs make good use of 'Banks Boulevard' tonight.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
lol
sue369 - May 31, 2009
Arrogance is one thing, but spreading lies is another.
Anyone that broadcasts out and out disinformation like that doesn’t belong on a nationally broadcast sporting event.
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
I sent ESPN an
email last year complaining about his use of “Banks Boulevard”. I don’t think he brought it up again last season.
sue369 - May 31, 2009
Should have Ryno throw out the first pitch
Sing the stretch…
Give out Ryno T-shirts AND Bobble head dolls to the first 10,000 fans…
And have Ryno visit the ESPN booth, sitting right next to Morgan.
SackMan - May 31, 2009
Welcome to Wrigley Field home of the BEST SECOND BASEMAN OF ALL TIME
BTW has anyone else noticed how Ron pronunces basemen.. HE always says baseMAN
fischisgod - May 31, 2009
That would be pretty funny, but Morgan has reason to be incensed at that
Since he, you know, actually IS the best 2b of all time
berselius - May 31, 2009
I really wish someone would publicly call Morgan on his BS
While the camera’s on him, have someone ask “Hey, Joe, is it because you’re jealous, or because he never won a World Series, or because you perpetually think of the Cubs as they were in 1975?”
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
weren't there rumors last year that he was going to be fired?
or am I misremembering
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
Seems like a yearly thing.
But he had last weekend off. And the broadcast was actually fun to listen to with Miller, Phillips and Herchiser. Lots of good tidbits without mind-explody bits.
Allie - May 31, 2009
Clemens is the only person who misremembers things
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
y'mean pettite?
tim815 - May 31, 2009
What about Rafi Palmeiro?
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
NEVER gonna happen, sadly
Publicly, that is.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
Hopefully
sports media starts to learn that good player does not equal good announcer.
Allie - May 31, 2009
Drinking Game
Take a shot every time Morgan says “I” or “me” or “my” – you’ll need a taxi by the top of the third.
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
To add to that game:
Take a chug at every mention of the word “curse.”
Three shots for every mention of the word “Bartman.”
Down a fifth at the first mention of the number 1908. Down a highball at every subsequent mention.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
in the sixth inning
have a buddy call to get you in line for a liver replacement
tim815 - May 31, 2009
Maybe that's why so many guest conductors sound so awful
They’ve been playing Chilango’s drinking game!
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
First mention of any of those tonight:
7:17 p.m.CDT. Book it.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
for those of us who don't drink it could even be a shot of water............
and not have to worry about 8 glasses a day thing :)
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
LOL (and true)
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
but it won't be a restful sleep after consuming that much water :(
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
lol
i’m going to have a giant glass of chocolate milk and try to ignore the idiocy. :-P
Allie - May 31, 2009
yum
still taste good even to a 44 year old!
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
Ovaltine?
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
Nestle Quik
Looove. :-)
Allie - May 31, 2009
Ovaltine is my preference
I am guiilty of that
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
I don't think I've ever had Ovaltine
Allie - May 31, 2009
its good stuff
it is like liquid crack :=)
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
LOL
Allie - May 31, 2009
I always laughed at their commercial
where the guy with the Ovaltine cart gives a couple of kids a glass.
One kid, completely overlooking the blatantly obvious Ovaltine sign on the cart, says “Wow! This is great! Is this Nestle’s?”
I always wished the guy would point at the sign and say, “No, you idiot. It’s bleeping Ovaltine!”
Goodie1969 - May 31, 2009
I love it too.
sue369 - May 31, 2009
A secret message from Little Orphan Annie herself!
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
lol
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
my weakness Trader Joe's mango juice
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
Hawaiian Sun Pass-O-Guava Nectar for me!
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
that also sounds great
never had guana nectar…. but mango nectar is incredible.
I recently tried TJ’s mango lemonade, it’s pretty good also
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
grady sizemore to the dl
when’s the clv series in wrigley?
tim815 - May 31, 2009
June 19-21
If he comes back after only 15 games, he’ll be back before the series.
Sobenergy - May 31, 2009
Yes but we will miss Votto next weekend
I don’t ever injuries on players other than say Kyle Farnsworth but I can’t say I will be sorry Votto will not be available next weekend.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
+1
I do feel sorry for Votto. My dear old mother is going through the same right now.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
what is he on the DL for?
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
It's described as an anxiety disorder
with dizzy spells, inflamed ear canals, and general malaise brought by stress.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
Oh how horrible
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
hope he recovers
that is horrible to think of
Cubbie-Tim - May 31, 2009
You mean
He won’t hit multiple HR’s against the Cubs next week? So sad….
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Lots of anxiety related DL stints this year
Dontrelle Willis, Khalil Greene, and now Votto. It’s like the injury d’jour (along with hip tendons).
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
I'm actually glad to see it
So many people try to self medicate that kind of thing away, good to see those in the public eye get help.
Allie - May 31, 2009
+1
I’m not afraid to say how much Zoloft has helped me. I wish it had been around 30 years ago – me, my family, and my friends would have all reaped the benefits.
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
Im on something for sleep anxiety... I think its a wonder drug!
Prone to nightmares and insomia for last couple years. Finally found something last summer that worked… I totally understand .
wish they would have had me try it 5 years ago.
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
didn't realize Votto's injury was anxiety related
Unlike the other two he was doing great. Greinke has certainly overcome his anxiety problems.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
morgan and phillips
are on espn now
woo hoo
tim815 - May 31, 2009
And Hank Hill is on Fox
I’d rather not tune to that channel unless it’s absolutely necessary.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
Would love to hear Phillips explain the Cubs record now that they have more LH batters
CaliCub - May 31, 2009
I went to the Cleveland/Yankees game today...
My friend’s family are big Yanks fans so I took the hour and a half trip to Jacob’s Field, I mean Progressive. Got to see Woody get the “W” which was pretty exciting. Would have liked to see Derosa hit a little better. They had him at DH today.
Bricks and Ivy - May 31, 2009
It was a good game
Woody had good stuff.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
Sean Marshall is heading to the pen after Harden returns
I saw this on rotoworld and I’m too damn lazy to repost a link, but it looks true. I think it’s ridiculous, he is a much better starter than Wells, IMO
Chanman25 - May 31, 2009
Wells is hot
In the long run yes Marshall probably is better but they’re going to let Wells show what he can do.
jeff_pico - May 31, 2009
Shades of Dusty?
“Ridin’ the hot hand”?
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
if your riding the hot hand, you'd place Harden in the pen
n/t
Chanman25 - May 31, 2009
I saw that but let's just wait and see
FIRST Harden has to come off the DL and then you have to see how Wells and Marshall are. I think it really stupid of Lou to say this now until waiting to see about the above.
Doggie Stalker - May 31, 2009
Still too early on Wells
No one can deny he’s had a great start. But let’s see him after 3 more starts. I think it’s way too early.
I won’t take anything away from what Wells has done but it’s still a small sample size.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Also, Marshall need a break sometime
The Cubs will probably limit his innings for a month or so this year anyway. Making 30+ starts would increase his innings too much over last year. I’m OK with letting Wells finish his tour around the league, then bringing Marshall back from the pen after the Cubs acquire a reliever at the trade deadline.
cubzfan - May 31, 2009
Predictions tonight
If you had to use the 50/50 model in favor do you think ESPN will favor Cubs or Dodgers.
I say 65% focused on Dodgers and 35% on Cubs. This will fluctuate depending on the score of course after the 5th inning.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
ESPN has never favored the Cubs
as long as I’ve been watching, that is.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
They like Dempster
I’ll give them that much…
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Wow
That was a TERRIBLE interview of Fonty, Judd. TERRIBLE.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
I tend to think I'd rather put tuning forks in my ears than listen to him
Although Joe Morgan is worse
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
sure
like herpes is worse than genital warts.
drewishdrewid - May 31, 2009
Hey nerdlingers,
Check this out. SBN’s Beyond the Boxscore game thread. It could be an interesting conversation to follow along our own.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
The first couple comments....................
about how bAd ESPN is lol
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
How about us wanna be nerdlingers who would like to learn more about those thing?
Madison Cub Fan - May 31, 2009
btw
Watching baseball tonight. Wish I knew the music they used for webgems.
I would totally use it for packages I’ve cut at work lol.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
I could cut a better package
Than webgems of the month :)
Ok enough venting!
ak123 - May 31, 2009
Allie - May 31, 2009
woot! woot! woot!
Cubs in HD, Morgan be damned, chores all done… a guilt free three hours with some of the best fans on the planet. Go Cubs!
Emelie - May 31, 2009
It's on ESPN here down under... BUT..
.. not live! Sucks… will be showing the game in 3 hours… probably after its just ended…
CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) - May 31, 2009
Mexican League Soccer Final match
My lifelong team is playing for the Championship. Have a great game everyone. I’ll talk to you after 9, hopefully with a cup in tow.
chilango2 - May 31, 2009
go lifelong team!
Emelie - May 31, 2009
Nice Cold Open
Ok I trashed the web gems on ESPN but their cold open was pretty good for the game.
ak123 - May 31, 2009
dinner & tv!
later, everyone!
Allie - May 31, 2009
Chicago Cubs baseball..
… is on the air!!
CubFanInCanberra (9387milesfromWrigley) - May 31, 2009
"Hello and welcome
to ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, I’m Joe Morgan. I played for the Reds. Its been 100+ years since the Cubs won the World Series. Now to you Jon."
TCobb1911 - May 31, 2009
"I was way better than Ryne Sandberg and Ernie Banks hit all his Home Runs into the basket."
BigJohnAZ - May 31, 2009
lol! and... yeah.
Emelie - May 31, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.