Let me tell you a little story about a team replacing its hitting coach. The team in question was the 2001 White Sox, coming off a 95-win division championship season in 2000. They got off to a horrendous start -- 14-26 on May 20 -- and decided, as the Cubs did today, to fire their hitting coach.
That hitting coach was... Von Joshua, who was hired today to replace Gerald Perry as Cubs hitting coach.
Perry was a scapegoat rather than the real reason the Cubs had scored only six runs in the four-game losing streak, a streak that ended today in dramatic fashion when Ryan Theriot singled with the bases loaded and one out. The Cubs beat the Twins 3-2 and jumped up and down surrounding Theriot as if they had just won a postseason series, which was a little bit much. I guess you can forgive the Cubs some celebrating; it was their first walkoff win since May 16 vs. the Astros and the first time the strains of "Go Cubs Go" had been heard wafting over Wrigley Field at all since May 30.
I tweeted earlier today that replacing Perry with Joshua was the proverbial "rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic", which is a little overblown, of course -- the Cubs haven't played well but aren't really a sinking ship. The win today combined with the Brewers' loss to the White Sox brings the Cubs back to within 2.5 games of first place (and only one down in the loss column). The NL Central is once again becoming the "Comedy Central" -- the Brewers lost two of three to the White Sox at home; the Reds got swept by the Royals, and the Indians have a chance to take two of three from the Cardinals tonight.
Today's win was satisfying in many ways. Obviously, Von Joshua couldn't possibly have helped anyone on the team this soon after being hired, but the team had better at-bats and I was especially pleased to see Geovany Soto hit the ball hard three times; his first double, in the second inning, would likely have left the yard on another day when the wind wasn't blowing in. His single in the ninth sent Derrek Lee to third base -- that was a pretty daring move by D-Lee with the play right in front of him, but he got away with it, and that set up the intentional walk to Mike Fontenot, followed by Theriot's game-winning hit, the type of hit we have become accustomed to seeing him hit over the last couple of years, going to right field with a pitch up and out over the plate. In the postgame press conference Theriot credited Lee with "carrying us on our backs" the last couple of weeks; Lee's two hits today moved him up to .278/.360/.444 and I don't hear any calls to move him down in the lineup any more, do you? He's also got a 13-game hitting streak and has reached base in 23 straight games.
All of this was after Ted Lilly and Scott Baker had matching outstanding outings as starting pitchers. Baker gave the Cubs a pair of runs in seven; Lilly managed to get to two out in the eighth with that same pair allowed (one on Carlos Gomez's first HR of the year, a ball that was really pounded and that might have wound up on Waveland on another day). Lou was clearly trying to get Ted through the eighth to see if the Cubs could get him his 8th win, and I'm not so sure I'd have let him pitch to Delmon Young. At this point the team need wins any way they can get them, and individual stats need to take a back seat.
Watching the Twins play is like attending a baseball clinic. I don't think I have seen all year, and maybe not in several, a team as fundamentally sound as the Twins. With the hitters they have, their pitching must be awful for them to be only a .500 club; Joe Mauer is a hitting machine (now at .412) and about 20 plate appearances short of qualifying to appear on the leaderboards. The uncontested stolen base that Gomez took in the second inning clearly had to be setting up exactly what happened -- Nick Punto's perfect bunt single that scored Gomez -- and even though many of us in the stands and probably everyone in the Cubs dugout knew what was coming, the Twins executed it perfectly and scored a run after two were out and no one on base. The Cubs could take a lesson from this kind of execution.
It's hard to imagine that changing one coach would make all the difference for the Cubs' sinking offense, although I posted on this site in favor of promoting him from Iowa three years ago -- that link also, coincidentally, happens to be the recap of the famous Michael Barrett-A. J. Pierzynski fight game. Joshua is well-respected by the organization, especially those who came up in the system with him as the hitting coach at Triple-A, where he has been since 2006 (and at Double-A since then). The current Cubs who have had him in the minors as hitting coach are: Soto, Theriot, Fontenot and Micah Hoffpauir.
If he can do anything with Aaron Miles, it will be a miracle. Miles had three poor at-bats and again mishandled a ball in the field. Can we please see Andres Blanco out there every day? At least he can field his position.
That's the only complaint I have from a nice day's win, with fewer and less noisy Twins fans in attendance. Keep the faith. This is still shaping up as a winnable NL Central for the Cubs.
0 recs | 327 comments
Nice win
Let’s make it a trend.
Reddevil - June 14, 2009
Finally....
I was really beginning to wonder. It seemed like a month.
mrcubsfan - June 14, 2009
Whew!
Feels good to see a win today-let’s keep it going versus the ChiSox
cubswgnrocks - June 14, 2009
All 3 games are on WGN, so EVERYONE can share in the revelry.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Just FYI...
… Tuesday & Thursday are with Len & Bob on WGN, Wednesday’s WGN game is with the Sox announcers.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
yeah
that’ll be a radio day. Only one’s a night game anyway…
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
Stupid night games on Tuesday
Grr.
Allie - June 14, 2009
This is the 21st century. Teams do play games at night.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 14, 2009
Sure
And I usually like night games.
But Tuesdays make me grumpy, b/c I’m stuck in a drafty 4H barn from 6 until almost 9.
Allie - June 14, 2009
I feel your pain. I have to work on Tuesday night.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 14, 2009
Me too. But I'll be done by 9pm edt, so I'll catch some of the game :)
Zeke - June 14, 2009
I obviously dislike the White Sox...
so I’m biased, but I don’t think there is a worse announcer in baseball than Ken Harrelson. Every time I hear “He Gone!” I want to throw a grammer book at my tv.
I’m sure he’s a nice guy and all, but damn it if he doesn’t drive me crazy. And of course there’s this.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
I'm in the minority because I like Hawk
Not because he does any sort of a good job, but because I am very amused by both his ups and downs. Hearing him go nuts in anger over balls and strikes is hilarious and so is him having a Hawk-gasm after every Sox homer.
Actually yes he is the worst announcer around, but I still like hearing him.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
I imagine some Cubs fans will tune in to WGN on Wednesday because of Steve Stone.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
Stone is becoming annoying to me
I heard him today semi-mocking the Cubs for not keep Casee McGee. Earlier this season he said Milton and DeWayne wise are comparable players.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
It's no secret I like Stone...
…but him and Hawk together are terrible. Those two huge egos do not mesh well.
cubswynn - June 14, 2009
really?
Who?
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
I think of Hawk as the Santo of the Sox
If you’re a Cub fan, you love Santo on the radio… If you’re not (or sometimes, even if you are) you wish he did more besides moan.
Hawk’s pretty much that guy, just on TV.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Yeah, he's an "old crazy" as my friend calls them
They are best served being the color guy. Mike Shannon in STL is similar as well.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
One thing I love about my fellow Sox fans ...
… is that they’re not afraid to call out The Hawk, as they did here.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Great; we're not afraid to call out Santo.
Shanghai Badger - June 14, 2009
When? Where?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
what
are your vaunted BCB search abilities deserting you?
There are plenty of people here who don’t like Santo. They all seem to like “Hawk” less, tho.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
Exactly
I don’t like Santo on the radio at all, but I dislike Hawk even more.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Do you every use the user search feature?
DrCrawdad - June 15, 2009
every = ever
DrCrawdad - June 15, 2009
I've used it a coupla times.
But for, you know, substantive discussion, not “YOU SAID WHITE SOX!”
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
It is substantive...
… when the Cubbie fan poster claims that they never comment on the Sox. It proves their lying hypocrisy.
DrCrawdad - June 15, 2009
Made you look
Shanghai Badger - June 15, 2009
As well, even in my posts above...
I joked about Santo lack of eloquence, which should hint to you how we view Ronnie. And while I know you won’t accept taking my word for it, I think it’s pretty common around here that we acknowledge Santo’s homer-ism, sometimes cluelessness, etc. (which again, I even noted in the post that you first criticized).
The difference in my mind though is that Santo is merely a color-man. Hawk is play-by-play.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
I routinely call out Santo's broadcasting
As Drew said, what happened to your search abilities?
Shanghai Badger - June 15, 2009
Look at that
You got a whole bunch of new kids to play with. Good for you!
For posterity’s sake:
Clutch16 - June 15, 2009
It's not even really the homerism that bothers me...
‘cause you’re right, I find Santo’s to be endearing. For me, it’s really just his stupid catch-phrases and inability to use proper English. I can’t help but think of all the lil’ kids out there who will one day use “He gone” in job interviews when they grow up… :)
(Though I will admit that Santo isn’t exactly the Bard either.)
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Listening to Hawk is like wiggling a loose tooth.
Sometimes you can’t just can’t resist the pain.
daver - June 14, 2009
BUT JUST REMEMBER....
It’s only one game,,,,You have to tune the Hawk out……Yes we wish the HAWK was gone..
cubs north - June 14, 2009
This again?
My god, 48 hours before the first ’09 Crosstown Classic game begins and the bitching about THE Hawk has begun already.
If bad grammar upsets you, I imagine you hate Ron Santo.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Ol' Diz knows the King's English
He knows the Queen’s English, too.
Shanghai Badger - June 14, 2009
well
this is sort of a Cubs blog. You might find a few people here who don’t like the Hawk. Too bad.
LT - June 14, 2009
PSST...
… You don’t have to listen to the crazy old man.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Well technically I do...
if I want to watch the game on tv.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
The mute button exists for a reason.
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
You could watch a game on mute?
The silence would drive me crazy (even more crazy than Harrelson would make me).
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Just crank some tunes while you watch.
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
or put WGN radio
on at the same time.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
If you are outside Chicago, they won't sync up.
Al Yellon - June 15, 2009
even if you're in Chicago
they don’t sync up. But it’s better than the alternative.
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
Are you talking about you or Hawk
or are you the same person? Has anyone ever seen the two of you in the same place??
LT - June 15, 2009
Ronnie...
Uses verbs. I consider this to be a plus.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Um, oh, ah & da?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
see
now here’s where you’ve made your mistake. Santo is a homer, we all agree. He’s not terribly talented in the radio booth, we all agree — although I think his analysis has been getting better, not worse.
But he’s OUR homer. And we don’t come to your site to diss your guy. Of course, you don’t seem to go to your site much at all…
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
who snores with n's?
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
They're dyslexic
Allie - June 14, 2009
Bad grammar is only the beginning when it comes to Hawk.
daver - June 15, 2009
Then that's the day
I hope Mets or Yankees are playing a day game.
There’s no chance I’ll get to watch WGN at work if they’re on.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
And the seagulls gather to pay homage to one Theodore Roosevelt Lilly...
ballhawk - June 14, 2009
Hmm. Dress those lines, mister!
Sloppy formation. Ted would NOT be pleased.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
very nice
That brought on a fit of hysterical laughter
burncruisin - June 14, 2009
That was a real nice win
Felt good, felt real good.
I’m really happy to see that Soto might have found some sort of power stroke again. He needs to keep it up (not his weight) because that is key to this offense.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
two complaints beyond Miles
Soriano and Fukudome looked pretty terrible.
Otherwise, great, great win.
elgato - June 14, 2009
Yeah those three are the new axis of evil
At least with Soriano history says he will do better. With Fukudome, who knows how low he goes. Miles just needs to go away he is without question the worst player in baseball.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Soriano
has to get going, enough already.
Grockcubs - June 14, 2009
It's terrible.
cubswynn - June 14, 2009
I liked Soriano's first AB
Hitting the ball hard to RF is a good sign, if he can do more of it.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Soriano cost the Cubs a run, too.
That double in the second inning looked catchable from aisle 228, row 20.
Shanghai Badger - June 14, 2009
This game didn't really deviate from the...
…“all pitch, little score” pattern the Cubs have established – and which cost Gerald Perry his job. But, hey, a win’s a win. I’m not going to complain.
By the way, Al, you wrote “Dmitri Young” in your recap – naturally, you meant his brother Delmon.
daver - June 14, 2009
Man, those Youngs are confusing.
I could have written “Delwyn”, too, even though he’s not related. I’ll fix it.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
I've made that mistake, too.
And I never mind reading the name Dmitri Young – always thought that guy was fun to watch play the game.
daver - June 14, 2009
Nice recap, Al
Today’s pregame thread might have been the most vile and depressing I’ve ever read. I realize these are trying times, but if the Cubs are upsetting you this much, it’s better to just walk away for a while.
For that matter, maybe it’s time for a suspension of all the rebuilding talk, trading away all the key parts of the team, etc. 2.5 games out with 102 to play doesn’t exactly put you in selling mode. As long as the pitching is this good, the Cubs have more than a ghost of a chance.
Things haven’t gone swimmingly this year, but maybe everybody got spoiled by how easy it all seemed last year. I saw some hopeful things today. We’ll see if they take hold against those yokels from the South Side (although I admit I was pulling for them today, despite Hawk acting like they just won Game 7 of the World Series).
As Al might say, onward.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
very well said
ambrosiadreams - June 14, 2009
and the Cards are being no-hit by Lee and the Indians as I type
2-0 Indians through 7 innings
flachimesa - June 14, 2009
I'm glad I wasn't
home to be in the threads today then.
sue369 - June 14, 2009
It got better once the game actually started
But yesterday’s loss left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
The Twins play baseball the way it is meant to be played.
TEAM. FUNDAMENTALS. SMART.
No me, me, me.
Their first run was a thing of beauty.
This is why year after year, they get the most out of their limited resources – playing in a smaller market and in a terrible ballpark. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next year when the Target Center opens.
Why they aren’t higher in the ALC standings, I don’t know. But the Tigers appreciate it.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Having Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau
helps maximize those limited resources too. I don’t know that there is a better hitter in the game right now than Joe Mauer.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
He sure looked it this weekend. Sweet swing.
And sure, it helps to have players of that caliber. KEEPING them is always the trick in places like Minnesota, Pittsburgh, KC, etc.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Well if the Twins can't keep him
I sure would love to see him playing on the Cubs.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
+1
Zeke - June 14, 2009
It seems like
the Twins want to keep Mauer, Morneau, Cuddyer and Nathan for the long haul, then mix and match everywhere else.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
You do worse than having that kind of foundation
Allie - June 14, 2009
Funny. My home inspector said the same thing to me one time.
daver - June 14, 2009
YEah
You COULD do worse.
I…. have no excuse for that.
Allie - June 14, 2009
My good friend is a Twins fan.
He keeps me posted and says outside of Nathan they have had bullpen issues. They are 11-21 on the road I believe.
But they draft well, trade well, and coach well.
Grockcubs - June 14, 2009
Yeah, Len said this was only their second road series win this season.
Hard to believe.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Their bullpen is weak
Their starters are OK. But I love the way the position players play.
The Twins are my favorite AL team. Big Rod Carew fan when I was a kid, and big Kirby Puckett fan as an adult.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
I guess what I like most about the Twins is that they simply respect the game and play it like it's SUPPOSED to be played.
Refreshing in this day and age.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Yes
and they make the most out of limited resources. McPhail was not a good boss in Chicago, but he was a wunderkind in Minnesota. And Terry Ryan probably was even better.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
It is amazing
The Cubs have had the worst hitting month in my memory, and sit 2.5 back, incredible. Maybe 86 wins will win the division.
Something has to give with Soriano, is he hurt? or is he just clueless at the plate right now? And Dome has to take a break, give Reed some starts.
Just glad to see Soto rip the ball.
Lets have a good run Cubs.
Grockcubs - June 14, 2009
The thing I noticed
Was that DLee really came across as the teams leader today and I like that. The guy is back to being a “professional hitter” the last couple weeks.
That ninth inning was a great display of what the team can accomplish. Plus, they scored in three different innings which has been a rarity.
This is a good win to take into a series with the White Sox!
ak123 - June 14, 2009
I have a hard time writing this, but thanks to A. J. Pierzynski.
His hit gave the Sox the lead and win vs. the Brewers.
He’s still a jerk.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Yes, he is
but today he was “our” jerk.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Im looking forward to that series.
I’ve got tix to the wednesday game and i can’t wait to see what happens at that game. i wouldn’t mind seeing soto take a whack or two at a.j. i’m not promoting violence but i really do not like that guy. that commercial with him and the whole left hand thing? was that supposed to be funny? it made him look like more of a jerk than normal. and thats quite an accomplishment
Chicago White Sux - June 14, 2009
I used to be of the "he's a jerk" mentality
then I met the guy before a game and talked with him for awhile. Really really nice, pleasant and very engaging. Of course, it probably helped I was wearing a Florida basketball shirt… ;-)
Sure he’s quite the little instigator and annoying s.o.b. on the field, but until Soto came out of nowhere, I wouldn’t have minded AJ coming in to take over catching duties. Sometimes being a jerk is ok if – as NBF pointed out above – he’s our jerk.
ballhawk - June 14, 2009
I like him on the radio
He’s on the drive time show on ESPNradio once a week or something. He’s actually really funny and comes across as smart.
Allie - June 14, 2009
I think A.J. is a pretty sharp guy
and he knows exactly what he’s doing. If he’s on your team, you love him. If he isn’t, you hate him. He can handle the criticism.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Exactly.
The only place he didn’t get along was San Francisco, which is why they let him leave via free agency after having sent Joe Nathan AND two others to the Twins for him — one of the best deals in Twins history.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
Francisco Liriano
was in that deal, too.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Even better for the Twins.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
I always enjoyed mentioning that trade...
to my friends in San Francisco. For some reason, they never found it as amusing… :)
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
you need to read more about him
his teammates don’t “love him” in fact quite a few of them dislike him. They tolerate him because he’s fairly productive for a catcher. Think Jeff Kent
WanderingWanderer - June 14, 2009
That's not right!
Jeff Kent is said to be a racist J.F. AJ is no Jeff Kent. Bad comparison.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
I think you're right.
The main difference is that some of his teammates and most opponents dislike him.
I’ve never read a positive reported item about Kent the person and his relationship to his teammates. I’ve posted before the NYT article about Kent in the minors.
N Oakley - June 15, 2009
Kinda like Bill Laimbeer, eh?
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Good comparison...
… but IIRC Laimbeer was a dirty player at times, AJ is not dirty. Irritant to opponents? Yes.
But the comparison to Laimbeer is a good one in that if he’s your guy you love him. AJ does make mistakes, but he’s a very alert, smart baseball player. And AJ’s a good baserunner too, in spite of not having great speed.
As Al observed, and it’s what I’ve respected about the Twins is that they have a baseball factory. Guys that come up with the Twins know how to play baseball. AJ is from that system.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
there are plenty of guys who think AJ is dirty
WanderingWanderer - June 14, 2009
"Plenty?" Name them.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Michael Barrett
nji232 - June 14, 2009
What?
Barrett took a (wussy) sucker punch at AJ. Later Barrett even admitted that AJ didn’t do anything wrong.
Try again.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
Lol
I don’t know why it flashed Onedec when he isn’t involved, but I don’t care, that makes it that much more awesome.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Why is this so fun to watch?
I don’t even remember that game…
Allie - June 14, 2009
I'm pretty sure I didn't see the game at all
but this is a great thing to watch…
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
I remember the game
and this clip never gets old.
sue369 - June 15, 2009
I do too.
And the next game, Barrett had a horrible game until he had a huge triple in the 8th (I believe).
cubswynn - June 16, 2009
I love the one with Barrett fighting with Zambrano.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Me too
Z kicked the crap out of that little punk.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Michael Barrett how quickly he went from Cubbie hero to the dearly departed.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
He was never a Cub hero.
The team did absolutely nothing while he was here. They won AFTER he left and it’s no coincidence. He stinks at catching.
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
BS! Barrett was celebrated as though he helped his team win a World Series...
… oh, sorry that’s what AJ Pierzynski did.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
I have no idea what you're talking about.
The Cubs never even went to the playoffs when Barrett was with the Cubs.
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
Not by anyone I know
Allie - June 14, 2009
With all due respect, where have you been?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
NW Indiana
Surrounded by WS fans, actually.
I’m the only Cub fan left alive in my family.
But of the Cub fans I know, no one celebrated Barrett as anything other than a guy with a decent right hook and a really crappy catcher.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Once Barrett started showing who he was, he was far from celebrated
It was a cheap shot on AJ, and I was happy to see him go after that
BleedsbluinMI - June 14, 2009
Cubbie fans celebrated Barrett as a folk hero for his weasel sucker-punch, and man still do.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
man=many
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Not true. I'm a Cubs fan and did not celebrate it
Maybe you didn’t read my post. It was a cheap shot and he needed to go. Please don’t tell me what I and other Cub’s fans thought about it.
BleedsbluinMI - June 14, 2009
ummm....
Many. Not all.
TDubb - June 15, 2009
I guess
But none that I know.
YMMV.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Oh, brother
So now that you’re not getting a rise from the group out of your usual material, it’s time to make stuff up, I see.
Shanghai Badger - June 15, 2009
there's a difference between appreciating
a one-time success and turning someone into a folk hero.
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
Escobar, pitcher with the Angels
(He throws at him everytime he faces him after the ’05 ALCS)
You may not think it was a dirty play but Escobar CLEARLY thinks it was a dirty play.
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
What did AJ do in the '05 ALCS that was dirty?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
I'm not saying he did anything dirty.
You asked what players think AJ is dirty and Escobar thinks he is dirty.
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
How do you know what Escobar thinks?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Are you supposing he throws at him all the time...
Because he thinks he plays the game the right way?
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Now this is silly.
YOU asked the question. He throws at AJ every chance he gets. Do you think he’s just saying hello?
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
Nuthin' like a little chin music
to say hello!
Allie - June 14, 2009
Maybe Escobar is a sore loser.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Then WHY doesn't he throw at any other White Sox?
Joe Crede hit the double to score the run and he doesn’t throw at him!
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
How many times has Escobar thrown at AJ?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Since, I don't follow the White Sox,
I haven’t been keeping count. Since you’re a Sox expert, I’m sure you have that information at hand.
There is a Sox site on SBN, I bet there are plenty of White Sox fans who have the information you are seeking. Since this is a Cubs site, we really don’t chronicle the team on the southside.
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
When pressed...
… for proof of your assertion run, dodge and turn the table.
You made the assertion, apparently based on BS, and can’t provide a shred of proof.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
I'm confused
What are you guys even arguing about anymore?
Allie - June 14, 2009
cowsarecool220 vs. cowsarecool220
cowsarecool220, were you following the Sox to make this observation? If not, what was it based on?
So you don’t follow the Sox? Then clearly your observation on Escobar throwing at AJ is bullshit.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
I follow BASEBALL!
You asked a question and I answered it. However, I do not have quotes from players at hand nor can I give you dates of games where these incidents happened.
However, I DO have general baseball knowledge of MLB teams. And yes, I do recall a couple of incidents after the 2005 ALCS.
cowsarecool220 - June 15, 2009
Let it go
Who the hell cares?
You appear to want to argue just for the sake of arguing. Yours is not the only valid opinion.
BleedsbluinMI - June 14, 2009
"Just give me some truth"
The poster makes a claim then when pressed for proof resorts to a dodge.
It’s revealing when the poster claims to have an informed observation about the Sox but later disavows that.
‘I said I knew something about the Sox, but I don’t know (Richard) about them actually.’
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
OK. I take it upon myself to proclaim:
DrCrawdad is now hereby the desginated AJ Pierzynski expert on this site. His opinions are not to be challenged.
You win. Let’s move on.
BleedsbluinMI - June 14, 2009
Kind of like how you know so much about what Cub fans think of Michael Barrett
Apparently, you can read the minds of an ENTIRE FAN BASE, but cowsarecool can’t infer what Escobar thinks.
Neat!
Shanghai Badger - June 15, 2009
DrCrawdad - June 15, 2009
now that's
some irony right there.
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
Well, that's irrefutable logic.
Shanghai Badger - June 15, 2009
Don't even bother
You did what he asked and he won’t admit you did it.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Escobar supposedly throws at AJ AND he supposedly ...
… does this because you claim to know what Escobar thinks.
Do you have any proof or substantiation for this claim? How about a quote? Anything other than your abilities as a mind reader?
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Examples do not back the claim that AJ is dirty.
AJ is an irritant, clearly, but dirty? I don’t ever remember hearing that. Nothing between AJ and Escobar falls anything near the category of dirty and certainly nothing like Bill Laimbeer’s antics.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
What exactly are you hoping to get out of this?
And if you would prefer something more easily cited, why not acknowledge that I already mentioned about Justin Morneau and Ron Gardenhire going off that Pierzynskis was dirty to the umps and press after he twice tried to cleate Morneau while running down the line to first…
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Examples of the "plenty" of players...
… who think AJ is dirty. There have been examples of contested plays but none where AJ did anything dirty.
This is a discussion group. When people assert something as a fact, they should be able to back that up.
So how did AJ try to cleat Morneau twice on one play?
If it’s the Twins complaining, take it that they don’t like their tactics used against them.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
It was two different plays...
For an article on the affair, see here.
The article seems to make clear (both in what is said, and what is implied) that the Twins don’t much like AJ’s manner of play. It’s irrelevent whether they’re right; they believe they are.
Look, I get that you refuse to believe that Pierzynski is actually dirty. That’s your prerogative and you may be right. But there are plenty of stories out there than indicate that many people think he breaks unwritten rules (ie is dirty). Asking us to supply a detailed list of every one of them is unrealistic and silly; all the moreso if you refuse to accept examples in lieu of an exhaustive list.
Which is why there really isn’t any point in our continuing arguing about it…
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
One example proof of plenty?
Yeah, it’s damn crazy to demand that there be examples to back-up an assertion, an assertion made as though it were a fact.
So far “plenty” is the tenuous example of a play involving Morneau. They didn’t like the play, no one in the article said nor intimated that this play was dirty.
DrCrawdad - June 14, 2009
Really?
This is really that important to you? Whether or not AJ is dirty? WHO CARES???
It won’t matter what “proof” or examples someone gives, you have your mind made up. That’s fine, why keep arguing it?
BleedsbluinMI - June 14, 2009
Apparently he was asking a rhetorical question.
cowsarecool220 - June 15, 2009
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
Last season his fellow players could have voted him into the ASG
They didn’t for a reason, I’ll bet a number of them think he is rather dirty.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
I'm pretty sure Justin Morneau and Ron Gardenhire do...
After that cleating attempt a couple years ago…
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Joshua cerainly couldn't
have helped today, since he hadn’t arrived from Iowa yet.
These are the things you miss by being at the game and not watching on TV, Al! :-)
Josh Timmers - June 14, 2009
LOL
Look how good a job he did without even being there!
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
The Von Joshua factor
cubswgnrocks - June 14, 2009
oh boy, I can sense an onslaught of Joshuaisms ahead...
Von Joshua once advanced a runner by just thinking about hitting it to right field
ballhawk - June 14, 2009
Only after Ted Lilly showed him how to do that.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
I call shennagians
Lou’s now brought in ANOTHER LHH.
The handedness must stop.
Allie - June 14, 2009
The Brewers, BTW,
went 1-5 on their homestand.
This division is eminently winnable.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Yeah, the entire division is pretty craptastic right now, I agree with you.
Rob Neyer posted the other day about how even the Astros have a chance at this point. Astros!
dtpollitt - June 14, 2009
That's pretty scary given the state of their pitching staff.
And a reason they probably won’t deal Miguel Tejada, at least not right now.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
The Cubs couldn't touch Russ Ortiz
but I read where he had pitched 18 scoreless innings in a row, including that game. Obviously, he wasn’t just vexing the Cubs.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Most of those were in relief
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
Still
18 innings is 18 innings. Gotta count for something.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
You bet
But tossing one inning of relief in 7 games is different than tossing 7 innings in one game. In the latter scenario, the batters get a chance to face the pitcher again, presumably after he’s already shown them his good stuff and may be tiring. That’s a luxury that most batters don’t get against your typical reliever.
I’m just wondering what happened with Ortiz – he was washed up, finished, kaput, done when the Braves gave up on him in disgust, and he certainly wasn’t changing any minds about that assessment in Houston when he first showed up there. He gets shoved in the ‘pen, and all of a sudden he’s unhittable. I just don’t get it.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
The Astros always do better in the second half
But the fact no one has run away with this division is a good thing.
Now if we could get on a roll and start putting pressure on everyone else….
Allie - June 14, 2009
At this moment...
… 22 of the 30 teams are within six games of a playoff spot.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
All Cubs need to do
Is win 3 more games than anyone else in the division. That’s not the most difficult thing to do…
ak123 - June 14, 2009
I'll take one more game than anyone else right now.
mrcubsfan - June 14, 2009
Had the same thought
but given that we’re 2.5 games back, we need to win 3 more than the leader does, from this point forward.
ChipSet - June 14, 2009
Seriously, how many of us knew Theriot was going to hit a ball to the right side?
It’s gonna be either:
1 – A chopper to the middle of the right side, forcing the 2B to move to his left
or
2 – A bloop single right over the 2B head.
dtpollitt - June 14, 2009
Or he was going to do what he's been doing
swinging for the fences and striking out with a huge swing.
Like that first swing of that AB? Hoff-like hugeness. But he shortened up. More of that, please, Ryan. :-)
Allie - June 14, 2009
Totally agreed!
Ryan did exactly what he needed to do in that situation: put the ball in play to the right side. Of course, I’m sure Von Joshua told him to – telepathically, of course.
daver - June 14, 2009
EXACTLY!
There is a time and place for a HR swing and likewise a normal, go with the pitch swing. Theriot is probably so juiced by the HR’s that he thinks he’s The Machine! I keed I keed…
BigJohnAZ - June 14, 2009
Good win today.
nice to see them come up with some clutch hits and not have to take it into extras.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
Im so happy to see the W
This team has been spiraling a little this week. D. Lee has been a rock for this team.
jkobus - June 14, 2009
D.Lee..
This wasn’t something you could’ve expected to hear around here last month… :) Wherever we fell in that debate, I think we all can agree we’re happy that the circumstances have changed.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Well, I'm glad the debate is over
That stuff brought out some of the worst of BCB.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
What about the Z being a pitcher argument
jkobus - June 14, 2009
That was one thread
DLee was a month’s worth.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
What about the Theriot being a SS argument?
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
Still ongoing, AFAIC
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
People are still claiming that he is?
Shanghai Badger - June 14, 2009
Lou remains convinced
Lord knows why.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Well, he HAS looked confused lately
Shanghai Badger - June 15, 2009
With Johan's meltdown today
Ted is moving up the ranks to start the ASG. Just got to keep winning.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Matt Cain would like to have a word with Ted.
Much as I like Lilly, it looks like Cain is the All-Star starter unless he falters.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
Cain is really really good
If Ted doesn’t start, he still only probably throws 2 innings. That’s fine with me.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Well Ted will have to do something about that
I still think he has some work to do, but he is moving up the list.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Chad Billingsley might have a bit of a claim, too.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
Dan Haren too
Allie - June 14, 2009
Haren's been a hard luck loser so far this year
he could have 4 more wins, easy.
BigJohnAZ - June 14, 2009
I'm happy to say that I had the foresight...
to draft Lilly, Billingsley, and Cain this year in my fantasy team. Yes, yes, I know I’m a genius. :-p
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
If Soriano makes the ASG
And Lilly isn’t chosen to pitch that would be a damn shame.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
I'm sure Lilly will get picked if he keeps pitching like this.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
How about Ozzie's comments about playing at Wrigley? I'm not sure if he feels that
way or if he does it just to stir up shit. It’s really kind of tiring by now. He makes some comment about how lousy Wrigley is, the sportswriters pickup on it and make a big deal, the fans go crazy. How about a new act?
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 14, 2009
if he doesn't like playing here
they can forfeit the games.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
Yeah, I'm tired of it, too.
It’s clearly gamesmanship, and the Cubs (and the MSM sportswriters) should just ignore him.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
I agree.
He does it every year. Boring.
daver - June 14, 2009
Chris Osgood is managing the Sox?
Woah.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Holy crap the Rockies have won 11 straight.
Why don’t we get to play the Mariners?
daver - June 14, 2009
It's not all vs. Seattle, you know.
The Rockies also swept the Cardinals and Brewers during their streak. On the road.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
I guess they should have dumped Hurdle long ago.
willie mays hayes' gloves - June 14, 2009
That's why they're my new BFF.
Seriously, I draw a little hope from their streak. I mean, they looked pretty awful earlier this season. The Padres ripped off quite a win streak at one point, too. I hope the Cubs have one in them.
daver - June 14, 2009
Why don't the Cubs get to play the Royals?
When was the last time they played each other? Not the last time the two Centrals went at it.
That’s what I don’t like about interleague play. It can be unfair.
The Reds, for example, played last year in Toronto. Made sense, since the NL Central played the AL East. But this year, the Reds are playing in Toronto again. Why?
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Cardinals played the Tigers three years in a row I think
Some strange scheduling thing.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
And again this year.
The Tigers play the Pirates, Cards, Brewers and Cubs this year. Cubs fans would do well to root, root, root for the tabbies!
Zeke - June 14, 2009
The interleague schedules for some teams make no sense.
The White Sox are playing the NL Central… but not the Cardinals. Instead, they get the Dodgers.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
The problem is the NL Central has 6 teams.
The rest of the divisions have 5 (with the AL West havng 4) teams.
cowsarecool220 - June 14, 2009
Yet another example of the MLB conspiracy to keep the Cubs out of the WS!
We have to beat out 5 other teams for a division title while everyone else only has to beat 4.
Damn “The Man”! And Chico too for that matter.
“The Man” is always trying to keep us down.
Bummer dude.
Zeke - June 14, 2009
Power to the people! WORKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!
Zeke - June 14, 2009
if there were a conspiracy
there would be at least one good team in our division
tim815 - June 14, 2009
Its possible.....
That the schedule makers had a 50th year anniversary of 59’ World Series match up in mind thus they play LA instead of the Cardinals. Its too bad too since a SoX vs. Cards match up would have likely been played in StL thus encouraging me to make a trip down there.
Big Ed Walsh - June 14, 2009
Not sure that would've helped us.
KC just swept the Reds.
daver - June 14, 2009
KC always does really good in interleague games
Or so my Royals fans friends claim. Idk about the actual numbers, but they do seem to raise their game against the NL.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
In 2006...
… when they lost 100 games, the Royals were 10-8 in interleague.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
I believe the Royals also won
the series against the Cardinals last year.
If you’re going to play a division in interleague, then play it (except if you have a natural rival). In Cincy’s case, if they had to play Toronto again, why not have the Blue Jays go to Cincinnati this time?
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Stop using logic!
Don’t you know MLB doesn’t operate that way? :-P
Allie - June 14, 2009
I'm sure that AL folks...
wouldn’t say they raised their game. They’d just say it illustrates the disperity between the two leagues. (I’m not endorsing that viewpoint, btw.. But I guess you could argue that’s a possibility).
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
AL has smarter front offices
than the NL.
pretty much across the board.
about the only nl teams that value their minors properly are the dodgers, marlins, and brewers.
no bosox, twins, angels, rays, etc…
tim815 - June 14, 2009
wait developing your own talent is important?
I thought you just handed out big contracts to other teams talent
nji232 - June 14, 2009
oh, yeah. you're right
and bunting is for wussies
tim815 - June 14, 2009
The unbalanced schedule stuff is weird
And interleague is now forcing them to invent some kind of rivalry. In the bigger markets with 2 teams, they’re natural/easy… but, its weird.
Allie - June 14, 2009
I was at a Cubs/Royals game in KC in 1998
I don’t remember then playing since then but I imagine thay had to have played in 2001.
burncruisin - June 14, 2009
I remember them playing in KC that year, too
Not sure about 2001.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Cubs and Royals played a series each year from 1997-2001, but not since.
1997, 1999 and 2001 were at Wrigley. 1998 and 2000 were in KC.
Cubs have won 9 of the 15 — 3-3 in KC, 6-3 at Wrigley.
Al Yellon - June 14, 2009
Thanks, Al
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Cubs at KC is a series I want to go to someday
It’s kind of strange – I’m not from KC, I don’t root for the Royals, and I have absolutely zero connections to that part of the country. Yet I think it would be neat to see the Cubs play the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. It just seems like a nice, pastoral place with a mellow Midwest atmosphere. Of course I could be totally wrong but that’s the impression I get.
CaliCub - June 14, 2009
It is
I haven’t seen the remodeled version of Kauffman, but I liked the old one quite a bit. I’ve heard the new version is pretty nice. Used to go there a lot when I lived in Columbia, Mo., which is about two hours away.
I’d like to go to a Cubs series in KC sometime, too. I can’t believe it’s been so long since they’ve played there. Aside from the stadium, KC is a great city. The Plaza area is pretty, and the Negro Leagues museum is supposed to be outstanding. Plus you can’t beat the barbecue.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
It's a gorgeous stadium. The $250M they threw into the renovations was money well spent. I've been three times thus far in 2009.
dtpollitt - June 15, 2009
Kauffman is a great stadium
Although the nicest stadium that I’ve seen the Cubs play in on the road is Camden Yards. That stadium is absolutely stunning, with the warehouse in the right field backdrop and Babe Ruth’s childhood home is very near, I heard a rumor the ball park is built on the spot but I don’t think that is true. If you ever get there, Boog’s Barbecue has the greatest stadium food of all time.
burncruisin - June 16, 2009
and they're still 10.5 games out of first
makes one even more grateful that the Cubs, despite their poor start, are just 2.5 games from the top of the division.
Bill Potter - June 14, 2009
This just in from @STATS_MLB:
daver - June 14, 2009
That can't be right
Didn’t he get the game winning hit in Rich Harden’s first start as a Cub?
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Impossible.
@STATS_MLB is never wrong.
Seriously, I don’t recall that game exactly – it would be worth looking up.
daver - June 14, 2009
I was wrong
Reed Mantle got that hit
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Thats what they said on SportsCenter too
I know he’s scored a GW run before…
Allie - June 14, 2009
He's had others
But they were in extra innings.
He got the walkoff hit for the Cubs to win their 10,000 game last year. Kerry Wood was winning pitcher vs. Colorado.
Check it, I’m 99% sure I’m right on this and I haven’t looked it up.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
Wait now that I think about it
That game might have been away lol.
I’m so glad I didn’t write I’m 100% I’m right on this.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
Like I said...
…don’t mess with @STATS_MLB. They’re like the Borg.
daver - June 14, 2009
They win!
Plus I’m fine with Aramis getting all the walkoffs when he returns next month. Those are more exciting.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
Didn't Wood notch the save in that one?
Not sure if it was home or away, but an S kinda guarantees there wasn’t a walk-off.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
It was a win
And I was wrong, it was away. I think Marmol got the save that game.
But I definitely know that Wood got the win because everyone felt after that game it was only fitting his name would be attached to that victory.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
Gotcha.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
Does anyone know if CSN will have a special on the Crosstown series tomorrow night?
I thought I read that somewhere but verification would be good
cubswgnrocks - June 14, 2009
I think it was supposed to be from 7-10 CT?
cubswgnrocks - June 14, 2009
Btw Al...
The only area where I disagree with your recap is about the Cubs celebrating the win. I thought it was encouraging that they could show that level of enthusiam after how much they’ve struggled. Clearly they still care.
In a related sense, I also liked seeing Soriano cheering on his teammates during their at-bats, despite his struggles. I even saw Milton smiling at one point.
Anyway, the jumping up and down didn’t strike me personally as tacky and over-done. (Though again, I’m not exactly impartial…)
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
It's pretty much de rigeur for every team nowadays when a walkoff occurs.
I agree – the Cubs need to seize on any little lift they can get right now. Personally, I thought it was a little ridiculous when the Astros did it the second time Blum came through. But, like I said, everyone does it.
daver - June 14, 2009
I also thought the celebration
was over-the-top, but all teams do this now. Everything is to be celebrated. Linebackers dance, WR’s sign the goalpost, etc.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - June 14, 2009
And that's why I rarely watch the NFL and NBA
BigJohnAZ - June 14, 2009
As a huge NHL fan
I’m now a bit bothered by some of the goal celebrations. Hockey used to be somewhat immune from over-the-top antics. Patrick Kane seems to be following the lead of Sergei Federov — but Kane isn’t as bad — yet. Federov’s juvenile jump-at-the-glass and then slide-to-center-ice-while-furiously-pumping is just way too much for one damn goal.
Gale Sayers once said that when you score a touchdown, act like you’ve been there before. But that era is gone. Only LaDanian Tomlinson seems to ‘get it.’ He — for the most part, anyway — after scoring, just hands the ball to an official, if one is close.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - June 14, 2009
Marvin is similar to LT in the way that he handles his TD's
cubswgnrocks - June 15, 2009
Even though the Cubs celebration today didn't bother me...
I definitely agree that overall celebrations in sports have gotten ridiculous. This is especially true in the NFL…
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Dear Ted Lilly:
Thank you for pitching a great game.
Sincerely,
Your eternal admirer.
zevkalman - June 14, 2009
Pouring gas on the fire
Dero just went yard…..
LT - June 14, 2009
But he wouldn't be better than Miles
right? We’re just being emotional.
Hilary Lee - June 14, 2009
Just say DeRosa during the Sunday night game
Joe Morgan still telling the same Bobby Cox knew he could hit story.
I miss DeRo.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Well, he is
helping the Cubs tonight. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Good
Though the Cardinals are looking at trading for him, they got more reason after that homer.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Ugh
I think I would puke if he were in a St. Louis uni
Hilary Lee - June 14, 2009
I'm sure they'd just hand the WS trophy to St. Louis
should that occur, but I’m not sure the Cardinals are going to be adding anybody of significance anytime soon.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
11 Homeruns
44 RBI’s and 42 runs scored. crazy
Grockcubs - June 14, 2009
Go tribe
up 3-0
over STL
salparadise23 - June 14, 2009
Lee has a no-hitter
through 5.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 14, 2009
Through 7
salparadise23 - June 14, 2009
Wow
Santana got taken out behind the wood shed today.
9 ER.
salparadise23 - June 14, 2009
Yeah it was not his best day
Hilary Lee - June 14, 2009
I never know who to root for
in the subway series. I want them both to lose.
salparadise23 - June 14, 2009
You obviously weren't around in 1969
LT - June 14, 2009
i wasn't
but i really loathe the mets.
Allie - June 14, 2009
I watched none of the 2000 World Series
Even if it’s a matchup I don’t really care about, like 2005, I’ll at least watch a few innings or maybe the last game. But I didn’t even do that much in 2000. Mets vs. Yankees was a big BFD for me.
CaliCub - June 14, 2009
Unless you live in NY like Doggie
for most of us that were around in 69 it is much easier to pull for the yankees to beat the Mets
LT - June 15, 2009
I'm in Red Sox country.
That results in me being forced to cheer against the Yankees in nearly every game.
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 14, 2009
Lee was batting 4th
So thats down from the original order this year, but a .444 slg pct is hardly Earth shattering, Theriot is at .430
bren - June 14, 2009
Well Lee isn't a power hitter
Ideally he would hit second in a fully healthy fully producing Cubs lineup.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Third
Dome bats second.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
Since April and May are no longer here
Dome should be placed safely down in the lineup. Actually if Dome wasn’t sliding I think him hitting third would be better, plus it gives the lefty between Lee and Aramis that Lou desperately needs.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
I dunno
he seems to feel more pressure batting second. Lee is a fine 3-hole hitter.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
nice
I really like this one.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Keep that for the Cleveland series?
Vermont Cubs Fan - June 14, 2009
SWL is a Real Man of Genius
CaliCub - June 14, 2009
Gotta give props
to DLEE. He himself admitted he stunk, and he certainly was accountable during his funk. He has been the only one hitting consistently recently. Also, Bradley is trying hard and certainly gives it his all, even though he has “issues”. Both today, and yesterday, he managed to get on in the 9th inning to give his team a chance to win. Nice game from Soto, too! My jaw dropped!
Finally, I as well was there Friday and Saturday. Joe Mauer is a friggin’ BEAST! It is hard to hate Twins fans – they were just so “darned nice!” – and their organization really teaches their players to believe in their system – which is solid defense, having high baseball IQ, throwing strikes, and situational hitting. I wonder if they administer stringent written exams!
As we have all been acknowledging, you can’t fire 25 guys – or the GM with the way the ownership issue is – so the hitting coach is them trying to “do something”.
The E-Man - June 14, 2009
Sadly...they could have just flip-flopped Bradley and Perry and probably got the same "improvement" they were looking for.
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
Greetings everyone.
New member here, just wanting to celebrate this win with fellow Cubbie fans. Especially since they avoided the sweep to the Twinkies, who I can’t stand.
Glad to be here,and go Cubs!
owllover711 - June 14, 2009
Welcome!
:)
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
Thanks! Glad to meet you.
owllover711 - June 14, 2009
Welcome to BCB! We hope you enjoy your stay...
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
Freaky
I’ll go with the cliché, instead.
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
LOL, I never get tired of that.
owllover711 - June 14, 2009
Thank you!
What a beautiful picture; where’d you find it?
owllover711 - June 14, 2009
That's SWL
If it’s not in his photobucket, it doesn’t exist…
Clutch16 - June 14, 2009
I download all my pictures from...
the internet.
santoswoodenlegs - June 14, 2009
Behold the power of google!
:-)
Also, welcome aboard.
Allie - June 14, 2009
ya
ChiBullsFan - June 14, 2009
Dynamite drop in Monty!
That broadcast school really paid off! :-p :)
CubsWin!Oregon - June 14, 2009
he's not the best color man in the league for nothing.
drewishdrewid - June 14, 2009
Good to hear they won today.
Really happy Geo had some great hits today. Hopefully he keeps that going.
I agree with Theriot that Derrek is carrying this team right now.
sue369 - June 14, 2009
Eh
Derrek is doing a damn good job… but I think the starters are carrying this team. They’re the only reason we’re not even with the Astros.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Good thing about baseball
1 game is all you need to start a winning streak and every day is a new day. Everyone knows this team is capable of winning…so lets hope they can go on a tear.
Plus I looking around, Cubs are the only team not hitting. Brewers aren’t as bad as the Cubs but look at JJ Hardy and Mike Cameron’s numbers.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
Oh I agree
But the starters are the back bone of the team. They’re the reason we’ve been able to tread water while the offense scuffled.
Hopefully this is the game that gets the guys swinging the bats good again.
I just hope the off day doesn’t monkey with that. Plus, the off day is annoying. I’d like to get this WS series over with so that people on both sides can act sane again.
Allie - June 14, 2009
Meh they are still
losing with the starters doing so well. Derrek is the only one who has hit well lately. That was my point.
sue369 - June 15, 2009
DLee showed up as the true captain today
I felt the turning point was in the 9th inning when he was safe tagging up. You could see DLee pound his fist in excitement. That was something that had been lost in the last few weeks.
Seeing the team cheer after the victory was awesome. They really needed it and hopefully it’s a good momentum to carry them into Tuesday.
ak123 - June 14, 2009
Let's swap players with the Twins
Our #7 for theirs.
JFCubFan - June 14, 2009
If only we could be so lucky
And he hits lefty so Hendry and Lou would go nuts.
nji232 - June 14, 2009
Caption suggestion
“They can take our lives, but they’ll never take my scrappy!”
Clutch16 - June 15, 2009
And a question
Watching the replay of Geo’s hit in the 9th, Tolbert just missed a diving stop on the ball. This allowed Lee to advance to 3rd in dramatic fashion. Does Crede make that stop?
Clutch16 - June 15, 2009
Good point.
Crede just might have.
Al Yellon - June 15, 2009
I kinda thought
Dome’s last at bat at least looked better. No helicopter swings and he battled quite awhile. While he flew out it was a well hit ball.
iowacubfan69 - June 15, 2009
I agree...
He had some bad swings, but the times he made contact I thought they were generally good cuts. His fly out to center, for example, was solid contact.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 15, 2009
Is this helicopter swing something he was doing in Japan, too?
I can’t imagine that swing providing any power, even if he did make contact.
Not Bruce Froemming - June 15, 2009
My impression is that it depends on what point he's making contact in the swing...
Ichiro, for example, does a similar running swing. Both Dome and him get away with it when they aren’t bailing out before their contact point. It seems like Dome gets his timing screwed up (particularly on outside fastballs) and consequently is moving away from the pitch when he should be driving it.
CubsWin!Oregon - June 15, 2009
he's not keeping
his shoulder down long enough.
drewishdrewid - June 15, 2009
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