PHILADELPHIA -- Between innings of last night's ugly 10-1 Cubs loss to the Phillies, the strange-looking green Philadelphia mascot the Phillie Phanatic came racing out on his small motorized vehicle wearing a Batman cape and mask. At first, this didn't seem to make any sense -- until the scoreboard in left field showed actor Jack Nicholson sitting in the front row behind the plate. Nicholson, who played the Joker in the 1989 movie "Batman", is in Philadelphia to film what is currently known as "Untitled James L. Brooks Project" with, among others, Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. He sat there with a Joker-like grin on his face as the Phanatic tried to hex him.
That, my friends, was the only amusement Cubs fans had in this loss, which broke a four-game winning streak and was the Phillies' ninth win in a row. We knew it wouldn't be easy here in Philadelphia and, to be sure, the Phillies aren't the Nationals... but this was one of the worst, if not the worst, losses of the year.
Ted Lilly didn't have it last night -- but everything might have changed everything had plate umpire Larry Vanover had given him a third-strike call on a 1-2 pitch to Raul Ibanez. Ted thought he had Ibanez and gotten out of the inning unscathed, but Vanover called the pitch "ball two" and Ibanez sent the next Lilly offering into the shrubbery in center field for a three-run homer, just out of reach of Kosuke Fukudome.
As it turned out, any Cubs fans in Citizens Bank Park -- and there weren't many last night, perhaps the fewest Cubs fans I've seen at any road game in the last couple of years -- could have left right then, because those three runs were enough to win the game. The Cubs managed only a consolation run off Greg Maddux Rodrigo Lopez on an Andres Blanco double and a RBI single from Ryan Theriot.
Oh, and Lou? Take careful note of what Charlie Manuel did with his pitchers last night. That's how you manage a bullpen in a blowout! Instead of playing it like a spring training game, pitching a bunch of relievers for an inning or maybe two at a time, Manuel put Chad Durbin in the game in the seventh inning and let him finish; that resulted in Durbin's third major league save, since the save rule allows you to post a save if you throw three innings with any lead. (The most extreme example of this occurred on August 22, 2007, when Texas' Wes Littleton threw the final three innings of their 30-3 blowout of the Orioles, getting a save in a game his team won by 27 runs, although his team led by "only" 11 runs when he entered the game.)
Lou could have had Jeff Stevens throw two innings and Aaron Heilman, who needs the work to get straightened out (since they seem to be immune to suggestions to get rid of him), the other two. There was absolutely no reason to put Angel Guzman, who might be needed in more important play the next two days, in a 9-1 game in the 8th inning. Guzman threw 20 pitches and allowed Ryan Howard's 24th homer of the season. I'd rather have seen him kept fresh for tonight.
Meanwhile, the Phillies fans were giving it to Alfonso Soriano in LF for dropping one fly ball that led to a pair of unearned Phillies runs, and for letting another ball drop between him and Kosuke Fukudome. I can't say I blame them -- Soriano had a bad game in the field last night, although his three singles boosted his BA to .244, the highest it's been since June 2. Late in the game, Soriano chased after a foul ball down the line and the fans in LF were yelling for him to throw it up to them. I'm thinking, "You've been heckling him all game and you think he's going to throw you a ball?" He tossed it to the ball girl.
I'll have more to say about Citizens Bank Park tomorrow, as I didn't get a chance to walk around the entire stadium last night. I will say that although it feels more intimate than Nationals Park and the sightlines, even from seats low in the LF corner right next to the foul pole, are good, there were some problems that struck me right away. The lines in the food court like area in the outfield were extremely long even more than an hour before game time. I wound up in "Bull's BBQ" in dead center field -- the BBQ chicken is quite good and that was about the only place there wasn't a line. After eating, trying to get to my seat in the LF corner was an adventure -- the concourse was extremely crowded and you have to walk around the back of some sort of sports bar in LF just to get from section 145 to section 141 from the CF food area. Jessica tried to come by and visit during the game, but instead I just got a text message saying "the ushers were mean" and wouldn't allow it. Security took a couple of innings to get around to ejecting a woman who was spraying beer around the end of her aisle, apparently trying to get Soriano's attention (she failed). Finally, traffic getting out of the place was miserable.
I hope to have more positive things to say about the ballpark and the Cubs in tomorrow's recap. In the meantime, remember that this only counts as one loss and with the Cardinals and Brewers both losing last night, the Cubs remain in second place by themselves, still only two games out of first. (And, for what it's worth, three games off the wild-card lead, now held by the Rockies.)
0 recs | 485 comments
Well, it only counts as ONE loss, fortunately ...
and the good news is Ted’s knee seems OK, Sori had 3 hits, the Cards lost and we get another chance tonight. So GO CUBS!
Zeke - July 21, 2009
First blowout
We’ve gotten in awhile. It happens. Let’s win the
Next two and call it a great roadtrip. And just for fun let’s beat them again by getting Halladay. Why not.
Zy Toro Young - July 21, 2009 via mobile
Just about the first thing out of Len's mouth last night...
was that the Cubs already had a winning road trip.
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
Soriano's three hits...
Two were bloops off the end of the bat that fell into the outfield grass, and the third arguably should’ve been an error, as it was a grounder hit right at Rollins. So it looks good in the boxscore, but Soriano looked bad at the plate again.
kanderber - July 21, 2009
Hits are hits
You can smash an at em ball but your still out. He’s coming out of his slump, give him credit.
Zy Toro Young - July 21, 2009 via mobile
Correct
It still means he’s putting the bat on the ball
bilbosbuttons - July 21, 2009 via mobile
Wow
If contact is the measuring stick for a guy that is getting paid what he’s getting paid, then he may as well bunt in every AB. For someone that has already been moved down to the 6th spot in the order, I’m guessing that bloop hits and questionable scoring decisions are not par for the course.
krummy12 - July 21, 2009
To be fair
The Questionable call really could have gone either way. That drive at Rollins was absolutely CRUSHED and it had a TON of topspin. That is not a normal play for a fielder to make. It would have been an exceptional stop. I would have called it a hit too if I had been the scorer. The other two hits were of the bloop variety, but at least he isn’t striking out. I’ll take 3 hits from Soriano any way that I can get them.
Archie - July 21, 2009
It was
hit directly at Rollins, it should have been an error. Bob Brenly said it should have been an error and he can now understand why Rollins has only 3 this season, due to a favorable home official scorer.
tripdenten - July 21, 2009
It was
hit directly at Rollins’ left side at about 150 mph with a TON of topspin and took a wicked hop that left him with a nasty in between hop to pick. It would have been a VERY nice play. I agree that it could have been ruled an error, but ruling it a hit wasn’t an irrational call by any stretch.
Archie - July 21, 2009
Not...
An irrational call i agree, but a play that Rollins should have made. He was being protected by his scorer. At least Soriano did not get thrown out rounding first.
tripdenten - July 21, 2009
So let's give him a gold star....
wait a minute………isn’t that what major league players are EXPECTED to do, especially those that are making a ton of money?
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Heh
A sarcastic, jerky comment about someone’s contract from Clutche immediately after a bad loss.
How unusual!
Allie - July 21, 2009
Sarcastic yes.........
but it’s not about the contract as much as it’s about expectations to , at the very least, make contact more than not.
Clutche - July 21, 2009
You expect anyone
who signs a big contract to hit over .500?
Unrealistic much?
Allie - July 21, 2009
Please..........
how about .285 for starters, and catch the damn ball when it’s hit to you
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Clutche
Why is the contract matter? Not sure what you do for a living, but it they offered you a obscene amount of money by two different companies and it was guanteed no matter how you did. Would you turn it down?
Yes he should be playing better, but unfortually the MLB is set up that if you struggle, you are slapped on the hand not anything else.
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
And he HAS been playing better
he has one bad game though and Clutche comes out blasting about how awful Soriano is.
Allie - July 21, 2009
but we all know
that Clutche likes to take cheap shots when ever possible at posters and players alike.
I find Blou seriously far less irrating. B/c at least I can get a chuckle out his comments lot of the time
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
It's not a cheap shot at all.....
he’s underperformed dramatically and the stats back it up
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Come on....he's had a bad season thus far, not just one game....
every broadcaster you listen to makes this exact point.
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Because contracts matter......
If he was being paid that of a utility player then we wouldn’t expect above average performance would we? But in his case he’s being paid big $$$ to perform well above average, which he isn’t.
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Soriano is exactly the kind of player Cubs fans were begging for. A big, namey free-agent who would hit a ton of home runs and ensure we contended.
2007 and 2008 are what he brought us. But you wanna toss all that for three months of poor play.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Three months is a trend........
and if the trend continues for the remainder of his contract then we got fleeced. Time will tell.
Clutche - July 21, 2009
We all knew
it was a bad deal when he signed it. We were hoping at the time that we could get a few good years out of him before the contract became an albatross. It will be an albatross at some point, I just hope that hasn’t started. I don’t think that it probably has quite yet, but maybe I’m just being optimistic.
Archie - July 21, 2009
you're taking three months
and attempting to trend that out for five more years???
Spare me.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Five LONG years I fear
Clutche - July 21, 2009
sure
because you’re projecting.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Why do you weigh 3 months more than
2 solid years?
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
I don't entirely share Clutche's doom and gloom (few do)
but seeing as how the 3 months are more recent than the 2 years, it bears a little consideration.
Look, most folks – I daresay even Drew – would look at an 8 year contract and figure that years 1 & 2 should be awesome and years 7 & 8 are probably going to be less than desirable. It’s the middle years that make or break the deal.
A decline is inevitable over an 8 year period given Sori’s age – if what’s he gone through so far this year is more of a decline than just a bad slump, well then it will be a long 5 years. If he can snap out of it in the next few weeks and turn it on for August & September, then it will have been just a very bad bump in the road.
And come next year, I would weigh the 2nd half of this season more than the 1st half.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
Those are all very fair points.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
never change, man
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Why should I?
He stinks defensively this year, and heating up or not, he hasn’t exactly torn the cover off the ball. Just facts………..
Clutche - July 21, 2009
you don't just an eight year contract
on three months play.
Well, maybe you do, but we all point and laugh.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
^ "judge"
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
So far he is well on his way to earning his money
he was worth 22.7 million in 2007 against a 10 million salary
he was worth 13.8 million last year against a 14 million salary (remember he missed 30+ games
Now this season he is worth negative dollars so far, but that will change as the year goes on.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
preach it! :D
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Soriano can do no right with you people.
Be critical of his defense last night, fine. But the guy is heating up (14 of his last 35 over ten games) and you are still hating on him.
It’s so funny how people react because they are jealous of the money he makes. Get over it already.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
its cuz he's latin
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
So you people hate me?
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
Do you make a lot of money?
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Oodles of it
It’s disgusting.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
can I have some?
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
You got it
If Max is accepted to Columbia, he’ll be first in line to get the scholarship I trusted.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
excellent
I’m in a posse!
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Then yes I hate you.
Next you’re gonna tell me you have a light blue Hummer with a ridiculous system in it.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Soriano copied it off me
I am the original class act.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
So what's your opinion on Cub fan racism then?
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
What the hell are you talking about?
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Cub fans are racist.
Look how they treat Theriot, and his bonehead mistakes. Now look at Ronny Cedeno, and he’s an “idiot” right? They both do the same dumb baserunning BS.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Please
sure you have racists who are Cub fans. Anytime you get a group of more than 6 people you’re going to have one who’s a jerk.
BUT not all Cub fans are.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Of course not all are.
And of course other groups have the same thing. I’m just talking about Cub fans though.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
I've personally
tried really hard to be fair in my criticism of the Cubs and really don’t appreciate being told I’m racist b/c I’m a Cub fan.
Allie - July 21, 2009
I never said you were.
I said some are, and it bothers me. Quit acting personally attacked, when you weren’t. However, if you say you have to try really hard to be fair, I’d argue you’re inherently racist. A true post-racial individual doesn’t have to try hard, they just don’t involve race in their thinking.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
wow
also someone who has a chip on their shoulder about someone being racist and claims “its not personal” might have way more problems than an off hand remark by a poster who has proven herself repeatly to be someone who makes good informed comments.
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
You never said some
you used a finite statement of “Cub fans are racist”.
And how do you know what I struggle with being honest about has anything to do with race?
Allie - July 21, 2009
If you struggle with it,
you’re a racist. Accept it.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
No
I struggle with being consistant in my evaluation of my favorite player, Aramis Ramierz. Sometimes I’m inclined to give him a pass for something I’d rip Theriot to shreds for.
Allie - July 21, 2009
So you're a reverse racist.
Even worse. Do you love affirmative action then? You must have agreed with Sotomayor on Ricci v. DeStefano, too.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
What on earth are you talking about?
I like a guy better so I need to take a step back and be objected
Allie - July 21, 2009
objective
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
damn
i messed that up. Meant to say “Objective”.
sometimes, as a human being, i like a person more than someone else… does the fact you’re immediately assuming I like Aramis better than Theriot make YOU a racist? Or is just something other people do?
Allie - July 21, 2009
Wow
You must have a very difficult life if you enjoy going around accusing people of things like that.
Maybe you should take a breathe. Would you say these things to our faces?
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
Why wouldn't I.
I call ’em as I see ’em.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Al has a strict rule about not talking
politics….
Is there a reason you decided to ruin a good thread w/ bringing all this up. Especially to someone who is OBVIOUSLY stated how she is struggling w/ something in her real life
Talk about an insentive ass.
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
Struggling with a severe bout of racism?
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
rec'd
CalCalender - July 21, 2009
No not a racist
I hate everyone equally. Skin color or accents make no differenence to me. If you ain’t my family then I will find a way to pigeon-hole with someone.
gaclaudy - July 21, 2009
+1
Azul Cachorro - July 21, 2009
sarcasm bud.
When I go to games, I hear many statements like that though. “He’s a lazy latin.” It’s pathetic.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Et tu, Sori?
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
Then fall Cubs....
Nothing says cool like jokes about Latin and Julius Caesar!
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Friends, Chicagoans, Cubs fans, lend me your ears;
I come to bury Hendry, not to praise him.
The evil that Hendry inflicted lives after him;
The good is oft interred with their jersey numbers;
So let it be with Hendry. The noble Santo
Hath told you Hendry was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Hendry answer’d it.
Here, under leave of Santo and the rest -
For Santo is an honourable man;
So are they all, all honourable men -
Come I to speak at Hendry’s funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
But Santo says he was ambitious;
And Santo is an honourable man.
He hath brought many victories home to Wrigley
Whose beer cups did the general vendors fill:
Did this in Hendry seem ambitious?
When that the fans have cried, Hendry hath wept:
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Santo says he was ambitious;
And Santo is an honourable man.
You all did see that in the draft
I thrice presented him with infield prospects,
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
Yet Santo says he was ambitious;
And, sure, he is an honourable man.
I speak not to disprove what Santo spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause:
What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?
O hindsight! thou art 20-20 on free agents,
And fans have lost their reason. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Hendry,
And I must pause till it come back to me.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Dude you got WAY TOO MUCH time on yours
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
no, I'm just
really fast. It’s not every day I get to use my English Lit degree… :P
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
TWSS
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Wow ...
You have WAY too much time on your hands.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 21, 2009
um, if I remember my Shakespeare right...
aren’t you pretty much damning Santo in this version? Did not the crowd gather up their torches and pitchforks and hunt down Brutus and his crew after Antony called them “honorable” several times?
Not sure who would fit the bill here within the Cubs current organization, so I’ll extend the search a bit and say Steve Stone. Now he was an honorable man….
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
look
if you want INTERPRETATION, you talk to my dad.
If you want someone to take shakespeare and make it relevant by being a word-hack, you talk to me. :P
Brutus has two syllables. Santo has two syllables. I thought about using “Stoney”, but…
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Too bad this weren't the Blackhawks ;-)
Tallon kinda looks like Caesar, and Bowman definitely has two syllables.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
Rec'd
That is a beautiful thing, sir.
Archie - July 21, 2009
thankee, sai
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
It has nothing to do with jealousy.....
It’s called earn your paycheck. He was paid a ton of money to be one of the top producers on this team, and he’s failing.
Clutche - July 21, 2009
and he's laughing all the way to the bank, right?
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
So are most of them
Funny how you continue to single out one guy though…
Allie - July 21, 2009
well
he also complained about Lee and Bradley. Not Riot or Hoffpauir, tho.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
thats becasue
they look like him
CalCalender - July 21, 2009
Sigh
I think the race point is valid but this guy is obviously doing it for shock value.
CalCalender - July 21, 2009
i agree
Allie - July 21, 2009
Because it is
worth nothing that guys like Theriot who have marginal overall value are lauded and praised as being “scrappy” or “good clubhouse guys” and are always good for a nice quote for Sullivan or Muskat.
Meanwhile Milton Bradley dives for baseballs, slides into walls to try and make catches, says all the right things you would want to hear from a guy who is struggling and people hate him.
It just doesn’t make sense and after a while you have to wonder how much of the fan love is because Theriot looks like them or because they have a problem with a black athlete who has opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them.
CalCalender - July 21, 2009
I agree completely
Allie - July 21, 2009
OKAY!
Let’s knock off the racism talk RIGHT NOW!
Enough already.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
Sorry, Al
Allie - July 21, 2009
what exactly
was so bad about what allie and I talked about here?
CalCalender - July 21, 2009
Nothing, but the entire tone of the thread ...
… was going downhill rapidly. Not necessarily your fault, just thought it needed to stop.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
well the
guy above is a complete nutter and I said so above. I was trying to have a little side discussion without all the insanity above
CalCalender - July 21, 2009
no politics
even if we hadn’t been bad.. it turns into chc’s stuff. always.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Thank you Al.
Zeke - July 21, 2009
Thanks, Al.
I saw what was being said, but I refused to get involved in it. It was just a little too much.
Yesterday’s discussion about batting average w/RISP is fine, but this was overboard today.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 21, 2009
Are you kidding Al?
You can’t hide from the truth here, and it won’t just go away. Isn’t this a blog that should foster discussion about real problems? Racism at Wrigley Field is a real problem. Stop trying to pretend it doesn’t exist.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Al knows what goes on
But this is a mere Cubs blog, to comment about the game. If you feel the need to post on this topic, please feel free to post fanpost or something. We understand what you’re saying [well, at least I do], but Al’s just doing his job.
Azul Cachorro - July 21, 2009
All I can say is WOW you're so wrong
Clutche - July 21, 2009
I WANT YOU TO KNOW......
that I’ve been a Cub fan since 1957 and idolized Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Lou Brock, Leon Durham, Fergie Jenkins. Ivan DeJesus and on and on, so is obvious your perception of bias is in YOUR mind dude.
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Scroll a little further down
Al’s asked for this conversation to stop on the board.
Allie - July 21, 2009
You're just as bad as the rest to agree with their nonsense
Clutche - July 21, 2009
What a stupid conclusion you make
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Absolutely absurd.............
look at the stats man
Clutche - July 21, 2009
That's a ridiculous statement
Clutche - July 21, 2009
Where.....
are you sitting tonight.
I am in Philly for a meeting and will be going.
You still owe me a beer…………….
timeforachange2009 - July 21, 2009
Email me for info.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
Al
I blame you for this one. Really your write up yesterday of Lopez was spot on, not:)
wild bill - July 21, 2009
I have to stop saying that about opposing pitchers.
I should have said that Lopez was the next coming of Greg Maddux. (Turned out to be true, anyway.)
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
Maybe you should say that
About our pitchers. Although I would be careful with Lilly. The mound to the left field corner isn’t too far away.
Zy Toro Young - July 21, 2009 via mobile
Funny
As I was reading your report on Lopez all I could think of is this guys is going to be lights out. Sure as shoot he was. Should have laid a hefty bet on him that would have gotten the Cubs the victory. So I take equal blame.
wild bill - July 21, 2009
I blame...
Nutdrinkingamp12. He started that thread that used up all the BCB posters good stuff.
gaclaudy - July 21, 2009
DFA Sori
I can’t believe he dropped that ball,
(sarcasm)
carolinacub - July 21, 2009
It's amazing he only has 8 errors.
There are some generous scorekeepers out there.
SackMan - July 21, 2009
He stills leads all MLB outfielders in errors made, though
Or at leas that’s what the ESPN broadcast said yesterday.
So, 8 errors still isn’t nice.
Azul Cachorro - July 21, 2009
Oh... beleive me, I know.
But, he really should be charged with 11 or 12.
SackMan - July 21, 2009
Sounds like another wonderful Philly experience...
It was awful enough watching, wouldn’t have liked to experience it in person.
In my only visit there, I sat in the scoreboard seats right above where Al sat last night. Not bad, but that outfield area is just not well designed. Oddly enough, it reminds me of the outfield area of Nats Park to an extent, probably because it looks like a food court.
Add in the delightful Philly fans, (Many of whom are also awful on the road. Don’t dare try to tell one of them to not smoke in a non-smoking concourse, even at Nats Park, as security coddles them and will threaten to throw YOU out instead.) and it’s not a great experience for an away fan.
Rant over
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
That sounds about par for the course...
with Philly fans in every sport. I think it’s about the worst sports-city in the country, fan-wise.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 21, 2009
That might be the best team in baseball
If they get Halladay, game over.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
.500 at home. The best team in baseball? Slow your roll a bit. One game is an awful
short sample to make a statement like that. Let’s see how things progress the next two games before we annoint them.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 21, 2009
Why
They have basically the perfect lineup, especially for their park. They play solid defense at almost every position. All their outfielders have good arms, and with Halladay they would have a starting rotation of Cole Hamels, Halladay, Pedro, JA Happ, and Joe Blanton.
What they did last night was obviously not the norm, but that is a stacked team that is one trade away from basically cancelling the NL season.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
It was one game and Lilly was not sharp
Good pitching takes care of good hitting. If Harden changes speeds we can shut this hottest NL team down and get a win tonight. We can go for the series win on Wednesday. How our attitudes would change if that happens.
This is the best team in the NL today. It can all change. The Pihillies are certainly on their hot streak right now. No team stays this hot, they have to cool off soon. Harden if on, can be the one to do it. Changing speeds is the key.
mrcubsfan - July 21, 2009
I'm not talking about just this series
I’m talking about the overall rest of the season. Look at the players that team has, look at the one they are trying to add. If that happens there is not a single team in the NL that can beat them. The Dodgers are the only ones that would even make it close.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
I remember a lot of people saying the same thing about the Cubs last season.
This whole crowning the NL champ midway through the season is so silly. The playoffs are a crap shoot. How many times does the best team on paper when the WS?
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
except that the Phillies are the defending world champs
and have only IMPROVED
WanderingWanderer - July 21, 2009
I hate when I start agreeing w/ negative statements :(
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
Good point...
because WS champs tend to repeat.
(SARCASM!)
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Pedro will hurt
not help their rotation. That old man needs to retire.
salparadise23 - July 21, 2009
I think it would take
giving up Happ to get Halladay, and they are crossing thier fingers they can get 10 starts out of Pedro, there are still some pieces that have to fall in place for them to lock it up.
StevenABQ - July 21, 2009
I'm not really sure why're impressed by their rotation right now...
Happ has been good and is their best pitcher right now. Hamels is the next best, with an ERA at 4.72. Admittedly I haven’t checked any advanced metrics recently, but last I recall, they weren’t impressive.
CubsWin!Oregon - July 21, 2009
Soriano hot doggin it
after two home runs vs. the Nats………this has got to stop. Doesn’t the guy have any pride?
So Lou is giving Bradley special tutoring with his hitting from the left side. How old is Bradley, wasn’t he brought here as a professional hitter?
Duh statement of the day from Monsters in the Morning: the cubs corner outfielders had better start hitting if we are going to make the playoffs. Our lack of hitting this season falls on those two guys. Stating the obvious!
mrcubsfan - July 21, 2009
What does bradley's age have to do with his need for coaching?
As we discussed yesterday… Tiger has a coach. Lance Armstrong has a coach. Just because you are supposedly good at something doesn’t mean you don’t need a coach.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
I know they all do.
It’s to keep them right, not change their approach. Bradley has been a good hitter throughout his career. Why this season does he regress so far that he needs changing? It’s a little different when someone is out of a groove as opposed to someone who is trying to stay in the groove. Bradley has not swung well from the left side all season and he (according to reports in the paper) doesn’t seem too fired up about correcting this. I’m glad Lou is doing this, don’t get me wrong. My point was that he is a professional hitter with much success over his career. How does he go into a 4 month slump from the left side without getting right by himself from experience.
mrcubsfan - July 21, 2009
Actually
Tiger completely rebuilt his swing after he got Butch Harmon. Even though he was already great and had been playing for decades.
NOT comparing Bradley to Tiger, but sometimes you need to start over to fix something.
Allie - July 21, 2009
he just does
right now, Milton Bradley is so tight, you could stick a lump of coal up his nether regions and he’d poop diamonds. He’s tense, he’s pressing, and EVERY professional athlete needs a coach to help them right themselves sometimes. If they didn’t, Lou would be the only non-player in the dugout.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
That was a digusting comment
Let’s not talk about sticking anything up anyone’s nether regions.
cubsluver22 - July 21, 2009
wait a second
the guy swearing worse than any group of sailors on leave last night in the game thread… before it even got bad… is going to talk about being disgusting?
Pot? You there? Its kettle!
Allie - July 21, 2009
Smack!!
BleedsbluinMI - July 21, 2009
You say that alot.
Cubs and Hawks fan - July 21, 2009
it needs to be said a lot.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
o.0
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
oh, and don't knock it till you've tried it.
way to miss the point of the metaphor.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
My nether regions feel like a million bucks!
Blue W - July 21, 2009
That is holding Bradley to a higher expectation than other wildly sucsessful athletes.
What about the aforementioned Tiger Woods slump? This guy is arguably the most dominate athlete of a generation and he had to start literally from scratch with his swing coach to rebuild his approach. Or what about Derek Jeter’s early 2004 slump, where he was hitting as low as like .160 i believe and at one point was something like 0 for 32? He eventually broke out of it that june or early july, and if you think there wasn’t some coaching involved, you are crazy.
I get hating on Bradley, even if i don’t personally. What i don’t get is hating on the idea that he might need some extra help.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
well I'm no PGA saberstrokemagician...
…but from what I recall, Tiger chose to start from scratch and rebuild his swing. He wasn’t in any kind of slump, at least as far as 99.9% of the general population was concerned. Obviously, he’s enough of a perfectionist that something didn’t feel right and he had enough confidence to tear it all down and start over. But what he had to begin with was pretty darn good.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
And Bradley's hadn't been garbage either
but if what you’re doing stops working… and doing tweaks in the cage isn’t working, well then it could be time to do something else.
Allie - July 21, 2009
This year he has.
I’ve got no problem with him getting extra coaching, taking drastic measures, or nothing at all. He’s a big boy, getting big bucks, and is not afraid of talking some big talk. So I’m perfectly content with letting his production speak for itself and for him to figure out what’s wrong and make changes. If he accepts extra help to make those changes, so much the better. If he thinks he can do it on his own, I’m fine with that too. He just ought not to be surprised if he plays a little less in the interim.
My point above regarding Tiger is he really wasn’t in a slump. He was performing pretty darn well. So I don’t think he should be part of the comparisons here. Jeter in 2004, yes, that was a good comparison because he was in a slump.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
That swing change had a lot to do
with his knee being constantly hurt as well.
PurpleLineToWrigley - July 21, 2009
I think
the problem is that what he had isn’t what he was using. If that makes any sense. There are so many little things that go into a major league swing — how your grip varies on the bat, when your hips move, when your feet move, when your head moves, etc, etc, etc, that if any one thing changes, it can destroy your swing, and you may not even be able to see what’s happening.
Lou says they made some changes yesterday; they’ll tape him in BP today and look at it, and he bats tomorrow.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
He (Tiger) WAS in a slump.
He won the Masters in ’96, rose to #1 in the world golf rankings in less than a year with three other PGA event wins (the fastest that rise had ever been done) and then tanked for a year and a half before the start of his incredible 99 – 00 period of domination. That domination came AFTER he (and his coach) redid his swing. From scratch.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
The "slump" came about while in the midst of swing changes.
I think that’s the difference in the comparison.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
That's what i thought too.
Again, I don’t follow golf so much so I wouldn’t put money on my memory in this instance, but I thought one of the reasons this swing change was such big news at the time is because he started it right after winning a tournament, if not a major.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
Yep. He basically decided to rebuild his swing shortly after the Masters
which is why his results were so inconsistent for a while. Once his rebuilt swing was locked in, Woods dominated over 1999-2000. Then, he decided to make some more changes this decade, too.
Basically, Woods’ “slumps” have coincided with deliberately making changes to his swing – he didn’t change his swing because he was in a slump.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
Regardless, the argument stands...
… his swing was causing inconsistent play, and after some coaching that influenced changes he began to dominate.
I’m not confusing Bradley for Tiger, but the original point in my saying this was to refute the idea that Bradley shouldn’t NEED coaching at all, or that he was a forgone conclusion of a three year failure already.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
I see what you're saying
but, I’m not sure the comparison works.
Tiger Woods dominated with a swing, but wanted to change it (as a means to challenge himself and gain further control of the swing mechanics). As a result of the changes, he struggled while teaching his muscles the necessary muscle memory.
Milton Bradley is making swing changes because he is struggling with the swing he has always possessed.
I agree, though, that Milton does need coaching, and with the proper coaching and swing corrections, he may be salvageable in 2009 and the next two years of his contract.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
I started this whole discussion and the point is
sure he needs some help….now! You don’t sign a veteran who needs help you sign one that is already established.The question I ask is how did he go from good hitter to bad from the left? Hitters have bad months or bad streaks, just not for 4 months. The same can be said about Soriano. Can’t the guy figure out that off speed breaking pitch is what everyone has thrown him?
I’ve been a high school coach for 33 years so saying someone doesn’t need a coach or some help from time to time is contrary to my career.
The Cubs are left with fixing Bradley and I hope they do. I just think it shouldn’t have gotten to this.
mrcubsfan - July 21, 2009
like I said — he’s very tight. He’s pressing.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
it probably shouldn't have
but… cool to hear you’ve coached for so long. My HS coach saved me and really helped me grow a lot, not just pool-wise, but she taught me a lot. She was awesome.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Bradley was established when the Cubs signed him.
Hitters fall into slumps all the time, as you well know. Now, if Bradley initially refused help, saying he could fix his swing, then yes, I have a problem with that.
As we both know, a relaxed swing is a quick swing, and for some reason, it seems that Bradley tenses up in his swing too often, which makes the swing slower.
But he’s allowing himself to be coached, which is promising. Hopefully it works.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
Now if Pujols goes and changes his swing... ;-)
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
any one listen to mike & mike this morning?
They were comparing Manny’s stats to Mantle and they were stunningly close.
But then Jayson Starke pointed out that Manny is just outside the club of .300/.400/.600… Its Foxx, Pujols, Williams, and 2 other names I can’t remember at the moment. But thats it.
I knew Pujols was among the best ever… but thats pretty exclusive.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Is that club
Career or one season?
nji232 - July 21, 2009
career
Allie - July 21, 2009
I went to look it up
Lou Gehrig .340/.447/.632
Hank Greenberg .313/.412/.605
Bond just misses because of a .298 batting average.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Yep
I knew Green-something…but somehow forgot Gehrig.
Crazy exclusive group, though. I was shocked when they went over the group, really puts the tier of greatness in perspective. For me anyway.
Allie - July 21, 2009
I've always said that if the game was on the line and I needed a hit...
…based on players I’ve seen in my lifetime, I’d want George Brett at the plate.
Pujols has got me reconsidering that position.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
Yeah
he’s freakish.
Manny is outside the club b/c of a SLG of .596
Allie - July 21, 2009
The two guys that come to mind for me are
Derek Jeter (who I despise) and David Ortiz. To be as clutch as Ortiz was for a team under that much pressure takes major balls.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
God...you're exactly right.
Every game in that Yankees series…
PurpleLineToWrigley - July 21, 2009
True
that performance in that series was epic.
I watched it with a die-hard BoSox fan… it was cool to watch the emotions on his face.
Allie - July 21, 2009
I was without any TV, internet, newspapers
etc for the first week of that series…I got back on Sunday, just in time for Game 4, when the Sox were down 3-0…unbelievable.
PurpleLineToWrigley - July 21, 2009
Jeter for me too
But I don’t despise him. He’s got some of that old Yankee “mystique”.
Plus, those green eyes kinda kill me.
Allie - July 21, 2009
are you kidding me.
from scratch? basically, he made very subtle changes to refine the plane of his swing and shorten/tighten things up in order to improve his distance control. he didn’t rebuild his approach. and he wasn’t exactly in a slump looking to get help. he was looking for ways to get better and was already the best in the game. terrible comparison.
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
No i am not kidding you, and the comparison is not terrible.
And he’s actually done it twice. In 2004 Tiger redid his swing again in the style of his new coach, Hank Haney, who teaches the “single plane” style of swing. Most golfers, Tiger included, use the “double plane” style.
I wouldn’t be surprised to hear he’s working on it again, in light of his early exit last weekend.
And again, my original point is getting lost here… claiming Bradley shouldn’t need coaching is unfair. The “he’s been good before, he’s a professional, he’s paid, so he shouldn’t need time with the coach!” argument is silly.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
i agree that argument is silly.
comparing bradley’s situation to tiger’s is also silly. more like a lee westwood or something.
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
I just don't see how its silly...
… being that we are talking about two elite athletes whose old approach, while having been successful previously, needed coaching and changes to continue to dominate.
Granted, we are talking about different sports, different levels of domination, different levels of “slump”, and whatever else… but a comparison is the act of examining resemblances, and that’s what I’ve done. And in its relevance to my original point, i think it works well.
We can only hope that Bradly will be as receptive to the changes as Woods was, and that its effect on his game will be as great!
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
Well, since you're not letting this go, I'll take another swing (pun intended)
I was with you with the Derek Jeter comparison. That made a lot of sense. But comparing Milton’s scenario to Tiger’s just doesn’t work. I wouldn’t call it silly, but there’s very little that’s comparable.
Tiger was doing great and was being very productive, before he voluntarily broke down his swing. Very little (if any) slump time involved prior to the change process. I daresay he could have continued being very successful with his old swing but it wasn’t working for him, hence his desire for the change.
Milton was pretty much in a slump from day 1 of the season, and it has lasted over three months. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say his old approach is no longer working (as opposed to Tiger), hence his need for a change. Now I have no doubt Milton wants to come out of this slump, be productive and help the Cubs win games. But it’s hard to tell if he really wants to change his whole approach. I wouldn’t be surprised if he thinks his old way is still good, and that sooner or later everything will get better.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
This made me laugh:
Not sure if that was intended, but I like it.
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
Maybe if you want to argue the irrelevent semantics of my point...
… but that wouldn’t really be my point, would it?
Yes, they are different situations. And yes, Bradley hasn’t been “Tiger Great”, obviously. But the original point of what i was saying was to debate this statement, which i’ve seen several variations of over the last few days:
Bradley’s age or professionalism have nothing to do with his need for a coach, and i used Jeter and Woods (as well as Lance Armstrong) as counterpoints. Maybe Tiger’s intentions and the circumstances were different, but the point remains: attacking Bradley for needing coaching is pointless or unfair.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
now why didn't you say that in the first place? ;-)
I’m with you on that one.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
I can't believe a throw away line
got so huge.
Wow.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Thoroughly disgusting game
…as bad as Lilly was, I was most upset with Koyie Hill’s AB in the 4th with 2 on and 2 out. He has to be aggresive in the situation with Lilly sitting on deck…instead he takes three strikes looking. Just did not have his head in the game… This team just seems to lose focus a lot when the chips are stacked against them.
TheRiot Police - July 21, 2009
+1
That was an inexcusable AB. Don’t know what pitch Hill was looking for there, but he can look for his BA to be below 0.200 very soon.
thermal54 - July 21, 2009
Yeah,
Why didn’t he take the bat off his shoulder? I was more upset with that than the miscommunication between Soriano and Kosuke.
katie casey - July 21, 2009
Switch hitter abuse
Perfect example of a guy who should swing from the natural side. History shows he is fairly balanced as far as production goes from either side. But when that balance is .200…time to focus on one side or the other. With my eyes I see two things – A guy who hits much better and with more zeal from the right side and a defensive catcher superior to Soto. I have not checked but I would “ass u me” the team average for nailing base runners and past balls would be pretty bad if not for hill?
truelinkfence - July 21, 2009
The Phillies are nasty
If they get Halladay, game over
bren - July 21, 2009
Game over?
You and nji232 (above) think alike or am I missing an inside joke?
Anyway I can’t believe everyone is crowning the Phillies as NL champ already. If we’ve learned anything from the last couple years is that the regular season means nothing. Get into the playoffs, get hot, and poof you’re in the WS. All that matters is getting in, the rest is a crap shoot.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
I'm just looking at that team
If they go into a playoff series with Halladay and Hamels, I don’t see a team beating them. Certainly not the Cubs.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
The same Cole Hamels who's ERA is 4.72?
He and Harden are almost on the same level by comparison.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Except that one of them is a WS MVP
and one of them is a playoff bed wetter
nji232 - July 21, 2009
WS MVP was also given to David Eckstein.
That doesn’t impress me. That case makes my point, all you need to do is catch fire at the right time.
Cole Hamels is an excellent pitcher and someone I wouldn’t want to see in the playoffs. But again, the playoffs are a crap shoot and the most important thing is just getting in.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
He was undefeated in the playoffs last year
He’s hardly David Eckstein. Id take the Phillies lineup is superior to ours at every position except third base, and theyre running away with the NL East.
So if you add Halladay to that mix, the odds are its gonna come down to LA vs PHI again
bren - July 21, 2009
Of course Eckstein and Hamels are different.
And that’s my point. Any award that can be given to David freaking Eckstein and guys like Manny, Beckett, and the like, is a joke award. Don’t believe me, ask Scott Brosius.
But I digress. Of course on paper the Phils and Dodgers look like the matchup. The point is it doesn’t matter who is the favorite going into the playoffs. More times than not, the favorites don’t win it all. In the 2000’s 7 WS champs were underdogs going into the playoffs, only 2 could be considered “favorites.”
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Agreed
I suppose I was simply defending Cole, he deserved that MVP last year, and it was less flukey than others; he’s an All-Star and can now be considered a money playoff pitcher
bren - July 21, 2009
I'm just looking at a team from 2008...
If they go into a playoff series with Harden, Zambrano and Dempster, I don’t see a team beating them.
I’m talking about the 2008 Cubs. How’d that work out?
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
They weren't proven playoff pitchers
Hamels has shown that he has the balls to pitch in the playoffs. Dempster sure as heck didn’t, and neither did Harden.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Before 2008...
… Hamels’ playoff ERA was 4.05, one game in 2007. How “proven” is that?
The point is, that you can look at a team blowing through a season effortlessly and think they’ll do the same in the playoffs. We all thought that a year ago. Didn’t work out that way.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
Thank you.
Rec’d.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
But now he's done it
Dempster, Zambrano, Lilly and Harden have proven nothing in the playoffs.
Worf - July 21, 2009
I've always thought
Z pitched well… he’s just never gotten a whole lot of help from anyone else (either his IF or the manager)
Allie - July 21, 2009
Yeah Z has pitched well in the last two playoff starts
Not his fault Lou went to the zoo in 2007 and the infield went there in 2008.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
I know you aren't the only one that does this
But can we let game 1 of 2007 go, already? That’s NOT why they lost.
You don’t score, you don’t win. Simple as that.
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
Oh I agree
that that is not why we lost.
Allie - July 21, 2009
I agree
I was just saying that he wasn’t the reason they lost that game. Then again the Cubs aren’t exactly equipped to beat a groundball pitcher like Brandon Webb.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Oh, I agree with both of you on that
And if I was being unfair, I apologize. I just get tired of people blaming Piniella for that game. Kind of like how Al is tired of hearing about Josh Hamilton, I guess.
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
It wasn't Lou's in game decision that people have an issue with IMO
Its that he said after the game he took Z out to save him for game 4. That just never needed to be said in public.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Well that is the mentality that I think needs to change
this year when we make the playoffs. No more worrying about tomorrow. Win game 1 and figure the rest out from there. 3 starters and everyone else needs to be ready to pitch out of the bullpen.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
This I can agree with
No point in saving somebody for a game that might never happen.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
and probably won't if you
win game 1.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Winning playoff games
hmmm, what a good idea. I wish the Cubs would try that sometime.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
hopefully while i can still see it
they think my vision may become degenerative… so, sooner is better than later here boys!
(stupid eye doctors are stupid)
Allie - July 21, 2009
aww girl
So sorry to hear that. :((((
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
yeah
course, they’re the same idiots who told me I’d never be able to read print.
So, what do they know?
Allie - July 21, 2009
I read an article where
scientists are now putting teeny tiny microscopes in people’s eyes.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Right on. Seems like you are reading just fine.
Love your feistiness!
BleedsbluinMI - July 21, 2009
Me too
I think we all learn a little from people who conquer things most of couldn’t dream of living with.
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
Very sorry but you got to stay positive
If there’s anything I can do for you, let me know.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
I'm a Cub fan
faith is about all I’ve got goin’ for me. :-P
Allie - July 21, 2009
Hang in there
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
I wish you the best Alli.
Hang in ther.
sue369 - July 21, 2009
Wait, we could have got Josh Hamilton....?
Get out.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Oh, no!
:)
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
no prob, bob
Allie - July 21, 2009
exactly
Hamels has proven himself. He went all Josh Beckett on those playoffs last year. I’d rather take my chances with Hamels in the playoffs over any starter the Cubs currently have.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
He was undefeated last year!
His playoff career whip is under 1, hes a great playoff pitcher and he’s not even 26 years old yet, if last year performance doesnt say he’s a post season pitcher, I dont know what it would take to convince you.
I dont think most sensible people thought the Cubs would blow through the playoffs last year, there was a sense of dread as soon as they drew the Dodgers last year b/c of their great groundball pitchers.
Phillies lineup is ludicrously stacked, more so than ours, and if they get Halladay and add him to Hamels, theyd be awfully tough to beat in a short series.
bren - July 21, 2009
who thought the cubs were going to breeze through?
certainly not all. think the pessimists around here felt good about things? not likely.
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
This team needs an enema!
katie casey - July 21, 2009
Where do the Phillies get those wonderful toys?
salparadise23 - July 21, 2009
Looks like the Phillies are about to trade up.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 21, 2009
IT'S ONE FREAKING GAME!
Good Lord.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
You can call me... Joker. And as you can see, I'm a lot happier.
Geez, I was only kidding. Couldn’t resist a Batman reference. Lighten up.
katie casey - July 21, 2009
Good reference.......
It at least made me sort of smile, which can’t be said for anything else I’ve read so far :(
I keep trying to be positive, but the Cubs keep showing me over and over again, why they are a .500 ball club. Just keep it close and hope they catch on fire ala Rockies.
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
Stay positive.
You can’t make an omelette without breaking some eggs.
katie casey - July 21, 2009
Lighten up?
I’m fine, it’s a lot of other people that are freaking out about one loss that need to lighten up.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
I wasn't freaked out.
I was only joking.
katie casey - July 21, 2009
No, I know that now...
Just saying a lot of other people aren’t joking.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
It's hard on here to tell when someone is just being silly.
Trust me, I was being silly.
katie casey - July 21, 2009
LOUD NOISES!
PurpleLineToWrigley - July 21, 2009
Did you throw a trident?
katie casey - July 21, 2009
Brick,
I’ve been meaning to talk to you about that. You should find yourself a safehouse or a relative close by. Lay low for a while, because you’re probably wanted for murder.
PurpleLineToWrigley - July 21, 2009
Next time
tell him to “lighten up, francis” that always helps!
Allie - July 21, 2009
Okay so it was an awful game.
Let’s all focus on something we can all agree on, Jack Nicholson (great actor) is a huge tool for being a Yankee’s AND Lakers fan. Give me a break. Who’s his football team, the Cowboys?
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Probably loves the Red Wings as well.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
Hey NOW! Watch it! ;)
Zeke - July 21, 2009
My take has always been...
… its cool to be a fan of a front running / bandwagon team if you have a tangible connection. If you are from Detroit? Cool. If your family has ties there, or your family has been a fan for generations? Cool.
I commonly get accused of being a bandwagon cubs fans from those who don’t realize the AAA team is in Des Moines, where i grew up. Hell, i probably saw as much of Prior and Wood as anybody here. :-)
No offense intended though!
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
For the record Iowa is Cubs territory.
Anyone giving you crap about being bandwagon for that reason doesn’t understand what they are talking about.
I seriously doubt that Jack has any good reason to support the Yankees, but not the Knicks/Nets or vice versa how can he be a Lakers fan, but doesn’t rep the Dodgers. Give me a break.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
That's why I'll always give props to Spike Lee
He was and still is a Knicks fan – and the Knicks have been and still
suckare not good.ballhawk - July 21, 2009
I dunno, his relationship with Kobe is testing that.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Its easy to be a fan of a team that consistently wins.
Imagine the Cubs bandwagon when we do get that WS win. Jeeze.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
I can't wait
What a fun fight that’ll be…
Allie - July 21, 2009
Hope that happens soon.
sue369 - July 21, 2009
I'm a lifelong Michigan resident, so I think I qualify as a non-front runner.
For the record, I am a Cubs and Tigers fan, a MSU Spartan fan, and a Red Wings and Blackhawks fan (dating back to the days of Tony Esposito, Bobby & Dennis Hull, Pit Martin and Stan Mikita- and when Black Hawks was two words)…
So IF I were a front running fan, why on earth would I have picked these teams?
In Michigan, we call front-running fans “Wal-Mart Wolverines”.
Zeke - July 21, 2009
Wasn't implying you were a front runner by any means...
… just saying that if people decide to jump on a hockey team’s bandwagon, its often the Red Wings, much like its the Yanks or Lakers or Cowboys. Generally, this isn’t a criticism… its easy to become a fan of a team with lots of history, and championships are part of that history. Each of the teams in question certainly meet that requirement.
I’m taking a bus from a bar in Chicago to see my Hawkeyes play at MSU this season… that’d get me to all but 3 of the eleven Big 10 stadiums, although i’ll have to redo Minnesota with the end of the dome era. Very excited for the trip up to your part of Big 10 country!
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
Welcome! You'll have a good time in East Lansing and on the MSU campus.
Give yourself plenty of time to talk a walking tour of campus. Also, make sure you see the Spartan Marching Band march from their morning band practice field to the stadium about a half hour before kickoff. Lots of tailgating too.
No problem on the “front runner” thing. I understand. And I agree that lots of folks DO bandwagon leaping to the Yanks, Wolverines, etc…
Well, not so much for the Wolverines lately ;)
Zeke - July 21, 2009
Of course, he is front runner/poser like all of Hollywood.
JB 23 - July 21, 2009
Jack Nicholson left Lord of the Rings early
I hate him
Worf - July 21, 2009
I think it's a generational thing because LOTR bored the snot out of me too...
Then again, I never read the books…
But I swear, if Froddo stared mesmerized at the ring one more time, I was gonna throw something at the screen…
Talk about Ryan Braun’s big “googly” eyes, I mean really…
Zeke - July 21, 2009
No it's not generational.
They are lame.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
My son in college loves LOTR. Me: "meh..."
Zeke - July 21, 2009
I'm 27...
…so I was probably in college when they first came out. I don’t get why they are popular.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
I gave it a chance, but when the trees started talking and walking, I said "Enough!"
That was the “Jump the Shark” moment for me.
Zeke - July 21, 2009
uh.
But the hobbits and goblins and wizards and elves didn’t push the envelope for you?
It’s faithful to the parent material.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Nah. I was OK with that. Just those damn trees.
Zeke - July 21, 2009
the ents are awesome
Allie - July 21, 2009
That was one of my favorite parts of the book
Don’t screw with the trees!
chitownhawkeye - July 21, 2009
The books were awesome
the movies were really good.
Allie - July 21, 2009
the books
are Shakespearean in language, Homeric in breadth and Biblical in scope.
The movies SHOULD entice people into reading the books.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
and if you want to be blown away, read some of his other books on the matter
like The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
I've read unfinished tales
Simarillion reads too much like a greek-mythology text book for me to get through. Haven’t tried in a while, tho.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
The Hobbit was required reading for me in High School...
… how was this not common?
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
It wasn't for me
We had to read the “Great Gatsby” and Huck Finn. And gobs of shakespeare.
Allie - July 21, 2009
I would have rather read The Hobbit
than Jane Eyre. That book was brutal…
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
The Hobbit
is a children’s book. Designed to be read by 12-13 year olds.
I wish it had been assigned reading.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Unfortunatly, i doubt it is considered childern's reading anymore.
Anything over 300 pages is hard to press upon most kids, unless its Harry Potter.
I think we read it in 8th grade or freshman year.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
That's sad.
but true commentary. Kids don’t read enough.
(God. I feel old typing that!)
Allie - July 21, 2009
the Hobbit is over 300 pages?
really?
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Amazon tells me yes
Allie - July 21, 2009
I always fly through
the book. Huh.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Yeah
It never felt that long to me either.
Know whats really cool? BBC’s dramatized reading of LOTR audiobook. Totally worth the couple bucks from Audible (I think thats where I found it)
Allie - July 21, 2009
I was thinking it was right at 300, but i haven't touched it in years.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
My dissertation will be in the field of adolescent literacy, and we talk about this stuff all the time.
We don’t do a very good job of teaching literacy skills in any content or subject area, nevertheless convincing kids to read for enjoyment. Reading, in this day and age, is nothing more than a class kids take until about 4th grade, then is never taught again; instead we expect kids to be completely literate by age 10 or 12, which is silly. This is why I really embraced Harry Potter and other books—if it gets a kid to read, I’m all for it.
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
Not in Parochial School is wasn't...
Zeke - July 21, 2009
Very good point.
As an Iowa public school kid (pretty liberal education), i often forget a lot of what we covered wasn’t seen by my friends now that i live in Chicago, where most kids i hang out with were sent to private (often Catholic or Jesuit) schools or suburbs rich and conservative beyond my wildest imaginations.
Its a shame really. So many people see these LOTR and Harry Potter movies as only the movies and miss so much by ignoring the books.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
True. I enjoyed the HP books a great deal...
Zeke - July 21, 2009
How much of it is generational?
And how much of it is personality?
I personally love fantasy/sci-fi/history and love to read… so the books were my “thing”… my old roommate is not a huge reader and the books/movies bored the daylights out of her.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Harry Potter VI disappointed me . . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
I haven't seen it yet
Allie - July 21, 2009
I'll hold off on the review, then . . .
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
You don't have to
I’ve heard mixed.
Purists who want everything to the letter were (and always are) disappointed by the movie.
But if you seperate the books and movies as different takes on the same kind of story, most people seemed to like it.
Most of my friends said it was funny.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Ditto...
(SPOILER BELOW SO DON’T READ IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW.)
…
the whole ending funeral and lack of climatic fight scene were WEAK.AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
My wife is a huge fan of the books and she had a similar review.
She was very disappointed with this movie.
Blue W - July 21, 2009
I think it was the best possible movie that could be made...
…considering how much information is going to be jam-packed into 7 & 8. It’s the best HP movie behind Cuaron’s HP3.
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
it's basically the exact same situation as Star Wars in the 80s,
a movie that also bored me but that people loved. it’s just the old monomyth getting rehashed and reframed. want fascinating? get joe campbell’s ‘hero with a thousand faces.’
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
Star Wars
is specifically based on those. Lucas was an acolyte of Campbell.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
The Steelers
tripdenten - July 21, 2009
Phillies Stadium
Al. Went to 3 games last season while in Philly on business. Fans repeatedly rode their own players throughout the game. They were on Utley and Werth constantly and just hated Burrell. They booed the team off the field in mid-September after a loss to the Marlins. No justice in baseball that these fans get a World Championship.
As for the park, do yourself a favor and wait in the line at Tony Luc’s. The Cheesesteak is unbelievable.
Cubsfanincolumbus - July 21, 2009
I'll have to try that...
… and maybe get there earlier. I was really surprised how long the lines were.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
Unless you get
to Ashburn Alley early, you’re gong to wait a long time. People have waited 2-3 innings in those lines. Tony Luke’s is a great choice.
Parking is a mess depending on what lot you parked in. I normally park in the Wachovia Center lot for Phillies games because it gets you to I-95 faster but that won’t be good tonight because Green Day is at the Wachovia Center. Your best bet might be parking at the Holliday Inn down the street. You can get out of that lot quickly
PhillyCub - July 21, 2009
Can you park there without being a hotel guest?
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
You can
It was $12 the last time I parked there
PhillyCub - July 21, 2009
Thanks.
I’ll check it out. That’s the same price as the main lots.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
I recommend this highly...having done it for basketball in March.
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
Where did the Cubs bats go? I was optimistic that might carry over from the Nats series....
….I mean Ted is entitled to a bad night every now and then but the offense just disappeared again.
Runners on base almost every inning early on and they didn’t produce at all…..again. It’s not like they were facing the 2008 version of Cole Hammles last night
JB 23 - July 21, 2009
Real pitchers
Worf - July 21, 2009
Not last night. That guy was a slug. He should have been lit up early and often, but the
Cubs bats were silent like they have been most of the season. This is just a poor-hitting baseball team. Inconsistent at best.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 21, 2009
Really important to leave that game
behind.
Can’t let it turn into a streak.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Got blasted last night for saying this:
“Aaron Heilman can be useful in long relief in a blowout.” Trust me, as President of his Suck it Fanclub, I don’t ever want to see him pitch for the Cubs, but he may be salvageable in that role. Remember he did a decent job in ST as a starter? That could be his role and the Cubs may get something in return for him from someone. In the meantime, after the Cubs score 32 runs in the top of the second tonight, and once Harden throws 100 pitches after the bottom of the 5th, make him throw the rest of the way.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
If he has to pitch
I hope its in blowouts like that… or at least that Lou stops using him when there are runners on base.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Amen
Like I said above: bq. Trust me, as President of his Suck it Fanclub, I don’t ever want to see him pitch for the Cubs, but he may be salvageable in that role. Remember he did a decent job in ST as a starter?
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
Quote fail
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
On a bright note
just saw this article
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gSm8d4EGfY6C4f0JJ290CiJLifsQD99II0GG0
Notes: Cubs RHP Ryan Dempster reported no discomfort after he threw 60 pitches in the bullpen before the game. Dempster has been on the DL since July 7 with a broken toe. Dempster, 5-5 with a 4.09 ERA in 17 starts for the Cubs this season, was injured in a freak accident and is scheduled to have an X-ray Thursday. Manager Lou Piniella says Dempster will pitch in a simulated game before working his way back into the rotation.
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
That is good news.
Now we just need to get Geo back to.
sue369 - July 21, 2009
he's rehabbing in arizona, but
hasn’t swung a bat yet.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Depending on which Harden pitches
We can still win the series.
I’m not too upset over last nights game. We lost to a good team and it wasn’t by 1-run or anything close like that.
Plus, I didn’t have to watch 4 hours of ESPN guys pretending to know about the Cubs all night :)
I’ll be at Wednesday game and I’ve seen Zambrano hit 5 HR’s in person and considering I live in NY that’s big, Plus I am taking my 8-game personal winning streak. I have a good feeling for the noon game!
Let’s just hope this rain ends by tonight or else there might be a double header tomorrow!
ak123 - July 21, 2009
Well since he seems to pitch well in cool dark places far from Wrigley Field, we should be ok tonight.
JB 23 - July 21, 2009
On a lighter note
I am working from home this morning, and I have WGN on at the moment. John Williams played a simulation of what it would sound like had Ron Santo been the commentator on the Apollo 11 landing instead of Cronkite. Made me laugh to tears.
Shanghai Badger - July 21, 2009
damn
now i wish i’d been watching ch 9.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Williams is on 720AM though
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
how al does this 4:30am stuff is beyond me
sorry. :-P
Allie - July 21, 2009
Now THAT I'd like to hear...
Is it online anywhere?
Zeke - July 21, 2009
Check the website later...
I bet they podcast it.
PurpleLineToWrigley - July 21, 2009
Rain
I should have put this in a separate but it’s really nasty here today in CT.
I hope the rain passes through by the evening down in Philly. With a noon game tmrw I guess there could be a double header if need be?
ak123 - July 21, 2009
It'd have to be.
The Cubs are off Thursday, but the Phillies aren’t.
Rain is almost out of the area now and it looks clear after that. Let’s hope it stays that way.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
not another DH
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Ok good
It’s been so nasty this morning it just felt like one of those days where it would rain for hours.
ak123 - July 21, 2009
Bad pitching
The Phillies scored 10 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks. Had Ted Lilly been able to handle the Phillies lineup, this could have been a very different ballgame.
Soriano should be taken out of games any time the team falls behind by 3 or more runs in the early innings and when they are behind by 2 or more runs in the middle innings. Argue, if you will, whether any of this makes sense when behind in later innings. But, when they have anybody sitting on that bench who can hit and play LF, then Soriano should get lifted. The Cubs don’t need his lazy-looking defense when the team is faced with having to come from behind.
The middle of the Cub lineup, 3-5, drew 1 walk.
AboutTheCubs - July 21, 2009
Taking Soriano out when behind?
Pretty tough sell on this. He just hit a game winning three run home run when behind by two.
okiecubbie - July 21, 2009
Don't keep Soriano in for that reason
Let an adequate fielder take over when the team has to catchup and there are, realistically, enough innings left to catchup. You’re assuming that whoever replaces Soriano won’t hit. I’m assuming the starting pitcher is going to stay in the game about an inning longer than he should when he’s giving up runs early in the game and before his pitch-count gets high. While waiting to see if the starting pitcher settles-down, getting somebody up in the bullpen, and relief pitching sooner than you ever want to see it, there are balls flying in the outfield and Soriano can’t catch them as reliably as most outfielders. Granted Soriano can throw and occasionally a starting pitcher settles-down on his own.
AboutTheCubs - July 21, 2009
Wow, you guys are going crazy over one game
Thank God we aren’t like the Yankees losing to the Red Sox 8-0. I can’t imagine what it would be like in here if we had lost 8 games to the Brewers or Cards.
IllinoisCubs - July 21, 2009
Adding.....
We didn’t even lose any ground, grow a pair and relax people.
IllinoisCubs - July 21, 2009
grow a pair?
Could you be any more misogynistic?
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Suck it up you girly man
IllinoisCubs - July 21, 2009
yeah
that’s mature.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Yeah
I was serious.
It’s called a joke!
IllinoisCubs - July 21, 2009
suck what up?
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Fine but he makes a good point.
Chill out people.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Just saying........
for a few of here this morning, just not possible. :)
(Trying to lighten the mood just a bit)
Madison Cub Fan - July 21, 2009
What really happened
The Cubs blew a chance to pickup a game on the Cardinals.
AboutTheCubs - July 21, 2009
The Cards lost 3-2 to a .500 ballclub
Why isn’t it that the Cardinals blew a chance to make more distance between them and the Cubs?
IllinoisCubs - July 21, 2009
they both blew
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Is it okay to use blew?
Seems awful misogynistic to me
IllinoisCubs - July 21, 2009
How is blew misogynistic?
Gay men blow too. Women can’t grow a pair. Get it right.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
-1
Archie - July 21, 2009
+1
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
ACK! Phil Rogers alert! Phil Rogers alert!
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
You answered the question
It is because the Cardinals are the ones in 1st place; not the Cubs. The Cardinals got away with losing to a below .500 ballclub without losing any ground. See.
AboutTheCubs - July 21, 2009
Unecessary
Compared to every other loss this year, this board has been pretty quiet.
ak123 - July 21, 2009
Fellow Fans..
I agree the team played like crap last night, but please errone stop pointing fingers. Truth is the whole team didn’t show up last night, with that being said we’re off to a 4-1 record to start the second half and with St Louis and the Brewers losing last night, this game never happened.
cubbiebear316 - July 21, 2009
we were NEVER HERE.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
astros won.
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
Perspective
This is how I look at last night’s game and the Nats series:
Cubs did exactly what they needed to do against the Nats. They hit well with Risp for three of the four games, and found a way to win the other. The wins are needed, the bigger positive was the possibility the offense was coming to life. I know it was against less than competitive pitching, but the swings were looking better and hitters more relaxed at the plate. We’ll see if it carries over, obviously did not last night.
The game last night was not good. It looks a lot worse due to the Cubs underperforming to this point. Truth of the matter is they have run into a very hot team. The Phils are a buzzsaw right now. Hopefully, some good pitching can slow them down.
I think just as the wins against the Nats need to be taken in perspective, this loss should as well, too. Let’s look at the positives and negs of each, but also how it fits in the bigger pitcher. Phils are talented, and Cubs are unfortunate to have caught them right now.
We are well within range of the division and have played better recently, nothing is wrapped up or out of range. I enjoy the games more by looking at it this way, rather than living and dying with every win or loss.
Really looking forward to the next two games. Got our work cut out for us against these guys at this time. The opportunity is big.
BleedsbluinMI - July 21, 2009
Great interview with 1st round pick Brett Jackson.
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/7/21/956458/great-interview-with-brett-jackson
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
I dunno...
…but if E doesn’t get back with Sloan I’m gonna be pissed.
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
lol..
she’s playing mind games with him man. E is gonna hit that again before this season is over.
cubbiebear316 - July 21, 2009
Sloan is so hot.
She puts EA to shame. Can that be our new rally cry (pics of Sloan)?
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
Sloan... Sloan darling...
do you have a kiss for daddy?
So THAT’s how it is in that family…
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
that Sloan was pretty hot too......
JB 23 - July 21, 2009
Sloan is hot as hell.
But I gotta admit, I was impressed when E deleted that text.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Just like the crew said
She was testing E, and he failed miserably. The best thing to do there was to play it cool until Sloan’s concerns were eased.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
Eh, she snoozed, now she loses.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Nope
She didn’t fall for his advances cause E was acting erratically, and like a love-struck kid.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
E was acting fine, told her he wanted her back.
And she declined. That’s on her. Peace bitch!
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Wrong move
He’s the one that messed up their relationship the first time around. What does that tell the audience? It means she holds all the cards, and must be convinced he’s changed. Yeah, he was acting fine for an adolescent.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
You know what'll piss me off?
If Turtle doesn’t propose to Jamie Lynn. They’re perfect for each other, but Turtle is still too immature to pursue a commitment.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
They just started dating!
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Reply fail...
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
Lol.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
what will piss me off..
is if thew writers dont find a way to bring Billy Walsh back!
cubbiebear316 - July 21, 2009
Good actor. Character was such a douche though.
And besides, Medellin was horrible.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Dude was hilarious..
Ari is the biggest douchewad in the show, still my fav character. Medellin!!!
cubbiebear316 - July 21, 2009
I love Ari, he rules.
CHCOWNTHECENTRAL - July 21, 2009
Ari and Drama make the show.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
agreed.
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
Agree on Ari
Couldn’t disagree more on Drama. He annoys the living $h*t outta me. The less Drama, the better the show.
DamonBerryhillsMitt - July 21, 2009
His shtick was funny for a couple of seasons...
… but its sort of wearing now. At least E has evolved to a more independent business man, looking to play the field. At least Turtle’s story line has evolved with a steady girlfriend. Drama just sits doing the same thing. A show with such an irrelevant plot, where everything is character driven, has to do better.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
jeezus ....
you’d think there was a bunch of metrosexuals in here talking about what a great show Entourage is … oh wait, there is.
Piven sucks.
junkhorse - July 21, 2009
Entourage has ceased to be interesting...
… and for that, we are worse off.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
☻
But they’re just ever so perfect for each other! ♀♂
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
I'm gonna look at the good news.
Sori had 3 hits, albeit 2 bloop singles but a hits a hit.
We’re 4-1 on the road trip,
Ted Lilly did NOT kill anyone on the Phillies.
cubsfaninatl - July 21, 2009
100% agree about Lou's mismanagement of the bullpen
John T. Unger - July 21, 2009
Oh, and Lou? Take careful note of what Charlie Manuel did with his pitchers last night. That’s how you manage a bullpen in a blowout! Instead of playing it like a spring training game, pitching a bunch of relievers for an inning or maybe two at a time, Manuel put Chad Durbin in the game in the seventh inning and let him finish; that resulted in Durbin’s third major league save, since the save rule allows you to post a save if you throw three innings with any lead.
Didn’t Lou have the Shark do this, essentially, the day before yesterday?
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
No, he didn't let him finish the game.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
but he pitched three innings, didn't he?
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Its got to be the last 3 innings
Not just 3 straight at some time during the game.
Allie - July 21, 2009
I know that
I’m simply suggesting that Lou did have a reliever go several innings. That’s all.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
I still think Al's point is valid
unless Shark was gassed, theres no reason to pull him and go to another reliever in that spot.
But, Lou’s ’pen decisions never make a whole of sense to me.
Allie - July 21, 2009
it was
an opportunity to get Stevens some work. eh.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Like hiring Aaron Heilman?
I’ve heard he blows chunks.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
Lou
didn’t hire Aaron Heilman. Jim Hendry did.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
Hahaha
I hope Heilman took some of that money he made and bought stock in Tums.
Lord knows he’s caused me to use a few dozen.
Allie - July 21, 2009
If he wants to balance his karma
he should at least pass those Tums around Cubs fans…
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
Or maybe give all that money
to acid reflux research?
Allie - July 21, 2009
Or go down to Arizona and work with a pitching coach before cashing his Cubs checks
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
lol
Allie - July 21, 2009
Keep it in perspective
I agree, but the outfield defense is alarming. So is the fact that the Cubs seem to play their worst baseball against the best teams.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
Well the Phillies just own the Cubs
But I think what we are seeing is more proof that this is a .500 team. We are better than the weak teams, but not quite up to par with the elite. Right in the middle.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Actually
The entire NL east minus the Nats own the Cubs.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
Have we played the NL east much yet?
I know we played the Marlins & the Nats… but isn’t that all?
I mean, sure Philly owned us last night… but that doesn’t mean the series has to go that way.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Not sure about this year
The Braves have one two series against us this year. Not sure about the rest though. Historically, or at least recently they’ve had a lot of trouble against the East.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
Ah
if we’re speaking historically… that makes sense.
I thought we were talking this year only.
I’m in the mood to be literal, I guess. heh.
Allie - July 21, 2009
We get the Mets...
back to back weekends starting August 28, first at Wrigley. Second series with the Fish is next weekend in suburban Miami.
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
Now that I think about it
You are correct. The Marlins thing is obvious, same with Phillies. I think we end up about even with the Braves most of the time. The Mets obviously beat us when it counts.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Even after last night
Our OF defense bothers me less than our IF.
Actually, our defense in general doesn’t inspire much confidence.
Allie - July 21, 2009
Yep, it pretty much nullifies their good pitching.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
Interesting ESPN Insider article about the Cubs drafting failure
and how it might be costing us a chance at Roy Halladay. Here.
nji232 - July 21, 2009
Good article
but it’s a paid service through the Insider. This is why Hendry needs to be fired. Big contracts to “fringy” players like Shark. Colvin will go down as another C. Patterson or F. Pie.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
It's an Insider article.
And I quit reading after this opening gem:
Uhh, err, because starting pitching is our big problem?
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
Right on.
BleedsbluinMI - July 21, 2009
First if you have a legit chance at getting a pitcher of Halladay's ability
You don’t say no.
Second, having another starting pitcher wouldn’t hurt. Randy Wells isn’t going to be what he was in the first half, Rich Harden is a constant question mark. Dempster has been hurt and also not good at times. Whats wrong with wanting Halladay?
nji232 - July 21, 2009
I think it's ridiculous water cooler talk.
We have SUCK written all over position players, how bout we improve those areas? Pitching isn’t gonna win crap when our RS is 13th in the NL. Pitchers don’t help you with that.
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
Offense is improving a bit.
The Cubs were 15th in the NL in runs a few days ago. Now they’re 13th. There are four other teams the Cubs could pass in runs within the next couple weeks if they can get the bats going.
Al Yellon - July 21, 2009
But the Nats helped us get to 13th
As they probably help other teams as well.
Azul Cachorro - July 21, 2009
Halladay would be awesome
but he’d not improve our defense or offense. And how much he’d cost would not allow us to do that, either.
Allie - July 21, 2009
These lyrics cheer up my day
Mister blue sky please tell us why
You had to hide away for so long
Where did we go wrong?
Hey you with the pretty face
Welcome to the human race
A celebration, mister blue sky’s up there waitin’
And today is the day we’ve waited for
Hey there mister blue
We’re so pleased to be with you
Look around see what you do
Ev’rybody smiles at you
lexmarklover - July 21, 2009
Hello. How are you?
Have you been alright, through all those lonely lonely lonely lonely lonely nights
That’s what I’d say. I’d tell you everything
If you’d pick up that telephone yeah yeah yeah
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
classic
lexmarklover - July 21, 2009
Cubs are still a 79-83 win team in my view
This team pissed away very good starting pitching the 1st half. Now that pitching is showing signs of wear and fatigue. Dempster on the DL, Lilly hobbled, Wells no longer a mystery to the NL, Harden frail as ever…
I look for St. Louis to start to pull away with this division. Especially if they land Halladay or Washburn.
BLou - July 21, 2009
Dude, I've been waiting for you all morning
That “Entourage” discussion was going nowhere.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
A 4-1 week
and we’ve lost 7 wins on your countdown?
Allie - July 21, 2009
I'm not willing to say you're right ...
on Harden or (especially) Wells.
I’m more worried that our offense continues to struggle. Beating up on the Nationals doesn’t mean much.
But if we can win one of the next two games, we’ll have a 5-2 trip.
elgato - July 21, 2009
LOL Washburn? Really? Dear god, i hope seattle trades washburn to the Cards cause he SUCKS.
and Hallday to the Cards …. i don’t believe they will give up the prospects.
lexmarklover - July 21, 2009
Washburn has been excellent this season in Seattle
Cubs have been done for weeks. If not for a GM in place who is trying to save his job with a new owner coming on board then a firesale would have commenced by now.
Cubs will finish 79-83 wins and in 3rd or 4th place. My only hope is that Ricketts is in place by the end of September and that he has the balls to fire Hendry right out of the box. Then begin a full-scale rebuilding program.
BLou - July 21, 2009
I was surprised when I looked at Washburn's numbers
If he was able to maintain those, then yes, St. Louis would be aided. But the odds are that Washburn will regress to the mean, so if St. Louis picked him up, it might benefit the Cubs.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
NL is easier to pitch in versus the AL
Washburn would be a big boost to any NL team that acquires him. Sounds like the Yankees, Phillies and Cardinals have all inquired about his availability.
BLou - July 21, 2009
i forgot to tell you that he makes 9 mil this year.
lexmarklover - July 21, 2009
It theoretically is.
But it doesn’t guarantee that Washburn will dominate in St. Louis. Since he’s been so good for most of this season, the odds are that the age of 35 he won’t have his best season ever. Odds are he will begin to regress at some point.
Seattle would be wise to trade him now while his value is high and let someone else deal with his regression in the last two-plus months of the season.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
lol you make me laugh
lexmarklover - July 21, 2009
St. Louis should pick up Julian Tavarez
That’d be awesome.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
Harden frail as ever…
o.0
You were the biggest Harden booster on this board. Your goalposts are on TEFLON, they don’t stick to anything.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
they'll win more than 79, but i agree that the cards
are going to be tough to catch. their pitching is outstanding. pineiro has become a shutdown 8 inning guy every start. he’s only given up 3 homeruns all year (i think), and franklin is lights out. they’re getting career years out of guys that usually suck. thank god larussa and duncan keep playing ankiel and duncan, but if derosa starts to hit, the cards will win in bunches.
buckmulligan - July 21, 2009
I really would like to know what makes you think the Cards will pull
away in this division. They haven’t done it all year and they are showing no signs of doing it now. They are non-existent from the left side of the plate and their pitching is suspect at best. What they have is the best player in baseball and eventually, he won’t get any thing to hit. Their management has said all along that they cannot add a big-named arm to the payroll. If you can show me a team with that formula pulling away in this division, you have some serious powers of pursuasion.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 21, 2009
His Magic 8 Ball said so.
sue369 - July 21, 2009
Phillies are NOT the best team
Look at their pitching stats. They are winning right now because they can club the ball. However, once the stretch/playoffs come, pitching wins.
Lilly was destined to lose last night. Look at the Phillies record against lefties. Scary! Add to the mix that TRL is a fly ball pitcher in a bandbox. This game had blowout written all over it even before the Cubs failed to show up for the game.
Relax…lots of baseball left, very good starting rotation, currently one of the best relief corps in the league (except for Heilman). This team will get it together, and they are in the right division this year.
BTW…first post for me. Love reading the discussions here!
saygerman - July 21, 2009
Good first post.
Rec’d. I’m sick of everyone bowing down to the Phillies. I guarantee they don’t repeat.
cubswynn - July 21, 2009
it's hard not to bow down when the first 6 players in their lineup have been all-stars
lexmarklover - July 21, 2009
Cubs have had 6 All-Stars too.
Dome, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Bradley, Soto.
When you’re hot (like Philly) you are going to look a lot better than what you are. When you are bad, you are going to look worse than what you are.
Fishbone2 - July 21, 2009
Well
positive thinking is great and all, and guaranteeing that the Phils won’t repeat is fine, but I’d rather have their team than what the Cubs have right now. They managed just fine in winning the WS without having great pitching last year, and it’s just about the same this year. Actually, if Hamels gets it together they’ll have their ace back for the stretch run and playoffs. I fear their lineup.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
saygerman,
Welcome to the lunacy. Great first post. Rec’d.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
welcome aboard
Allie - July 21, 2009
+1
And welcome to BCB. :D
Azul Cachorro - July 21, 2009
One of the better debut posts I've read - REC'd.
C’mon, let’s change our karma tonight by turning saygerman’s first post green.
daver - July 21, 2009
makes me wonder what my first post was like
On second thought, maybe I don’t want to know…
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
There was a link going around Twitter a week or three ago...
…that would show you your first tweet. I’d be a little dubious of my first BCB post, too.
daver - July 21, 2009
Well put!
Welcome!
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
Well said and welcome.
sue369 - July 21, 2009
Racism, Lord of the Rings and a whole lotta hand-wringing.
This is quite a thread.
daver - July 21, 2009
It's been interesting...
but it’s no 07/20/2009 Projected Lineup!
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
Eric Hanna
would like a word.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
WORD!
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
I'm in a
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY MOOD TODAY
:-)
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
haven't read that one yet
should i? or is it missable?
Allie - July 21, 2009
It's priceless
Please look at it.
chilango2 - July 21, 2009
I am now
I’d been avoiding it (and most of the fanshots lately)
Allie - July 21, 2009
Yeah
its been… something.
Allie - July 21, 2009
You left out
Gender Confusion, Transsexual Discrimination, Who can grow a sack and who can’t…it is an intresting thread to say the least.
TheRiot Police - July 21, 2009
phillies starting pitching doesn’t scare me
drodd - July 21, 2009
That's what I said last night.
daver - July 21, 2009
But... Cubs starting lineup doesn't scare the Phillies
SackMan - July 21, 2009
Well
this was a fun way to kill most of the day… should actually be productive though. Y’all try not to have too much without me!
Allie - July 21, 2009
Too much what?
daver - July 21, 2009
♫bow chikka wow wow♪
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
I was going to say "fun"
but now you can play mad libs while i’m gone!
Allie - July 21, 2009
In Bob Brenly voice, "Too much gooooood stuff."
Hope the rest of your day goes well!
daver - July 21, 2009
i noticed
that Reed Johnson absolutely KILLS Philly pitching why the heck isnt he playing more in this series?
nutdrinkingamp12 - July 21, 2009
Lineup vs. Blanton: rejo, riot, lee, rami, fuky (rf), sori, font, hill, harden.
Via Twitter.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
you should make a FanPost of this.
you’d be hailed for your accuracy.
Bill Potter - July 21, 2009
Actually, i'd probably be mocked for the inaccuracy of twitter...
… then chastised for including the vs. Blanton part for some strange reason.
AndrewJStone - July 21, 2009
AGGGHHHH!
MILTON IS AT 74 GAMES. I’m convinced he won’t play the rest of the year, and I will cry tears of joy.
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
Lou sat him yesterday and today
to work on his swing. He’s in the lineup for tomorrow. I’ll bet you a dollar.
drewishdrewid - July 21, 2009
NEVAAAAAAAA
dtpollitt - July 21, 2009
WTF
The Cubs pay this guy top dollar and he can’t play in a series where the team obviously needs him!? No matter what’s wrong with his swing he should be playing, especially in a hitter’s park.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
Only two lefties?
Rediculous.
propheteer - July 21, 2009
I wasn't too surprised
that they lost last ngiht. Their bats seem to take a vacation after a game where they score bunches of runs. Hopefully they get back to scoring more runs tonight than the Phillies.
sue369 - July 21, 2009
Phillies do have Blanton and Moyer going in the next two games...
that has to enspire some confidence, doesn’t it?
dtc0405 - July 21, 2009
Moyer is 3-0 in 6 career starts against the Cubs...
1-0 in two starts last year, but with an ERA over 5.
Blanton beat the Cubs in his only start against them last year…and for his career.
Chris Dobbertean - July 21, 2009
Why you gotta be like that?
dtc0405 - July 21, 2009
I believe
the Cubs beat the Phils in Blanton’s start against them last year…It was the Friday daygame after ARAM unbelievable GS on Thursday night. He started opposite Harden that night as well…
Here is the Boxscore
TheRiot Police - July 21, 2009
Jake Fox
I realize that I’ve already admitted to being 65 years old on this site, but I just have to ask this. Does anybody else remember a Chicago Whie Sox (Hope that didn’t hurt too much) HOF second baseman named Jacob Nelson Fox? Just wondering. Hope the current one is as successful and well loved as the original.
uniquepat - July 21, 2009
My previous post.
Sorry, I left the T out of White Sox, but I’m sure you knew what I meant. This blog needs a spell-check.
uniquepat - July 21, 2009
actually, I thought you left out an "N"... ;-)
ballhawk - July 21, 2009
Use Firefox
its built in.
Allie - July 21, 2009
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