Really, Cubs management has to get a lot better at managing rain delays, among other things. If you've been reading here long enough, you'll remember me writing about the non-rain delay of August 23, 1999, when management under GM Ed Lynch made a full house sit from 7 till 9:15 pm without a single drop of rain falling -- they could have easily played six or seven innings -- only to have to postpone the game when the skies opened up at 9:15.
Today was nearly a similar fiasco. Just at the time the first pitch was about to be thrown at 1:20 -- and with nine fans standing on the field for the usual Sunday player-autograph promotion -- it started raining pretty hard. The hard rain lasted only a few minutes and it rained lightly for another 15 or so, and then stopped.
And stopped some more, and then some more. At about 2:30 PA announcer Paul Friedman let everyone know that "a severe storm was expected through in about an hour". That was the time to tell everyone to go home, since it wasn't raining and there could have been an orderly exit (unlike last August 4 when tornado warnings forced thousands to huddle in the concourse). In fact, thousands did leave at 2:30, and even before that, the Cubs' team bus had pulled up near the LF bleacher exit on Waveland -- was that a clue that they were going to start loading it up and leave?
The forecast of a 3:30 storm was a little off -- it didn't start raining until just after 4:00, by which time I had decided to leave and just beat a nasty little downpour back to my house. So, essentially, the Cubs sat around during a time when, except for a ten-minute downpour, they could have played most of today's game. Instead, they will be forced to likely play a doubleheader during the Pirates' next visit to Wrigley Field on September 29, 30 and October 1 (most likely, I think: a split DH on September 29, when a night game is already scheduled). The two teams have common off days on August 24 and September 10, but playing on the first of those dates would force the Cubs to play 34 days in a row and on the second, 32 days in a row -- so I think that's a very unlikely scenario.
I honestly don't know why the Cubs waited so long. The cynic in me says "to sell more beer", and indeed they did that -- in fact, no vendors appeared in the bleachers until after the 2:30 announcement. I know the Cubs have a private weather service to which they subscribe, and if this is the result -- time to get a new weather service! My cellphone and those of several others around me were calling up live radar images and, amateur meteorologist that I fashion myself, it appeared to me that once the rain did start, it wasn't going to stop. (It's still raining lightly right now as I post this at 5:15.) They either should have played through the game-time delay, or called it at 2:30..
At this writing the Padres are leading the Cardinals 5-4 in the 8th in a game that's also rain-delayed. If it ends that way the Cubs pick up a half game without doing a thing on the field, which is a good thing.
Tomorrow is the deadline for the Nationals to sign their #1 draft pick, the first choice in the June draft, Stephen Strasburg. Tom Boswell has a thoughtful piece in the Washington Post on this issue, and I found this comment about Scott Boras' tactics right on target:
Both sides live in an illusory bubble of entitled arrogance. Both sides need a reality check in 48 hours. Here's one for free.
The Lerners need to man up and make an offer that is high enough that Selig will be on the horn at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday screaming about the sanctity of the slotting system. It's the Lerners' job to run their Washington franchise -- and run it a lot better than they have -- not make their other 29 lodge members happy.
Boras needs to drop the pedantic professor of labor relations pose and rejoin the rest of us. There's a recession out there that wakes up every morning in a bad mood trying to decide whether it wants to become a depression. Nobody has any patience with a kid, or his agent, who can't beat Cuba in the Olympics or Virginia in the NCAA tournament, yet thinks he's too good to settle for a mega-millions-lottery contract.
Boras is in business to get a good deal for his client, not to break the system, tell us how awful it is that Strasburg might get "only" $20 million and threaten to have him play in Japan (that, incidentally, will never happen -- there's no way any NPB team would threaten good relations with MLB by doing that). In today's economy, with people losing their jobs left and right and millions hurting, Boras and Strasburg have a chance to set a good example by taking a large, but fair, offer. Here's a quote from Nats 3B Ryan Zimmerman that is exactly right:
"When it comes down to it, Strasburg has to think about, 'Can I go to bed if I turn down $15, 16 million dollars -- whatever it is -- to pass up the opportunity to play for these guys?' That's a lot of money. I don't understand what he thinks will be better next year. If we don't take him, who's gonna take him next year? Pittsburgh? San Diego? San Diego is not gonna pay him more. Absolutely his leverage will never be higher. Everybody wants to play where they want to play; everybody wants the ideal situation, but that's not the point of the draft. You can't tell people where you want to play. At some point, do it like everybody else has already done it. I agree, he's one of the better college pitchers ever to pitch, but he hasn't proven anything yet."
Ryan Zimmerman may be a few weeks short of 25 years old, but his wisdom on this issue is, im my opinion, 100% correct. Boswell says Strasburg may get an offer that will break the current draft record, set by Mark Prior, and perhaps Prior's career should be a cautionary tale to anyone involved in these negotiations. If the number is, say, $15 million or so, as Zimmerman says -- Strasburg needs to tell Boras, "You work for me. I want to play baseball. This is enough money for now." And get it done.
0 recs | 312 comments
Three cheers on Strasburg, Al
Zimmerman said it best.
But I can’t agree with your assessments on the weather. I don’t think two incidents in 10 years constitutes a trend.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
It doesn't constitute a trend and I wasn't really saying so...
… just comparing two identical situations. The Cubs should have gotten a better handle on the weather today.
Zimmerman really did say it best, didn’t he?
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
Sure did
I saw his comments in my local paper today, and I think I might have yelled out “Thank you!” after I read them. Strasburg isn’t making a good first impression on his future teammates, it appears.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
It happened one other time that I can recall - a day game
Rained lightly for two or three hours, called the game, the sun came out. Don’t remember the date offhand but I was there.
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
Jump... Thump... Oh my aching back...
eths - August 16, 2009
Boras' job is to get his client as much as he can
His job isn’t to worry about the system.
If it dies, it dies. (So long as his contract is protected under bankruptcy laws)
The owners sure as hell haven’t given two shats about the system over the years.
Having said all that, the Nationals are stupid if they pay more than $20 million. Let the kid go back into the draft next year and do this dance again with Pittsburgh.
Worf - August 16, 2009
Very True
but several players, at least in Football (Peyton and Brady), have taken less so the team can afford better players but hey if Strasburg want to be the only Major Leaguer on 4A team, hope you enjoy the 30-132 seasons.
gaclaudy - August 16, 2009
It's not about "affording"
It’s about fitting the salaries under the cap.
Without a salary cap, there is no way Brady takes less than $25 million a year.
Worf - August 16, 2009
Actually, his job is also to put his client in the best situation
if Boras has the kid sit out this year, he will be doing him a huge disservice. As someone else noted, does he think Pittsburgh, or maybe San Diego is going to pony up more next year? What if he gets hurt pitching for the St Paul Saints and gets nothing? Boras has more money than he can spend in a few lifetimes, but this could be the kid’s only chance. And Boras would have no problem throwing it away just to prove a point.
Then again, the kid knew all this when he hired Boras, so if things go badly it’s his own fault.
davidalanu - August 17, 2009
well I for one dont missing Ohelndorf
he seems to be Pitts. best stater.
DC Cubbie - August 16, 2009
Same here
He pretty much shut down the Cubs last time they saw him. I’m sure he’ll probably pitch against them at some point, considering how many games they have left with the Bucs, but that bridge can be crossed later.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
but we miss miles starting at short
tim815 - August 16, 2009
why must life be so cruel...
jesus christos - August 16, 2009
I'm about to graduate with my Bachelor's
and if someone offered me a job that paid 40,000 a year I would kiss their feet.
I know you’ve got to pay big bucks for the good ones, but isn’t this a bit ridiculous? Someone needs to get him away from that greedy agent of his and talk some sense into him before he loses the best opportunity of his life.
CubsGirl - August 16, 2009 via mobile
Well whatever happened in the past, it does sound like they blew it today.
eths - August 16, 2009
We don't know that this isn't exactly what Strasberg wants
It is always assumed that the agents are leading the poor, dumb, innocent players around.
If Strasburg wanted someone else, he’d have hired someone else. Everyone knows who Boras is.
Worf - August 16, 2009
Perhaps, but sometimes the agent makes a lot of promises and the kid doesn't know any better.
That doesn’t mean the player is dumb. He’s just inexperienced in those types of high-level, big-money negotiations, and decides to trust an agent who happens to overplay his hand. I just hope Strasburg gets as much money as he can, but for that he has to sign a contract tomorrow.
Fraggin Judge - August 16, 2009
At least we saw a great Air Show Al... :)
But, yes… they kept us at the park way too long. Could’ve gotten an official game in there.
SackMan - August 16, 2009
You're right about the airshow.
I’m surprised the pilots went up with storms like that around.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
Planes can fly in rain, but MLB players can't hit or throw a ball in a drizzle
gaclaudy - August 16, 2009
Ted Lilly
is a god among men, but even he doesn’t have 4000 foot-pounds of thrust behind his fastball.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
4000 foot-pounds of thrust
sounds like a Rock album
tim815 - August 16, 2009
We'll air it on my...
…radio station with its 100-million Megawatts of Boom!
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
Perhaps this game will not be needed and thus, not played, after all.
We’ll know depending where the Cubs are in the standings the last weekend of the season. But it would be a nice way to end the season, if it has to be played, because that would mean that the game is meaningful. If so, what better opponent than the AAA Pirates?
I understand the team not wanting to go through the risk of starting Harden, having to shut him down after a delay and depleting their bullpen before the trip. By postponing the game, the club maanged to rest all the players before the long plane trip to San Diego. Management probably preferred that and that’s why they decided to, in effect, wait for the rain without playing. They probably had a rain dance going in the office today.
As for Strasburg, precisely because he’s a kid I don’t think he’ll tell Boras that he wants to sign for the record amount on the table by tomorrow. The kid still has a lot to learn, as the contrast with Zimmerman attests. He won’t have better leverage in negotiations next year, and God forbids he has a bad year in college or gets injured.
Fraggin Judge - August 16, 2009
And they gained some time
to pump chicken soup and other fluids in Theriot so Miles isn’t needed.
Worf - August 16, 2009
Thanks, Mother Nature.
Fraggin Judge - August 16, 2009
Just by the by
How jealously does ESPN guard its Sunday night exclusivity?
Caledonia - August 16, 2009
Good question. Technically, the broadcast had already started, so I don't think ESPN could have stopped WGN from...
broadcasting the game nationally, to its completion.
Fraggin Judge - August 16, 2009
Correct.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
The game WILL be played.
Anytime a team has another visit to the city of a postponement, the game WILL be rescheduled. Only if it’s the final visit does the game get held till the end of the season.
Expect a doubleheader on 9/29.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
Got it. Thanks.
Fraggin Judge - August 16, 2009
There's too much damn control in the players' hands.
YOu shouldn’t be able to re-enter the draft, and you shouldn’t be able to bitch about what team you play for. The point of the draft is to give the shitty teams a chance to…not be shitty.
dtpollitt - August 16, 2009
Technically, Boras isn't an agent but an "advisor", because of what you say.
Maybe it’s time for MLB to revisit the rules.
Fraggin Judge - August 16, 2009
I sort of agree
but if Strasburg were from another country he’d be able to be a free agent and pick his team.
Either make every new first year player go through the draft or make no one go through the draft.
Allie - August 16, 2009
They've talked about having a worldwide draft.
It’s a good idea.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
That'd feel "fairer"
(not that anything is ever fair… but you know).
Allie - August 16, 2009
There already is one...
…every time Joe Morgan announces. ;-)
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
I agree.
The Puerto Rico baseball people wanted the opposite, to be excluded from the draft. Probably to make some scouts rich, I guess. MLB didn’t pay them any attention, as the tendency is the opposite, that is to include everyone. They haven’t done it because the baseball schools in Latin America are a cheap and useful source of talent. In fact, that is the real reason why there are more Dominicans than Puerto Ricans in MLB. To many Dominicans, baseball is the way out from poverty. To Puerto Ricans it’s just one way, another sport, less practiced than basketball nowadays.
Anyway, excluding PR from the draft was out of the question. Any American player could move to PR, a US territory, establish residency and be excluded from the draft. I can envision Scott Boras moving all his players to the island if PR was exempted from the draft. It’s not going to happen, thank God.
Fraggin Judge - August 17, 2009
Boras is a jerk
for the most part for us fans, however for the player they love him. I am not a huge fan of Bud, and this one area they really dropped the ball on. This has been going on for years, and by the looks of it will continue. Strasburg is a jackass if he doesn’t sign, like mentioned good luck with the Padres or Pittsburgh. The Nats have better potential than those two.
Is 5-2 next week a dream request or possible?, I say possible.
Grockcubs - August 16, 2009
I've sometimes wished...
…that Bud Selig would ban Boras under his “best interests of the game” powers. :)
Won’t happen, but a guy can dream…
allyngibson - August 16, 2009
yeah, right after he bans himself for the same reason...
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
stop
you’re both right
tim815 - August 16, 2009
before you mean?
tootle - August 16, 2009
obviously logic goes out the window when posting about bud selig
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
The lawsuit would reach 9 zeroes
And it would win.
Banning Boras from the game would be the equivalent of throwing at the head of a batter who hit a homer off you.
Don’t take it out on the guy because he’s better at his job than you are at yours, Bud
Worf - August 16, 2009
Another agent would just take Boras' place.
That’s like saying the NBA should ban David Falk, or the NFL Drew Rosenhaus because of how much power and exclusive clientèle they represent. Bud Selig and the system by which the MLB selects players is pathetic. People should be clamoring for wholesale changes to that rather than getting on a high horse about one person who does his job well.
Ozzie Montana - August 16, 2009
Don't get me wrong, I don't like Boras.
But he’s the Ari Gold of agents. You want him on your team, you hate him against you.
dtpollitt - August 16, 2009
For what it's worth
St. Louis is still in a rain delay with one out, top of the 8th, SD leading by one…
eths - August 16, 2009
Cubs will, again...
… have four games in hand vs. St. Louis after today.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
everybody wants to see the game happen but its not like this was opening day, mgmt. should have called the game a lot earlier
JMG1984 - August 16, 2009
Strasburg will sign
I’ve been pretty frustrated with everyone talking about how he isn’t going to sign. Talks don’t “progress.” They do nothing for 2 months and hammer the last 48 hrs. Boras simply doesn’t have the leverage and a lot could happen in a year that would make it very risky for Strasburg to not sign.
Keep in mind this would push back free agency a year for him and that will cost him cash down the road. Plus, if he were to go the Indy ball route and re-enter, the Nats are likely to be drafting first again and simply could select him again.
Im guessing they sign him for $18.5
MJMars - August 16, 2009
I believe...
…that a player, in this instance, has to agree to be redrafted by the team. As an example, Washington drafted Aaron Crow last year, who turned down a $3.5 million contract, and Crow stated that he wouldn’t allow Washington to redraft him this year. Right now, Crow is looking at a $3 million contract from Kansas City. So, if Strasburg turns down Washington’s offer (and I’m thinking $16.5 million myself) and declines to be drafted by Washington again, Washington might not get a second chance at him next year, even though it looks likely that they’ll be drafting first again.
allyngibson - August 16, 2009
I've got no complaints with..
what’s happening in Washington. Personally, I feel that while the public nature of the negotiations and the dollars for unproven talent is bad for the sport, it’s much better than when one side has another over a barrel, as has happened at different points in labor relations in the past.
Personally, the real reality check is when a couple of these franchises go tell their draft picks to go pound sand. When a few of these guys are playing in parks just better than park league fields for Independent League teams, as opposed to getting jumps on their MLB service time, you’ll see these things take a different tone.
Damen Jackson - August 16, 2009
I don't see the problem as much Boras as it is "Stress"burg.
This top draft pick knows what he is getting with Boras—it is not a secret how he negotiates. So this is the way the guy wants to come to MLB, so be it. There are other agents he could have chosen. Strasburg picked a guy that he wanted to reflect who he is as much as what he wants.
This guy seems to me to be far from “I’ll prove it on the field” kind of guy. Strasburg has a lot to prove to teammates no matter where he ends up. Strasburg makes the bed he sleeps in. Boras works for him and he hired Boras. Don’t blame Boras for this mess. Boras always acts like bore-ass. This guy’s act is 100% consistent. Strasburg is the one who wants to string this out. I agree that the Nats should say adios if they can’t get a deal at their limit. No one (unproven) draft choice is critical to the game.
LAcarl519 - August 16, 2009
There is one extra perk today...
…the Southsiders were beat in a ninth-inning walkoff by the A’s!
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
The White Sox aren't in our division
They mean nothing to me
Worf - August 16, 2009
Note on rotation for road trip.
Rich Harden will be pushed back. Linky
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
My guess is they slot him in front of Gorzo to give his toe more rest
(assuming that would give Harden a night game in LA)
LAcarl519 - August 16, 2009
Wow!
I get to see Lilly pitch tomorrow night!
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
I got to see him pitch in Atlanta
Quite a treat, too. The Braves fans around me were astounded by how dumb he made their batters look. :D
Clutch16 - August 17, 2009
From cubs.com press release on postponement
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
Which effectively shuts me out of Wrigley for the year based on my schedule
and my girlfriend’s first game at Wrigley will have to wait till next year.
TkGoUWGB - August 16, 2009
Let's hope in gets rained out in St. Louis!
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
St Louis Padres back on
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
that's a sweet picture and
bottom of 8th in St. Louis
lexmarklover - August 16, 2009
1 on, 2 outs for Albert
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
1st and 2nd for Holliday.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
how many left in the stands? 500?
LAcarl519 - August 16, 2009
END 8th
mgrace17 - August 16, 2009
Good.
I’m a bit surprised that they didn’t bring in Heath Bell.
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
Me too
He’ll be in for Ludwick DeRosa Molina in the 9th
mgrace17 - August 16, 2009
Yep.
Still, that situation calls for a 4-out save try. Glad it worked out.
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
thank god!
lexmarklover - August 16, 2009
Phew
Top 9, 5-4 Padres.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Jay Jackson numbers in Daytona today
6 2/3 4H 7K 0 R
ERA 0.36.
Time to end his time in A Ball. What he pulled in Tennesse musta been really naughty
tim815 - August 16, 2009
its silly that he stays down there
He’s way better than those hitters, he needs to be in AA.
nji232 - August 16, 2009
I left out 0 walks
Carpenter, Cashner, Coleman, Hung-Wen Chen, and Jackson would be a nice rotation for a couple weeks.
tim815 - August 16, 2009
Did he punch some teammate or something?
It would have to be really bad if he doesn’t go back up after this.
nji232 - August 16, 2009
he didn't even mention why
in a twitter. at least, not that i could tell.
tim815 - August 16, 2009
Adrian Gonzalez is 4-5
I hope he slows down the next three days.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
We MUST pitch around him
Clean-up hitter = Chase Headley, who’s at .258/.336/.728
mgrace17 - August 16, 2009
Well didn't he get Ted once or twice at Wrigley?
Odds are he is the only hitter we have to really worry about this week. Just walk him all 12 times.
nji232 - August 16, 2009
I agree...
That guy is a great hitter. Just give him a free pass each plate appearance.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Off to the bottom of the 9th...
Please get the save Heath Bell!
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
on to the bottom of the 9th
still 5-4 pads.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Fasten those seatbelts!...
To quote our beloved Pat Hughes.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Leadoff man on...
Crud.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Mark DeRosa grounds out?
unpossible!
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Looks like rain in the ATL tonight too
might have to watch something else besides baseball tonight
LT - August 16, 2009
So last week Broxton went to hell against STL
Will Heath Bell do it too?
Runner on second, one out. Molina up.
nji232 - August 16, 2009
Of course
Bell blows it.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Bell
He blew the All Star game too………..ugly
If we only had Hubbs - August 16, 2009
Runner on 2nd...
1 out for Molina.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
In Play Run(s)
oh, man.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
FUCK ST. LOUIS!!!!
niuhuskie224 - August 16, 2009
AND RIGHT ON CUE
tie game
mgrace17 - August 16, 2009
tie game.
Molina singles in Ludwick.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Unreal...
Blown save. Tie game, and it had to be Molina.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Rasmus HR wins it
for the Cardinals. Un real.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Tie game
shocking, I’ll bet Health Bell strikes out the side 3 times against us.
nji232 - August 16, 2009
How lucky can the Cardinals get?
camnorris14 - August 16, 2009
get lucky enough times
and maybe you’re good. i hope they get no october traction.
tim815 - August 16, 2009
Maybe lucky wasn't the best word.
How many times is it going to work out perfectly for them?
camnorris14 - August 16, 2009
seriously
i wouldn’t mind if their comeuppance hits early in the second week of October.
tim815 - August 16, 2009
Many times, because they have a good ballclub.
Fraggin Judge - August 17, 2009
They aren't lucky, they are winners.
The cubs play not to lose. The cardinals play to win.
It’s a cliche, sure, but it’s absolutely valid this year.
Gibbon Jockey - August 16, 2009
Ahyep
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
Disgusting.
Absolutely disgusting.
Scrapptastic - August 16, 2009
Unreal
niuhuskie224 - August 16, 2009
Are you freaking serious?
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Rasmus Homers
end of line.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Needed more RAIN
Of course tomorrow the Padres will be GOOD.
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
U know
niuhuskie224 - August 16, 2009
+1
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 16, 2009
I hate the fucking Cardinals,
niuhuskie224 - August 16, 2009
That deserves ALL CAPS
I HATE THE FUCKING CARDINALS!!!
DKT - August 16, 2009
Hope you're not Catholic...
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
Primal Scream Therapy
DKT - August 16, 2009
Mother, you had me, but I never had you.....
CaliCub - August 16, 2009
so instead of gaining a half game
we lose a half game.
Man.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
However, we have FOUR games in hand on the Cardinals.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
true dat.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Al...
I’m afraid I don’t understand. The Cubs have played four games LESS than the Cardinals, and they have three MORE losses. What kind of advantage is that?
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
they have 4 more games to play
in theory that means we have 4 “extra” Aramis/Lilly/Zambrano games left.
Allie - August 16, 2009
At some point, though . . .
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
thats why i said in theory
Allie - August 16, 2009
How're things?
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
Eh
Alright. Soggy at the moment. :-P but good, overall, i guess.
How about you?
Allie - August 16, 2009
Not bad. Quiet, I guess.
A bit bored!
Everyone feeling ok?
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
Good
home and progressing really well already. :-)
Allie - August 16, 2009
Great!
Glad to hear it.
Shanghai Badger - August 16, 2009
Because they are 5 games out, but only 3 down in the loss column.
They have four extra games in which to make up those loss column games.
Al Yellon - August 17, 2009
Only the second BS
for Bell all season.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
That just ruined my day
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Well, that's what happens when you count on rotten teams
to save your season. They help you AND everyone else.
Worf - August 16, 2009
Well this team was supposed to have two good players...
One of those just blew the damn game.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
fml
lexmarklover - August 16, 2009
Great job Heath...
Remember to suck the next three days too.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
so 5 gb .... lets get some back when the cards play la and we play the pads
lexmarklover - August 16, 2009
Just gotta keep winning
Take care of yourself first, worry about other people later.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Untrue
We have to win AND the Cards have to lose. At least six games worth. That’s the way it is.
Worf - August 16, 2009
No, it is true
You can’t control other teams.
If the Cardinals lose only six more games the rest of the season (which they’re on pace to do), then they deserve what they get.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
I couldn't give a damn less about deserve
Worf - August 16, 2009
Maybe you don't
but if they close the season 40-6, there’s nothing you can do about it.
Now, will they close the season 40-6? A lot of people here sure seem to think so.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Hmm.... I sense another windmill in the offing
Carry on, Not Don Quixote… ;-)
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
Does that make you
Sancho Panza?
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Sure, I'll ride along with you
guess that means we’ll be battling the Giants for the wildcard
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
Not yet, faithful companion
Calendar says it’s Aug. 16. Season ends Oct. 4.
Just win as many games as you can, and let the chips fall.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Very true.
I’ll be doing my best tomorrow evening at PETCO.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
ONWARD!
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
To quote James Woods
“No one cares if you go down fighting the good fight. A good fight is one you win”
Worf - August 16, 2009
whatever
take what you want out of this. I say, the Cubs have a chance, and why give up on that chance?
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
They do
But I do not care for noble efforts.
Win. And shut up about it.
Worf - August 16, 2009
but you don't like it
when players don’t talk to the press.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
You've got me confused with someone else
Ever read Reggie Jackson’s autobiography? He said the philosophy of the early 70s A’s was this:
“If you are a relief pitcher, sent to get a guy out, you get the guy out. Period. And you shut the f—- up about it.”
He had a whole list of players and jobs. It wasn’t just relief pitchers. It was base runners, RBI guys, sac bunts, etc…
No excuses. No injuries. No “better luck next time”
Do it, and shut the f—- up.
Worf - August 16, 2009
that's pretty funny
Reggie Jackson espousing about a “shut the f—- up” philosophy. Guess he made up for it during all his Yankee years.
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
so this is why people disagree with you so frequently
you don’t understand the fundamental nature of competition.
Yes. If you are a relief pitcher, it’s your job to go get the guy out. But it’s the batter’s job to beat that relief pitcher. Someone has to lose.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Thus the brilliance of the Technical Balk
It evens the playing field by making sure that everyone loses.
Clutch16 - August 17, 2009
And when you lose
No excuses or whining.
Worf - August 17, 2009
I suppose I have no problem with this
but there is a clear difference between “why did this happen” and “I’m going to whine about my excuses about why this happened”.
drewishdrewid - August 17, 2009
Do or do not.
There is no try.
Shanghai Badger - August 17, 2009
No, it makes him "Not Sancho Panza."
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
LOL
CaliCub - August 16, 2009
meant as a reply for Vermont Cubs Fan
CaliCub - August 16, 2009
only to give them right back
when we switch. The cardinals are real good, unfortunately. The Cubs best chance is to have the NL east and NL west beat up on each other and sneak into the wild card. From there its anyones game.
Ryanocm1 - August 16, 2009
Thanks mother nature
thanks for mutton!
LT - August 16, 2009
Cubs are now 7 wins back
This is a fantasy that we will catch them. Can trump the “only 5 GB” all you want, the Cubs can’t go more than 2 games in a row without someone making a bonehead play unless they are playing a borderline AAA team like the Pirates. I’ll root for the Cubs to win every game as I always have, but I’d like to think some of us can step back for a second and look at a Cardinals team that has been injury-free, is expertly managed, and is playing sound baseball pretty much every night. We are not.
BeltwayCubsFan - August 16, 2009
You also have noticed, I hope
They have played the Pirates, Reds and Padres in the last nine games. But I guess that has nothing to do with it.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
step where ever you like
but look where you’re stepping.
We can catch them. We’ll see.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
How exactly have we been injury free?
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
Do you think TLR stays next year?
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
I am honestly unsure
But I don’t see him going to the Cub’s. Maybe retire
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
How about Albert...
What do you think his future with the Cards is?
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Cards for life
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
How about
going to Cincy with his pal Jocketty?
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Cincy seems more into a rebuilding thing
which he is not going to want to get into and I think we give Albert a blank check essentially because the backlash if we dont sign him would be too big for the ownership
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
I would think...
It would be tough for you guys to pony up the dough for Holliday AND Pujols…don’t you think?
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
yeah
Cause anything you give to Holliday will have to be topped when you resign Pujols
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
Yes
and its going to take a lot of commitment from ownership but i think a little discount from both of them will go a long way
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
Yes
at least i cant see why he would, seeing as how we made all the trades to accommodate him, and definitely if we resign holliday
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
Does Holliday have a good chance of being resigned?
That’s going to be a lot of dough.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
i don't think he has any chance to being resigned
He has made $20M since being traded to the Cardinals. My bet is the Red Sox
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
$13.5 million is what Billy Beane...
…paid him to lope around the outfield here in Oakland. I was positively amazed at how boring it was to watch him play.
And now his made $6.5-million more? Insane.
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
i mean in regards to his next contract
He has near .500 BA since coming to the Cardinals and over a 1.300 OPS
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
The difference...
…between here and there has been ridiculous in his level of performance. It makes me wonder what the hell he’s been doing. Or, maybe, it’s that he can’t hit AL-pitching.
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
I think we will
take the money that Glaus is making and the money that Ank and some others are making and give it to him
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
I am serious when Boras is going to ask for
7 years/$140M
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
Yes i know
but i guess im more hoping
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
I remember last year, when Manny Ramirez went to LA,
They wanted him back this year, and LA almost didn’t re-sign him. It took a lot of money for him to stay a Dodger.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
It took a lot of money
plus no one else wanted him
LT - August 16, 2009
That too.
It remains to be seen what will happen with Holiday at the end of this year.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
He has been a monster so far the Cardinals
He will arguably be the best hitter available in the free agent pool. He will be a Type A free agent so the team that signs will lose their first round pick. But besides that. He is going to get paid
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
What have you guys thought of DeRo?
Many around here thought he was a saviour.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
he seems to be a a good #6 guy in the lineup
He has hit a lot of HR’s but not a lot of anything else. He has already hurt his wrist which scares me. Defense seems a little shaky. Not a bad player though all around. I wouldn’t want him back next year though. I would rather have the draft picks. I am to worried about that wrist
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
If you guys make the playoffs...
You may not be too pleased with him. He was found of making key errors and bouncing into bases loaded double plays here.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
doubt he would be any worst than anything else we could throw at 3B
We came into this season with too many 3B and than they all got hurt
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
*cough*Thurston*cough*
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
Lou never forgave him for the DP in Gm 3, 2007 NLDS
CaliCub - August 16, 2009
Was that right after DeRosa said "Yeah, Johnny Ola told me about this place."?
and then Lou kissed DeRo…
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
Who's been hurt for you this year?
Sorry, but I haven’t really noticed.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
For starters Glaus
and then Carp, Lohse, Brendan Ryan, Ankiel, Ludwick, Rasmus, Wellemeyer, and most of our young 3B options
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
Goodness sakes.
Between our teams, we could fill an entire hospital ward with the number of injuries we’ve had this year.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
Yeah unlucky year for both of us
but we still havent lost our most important player yet
*Knocks on wood
stlwcards - August 16, 2009
September
is going to be quite the month. That Cubs-Cards series in STL might be an all-timer.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Troy Glaus gone all season
Was a 5 win player last year
FlimtotheFlam - August 16, 2009
The difference between the Cubs and Cardinals
is the ninth inning. Their closer has been lights out and they have stolen games from the likes of K-Rod, Bell and Broxton, and our closer has been shaky and we havent stolen many games late (except off Wood).
Ryanocm1 - August 16, 2009
The Wildcard
Is the most likely way the Cubs can get in now.
brianp88 - August 16, 2009
Probably...
Boy, I’m really freaking pissed right now!
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Not really
Division still is the best way. Fewer other teams to deal with.
I certainly hope the players aren’t as swayed by this stuff as the fans are.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Actually I think the WC is the better chance
Yes you have 4 teams but basically each plays both each other several times and has a tougher schedule so I think odds are better for the WC.
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
Just find a way to get into the damn playoffs.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Thank you
I don’t care if it’s the division or the WC. That’s what I mean by just keep winning.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
However...
For that to happen, certain teams NEED to lose.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Yeah, but that's always the way it is
Just keep winning. Or is that no longer good enough, either?
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
There's no doubt about it...
Cubs need to win too…but that alone will not get them into the playoffs.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Cards...
…can always get swept by the Dodgers starting tomorrow. That’ll help. Especially if we can sweep the Pads.
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
I'm going to focus on the half of the glass
that’s full. You can focus on the empty half. This way, we’re covered. :-)
Hang in there.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
I'll try...
A 5-2 west coast trip for starters would help.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
I don't think
that’s unreasonable.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
5-2 for the Cubs?
No, definitely not unreasonable.
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
Just keep winning...
Lots of baseball yet to be played. It’s not September 23rd – it’s mid-August.
Just keep winning and good things will happen.
DKT - August 16, 2009
Just keep winning, just keep winning, just keep winning, winning, winning!
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
Sorry, didn't think the picture would be that big.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
LoL.
And, no, it isn’t too big.
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
See, now you're going to get stuck with that song ... now it's in your head!!!!
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
Probably!
Especially considering that I just watched it again last night!
LeSaboteur - August 16, 2009
At this point
I’m looking at the wild card… It’s not that I don’t think we can catch the cards, it’s more that we just don’t seem to have luck with them pulling out so many ridiculous wins. On the other hand, I consider all the other WC teams jumpable, what with them playing eachother…
Hilary Lee - August 16, 2009 via mobile
So Heath...
You screw up the all-star game, and now you piss away your second blown save of the season. I want you to keep sucking the next three days.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Look at it this way
The Cubs will have things in hand so well Bell never gets in the game.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
I hope...
But man, this guy had been lights out. I’m absolutely disgusted!
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
hopefully we wont see him
DC Cubbie - August 16, 2009
twss
Danwood - August 16, 2009
St. Louis has 3 in LA and 4 in San Diego...
I would not be the least surprised if they went 6-1 on the roadtrip the way they’re playing right now.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
They should enjoy tomorrow at least
Somebody named Haeger Vs Carpenter. Haeger will be making his first start and has an ERA of over 16 in the 4 games he has appeared in.
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
The one game I hold hope for is Wednesday...
Kershaw’s pitching.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
Tuesday is Boggs vs. Billingsley
I’d say advantage Dodgers on that one.
Haeger is a former White Sox player, a knuckleballer.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
I believe Billingsley will be coming off the DL...
Is that correct? If so, you can’t expect much from him.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
No, but
Boggs is their No. 5. He didn’t look all that good the other night vs. the Reds.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Yeah...
Good point. I hope Manny decides to take his little breaks on the weekend, and not against the Cards.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
I remember Charlie Haeger...
He SUCKED with the Sox…but you never know with those knuckleballers.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
The only person I've ever seen throw a knuckleball with any effectiveness
Is Tim Wakefield in Boston. He gets knocked around by other teams on occasion, but not always.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
With knuckleballers,
if it’s working for them, they’re darned near unhittable. If it’s not, they can be a punching bag.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
That's the impression I've seen from Tim Wakefield.
It drives the Red Sox fans where I live up the wall.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
Indeed, but
it’s also allowed Wakefield to pitch in the majors for, what, 16-17 years?
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
17, I believe.
He’s pitched since 1992.
1992-1994 for Pittsburgh, 1995-present for Boston.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
Pity the poor umpire behind the plate
whenever Wakefield went up against Randy Johnson or some other fireballer…
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
I am old enough the remember Charlie Hough
He was something else
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
Yes, he was
First opening-day starter for the Marlins, IIRC.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
You do indeed RC
Box score at B-R.com
He beat Orel Herschiser and the Dodgers (his former team). In retrospect, the biggest shock to me isn’t that the Marlins won their first ever regular season game, it’s that the opponent wasn’t the Braves.
Clutch16 - August 17, 2009
I think that's the same Haeger that used to throw knuckleballs over on the South Side
Hope he can still flutter them up there – maybe some of those Cardinal sluggers will tweak an oblique or two while overswinging.
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
Okay, guys,
I’ll be at tomorrow night’s game. Got my tickets in the lower level of PETCO, about 25 rows up, right by third base … should be AWESOME seats.
For those of you watching, I will be wearing this t-shirt tomorrow evening.
If anyone’s going, let me know. I’ll probably be hanging around Gaslamp will my family (I’m visiting relatives here in SD).
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
No howry cow shirt?
joeschmitt - August 16, 2009 via mobile
No, never got one of those.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 16, 2009
Not many people bought "Howry" stuff
jthack - August 16, 2009
I will be out in LF
Lowered budget this season.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - August 16, 2009
On a brighter note
( and not to steal Josh’s thunder) Gaub picked up his first save today . They don’t give play by play but reading the box he came in with 2 on and one out in the 9th and neither runner scored. He lowered his ERA to .40. I know
he can’t be anywhere near that good but it is still fun to see.
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
What is it with you and certain lefthanders?
First it was Beimel. Now that he’s elsewhere you seem obsessed with Gaub.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
???
No special interest in lefties. Grabow is fine. I am just taken by his numbers. They are just kind of freakish. I doubt he would come up in Sept. though because you would not want his clock to start ticking and he is not on the 40 man roster but he seems a good candidate for the AFL.
Um I take that back. I do have a special interest in lefties but ONLY TRL.
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
Well, I understand that.
I don’t think you will see Gaub till spring training.
Al Yellon - August 16, 2009
Team bus
Why do the Cubs have a team bus for home games?
assenmacher's beard - August 16, 2009
Takes them to the airport
after the game.
BTW, love your handle.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
I'm outta here...
Pulp Fiction is on. Maybe that can take my mind off of that walkoff win.
cubfanwill - August 16, 2009
are you reading Phil Rogers' column again?
ballhawk - August 16, 2009
Not sure how things are getting better
We don’t lose a game this weekend and still lose ground.
This week doesn’t look too promising either.
Monday
Carpenter vs. Charlie “Freakin” Haeger and his Dodger debut tomorrow night doesnt make me feel very good. I am hoping the Cubs use Harden tomorrow night and Lilly Tuesday. Harden at night, and on the road….well you know the drill. Kevin Correia is hittable, but he handled us earlier in the year.
Tuesday
Mitchell Boggs vs. Billingsley is not a solid game for the Cards, but Billingsley is coming off the DL with a hamstring issue and will likely have a pitch count.
Lilly Probably vs. Cesar Carillo with a 30+ ERA
This should be a W but who knows at this point.
Wednesday
THE PUSH- Wainright v. Kershaw Both have amazing stuff, but Kershaw is young and has had trouble in early innings keeping him from going deep into games. That LA bullpen is tired and hasn’t been good at baseball lately.
Dempster vs. Latos
Latos is a nice looking rookie with great stuff. He gave up 3 earned to Cards this weekend, but looked sharp. Dempster has looked average lately, but that big park should help his home run woes.
This week is not going to be any sort of cakewalk in San Diego, and the Dodgers of August are certainly not the Dodgers of April and May (that bodes well for us at weeks end, however). There are somethings I would love to see the Cubs do in those big Califormia parks (take their walks, hit and run, play Sam Fuld for his defense and speed), but every time I think the things the Cubs should do are obvious, I am disappointed. So this week is huge for the Cubs and huge for Cubs fans; the Cubs play like a playoff team and Cubs fans come off the ledge a tad, or more of the same on the road and we all drink that Special Kool Aid, and it aint Blue. I will be in LA for game 2, if I can avoid all the meeting that are planned for me out west.
louslovechild - August 16, 2009
Harden
isn’t going tomorrow. He’s going later in the week. Ted’s going tomorrow.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Wells is pitching Wednesday
Harden probably will open the Dodgers series Thursday.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Im sure Ted is on a pitch count.
Wouldn’t you think, on 5 days rest, Harden would be better to get the series going than Ted. I love Ted, but Harden has been spectacular as of late and probably could go 7 in that park. Better than the 5 Ted is probably limited to???
louslovechild - August 16, 2009
Harden
is never guaranteed to go 7 innings.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
that may be true, but his point is still valid. Harden MIGHT go seven, Lilly won't
Illicat - August 16, 2009
what evidence do we have
that Lilly is on a strict pitch count that keeps him from going seven?
It’s pointless anyway. Lilly is going tomorrow.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
only common sense, which I grant you, can't always be applied to Lou
Illicat - August 16, 2009
Lou says he is on an 85-90 pitch limit
which is probably 6 innings but you never know
Here is link. Read to bottom
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/wire/chi-ap-bbn-cubs-zambrano,0,2329816.story
Doggie Stalker - August 16, 2009
ok. there's proof.
we’ll see what happens.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
wow 10 pitches less
than Harden’s pitch count every time out.
thats a huge difference.
Allie - August 16, 2009
besides
I have every confidence in Uncle Ted’s ability to throw nine ten pitch innings. :D
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
WHAT?
no 10 9 pitch innings? no 30 strike outs? blasphemer :P
tootle - August 18, 2009
It just donned on me. Even God doesn't want Aaron Miles starting for us
Think about it, Lou Pineilla actually made God cry!
Illicat - August 16, 2009
Donned?
explains the chief costume.
i kid, i kid….
Gibbon Jockey - August 16, 2009
Cardinals are 25-14
since July 1.
This may be “one of their years”, as they have almost all All Stars at every position, and two “aces” in Wainright/Carpenter plus an excellent closer now.
I’m sorry – and I hate to say it – but it some long odds for the Division now UNLESS the Cards have a big collapse which I cannot ever recall with a LaRussa Cards team.
This means Wild Card could still be a possibility – but even that is dicey unless the team can play better on the road and recover it’s July steam.
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
for all the people who are claiming those of us who are worried are "suicidal" or debbie downers
I’m fairly certain those people would be feeling pretty damn confident that if the Cubs were UP by five games, and playing the way the Cardinals are now, that the Cubs were going to win the division
Illicat - August 16, 2009
?
Wha?
Say again?
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
basically if the Cubs were UP be five games right now
the same people who think you’re writing off the division too quickly this season would be expecting the Cubs to lock it down.
Illicat - August 16, 2009
I am sorry
you do not understand facts well – I simply stated the obvious and do not know about the Cubs being UP five games because it is not a reality at this point.
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
he's trying to support your point.
he’s saying that everyone who suggests that the Cardinals are catchable and think that you’re being a debbie downer would be saying that the Cubs had the division locked up if they were in the Cardinals position right now.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
Oh - thanks
for the translation!
Long day!
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
anyone
who watched the Mets for the past few years knows that’s a mistake to make. It’s not locked down till the other teams are mathematically eliminated.
drewishdrewid - August 16, 2009
If I stated the words
“locked” down – please write my quote.
Again – if you know of a LaRussa team BOMB in a pennant race while managing the Cards – cite the team please.
I SAID, “…Long odds…”
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
2006
Essentially Had to win on the last day of the season to avoid having to play a makeup game on Monday. I believe prior to that they had lost 8 or so games in a row. It was the 3rd time they had lost 8 or more that season.
Of course that team was their most flawed and was riddled with injury.
They certainly are the more stacked team at of the moment but it takes one injury to wainwright or carpenter or pujols and the house of cards could come falling down around them. I could probably craft a pretty strong argument that losing Wainwright or Carpenter would be more of a blow then Pujols at this point. The cardinals have no reliable middle relief from the right side (outside of Franklin) but when 2 of your horses are going 7, 8, 9 innings it does not get exposed that much
TheRiot Police - August 16, 2009
"House of cards"
That’s pretty clever.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
I do what I can...
TheRiot Police - August 16, 2009
Nice
play!
:)
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
E, I don't see
the so-called “experts” on TV declaring these races over yet, unlike a number of people here. I’d suggest we all put the daily declarations of the division race being “over” on hold for at least a week or two. Sound good?
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
No, no no
of course – the races are not over to be sure, Bruce!
I just am not liking the odds as I see ’em.
Giving a LaRussa team with the talent they have now, and a five-game lead in mid-August, just is really, really tough. You would have to agree.
I mean – the guy doesn’t “walk on water” – but didn’t his WS winning team sustain a bunch of injuries and even a death of a player?
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
No deaths that year
but a ton of Injuries. But they also got almost everybody back with the exception of Izzy before that playoffs started.
TheRiot Police - August 16, 2009
Sound familiar?
I think a team we all know and love might be in a similar position.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
2002 the Cards
went 97-65, and made it to the NLCS where they lost to the Giants (Dusty, right?)
This was in spite of injuries, and the death of Darryl Kyle.
That is what LaRussa can do…
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
If you hadn't noticed
I am jealous and loathsome about him at the same time.
IS that possible?
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
I live and
work in the STL area so I know too well your feelings. I think Tony is a very good manager but Duncan deserves a lot of credit for turning the dumpster dives into treasure.
Tony is actually a very polarizing figure among cardinals fans. Still, you can’t argue with his track record. Every year I hope he leaves…I think he will be back next year. You just don’t walk away from the baseball player in baseball to go manage the Reds or some team like that. If they sign Holliday (a long shot in my mind), it is a done deal
TheRiot Police - August 16, 2009
I'm assuming you meant
the “best baseball player in baseball…”?
Yeah – no kidding!
It is like quitting a basketball team that has M.J. on it!
The E-Man - August 16, 2009
Yes I did
late night :)
TheRiot Police - August 16, 2009
And they'd be wrong
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Put it this way
When the Cubs took a five-game lead on the Brewers last season at the end of July/beginning of August, I felt good. But I didn’t think the division race was over. Not by a long shot.
Now you’ll come back and say, “Well, that’s because it’s the Cubs, you never can feel confident about anything.”
Rational baseball people should ignore these people who say the divisional race is over. In fact, I think I’ll do that now.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 16, 2009
Yeah
In recent memory/history, seeing what happened with the Mets or the Rockies just shows that anything can happen, and I’m not even speaking towards the NL Central, but all divisions. It’s only mid-August, and with a race this close, that means there is a lot of baseball to play.
Craig in South Bend - August 17, 2009
The Cubs are 24-17 since July 1.
And your point is?
Al Yellon - August 17, 2009
My point is
the Cardinals are 11 games over, and now you point out the Cubs are 7 games over .500 during the same time period.
Which one is better?
In this period, the Cardinals acquired two all-star players, plus Julio Lugo (also a former All Star, and arguably better than any of our 2B options – if played there), while during the same period the Cubs acquired Gorzo and a LH bullpen arm.
This from a team last – or near last – in baseball with RISP success.
So – my point is – the Cubs got worse in the standings in this period, and on “paper”, with talent, and are playing from behind against a more formidable opponent.
As I’ve stated now for the third time, the “odds are long” against them winning the Division. I am not stating “impossible”. How many more wins to a team are MArk DeRosa and Matt Holliday worth?
How many losses does Aaron Miles contribute to?
In the first half – I maintained that DeRo would have contributed to 4, possibly 5 wins – when the team was regularly leaving 9, 10, 11 on base.
Its one of those years, Al, when injuries, plus Hendry’s crap off-season PLUS, leaving the door open for the Cards at the deadline due to the ownership issue has, in MY OPINION, rolled a cloud in over this team.
Its up to them to get the “sun back out” again. It didn’t work yesterday lol!
The E-Man - August 17, 2009
So wait.
The Cardinals got all these players and did so much better than the Cubs at the deadline, and they’ve played two games better than the Cubs in the same time frame?
I agree with you that Jim Hendry hasn’t done a great job putting together this team. Nevertheless, they do have talent and have been playing better lately.
This race is not over.
Al Yellon - August 17, 2009
General question:
In Chicago, what channel is WCIU? They’re covering tonight’s game, but I’ve never heard of them.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 17, 2009
Channel 26, "The U!"
mostly they show melrose place reruns, but somehow, they got on the bus for broadcasting a few games a year.
drewishdrewid - August 17, 2009
Thanks.
My grandmother is going to DVR tonight’s game so I can watch the telecast when I like.
I make sure all the Cubs games I go to are digitally recorded, which helps me to remember the score, opponent, date, etc.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 17, 2009
Make sure that...
… your grandmother has the right channel on cable — WCIU is channel 13 on Comcast in Chicago, may be different on other cable systems.
If grandma doesn’t have cable/satellite, it would be channel 26 on broadcast TV.
Al Yellon - August 17, 2009
Recoup?
I bought three “print at home” tickets from a ticket broker located outside Wrigley for yesterday’s game. Can I exchange them for another game?
Notre Dame Cubbie - August 17, 2009
Wait for the Cubs to announce the rules
Usually they will allow an exchange for any game for which there are tickets.
Doggie Stalker - August 17, 2009
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