Five outs away from the pennant and the pitching imploded
While it felt like the year, looking back, I’m not sure the Cubs could have won the World Series that year even if the pitching hadn’t imploded with five outs to go.
Too many long term huge contracts for me to do that.
It’s just too frustrating knowing no other teams want them. We will be lucky to unload one of these messy contracts and even then we will have to eat most of the money to do it. I’d need a truckload of Rolaids for it.
Lee and Dome have done well, and Bradley ended up coming around. Aram healthy is as good as ever. Lilly, Harden, Wells, and probably Z have done well enough for us.
I’d like to see Blanco and Riot up the middle next year. I think the management and coaching staff has grossly underestimated the value of a very good defensive infield.
a game earlier in the season when Lou went out to get the pitcher and he literally staggered out to the mound. At first I thought he was drunk, but then realized he was just having a tough time with mobility. I don’t know if he has diabetes or what, but he is not well.
he had really aged but then it hit me that he does not look well. Not to sound cruel but if he is not well he should step down, He’s not helping this team the way he is now.
I think the Cubs themselves gave up on the season at some point..
Including Lou. At some point, we sill discover that something nasty happened in the clubhouse – maybe even between Lou and Hendry. Something went very wrong somewhere, and there’s gotta be a subplot there somehwere.
they look like they go out and try to win the game in the first few innings, and then just give up. I hate that. Baseball is fun because you can go out and compete for 9 innings and know you still have a shot. The young guys on the team seem to get that, but the rest of the team just cynically hangs it up. It’s ugly, and it’s not baseball.
…to pay attention to the game at the K. They have a freakin merry go round and mini golf course behind the outfield. But I guess the team is so bad they actually do everything they can to take your attention off the field so you don’t notice.
I really hope the Cubs come to KC next year. They are due back.
Before last October I had no opinion one way or the other about them, but since then I’ve loathed them from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet.
If they don’t take this series I’m going to lose it. Or something else dramatic.
First
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
Rally thread..
Hey.. humor me.
DisCUBbobulated - August 20, 2009
It could happen.
Urbanfury - August 20, 2009
It could happen.
santoswoodenlegs - August 20, 2009
It could happen.
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
+1
sue369 - August 20, 2009
So the bear turned and asked the rabbit...
Come on. You know how this joke goes.
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
It could happen.
Clutch16 - August 20, 2009
can wait till this team is back in Pittsburgh so I can boo Soriano...
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
Why are we still here?
Itchy - August 20, 2009
because we're fans.
santoswoodenlegs - August 20, 2009
Fans, yes we are
It just amazes me sometimes why I do it. Must be some sort of addiction or illness!
Itchy - August 20, 2009
moral support
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
hmm ok moral...
ill be THAT kind of a supporter
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
You like our company? :D
sue369 - August 20, 2009
Depends on what you're selling.
Hair brushes? Dental floss? Diapers? Matches?
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
Yes, it's great therapy to share your misery!
Itchy - August 20, 2009
Another inning and a half of Vin Scully
Gibbon Jockey - August 20, 2009
Cubs fans
if we knew when to quit ….
Allie - August 20, 2009
Because yelling at my TV seems less effective.
Urbanfury - August 20, 2009
because if we're not the foul weather "fans" win
shake n bake - August 20, 2009
denial
Clutche - August 20, 2009
Catcher heading to the mound...
easy to know what he’s saying. Outside…don’t mess it up dammit.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
Gregg up in the bullpen
sue369 - August 20, 2009
oh joy
shake n bake - August 20, 2009
It can't get any worse
Why not?
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
Gregg warming up
perfect time, game is out of hand
Da Coach - August 20, 2009
Garbage
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
Of course Sori hits a fly ball to the opposite field now.
this is starting to make me laugh instead of giggle. Something is seriously wrong with me here.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
Is it too late to go back in time and do something constructive with my evening?
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
yes
at least you have a head start on tomorrow though.
Allie - August 20, 2009
bad call
inside on baker
shake n bake - August 20, 2009
Horrible call
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
Ump is trying to get a head start on the traffic too.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
"cmon man, its thrusday
i’ve got shit to do".
Allie - August 20, 2009
prolly some tasty waves out there tonight brah.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
The strike zone just exploded
santoswoodenlegs - August 20, 2009
Old blue wants to go home
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
another one to hill
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
I really hate manny ramirez's guts
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
Missed it
What he do?
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
just because he is who he is
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
caught a fly ball without hopping.
santoswoodenlegs - August 20, 2009
Well played
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
in left?
thats unpossible
Allie - August 20, 2009
I hate his hair.
sue369 - August 20, 2009
You can't hate a sister's hair can ya?
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
Win
Rec’d
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
Yes, yes I can.
sue369 - August 20, 2009
hes just manny being manny
jesus christos - August 20, 2009
There's a syringe in the hidden hand
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
When I look back at this year
I will forrever think of Aaron Miles, Kevin Gregg and Soriano swinging at sliders 10 feet off the plate.
For this I say Jim Hendry can go to hell
bheidge - August 20, 2009
I 2nd that!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
I don't like Hendry either
But I’d just tell him to find another job.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
Hats off to you 50+ year old cubs fans
I hope that I have your patience when I’m older
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
I assume it comes with age
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
I really really really
hope thats not an issue in 25 years.
Allie - August 20, 2009
25 years?
I just realized that’s less time for me to get to 50.
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
Meant less time than 25 years
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
a lot less?
or a little less?
Allie - August 20, 2009
A little less
23 years away from 50.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
right about on the nose for me
i’ll be 25 in Nov
Allie - August 21, 2009
I turned 27 earlier this year
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
Hey you kids...
Get a room! ;-)
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
geez dad
we were just talking! gah
Allie - August 21, 2009
keep that porch light on!
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
You sure that isn't 30?
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
some days i wonder
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
some days i'm convinced
2003 was the closest we’ll ever get.
i know “ever” is a really really long time… but sometimes i wonder
Allie - August 20, 2009
Five outs away from the pennant and the pitching imploded
While it felt like the year, looking back, I’m not sure the Cubs could have won the World Series that year even if the pitching hadn’t imploded with five outs to go.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
you mean our SS's glove.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
That didn't help either
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
Why not? They seemed to be the best out there.
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
I think the best case scenario for the Cubs in that series would have been a sweep
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
I'm 16
And now, I question myself, why the Cubs?
Oh well.
I can last a few more decades, I’m sure. I’m a patient person. :D
Azul Cachorro - August 20, 2009
I'm 27
I don’t ask that. The Cubs are in my blood, the fanhood coded on my DNA.
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
You will become a bit more realistic..........
and less likely to sugarcoat when they perform as they have this year.
Clutche - August 20, 2009
jeeze...you keep saying that....
who is sugar coating this sucky season?
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Drew for one.........
and his Kool-Aid buddies too many to name
Clutche - August 21, 2009
so it was drew that hurt your feelings
it’s ok, let it out. You’re safe here.
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
yep, that's it
Clutche - August 21, 2009
uh huh.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Is there something that we could do on here as a group that would be productive?
Talk about ways that this team can legitimately improve themselves? Really do. Not ditching bullshit contracts that won’t happen.
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
I was going to post about that
in the fan posts. But then I closed the window. Basically, how can the Cubs improve themselves through free agency over the winter?
kevinbreit - August 20, 2009
sign lebron
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
You've got it all wrong
Bring in Shaq so he can annoy us with his bad rapping.
Ace Venom - August 20, 2009
I cannot sit here and wait for nothing to happen worth talking about
I will start. Shut down Ramirez.
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
aram will be back in time for ST even if he has surgery after the season
jesus christos - August 20, 2009
If he's feeling fine
let him play
bheidge - August 20, 2009
Next, shut down Miles.
ballhawk - August 20, 2009
We have him for 2 years
so that would have to be a trade. A little harder to do. Still doable.
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
Hes someone I think you can just release
bheidge - August 21, 2009
Possibly
We owe him $2.7m in 2010 (source: http://mlbcontracts.blogspot.com/2005/01/chicago-cubs_112114177768677294.html)
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
2 mil is nothing
when you’re shelling out 140
Allie - August 21, 2009
That's money well spent for the team.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
sometimes you have to spend money to make your team better.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
I think he'll go to Spring Training with the club, but won't break camp with the big boys
Jimbo will either trade him or cut him by the end of March.
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
yeah hes the kind of player that benefits the club by not playing
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
If we do trade him
We’re still going to have to eat some of his contract.
Azul Cachorro - August 21, 2009
I dont think theres awhole lot that can be done
for next year, maybe some minimal moves, hope players perform a bit better.
bheidge - August 20, 2009
Soriano has to get that BA over .250 for starters
Bricks and Ivy - August 20, 2009
he needs to realize
that a slider starting down the middle is going to end up way outside
bheidge - August 21, 2009
Closer role
Second base (Theriot at second!), shortstop all can be improved I think. Harden is debatable.
kevinbreit - August 20, 2009
I'm hoping Andy Blanco can improve at his AB's.
If it happens, I think we found ourselves a SS. :D
Azul Cachorro - August 21, 2009
Too many long term huge contracts for me to do that.
It’s just too frustrating knowing no other teams want them. We will be lucky to unload one of these messy contracts and even then we will have to eat most of the money to do it. I’d need a truckload of Rolaids for it.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 20, 2009
Fukudome will probably be tradeable if he would allow it
but I think I would want to keep him around next year
bheidge - August 21, 2009
I'd like to keep him
next year too.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
There are some bright spots..
Lee and Dome have done well, and Bradley ended up coming around. Aram healthy is as good as ever. Lilly, Harden, Wells, and probably Z have done well enough for us.
DisCUBbobulated - August 20, 2009
Has Baker earned a right to stay?
louslovechild - August 21, 2009
I don't know.. I thought of him as filler..
I’d like to see Blanco and Riot up the middle next year. I think the management and coaching staff has grossly underestimated the value of a very good defensive infield.
DisCUBbobulated - August 21, 2009
They would have played Blanco more if they were not giving away so many other outs.
louslovechild - August 21, 2009
I don't see why not.
He looks to be a pretty decent supersub play anywhere type.
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
But do we want someone healthier than Harden?
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
start with the GM and manager
Clutche - August 21, 2009
if Lou doesn't get over his Miles fetish NOW, I'm actually on board with that one
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
not to mention his past fondness for Gregg
Clutche - August 21, 2009
2 runs..
Kevin Gregg on mop up. Not a good game, and that wtih Gorzolanny really giving us a chance.
DisCUBbobulated - August 20, 2009
Its...just really frustrating to see the bullpen continue to fail.
Sure Gorzy should have stayed in. Regardless though the pen just puts bamboo under my nails…
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
Ohhhhhh mannn.
Jarabe Tapatio just played at Dodger Stadium. :D
Donde estas, Chilango?!?
Azul Cachorro - August 20, 2009
que?
bheidge - August 20, 2009
2-1 to the relief pitcher
just throw strikes!
Da Coach - August 20, 2009
Uh Oh
Santo ready to throw in the towel.
azjazzman - August 20, 2009
WOW what did he say?
louslovechild - August 20, 2009
See Below
Pat: “Cubs on the verge of losing ground to both the Cardinals and in the Wild Card race.”
Ron: “We can probably forget about the Wild Card”
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
ouch
Bricks and Ivy - August 21, 2009
Ron has been different
The past few weeks, Ron has sounded a bit more dejected. If Ron sounds depressed, the season is over. He’s so optimistic in general.
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
This season I really feel sorry for him.
Dunno why more than any year in memory. You just know these epic fails by the pen are killing him.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
I felt like that
gregg blown save in SD was the deathknell of the wildcard.
The Giants win those games. You scratch out a run and have got to find a way to make it stand up.
Allie - August 21, 2009
yeah
not only does it put you in an impossible position in the standings, it just totally lets the air out of your team.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
Ron's likely right
This season hasn’t been good for any of us because we’ve seen so much potential wasted this season.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
on the game
or overall?
Allie - August 20, 2009
Maybe Lou
can let the Cubs dress in Cardinal uniforms tomorrow night.
tharr - August 21, 2009
I'd have them dress up in his wife's dresses after these performances lately.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
I wonder if Lou spent the inning break trying to find a loophole
to get Miles back in to PH
Bricks and Ivy - August 21, 2009
now lou uses jake fox to ph
ffs lou
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
when is he suppose to use him
with RISP and the game tied?
psssh
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
Yep went well with Sori hitting the fly ball last AB for him.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
i've defended lou a lot over the last couple years
but this has been the laziest stretch of managing i’ve ever seen.
Allie - August 21, 2009
I honestly think he wants to retire
What other excuse would there be to mail this season in?
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
I'm not so sure
if you were Lou Piniella and had the career he had (playing and coaching), is this the way you’d want to go out?
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
he may not have a choice
bheidge - August 21, 2009
maybe not
but he just looks tired.
and i worry about his health.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Absolutely
I have been saying that for months. Lou just doesn’t look good and I think that is why he seems lethargic. His health is not good.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
I said that a
few months ago about his health. He does not look well.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
There was
a game earlier in the season when Lou went out to get the pitcher and he literally staggered out to the mound. At first I thought he was drunk, but then realized he was just having a tough time with mobility. I don’t know if he has diabetes or what, but he is not well.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Stiff joints
weight problems… all that travel. NEVER a day off.
Allie - August 21, 2009
At first I thought
he had really aged but then it hit me that he does not look well. Not to sound cruel but if he is not well he should step down, He’s not helping this team the way he is now.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
It's hard to give up something you enjoy that much
My guess is that Lou wants to see it through to the end.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
I don't think
he is enjoying it that much right now.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
I truly believe he would step down
but I think he feels obligated to stick it out. It is so clear to anyone with eyes that his heart isn’t in it.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
For the rest of the year
or the rest of his contract? I can see staying the rest of the year but not the rest of his contract.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Agree
Piniella won’t be back next year. I would bet the farm on it.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Bullpen Management
Everyone said his bullpen management was awful. But this year has been even worse than the past two.
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
I think Miles was just sitting closest to Lou
he seems like the type that would sit with the manager
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
"daddy i wanna PH!"
“ok, son”
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
I think the Cubs themselves gave up on the season at some point..
Including Lou. At some point, we sill discover that something nasty happened in the clubhouse – maybe even between Lou and Hendry. Something went very wrong somewhere, and there’s gotta be a subplot there somehwere.
DisCUBbobulated - August 21, 2009
I think
Martin must be dating Mota
tharr - August 21, 2009
the cubs have driven me to
project runway.
fml
Allie - August 21, 2009
that would be -250 man points if you were a man.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
and a guy has a teased mullet
huh.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Thing #213 I would change if I were in charge
a stolen base is a stolen base. I don’t care if there’s defensive indifference or not.
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
I dont remember the last time I was able to watch
these clowns win a game. They have sucked 8 different kids of ass when they are on WGN
bheidge - August 21, 2009
no kidding
i called them hot garbage earlier.
and i was right… and really really really wish i werent
Allie - August 21, 2009
I'd just like to see them compete..
they look like they go out and try to win the game in the first few innings, and then just give up. I hate that. Baseball is fun because you can go out and compete for 9 innings and know you still have a shot. The young guys on the team seem to get that, but the rest of the team just cynically hangs it up. It’s ugly, and it’s not baseball.
DisCUBbobulated - August 21, 2009
Very true
Itchy - August 21, 2009
excellent! only 23 more to go and then they can open a Asskins & Robbins
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
God I hate that man with the girly hair.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
doesn't he have something better to do then catch foul balls
like take a piss in a utility close in LF?
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
That's where his secret stash was
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
*closet
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
i hate manny too
jesus christos - August 21, 2009
You'd love him
if he were playing LF for the Cubs.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
because out LF'er would be able to hit baseballs.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
maybe not
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Yeah you would
I’m not a big Manny fan either, but OMG, can that man hit.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
and then quit
the second something happens he doesn’t like
Allie - August 21, 2009
No I wouldn't.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Hypocritical Dodger fans.
All over Bonds for steroids. Still love Manny?
Bricks and Ivy - August 21, 2009
Manny sucks defensvely
against the other teams, gold glover against the Cubs
bheidge - August 21, 2009
story of the year...
mopack - August 21, 2009
Len said how well he played the Green Monster in Boston.
I like Len but I think he’s been smoking some Cali chronic to deal with the games and how bad they’ve been. Can’t blame him for that.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 21, 2009
He looked like Sori
on that catch…except he caught it.
tharr - August 21, 2009
nice catch by Manny in a 7-2 game in the 9th
No way Sori makes that play
Da Coach - August 21, 2009
Sori has made tougher catches in Wrigley running over the bullpen mounds.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
No way
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Glad this one is over. It got ugly.
kevinbreit - August 21, 2009
can still take 3 of 4
GO CUBBIES
shake n bake - August 21, 2009
aww
someone with hope.
how quaint. :-)
Allie - August 21, 2009
what is this "hope" you speak of?
bheidge - August 21, 2009
something i lost a while ago
Allie - August 21, 2009
atleast you had it for awhile
bheidge - August 21, 2009
The better odds
are 0 of 4
tharr - August 21, 2009
Nah, they'll win the Sunday game
and sportscasters will say that the Cubs may be turning a corner…until they loose the first two games of their next set…
rrtycoon2 - August 21, 2009
could happen
sue369 - August 21, 2009
we just need Soriano to go on one of his "hot streaks"
I’m laughing as I type that.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
He's been on one
you just didn’t know he added a word
hot garbage streak
Allie - August 21, 2009
That would really piss
Clutche off if he did and they made the playoffs.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Your 2009 Cubs
the year of the warning track flyball
bheidge - August 21, 2009
someone had the t-shirt idea earlier
“bases loaded…. no runs”
Allie - August 21, 2009
And the Cubs lose
7 games back and counting.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
I'm a cat lover and I still lol'ed
I’m horrible.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
poor little kitty
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Thanks for sticking around everyone.. See you next time..
I still love to watch baseball.
DisCUBbobulated - August 21, 2009
See ya
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Hey we need a lefty
Red Sox released Chris Duncan.
Sorry I had to.
louslovechild - August 21, 2009
Id bet a nickle the Cards pick him back up
louslovechild - August 21, 2009
Yep, for papa's sake
Itchy - August 21, 2009
And he hit .400
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
Meant to say he'll
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
just like lugo
awful for months… then hot in STL.
larussa’s deal with the devil has to end at some point, doesn’t it?
Allie - August 21, 2009
Probably if he was manager of the Cubs
Then the devil would say, “Look buddy. Even my deal with you can’t go that far.”
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
Too true
Allie - August 21, 2009
We need to get him just for the ex-Cardinal mojo we had with Edmonds last year.
Aaron Miles isn’t working.
santoswoodenlegs - August 21, 2009
Jim Mora for manager
Those press conferences after losses like this would be hilarious.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
you mean like this?
Playoffs???
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
Yes
And also stories of the team getting its ass kicked in a “I don’t care who you play for” speech.
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
I'm out for the weekend
better baseball in KC is calling my name. Sad but true.
bheidge - August 21, 2009
Kauffman is supposed to be beautiful
have a safe trip!
Allie - August 21, 2009
You think this is beautiful?
Allie, Allie, Allie… we’ve got to find you a boyfriend. ;-)
ballhawk - August 21, 2009
nah
we’re good. i’m the world’s worst girlfriend anyway. :-P
Allie - August 21, 2009
Its very hard...
…to pay attention to the game at the K. They have a freakin merry go round and mini golf course behind the outfield. But I guess the team is so bad they actually do everything they can to take your attention off the field so you don’t notice.
I really hope the Cubs come to KC next year. They are due back.
ryan89 - August 21, 2009
Have fun.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
Tim Gunn for Cubs manager
“make it work” guys.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Can you believe
we’re 7 fucking games out?
Itchy - August 21, 2009
We're we in first place earlier this month?
Ace Venom - August 21, 2009
Nah, that was a dream
Itchy - August 21, 2009
Is that it?
Feels like 10
Allie - August 21, 2009
I hate losing to the Dodgers.
Before last October I had no opinion one way or the other about them, but since then I’ve loathed them from the crown of their heads to the soles of their feet.
If they don’t take this series I’m going to lose it. Or something else dramatic.
owllover711 - August 21, 2009
And they'll lay down in the playoffs to th Cards just to torture us.
Itchy - August 21, 2009
From the perspective of a baseball fan
I think that would be a heckuva series: Manny
vsAlbert- Ethier -vsHolliday, BilinglslyvsCarpenter.You saw a nice preview at Dodger Stadium earlier this week.
azjazzman - August 21, 2009
Night all.
sue369 - August 21, 2009
night sue
i’m out too.hope tomorrow goes better.
Allie - August 21, 2009
Night!
Itchy - August 21, 2009
I feel bad for the fans
This team just keeps finding ways to break our hearts.
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - August 21, 2009
To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub.
We can still win 3 of 4!!! Even if the likelihood that we will is not very high.
Eamus Catuli!
eths - August 21, 2009
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