The Cubs have just completed a stretch of 22 games, 17 of which were on the road and only five at home (it should have been six at home, but the last game vs. Pittsburgh was rained out). The results were... well, bad.
When this all began the Cubs were 54-46, half a game ahead of the Cardinals in first place. They went 8-14 in those 22 games and lost 8.5 games in the standings to St. Louis, because the Cardinals went 16-5 in the same time period.
Neither of those records, I think, reflects how good or bad either team is. The Cubs are better than a .364 team. The Cardinals won't play .762 baseball the rest of the season.
I know some people don't like comparisons to other years and other teams. But I feel compelled to point out that the 2008 Dodgers, on August 29, had just lost eight in a row and were 65-70, 4.5 games out of first place. They went 19-8 the rest of the year and made the postseason, and you know the rest. The 2009 Cubs have already played almost that well for that length of time -- they were 18-9 in July. They have the talent and ability to play like that. They are, admittedly, farther behind than the Dodgers were last year, but they have more time -- 40 games instead of 27. For those who think this is too much ground to make up, I'll give the example of the 2007 Mets, who had a seven-game lead on September 12, with only 17 games remaining in the season. They went 5-12 while the Phillies were going 13-4 and lost the division title by one game. Need more? On September 1, 2007, the Rockies were three games over .500, four games out of first place and five games out of the wild card lead with three teams to jump over. They went 20-7 and won the wild card in a tiebreaker (and the Padres are still waiting for Matt Holliday to touch the plate). That's also less time than the Cubs have left. There's one-quarter of the season -- 40 games -- remaining. That's a lot of time.
And then there's those 1969 Cubs, who had a five-game lead with 24 games remaining. You know how that one ended.
It can happen. It has happened. The Cubs play well at home (35-22, and 10-5 in the last 15 home games), and have the next ten games at home (and 17 of the next 23). It can happen again. Keep the faith. Go Cubs.
Tonight's lineup via Twittermyer:
Theriot, ss; Bradley, rf; Lee, 1b; Ramirez, 3b; Fukudome, cf; Soriano, lf; Soto, c; Fontenot, 2b; Zambrano, p
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Garrett Mock faced the Cubs on July 19 in Washington and the results were ugly -- for Mock, that is. Alfonso Soriano homered and Mock gave up eight hits without getting out of the fourth inning. Soriano, Mike Fontenot and Kosuke Fukudome all had two hits off Mock.
Carlos Zambrano also pitched in the July series in Washington, on July 17, and struggled through 113 pitches in five innings. He gave up only an unearned run, but issued four walks. The bullpen hung on to give Z the win. Adam Dunn has hit seven HR off Z in his career, but has only a .224 average (13-for-58) altogether. Current Nats are hitting .221 (43-for-195) against Z and the only other one who has ever homered off him is Austin Kearns.
The Cubs are on CSN Plus -- "check local listings" as that is CLTV in Chicago, but may not be available in all areas. EI viewers may get the MASN telecast, which can be entertaining with Rob Dibble. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Nationals site Federal Baseball. They seem a little lonely over there.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 286 comments
Go Cubs - Lets start a streak of epic success
eths - August 25, 2009
anything is possible
and how great it would be. that would be some insane momentum heading into the playoffs as well
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
It would be great
sue369 - August 25, 2009
Al, you should've mentioned the hack job both Sullivan and Wittenmyer did on their Twitter lineup update
Those clowns deserve to write for the Dubuque Telegraph-Herald (no offense to my Iowa compadres).
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Let's Go Cubs!
There’s always time to gain ground until there are no more games left!
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
I knew it wouldn't happen....
….but I was hoping we would see Jake Fox im the lineup or Fukudome leading off..Ugh
JB 23 - August 25, 2009 via mobile
what?! theriots .350 OBP is perrrfect for leading off!
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
And he's the perfect base stealer, too.
Insert sarcasm font.
Fraggin Judge - August 25, 2009
Fox should lead off
with Soriano batting 2nd
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
Fox?
I still don’t want him in the field. Especially not the OF. Rammy could use a day off, though.
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
Channeling Lou
He got a day off yesterday.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
He's had eight-to-twelve weeks...
…off previously to that, too.
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
and the 6 days off when his shoulder was sore!
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Hell, he can play every day now!
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
play him in both double header games and on day games after extra inning affairs!
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
let him pitch both of the games
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
Concessions is short a guy?
We’ve got just the man for the job!
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
Wish granted
Fox for Soriano straight up, knee still bothering Fonzie.
Via Twittermyer
Allie - August 25, 2009
I'll take that.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Woot!
Not for Soriano’s knee, but for Fox playing.
CubsBullsBears - August 25, 2009
Agreed
They just need offense at this point. They have a high K pitching staffs. At least we know that Fox will hustle all the time.
Buzz on the Moon - August 25, 2009
Those teams that Al mentioned made up ground but the Cubs have not enough talent to do it this year.
Not with tonight’s lineup.
We’re basically hoping for a miracle.
Fraggin Judge - August 25, 2009
Not to quibble
But isn’t that pretty much the lineup that everyone thought was talented enough to run away with the division?
mykalmorgan - August 25, 2009
Yes it was...
…and I guess that’s why they play the games.
MPH73 - August 25, 2009
I'm sure this has been covered
but who’s place on the 25 man roster is Z taking?
Curtain Jerker - August 25, 2009
Esmailín Caridad
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Thanks
Curtain Jerker - August 25, 2009
It looks like it could be a high scoring day, according to wunderground
Washington Nationals vs. Chicago Cubs (Wrigley Field)
eths - August 25, 2009
Lou Pinella: The definition of insanity.
Trotting out the same, old, tired lineup, day in and day out.
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
it made me feel numb when I saw it
katie casey - August 25, 2009
Yep
There is a CHANCE the Nats are bad enough anyway but then Lou will just think “hey this lineup really works” Well this is my first game in 6 weeks and I LEFT them in good shape and still have my 23-10
record so not bad.
Doggie Stalker - August 25, 2009
Maybe he thinks Alfi
can get out of his slump against a team he previously did well against this year in a game the Cubs are ‘expected’ to win.
JFCubFan - August 25, 2009
oh wait, he's not playing
never mind
JFCubFan - August 25, 2009
He would be playing if it weren't for an injury that should probably have put him on the DL weeks ago
Other than that, Lou looks great. :-P
madcow256 - August 25, 2009
My '84 Ryno jersey arrived today
I can now officially retire the ’04 Nomar jersey which had, until today, been my only other piece of Cubs clothing. (Yeah, THAT was money well-spent right there.)
Hopefully this brings with it a change of luck for the team.
hip2bsquare - August 25, 2009
Lets go Cubs!!!
What do we need to do on this homestand? 8 wins, 7 wins??? What do u guys think?
Cubz24 - August 25, 2009
On paper
both series are fully-sweepable. But that’s why they play the games…
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Wny in the hell ...
is Mike Fontenot in the lineup? Lou, are you drunk?
elgato - August 25, 2009
Would you blame him if he WAS?
AndrewJStone - August 25, 2009
Being sober and watching this team
is very unpleasant.
Allie - August 25, 2009
true
but it is better than being Drunk waiting for the season to start
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
Meh
I’m actually just counting the days til football at this point. And killing time between games half-assedly watching the Cubs
Allie - August 25, 2009
I cannot wait for football, and hockey
but win or lose, I will still tune into the Cubs
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
I think you perfectledly summed up how I've been watching the Cubs for awhile.
It’s somewhat of a relief as I don’t get worked up anymore.Disappointing as they have been I don’t worry if they win or lose much now this season…at least ulcers aren’t a worry. Half-assedly…good one Allie, gave me a smile tonight.
Sure I will always be a die hard Cubs fan, I’ll still watch them in the standings and games when I have time…but I sure am looking forward to watching the Bears right now as you.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
being sober and listening to this team is also unpleasant
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
*hugs*
word. I’m doing it not sober tonight. :P
slcathena - August 25, 2009
I've taken to this...
… and no, i’m not joking.
Game on TV, muted (this is important). Relaxing tunes on the surround sound.. been big in to Thievery Corporation lately. Make a jack & coke or possibly a fat doob, and go about my night as usual (work on the computer, clean up, phone calls, whatever else), catching up with the game only when i happen to glance up.
Much more bearable than actually sitting down to concentrate on the thing.
AndrewJStone - August 25, 2009
Thievery Corporation & a fat doob....
….You are my kind of guy, Mr. Stone.
Goodie1969 - August 25, 2009
not drunk, just criminally incompetent
Illicat - August 25, 2009
We need to start by sweeping the Nats.
Then 2 out of 3 from the Mets.
Then another 2 out of 3 from the Astros.
Anything less and the season is officially over.
Freddyd - August 25, 2009
I agree, these are very winnable and sweepable series, all of them 8 wins would be great
Cubz24 - August 25, 2009
Pessimist no more...........
At least not until tomorrow…….. I’m feeling the stro’s sweep the birds and the Cubs sweep the nat’s and we are right back in it…….. yeah, that’s the ticket
Icubsfan - August 25, 2009
Lots of good points on history Al
How do those comebacks compare to the Cubs as it pertains to the teams they played going down the stretch?
The Cubs and Cards have a lot of common opponents during the last 40-ish games.
blackhawk24 - August 25, 2009
I don't know.
I do know the Cubs have a lot of bad teams on this homestand. The time to win is NOW.
Al Yellon - August 25, 2009 via mobile
Santana-less Mets
that series looks brighter
Allie - August 25, 2009
Fox in the lineup for Soriano
Don’t all jump at once now.
nji232 - August 25, 2009
For joy?
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Jump either way
I see the DL in Soriano’s future.
nji232 - August 25, 2009
I truly hope so
If his knee has been bothering him for as long as has been reported (2 months) or speculated (3 months), a DL stint is long overdue.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
i agree
being forced to play through pain just because theyre a main piece of the lineup should not be done. look where it landed santana
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
especially considering how poorly he's played
just another stupid bad decision by Jim and Lou
Illicat - August 25, 2009
It hasn't been talked about that I've heard in awhile now...did I miss a report?
I sure did think Sori was injured at the start of his long decline….although pinpointing that would be hard to do. He looked injured for awhile and had problems getting around the bases, when you started a real slump I never understood why Lou didn’t replace him for awhile, to me it was just greed…hoping every game he was going to turn it around. You have to try giving him more than two days rest at some point when he’s shown signs of being injured. It was a bad decision to keep him in there.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
Thank Goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TJ11 - August 25, 2009
The Riot leadoff thing should end.
The Cubs were doing fine with Dome leadoff (4.93 runs/game)
While with Riot its 4.35/game (and that includes the 17 run blowout vs pirates.
if you take out the 17 run game, we are avging 3.38 runs game with Riot as leadoff.
Why Lou made that switch was just wrong.
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Thank you!
This one has been boggling my mind. Dome was awesome there.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Gotta have a LH behind Aramis
Allie - August 25, 2009
:(
Ugh. Stupid left/right handed obsession. pulls out hair
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Yeah
I miss the Lou who rode the hot hand… Dome as leadoff hitter was working really well but he just dropped it. I don’t understand
Allie - August 25, 2009
he's not a good manager
that’s really all you have to understand
Illicat - August 25, 2009
That was what blew my mind
they found something that worked…so he changed it? WTF?
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Remember the 4-0 loss to the Reds,
that when he made the switch. That’s when we started to slide.
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
That's Lou
Overreaction to one game and no reaction to actual trends.
Allie - August 25, 2009
Yes. This.
Dear Tom Ricketts,
Can you hire a full time sabermagician to knock some logical, mathematical sense into Lou on occassion?
slcathena - August 25, 2009
How about hiring a manger with common sense?
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Do those exist?
Allie - August 25, 2009
A guy can dream, can't he?
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Dream on, bub
Common sense would be fantastic… I just want an organization that’s built on sound fundamentals.
But… I don’t see that happening either
Allie - August 25, 2009
Apparently, they have one down in St. Louis...
and there’s also one up in Minnesota, even though Twins fans don’t see it anymore.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Dodgers have one
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
I was literally going to reply with
Torre? But then you posted.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
+1 to Francona, Girardi, and Joe Maddon as well
madcow256 - August 25, 2009
I'm still hoping that in the next few years I'll see
Ryne as our manager. I have a hunch he’ll be great.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
The only thing
That could tell you that is a hunch.
vonde6 - August 25, 2009
Have Twins fans turned on Ron?
God, him leaving and coaching the Cubs would be a dream come true.
madcow256 - August 25, 2009
Big and bad
The majority of people on the Twins BCB site want to run him out of town. It’s a damn, rotten shame if you ask me.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Twins SBN site, that is
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Do they not realize he's able to squeeze a perrenial contender
out of a bargain basement roster? 4 first-place, 2 second-place, and only 2 third-place finishes for that franchise since 2001. Only one season under .500 in that stretch. Not a lot of playoff success, but . . .
madcow256 - August 25, 2009
I was looking for the Twinkie Town thread
that made the point for firing Garddy. It had a poll. But I think it has been removed.
We’re a pretty schizo group here, but you should read some of the stuff posted there…
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
I assume they don't like the sub-.500 record
I’d rather they blame their pitching coach for a bullpen that can’t miss bats.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Bullpen that can't miss bats...hmm sounds familiar.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
We can miss bats
Its just when we do they also miss the strike zone
Allie - August 25, 2009
Don't tell that to Gregg.
Earlier in the season I was worried about him walking players as it always seemed to come back on him. Then he changed it and gave up home runs to lose games in the final inning. Can’t win with him this year…with pitching or ball games.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
While I think Lou is bad, you and I would also whine if
a Sabermagician forced the managers hand. There would be no bunting or care for situational hitting. It would take all the “in game strategy” out of the game.
Buzz on the Moon - August 25, 2009
Huh?
Why would a sabermagician kill situation hitting?
Oh. thats right it wouldn’t. You just seem to hate stats.
Allie - August 25, 2009
Not stats
just those who glorify stats to the exclusion of everything else. If you hired MGL or DePodesta to do this, you’d like get that kind of self righteousness.
Buzz on the Moon - August 25, 2009
BS
need doesn’t make Fukudome acceptable hitting 5th. It’s killing Aramis.
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
if it matter thats much
have bradley lead off and theriot bat 2nd. theriot should not leadoff
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Not saying I like
it… just saying that’s Lou’s rationale.
Allie - August 25, 2009
not saying you liked it
but seeing theriot leads off makes me cry a little
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
His pitches per at bat since leadoff is 3.17
That is just wrong and shouldn’t be tolerated.
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Gah, Dome's leadoff bats were so pretty!!!
Like 10 pitches to start the game. It was a thing of BEAUTY
slcathena - August 25, 2009
I've got that too
Dome as leadoof was avging 4.45 pitches per at bat. I’m sure that helps the players behind him too!
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
It has to
It makes the pitcher work so much harder off the top.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
but hes a basestealer!
kind of
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
It does me as well.
I’m too lazy to look up stats but I see Theriot being a different hitter and not in a good way leading off. Dome was pretty patient and hitting fine to me so why mess with that. I think Theriot was a lot more relaxed in the second spot and fine later in the lineup, so if you need or want Bradley second as Lou has kept him, put Theriot later in the order or switch him with Dome now…either is better than have Riot lead off. It gets the game and the start of the order off to a bad start far too many times.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
I know Bradley wasn't driving in runs, but we were winning
with Dome leadoff Riot 2nd and Bradley 5th. And when we made that switch thats when we went into the nosedive, including Sori’s sluump.
I have been on Lou to make moves, but I think he overreacted to the 4-0 loss to the Reds on 8/5.
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Yep.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
yuppers
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
Via Twittermyer
Fox to replace Soriano in linep, Sori’s knee still bothering him
Al Yellon - August 25, 2009 via mobile
woohoo!
Now, can Fontenot get hit by a bus?
elgato - August 25, 2009
I want blanco back up
Cubz24 - August 25, 2009
I want Baker in the lineup!
Fontenot is becoming Lou’s Neifi.
elgato - August 25, 2009
No. Sorry.
Lou’s Neifi is Miles.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Miles hurts my soul.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Rec'd
This should be turned into a Web site, t-shirts, Facebook groups, and Twitter accounts.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
This idea has some promise...
the website is avail…
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Make it happen.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
I know nothing about web pages
But I hearby offer the name to any enterprising BCBer. ;)
slcathena - August 25, 2009
If I had the time, I'd gladly do it
HTML is easy. My hatred for Miles is large. I have the drive. But I don’t have the time…
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
I have the time and hatred
but not the knowledge.
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
We need to combine these somehow to make them work
If we do it as a blog we don’t even need to pay for the site, we can just have like mileshurtsmysoul.blogspot.com or whatever
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Wordpress is super easy
You don’t have to know HTML or any other language. If you can handle BCB, you can handle a Wordpress site.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
This comment may show up as my sig line soon.
Just a heads up.
Goodie1969 - August 25, 2009
Miles is just the perfect example of Cub stupidity.
The fact that he plays is just a joke. I just don’t like the guy. So worthless.
Buzz on the Moon - August 25, 2009
Your choices are Fontenot or Miles
vs RHP.
(Not saying thats right… but thats how it looks to me)
Allie - August 25, 2009
And I'm not saying this about you ...
but that is insanely stupid.
elgato - August 25, 2009
I think Baker should be playing
but then we’d be too right handed. or something
Allie - August 25, 2009
the only reason Miles is playing because of his contract
Cubz24 - August 25, 2009
Unfortunately I have to think this is right.
Lou showed he was willing to go against that with Fukudome last year and raised my hopes he isn’t tied to salary with players. Then the team as a whole stopped hitting and he’s given up on that. He uses Miles far too often and keeps Sori in there when he looks injured…I think he gave up on performance being a measure and now is more worried about how much money they make.
Unfortunately I don’t think it would have mattered a lot in where they are now if he changed it…but being a few games closer sure wouldn’t hurt. Something for new management to look at for next year with Lou coming back. Let’s hope they change the lineup some so there isn’t as big an issue with this at many positions. Lou does replace players for pinch hitters but who he starts has been at times by salary in my mind….as weird as that mind can be lol
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
For the love of all that is Holy
EAT THE REST OF MILES’ CONTRACT!!! He does too much damage when he plays.:(
slcathena - August 25, 2009
God how much I've wanted them to do that ...I live in St. Louis and hated this trade.
A blind man could have seen early in the season it was a bad trade. Getting Miles off the team can only help the club no matter who they put at second base.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
Darn...not trade, signing of free agent. Miles gets me all worked up lol
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
Send him down to Iowa
and make him walk downtown…… there have been 8 peds hit by city buses in the past 2 years
Icubsfan - August 25, 2009
I'll spring for the blindfold
And the bus schedule with incorrect times.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Nah
just send Tonya Hardings ex-hubby after him with a bat, he’ll know what to do.
JFCubFan - August 25, 2009
Why not Baker?
TJ11 - August 25, 2009
You want Baker hit by a bus?
Huh?
Allie - August 25, 2009
Well thats good news at least.
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Son of a...
well, that should be interesting.
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
Thank heaven!
Not that Sori’s knee is bothering him. Don’t get me wrong, but I really want the momentum to continue and I don’t think it will with Soriano right now. There are a few more tweaks I’d like to see in that lineup though, but that’s a good start. I can breath again.
katie casey - August 25, 2009
sadly I think that is the only tweak we will see
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
Baby steps I guess.
This was the biggest one for me, so I do feel a little better. Breathing is good.
katie casey - August 25, 2009
thats great news, sit soriano the rest of the season…his “knee” is bothering him sureeeee
Cubz24 - August 25, 2009
If our second basemen were each a Transformer...
…and could be combined together, would they make a serviceable 2B Transformer? Me thinks no.
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
is the transformer lefthanded?
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Maybe they can transform into a car
and then we can get into the cash for clunkers program. :)
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Or get Gathright back...
… charge people to watch him jump, and use the cash to buy a real 2B option?
AndrewJStone - August 25, 2009
Voltron?
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
Let's see
Baker as the head and torso, Blanco as the right arm, Fontenot as the left arm, Theriot as the legs.
And Miles as the ass – yeah, I can see it.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
So where is Blou today
We need the scoup from his source so we know what won’t happen tomorrow.
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
The Cubs will hire Andy Cashman away from the Yankees
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
who will bring tex arod cano CC burnett mo and phil hughes with him
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Andy?
Is that Brian’s dweeby little brother?
Allie - August 25, 2009
Actually
Andy Cashman was a VP at a company I used to work for. Brian Cashman is indeed the Yanks’ GM.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
I hadn't read that thread yesterday
But Sue mentioned it in the thread Al posted about how Kenney is staying. Went back and read it. Funny stuff.
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
Cashman has the most...
…appropriate name ever for his job.
LeSaboteur - August 25, 2009
For some reason cubs.com isnt working for me
can someone fill me in on how many of the remaining games are at home?
BelieveinBlue2314 - August 25, 2009
There is actually a schedule right here on BCB.
Scroll to the top navigation bar and you’ll find it here.
AndrewJStone - August 25, 2009
How long do y'all think Lou will stick w/Soriano if he doesn't start producing?
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
until hes nolonger a veteran
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
huh?
Is he like Benjamin Buttons, and is getting younger?
Illicat - August 25, 2009
no
lou said hes going to stick with his veterans
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
The leash has been shortening
But I do believe that some time on the DL is in Sori’s near future, so the question may not need to be asked at all.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
He's killin' ya, a shame really.
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
OT-We are taking my daughter up to college tomorrow.
She’s a freshman. This is new to us. I was handling it well until a few minutes ago. I realized I was in bad shape when I almost started crying at the lineup.
katie casey - August 25, 2009
Awwww.
How far away is she going?
I just came back to the East Coast after visiting the fam for the better part of the summer. Don’t tell my parents, but I cried for the better part of a half hour through security. :(
slcathena - August 25, 2009
get a job in Chicago
It’s way closer to Utah than MA is. That could help :)
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
;)
With any luck….with any luck… ;)
slcathena - August 25, 2009
I'm just trying to help
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
So am I. :P
slcathena - August 25, 2009
She's going to Marquette in Milwaukee.
It’s only about 1 hr. 15 min., so it’s not too bad. You can see Miller Park from her dorm. She wrote this sweet note at graduation about how we can visit her whenever we want. We may hold her to it-hee hee. We do have it in writing.
Good luck to you in school this year too!
katie casey - August 25, 2009
I teach now, I don't go. :P
But I was about 2 hours from my parents when I was in school and it worked really well. close enough to go home for the weekend, or even dinner if I was super homesick but far enough away to feel like I was growing up. It’s a good distance.
I do feel for you though, I will never forget my parents the day they left me at the dorm! hugs to you and your daughter
slcathena - August 25, 2009
thanks so much
The good luck in school still applies! :)
katie casey - August 25, 2009
That's true, I didn't think of it that way. :)
and thanks. :)
slcathena - August 25, 2009
good luck to her in college
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
Thanks!
katie casey - August 25, 2009
I work with first-year students.
They are an excited—and clueless—bunch. It is very exciting and interesting every day.
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
Clueless-that sounds about right. :)
katie casey - August 25, 2009
You have no idea.
I work with first-year education students and also teach a class for students with disabilities. Clueless doesn’t begin to describe it.
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
Aw, good luck to both of you.
sue369 - August 25, 2009
thanks!
katie casey - August 25, 2009
By the way, apologies for Miles. Ye-gads, nobody deserves that.
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
So
when does La Russa’s deal with the Devil expire? Its gotten a little ridiculous at this point, doncha think?
Allie - August 25, 2009
What doesn't Miles deserve?
I’m very confused.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
I was saying y'all don't deserve how bad he's been
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
Ah, got it.
Sorry, I am getting over a cold and not the sharpest. :)
slcathena - August 25, 2009
We don't deserve Miles.
He’s a cards fan. And he’s RIGHT.
AndrewJStone - August 25, 2009
DeRo hasn't exactly lit it up for us so far
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
But he's ever so dreamy
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Hey Chilango2
Did you get my last email?
cubswynn - August 25, 2009
No sir
I was waiting for a reply. I thought my request was a bit too much for you and you gave up on it.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Weird I show that it went out.
I said I could probably not overnight it, if you really wanted me to (although I’d rather not pay for overnighting if possible). What’s problem meeting before the game?
cubswynn - August 25, 2009
That should say...
I COULD probably overnight it….
cubswynn - August 25, 2009
?
I thought you were at Michigan and Lake.
I would feel a whole lot better about having them before making the trek to Wrigleyville. That’s all.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
I am, but...
tickets (hard tickets) are with friends that are coming in from Iowa for the game. I understand if you feel nervous about it. I’d like to avoid overnighting, but I suppose I could do it if it makes you feel better.
cubswynn - August 25, 2009
It's a pretty ridiculous expense, I agree
I thought you had them with you. I’m afraid I’m gonna have to pass Tyler. Thanks a lot, though.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
No problem.
Good luck.
cubswynn - August 25, 2009
He is dreamy
but he looks awful in red.
Allie - August 25, 2009
You don't like the color red, do you?
I thought he looked good in red when it was just the bill of his road cap!
katie casey - August 25, 2009
Red is not my favorite color, at all
but I though DeRo looked really pink faced and sort of drunk (too much color in his face)
Allie - August 25, 2009
he did look better in the blue cap-I'll give you that
katie casey - August 25, 2009
I'll take him back in a hot minute.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
why not a cold minute?
Cubbie-Tim - August 25, 2009
because I'm mad at the cold I have.
in fact I should go get more decongestant before the game starts. :P
slcathena - August 25, 2009
I need to make a run
For (legal) mood-altering substances myself. See y’all in the First Pitch Thread
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
You already have one savior on your team
A second one is just redundant.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
fixed
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Thx
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Holliday hittin' .198
last 9 games, we’ll see if he’s Savior II or not
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
The .600 clip couldn't last forever
These things tend to even out
vonde6 - August 25, 2009
Whadda ya mean?
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
Duncan's magic sucess
Pujols being Pujols.
And getting the enemy to take MILES for a multi-year deal.
Its a bit suspicious.
(And I’m joshin’ you)
Allie - August 25, 2009
Add getting Smoltz for nothing. Reminded me of getting Larry Walker in the middle of the year like that.
Admittedly Walker had nothing to do with Dunc turning him around.
Smoltz is a win already for them since they are paying him nothing and Wellemeyer is a complete bust. All they need from Smoltz is a few more quality starts and he sure looks capable of it. I get greedy thinking of the things Duncan could have done with the Cubs prospects and pitchers the last few years…unfortunately he will never leave Tony.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
I was shocked what y'all paid Miles.
But really upset we let FeLo walk
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
Psst
“Reply” is your friend…
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
"Reply" button is your friend
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
Thanks
Cardsfansince62 - August 25, 2009
Copycat :P
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Unacceptable
Fukudome should not hit fifth… ever. Not only will he not succeed there, it takes away from Aramis’ RBI opportunities by depriving him of runners on base. And while he can get on base fine, he can’t make enough happen with the bat potently enough to drive Aramis and Derrek in when they get on base.
With Jake Fox producing no matter who is on the mound, Fox is plenty good enough to bat behind Ramirez, leaving Fukudome, Theriot and Bradley (with Fuld as a backup, who really should be more) to give the middle of the lineup the chances to drive in runs. That’s how you build a lineup.
Too many people say lineup construction doesn’t matter and watch when teams who shouldn’t have so many problems producing runs… have problems producing runs. It matters… it matters a great deal.
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
I like the Fox batting 5th idea
Line up a la my dream world:
Dome
Bradley
Lee
Rami
Fox
Soto
Riot
Baker
Pitcher
slcathena - August 25, 2009
baker should be ahead of soto imo
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Yeah, I'm okay with that
1-5 and 9 are not interchangable.
slcathena - August 25, 2009
Invite Lou into your dreams then
Madison Cub Fan - August 25, 2009
Fox batted 6th on Sunday - and went 4 for 4
so your dream almost came true.
JFCubFan - August 25, 2009
that works too
I think the lack of sluggers means you should try to stretch out the lineup and bat ramirez fifth with Fox sixth. But I’m also not as wild about Theriot hitting first or second as i used to be. Against lhps you would move Baker up to second, if he keeps hitting… and try to get as many at bats for Sam Fuld as you can at the top of the lineup.
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
I got excited there for a minute...
I thought this was an updated lineup.
CubsBullsBears - August 25, 2009
I'd like this lineup a lot more than today's
Baker could be earlier but I like that he’s there to start/keep a rally going at the back of the order. To me that’s a toss up as he has less playing time 8th in the order.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
Please email this to Lou.
sue369 - August 25, 2009
I agree with the lineup construction thing
I’ve heard from a few that say that the lineup doesn’t matter, they have not convinced me. Lineups matters.
KaliCub - August 25, 2009
Yes they do...
…especially when a team has the right pieces to put in each spot.
MPH73 - August 25, 2009
He would
probably morph into Freddy Kreuger
Icubsfan - August 25, 2009
Color me gullible
…but the whole fox replacing soriano because of knee troubles was just people wishful thinking/screwing around?
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
It's true.
CubsBullsBears - August 25, 2009
yay
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
It's the real deal
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
dome
hitting fifth still vexes me, but what are ya gonna do?
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
I'm with you on that one
Dome’s stints at lead-off didn’t work so well last year, but this year have been just what the rest of the line-up has needed. Why FPT is up there is a total mystery.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Theriot...
isn’t so bad when you don’t have many better options… which the Cubs don’t. Theriot, Bradley, Fukudome isn’t the worst lineup you can put out there and will put guys on base for Lee, Ramirez, Fox more often than not.
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
Dome in the middle of the lineup
…has never, ever worked. So, I don’t know why they keep doing trying it.
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
yahoo
still has soriano in there… i am hoping they’re wrong
jameslcrockett - August 25, 2009
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/index.html
its realjesus christos - August 25, 2009
I think it was real for awhile. His leg looked different when he ran the bases
Now he sure looks healthy so who knows. Either way they should have taken him out for awhile and used that as an excuse, it’s the definition of insanity to keep him in there when he swings at outside pitches and strikes out or gets out so much. At some point you just have to bite the bullet and give him some time off to work on it, at Iowa or with a hitting instructor …instead of “giving him some instruction on the side” and hoping everyday he will change what he’s been doing all season.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
apparently its tendinitis from hitting the wall in wrigley earlier this season
how he didnt get put on the DL, i dont know
jesus christos - August 25, 2009
Ask Lou
BigJohnAZ - August 25, 2009
Jamo time. Back later.
Here’s a fun game:
Pretend the Nats right fielder was ours, and relish in that moment.
Dan
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
He can be our DH!
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
He plays 1B nowadays
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
I don't care where he plays.
He’s horrible at defense at LF, RF, and 1B. But he hits the piss and tar outta the baseball, and we needed somebody that hits 40 HR and 100 RBI e-v-e-r-y-d-a-m-n-y-e-a-r.
DAN
PS – And for those of you that think his defense is sooooooooo bad that it negates his offense, look at his WAR. He is a very good player in terms of wins, and also in terms of value ($).
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
Okay, seriously. Time for the Jameson.
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
I was just pointing out his current defensive position
I have agreed fully with you all season long regarding Bradley v. Dunn.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
I like you a lot.
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
This might sound snarky
but I’m actually asking:
What effect does all the crap teams he’s played on have on his WAR?
Allie - August 25, 2009
Dunn has 2.1 WAR
2.0 WAR is an average MLB player. So no, not that great
berselius - August 25, 2009
Theriot has a higher WAR than Dunn
berselius - August 25, 2009
Or yes, he has a higher WAR
…than Milton Bradley! Gasp!
dtpollitt - August 25, 2009
Don't we already
have enough Former nat’s on our team?
Icubsfan - August 25, 2009
Last half hour before game time
always takes the longest. Ugh. Bored!
Allie - August 25, 2009
This has been a long couple of days.
Did you read any of the fanposts? The natives were getting restless. There was even fighting over how much suffering made them fans. Too silly.
katie casey - August 25, 2009
Nope
I usually make a habit of avoiding fanposts. Some of them are really fun… but for everyone of those you get a couple dozen “hey I’m new” or “so and so sucks” and it gets really old.
Allie - August 25, 2009
Next year, I'm going to do a weekly fanpost
and each one will be what qualifies you as a fan for that week.
I love it when total strangers try and tell me what level of fan I am.
Illicat - August 25, 2009
You are a 4th level fan
Only 30 more Pain Points to make 5th!
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
Can I use my Mage's Strike to accelerate the process?
Illicat - August 25, 2009
Does it look like this?
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
You could always
Read snarky recaps of bad TV shows on TWOP to kill the time.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
I could work too.
I am an artist and having a Soriano sized slump. Although I’m not getting paid for it, dang it. But I can tell you that working through it doesn’t work!
katie casey - August 25, 2009
I do love snarky comments
could be fun!
Allie - August 25, 2009
Read this:
Managers cost teams at least three wins per season.
chilango2 - August 25, 2009
our best and perhaps
last chance to take chunks of turf. 3 against the AAA gnats & 3 against the downtrodden, mail-it-in mets.
brian custer - August 25, 2009
watching Fuld interview on CSN (666 on DirecTV)
I like this guy. We need his bat and glove in the line up more.
LAcarl519 - August 25, 2009
No, we need Soriano playing all the time. He's our only hope.
santoswoodenlegs - August 25, 2009
Is that your new sig? LOL
BigJohnAZ - August 25, 2009
you partial to the bunny hop or the bunny droppings?
LAcarl519 - August 25, 2009
Soriano - Our Only Hop
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
"Help us Sori Wan Kenobi-you're our only hop!"
BigJohnAZ - August 25, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - August 25, 2009
Very cool...
I just shake my head reading reports Lou is taking him out because of tendinitis NOW…I don’t even want to get started lol…good post SWL…nice parody there.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
I like him too.
sue369 - August 25, 2009
I heard him on Waddle & Silvy yesterday
he sounds like a good guy.
Allie - August 25, 2009
Al, you know me
I like playing Devil’s Advocate at times lol
To add a bit more info to the Dodgers’ stretch run you spoke of…
The D Backs handed the division to them. The Dodgers were winning series after series during that span, but the D Backs folded during the same time frame. Arizona went 13-15 during that time and had a 6 game losing streak where they were swept by the Bums and the Giants. If they split those 6 games, they win the division by 1 game. The Dodgers only had a 2 game losing streak during that time, so they were playing great ball, to give them their due.
I say this because I don’t compare last year’s D Backs with this year’s Cardinals. Can the Cubs go on a Dodger-like tear? Yes, maybe. Will the Cards fold like the ’08 D Backs? Very doubtful.
BigJohnAZ - August 25, 2009
I agree...
…I wouldn’t be surprised if the Cards had a better record than the Cubs in the remaining games. They have improved throughout the season, and it’s tough to ask a team like that to go in the tank.
MPH73 - August 25, 2009
That's the problem with thinking a miracle could happen now.
The Cards in my opinion aren’t the best in the NL as I’ve heard on the East Coast Sports Promotion network but are solid enough they won’t fold. They aren’t going to continue this current winning percentage in my mind for the rest of the year but they don’t have to…the Cubs are too far out. I think the Cubs have a good streak possible, but the amount of games left for each team just means too they would have to be perfect and they aren’t capable of that. It’s very little consolation to me that the Cards will get beaten by the Phillies if not the Dodgers.
Sandberg's evil twin - August 25, 2009
Cards are 4-2 vs LA and 4-5 vs PHL this season
Could be a good series with either. I like Philly, overall, even if the Cubs were there.
BigJohnAZ - August 25, 2009
No Sori today, so everyone else has to
HOP! or JUMP! if you prefer.
Clutch16 - August 25, 2009
The Cubs Suck!
They will lose 2 of 3 to the Nats…….. It didn’t matter if Soto got on because Frontenot can’t hit either. I actually picked up Mock for my fantasy team today. I knew he would pitch well tonight vs. these losers.
TJ11 - August 25, 2009
Washington is the worst team in baseball
When they beat us what do that say about the Cubs?
TJ11 - August 25, 2009
What are the stats
for when Zambam hits a HR then blowa uo the next inning?
Icubsfan - August 25, 2009
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