As the Cubs and their coaches and manager came onto the field for the handshakes and high-fives after their come-from-behind 3-2 win over the Giants, I saw something I don't think I've seen all year.
A smile on Lou Piniella's face.
Sorry it took so long, Lou, but that one was definitely worth a smile (and worth me staying up late to see the end).
For most of the game it appeared this recap was going to be written as a form letter, one I've written so many times ("Cubs pitcher throws great, offense impotent, [insert name of pitcher here] deserved better"). And for eight innings, the game set up exactly that way. Ryan Dempster threw another excellent game -- he has a 1.73 ERA in five starts covering 36.1 innings in September, during which he has issued only six walks -- but got victimized by a man hitting .178 coming into the game. John Bowker, sort of the Giants' version of Micah Hoffpauir, spent a good chunk of 2009 at the Giants' Triple-A stop at Fresno, pounding minor league pitching at a .342/.451/.596 clip before being recalled in July. Like Hoffpauir, he's really more of a first baseman than an outfielder; also like Micah, both players were in left field for their respective teams, and Bowker struggled at the major league level this year.
Not last night. Perhaps channeling Hoffpauir's two-homer, five-RBI career day against the Mets last September (oddly, one year ago today), Bowker chose last night to have the best day of his 2009 season. He doubled in the Giants' first run and then nearly sent a ball into McCovey Cove (it landed in the last row of the RF seats) for a homer, giving the Giants a 2-1 lead.
Other than those hits, Dempster held the rest of the Giants to five singles and a walk in seven innings; he lowered his season ERA to 3.68 and he says he'd like to start two more times in order to meet a personal goal of 200 innings:
He's at 186 innings, and will make two more starts, opening the final homestand next Tuesday against Pittsburgh and closing the season on Oct. 4 against Arizona.
"That's a goal of mine every year," Dempster said of reaching 200. "I just want to win ballgames. I sign up to make as many starts as I can. If it happens, it happens. Today was a great win for us. If I can help us win a couple more ballgames, it'll be awesome."
Absolutely, and if Dempster can, say, finish the season with two wins in those starts and an ERA near 3.50, his 2009 season will be not that far off the pace he set in his first full year as a Cub starter in 2008, despite a rocky start that likely had a lot to do with the personal stress he was feeling due to the health problems his newborn daughter had in April.
Aaron Heilman threw another solid scoreless inning in relief; we've all bitched about Heilman plenty here, but in 14 appearances since August 12 he has thrown 16.1 innings, struck out 12 and walked only three and posted a 1.65 ERA. The key is the lack of walks; at the very least if he can keep this up, he will have trade value this offseason.
Heilman wound up with the win when Jeff Baker, down to his final strike and an 0-2 count, laid off a pair of out-of-the-strike-zone sliders and slammed the next pitch into the left-field seats for a game-winning two-run homer. Derrek Lee had stolen second base while Baker was batting to try to set himself up in scoring position to tie the game; unfortunately:
The Cubs may be a little shorthanded Friday if Derrek Lee can't go. The first baseman aggravated his neck when he slid into second base in the ninth.
"Every time he slides, I cringe," Piniella said. "What happened probably is when he came in, someone tapped him on the head scoring the run in the ninth, and I don't think that helped the situation either."
That's why Hoffpauir moved from LF to 1B for the last of the ninth, which Carlos Marmol finished off without too much incident for his 15th save (and 12th in a row). It was one of the best games of 2009, preventing the Cardinals from clinching the NL Central for another day. I woke up this morning to a voicemail from my dad, who lives in San Francisco, telling me some friends invited him to the game. Glad he got to see such a good one -- that's two Cubs wins he has seen this year, including this one at Wrigley Field on May 14.
It's nice to see wins like this; they give great hope for the future. Keep up the good work -- let's see more smiles on Lou's face.
Finally, the winner of last night's photo caption contest is KaliCub, who submitted this entry:
In a stunning display of one-upmanship, the Cubs fail when Jake Fox jumps and rest of Cubs fielders fall down, only to find out that Jake didn’t catch the ball.
KaliCub, please email me your address so I can send you the DVD. Thanks for all the entries!
0 recs | 418 comments
Good Morning (Good Afternoon) everybody! A nice blast in the 9th keeps our slim hopes alive...
Aegroto, dum anima est, spes esse dicitur – Eamus Catuli
eths - September 25, 2009
Two out lighting!
Well, we ain’t done yet…
Zeke - September 25, 2009
That should be "lightning"...
Too early in the a.m.
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Square-D would like your original better
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Brownie!
Zeke - September 25, 2009
"What's that, Zeke?"
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
That's what Ron calls Pat in those Square D commercials...
As in “Brown noser”. (as in “You’re sucking up to Square D”). Never mind, it sounded funnier in my head when I thought of it.
Not so much now. ;)
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Argh. I was afraid you'd misinterpret
The response he gets is, “What’s that, Ron?”
I thought about saying Ron instead of Zeke . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Got it. I'm really not awake this morning, so you could have written me a roadmap and I would still have missed it.
Comedy is not pretty…
Zeke - September 25, 2009
So my response then should have been:
“Oh, nothing…” (whistles while rolling eyes and looks away) …
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Exactly!
Now go try on your new shirt…
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I didn't get one! Bummer. :(
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Did you at least get a tuna sandwich?
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Nope. Shut out completely...
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Well, I doubt that happens to either of our teams tomorrow
I see a high-scoring, 3 1/2 hour game coming
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Pinella's comment
on adding an RBI bat was exactly what I wanted to hear this morning (reading on cubs dot com). The best part was Lou not caring if he batted between his legs, right or left handed didn’t matter. This would go a long way to making our lineup more solid with a good middle bat. Of course if Geo and Soriano come back strong that would even be better.
Nice win last night, let’s make things interesting!
mrcubsfan - September 25, 2009
At last, Lou admits being lefthanded doesn't matter.
If only he’d have figured that out a year ago.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
You know, Lou's been ripped ad nauseum about this the entire season.
While I agree that a good righthanded hitter is better than a bad lefty, it’s important to remember that the Cubs didn’t have one solid LH hitter in the lineup that they knew they could count on going into the season. With Kosuke’s flameout the second half of last year there was no guarantee that he would be an everyday player. Fontenot was the only other lefty that was presumed to get significant playing time, and he had never been a full-time starter.
Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Soriano, Soto, all righties. If Fontenot and/or Fukudome faltered, they would have likely been replaced by righties. I don’t see why it’s so hard to understand why Piniella wanted a left handed bat for the middle of the order. i think it’s just become an easy way to rip him at this point. My guess is that any manager would have preferred to have added a lefty. And, there were four semi-viable choices for them to choose from.
In retrospect the problem wasn’t wanting a left-handed bat. it was the way they chose to clear payroll and the player they chose.
davidalanu - September 25, 2009
That's a reasoned argument, except
This isn’t hindsight. Piniella and Hendry were roundly criticized on this board since last fall for the LH mantra.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
True enough. I'm just saying the criticism isn't completely justified.
davidalanu - September 25, 2009
Again, you make a pretty solid point
However, it’s kind of like [name redacted]; when people come out against something, and it fails, it doesn’t mean that it was inherently a bad idea – but it’s going to be tough to convince them of that.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Lol, you're right. I'm just looking at any of the other three choices,
Dunn, Abreu, and Ibanez, and if you would put any of there numbers into RF for the Cubs this year, i would think they’d still at least be in the thick of the WC race. The problem wasn’t wanting a lefty for the middle of the order.
davidalanu - September 25, 2009
yeesh, "their" numbers
davidalanu - September 25, 2009
Agreed with that - a lefty wasn't an inherently bad idea
It was fixating on one and not doing due dilligence that was a bad idea.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
RBI guy
Obviously, I don’t have any problem with adding an RBI bat, but…
If Soriano is moving permanently to the middle of the order, then wouldn’t he, be a pretty good bat complementing Le and Ramirez?
WGNstatic - September 25, 2009
If healthy, possibly.
Remembering that he is a notorious streak hitter.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
A healthy Soriano and a productive Soto
go a long way towards making the lineup a lot better. Those are, of course, still significant “ifs”, but they should be considered.
SouthernCub - September 25, 2009
What if
The Cubs sweep the weekend and then Colorado gets swept. Its not out of the realm of possibility since the Cards are sending their big three to the mound. And there is no way the Cards are resting. It’s not like last year when the Cubs knew they had homefield in the first round. The cards are 3 off the Dodgers and tied with the Phills.
I know it is a long shot but if we can shrink it down to 3.5 with 7 to go. Then who knows. I doubt it and know that we essentially have to go 10-1 or 11-0 with a lot of help but I keep dreaming.
Like in poker, if you got a chip and a chair, you ain’t out and the Cubs have that.
niuhuskie224 - September 25, 2009
Now factor in Fla and Atl...
…then get back to us.
It’s over and IMO it’s been over since late evening 8/17.
blackhawk24 - September 25, 2009
I don't disgree
Just saying I am going to dream my unrealistic dream and hope they get there. As far as 8/17, was that the Phillies series or the Rockies series, or the Dodgers series?
niuhuskie224 - September 25, 2009
That was in San Diego.
Another Kevin Gregg fiasco.
Keep dreaming. We all should. Why not?
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
as long as you don't take the approach of accusing those of us who think
it’s futile to dream of not being real fans
Nunyabidness - September 25, 2009
Faker.
:-)
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
twhs
davidalanu - September 25, 2009
No, I won't accuse you of that.
Each of us has to approach this in his or her own way.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
+1000
That’s the same point I thought the Cubs were done.
Maybe if we suspended Bradley back then we would have had a better chance. The team seems to be playing much better since he’s gone.
VillanuevaExperience - September 25, 2009
Ixnay on the Adleybray!
Unless you want this thread to spiral out of control and crash the SBN servers by 3PM.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Mah-ha?
Ah-ha?
Yatta beni fitchi, akena mena roeha.
Mahareshi ma-he-hah.
Soi-ten-ley!
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Just to add
If the Cubs go 10-0 the rest of the way…
The Rockies can go at best 3-6
The Braves at best can go 7-3
The Marlins and Giants at best can go 7-2
The Braves, Marlins and Giants Scenarios aren’t too far out there.
The Cubs going 10-0 is way out there just because of the fact we face Lincecum, Zito and Cain the next three nights, and 10-0 is really hard to do.
And the Rockies, they are good, i admit it, just hope they have a brain cramp.
As a baseball fan, I root for everyone to finish at 88 or 89 wins just because a 5 team mini playoff would be fun to sort out.
niuhuskie224 - September 25, 2009
It sure would.
The Cubs faced a tough pitcher in Penny last night and beat him. Lincecum, Zito and Cain are all very good. But they all have losses this year. Why can’t the Cubs give them each another one?
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Hey, if you are going to have a fantasy that the Cubs go 10-0
then they’ll have to beat the big guns. Just that simple. Can it happen? Sure. Will it happen?
Cue the butt monkeys! FLY!
“But” you never know (at least until tonight’s game…)
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Always good to see an optimist or two.
I know just like anyone that this scenario is at lest then 1%. That if we ran this 1000 times it would happen once or twice, but why can’t this be that once or twice.
niuhuskie224 - September 25, 2009
Still clinging onto hope.
Isn’t that what we do as Cubs fans? Sure it’s a long shot, but stranger things have happened. If nothing else it’s great to see the team winning games and having fun. Gives me a lot of hope for next year, but I can wait a little longer for next year.
Tangled Up In Blue - September 25, 2009
Until mathematics make it impossible, it still IS possible.
However unlikely…
But there ’ya are!
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Hey, the southsiders were eliminated last night.
The Cubs haven’t been eliminated, yet. So, Cubs got that going for ’em.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
It's total consciousness
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
a looper
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
"Ya know, a PRO JOCK"
Zeke - September 25, 2009
big hitter the Lama, loooonnng....
BleedsbluinMI - September 25, 2009
Go Tigers!
Rodney did his best to blow a 3 run lead in the 9th last night. I can’t believe he’s converted 35 out of 36 save chances. Every time I watch him pitch, it’s like watching Gregg…
I cannot figure out how he wiggles off the jams he puts himself in.
I thought Leyland was going to kill anyone standing close to him…which was why no one was…
Zeke - September 25, 2009
I like it.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Yes but as last night shows
With 2 outs, 2 strikes, down a run in the bottom of the 9th, you can still win.
ChipSet - September 25, 2009
Baker ought to teach a master class on it next year in Arizona.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Plus, last night's loss has the potential to stick with the Giants.
One strike away from victory, and a three-game deficit in the Wild Card, only to have Baker pound a two-run homer.
It’s not easy to come back from games like that, but it’s nice to have Lincecum, Cain, et al, when you’re trying to come back from that kind of loss.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Thank God those kind of losses haven't happened to the Cubs or had any residual effects on the rest of a season...
Oh, wait….
Never mind.
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Could the opposite happen now?
Now, they get on a roll after the last-inning win…
Sure, it’s a long shot, but it’s nice wake up to game-winning, 9th-inning homers.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Amen.
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Giants loss last night
Besides being cold and foggy, all the Cubs fans seemed to stay to the end last night. Brian Wilson was throwing 95mph+ and I thought we were toast. My wife turned to me when Baker came up and said “we’re due for a home run” and lo and behold he hits one . It was great.
wccubfan - September 25, 2009
Your wife is a smart woman!
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
Yup
Thats what she tells me.
wccubfan - September 25, 2009
Yes
We had a row of Giants fans behind us that would remark when every Giants fan left early. Of course, they were the ones left to accept the ninth-inning gut punch.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Well, to be fair,
the Cubs were losing to Penny through eight and Penny would have been the winner if not for Baker’s ninth inning heroics. Penny had nothing to do with the final two runs.
the nth - September 25, 2009
Math
If the Cubs go 10 -0 then the Giants HAVE to have at least 3 more losses.
KedzieKid - September 25, 2009
Krukow's comment
Mike Krukow has a regular Friday morning appearance on KFOG during the baseball season.
This morning, he was talking about what a gut-punch this Cubs win was last night. The radio folks asked him if it was all over for the Giants. He said, no, not until they are mathematically eliminated, but their odds are now about the same as catching the garter at an NBA wedding.
I liked the line, and wanted to note that the Cubs’ chances are not nearly that good.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Yes our odds are about as good
as Milton Bradley leaving baseball ( and his 23 million) to become Buddhist monk.
Doggie Stalker - September 25, 2009
You'd be surprised where those garters eventually wind up.
The NBAers could all cancel each other out and you could wind up with it in your lap. You never know…
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Like the tiny kid in "500"...
… who would wait till everybody else jumped for the ball, whack them all in the nuts, and emerge victorious.
Damn younger cousins, scarring my childhood.
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
Anyone have more detail on Harden's shutdown being self elected?
Read Bruce Miles piece and the Sullivan Piece.
I also heard Dave van Dyke on 670am this morning saying the Cubs are scared that Harden has been devalued and the Org is fearful Harden will accept arbitration. So fearful, rumor is Cubs won’t offer Harden arb, so no compensetory picks.
Thoughts?
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
van Dyke podcast
link
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
can't believe they would at least offer arb
and have hendry try to get a deal done before arb date (like he has always done, right?)
doofus cubs guy - September 25, 2009
Those were my thoughts. Listen to the interview.
van Dyke makes it sound like he has inside detail that this move by Harden shatters his value.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Remind me again why it's okay for Harden to take himself out the rotation?
Lou didn’t seem to imply it was his choice.
madcow256 - September 25, 2009
Yeah this is odd.
When the Cubs first shut him down, I read a quote from Harden saying he was surprised it was the whole season, rather than one game.
Now it sounds like they are appeasing him.
Something is not adding up here. If he’s shutting himself down to stay healthy before he bolts for free agency this offseason, that is pretty crappy on his part.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
I believe I have read it was a mutual decision, not Harden's alone.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Al, please read the Miles and Sullivan takes and if you have a chance
listen to the van Dyke interview. Something seems rotten.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
But how do you explain Harden's initial reaction...?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-18-cubs-brewers-chicago-sep18,0,6241197.story
Harden had told the media he was fine Wednesday, so why would he possibly miss two starts?
“Who said that?” Harden asked.
“Lou,” I replied.
Harden insisted he would miss only one start and that he’s just “a little tired.”
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Miles quotes Lou as saying
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
I understand that's what Lou says.
But clearly from the article above that I posted, being shut down for the season was news to Harden from the get-go.
It may have been mutual, but we probably will never know.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Speculating, but if you listen to van Dyke, he implies
the Cubs are tired of Harden. Perhaps Harden asked to miss a start and the remainder of the season has turned into a silent suspension.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Which would be odd to me because...
…Harden has missed plenty of starts before. I’m sure many of them were by his request. So why would the Cubs be in a huff about this one?
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Because of the timing
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
To me that reason lands on Harden's side.
The Cubs have pretty much admitted that this season is all but over for them (even though I’m not giving up hope just yet). If the games don’t mean anything, why risk injury.
It’s like the same thing with Aramis. If the Cubs are officially out of playoffs, I say shut him down for the season. Risking injury isn’t worth it.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
I see the line over who makes the choice.
Lou and Jim tell him to sit and let the Shark in the water, I’m fine. For a player who’s been coddled his whole time here to ask to be removed as his contract is expiring, I’m not okay. It’s quitting. If he who shall not be named did this at any point, even at the beginning of the season before all the drama, he would have been crushed.
In fact Bradley didn’t want to go on the DL earlier in the year. It was obviously toward earning time on the active roster toward his year 3 trigger, and he was pounded in the papers and on this site. Harden makes a me first request and people make excuses.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
But you act surprised that he's requesting this.
This is what Rich Harden does. He asks for games off.
You and I don’t know if it’s legit or not. But I tend to think it was legit since his initial comments were he wanted 1 game off and to come back to finish off the season.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Divas ask for games off.
If he’s hurt, go on the DL. I don’t think I’m a big rah rah guy, but I believe in athletes doing the job they singed the contract to do.
GM’s and managers decide who plays, players play or seek treatment for injury. If the manager can’t count on a starting pitcher to take the ball when healthy, why keep him?
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
I looked at shutting him down as a sign that we would keep him
Hearing that interview makes me think that not only is Harden gone, but the Cubs incompetent front office is at work once again.
nji232 - September 25, 2009
I guess in principal you're correct.
But it seems silly to push and push an injury prone guy until he is forced to go on the DL. What’s wrong with baby’ing a guy to get your max value? I mean, the guy did make 26 starts this year (would have been 27 had they not shut him down). That’s not terrible.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Agreed, however of the 26 starts, 13 were good.
That’s not great.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Granted...
…but at the beginning of the season had I told you Rich Harden would make 26 starts, wouldn’t you have been thrilled?
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Yes, but I would have expected a pitcher looking like
good/decent Harden, not Shark.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Again, that point is granted.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Well, yeah, but only half of the 26 were "Harden."
In 5 starts, he didn’t make it to the 5th. In another 5, he didn’t start the 6th. He was pulled after 1 out in the 6th once. In 10 games he pitched through the 6th, 2 no decision, 5 wins, 3 losses, only 1 was really his fault with 4 earned runs.
Making 26 starts is great, but averaging "meh’ over the season is not. He taxed the bullpen and has been Jason Marquis of 2008, without the durability.
I’m pissed at the concept the supplemental picks are in question.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Clearly you're pissed.
I’m not really sure why you keep responded to me and hammering a point home THAT I AGREE WITH! Geez.
His numbers were all over the place. A ton of strikeouts. Okay ERA, but not okay for the amount of money he made. High WHIP. Low innings.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
No offense intended, just thought you kept asking
me questions.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
It's fine.
But somehow we turned the discussion from it’s original point which was…should Harden be allowed to request a spot missed at this point in the season?…into a referendum on his performace this year.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Understood, I guess I thought you were making the
point that his starting 26 games earned the right and I disagree. 26 great starts, maybe.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
No no.
It was just a random tangent that surprised me when I saw he made 26 starts.
My original point was you know what you’re getting into with Harden. He’s requested starts off in the past, so requesting one late in the season doesn’t bother me. Now if I knew he intended to do this for personal reasons, yeah I’d be angry like you. But I don’t believe that because he wanted to pitch one more game before the season ended.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Talk about being on the money
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/3/11/789389/marmol-aid-and-other-off-d#12961542
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
BTW
MB: 124 Games – not all of those were as a starter.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
OOOOOO. Scary.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
'Course, I also predicted the Cubs would win the NL pennant
Guess the old crystal balls weren’t feeling it that day…
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Depending on who you ask...
…he probably make 27 starts. Isn’t it said when that’s impressive?
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Is anyone bored enough to post a trasnscript?
I can’t access radio stations at work
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
trasnscript?
Seems I trasnposed some letters
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Basically
-The Cubs are terrified to offer Harden arbitration for fear he will accept
-The Cubs have extracted every last inning out of his arm
-If he started another game there is a good chance he would really injure himself, so he is just protecting his own interests
-Not starting was up to Rich
-The hosts of the show hate Harden and Hendry
nji232 - September 25, 2009
Hmmm.
Weeeeelllll…. you may be right. Sounds like no one really wants to say much about this. There is this, though, from the Sullivan piece:
Maybe he’ll take a one-year deal to stay. As I have said before, this offseason is likely to be an eye-opener for free agents due to the current economic conditions. At Harden’s age (28 in November) his best bet might be to take a one-year deal and go to free agency again next year.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
I sense some division there.
Not as marked as with [name redacted], but something strange.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
The interview with van Dyke has me peeved.
That the Cubs are so scared of Harden taking arb they may not offer him has me freakin’ angry at Harden. If Harden’s quitting hinders his value to the point the Cubs won’t offer him arbitration, suspend him. Send him to go room with Bradley.
If the Cubs chose to shut him down, I’m good with it. If Harden quit out of a Latrell Sprewell, gotta feed my family, thought, I’m pissed.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
This is an upsetting interview
I said below that him taking arbitration is a good thing, it still is, but man he is quite the quitter it sounds like. That is too bad.
nji232 - September 25, 2009
Thank you. This is bugging the s___ out of me.
Harden takes himself out, says he’s healthy and can pitch, but takes himself out.
Not that anyone cares what I think, but this is not okay.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
You're a racist.
sarcasmchilango2 - September 25, 2009
Arrgh!
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
gray bar!
nji232 - September 25, 2009
eths - September 25, 2009
I can't begin to tell you how very happy I am to see the return of Capt. Graybar
Emelie - September 25, 2009
I must be one internet meme behind
What does the Capt. Graybar reference mean?
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
There's an SBN bug
that causes some text to go gray (see “sarcasm” above). We deemed it pirate graybar and promptly talked like a pirate every time it occurred. Silly, I know, but we are easily amused ;-)
Emelie - September 25, 2009
I wouldn't call it a bug
More like an attempt at giving posters a
fixed widthfont to work with, presumably for the purposes of pasting tables into the comment box. Unfortunately, upon testing this, it really doesn’t work all that well.His raison d’être having been cruelly taken from him, the Dread Pirate Graybar now roams the seas, plundering from unsuspecting n00bs and leaving only sarcasm in his wake.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
so how do you make it happen? I've forgotten
Emelie - September 25, 2009
Surround your soon-to-be grayed text
With @ symbols, no space between the symbol and the first character to be grayed.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Argh!Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
@poop@
LT - September 25, 2009
graybar fail!!Walk the plank!!
BleedsbluinMI - September 25, 2009
@rat farts @
LT - September 25, 2009
yo, LT. It doesn't work in the subject line ;-)
Emelie - September 25, 2009
shiver me timbers!Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I'll be damnLT - September 25, 2009
heesue369 - September 25, 2009
Oh, why not join in?Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
We are easily amused it seems.sue369 - September 25, 2009
yes, we arrghShanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
You win.Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
eths - September 25, 2009
this winsN Oakley - September 25, 2009
I both rue and regret bringing it back.chilango2 - September 25, 2009
greybar failAndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
@so you’re saying to do it like this @
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
or like thisBill Potter - September 25, 2009
eths - September 25, 2009
Professor, what's another word for pirate treasure?
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
For some maybe her and others might prefer him...
eths - September 25, 2009
or not, as the case may be.
Emelie - September 25, 2009
Thanks for the (grayscale) enlightenment
Emelie and Clutch16
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Maybe Canadian fishing season has started
and he needs to get home.
Doggie Stalker - September 25, 2009
People fish for Canadians?
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Do you mean ice fishing?
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
And now Canadians fish for ice?
Do they not have ice cube trays up there?
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Canadians don't need no steenkin' ice cube trays
Emelie - September 25, 2009
Ah Em... I envy you...
living in the land where a person’s backyard is his/her own walk-in beer fridge…
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
Dear Chicago Cubs Incompetent Front Office
Rich Harden accepting arbitration is a GOOD THING. You morans just need to realize how to rest him properly and admit when he is injured.
nji232 - September 25, 2009
ISWYDT='morans'
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
baker in the 5 spot next year!
he is the ted lilly of the non-pitchers!
doofus cubs guy - September 25, 2009
We have some major issues with our payroll.
Jeff Baker needs to be resigned.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Jeff Baker is under team control for 3 more seasons.
He will be eligible for arbitration next season for the first time.
BTW, for all the grief Hendry has gotten for his off-season moves (justifiably), he’s made some pretty good in-season moves. Baker and Gorzo are under team control for at least 3 more years and Grabow has been a good addition and sounds amendable to resignign with the Cubs.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
Credit to Hendry for those moves.
Now, let’s hope he takes that good in-season start and has a good offseason.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Now he has to fix the $41M outfield
strengthen the bench and figure out how to further improve the middle IF.
Other than that, its a piece of cake… :^)
blackhawk24 - September 25, 2009
And get Harden to reject arbitration and get the picks.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Fully, completely, absolutely agree.
I wish Baker would be a little bit handsomer so I could love him as much as I love DeRo. Maybe he can grow some stubble.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
You're gonna make me do this, aren't you?
(sigh) Start→Programs→GIMP…
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
BWAAAHAHAHAHAHAH!
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Not my best work
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Still gives me the chicken-skin.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
oh my
sue369 - September 25, 2009
Compared to Gorzo , Baker is Paul Newman AND Robert Redford
in their prime.
Doggie Stalker - September 25, 2009
Is this a typo Al?
“laid off a pair of out-of-the-strike-zone slider”
Me no understand.
cubswynn - September 25, 2009
Reads like cards, guess changeups were wild.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Len & Bob called them sliders.
So did Gameday.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Just joking on the "laid off a pair"
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Oh.
I figure a TWSS might be coming.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
man...
…, the economy must be bad when even “a pair” gets laid off. Ouch!
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
It was nice to see Lou smiling.
Has anybody else noticed he seems to be standing at the rail more ofter lately and not sitting on the bench as much?
Oh, and three words: Suck it Cardinals.
At least for one more day.
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
In Milwaukee on Monday...
… I saw nearly the whole team up on the rail, more involved in the game.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Yep, I saw the same thing.
Maybe it’s because of the whole you-no-who issue being over this season…
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
I'd agree with that.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Or maybe they were just watching the game...
Not everything is Bradley’s fault.
Jimmyeatworld - September 25, 2009
I have been at 18 road games this year.
Not one of them had as many Cubs up on the rail watching the game as the one on Monday did.
Draw whatever conclusions you like from that.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Friday's game...
…seemed to have every single player on the pine at the railing; even while they were in the field, they were still at the railing.
LeSaboteur - September 26, 2009
Voldemort was following the Cubs?
Speaking of which, I saw the human air raid siren in the same section as me, 10 – 15 rows up on Wednesday. Thankfully, I did not hear him.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Ack.
Glad he was not there on Monday when I was there.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
RWW was seen but not heard? I did not think that to be possible.
Add that to the long list of strange cubbie occurrences for 2009…
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
A woman a few seats down called out to him - he didn't hear
She didn’t respond to my “Don’t get him started” comment.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Oh, God
I was there Wednesday and didn’t encounter him. Thank God. He showed up in Cincinnati last month and I just about slit my wrists.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
Had it bad enough as it was
One Cub fan behind me would just not shut up. And he didn’t know what the hell he was talking about. “Look, Fielder – 41 HR’s. Lee has 35, and he missed a month.” No, he didn’t . . . but I kept quiet. I also kept quiet when he hit my head walking past to get a beer. Not that it hurt, but how do you not notice that you hit someone?
Then, we moved down a few seats because the aisle was open. Guy in the row behind those seats was a Cub fan, there with his wife and two kids who were Brewer fans. Kids were under 5, and screaming with shrill voices . . . when Smardzija bunted, the guy told his kid that he would bunt to get a run home . . . then when it was just a routine sacrifice (although a bad bunt), he told his kid that Samardzija didn’t do his job.
Still, better than RW.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I feel your pain
Fortunately the people around us were, for the most part, quiet. Wasn’t quite the typical Cubs-Brewers game, but I had a better time than I thought I would. (We went Tuesday night, too, and of course enjoyed that one much more. :) )
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
My dad was there on Tuesday with some friends
I’d wager he liked that one better, too…
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Me too but I figured it was the
touchdown they scored across the 1st 2 innings, not gameboard being out.
We had an OK view from section 412.
blackhawk24 - September 25, 2009
When the Cubs were taking batting practice before the game
Lou was standing behind the cage talking in a very animated fashion to a guy with a guy with a huge head and plenty of gray hair. This other guy looked really familiar to me, but I could not remember where I had seen him before.
Anyway, Lou was smiling, gesturing with his hands, laughing so hard that his whole body was shaking. As one of Lou’s biggest fans, it looked great to me. And this was on a foggy, spooky night in SF.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
That had to be Mike Krukow.
Was this him?
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
I didn't think so
But now I am not so sure.
I thought that I knew what Kruuk looked like, and this guy seemed way more heavyset than him. But he did have the fabulous white-blond hair that Kruuk has become famous for, so maybe he has just put on a few LBs since I last saw him.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
I think that it was Brian Sabean
The Giants’ GM.
I couldn’t find an online image of the back and side of his head, but the images that I see on the web show that his body type fits the profile that I saw.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
I'll bet it was Gary Hughes
The Cubs scout and assistant GM who lives in the Bay Area
Josh Timmers - September 26, 2009
I don't think so
This guy had a huge head AND had fabulous hair. I still think that it was Sabean. Would it be odd for Lou to be talking to the Giants’ GM? They both speak the universal language — Baseball.
vonde6 - September 26, 2009
It was even worse out in the Sunset.
At game time, the fog was so thick that you couldn’t see ten feet ahead of you.
And, during BP, Ted needs to watch where he’s running; don’t think he realized just how close the RF wall is. He nearly ran into it, and then how pissed would he be?
LeSaboteur - September 25, 2009
Was the wall aware of the danger?
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
It didn't seem in a hurry to get out of the way.
It must have missed that game.
LeSaboteur - September 25, 2009
It was touched upon in the Game Thread last night
But this felt like a 2008 Cubs game – down late and someone steps up and delivers in the clutch to give the Cubs the W.
Games like this one (Ramirez), or this classic (Soto), or if you want a similar one on the road, this one (Ward).
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
If only Hendry had been paying attention to that Ward one.
Working with a 2-run lead in the 9th, Kevin Gregg gives up a hit and a walk, then the 3-run bomb to Daryle Ward.
Working with a 1-run lead in the bottom of the 9th, Kerry Wood strikes out 2 in nailing down the save.
Marlins’ reaction? “Kevin Gregg is no longer our closer.”
Hendry’s reaction? “Get me that Kevin Gregg guy!”
One year and two days later, Kevin Gregg melts down in SD, and is removed as Cubs closer.
D98 - September 25, 2009
That's one of those moves that to me is indefensible.
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
I don't agree with that.
After watching the Cubs for many years simply not having ANY reliever that could close out games, I thought acquiring a reliever that has closed in the past and WANTS to close was a good idea. I personally believe that you can never have enough relievers that can close games.
I wonder if the mistake was not in making Gregg the closer, it was in making the closer position a competition. We’ll always wonder if they had just named Marmol the closer in the off-season if he would have performed better earlier in the season.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
You don't agree with NOT bringing in the guy who led the league in blown saves?
I’m just glad Hendry didn’t sign him to a multi-year contract with a no-trade clause and a guarantee he’d be the closer.
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
I don't agree that is was an indefensible move, particularly since they gave up little to get him.
Again, I think the mistake may have been making the closer role a competition. I wonder if it would have made a difference if the Cubs had named Marmol the close in the off-season.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
I think they had to make the closer role a competion
because Marmol was struggling in ST and Gregg looked good. I just don’t agree with signing him in he first place for any part of the rotation
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
Wasn't Gregg
injured for a good part of last season?
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
He also tied for the league lead in blown saves last year, with nine.
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 25, 2009
Well, at least he won't have that title this year.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
VCF
I assume that you were taking notes about the game last night?
It can get cold and windy in AT&T. Your game on Saturday has a 4 pm start, I think, so it is less likely that the fog will settle in during the game. As always with SF, though, bring several layers to wear.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Time changed to 1:05.
LeSaboteur - September 25, 2009
Does that mean that it is the Fox game of the week?
(or whatever the hell they call it)
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Dunno!
The kind lady at the ticket window (who happened to be from Chicago) told me that the game time had been changed; she wanted to make sure we were aware that it wasn’t a typo.
LeSaboteur - September 25, 2009
BTW - It is the Fox game
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
D'oh
I was looking at the times on ESPN.com, and of course they are Eastern Daylight Time.
The chances of me going to this game just went way up.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Thanks for the advice.
No, I was out at dinner with my uncle last night. I appreciate the heads up.
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 25, 2009
here is teh video of D Ward's shot.
DC Cubbie - September 25, 2009
try again
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200808153315333&c_id=chc
DC Cubbie - September 25, 2009
"Every time he slides, I cringe," Piniella said.
All I could think about is how lucky Lee was that Vélez didn’t break something when he fell. I had horrible flashbacks of 2005.
I was tucked in bed, half asleep (more like 7/8ths asleep) when my wife belted a loud “Oh, yes!” as DLee stole second. I looked at the play while berating her for waking me up. Then, all of a sudden, “CRACK,” followed by Len’s giddy shrieks of joy. I was fully awake and saw it to the end.
It was a great game overall. I love pitching duels. The next three games also bode well for us pitching fans. However, I’m going to hate seeing the I-Cubs struggle against Lincecum.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
That may be why Lou gave Ramirez and Soto last night off...
… so he can have a (mostly) fully-stocked lineup tonight vs. Lincecum.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
which is the opposite of what Lou did the last time they matched up
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
Yeah
I was at the game in SF that Lincecum pitched against them last year, and everybody was subs. I hate to be stuck with those “give everybody a day off” lineups, because I don’t see that many games in person.
But yesterday’s game was like that, too, and it kind of worked out.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Very true.
But Ramírez looked to be in pain Wednesday when he took swings.
I hope he’s booked his operating room for Monday, Oct. 5 at 8 a.m.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
From what I have heard...
… he’s likely not having surgery — it seems that an offseason of rest might do it for Ramirez.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
OK. His doctors know better.
Shoulder surgery was a good option for me. That doesn’t mean anything to Ramírez and the Cubs. I hope he recovers fully.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
This is good news.
Any time a person has surgery, there’s a risk of complications, including inflection. Any time you can avoid going under the knife, it’s a good thing.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
Especially for a joint
they’re never the same after being operated on.
Allie - September 25, 2009
To make up for the early season game when he rolled over and
played dead for Lincecum. Though Bobby Scales got his first MLB hit that day.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Ugh. I'd forgotten about that game.
It was the first time I had doubts about this season…
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
I won't forget. Actually paid for tix, out of pocket, for that game.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
I didn't have a problem
with what Lou did in that game. A lot of the regulars needed a break, and it most likely was going to be a loss, anyway. Lose the battle, win the war.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
Plus
IIRC, the Cubs had just had a successful homestand (won four of five or some such thing).
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
Don’t forget that our lead-off
hitterbatter had the night off, too!Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
If Lou wanted to start Blanco again tonight I wouldn't have a problem with that.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Is there some sort of operation for Lee's neck?
That is really annoying, and potentially problematic if we were in a playoff race
nji232 - September 25, 2009
I don't believe surgery is an option.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
This story on ESPN...
… makes it look like it was Guzman’s celebratory slaps that injured him, not the slide.
http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/news/story?id=4502934&campaign=rss&source=twitter&ex_cid=Twitter_espn_4502934
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
This sounds like another Cubbie Occurance!
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
I have no reason why...
… other than the possible implication of a curse or something, but for some reason that phrase REALLY bugs me.
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
your reply popped up
Just as I was looking at this and seething about it, too.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
I hate when that stuff is perpetuated in general...
… but when the team does it like this (or the priest in the dugout), it REALLY bugs me.
Nothing was as depressing as being at Wrigley for that three game series last October. The energy there was so bad. Stuff like this can only feed that feeling.
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
I agree 100 percent, Stone
I’m tired of crap like this being perpetuated, knowingly or unknowingly.
This culture never is going to change as long as stuff like “Cubbie occurences,” curses, priest’s blessings, etc., is allowed to continue.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
Yep
Slightly OT, but I don’t really like the use of “Cubbie” in general. I tolerate it in TMOTTBG. I DESPISE the “Let’s go Cub-bies” chant.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I have a hard time comlaining about that as every fan base does this.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
It's sounds more like a plea than a chant.
I prefer “LET’S GO CUBS!”
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
*It
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
This reminds me
The Giants had some really weak years in the 90s, and I remember one year their slogan was “Come on, Giants…hang in there.”
This struck me at the time as a pretty pathetic plea — one step up from “Just kill me now”.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Yeah, not real assertive, is it?
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
For the last 2 years, the Pirates' slogan has been "We Will"
We will (fill in the blank): Work towards being mediocre.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Better than SF's, though
Actually not much different than 1995’s “We’re working on it”
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
It just always struck me as odd
What will they be doing? Trading everyone? Disenfranchising fans?
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Saying
ArrgghShanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
They had a Pirate Night in Indianapolis this year
to celebrate the relationship between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis.
Put a “pirate” in the radio booth with the Indians’ humorless play-by-play guy. It was outstanding radio as some guy tried to act the part of a pirate, dropping “arrgghs” on balls and errors.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
eths - September 25, 2009
Since the AS Break
the Giants slogan has been “We’re in this thing.” Not exactly the most inspiring, although it is a Krukowism.
Josh Timmers - September 25, 2009
How about: 'Please don't take our lunch money!" (clap, clap...clap, clap, clap.)
Zeke - September 25, 2009
catchy
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
See what you mean, I guess sometimes it is.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Let's talk about things we hate:
I abhor the term “Nation” when referencing a fan base; the term “Cub Nation” makes my liver go into shock.
I really don’t like “Go Cubs, Go” played after a win at Wrigley.
I can’t stand the “celebrity” aspect of TMOTTBG.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
You'll get widespread agreement on 2 of 3
I know the song is a cheesy radio jingle, but I like it anyway.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
OK cool, but play it at the beginning of the games
just to appease my grammar OCD, as in “the Cubs are gonna win today,” not “the Cubs just have won.” GGRRRRRR.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Why do we sing TMOTTBG when we're already there?
:-)
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Amen brother.
Preach on!
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Why do we breath when we already have air in our lungs?
eths - September 25, 2009
I hate the ushers who try to keep little kids from the field
1 hour before the game as they hunt autographs.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
damn straight.
rec’d
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Agreed.
Not only do they do it, they’re downright nasty about it.
One of the things the Ricketts ownership team has to fix.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Stay off my lawn!
LT - September 25, 2009
How about the "This is the year!"
radio tags that are still being played?
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Those needed to go in Spring Training
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
It's brutal.
I was driving home the other night and heard it. How has a producer at WGN not taken those out yet?
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Cub fans can be mindless lemmings
In 1984, the team took a spontaneous victory lap. In 1989, the fans refused to leave until they did it again, and they hadn’t won anything yet (I was lucky enough to be at that game . . . still gives me chills to think about it 20 years later).
At a convention a few years later, a woman whined to Riggleman that they didn’t do it again – she thought that was supposed to be how every season ended.
“This IS the year” until it actually is, I suppose.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I suppose.
I don’t have a problem with them playing March, April, etc.. But when it’s late September and things are the way they are, maybe they should be put away.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
No, I agree with your original premise. It should have been put away after last year
I didn’t mind it then, because it looked like it WAS the year. 2009 never did.
It’s worn out and should be changed.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I'm with you on that
in 2008 it made sense. Now it really doesn’t. Come up with something else for 2010.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
Gotcha.
If they’re going with Santo soundbytes, might as well just put up some “gee wiz” or “all right” clips.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Hmm...
There’s only one baseball nation and it’s based in Boston.
I like it when GCG is played at the park. They won.
I want only Cub players, execs, or baseball VIP’s to sing. Get a Harry recording for the rest.
I’m tired of the theory that players have to “get” the Cubs. A GM makes a horrific acquisition and doesn’t work out and it’s all okay, it was the player’s fault, because he doesn’t “get it.”
The Curse. The only curse in play is that of Cheap owners over long periods of time sucking every dime out of their asset. Money doesn’t go back to talent on the field = losing season. That’s no curse, that’s profit over competition.
10 Part Ceremonial first pitches. Give the honor to one person, sell one sponsorship, and let’s go.
Blue Jerseys at Home. How can they be the good guys in pinstripes if the jersey is solid blue?
Anything sold by a vendor that’s carried on a 5 foot stick. Down in Front.
Anyone selling tickets and not disclosing they are behind a post. Douchebag, my neck still hurts.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Bravo. Rec'd
But I don’t agree with your first sentence. I’ve seen the term “nation” referencing the Cubs way more often than I would care for. It’s an ESPN-fueled term and it’s horrible, regardless of whom it refers to.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Eh.
I don’t mind “nation”, although it is an ESPN-fueled term and a takeoff on that Boston team.
But if we could come up with a better phrase, I’d be happy to use it.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
That it's an ESPN term and Sawks derived ends it for me.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Oh, I like "Cub Fans"
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
How about "Cubs Anschluss"?
Obscure enough to confuse ESPN.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
More synonyms from that link.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Cubs Mergence
#1, baby!
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
"Cubs Confederation"?
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
Cubs Kingdom?
LT - September 25, 2009
I like Cubs Bloc...
This is the year, comrade.
BleedsbluinMI - September 25, 2009
too southern
Emelie - September 25, 2009
I which sense of the word Anschluß? This could be understood in many ways.
eths - September 25, 2009
Not *that* way
At least, I hope not…
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
I can see the headlines now: Anschluß, Hendry brings the Sox "Heim ins Reich"
eths - September 25, 2009
Mein Gott in Himmel...
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
Agreed on most
Some combination of the current announcers could sing it.
The first pitches don’t bother me, if they bring in $, great.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
I'm with you, for the most part
I don’t care for “Go Cubs Go,” but I love to hear it, if you know what I mean.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
"Hate to see you go, but I love to watch you leave"
Sort of thing?
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Exactly
because when I hear it, I know what it signifies. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
As Shanghai pointed out earlier, "Go Cubs Go" is pretty much a cheesy radio jingle
and as I’ll point out now – it basically reinforces the lovable loser image. It’s cute and cuddly and rainbows and puppies. It’s the sporting equivalent of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”.
When I hear GCG, I expect to see wholesome girl-next-door types waving pom-poms and June and Ward Cleaver walking by holding hands. It’s like coming home to a tall glass of cold milk and chocolate chip cookies and reading The Saturday Evening Post. All good things, but doesn’t exactly give me the sense that we just whomped on somebody but good and we’re damn well ready to whomp on the next guy right now, let alone tomorrow. i want to feel pumped up about our victory, not like Fred MacMurray just gave me my allowance and told me not to spend it all on candy.
For the most part, the Cubs seem to have settled in to a good rotation for their “take the field” songs before the game. I think they should put some serious thought this offseason into coming up with 4-5 song rotation to play after Cubs wins next year.
And if they need any suggestions, I’m sure an offseason fanpost here could generate more than enough to choose from.
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
♫ I hate myself for lovin you ♫
The Cubs, not ballhawk
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
♫ Your love is like Bad Medicine ♫
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
Rec’d.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
and Ron Santo in the booth
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
(said while ducking)
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
You're saying you don't like Santo in the booth?
I love Ron Santo personally, but I do not love him at all on the radio. Pat Hughes deserves combat pay, having to do a 3-hour broadcast every day with Santo strapped to his back.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
I think if he could distance himself at least a little emotionally
Santo would be fine.
As it is, in the last two years he’s become virtually unlistenable.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
'Virtually unlistenable'
Exactly the phrase my cousin used when he texted me about Santo during the game Tuesday night.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
And they were winning from the start . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Exactly
The odd thing is, Ron seems much more lucid during pre-game audio and during other radio interviews but lost during games.
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
Cubbies
I don’t mind it when Cub fans do it. I do hate it when fans of opposing teams call us that.
Josh Timmers - September 25, 2009
More often than not
Opponents use the term derisively.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
If that is all it takes to hurt his neck
Something has to be done.
nji232 - September 25, 2009
IIRC, it can't really be operated on
or it would be a big risk to do so
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
The fact that St. Louis has to wait one more day was my favorite part of this
They were one strike away from winning the Central, now they have to wait another day. Awesome.
nji232 - September 25, 2009
Eh. This way, they have a chance to celebrate on the field
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
But I don't have to see any of their fans celebrate now
Or go to class with them 8 hours after they won.
nji232 - September 25, 2009
And, they'll have to do it on the road.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
I'd rather St. Louis win their way into the division as opposed to the Cubs losing
Just me, though.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
I don't disagree
But either way, it stinks.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
At least it didn't happen against us
nji232 - September 25, 2009
amen
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
It does.
It was much better last year, clinching against the Cards. Oh well.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
One thing seems pretty clear,
The Banished One (TBO) appears to have sucked the joy out of the team.
Now that TBO is gone, the joy has returned.
Normally, one person doesn’t have that much impact on team dynamics but clearly in this case, TBO did.
The 2009 Chicago Cubs have become a case study in team dynamics. Who would have thought that at the beginning of the season?
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
I'm sure that'll be a topic for a heated conversation this off-season.
And here’s what it’ll look like:
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Yeah, and the fact that the Cardinals went out and out dealt our front office, and Ramirez's injury had nothing to do with it...
It was all Bradley’s fault.
Jimmyeatworld - September 25, 2009
My breakfast burrito tastes extra delicious this morning.
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
Worf likes cake.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Umm
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Look, SWL! Twinkies!
Emelie - September 25, 2009
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
The cake lie might be for someone else . . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Where is Worf anyhow? Has µWorf arrived?
eths - September 25, 2009
I'm trying to imagine Worf with less sleep and more irritable.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
Meet Sam Fuld
I know many here are a big fan of the guy, and i know the girl running the contest (who is the same girl that is in the picture) so i figured i’d post a link.
mywrigleyville.com
Good luck, those that are interested.
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
(sound of flights being booked, dog stalking being put on hold)
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Hey! I said "some here"...
… i wasn’t gonna name any names. :-)
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
I wasn't going to mention this but Al already alerted me to signing last week
Um I am not going out to Glenview. As a Stalker I don’t leave the city limits. However I will be working on my sister
who lives nearby to get the ball I got from Ballhawk autographed but sadly I don’t think she will go.
Now perhaps I could take a trip to Palo Alto in the winter where I believe he will be working on his grad degree in statistics.
Doggie Stalker - September 25, 2009
You just need to figure out the right bribe to get your sister to go for you.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
Actually, I think she's going to be in town during the last week of the season.
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
Yes I will
Be nice if Fuld got some playing time.
Doggie Stalker - September 25, 2009
Sounds fun!
cowsarecool220 - September 25, 2009
hey
I didn’t name any names, did I?
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Second best game of the season
This is the second game that I have been to in person this season, and the other one was this one: Cubs-Indians-June19
These might have been the two most memorable Cub games of this wretched season.
I am going out to buy some lottery tickets now. Does anybody else want one?
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
I only went to one
But it was pretty good, too.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Oh, and since you probably didn't check the Game Threads
Shanghai Kelly’s (Polk and Broadway) is running a shuttle complete with booze and outfield seat to Saturday’s game. Not sure if they’re sold out (they probably are), but it wouldn’t hurt to drop by and ask.
And hang out for a beer or two. Kelly’s is my favorite bar in SF.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
"I want to go there"...
…and meet Liz Lemon…and see the Cubs win…
Not necessarily in that order…
Zeke - September 25, 2009
Now if only Shanghai Badger's would do this for the Cubs-Brewers games... ;-)
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
That's a hell of an idea
Who’s up for a shuttle Accord ride from Racine?
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Do you live in the Bay Area
or just visit?
Thanks for the link, it looks like a fun place. I live down in San Jose, but manage to make it up to SF occasionally. I will definitely give this place a try sometime. As a matter of fact, the big SF Octoberfest is going to be right near AT&T this year, next weekend. My saxophone teacher is playing in the band, and I was thinking of going. Maybe they’ll have a shuttle to that.
Vermont Cubs Fan is going to the game on Saturday — maybe he can get into this.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Never lived there
But I used to visit once a year or so. Up until a few years back, I’d vacation at least once in SF because I love the city and once in Chicago (for obvious reasons). This year, I managed to get out there in April, again (finally!), but only got a few hours in Chicago, many of them at O’Hare.
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
You need to go to more games.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
I might be pressing my luck, but I will probably go on Saturday, too
Of course, I am not always the Cubs’ good luck charm, and I should probably just chalk it up to Divine Provenance for the games that I have chosen this year. But perhaps one more roll of the dice…
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
You were at this game, right, v6?
I was watching this at work last night, and my Cubs fan co-workers and I agreed this might have been the most satisfying victory of the season. Anything to stick it to our Cardinals friends, even ever so slightly.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
yes
I was there, and obviously loving it. It is always weird going from sunny San Jose to foggy San Francisco, but the transition was particularly sudden yesterday. And the China Basin area is one of the last places to get the fog and this time of year usually has less fog than mid-summer.
You must work the late shift…
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Second shift, about 4-12 CDT
We all were saying that no matter what time of year it is in San Francisco, you always need to bring a windbreaker and some sweats if you’re going to the ball game.
True story: I went to a day game at Candlestick in 1993. The guys sitting 5-6 rows in front of me were in the sun, and they had their shirts off and seemed like it was no problem. I was in the shade, and I had to go to the souvenir stand to buy an extra shirt because it was so cold.
Glad you got to see such a dramatic victory. Alas, those have been rare this year.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
People always ask me what to do in San Francisco
I tell ’em, “Bring a sweater. You can figure the rest out yourself.”
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
I went out there for a friend's wedding back in the late 80s
got in a few days early to catch a Giants game at Candlestick. My friend gave me one of those down-filled winter jackets. I laughed. He insisted. I thanked him later.
Saw an A’s game the same trip – shorts & t-shirt and sweated like crazy.
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
yep, all too familiar
We must be about the same age — almost all of my friends’ weddings were in the 80s. I also noticed that the favorite golfer that you put in your SB Nation profile is Lee Trevino — me, too, but I swear that I was not copying you.
I have been out here since 1982, so I had many years of Candlestick trips.
I was still used to the Midwest temperature extremes back then, and it took awhile to get used to seeing native Californians wearing a down ski vest to work in the computer room, because of the Xtreme air conditioning. But Candlestick is right there in nature’s own walk-in cooler.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
How can you not like a guy like Lee Trevino.
When he was approaching his 50th birthday, and thus becoming eligible for the Senior Tour, someone asked him if he would still play on the regular tour, seeing as how he was still pretty competitive. His response was pretty much along the lines of “Heck no, I’d rather play against the fat-bellies than the flat-bellies…”.
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
+1
I need to have a sense of humor with my golf game, but it can be a pretty humorless sport/religion at times.
If those other golfers were matter, Trevino was anti-matter. I love that he used to bet people that he could beat them on a hole with them playing with their golf clubs, and him playing with a Coke bottle — and proceeded to do that.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
Same thing here
I saw an A’s game on that ’93 trip and it was warmer than blazes.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
The warmest game I ever saw in the Bay Area...
… was game 5 of the 1989 NLCS. It was on a Monday afternoon. This boxscore says the game time temp was 76, but it had to be at least 10 degrees warmer than that.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
You know why Lou is smiling?
Because Bradley is gone! I haven’t stopped smiling since then.
I enjoy life more. The air is sweeter. The dog poop I cleaned up before I mowed yesterday didn’t smell as bad. Hot sauce is hotter. My iPod doesn’t freeze. I beat my high score in Pathwords and gum keeps it’s flavor longer.
And yes, cake tastes better.
Life is better.
Bradley didn’t statistically kill the season. All things considered, he was healthier than I expected and played better defense that I expected.
The injuries to Ramirez and Soriano and the slump of Soto and Zambrano’s slow descent into madness and the weirdness of Lou’s lineups did more to damage this season than Bradley’s numbers.
But he was a gloomy, pouty cloud over everything happy and right in the world. May he find help and peace somewhere else.
Worf - September 25, 2009
How many games did he play? We all had a bet going on at the beginning of the season...
Emelie - September 25, 2009
124.
108 starts.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
Two less games than last year
10 less HR
37 less RBI
15 less 2B
14 less BB
.064 less AVG
.058 less OBP
.166 less SLG
.224 less OPS
77 less Total Bases
.
Worf - September 25, 2009
Amazing.
I would venture to guess that if we knew Milton was going to play in 124 games this year, we would have been excited for the level of production.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
You - smiling??? Prove it.
Go ahead… I’ll wait…
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Blue question mark.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Really? Pity.
Well, it’s not as funny as seeing it in the thread, but here.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Fail:
Forbidden
You don’t have permission to access /specials/rare/worf_yacht.jpg on this server.
Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.
Apache/2.2.11 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.2.11 OpenSSL/0.9.8i DAV/2 mod_auth_passthrough/2.1 mod_bwlimited/1.4 FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 Server at www.trekcore.com Port 80
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
How very odd, indeed.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Gotta bail Badger's butt out -- again
Worf - September 25, 2009
That's my merry man face
Worf - September 25, 2009
You're as dreamy as I imagined.
The hat totally makes the ensemble work.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
I thought about posting that
But the other one was funnier.
Try this – look at the second one.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
That is hilarious.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
If you want to see the real Worf's personality in action...
…watch this – only 37 seconds long and totally okay for the kids and for work
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1Y5KsEptTY
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
(that's the visualization of SB waiting)
Emelie - September 25, 2009
The thought had occurred to me
But I decided to merely report the facts, albeit in an anecdotal manner.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
According to my family, I was a gloomy, pouty cloud all summer because of the Cubs
That’s awesome
Mapmaker - September 25, 2009
My take on Harden & Cubs...
BB mentioned last night how Harden has talked about the need to develop a third pitch so that he can throw to contact and stop being as much of a strike out pitcher. He understands that these 100-110 pitches in 5-6 innings due to so many Ks are not the way to be effective over a long season. Harden wants to become a much more efficient pitcher (cutting down on walks too).
My guess is that Harden is interested in working with the Cubs on developing a third pitch and showing that he is more durable. He will not be that picky over what he makes next year. He likes the strengthening program and the way the team treats him. This is not the time to sign a “max out deal.” Not every player tries to maximize pay—that is why I think he agreed to not take his last two starts, even though he knew that could/would hurt his signing and/or arbitration value.
Though Harden will opt for arbitration, I think he will settle with Hendry on a reasonable one year deal before the arbitration date. Health, a third pitch, efficiency and control are his goals for 2010. Money is not on the top of his list.
LAcarl519 - September 25, 2009
I agree with this take.
He hasn’t had a great year. He’ll do much better in free agency if he does as you suggest and goes to free agency again a year from now. He is only 28 — he can wait a year for a big payday.
Al Yellon - September 25, 2009
After my venting above, I'd be okay with this.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
If it plays out the way you describe, carl,
I’d be good with this, too. The biggest issue with Harden, IMHO, is how he can burn up a bullpen.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
Like 10 days with cheech and chong and no supply.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
you know, if Lou knew how to use a long-man...
you could piggy-back him with Harden for 1-2 innings as needed. It’d be more like a college start, but it could work.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
I thought they were going to try to do that
with Harden and Marshall this year.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 25, 2009
I don't remember hearing that, but maybe they did.
I’d have to go back through Harden’s game logs to see if Marshall followed him routinely.
Bill Potter - September 25, 2009
they did it last year and it worked well.
it never seemed to happen this year
LAcarl519 - September 25, 2009
well, to do this right...
…you’d have to make sure Harden gets a few games in at LF during spring training. Then wait until the Cardinals come to town and have Lou unveil a Harden/Marshall SP/LF platoon.
Professor LaRussa would burst a vein, no doubt.
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
Harden is faster than all of our current Outfielders.
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
And usually faster to the showers than our other starting pitchers.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
I dunno about "all"
Reed and Sammy are pretty speedy.
But the rest of them… Yeah. I’m pretty sure Rich is faster than them.
Allie - September 25, 2009
I would put $ on Harden against any of them in the 100meters.
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
2nd base
It has been often been said here Theriot doesn’t belong at 2nd, if the Cubs got a better option at short, would you rather have Theriot or Baker starting at 2nd next year?
I apologize if this has been discussed, but I’ve only been on BCB a few times over the last week.
slocs55 - September 25, 2009
Sorry about the grammatical error.
slocs55 - September 25, 2009
*Theriot doesn't belong at SS.
Sorry, I’m sick and this medicine is making me goofy.
slocs55 - September 25, 2009
He's an above average SS.
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
oh you.
Emelie - September 25, 2009
you're just looking for attention.
now go to your room!
LAcarl519 - September 25, 2009
Let me rephrase that...
It has often been said here Theriot doesn’t belong at SS, if the Cubs got a better option at short, would you rather have Theriot or Baker starting at 2nd next year?
I apologize if this has been discussed, but I’ve only been on BCB a few times over the last week.
slocs55 - September 25, 2009
I don't know, but that would be a great problem to have.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
It would be,
much better than the Cubs current situation at SS and 2nd
slocs55 - September 25, 2009
BTW,, my comment was directed at SWL.
but back to your Q: I like giving Baker a shot at second. You need a better arm than most realize at 2B as the player is often moving to their right and they have to throw across their body. that takes a strong arm—something theriot seems to lack.
I am will to start with Baker and Blanco and bring in all new faces for SS and back up infielders next year. Yes, I would trade the LSU boyz if it would lead to defensive upgrades in the infield.
WE NEED A FOCUS ON DEFENSE UP THE MIDDLE (loud voice)
LAcarl519 - September 25, 2009
I would keep Theriot
much to SWL’s chagrin. But I’d definitely use Fontenot as trade bait. However, this is dependent on Blanco improving his batting in Winter League.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
I'm all for Theriot staying on the team as our everday 2nd baseman...
as long as he hits 7th or 8th.
santoswoodenlegs - September 25, 2009
trade bait?
Not as attractive as as a Slo-Poke GrubMaster, but better looking than an ESOX Cobra Jig Head.
vonde6 - September 25, 2009
FTW
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
Can we just stop for a second and appreaciate...
… how awesome of a name “ebait” is for a fishing store?
AndrewJStone - September 25, 2009
saw this on way to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons a few years ago
gas station storefront window in some one-intersection little town
needless to say, we just stopped for the gas…
ballhawk - September 25, 2009
Don't see gas listed on the window, but it is implied.
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
"Hot dogs"?
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
+ drinks + worms
N Oakley - September 25, 2009
You're right,
his arm is definitely above average…loud farting noise.
slocs55 - September 25, 2009
what about in major league? we are not talking about little league here
cubsnlinux - September 25, 2009
The shortstop in Major League was played by Mark Cibrario
From Kenosha, WI.
Shanghai Badger - September 25, 2009
Damn, I'm slow
Just re-read the headline.
Would it be fair to say that Fontenot butchered that relay throw?
Clutch16 - September 25, 2009
Yes.
Totally screwed the pooch on that one. We would’ve obsessed over that play all day had they not won.
chilango2 - September 25, 2009
im surprised with his inability to hit and constant blunders on the field
he stayed a starter as long as he did
jesus christos - September 25, 2009
Last night had to be
one of his worst games, He was awful.
sue369 - September 25, 2009
Part of the problem was Half-Power air mailing Blanco the cut-off man he should have hit. But, yeah, Fontenot stunk on that play too.
Acapulco Taco Pie - September 25, 2009
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