It looked for "just a hot minute", as Jack Brickhouse might have said 40+ years ago, that the Cubs would stave off elimination for another day. Ex-Cub Jason Kendall hit a one-out, three-run, game-tying homer for the Brewers against the Rockies in the ninth inning. Two innings later, though, the Rockies' Chris Iannetta hit a homer of his own, a two-run walkoff, and the Cubs' elimination number was reduced to zero.
Thus we begin "wait till next year" once again.
Thankfully, there are still a few games of Cubs baseball to enjoy for the rest of 2009 -- because you know you'll miss it when it's away for the winter -- and a few things yet to play for.
One of those goals was set by Ryan Dempster. He wants to throw 200 innings for the second straight season, and went a long way toward that goal with a masterfully pitched five-hit, 6-0 shutout of the Pirates. Dempster reached 195 innings with one start to go (on Sunday), lowered his ERA to 3.51 -- within range of the 2.96 he had last year -- and threw his first CG shutout since he was a member of the Marlins on July 3, 2001. It was the Cubs' second shutout in four games, and the first thrown by a Cubs pitcher at Wrigley Field since Jason Marquis blanked, coincidentally, the Pirates on May 9, 2007. Odd notes from that game: only one Pirate who played that day remains on the club (Ryan Doumit), and Marquis' opponent that night was current Cub Tom Gorzelanny (John Grabow, who came over from Pittsburgh with Gorzelanny, also pitched in that game).
Dempster was outstanding. Though he gave up two doubles, both leading off innings, those runners were stranded and only one other Pirate (Brandon Moss, who walked and went to third on a Delwyn Young single in the second inning) made it past first base. Dempster threw 120 pitches (81 strikes), which wasn't even his highest total of the season (he threw 121 against the Brewers in a 12-6 loss on May 9) and had the Pirates under control all night.
Meanwhile, the Cubs were taking advantage of Kevin Hart's wildness -- something he exhibited even when he was throwing fairly well in his four Cub starts before the trade to Pittsburgh -- and some shoddy Pirates defense in putting six runs on the board off Hart in the first four innings. The Pirates made three errors, all of them on what appeared to be routine plays, helping the Cubs score two unearned runs out of the six. The Cubs drew seven walks in all, four by Ryan Theriot -- who was an excellent leadoff man last night, reaching base all five times he was at bat. (That's not an endorsement of Theriot for leadoff -- I still believe the job should go to Kosuke Fukudome -- just a note that he did a good job yesterday.)
The win clinched a winning season for the Cubs with their 82nd win. That's the first time the Cubs have had three consecutive winning seasons in 37 years, since 1970-71-72. And it's the first time they have done so in a manager's first three years in 74 years, since the 1933-34-35 Cubs had three straight winning years in Charlie Grimm's first three seasons as manager. There remain other personal goals besides Dempster's 200 innings; Carlos Zambrano goes today for win #10 to finish in double figures, and Sam Fuld still seeks his first major league RBI (only two players, both 100+ years ago, had more plate appearances in a season than Fuld has now -- 103 -- without an RBI). I'd like to see Tyler Colvin get some more playing time in the final six games, too.
Last night's announced crowd was 35,308. That brought the season paid attendance to 2,989,120, so today's first-game attendance will put them past the 3 million mark for the sixth straight year. Last night's opponent, the chilly weather, and postseason chances being basically over kept the in-house count to what appeared to be about 15,000. The bleachers were about half-full (maybe 2500) and the rest of the park about one-third occupied, many of whom left after the seventh-inning stretch. The Cubs will have to make definitive moves to improve the team, and in my opinion not raise ticket prices, to keep drawing in 2010 the way they have the last three seasons.
The first game of today's split doubleheader begins at 1:05 pm CDT -- the first time a game has started at that time at Wrigley Field that I can remember. The game preview thread will be up at 11:30 am CDT.
0 recs | 275 comments
Was it ever confirmed.................
………..that Fuld was the first player to get a hit off of two different Cy Young Award winners in the same game?
tville - September 30, 2009
Good question.
We were talking about this last night. I can’t think of any Cy Young winners who were teammates, but maybe someone here can.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Eckersley and Welch...
were teammates for two years after both won Cy Youngs. Also Rollie Fingers and Pete Vuckovich for Milwaukee played together in 1985 after having won the awards. Based on those two teammate pairings, I’m almost certain that the feat has happened before.
Glavine and Maddux were teammates as well, but I don’t think either pitched in relief for the other.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
OK...
… it’s possible then, but you’d have to go through game logs to see if anyone got hits off both of them in the same game. Still seems unlikely.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Well, checking Bedrock (since he pitched with two Cy winners for three years)...
did the trick. Bedrock gave up a single to Gregg Jefferies in the same game that Glavine gave up a HR to him (July 6, 1993).
Don’t have time to check any other games or years or pairings (it’d take a while to go through all of the box scores for all 8-10 years in which Cy Young teammates would have pitched in the same game), but I’m sure it’s actually happened numerous other times, considering that there are probably 100+ games in which Cy Young pitchers pitched in the same game considering the pairings
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
It still seems like a somewhat rare event...
… so congrats to Fuld for doing this.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Certainly fairly rare...
I’d imagine it’s probably happened less than 30 times ever (and almost certainly most often involving Bedrosian and Smoltz, who each pitched three years of relief with two Cy Young winners). On a funny note, it actually happened at least three times in a week back in 1993 against the Braves. Henry Cotto and Jeff Conine each got hits off of both Maddux and Bedrock on July 2.
But yes – I do suspect that the club is a fairly small one. It’s a quirky feat for sure, but still pretty cool for Fuld to have done it. Definitely congrats to him.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
Henry Cotto?
Kind of a righthanded Fuld, wouldn’t you say?
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Yeah, somewhat similar...
Cotto might have been a bit faster with maybe a bit more power, while Fuld has better plate discipline, but not a bad comp. Both are/were light-hitting fast(ish) guys who are/were probably best suited to be 4th/5th OF. Fuld would do very well for himself if he has a career like Cotto, who got over 2000 AB and was a regular player for 4-5 years in Seattle.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
Seattle was a pretty bad team in that era.
Fuld might get regular playing time on a team like that.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Very possible...
if Fuld keeps hitting like he did in limited time this year, he’d almost certainly have played ahead of Cotto.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
Of course, if Fuld keeps hitting like this year...
maybe he surpasses Cotto. Who knows?
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
Doubtful Maddux ever relieved Glavine, or vice versa
But Smoltz closed for both of them for a couple of years there.
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
smoltz and maddux
doubtful, it seems likely that at some point a player would have had hits off of both Maddux and Smoltz in Atlanta while Smoltz was a closer, as just one example.
WGNstatic - September 30, 2009
Oh yeah, I missed Smoltz...
between the pairings of Maddux/Smoltz, Welch/Eckersley, and Vuckovich/Fingers, I’m sure at least one other player has gotten a hit off of two Cy Young winners in the same game.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
Also, Steve Bedrosian pitched for the Braves for three years..
with Glavine and Maddux both as Cy Young winners.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
And who even remembered the Bedrosian actually won the CYA
I had to look that one up.
rlpete - September 30, 2009
Was just about to say the same thing...
I had completely forgotten about ole Bedrock.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
That was a ridiculous CYA.
Sutcliffe should have won that year.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Agreed
I seem to remember Smith blowing a couple late keeping Sutcliffe from winning 20 games. But it shouldn’t have mattered.
TJ11 - September 30, 2009
Who were the pitchers he did this against?
Itchy - September 30, 2009
Lincecum & Johnson
Allie - September 30, 2009
great victory. let's get two today, argh!LAcarl519 - September 30, 2009
Ay, Matey - We shall take revenge upon themEven if it isn’t their fault.
eths - September 30, 2009
What was the reason for this last night?
I saw all these comments with typeface, but didn’t understand why they were like that.
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
Pirates
The bar used to show up inadvertently, and got named “The Dread Pirate Graybar”.
arghShanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Can you guys forgive me if I don't use it?
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
We may make you walk the plank . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
shivvverrr me timbers, art thou a non-believer?eths - September 30, 2009
I can forgive you...
…but things will never be the same between us.
daver - September 30, 2009
TWSS
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
arrrrrrgh 'tis a wee bit OT, hath Sir Worf his new shire yet, arrrrrrgheths - September 30, 2009
Worf is going to look pretty tall amongst those hobbits
I think you meant sire :)
TC Cubby - September 30, 2009
arrrrrrgh 'tis an evil and perfidious failure of proof reading arrrrrrgheths - September 30, 2009
Can't believe Zambrano doesn't have 10 wins
though he’s 19th in the league in era, and Clayton Kershaw, who is eighth, only has 8 wins.
Cubs starters currently rank 10, 14, 17, and 19 in ERA. (Lilly, Wells, Dempster, Zambrano).
Any chance that Wells sees 4 more innings, maybe in relief, to qualify for the ERA rankings (he needs 162, right?)
TC Cubby - September 30, 2009
Wells will start on Saturday.
So he will get enough innings — presumably — to qualify.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Al, you looked lonely last night.
It was easy to pick you out in the bleachers, no one was in your section!
Did anyone get the stat last night on TV? 3rd lowest September ERA in Cubs history (so far). Just wondering if someone can confirm.
Can Baker hit second in our lineup next year? Whether Theriot leads off or Fukudome, I thought Baker might be pretty good in the 2 hole. Baker-DLee-Aram-Unknown RBI Dude-Soriano-Soto (as long as the latter two hit like we expect) would be a pretty potent stretch. Thoughts?
mrcubsfan - September 30, 2009
Yes, our section was pretty empty.
Just a few of us on the top rows and a handful of people near the wall.
Don’t know about the Sept. ERA, but I can believe that. The pitching this month has been outstanding.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
I saw it on the telecast
But I couldn’t tell you what the other seasons were.
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
I think 1972 was up there. And maybe 1946.
Bill Potter - September 30, 2009
Yes, it did look empty there.
I saw Wrigley Field from the air yesterday, I flew over it on my way into Chicago O’Hare yesterday. It would have been before the game, but it looked like no one was there.
The stadium was very pretty from the air. It was the first time I had ever seen Wrigley Field lit up at night.
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
Isn't it awesome?
Every time I fly over it, whether it’s a gameday or mid-January, I smile.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Same here.
Of course, when I do that, I’m going slower than most.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... SuperBadger!!!!
ballhawk - September 30, 2009
Oh yeah, forgot to say
that was the last Tuesday that I get to watch our Cubs in a long, long time. It hit me last night, so sad.
mrcubsfan - September 30, 2009
Pity August was so bad.
See ya next year.
Steaming Pile - September 30, 2009
I'm not going to lie
I shed a couple tears over this, but it’s time to press on. It’s always been a bummer when that end comes, and it continues to be one, but watching this team now gives me a lot of hope for the future.
Craig in South Bend - September 30, 2009
PLEASE AL......
Do NOT predict the Cubs will win the World Series in 2010.
Just being supestitiuous-nothing personal.
ronsanto10 - September 30, 2009
I'm fairly superstitious myself.
You may have a point here.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
While you are at it
Per a discussion that a few of us had a few days ago, use your vast media influence ;-) to get WGN to drop the “This is the Year!” crap on the radio intros.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
LOL on "vast media influence".
But I agree with you 100%. Time to change all of that.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
but of course, you don't believe in goats, black cats, curses or anything... ;-)
ballhawk - September 30, 2009
I believe in both goats and black cats.
In fact, i’ve seen them both with my own eyes.
Just not sure what they have to do with our baseball team.
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
And curses I have heard many and various arrrrrrgheths - September 30, 2009
Glad for Demp.
Guy deserves it.
Pirates are truly awful. I could not imagine being a Pirates fan, the days of Clemente, Stargell, Maz, Al Oliver, Dave Parker and so on.
We have enough to worry about, lets get two today. Hopefully Colvin will start one of the games.
Grockcubs - September 30, 2009
Don't feel too sorry for Pirate fans
My daughter’s boyfriend is a Pirates fan, but as he reminds me, Pittsburgh also has the Steelers and Penguins.
CubbieFaninOhio - September 30, 2009
But they also have Dave Wannstadt.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
And they've won a WS during my lifetime
Mapmaker - September 30, 2009
The one thing I'll take away from this season
Is how great the last two years were. I have been fortunate enough to see a ton of great games this year as well. Proud to say “there’s always next year.”
now let’s get a chip on our shoulder and come out like gang busters next year!
cubswynn - September 30, 2009 via mobile
Although this year was painful...
I agree with you, that this season made me appreciate the previous 2 a bit more.
I might have mentioned this before, but I was never really able to give my heart 100% to this team this year. The numbness from the previous early exits never went away.
Hears hoping time will heal all wounds, and that I can dive in next year with courage!
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
Capt'n Al, hast thou chosen a #&*!$ caption swabbie from amongst us &#*!# bilge rats?eths - September 30, 2009
Oh, you mean from last night?
Well, last night’s wasn’t an official contest — just for fun. I may do some for a prize during the offseason.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Oh?
Arr is aczeptin' virtual treasure... arrrrrrgheths - September 30, 2009
start time
You’re right on the start time, Al. I remember some rainout makeups that have started at 12:05 on weekdays (and, several Satruday games started at that time) but 1:05 is a first, I think, at least as long as I’ve been following the Cubs since the early 90’s.
raisin1 - September 30, 2009
Way back when, in the late 60's, early 70's - I seem to remember games starting at c. 1:00 back then...
But, otho, I was rather young at the time…
eths - September 30, 2009
During that era home games began at 1:35.
Except for doubleheaders, which started at 12:30.
Most home games started at 3 pm up to the 1950’s — that to get shift workers who got off work at 3, to be able to attend games. Since many games in that era lasted two hours or less, starting at 3 pm wasn’t an issue without lights.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
2 hours or less. Those were the good old days...
Heck, the Cubs could get extra inning games done in under 2 hours back then…
Zeke - September 30, 2009
Awesome game from Dempster last night.
The pitching of late has really been good. Even vs the better teams it has been good.
The offense has been better and more relaxed.
I know nobody wishes to speak of him, but they do seem to be more loose without Bradley. What do you guys think?
TJ11 - September 30, 2009
Yes
Grockcubs - September 30, 2009
Absolutely
I’d go so far as to wish he had been kicked out in early August. Post hoc, ergo proper hoc is enough for me in this case.
TC Cubby - September 30, 2009
word
Archie - September 30, 2009
I've noticed that the air is cooler and fresher, too
vonde6 - September 30, 2009
Moar birds and puppies and rainbows!
And a unicorn…
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
Good for Dempster - glad to see him finishing strong
Funny how 200 IP is considered an accoomplishment . . . I know many of the others on here remember when 300 wasn’t uncommon!
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Well, consider that Dempster missed at least three, maybe four starts with the foot injury.
He could have come close to leading the league in innings. He’s thrown at least six innings in all but three of his starts this year.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
I'm not critcizing him
Just noting how the game has changed.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Oh, I know that.
I was just saying that Dempster has had a very impressive season, considering the personal trouble he’s been through, and has been nothing short of outstanding in the second half.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
He doesn't get the credit he should sometimes
He’s had a nice season.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
They were talking about Fergie last night and how he had something like 267 complete games.
In 1971 alone he had 30! Yep, the game has changed.
katie casey - September 30, 2009
One of the reasons games got done in under 2 hours.
They didn’t have endless pitching changes
Zeke - September 30, 2009
And, the between-inning breaks were shorter.
About 10 or so years ago, MLB agreed that all teams could have an extra 30 seconds between innings for local TV spots.
That automatically made every MLB game 18 minutes longer.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Damn media. I knew it was their fault. ;)
Zeke - September 30, 2009
That's pretty amazing
Does anyone know where he sits when it comes to IP per start?
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
Easy.
30 starts, 195 innings = 6.5 innings per start.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Right...
I mean where does Demps 6.5 innings per start sit amongst the league leaders in this category.
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
15th.
Right behind Ted Lilly at 14th.
Chris Carpenter, Tim Lincecum and Dan Haren are all tied at 7.0 per start.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
thanks Al
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
Pretty respectable - 2 of the top 15.
Just another piece of data to show once again that SP was not the problem . . . and that it was kind of wasted this year.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
wasted in deed.
You hope the Cubs have a few more years of great SP left in them…
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
This years pitching...
… plus last years offense…
Sigh.
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
We probably woulda won 100
Woulda, coulda, shoulda…
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
Nobody
Ever said SP was the problem, timely/consistent hitting has been this team’s downfall all season.
tripdenten - September 30, 2009
Yes, people have.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Well
Anyone who has actually watched the Cubs play this year would know that the pitching has kept us in most ball games. The Cubs however, have not been able to score enough runs consistently to win those games.
tripdenten - September 30, 2009
You are correct
Nevertheless, people have said it on this site.
Not many, but some have.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
I got a last minute ticket for tonight's game.
They included a parking pass for a lot on Grace St. Does anyone have any idea if they will make me wait for the day game people to empty out before letting night game people in? I was planning on meeting someone early for dinner, but not sure if that will be possible. Of course maybe it won’t even be an issue because attendance will be down.
katie casey - September 30, 2009
I'm guessing they probably will...
… but considering there probably won’t be that many people at the day game, I assume if you get there by around 5 you won’t have too much of a problem.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
thanks
katie casey - September 30, 2009
Wearing the sandals?
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
too cold today
katie casey - September 30, 2009
Pity.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Nah, that didn't work at the last game,
so it’s time to try something different.
katie casey - September 30, 2009
And that will be?
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Stilletos!
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
No thanks.
I’m going to try my Wrigley Field sweatshirt. I never wore it to a game before. It’s nice and warm and I can layer under it.
katie casey - September 30, 2009
How about steel toes?
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
I christened mine
At this horrendous game. Hope yours is better luck.
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
ANy chance 2010 pitching rotation will change...
…..Lilly-Dempster-Zambrano as 1-2-3?
Seems like Lilly & Dempster deserve to move up in the rotation..
ronsanto10 - September 30, 2009
Does it really matter after the first five games who pitches when?
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
It does, if
(and I’m sure this won’t be polarizing) not starting Zambrano on day 1 gives him pause and maybe, just maybe, makes him grow up a little.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
I would say Ted Lilly has earned the 2010 Opening Day start, wouldn't you?
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Yes.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Plus...
… considering the Cubs start 2010 in Atlanta, and Ted’s history there… could be lots of fun.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Although
Not as much fun as if Renteria were there.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
I'd definitely sign off on that.
daver - September 30, 2009
Careful...
We’re all getting dangerously close to http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/6/7/902022/lillyisms and http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/8/13/988353/official-2nd-ted-lillyisms-and territory.
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
Certainly
Archie - September 30, 2009
Zambrano should not get the automatic first start.
He is not our best pitcher. He is a baby.
Why wouldn’t it be Lily or Dempster.
Big Z can’t handle opening days usually anyways. I think he has pitched well once.
Badger is correct-maybe it would be a wakeup call that his crap will not be tolerated anymore.
TJ11 - September 30, 2009
When a team doesn't have a true Ace...
…I don’t think it really matters how you line up your starters. Big Z, Lilly and Demp all strike me as No. 2ish to 3ish pitchers, which isn’t necessarliy a slight. They’re all good, and I’ll take them (plus Wells, of course) over what the Brewers and Astros threw out on the field this season.
daver - September 30, 2009
Funny . . . they don't look 2ish.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
may tha schwartz be with them!!!
12to23to17 - September 30, 2009
You went over my helmet?
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
May the schwartz be with you
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
Ask yourself if we were actually playing in a game 163 for the division, who would you want to pitch for the Cubs?
That is your opening day starter.
TJ11 - September 30, 2009
Lilly's still my choice.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Yep.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Lincecum
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
Ditka.
daver - September 30, 2009
vaughn...yes, rick vaughn
12to23to17 - September 30, 2009
I'd go with Harris
Even though it’s Vaughn’s turn in the rotation. He’s got more experience and a little better record against the Yankees.
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
He puts snot on the ball
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Crisco, Bardahl, and Vagisil, too
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
Matt Cain
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
Where does Harden fit in?
ronsanto10 - September 30, 2009
OMG - TWSS! TWSS!!!
daver - September 30, 2009
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
And he is only batting .107 as a right hander?
eths - September 30, 2009
It's the media's fault!
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
MB is that you?
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
He has to hear from the stands and only wants the game to go 6 innings so he can go home.....
TJ11 - September 30, 2009
Maybe MB should be a pitcher
He’d only have to play every 5 days and would only have to play 6 innings.
CubbieFaninOhio - September 30, 2009
And he's got "the canon."
daver - September 30, 2009
TWSS overload!
Too funny.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
I'd put Harden in the 2 hold, behind Lilly
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
reply location fail
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
It's just as well
Think about the responses that the comment would get . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
What is this, an episode of "Oz"?
daver - September 30, 2009
One upside to not making the postseason?
No awkward, lame pep rally at Daley Plaza.
Not sayin’ I probably wouldn’t drag my sorry self down to it again if the Cubs had made the post. And of course I’m not saying I wouldn’t gladly suffer just about any indignity to have seen the Cubs take the divsion again. I guess I’m just saying.
daver - September 30, 2009
So, the bright side is that you don't have to apologize for enjoying something lame?
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
What are you talking about?
I thought Blago’s pep talks were brilliant and motivational
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
They were f___ing golden!
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Well, I never apologized for enjoying the pep rallies...
…because I never really enjoyed them. In fact, after last year’s Blago/Belushi facepalmfest, I swore I wouldn’t go again. I guess the Baseball Gods got the better of me there.
daver - September 30, 2009
Really, MLB ought to just cancel those.
They’re lame in eight cities a year. Enough.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Yeah, they were always so awkward and forced.
The only good that came of them is, last year, I got one of those WGN “W flag” towels and my daughter loves it.
daver - September 30, 2009
exactly my thoughts. bad rally... cool towel.
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
They're too busy with their Olympic scam right now.
Even if the Cubs would’ve won something, the Olympics would’ve taken center stage.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Hopefully, after Friday that will no longer be an issue.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Booo!
Hisss!
Chicago 2016!
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
Not wanting to start an off-topic argument about this...
… so you’ll pay my increased property taxes when this thing goes billions of dollars over budget?
Just checking.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Helicopter me to work when the drive is closed for 90 days?
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
I have a problem with anything that brings glory to Dickie
Even without factoring in the illegal bulldozing of airports in the middle of the night.
Ok, I’ll stop now.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Thank you, Professor, for dropping aviation references into everyday chat.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Hey, did you see the b.s. that the USA Today's been printing?
They’re usually ridiculously slanted against GA, anyway, but last week was really bad. Makes Sullivan look like Pulitzer material.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
No, I missed it. Don't pay much attention to U.S. of A Today
Can you direct me please?
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Certainly.
This is journalism at it’s worst.
BS piece #1
Opposing view
General Av has historically done a poor job of getting the message of its value out; things are getting better with AOPA’s efforts. But like some beat writers seem to target players, USA Today feels the need to go after “those little airplanes”.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Wow.
Really? You were right. This makes Sullivan look like Edward R. Murrow.
I must say, however, the piece is well-sourced and its use of data is nice for a Gannett journalist.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Check out this
They left out parts of quotes. Pretty bad.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Wow.
One thing I was always taught when studying journalism at the university was to have two different viewpoints.
When you send out something with only one viewpoint, it is not a news story; it is propaganda.
And you always want to make sure you get every quote right, and every word in the quote. Otherwise, you will have people saying that you misrepresented their viewpoints.
Someone needs to tell the USA Today that. The only issue is whether or not they would listen.
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
They probably woudn't
They’ve had this agenda for some time.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Like this?
http://www.chicagoansforrio.com/
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
Well, we will see what happens on Friday.
Objectively, which candidate city is the favorite?
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
Whichever one bribes the best
As always.
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
Yep
IOC and Chicago . . . a perfect fit.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Ah yes.
Money trumps good projects.
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
Personally, I think
Northerly Island is great. I could not believe how quiet it was, with the skyline just minutes away. What a spectacular oasis of open space, especially since just south — Soldier Field and McCormick Place pretty much gobble everything up.
Meigs Field was underused. Now, everbody can enjoy the acreage. Some cities (San Diego) did not alllow for creation of parkland, not connected to a beach.
Yeah, there’s one major park — Balboa — but elsewhere in the city (in the older neighborhoods) there’s no green space, save for canyons and hils. It’s kind of hard to throw a football around in a ravine.
For all of Chicago’s faults, shit gets done. In California, we have to wait for everybody to make up their mind on an issue. Therefore, nothing gets done anymore.
I prefer Chicago’s….unique nature of solving problems.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 30, 2009
good points but this one definitely falls under the time-honored category of...
it wasn’t so much what was done, as how it was done.
ballhawk - September 30, 2009
Sure, it's great
It took a chunk out of the nation’s infrastructure, then Daley says how great he is by adding a runway to O’Hare – giving him a net gain of 0 runways during his term.
It removed a Coast Guard and Flight For Life hub. It removed a place where volunteers fly underpriveledged children for free.
And it hurt business, as execs with little time aren’t going to want to fly to O’Hare, Midway or Chicago Exec (Palwaukee) to have to motor downtown.
It was also a violation of FAA regulations that the citizens had to pay for.
But hey, I guess it was worth it if a guy who lives on the west coast likes the park.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
would it be any different than all the crap that goes on around here anyway?
face it – living in Chicago, we get BOHICAed at every level – city, county and state. At least getting the Olypmics would effect (affect?) some positive change, i.e. we’d get some good stuff to break up the monotony of always getting screwed…
ballhawk - September 30, 2009
You are pretty much spittin' how i feel here.
Yes, the schools suck, the crime sucks, the city budget sucks, all that. Nobody is going to fix that if we DON’T get the Olympics, right?
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
I'm not a big John Kass fan
But I found this interesting
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Also an interesting view...
… were the city to not get the games, on what should be done with the network that was built around the bid:
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/dennis-byrne-barbershop/2009/09/if-chicago-loses-the-olympics.html
Big fan of these ideas, however far fetched they are.
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
Agreed
Great ideas, not likely to happen.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Not to shift the topic, and most certainly not suggesting anything, but seems like Chicago is the odds-on favorite right now. I’m really scared.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Why does everybody automatically assume the worst?
Or is this just part and parcel of being a Cubs fan?
The games were a boon to Los Angeles in the 80s. There were no traffic nightmares. It was a great time.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 30, 2009
If you read the plans
and the numbers, it’s not a very sane fiscal proposition to those of us who pay taxes in Cook County and City of Chicago. That, plus the general hassles that’ll come during the next 7 years are a bit scary.
I see no “grand scheme” benefit and I fear for those less fortunate than me, who’ll be displaced and go unattended because resources will be diverted towards other projects.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
The People's Republic of Cook County would like to remind you,
your lack of faith is…disturbing.
BleedsbluinMI - September 30, 2009
Vermont Cubs Fan - September 30, 2009
Are we the favorite?
I’ve tried to avoid the coverage bc I don’t know if I want it or not.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
It is on every betting Web site,
and also according to Spanish, Japanese and Brazilian press.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Wow
I figured that Rio was the far away favorite, but silly me
nji232 - September 30, 2009
How do you avoid coverage?
I’ve been trying but I can’t even flip on local channels without hearing something about the countdown and crap.
Allie - September 30, 2009
Well it helps that I live in Missouri right now
so I’m pretty well covered from a TV news standpoint, though WGN did get me last night after the game. Over the summer in Chicago though it was pretty hardcore and the vote wasn’t even close, I can’t imagine now.
If I see an article about it on ESPN Chicago or the Tribune site I just ignore it. I’ll read the results on Friday and be done with it. Like I said I’m on the fence about wanting the games to begin with.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
or hopefully we'll have seven more years of fun and interesting times
ballhawk - September 30, 2009
I assume you've seen this:
http://www.chicagoansforrio.com/
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
did they ever figure out who's behind this site?
Initial findings seemed to point towards folks in Rio.
ballhawk - September 30, 2009
Kevin Lynch, ad guy in Chicago stepped forward.
It was in the trib yesterday. He was concerned people thought it was Rio.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
So it's not the media's fault that MB didn't work out!
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
No, it was Joe Bologna's fault of course.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Michael Caine and Demi Moore? As a couple?
Ugh.
Zeke - September 30, 2009
She was his daughter in the movie
But Joe Bologna sounds like a porn star name
vonde6 - September 30, 2009
Ma-ma-ma MY BOLOGNA...
Zeke - September 30, 2009
Caine slept with the other one in the movie . . .
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Michael Caine can pretty much sleep with whoever he wants
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
'The Other One,' whose name I can't recall,
once was married to former Giants/Diamondbacks player Matt Williams, IIRC.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 30, 2009
Michelle Johnson
The names are on the movie poster above.
vonde6 - September 30, 2009
Such skewed numbers over on that site.
Claiming things like “21 out of 22” Olympic venues in Athens go unused today is so irrelevant, being that the Chicago bid is only building six new permanent venues. The rest are preexisting, or will be temporary.
Talking about the cost overruns of London, who were unlucky to land the games right before the global economy took a dump, is silly. The 1988 Olympics brought nearly 300,000 new jobs to Seoul. Preparations for the Sydney Olympics meant 150,000 new jobs in Australia. You don’t see them touting those numbers.
Frankly, the small risk that city money would be used is far less significant than the economic impact of the Games will be.
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
The site is satire by clever chicagoans
against being the host city.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
Oh, i'm fully aware.
That doesn’t make the content there any less skewed.
Frankly, i’m in the middle with the Olympics as far as their effect on the city. The rhetoric on both sides – the pro and against – is sort of silly, as both sides really can’t estimate what will take place in the next 7 years if this happens.
But that site is easily as disconnected with reality as a Daley speech would be.
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
I guess I'm not following your point. It's intended as
100% satire by people against the bid, for people against the bid. That it’s slanted or skewed is the point, but I’m not certain it’s disconnected with reality.
If I didn’t live and work in the City, I’d probably be for it.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
I think you are playing it a bit fast and loose with the word 'satire'.
At the very least, there are those in chicago that are passing the site around like its real and fair.
I’m for the bid, but i’m also a 25 year old non-property owner who desperately wants a new job in the marketing and production of live entertainment. So… i’m biased.
And i could just move to Denver if it bankrupts the city and makes it unlivable. :-)
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
See below link.
Tribune Story Breaking chicagoansforrio site owner.
If the site owner calls it satire, who am I to define the word. My support left with the City providing the financial guarantee.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
This really isn't the place for this kind of discussion.
But, with all due respect, I vehemently disagree with you. If you’d like to continue this discussion, email me.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Independent of all other arguments for or against...
I’ve worked the games for German television in the past and, who knows, maybe I’ll work them in 2016. And if that means being in Chicago during the summer, then maybe I’ll be able to go to my first game in Wrigley for 40 years…
eths - September 30, 2009
rec'd
Prefer this
That Kevin Lynch is a clever guy.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
holy water, holy water everywhere...
and not a dugout to bless
12to23to17 - September 30, 2009
eths - September 30, 2009
Oh crap dude,
I broke a promise to you. I got home and one thing led to another and I couldn’t log on at the end of the game to post your photo. I owe you.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Hey - No problem, one of my cats woke me just after the game in Chicago had ended!
So I did it myself and then listened to those painful extra innings in Colorado.
eths - September 30, 2009
No disrespect towards the Pirates' AA team
because the Cubs also fielded a glorified minor league team, but Dempster had them mystified last night. I’ve said it before: I feel really bad for the Pirates and their fans.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Agreed...
it has been a long, long run of futility. As tough as this year has been for us as Cubs fans, I can’t imagine being a die-hard Pirates fan. Not only have they not been good, but it doesn’t seem like the team has even really been trying ever since Bonds left.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
Slight edit...
it doesn’t seem like the ORGANIZATION has been trying.
SouthernCub - September 30, 2009
It's been hard for us
but at least we can look forward to an improved team most years. I don’t ever want the Pirates to be good ever again, just because it’s so much fun to go 15-2 or whatever against them. But that stadium, those people who still buy tickets and beer, those players and managers who just can’t play better. I wanna give them a hug. I know their pain.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
It's sad, yet entertaining here in Indianapolis
Seeing as how just about every player on the Pirates’ roster right now has come through Indianapolis in the last 2-3 years, I feel strangely connected to the Pirates.
Of course, I don’t mind watching them play like a Triple-A team against the Cubs since it’s helping the Cubs.
Bill Potter - September 30, 2009
Anyone think the Division Series should be 7 games instead of 5?
ronsanto10 - September 30, 2009
Yes.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
I wished it was last year.
daver - September 30, 2009
We ALL wish it was last year
Wait, what?
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
No.
Do you want to be playing the World Series on Thanksgiving?
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Well, I don't think there needs to be 14 off days each round, either.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Is this the NBA now?
nji232 - September 30, 2009
Agreed on that.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
OT kinda: BLou's prediction
I remember months back BLou predicted that the Cards would win the division easily.
I laughed at the idea, as most did. But he was right. Was there ever BCB recognition of this? As much as I don’t like most of what he says… he was right on this issue.
digitalbenjamin - September 30, 2009
I say we audit his posts here and at WCG, select the most profane phrases
and words and send him an email using only those words and phrases.
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
We need only two more wins...
… to make his prediction of 79-83 wins incorrect.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Go Cubs Go!
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
So we'll be good after today.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
I like that kind of optimism!
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
Even when we stink, we're good!
eths - September 30, 2009
Something ELSE to root for!
Go Cubs!!!
daver - September 30, 2009
If i remember right...
… he was making that prediction before the midseason pickups that really seemed to ignite that team. It wasn’t hard, at that point, for everyone to see that the cubs and cards were pretty neck and neck, so it wasn’t exactly a bold prediction. The hater and rabble-rouser in him couldn’t resist picking the Cubs main rival, and the fan in most of us didn’t want to cede the season at that time, as the Cubs still were in the thick of it and were looking to get Rami back.
He’s no Nostradamus.
AndrewJStone - September 30, 2009
Nostradamus' predictive ability are legendary
As in, legend. Not real.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
well
Nostradamus is no Nostradamus, either
vonde6 - September 30, 2009
Well put
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
Major kudos to the Dumpster
He’s been anything but this past month, and despite a horrid April and a trip to the DL, he’s put together a real nice season. We get that two more times out of the next three and that contract doesn’t look as bad as I thought it would.
Ryan Theriot on the other hand, he needs to go. The “baserunning” he is exhibiting out there makes me want to punch something.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
I personally don't think Figgins is the answer, but check this out:
Discuss.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
How about instead of spending 50 million over 4 years for Figgins to play out of position
We sign Mike Cameron and Placido Polanco to cheap two year deals. Now we have great defense at two more positions, and both guys are really good hitters.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
Where's the marketing splash in something that
conservative?
N Oakley - September 30, 2009
Or how about trading Bradley for Rowand?
I wouldn’t mind Polanco — I think he’s very underrated.
Al Yellon - September 30, 2009
That would be a similar CF move
If you think Rowand would benefit from a smaller park (I do). The difference is money, but I wouldn’t argue with making that move.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
Polanco
Is as solid as they come at 2B. But does this team really need another 2B? I think Baker deserves a shot or Theriot should be moved there. The Cubs should consider bringing in a new shortstop.
tripdenten - September 30, 2009
Mike Cameron?
Not what I would consider to be a really good hitter. Career BA: .250. Plus he’ll be 37 on opening day, no thanks!
tripdenten - September 30, 2009
Allow me to make the case for him
Yes his batting average is low, but his OBP is 90 points higher in his career meaning he can get on base other ways. He brings respectable power (23 homers and 30 doubles this year) along with great defense in center (career UZR/150 is 5.8, this season it is 9.0).
That value is a 4 win player, which would be worth almost $20 million on the free agent market, but Cameron would be lucky to get that over 2 years. He is an immediate defensive improvement over Fukudome, who in turn gets to play right where he is an elite defender. His bat is also more productive in center than Fukudome’s or Reed Johnson’s or Sam Fuld’s.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
I agree
That he would be an upgrade over our current group of CF’s. His numbers are pretty similar to what Jim Edmonds gave us last season. I think he could be an option, but not the first one. The Cubs probably will not be looking to pay him what he could get from a non-contender. I would still rather see Rowand out there.
tripdenten - September 30, 2009
The Cubs never market players...
WGN and Comcast might, but I’ve never seen Cubs players used by the team for marketing purposes, outside of the bobblehead or t-shirt night. . But, I have lived on the west coast for a long time, and I’ve probably missed something
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - September 30, 2009
Dempster was fantastic
last night. I can’t even imagine what it’s been like for him this season. You need to do your job but your heart and mind are with your family. He’s had a lot to deal with for sure.
sue369 - September 30, 2009
The Pirates squad last night
… might have been the worst MLB team I’ve ever seen. And I watched a lot of Cubs games in Pittsburgh this decade.
Dempster WAS fantastic. I was at the game — probably the last one I’ll watch live this year.
elgato - September 30, 2009
Kind of OT: The Cleveland Indians will fire Eric Wedge
shocking. But he gets to stick around for the next 6 games.
Bill Potter - September 30, 2009
Game 1 lineup (Free Jake Fox edition)
via @cst_cubs:
Bill Potter - September 30, 2009
now thats a scraptastic lineup
Allie - September 30, 2009
Our up-and-coming power guys are well-represented!
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
I guess it's ok that I forgot my radio today
Although I’m sorry I’ll miss TRL’s last 2009 start.
Shanghai Badger - September 30, 2009
It's only fair
Piniella puts three real MLB players against their three: LaRoche, McCutchen and Doumit.
chilango2 - September 30, 2009
Let's hope our callups are scrappier than theirs
BleedsbluinMI - September 30, 2009
Here is Pittsburgh's lineup:
McCutchen 8, LaRoche 5, Jones 9, Milledge 7, Pearce 3, Jaramillo 2, Bixler 4, Cruz 6, Morton rhp
7 of the 9 spent time in Indianapolis this year.
Bill Potter - September 30, 2009
Wow
Pretty sure no one would have guessed six months ago who would be hitting third for us on Sept. 30.
elgato - September 30, 2009
@cst_cubs
DLee has sore foot after foul ball Mon. Might be ready for Game 2.
Allie - September 30, 2009
It's a good thing
this season is almost over.
sue369 - September 30, 2009
Things for Which to Play
Okay, there won’t be any ticker tape parades for accomplishing either one of these two goals, but they are both worth mentioning.
First, if the Cubs win at least three of their remaining six games, then they will have had put together three straight seasons of at least 85 wins for the first time since 1936-1938.
Secondly, if the Cubs win at least four of their remaining six games, then they will have finished at least 10 games over .500. The Cubs high water mark so far this season has been nine games over. Also, four or more wins to finish the season would give the Cubs a winning record for the decade of the 2000’s.
Of course, I’d rather have a division championship getting ready for the playoffs right now rather than worrying about this other trivial stuff. I’ve being thinking of reasons to care about the outcomes of the Cubs’ remaining games.
memphiscub - September 30, 2009
You forgot
Just 2 wins needed to get past the BLou line.
Clutch16 - September 30, 2009
You forgot
Mom and Apple Pie
vonde6 - September 30, 2009
And it gets worse for Pittsburgh
As they failed to sign Miguel Angel Sano after months of talking with his agent. Sano was supposed to be their prized Latin American signing and help Pittsburgh gain a foothold with prospects.
Bill Potter - September 30, 2009
those sneaky Twins
You get Kyle Gibson and this guy, not too bad.
nji232 - September 30, 2009
If any of you are thinking about a Cubs road trip next year
I heartily endorse Pittsburgh as a destination.
Not only is it a great city with lots to do, and not only is PNC an outstanding ballpark, you’re almost guaranteed to see a series victory.
Not Bruce Froemming - September 30, 2009
I'm considering it. I want to see the pierogi races.
katie casey - September 30, 2009
A comment on ticket prices
Clearly the whole “Premium Ticket Services” thing is a way to get “market” prices for tickets, and the last couple of years that branch of the Cubs was able to command some pretty stiff fees.
But it can cut both ways.
For last night’s game – there with my wife to get the bobblehead, of course – we picked up Upper Dex box seats, 3rd row behind the plate (very close to the home plate cameras) for a cool $16 apiece. We got them on StubHub, and then got a confirmation from cubs.com itself. (Does that mean the Cubs premium ticket outfit was the seller? Or do all StubHub sales get confirmation from the cubs.com?)
If Al’s estimate of 15,000 heads in the ballpark is accurate, that’s 20,000 tickets that were sold and not used. Mostly speculators/scalpers, and not fans, I’d have to assume.
ChipSet - September 30, 2009
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