Thursday, January 15, 2009
We're Moving
If you are a fan of this blog and the segments we made popular such as "INTERESTING COMMENTARY" and the like, you'll want to follow us to our new Chicago Cubs Baseball blog, Tinkers To Evers To Blog found by hitting the link there or just going to chcbaseball.blogspot.com. Either way, hope to see you there as we leave this clearly cursed site behind. (Not that we believe in curses, but what can you do.)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Live Blogging Game One of the NLDS
Dempster has the start, 17-6 with a 2.96 era. 13 of his wins here at Wrigley.
Rafael Furcal will be leading off for the Dodgers. He's been hurt much of the season. He takes strike one. He's batting 357 this season, again in short time due to injuries, fouls off the second pitch, 0-2 count. He fouls off the third pitch as well. Dempster has a nice full beard going on, ball one low. The next pitch is also low and a little inside, count even 2-2. Dempster strikes out Furcal on a pitch in the dirt, Soto throws on to first for the out.
Russell Martin looks at strike one. Next pitch just misses ball one, followed with strike two. Ball low, again 2-2. Again, just misses with a pitch apparently just down. Martin walks on a check swing.
That brings up Manny (being Manny) Ramirez who has been a huge addition to this club since the last second (literally) trade deadline deal. He fouls off the first pitch, strike one. Ground ball to The Riot, he tosses to De Ro, on to D Lee, double play!
Headed to the bottom half!
Frank TV ads are back.
Derek Lowe, 14-11 and a 3.24 ERA for the Dodgers.
Soriano leading off, quickly to a 1 ball 2 strike count. He strikes out swinging at the last two pitches way out of the strike zone.
That'll bring up Kosuke Fukudome. He looks at ball one outside. Lowe throws his strike one with the second pitch. At least the ump is consistant. Ball two just low. Kosuke fouls off the next pitch, 2-2. Ball 3 down and outside. Kosuke grounds the pitch to the first baseman who makes the play unassisted.
Two outs for D Lee. He watches ball one, low. He fouls off the next pitch. He's 11-28 lifetime against Lowe. He watches the next pitch, looks low, but the ump calls this one for a strike. 1-2. Outside, the count is again even at 2-2. The next pitch is low and outside, 3-2. The Cubs are making Lowe pitch, which is good, D Lee is on via the walk.
Aramis Ramirez steps up to the plate. Lowe throws to first, Lee is back standing. Ball one high. Ball two just low. Wrigley looks packed. Aramis watches a slider for strike one, 2-1. Ramirez hits a bouncing ball to third, he throws to second to get the force, inning over.
FIRST - Dodgers 0 Cubs 0
The Cubs have done a great job all season of making teams throw a lot of pitches and two straight hitters getting Lowe in a full count is a good start.
The wind is blowing in today, so we're probably looking at a low scoring, old-fashioned Nation League type of game. Get em on, get em over, get em in.
Andre Ethier leads off for LA. Ball one. TBS points out that the all time Cubs/Dodgers series is tied 1012 wins apiece. Ball two, then a foul for strike one. Dempster now behind 3-1. He walks him. Never good to walk the lead off hitter.
James Loney steps to the plate. He's in a bit of a slump, let's see if Dempster can get another double play. He throws over to first then throws strike one. Dempster throws to first again, nothing doing. Loney swings and misses through a fastball, strike two. Next pitch popped up, DeRosa catches it on the edge of the outfield grass.
With one on and one out, Matt Kemp steps up to the plate. He watches strike one. Next pitch is ball one. Demp throws to first again. Kemp skies the next pitch into right field, Fukudome makes the play easily for out two.
Blake DeWitt steps up and looks at strike one. He fouls off the next won, 0-2. The fans start to show some life, with two strikes and two outs. Check swing, 3rd base umpire says no, 1-2. Crowd on their feet, DeWitt sends it to center field, Edmonds makes the catch, out three.
Headed to the bottom half. It's been awhile since we've had a Frank TV commercial. Surely we'll get one this break. Nope, guess not.
In the first game today, it was a pitching duel between the Brewers and the Phillies. Cole Hammels was nearly unhittable. Phillies win 3-1.
Soto leads off and watches ball one. Next pitch is strike one. Then he grounds it to third, the throw to first is in time.
Edmonds steps up. He fouls off the first pitch into the upper deck. Next one is low. He watches strike two. Line drive over Furcal at short, Edmonds with the first hit of the game!
DeRosa steps up and watches ball one. You could argue that DeRo has been the Cubs MVP this year, certainly the most versatile. He hits it deep.... GONE!!! Two run shot by DeRo, Edmonds scores.
Ryan Theriot steps up with the Cubs up two to nothing, but is quickly down 0-2. He watches one just off the plate, ball one. Ball two is also a little outside. He watches strike three.
Dempster first pitch swinging knocks it just past Furcal for a base hit.
Soriano swings and fouls off the first pitch. Next is way outside, and this time he watches it for a ball. He swings with everything he has.... but it's a pop out to the third baseman in shallow left field.
SECOND Dodgers 0 Cubs 2
As I was saying, DeRo has been huge for the Cubs this year. If not the most Valuable player, certainly the most versatile one. He has started games at all the infield positions and both corner outfield spots, and played well wherever he has been.
Still no more Frank TV ads, but a Barack Obama add.
Casey Blake leads off for the Dodgers in the third, he looks at ball one. Ball two follows also outside. He swings and it's in the bullpen, Fukudome slips on the bullpen mound, but somehow makes an amazing catch while trying to keep from falling. Out one.
Lowe looks at strike one, then at ball one, then fouls off the next pitch. He then throws one high to Lowe (ba dum dum). Lowe fouls the next one softly down the third base side. The next pitch is perfect and Lowe swings at it, but they say he checked it and call it ball three. Dempster then throws ball four. Lowe is on with a walk.
Furcal steps up with one on one out and tries to bunt but misses, strike one. He swings fully at the next one and fouls it off, strike two. The next one is in the dirt, ball one, smothered by Soto, soon probably to be named National League Rookie of the Year. Next pitch is up and in, ball two. Dempster tries to calm himself down on the mound, but the next one is up and away, 3-2. He walks him. Soto out to have a few words with him.
Pitching coach Rothschild joins them. Martin is stepping up, one out, two on. You want to get out of this preferably with out facing Man Ram, but as Martin shows bunt, the pitch is called ball one. He swings and misses the next one, 1-1. Strike two, called. Ground ball, foul down the third base line. In the dirt, Soto again keeps it from getting away, 2-2. Ground ball foul again towards the third base dugout. Fly ball deep to left field, Soriano makes the catch, runners retreat back to first and second, two outs.
Manny steps up with two on and two out. Ball one up and in. Ball two inside. Ground ball, Theriot stops it sliding to his right, he throws to first, not in time. Manny is safe with the Dodgers first hit. Bases loaded.
Ethier looks bad swinging and missing the first pitch. He watches one a little high, 1-1. He hits a fly ball down the left field line, foul into the bullpen, 1-2. He watches the next one low, 2-2. Ball three in the dirt. Full count, two outs, bases loaded. Swing and a miss! Struck him out! Dodgers leave em loaded.
Headed to the bottom half.
iPod touch commercial. Apparently they have guitar hero for iPod touch now. Kind of cool. Now an AmericanExpress commercial featuring Jerry, Jim Henson, Scorsese, and the greatness that is Wes Anderson. Still no more Frank TV. What the hell is going on? I want some Frank Calliendo.
Kosuke will lead off, he shows bunt, but takes ball one. Ball two is watched by Kosuke. The next pitch is right at the knees, strike one. He fouls off the next one bunting. 2-2. He grounds it to the 2nd baseman DeWitt who throws to first. Out one.
First pitch to Lee is way outside, ball one. Next one apparently catches a corner, 1-1. Lee watches one low, 2-1. Nice shot of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. Ball 3. Fouls off the next one over the thirdbase dugout, full count again to Lee. He rips the next one into left field for a one out single.
Ramirez up with one on and one out. He hits the first one foul, Quade, the third base coach bare hands it. Throw over to first, Lee back standing. Ramirez ground sit to Furcal, to DeWitt, to first, double play.
THIRD LA 0 CHC 2
And finally a Frank TV commercial. Frank as Trump says, "I love the postseason so much, I'm going to buy them."
After a few other commercials, more Frank as Trump. "For those teams that made it to the postseason, congratulations. You're winners in my book. For those that didn't, You sicken me."
Loney leads off and watches ball one. He swings and misses at the next pitch. A little outside for ball two. Ball three low. Dempster having some trouble with his command today. Next pitch hit into shallow left, Soriano leaps and makes the routine catch. Out one.
Strike one, swinging and missing. Strike two fouled off. Ground ball to Ramirez he gets Kemp at 1st, two down.
DeWitt watches ball one. Strike one. The next one is going to land in center between Theriot and Edmonds both trying to get to where it fell, just perfectly placed by DeWitt.
Blake steps up and watches strike one called. Next one just off the plate and maybe a little low, ball one. Lined right to D Lee, he grabs it, inning over.
Headed to the bottom half.
Soto leads off watches strike one. Next pitch outside and in the dirt. Ball two in the dirt. Soto will most likely be the first Cub to win ROY award since Kerry Wood did in 98. Soto lines out to center field.
Edmonds looks at strike one (supposedly). He swings and misses the next one. Dick Stockton also thought the first pitch was inside and low as he says, 1-1 when it's 0-2. Now there's two straight balls evening the count and Stockton is on board with the actual count now. Check swing, but it was strike three and out two.
DeRo steps up having homered his last time up. He watches strike one here. Ball one outside is the next pitch. Ball two outside and low from Lowe. (I can't resist.) Ground ball up the middle base hit. DeRosa is 2-2.
Theriot ended the season batting over 300 this year, he steps up with 2 out and DeRosa at first. Two straight throws over to first by Lowe. Theriot lines it over the first baseman for a basehit. Two on and two out.
Dempster has a chance to help himself out. He fouls off a bunt attempt. He swings and misses a pitch way outside, 0-2. I spoke to soon, the next pitch was even further outside and Dempster swung at it also, strike 3.
FOURTH Dodgers 0 Cubs 2
There was an Axe commercial where the guy who put on the Axe turned into chocolate. Very disturbing.
Derek Lowe leads off and watches ball one. Dempster puts it in there for strike one. Lowe fouls it off into the stands on the first base side. Ball two just outside. Ground ball to Theriot at short, he throws to first for the first out.
Furcal is up for the third time today. He's 0-1 with a walk and watches ball one. Ball two as Tony Gwinn talks about how Dempster is settling down and throwing strikes. There's ball 3. Thanks for jinxing it Gwinn. Finally a strike, 3-1. Walks him with a pitch just outside. It could easily have been called strike two but alas, a walk.
Martin also 0-1 with a walk steps up. Dempster throws to first then throws a pitch low ball 1. Lee goes over to have a quick word with Dempster. Ball two outside. Ball three outside. Dempster having lots of trouble with control here. Stike one. Martin hits it to right, Fukudome comes in and makes the catch. Two out.
Man Ram is 1-2 having hit an infield single and hit into a double play. First pitch is fouled off by Manny. His helmet is covered in pine tar. Swing and a miss, strike two. Dempster challenged him and won right there. 0-2. Crowd on their feet once again. Just a bit high. He fouls it straight back. Up high, 2-2. Up high again ball 3. Manny calls time. Inside, ball 4, Ramirez aboard via the walk.
Ball one low, blocked by Soto. Fouled off by Ethier, count even at 1-1. Next pitch will be number 100 for Dempster and it is inside ball 2. Ethier struck out with the bases loaded last time up, this time, two on and two out as he watches ball three. Rothschild is calling down to the bullpen. Dempster walks the bases loaded and Rothschild heads out to the mound.
Samardzija and Sean Marshall are up in the bullpen. Loney steps up to the plate, bases loaded and two outs. Big spot in the game right here.
Loney swings and misses at the first pitch. Swings and misses at the second. The crowd up on their feet, cheering on Dempster. Just got a piece of the next one, fouled off, still 0-2. Way high, Soto has to jump to his feet to catch it, 1-2, Hit deep to center, way back grand slam, 4-2 Dodgers.
A change up right down the middle, knocked out to center.
Ball one to Kemp. He then lines the next pitch into the outfield. All the way to the ivy past Soriano, a double for Soriano and that will do it for Dempster. Sean Marshall will be coming in.
Marshall appeared in 34 games this year. 3-5 with a 3.86 ERA. Big spot for him here. A shot to keep them where they are and let the Cubbies get back in this one.
DeWitt up with two out a runner at second. Two quick balls from Marshall. The Cubs need to throw strikes. Finally there's one, 2-1. Fouled off, 2-2. Marshall makes him swing and miss. The inning is finally over. Dodgers score 4 on 1 hit.
Headed to the bottom of the 5th.
Top of the order, Soriano looks at ball one. Swings through the next one. And the one after that, 1-2. He's struck out and popped out so far. Strikes out again on a pitch way outside and nearly in the dirt.
Fukudome watches a pitch way low, but it is called strike one. The next one is in the dirt, thankfully it is called a ball. Fukudome hits it right at Blake at third it's off of him and Fukudome is safe at first.
The play is called an error on a tough play. D Lee steps up as the tying run. Two throws to first to check on Kosuke. A pitch out, Fukudome wasn't going and it's ball one to Lee. He throws again to first. A strike is watched by Lee. Then he swings and misses. Another throw to first, Kosuke back easily again. Ball two, outside and low. 2-2. Lee hits it up the middle. Furcal grabs it, steps on second, throws to Loney at first, inning ending double play.
FIFTH LA 4 CHC 2
Frank as Bill Clinton, but not for Frank TV, it is a commercial for Dish Network TurboHD.
If Marshall can keep the Dodgers where they are, I believe that the Cubs can come back in this one.
Ball one to Casey Blake, but he swings and misses at the next one. Then he grounds it to first base, Lee makes the play unassisted.
Ball one low to Lowe. Ball two inside. They need to stop throwing so many balls to Lowe and it's 3-0. He has a .192 average for the season. And Marshall walked him. The boos come from the fans.
Ball one to Furcal. Soto heads to the mound. It doesn't work as the next pitch nearly hits Furcal in the ankles, ball two. Marquis is getting warmed up now and Rothschild heads out to have a word with Marshall. Finally a strike, 2-1. Ball three high and a little outside. Strike two, good pitch, full count. Struck him out swinging at ball four.
Martin steps up, one on, two out. Ball one, inside and low. Strike one, on a pitch that was probably a little low also, but we'll take it at this point. Ball two gets away from Soto, but since it's Lowe at first he doesn't take advantage. Martin lines it right to Alfonso in left field.
Headed to the bottom of the sixth.
I'm making some popcorn.
This could be a big inning for the Cubs. Ramirez, Soto, Edmonds and possibly MVP DeRosa. Let's see if the comeback happens here in the bottom of the sixth.
Ramirez looks at strike one even though it is nearly at his ankles. Lowe tries to go there again, this time it is called a ball. Ramirez hits it deep off of the ivy for a lead off double!!!
Soto watches ball one. The Dodgers bullpen is up. Ball two and now it is Martin the Dodgers catcher and Honeycutt, the Dodgers pitching coach out to have a talk with their pitcher. The homeplate umpire breaks up the overlong conversation. Soto watches strike one. Fastball strike two. Soto swings and misses, strike three.
Edmonds steps up and watches ball one. Martin heads to the mound again. Ball two outside. Lowe throws strike one on the outside corner. Edmonds grounds it to the second baseman. Ramirez moves to third, but now there are two outs.
DeRo watches ball one.He hits it deep to right, but Ethier makes the catch at the warning track. Inning over.
SIXTH Dodgers 4 Cubs 2
At least the popcorn is good.
Maybe this live blogging is bad luck. I'll give it a little longer before I stop.
Marshall stays in there, Man Ram leads off, fouls off the first pitch. Fouls off the next one off his own foot, 0-2. Manny fouls off another one. Pitch is way low, nearly in the dirt, but Manny golfs it into the stands, a home run.
That does it. I'm done live blogging this one. Check the game out on your local ESPN radio station or on TBS. I'll be back with final thoughts.
Rafael Furcal will be leading off for the Dodgers. He's been hurt much of the season. He takes strike one. He's batting 357 this season, again in short time due to injuries, fouls off the second pitch, 0-2 count. He fouls off the third pitch as well. Dempster has a nice full beard going on, ball one low. The next pitch is also low and a little inside, count even 2-2. Dempster strikes out Furcal on a pitch in the dirt, Soto throws on to first for the out.
Russell Martin looks at strike one. Next pitch just misses ball one, followed with strike two. Ball low, again 2-2. Again, just misses with a pitch apparently just down. Martin walks on a check swing.
That brings up Manny (being Manny) Ramirez who has been a huge addition to this club since the last second (literally) trade deadline deal. He fouls off the first pitch, strike one. Ground ball to The Riot, he tosses to De Ro, on to D Lee, double play!
Headed to the bottom half!
Frank TV ads are back.
Derek Lowe, 14-11 and a 3.24 ERA for the Dodgers.
Soriano leading off, quickly to a 1 ball 2 strike count. He strikes out swinging at the last two pitches way out of the strike zone.
That'll bring up Kosuke Fukudome. He looks at ball one outside. Lowe throws his strike one with the second pitch. At least the ump is consistant. Ball two just low. Kosuke fouls off the next pitch, 2-2. Ball 3 down and outside. Kosuke grounds the pitch to the first baseman who makes the play unassisted.
Two outs for D Lee. He watches ball one, low. He fouls off the next pitch. He's 11-28 lifetime against Lowe. He watches the next pitch, looks low, but the ump calls this one for a strike. 1-2. Outside, the count is again even at 2-2. The next pitch is low and outside, 3-2. The Cubs are making Lowe pitch, which is good, D Lee is on via the walk.
Aramis Ramirez steps up to the plate. Lowe throws to first, Lee is back standing. Ball one high. Ball two just low. Wrigley looks packed. Aramis watches a slider for strike one, 2-1. Ramirez hits a bouncing ball to third, he throws to second to get the force, inning over.
FIRST - Dodgers 0 Cubs 0
The Cubs have done a great job all season of making teams throw a lot of pitches and two straight hitters getting Lowe in a full count is a good start.
The wind is blowing in today, so we're probably looking at a low scoring, old-fashioned Nation League type of game. Get em on, get em over, get em in.
Andre Ethier leads off for LA. Ball one. TBS points out that the all time Cubs/Dodgers series is tied 1012 wins apiece. Ball two, then a foul for strike one. Dempster now behind 3-1. He walks him. Never good to walk the lead off hitter.
James Loney steps to the plate. He's in a bit of a slump, let's see if Dempster can get another double play. He throws over to first then throws strike one. Dempster throws to first again, nothing doing. Loney swings and misses through a fastball, strike two. Next pitch popped up, DeRosa catches it on the edge of the outfield grass.
With one on and one out, Matt Kemp steps up to the plate. He watches strike one. Next pitch is ball one. Demp throws to first again. Kemp skies the next pitch into right field, Fukudome makes the play easily for out two.
Blake DeWitt steps up and looks at strike one. He fouls off the next won, 0-2. The fans start to show some life, with two strikes and two outs. Check swing, 3rd base umpire says no, 1-2. Crowd on their feet, DeWitt sends it to center field, Edmonds makes the catch, out three.
Headed to the bottom half. It's been awhile since we've had a Frank TV commercial. Surely we'll get one this break. Nope, guess not.
In the first game today, it was a pitching duel between the Brewers and the Phillies. Cole Hammels was nearly unhittable. Phillies win 3-1.
Soto leads off and watches ball one. Next pitch is strike one. Then he grounds it to third, the throw to first is in time.
Edmonds steps up. He fouls off the first pitch into the upper deck. Next one is low. He watches strike two. Line drive over Furcal at short, Edmonds with the first hit of the game!
DeRosa steps up and watches ball one. You could argue that DeRo has been the Cubs MVP this year, certainly the most versatile. He hits it deep.... GONE!!! Two run shot by DeRo, Edmonds scores.
Ryan Theriot steps up with the Cubs up two to nothing, but is quickly down 0-2. He watches one just off the plate, ball one. Ball two is also a little outside. He watches strike three.
Dempster first pitch swinging knocks it just past Furcal for a base hit.
Soriano swings and fouls off the first pitch. Next is way outside, and this time he watches it for a ball. He swings with everything he has.... but it's a pop out to the third baseman in shallow left field.
SECOND Dodgers 0 Cubs 2
As I was saying, DeRo has been huge for the Cubs this year. If not the most Valuable player, certainly the most versatile one. He has started games at all the infield positions and both corner outfield spots, and played well wherever he has been.
Still no more Frank TV ads, but a Barack Obama add.
Casey Blake leads off for the Dodgers in the third, he looks at ball one. Ball two follows also outside. He swings and it's in the bullpen, Fukudome slips on the bullpen mound, but somehow makes an amazing catch while trying to keep from falling. Out one.
Lowe looks at strike one, then at ball one, then fouls off the next pitch. He then throws one high to Lowe (ba dum dum). Lowe fouls the next one softly down the third base side. The next pitch is perfect and Lowe swings at it, but they say he checked it and call it ball three. Dempster then throws ball four. Lowe is on with a walk.
Furcal steps up with one on one out and tries to bunt but misses, strike one. He swings fully at the next one and fouls it off, strike two. The next one is in the dirt, ball one, smothered by Soto, soon probably to be named National League Rookie of the Year. Next pitch is up and in, ball two. Dempster tries to calm himself down on the mound, but the next one is up and away, 3-2. He walks him. Soto out to have a few words with him.
Pitching coach Rothschild joins them. Martin is stepping up, one out, two on. You want to get out of this preferably with out facing Man Ram, but as Martin shows bunt, the pitch is called ball one. He swings and misses the next one, 1-1. Strike two, called. Ground ball, foul down the third base line. In the dirt, Soto again keeps it from getting away, 2-2. Ground ball foul again towards the third base dugout. Fly ball deep to left field, Soriano makes the catch, runners retreat back to first and second, two outs.
Manny steps up with two on and two out. Ball one up and in. Ball two inside. Ground ball, Theriot stops it sliding to his right, he throws to first, not in time. Manny is safe with the Dodgers first hit. Bases loaded.
Ethier looks bad swinging and missing the first pitch. He watches one a little high, 1-1. He hits a fly ball down the left field line, foul into the bullpen, 1-2. He watches the next one low, 2-2. Ball three in the dirt. Full count, two outs, bases loaded. Swing and a miss! Struck him out! Dodgers leave em loaded.
Headed to the bottom half.
iPod touch commercial. Apparently they have guitar hero for iPod touch now. Kind of cool. Now an AmericanExpress commercial featuring Jerry, Jim Henson, Scorsese, and the greatness that is Wes Anderson. Still no more Frank TV. What the hell is going on? I want some Frank Calliendo.
Kosuke will lead off, he shows bunt, but takes ball one. Ball two is watched by Kosuke. The next pitch is right at the knees, strike one. He fouls off the next one bunting. 2-2. He grounds it to the 2nd baseman DeWitt who throws to first. Out one.
First pitch to Lee is way outside, ball one. Next one apparently catches a corner, 1-1. Lee watches one low, 2-1. Nice shot of downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan. Ball 3. Fouls off the next one over the thirdbase dugout, full count again to Lee. He rips the next one into left field for a one out single.
Ramirez up with one on and one out. He hits the first one foul, Quade, the third base coach bare hands it. Throw over to first, Lee back standing. Ramirez ground sit to Furcal, to DeWitt, to first, double play.
THIRD LA 0 CHC 2
And finally a Frank TV commercial. Frank as Trump says, "I love the postseason so much, I'm going to buy them."
After a few other commercials, more Frank as Trump. "For those teams that made it to the postseason, congratulations. You're winners in my book. For those that didn't, You sicken me."
Loney leads off and watches ball one. He swings and misses at the next pitch. A little outside for ball two. Ball three low. Dempster having some trouble with his command today. Next pitch hit into shallow left, Soriano leaps and makes the routine catch. Out one.
Strike one, swinging and missing. Strike two fouled off. Ground ball to Ramirez he gets Kemp at 1st, two down.
DeWitt watches ball one. Strike one. The next one is going to land in center between Theriot and Edmonds both trying to get to where it fell, just perfectly placed by DeWitt.
Blake steps up and watches strike one called. Next one just off the plate and maybe a little low, ball one. Lined right to D Lee, he grabs it, inning over.
Headed to the bottom half.
Soto leads off watches strike one. Next pitch outside and in the dirt. Ball two in the dirt. Soto will most likely be the first Cub to win ROY award since Kerry Wood did in 98. Soto lines out to center field.
Edmonds looks at strike one (supposedly). He swings and misses the next one. Dick Stockton also thought the first pitch was inside and low as he says, 1-1 when it's 0-2. Now there's two straight balls evening the count and Stockton is on board with the actual count now. Check swing, but it was strike three and out two.
DeRo steps up having homered his last time up. He watches strike one here. Ball one outside is the next pitch. Ball two outside and low from Lowe. (I can't resist.) Ground ball up the middle base hit. DeRosa is 2-2.
Theriot ended the season batting over 300 this year, he steps up with 2 out and DeRosa at first. Two straight throws over to first by Lowe. Theriot lines it over the first baseman for a basehit. Two on and two out.
Dempster has a chance to help himself out. He fouls off a bunt attempt. He swings and misses a pitch way outside, 0-2. I spoke to soon, the next pitch was even further outside and Dempster swung at it also, strike 3.
FOURTH Dodgers 0 Cubs 2
There was an Axe commercial where the guy who put on the Axe turned into chocolate. Very disturbing.
Derek Lowe leads off and watches ball one. Dempster puts it in there for strike one. Lowe fouls it off into the stands on the first base side. Ball two just outside. Ground ball to Theriot at short, he throws to first for the first out.
Furcal is up for the third time today. He's 0-1 with a walk and watches ball one. Ball two as Tony Gwinn talks about how Dempster is settling down and throwing strikes. There's ball 3. Thanks for jinxing it Gwinn. Finally a strike, 3-1. Walks him with a pitch just outside. It could easily have been called strike two but alas, a walk.
Martin also 0-1 with a walk steps up. Dempster throws to first then throws a pitch low ball 1. Lee goes over to have a quick word with Dempster. Ball two outside. Ball three outside. Dempster having lots of trouble with control here. Stike one. Martin hits it to right, Fukudome comes in and makes the catch. Two out.
Man Ram is 1-2 having hit an infield single and hit into a double play. First pitch is fouled off by Manny. His helmet is covered in pine tar. Swing and a miss, strike two. Dempster challenged him and won right there. 0-2. Crowd on their feet once again. Just a bit high. He fouls it straight back. Up high, 2-2. Up high again ball 3. Manny calls time. Inside, ball 4, Ramirez aboard via the walk.
Ball one low, blocked by Soto. Fouled off by Ethier, count even at 1-1. Next pitch will be number 100 for Dempster and it is inside ball 2. Ethier struck out with the bases loaded last time up, this time, two on and two out as he watches ball three. Rothschild is calling down to the bullpen. Dempster walks the bases loaded and Rothschild heads out to the mound.
Samardzija and Sean Marshall are up in the bullpen. Loney steps up to the plate, bases loaded and two outs. Big spot in the game right here.
Loney swings and misses at the first pitch. Swings and misses at the second. The crowd up on their feet, cheering on Dempster. Just got a piece of the next one, fouled off, still 0-2. Way high, Soto has to jump to his feet to catch it, 1-2, Hit deep to center, way back grand slam, 4-2 Dodgers.
A change up right down the middle, knocked out to center.
Ball one to Kemp. He then lines the next pitch into the outfield. All the way to the ivy past Soriano, a double for Soriano and that will do it for Dempster. Sean Marshall will be coming in.
Marshall appeared in 34 games this year. 3-5 with a 3.86 ERA. Big spot for him here. A shot to keep them where they are and let the Cubbies get back in this one.
DeWitt up with two out a runner at second. Two quick balls from Marshall. The Cubs need to throw strikes. Finally there's one, 2-1. Fouled off, 2-2. Marshall makes him swing and miss. The inning is finally over. Dodgers score 4 on 1 hit.
Headed to the bottom of the 5th.
Top of the order, Soriano looks at ball one. Swings through the next one. And the one after that, 1-2. He's struck out and popped out so far. Strikes out again on a pitch way outside and nearly in the dirt.
Fukudome watches a pitch way low, but it is called strike one. The next one is in the dirt, thankfully it is called a ball. Fukudome hits it right at Blake at third it's off of him and Fukudome is safe at first.
The play is called an error on a tough play. D Lee steps up as the tying run. Two throws to first to check on Kosuke. A pitch out, Fukudome wasn't going and it's ball one to Lee. He throws again to first. A strike is watched by Lee. Then he swings and misses. Another throw to first, Kosuke back easily again. Ball two, outside and low. 2-2. Lee hits it up the middle. Furcal grabs it, steps on second, throws to Loney at first, inning ending double play.
FIFTH LA 4 CHC 2
Frank as Bill Clinton, but not for Frank TV, it is a commercial for Dish Network TurboHD.
If Marshall can keep the Dodgers where they are, I believe that the Cubs can come back in this one.
Ball one to Casey Blake, but he swings and misses at the next one. Then he grounds it to first base, Lee makes the play unassisted.
Ball one low to Lowe. Ball two inside. They need to stop throwing so many balls to Lowe and it's 3-0. He has a .192 average for the season. And Marshall walked him. The boos come from the fans.
Ball one to Furcal. Soto heads to the mound. It doesn't work as the next pitch nearly hits Furcal in the ankles, ball two. Marquis is getting warmed up now and Rothschild heads out to have a word with Marshall. Finally a strike, 2-1. Ball three high and a little outside. Strike two, good pitch, full count. Struck him out swinging at ball four.
Martin steps up, one on, two out. Ball one, inside and low. Strike one, on a pitch that was probably a little low also, but we'll take it at this point. Ball two gets away from Soto, but since it's Lowe at first he doesn't take advantage. Martin lines it right to Alfonso in left field.
Headed to the bottom of the sixth.
I'm making some popcorn.
This could be a big inning for the Cubs. Ramirez, Soto, Edmonds and possibly MVP DeRosa. Let's see if the comeback happens here in the bottom of the sixth.
Ramirez looks at strike one even though it is nearly at his ankles. Lowe tries to go there again, this time it is called a ball. Ramirez hits it deep off of the ivy for a lead off double!!!
Soto watches ball one. The Dodgers bullpen is up. Ball two and now it is Martin the Dodgers catcher and Honeycutt, the Dodgers pitching coach out to have a talk with their pitcher. The homeplate umpire breaks up the overlong conversation. Soto watches strike one. Fastball strike two. Soto swings and misses, strike three.
Edmonds steps up and watches ball one. Martin heads to the mound again. Ball two outside. Lowe throws strike one on the outside corner. Edmonds grounds it to the second baseman. Ramirez moves to third, but now there are two outs.
DeRo watches ball one.He hits it deep to right, but Ethier makes the catch at the warning track. Inning over.
SIXTH Dodgers 4 Cubs 2
At least the popcorn is good.
Maybe this live blogging is bad luck. I'll give it a little longer before I stop.
Marshall stays in there, Man Ram leads off, fouls off the first pitch. Fouls off the next one off his own foot, 0-2. Manny fouls off another one. Pitch is way low, nearly in the dirt, but Manny golfs it into the stands, a home run.
That does it. I'm done live blogging this one. Check the game out on your local ESPN radio station or on TBS. I'll be back with final thoughts.
7 Wins to Go to Break the Curse, 11 Wins to Go for History
Tonight is game one of the second season. TBS tonight at 5:30 Central Standard Ryan Dempster faces Derek Lowe in game 1.
Ryan Dempster was the closer last season, but has become the staff's ace this year with 17 wins.
A win tonight and the Cubs will be just 6 wins away from the World Series. The Curse has nothing to do with winning the World Series, but that the Cubs would never again make a World Series, if the Cubs make the World Series (by winning the NLCS) the Curse is officially broken!
So, we're looking for two seperate things, first, 7 wins breaks the curse.
The biggest goal, of course, is to win the World Series, and the Cubs are only 11 wins away from that!
Can't wait for tonight!
Also, one last thing, 100 Years Later would like to congratulate the White Sox and fighting through it and making the playoffs. Hope we see you in the World Series.
Let's GO Cubs!!!!!
Ryan Dempster was the closer last season, but has become the staff's ace this year with 17 wins.
A win tonight and the Cubs will be just 6 wins away from the World Series. The Curse has nothing to do with winning the World Series, but that the Cubs would never again make a World Series, if the Cubs make the World Series (by winning the NLCS) the Curse is officially broken!
So, we're looking for two seperate things, first, 7 wins breaks the curse.
The biggest goal, of course, is to win the World Series, and the Cubs are only 11 wins away from that!
Can't wait for tonight!
Also, one last thing, 100 Years Later would like to congratulate the White Sox and fighting through it and making the playoffs. Hope we see you in the World Series.
Let's GO Cubs!!!!!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Cubs Clinch Division and Home Field for the NL
Last Saturday, the Cubs beat their main rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals to clinch the Central Division for the second consecutive season. The last time that the Cubs made the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, they won the World Series.
Also on Saturday, I was in New York City and saw a game at Yankee Stadium for the first (and last as the stadium's historic run is over) time. I thought I'd offer some photos from that experience as this is a Baseball blog...
Here's the front of the iconic stadium...
Here's the front of the new stadium, opening next year, right next door...
I thought the Yankees and MLB did a great job ushering this stadium out in the fashion it deserves and even though I am not a Yankee fan (not even close) I am glad that I can say I've seen a game at this historic stadium. It will be missed.
This sign on the old stadium says it all, "Thanks for the memories."
On Monday night, I was at Shea (also closing this season) and witnessed the Cubs clinch home field throughout the NL Playoffs. The last six games of the season won't mean anything for the Cubs, and their Tuesday lineup reflected that. However, the Cubs got another win yesterday and if they win the last four (I'm assuming that the Astros are done and the third game of the last Cubs/Astros series will not be necessary and therefore will not be played) then the Cubs will win 100 games. It would be something, as well as make the playoff race very intersting. The Cubs have one more game with the wild card leading Mets then finish with three against the team tied for that Wild Card lead, the Brewers. Regardless they will have an impact on who else makes the playoffs in the NL.
Here are some shots from Monday's game against the Mets for the Central Division Winners.
Also on Saturday, I was in New York City and saw a game at Yankee Stadium for the first (and last as the stadium's historic run is over) time. I thought I'd offer some photos from that experience as this is a Baseball blog...
Here's the front of the iconic stadium...
Here's the front of the new stadium, opening next year, right next door...
I thought the Yankees and MLB did a great job ushering this stadium out in the fashion it deserves and even though I am not a Yankee fan (not even close) I am glad that I can say I've seen a game at this historic stadium. It will be missed.
This sign on the old stadium says it all, "Thanks for the memories."
On Monday night, I was at Shea (also closing this season) and witnessed the Cubs clinch home field throughout the NL Playoffs. The last six games of the season won't mean anything for the Cubs, and their Tuesday lineup reflected that. However, the Cubs got another win yesterday and if they win the last four (I'm assuming that the Astros are done and the third game of the last Cubs/Astros series will not be necessary and therefore will not be played) then the Cubs will win 100 games. It would be something, as well as make the playoff race very intersting. The Cubs have one more game with the wild card leading Mets then finish with three against the team tied for that Wild Card lead, the Brewers. Regardless they will have an impact on who else makes the playoffs in the NL.
Here are some shots from Monday's game against the Mets for the Central Division Winners.
Monday, September 15, 2008
ZAMBRA NO-NO!!!
Twice in my life now, I've been headed to a baseball game where a no-hitter was going to happen and events outside of my control kept me from attending that game.
As a teenager I had tickets to see Kenny Rogers perfect game at the Ballpark in Arlington, but instead of witnessing history, I was at my little sister's softball game (which didn't include a perfect game).
Yesterday, Zambrano threw a no hitter, facing only one more batter then the minimum as the Cubs magic number became 7. The game was supposed to be in Houston and I was supposed to be there. Hurricane Ike had different ideas and the game was played in Milwaukee.
I have seen a handful of no-hitters on tv, even more if you count just watching the end of the games after ESPN cuts to them, but a few of them from beginning to end, and none have meant to me what yesterday's did. I was living and dying with each pitch right there with the damn near life size Carlos Zambrano (I was watching the game on a 100inch projection screen, so I felt like I was there. There will be no other place to watch sports from now on.)
The last time that a Cubs pitcher threw a no hitter was in 1972 (Milt Pappas), so this was the first no hitter for my favorite team in my lifetime.
For all of the Cubs fans who have been sure that the recent slide meant that the curse was asserting itself, Harden's start on Thursday and Big Z's start yesterday should alliviate those fears. Not only that, but despite losing 8 of 9 games, the Cubs only lost two games on their best lead over Milwaukee (from 6.5 to 4.5) and after this weekend, the Cubs actually have their largest lead of the season with a 7.5 game lead.
A Cubs win today means the Cubs could have the division officially won by Thursday.
We'll obviously be keeping an eye on this, but right now, the main thing is to enjoy history. A Cubs No Hitter!
As a teenager I had tickets to see Kenny Rogers perfect game at the Ballpark in Arlington, but instead of witnessing history, I was at my little sister's softball game (which didn't include a perfect game).
Yesterday, Zambrano threw a no hitter, facing only one more batter then the minimum as the Cubs magic number became 7. The game was supposed to be in Houston and I was supposed to be there. Hurricane Ike had different ideas and the game was played in Milwaukee.
I have seen a handful of no-hitters on tv, even more if you count just watching the end of the games after ESPN cuts to them, but a few of them from beginning to end, and none have meant to me what yesterday's did. I was living and dying with each pitch right there with the damn near life size Carlos Zambrano (I was watching the game on a 100inch projection screen, so I felt like I was there. There will be no other place to watch sports from now on.)
The last time that a Cubs pitcher threw a no hitter was in 1972 (Milt Pappas), so this was the first no hitter for my favorite team in my lifetime.
For all of the Cubs fans who have been sure that the recent slide meant that the curse was asserting itself, Harden's start on Thursday and Big Z's start yesterday should alliviate those fears. Not only that, but despite losing 8 of 9 games, the Cubs only lost two games on their best lead over Milwaukee (from 6.5 to 4.5) and after this weekend, the Cubs actually have their largest lead of the season with a 7.5 game lead.
A Cubs win today means the Cubs could have the division officially won by Thursday.
We'll obviously be keeping an eye on this, but right now, the main thing is to enjoy history. A Cubs No Hitter!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
History Repeats Itself?
With the Sweep of the Pirates yesterday (actually with the win the day before) the Cubs finished another series win, the eigth in a row.
The last time that a Cubs team won 8 Series in a row (of at least 2 games) was 1907.
1907 was also the first time that the Cubs won the World Series. They would win it again the next season (1908).
The Cubs are on pace for 100 wins this year (the 100th season since 1908) and currently have the best record in baseball.
All signs point to the Cubs winning their first world series in 100 years (and probably repeating next year).
After all, think about it. Who should they be scared of? The Diamond Backs (who swept the Cubs out of the playoffs last year) are barely over .500 in baseball's worst division. The Mets and Phillies each have glaring weaknesses (the Mets utter lack of a bullpen, the Phillies utter lack of a consistent offense). The Brewers are the 2nd best team in the National League and when it mattered the Cubs took 4 straight from them... in Milwaukee.
Clearly they are the class of the NL and I would be shocked if they didn't at least make the World Series.
(Which, incidently, is what the curse is about, making the World Series, it has nothing to do with winning it. If they simply make the World Series, then the Billy Goat Curse is broken, anything that happened in the World Series would be strictly baseball, no curse involved.)
Over in the AL, the top two teams are the Angels and the Rays. The Angels have great pitching and defense, but no offense, and the Cubs would match up very well against them. The Rays lack of experience is sure to catch up with them eventually. The Red Sox are really the only team that would scare me, but they would have to get healthy first. At the moment they are mearly good, not great, and therefore not much of a threat. However, if they do get healthy, a Cubs/Red Sox world series could be one for the ages.
Let's go Cubbies.
The last time that a Cubs team won 8 Series in a row (of at least 2 games) was 1907.
1907 was also the first time that the Cubs won the World Series. They would win it again the next season (1908).
The Cubs are on pace for 100 wins this year (the 100th season since 1908) and currently have the best record in baseball.
All signs point to the Cubs winning their first world series in 100 years (and probably repeating next year).
After all, think about it. Who should they be scared of? The Diamond Backs (who swept the Cubs out of the playoffs last year) are barely over .500 in baseball's worst division. The Mets and Phillies each have glaring weaknesses (the Mets utter lack of a bullpen, the Phillies utter lack of a consistent offense). The Brewers are the 2nd best team in the National League and when it mattered the Cubs took 4 straight from them... in Milwaukee.
Clearly they are the class of the NL and I would be shocked if they didn't at least make the World Series.
(Which, incidently, is what the curse is about, making the World Series, it has nothing to do with winning it. If they simply make the World Series, then the Billy Goat Curse is broken, anything that happened in the World Series would be strictly baseball, no curse involved.)
Over in the AL, the top two teams are the Angels and the Rays. The Angels have great pitching and defense, but no offense, and the Cubs would match up very well against them. The Rays lack of experience is sure to catch up with them eventually. The Red Sox are really the only team that would scare me, but they would have to get healthy first. At the moment they are mearly good, not great, and therefore not much of a threat. However, if they do get healthy, a Cubs/Red Sox world series could be one for the ages.
Let's go Cubbies.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
BACK ON TOP!
First off, congrats to the Cubbies for having the Best Record In Baseball yet again on the 19th of August! Tied with the Rays (and who saw that coming? I guess they should have dropped the "Devil" years ago) and a half game ahead of the Angels who for quite some time have had the best record in baseball.
Meanwhile, the Brewers have fallen to a full 6 games back (although very soon it might be back to 5 and a half as the Astros are getting beat by them again.)
It definitely is time to invest fully in this Cubs team if you haven't already.
Anyway, I'm watching Japan vs USA in Olympic Baseball and I want to comment on a few things happening in Beijing.
The game was scoreless through 10 innings, and in Olympic Baseball rules when it gets to the 11th inning, you start with runners at 1st and 2nd and nobody out and can start your lineup wherever you want.
Obviously I have some problems with this, mainly the idea that you can start your lineup wherever you want. Your lineup is where it is, that shouldn't change. I actually don't have as much of a problem with the runners on 1st and 2nd.
Now, this doesn't mean that I want the same thing to happen in MLB (either regular season or playoffs), but you've got a time constraint happening here at the Olympics.
At least this is still the game of baseball. It's a situation (minus the setting your lineup however you like) that could have conceivably occurred in the next inning. Unlike in playoff soccer or regular season hockey when games are decided by shoot-outs, or even in football when it's sudden death often times denying the other team a chance to try and match the team that gets the ball first because of the flip of a coin.
Again, there is no time constraint in regular baseball, so this isn't something that MLB should ever consider for regular season or playoffs, but it actually wouldn't be that bad in the All Star Game.
This season we saw a 15 inning game that might have seen Mets 3rd Baseman David Wright in to pitch in the 16th if it had reached that point. That's a little ridiculous for what is essentially an exhibition game. It would be one thing if the managers weren't trying to get everyone into the game before the end of the 9th the way that they always do. That really limits your ability to manage in extra innings. If, however, you started the, let's say 12th inning, with the first two batters up on 1st and 2nd, and whoever was due up 3rd would be up just as if the first two batters got on to start the inning. It's a situation that could concievably have occured and baseball is still what will decide the game.
So I don't have too much of a problem with it in the Olympics, other then the fact that you can set your lineup however you want.
The fact that this is the last year baseball will be in the Olympics, however, really makes the whole point fairly moot. It is how it is. Not really worth getting too upset over.
No one told the announcers that, however, as the color man got very upset about how this system works. When attempting to explain how clearly wrong it was, he said...
Um, other then this statement not really making any sense (This is how what goes down exactly? The Cubs winning the World Series, losing the World Series, kept from the World Series, to get to the World Series? I'm really not following you here), the Cubs aren't in the Olympics and this system really has absolutely nothing to do with them. At all. Did you just want to point out it's been a hundred years since we've won the World Series? Because we're aware. Thank you.
At any rate, the play by play guy called him out on it and reminded him that this system has nothing to do with Major League Baseball.
So, at least there's that.
Go Cubs.
Meanwhile, the Brewers have fallen to a full 6 games back (although very soon it might be back to 5 and a half as the Astros are getting beat by them again.)
It definitely is time to invest fully in this Cubs team if you haven't already.
Anyway, I'm watching Japan vs USA in Olympic Baseball and I want to comment on a few things happening in Beijing.
The game was scoreless through 10 innings, and in Olympic Baseball rules when it gets to the 11th inning, you start with runners at 1st and 2nd and nobody out and can start your lineup wherever you want.
Obviously I have some problems with this, mainly the idea that you can start your lineup wherever you want. Your lineup is where it is, that shouldn't change. I actually don't have as much of a problem with the runners on 1st and 2nd.
Now, this doesn't mean that I want the same thing to happen in MLB (either regular season or playoffs), but you've got a time constraint happening here at the Olympics.
At least this is still the game of baseball. It's a situation (minus the setting your lineup however you like) that could have conceivably occurred in the next inning. Unlike in playoff soccer or regular season hockey when games are decided by shoot-outs, or even in football when it's sudden death often times denying the other team a chance to try and match the team that gets the ball first because of the flip of a coin.
Again, there is no time constraint in regular baseball, so this isn't something that MLB should ever consider for regular season or playoffs, but it actually wouldn't be that bad in the All Star Game.
This season we saw a 15 inning game that might have seen Mets 3rd Baseman David Wright in to pitch in the 16th if it had reached that point. That's a little ridiculous for what is essentially an exhibition game. It would be one thing if the managers weren't trying to get everyone into the game before the end of the 9th the way that they always do. That really limits your ability to manage in extra innings. If, however, you started the, let's say 12th inning, with the first two batters up on 1st and 2nd, and whoever was due up 3rd would be up just as if the first two batters got on to start the inning. It's a situation that could concievably have occured and baseball is still what will decide the game.
So I don't have too much of a problem with it in the Olympics, other then the fact that you can set your lineup however you want.
The fact that this is the last year baseball will be in the Olympics, however, really makes the whole point fairly moot. It is how it is. Not really worth getting too upset over.
No one told the announcers that, however, as the color man got very upset about how this system works. When attempting to explain how clearly wrong it was, he said...
"Imagine if you have the Cubs, who haven't won the World Series in a century, and this is how it goes down."
Um, other then this statement not really making any sense (This is how what goes down exactly? The Cubs winning the World Series, losing the World Series, kept from the World Series, to get to the World Series? I'm really not following you here), the Cubs aren't in the Olympics and this system really has absolutely nothing to do with them. At all. Did you just want to point out it's been a hundred years since we've won the World Series? Because we're aware. Thank you.
At any rate, the play by play guy called him out on it and reminded him that this system has nothing to do with Major League Baseball.
So, at least there's that.
Go Cubs.
Friday, August 8, 2008
8-8-88 or Opening Night
20 years ago today, Wrigley Field got Lights
On 8-8-88 or more commonly known as Opening Night
No more would there be games called due to dark
Now only when Berkman is scared of Thunder's bark
An All-Star game and even the playoffs can now occur
But for today let's remember the feelings that were stirred
When the 91 year old man said "Let there be Light"
And even though the game didn't finish, I'll always remember...
Opening Night
Congrats Wrigley!
On 8-8-88 or more commonly known as Opening Night
No more would there be games called due to dark
Now only when Berkman is scared of Thunder's bark
An All-Star game and even the playoffs can now occur
But for today let's remember the feelings that were stirred
When the 91 year old man said "Let there be Light"
And even though the game didn't finish, I'll always remember...
Opening Night
Congrats Wrigley!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 20
Full count on Geo, Cubs down to their last strike... and he struck out.
Cubs lose.
Oh well, Cubs win the series and I artificially upped my post count.
St Louis lost, but the Brewers won, moving them into second 4 games behind the 1st place Cubbies.
Cubs lose.
Oh well, Cubs win the series and I artificially upped my post count.
St Louis lost, but the Brewers won, moving them into second 4 games behind the 1st place Cubbies.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 19
Well, the fans in the corner thought it was a fair ball.
But the Cubs are down to their last two outs. A Ram is up after D Lee flied out. Cubs down by 5 and need a big inning here in the 9th.
A Ram strikes out. Geo steps up as the Cubs last hope.
But the Cubs are down to their last two outs. A Ram is up after D Lee flied out. Cubs down by 5 and need a big inning here in the 9th.
A Ram strikes out. Geo steps up as the Cubs last hope.
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