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.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
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.
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 18
Homerun number 7 by the Reds. Unbelievable. Not a good day at Wrigley. 12-7
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 17
We can't keep wasting the extra chances that they give us. Headed to the ninth, still down 11-7. Come on Cubbies.
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 16
If you're watching the Cubs game on WGN today and don't have MLBtv and therefore didn't watch yesterday's game, the reason they said that the lady spelled Bob Brenly right is because a fan had a shirt that said "Bob Brenley Fan Club" and Brenly was spelled wrong.
And now you know the rest of the story.
Lead off man (Fontenot) on via the error, but Ward is out one on a fly ball.
And now you know the rest of the story.
Lead off man (Fontenot) on via the error, but Ward is out one on a fly ball.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 15
Hey! A three up three down inning and 6 straight retired by Gaudin! All right Cubbies, let's get some runs!
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 14
Yeah, I skipped 13 cause it's bad luck, so what. Baseball players are superstitious and so am I.
Apparently it didn't matter though as the Cubs leave 2 on base in the 7th, still down by 4.
Apparently it didn't matter though as the Cubs leave 2 on base in the 7th, still down by 4.
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 12
Good, no interview. I really hate that part most of the time.
They should have ended with Let's Get Some Runs though cause we really need some.
They should have ended with Let's Get Some Runs though cause we really need some.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 11
The little girls from American Girls theater are singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame. While this version is probably the best sounding ever at Wrigley, I'm really not looking forward to them being interviewed in the booth in the bottom half of the inning. And I thought yesterday with the Juicy Fruit car driver was bad.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 9
Chad Gaudin (pronounced Go-Dan) the third Nawlins connection on the team joining The Riot and Fontenot. Let's see how the less heralded part of the Harden deal does today.
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 8
I guess it was too much to ask to have him screw it up again.
One run in on the double play though and the Cubs are only down by 3 now in the 6th inning.
One run in on the double play though and the Cubs are only down by 3 now in the 6th inning.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 7
We needed that. An error on what should have been a double play ball.
Instead of one on and two out, one run in, two on, and no one out.
Instead of one on and two out, one run in, two on, and no one out.
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 6
Gaudin is warming up, should get a chance to make his Cubs debut.
Maybe now that Arroyo is out we can do to the Red bullpen what they did to ours. DeRo starts it out with a hit.
Meanwhile, the WGN viewing audience thinks the White Sox are the best team we've faced so far this season. 45% of them do anyway.
43% think the Rays are the best. I bet White Sox fans are watching and artificially inflated their own numbers. The Rays are clearly way better then the White Sox this year.
Maybe now that Arroyo is out we can do to the Red bullpen what they did to ours. DeRo starts it out with a hit.
Meanwhile, the WGN viewing audience thinks the White Sox are the best team we've faced so far this season. 45% of them do anyway.
43% think the Rays are the best. I bet White Sox fans are watching and artificially inflated their own numbers. The Rays are clearly way better then the White Sox this year.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 5
This is just horrible.
We're supposed to be taking advantage of the wind blowing out, not the Reds.
We're supposed to be taking advantage of the wind blowing out, not the Reds.
Live Blogging the Cubs Game Part 4
There goes that plan. The game is now official and the rain isn't falling any harder. I guess we'll just have to come back and win it the old fashioned way. A Jim Edmonds homer there would have gone a long way towards that happening.
Cubs Game Live Blogging Part 3
Maybe the rain will cause them to call it, then we can start all over.
Michael Worst
I can't believe that the Cubs haven't dropped him yet.
When Lilly got into trouble early today I thought it was Jon Leiber time, but no, Lou had to go with Wurtz who promptly gives up four runs to turn a close game into a blowout.
Now we have to try and come back.
When Lilly got into trouble early today I thought it was Jon Leiber time, but no, Lou had to go with Wurtz who promptly gives up four runs to turn a close game into a blowout.
Now we have to try and come back.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Rich Harden Is A Cub
Although I'd be surprised if the Cubs are done dealing. They might add a little bit more to the mix as they are clearly looking to end the hundred year drought.
Regardless, this is a good move.
The Cubs staff already has two All Star starting pitchers, as well as Ted Lilly who seems to be back to his usual dominant self. Adding Harden adds a season changer type talent to the front end of the rotation as well as turning one of baseball's deepest staffs into baseball's deepest staff.
The naysayers will argue that Harden has a greater potential then most to get injured, but Sheets (the ace of the Brewers) has an even greater chance to get injured. If Harden gets hurt, the Cubs are still in good shape rotation wise, if Sheets gets hurt, the Brewers only have one strong starter. If Harden stays healthy, no one can match up with the Cubs three or four starters deep, even if Sheets stays healthy.
Add to that the fact that the Cubs didn't really lose much that would have helped them this year. Gallager (the only player traded that had contributed this season) had just lost his starting job to Sean Marshall.
In short, the potential of what they gained far outweighs any possible negitives.
Regardless, this is a good move.
The Cubs staff already has two All Star starting pitchers, as well as Ted Lilly who seems to be back to his usual dominant self. Adding Harden adds a season changer type talent to the front end of the rotation as well as turning one of baseball's deepest staffs into baseball's deepest staff.
The naysayers will argue that Harden has a greater potential then most to get injured, but Sheets (the ace of the Brewers) has an even greater chance to get injured. If Harden gets hurt, the Cubs are still in good shape rotation wise, if Sheets gets hurt, the Brewers only have one strong starter. If Harden stays healthy, no one can match up with the Cubs three or four starters deep, even if Sheets stays healthy.
Add to that the fact that the Cubs didn't really lose much that would have helped them this year. Gallager (the only player traded that had contributed this season) had just lost his starting job to Sean Marshall.
In short, the potential of what they gained far outweighs any possible negitives.
Monday, July 7, 2008
C.C. to the Brewers, Now it's the Cubs move
Sure, this weekend saw us win two out of three against the hated Cards on the road. It saw a franchise record 7 Cubs named to the All Star game, including 3 starters. It saw the return of Ace Carlos Zambrano who shut down the Cards completely.
And yet the big news of the weekend is negative.
C.C. Sabathia, reigning AL Cy Young winner, just got traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for a double A outfielder, not even considered one of the top three prospects in the Brewer orginization.
Surely we could have offered more then that.
Jim Hendry now has to answer this move.
Sheets/Sabathia is a better one two punch then either Zambrano/Lilly or Zambrano/Dempster.
Sure, our rotation after the first two is better, but we need one more front line starter to solidify our spot as the favorite in the National League.
The favorite appears to be Rich Harden from the A's, but Tim Hudson of the Braves is a name that has surfaced recently as a possibility.
Other then the names mentioned in a previous post, the Cubs could also look at Vincent Padilla or Kevin Millwood of the Texas Rangers, although the Rangers have a chance at a respectable finish, which they probably need in order to win back fans, and therefore, despite little possibility of making the playoffs, the top two pitchers in the Rangers rotation probably won't be tradeable.
The recent strong couple of starts by Sean Marshall give the Cubs a little bit of leeway on making the move. They can probably afford to be a little more patient then normal in looking for that last arm to add to the front end of the rotation.
But the Brewers move probably means a Cubs move will be made sooner rather then later.
And yet the big news of the weekend is negative.
C.C. Sabathia, reigning AL Cy Young winner, just got traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for a double A outfielder, not even considered one of the top three prospects in the Brewer orginization.
Surely we could have offered more then that.
Jim Hendry now has to answer this move.
Sheets/Sabathia is a better one two punch then either Zambrano/Lilly or Zambrano/Dempster.
Sure, our rotation after the first two is better, but we need one more front line starter to solidify our spot as the favorite in the National League.
The favorite appears to be Rich Harden from the A's, but Tim Hudson of the Braves is a name that has surfaced recently as a possibility.
Other then the names mentioned in a previous post, the Cubs could also look at Vincent Padilla or Kevin Millwood of the Texas Rangers, although the Rangers have a chance at a respectable finish, which they probably need in order to win back fans, and therefore, despite little possibility of making the playoffs, the top two pitchers in the Rangers rotation probably won't be tradeable.
The recent strong couple of starts by Sean Marshall give the Cubs a little bit of leeway on making the move. They can probably afford to be a little more patient then normal in looking for that last arm to add to the front end of the rotation.
But the Brewers move probably means a Cubs move will be made sooner rather then later.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Troubling Week, but Relief Ahead
Sure the Cubs have been struggling, but despite that, they remain the best team in the National League and only a game and a half behind the Rays for the best record in baseball.
Carlos Zambrano is poised to return from the DL and start on Friday.
Reed Johnson is going to be back on Thursday.
And biggest of all, Alfonso Soriano took fielding practice yesterday, and might be back in time for (or possibly before) the All Star game!
Add to that the fact that it is common knowledge that the Cubbies will be adding a front line starter through a trade, and there is nothing to worry about.
This little streak of losses will be but a blip and barely be remembered when the Championship parade rolls through Chicago.
Don't worry, I'll be there to get pictures and video of this wonderous event!
Carlos Zambrano is poised to return from the DL and start on Friday.
Reed Johnson is going to be back on Thursday.
And biggest of all, Alfonso Soriano took fielding practice yesterday, and might be back in time for (or possibly before) the All Star game!
Add to that the fact that it is common knowledge that the Cubbies will be adding a front line starter through a trade, and there is nothing to worry about.
This little streak of losses will be but a blip and barely be remembered when the Championship parade rolls through Chicago.
Don't worry, I'll be there to get pictures and video of this wonderous event!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Cub Trade Possibilities
We're nearly in July, which holds the time of the Baseball Season known as "The Trade Deadline", so let's use yesterday's off day to take a look at some of the possibilities for the Cubs to strengthen their team.
So, what do the Cubs need?
Well, the offense has been outstanding, and with the way that Jim Edmonds has been hitting lately, that left handed outfielder doesn't seem to be as dire a need. Therefore, the help the Cubs will look for is probably in pitching.
In the minors are two pitchers who might come up to help this season, the 1st round draft picks from the last couple of seasons. Andrew Cashner picked this year (out of TCU) could very well be up and helping out the back end of the rotation this season. Jeff Samardzija just recently got promoted and will probably have a chance to join the team later this season as well, also possibly in the bullpen.
What the Cubs really need is some rotation help.
Zambrano is an ace number one starter, and Dempster has been pitching lights out so far this season. Ted Lilly appears to be straightening things out and Marquis has been a servicable back end of the rotation type, but if the Cubs added another stud towards the front end of the rotation, they would instantly become World Series favorites, and it appears that Jim Hendry (the Cubs GM) knows this and is looking into the possibility of strengthening the rotation.
Here are the names being mentioned...
C.C. Sabathia-Cleveland Indians
Last season's AL Cy Young winner is coming to the end of his contract, and the Indians aren't living up to the expectations, so rumors are heating up about the Indians ace, you also hasn't been living up to expectations thus far this season, but would be at the very least an intimadating presence, and a change of scenery could be just what the big pitcher needs to reclaim his magic.
Rich Harden-Oakland A's
The A's often make big trades at deadline time and during the offseason, getting new, young talent as soon as the older, young talent starts to near free agency. Rich Harden is probably one of the best young pitchers in baseball, but has had an injury plagued career thus far, and after the last few seasons being haunted by the near greatness of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior being halted by injuries, the Cubs probably won't want to give up what it will cost to get Harden, especially since the A's are in the race in the AL West. If Harden were healthy, however, he would turn into an instant ace at the top of the rotation along with Zambrano.
Eric Bedard-Seattle Mariners
The Cubs actually tried to make a trade for Bedard (then with the O's) at the beginning of Spring Training, but it was the huge deal from the Mariners that landed him. However, the Mariners now have the worst record in baseball and are a team going no where. They have fired the manager and general manager, and admitting that trading for Bedard was a mistake is a possibility. They might try and get prospects back for him, although they won't get back nearly what they gave up especially since Bedard has struggled thus far this season for his new team. A change to the DH-less National League might be just the thing to catapult Bedard back to his dominating ways, however.
Greg Maddox or Randy Wolf-San Diego Padres
While the Mariners have dropped to the bottom of the American League despite their high hopes coming into the season, the same thing has happened to the Padres in the NL. A few seasons ago, the Cubs traded Maddox to the Padres for very little so he could have one last taste of the playoffs before retiring, now the Padres could return the favor as well as letting Maddox retire with the team that he started out with.
AJ Burnett-Toronto Blue Jays
Burnett has openly talked about wanting to play on the North Side of Chicago, and the Blue Jays have openly talked about trading him.
Gil Meche-Kansas City Royals
While the Royals would probably be interested in finding out what they could recieve for the right hander, he has a no trade clause and says that he has not been asked to waive it as of yet.
Randy Winn-San Fransisco Giants
They would probably want young arms in trade, which would put the Cubs as a likely suitor, with names like Kevin Hart, Sean Gallagher, Rich Hill, and Sean Marshall all probably available and one or two of those would most likely be involved with any of these trades, along with someone like Matt Murton, Felix Pie, Eric Patterson, or (hopefully not) Micah Hoffpauir.
One of these pitchers will probably be a Chicago Cub by July 31st, and I think Eric Bedard is the most likely, but I would love it to be Sabathia.
Cubs take on Baltimore tonight looking for another sweep at the Friendly Confines which have been even friendlier then normal so far this season (Cubs home record 32-8).
Go Cubs.
So, what do the Cubs need?
Well, the offense has been outstanding, and with the way that Jim Edmonds has been hitting lately, that left handed outfielder doesn't seem to be as dire a need. Therefore, the help the Cubs will look for is probably in pitching.
In the minors are two pitchers who might come up to help this season, the 1st round draft picks from the last couple of seasons. Andrew Cashner picked this year (out of TCU) could very well be up and helping out the back end of the rotation this season. Jeff Samardzija just recently got promoted and will probably have a chance to join the team later this season as well, also possibly in the bullpen.
What the Cubs really need is some rotation help.
Zambrano is an ace number one starter, and Dempster has been pitching lights out so far this season. Ted Lilly appears to be straightening things out and Marquis has been a servicable back end of the rotation type, but if the Cubs added another stud towards the front end of the rotation, they would instantly become World Series favorites, and it appears that Jim Hendry (the Cubs GM) knows this and is looking into the possibility of strengthening the rotation.
Here are the names being mentioned...
C.C. Sabathia-Cleveland Indians
Last season's AL Cy Young winner is coming to the end of his contract, and the Indians aren't living up to the expectations, so rumors are heating up about the Indians ace, you also hasn't been living up to expectations thus far this season, but would be at the very least an intimadating presence, and a change of scenery could be just what the big pitcher needs to reclaim his magic.
Rich Harden-Oakland A's
The A's often make big trades at deadline time and during the offseason, getting new, young talent as soon as the older, young talent starts to near free agency. Rich Harden is probably one of the best young pitchers in baseball, but has had an injury plagued career thus far, and after the last few seasons being haunted by the near greatness of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior being halted by injuries, the Cubs probably won't want to give up what it will cost to get Harden, especially since the A's are in the race in the AL West. If Harden were healthy, however, he would turn into an instant ace at the top of the rotation along with Zambrano.
Eric Bedard-Seattle Mariners
The Cubs actually tried to make a trade for Bedard (then with the O's) at the beginning of Spring Training, but it was the huge deal from the Mariners that landed him. However, the Mariners now have the worst record in baseball and are a team going no where. They have fired the manager and general manager, and admitting that trading for Bedard was a mistake is a possibility. They might try and get prospects back for him, although they won't get back nearly what they gave up especially since Bedard has struggled thus far this season for his new team. A change to the DH-less National League might be just the thing to catapult Bedard back to his dominating ways, however.
Greg Maddox or Randy Wolf-San Diego Padres
While the Mariners have dropped to the bottom of the American League despite their high hopes coming into the season, the same thing has happened to the Padres in the NL. A few seasons ago, the Cubs traded Maddox to the Padres for very little so he could have one last taste of the playoffs before retiring, now the Padres could return the favor as well as letting Maddox retire with the team that he started out with.
AJ Burnett-Toronto Blue Jays
Burnett has openly talked about wanting to play on the North Side of Chicago, and the Blue Jays have openly talked about trading him.
Gil Meche-Kansas City Royals
While the Royals would probably be interested in finding out what they could recieve for the right hander, he has a no trade clause and says that he has not been asked to waive it as of yet.
Randy Winn-San Fransisco Giants
They would probably want young arms in trade, which would put the Cubs as a likely suitor, with names like Kevin Hart, Sean Gallagher, Rich Hill, and Sean Marshall all probably available and one or two of those would most likely be involved with any of these trades, along with someone like Matt Murton, Felix Pie, Eric Patterson, or (hopefully not) Micah Hoffpauir.
One of these pitchers will probably be a Chicago Cub by July 31st, and I think Eric Bedard is the most likely, but I would love it to be Sabathia.
Cubs take on Baltimore tonight looking for another sweep at the Friendly Confines which have been even friendlier then normal so far this season (Cubs home record 32-8).
Go Cubs.
Monday, June 23, 2008
I'm Back and So are the Cubs
After being out of town all last week and unable to watch any baseball, the Cubs suffered their first three game losing streak of the season (as well as the first time that they've been swept) but I returned in time for the Cubs to rebound by sweeping the in city rival White Sox. Awesome.
Despite their first three game losing streak (and first time being swept) the Cubs still have the best record in baseball.
The opposite of best is of course worst, and FOX Saturday baseball is apparently hoping to challenge the horrendous Jon Miller/Joe Morgan team with some ridiculous commentary from Thom Brennamen/Tim McCarver.
Thanks to astute reader Daddy Cleaver for this quote and analysis (Fire Joe Morgan style of course) from Saturday's Red Sox/Cardinal game.
Outstanding stuff. Thank you Daddy Cleaver. I would add that perhaps Larue is a man so consumed by greed that he endangers his life and the lives of his loved ones in order to better his financial status.
As the season continues and the ridiculous quotes continue to pile up, we will have a contest to try and decide what the dumbest thing said while broadcasting a professional baseball game was all season. Won't that be fun?
Not to be outdone by McCarver, of course, Joe Morgan during last nights Cubs/White Sox game did say in the first inning that Ozzie probably told Vazquez (the South Side's pitcher) not to just lay one up there for D Lee because you didn't want to go down 4-0 so early. The interesting thing about that? There were only two men on in a scoreless game. I mean, I know that D Lee's awesome and all, but not even he can hit a grand slam with only two men on. Although how B A (and I don't mean Brad Ausmus there, but being a family friendly site, I shortened what I meant to only the initials) would it be if he could.
Anyway, keep watching (baseball in general, but McCarver and Morgan if you can stomach them) and keep track of more INTERESTING COMMENTARY!!!
And Go Cubs!
Despite their first three game losing streak (and first time being swept) the Cubs still have the best record in baseball.
The opposite of best is of course worst, and FOX Saturday baseball is apparently hoping to challenge the horrendous Jon Miller/Joe Morgan team with some ridiculous commentary from Thom Brennamen/Tim McCarver.
Thanks to astute reader Daddy Cleaver for this quote and analysis (Fire Joe Morgan style of course) from Saturday's Red Sox/Cardinal game.
Brennamen: Jason Larue is the closest thing to a cowboy in the major leagues today. I'm not talking about cowboy up. He is from West Texas.
McCarver: No Country For Old Men in West Texas.
Brennamen: Indeed.
What the hell? That's all it takes to be a cowboy? Buddy Holly was from west Texas. I doubt he was ever called a cowboy. Anyway, what does No Country For Old Men have to do with it? What does that even mean? Is Jason Larue a cold blooded killer? A sheriff weighed down by his responsibility in these modern times? A gunned-down drug dealer left to the lobos?
Outstanding stuff. Thank you Daddy Cleaver. I would add that perhaps Larue is a man so consumed by greed that he endangers his life and the lives of his loved ones in order to better his financial status.
As the season continues and the ridiculous quotes continue to pile up, we will have a contest to try and decide what the dumbest thing said while broadcasting a professional baseball game was all season. Won't that be fun?
Not to be outdone by McCarver, of course, Joe Morgan during last nights Cubs/White Sox game did say in the first inning that Ozzie probably told Vazquez (the South Side's pitcher) not to just lay one up there for D Lee because you didn't want to go down 4-0 so early. The interesting thing about that? There were only two men on in a scoreless game. I mean, I know that D Lee's awesome and all, but not even he can hit a grand slam with only two men on. Although how B A (and I don't mean Brad Ausmus there, but being a family friendly site, I shortened what I meant to only the initials) would it be if he could.
Anyway, keep watching (baseball in general, but McCarver and Morgan if you can stomach them) and keep track of more INTERESTING COMMENTARY!!!
And Go Cubs!
Friday, June 13, 2008
No Soriano For Some Time
Thankfully, we have Jim Edmonds.
I figure that after yesterday, all Cub fans are finally on board with the Edmonds signing.
Sure, it could be said that the Braves lost the game yesterday more then the Cubs won it, but our Cubbies put the Braves in position to blow it in extras thanks to Jimmy Edmonds.
The Cubs are certainly a better team with Soriano's bat in the lineup then they are without him, but they can survive due to their depth and still win a lot of ballgames.
The Cardinals without Pujols, on the other hand, are going to struggle. They don't have another hitter even close to his calliber, whereas the Cubs still have D Lee and Aramis Ramirez, and Edmonds is starting to hit like he used to back when he was protection for Pujols.
Even with the big loss of Soriano for approx. 6 weeks, my optomism is high.
This is the year, people.
I feel it more now then ever.
I haven't rooted for a team this good and this dominant since the 1985 Bears.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!
I figure that after yesterday, all Cub fans are finally on board with the Edmonds signing.
Sure, it could be said that the Braves lost the game yesterday more then the Cubs won it, but our Cubbies put the Braves in position to blow it in extras thanks to Jimmy Edmonds.
The Cubs are certainly a better team with Soriano's bat in the lineup then they are without him, but they can survive due to their depth and still win a lot of ballgames.
The Cardinals without Pujols, on the other hand, are going to struggle. They don't have another hitter even close to his calliber, whereas the Cubs still have D Lee and Aramis Ramirez, and Edmonds is starting to hit like he used to back when he was protection for Pujols.
Even with the big loss of Soriano for approx. 6 weeks, my optomism is high.
This is the year, people.
I feel it more now then ever.
I haven't rooted for a team this good and this dominant since the 1985 Bears.
GO CUBBIES!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
Baseball Needs Replay, ESPN Needs Better Commentators
The Cubs lost Friday and Saturday's games against the Dodgers in part due to horrendous officiating. Well, Saturday wasn't as bad as Friday, but still, we have the means to make these calls correct and we should be using them.
Kosuke was safe by over a foot on Friday night in a play that had it been called correctly would have tied the game. Instead, Darryl Cousins clearly just wasn't paying attention to the play and got the call wrong. There is no other explanation for missing this play, because Kosuke was already past the bag before the ball got there.
The bad call resulted in a huge shift of momentum for the Dodgers.
Saturday, Jeff Kent should have been called out at first, but I'll give you that it was only when we saw it in super slow motion that the correct call became clear.
But since we can do that (look at the plays and make sure they're correct), and do it quickly, shouldn't we?
Yesterday, thankfully, the Cubs regained their spot as BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL and kept the streak alive as the only team in baseball this season not to have lost more then two games in a row.
However, the game was damn near unwatchable thanks to Jon Miller and Joe Morgan.
The worst part was the top of the eighth inning when Joe Morgan asked Jon Miller a "trivia question".
Now, to me, the term "trivia question" signifies that it will be a question that has a verifiable fact for an answer.
Well, judge for yourselves. Here was Joe Morgan's trivia question.
"Who hit hardest line drives consistently throughout their career?"
Is this a question with a verifiable answer? Or is this a question that 20 different people could conceivably come up with 20 different defendable answers?
I'm going with the second part. Jon Miller called him out on it a little bit, but Joe Morgan wouldn't budge and rather then fight the good fight, Jon Miller just decided to agree with him.
I demand better commentators if you're going to be the Leader in Sports ESPN.
Kosuke was safe by over a foot on Friday night in a play that had it been called correctly would have tied the game. Instead, Darryl Cousins clearly just wasn't paying attention to the play and got the call wrong. There is no other explanation for missing this play, because Kosuke was already past the bag before the ball got there.
The bad call resulted in a huge shift of momentum for the Dodgers.
Saturday, Jeff Kent should have been called out at first, but I'll give you that it was only when we saw it in super slow motion that the correct call became clear.
But since we can do that (look at the plays and make sure they're correct), and do it quickly, shouldn't we?
Yesterday, thankfully, the Cubs regained their spot as BEST TEAM IN BASEBALL and kept the streak alive as the only team in baseball this season not to have lost more then two games in a row.
However, the game was damn near unwatchable thanks to Jon Miller and Joe Morgan.
The worst part was the top of the eighth inning when Joe Morgan asked Jon Miller a "trivia question".
Now, to me, the term "trivia question" signifies that it will be a question that has a verifiable fact for an answer.
Well, judge for yourselves. Here was Joe Morgan's trivia question.
"Who hit hardest line drives consistently throughout their career?"
Is this a question with a verifiable answer? Or is this a question that 20 different people could conceivably come up with 20 different defendable answers?
I'm going with the second part. Jon Miller called him out on it a little bit, but Joe Morgan wouldn't budge and rather then fight the good fight, Jon Miller just decided to agree with him.
I demand better commentators if you're going to be the Leader in Sports ESPN.
Friday, June 6, 2008
A Combination of My Two Favorite Sports Teams Can Only Mean One Thing: Good Times Ahead!
For those of you who don't know me, I graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BS (bachelor of science, not what you were thinking) in Radio-TV-Film from TCU, and as you could probably tell from an earlier post, I'm almost as big a fan of TCU athletics as I am of my precious Chicago Cubs, so yesterday's events were hugely exciting for me.
I didn't think that there was any chance that TCU's superstar closer would last until the 19th pick, and was hoping that he would make it to 11 when the Texas Rangers picked, but when Justin Smoak (1B from S.Carolina) was amazingly still on the board, the Rangers made the consensus best pick of the first round, and I began to hope that possibly, Cashman would hang around for the Cubbies, and he did.
ESPN projects that the junior could join the Cubbies bullpen by the end of this year, which added to Marmol and Wood (and to a lesser extent Howry and Eyre) would make a strength for the Cubbies even stronger and almost unhittable!
The second that the TCU pitcher does make the big league club I can guarentee you that I will be getting his jersey!
After the old school Maddox performance helped to stop the Cubs winning streak at 9 (despite a hell of a game from Ted Lilly) the Cubs started a new one yesterday, although it got a little scary. The Cubs opened a 4-0 lead, but it became a tie game going into the 9th. In a battle of former Japenese superstars, Saito (on his bobble head night) gave up the go ahead run on a single to Fukudome (who had also homered in the game) and despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth, K Dub got his NL leading 17th save as the Cubbies won 5-4 to take the first game of the four game series in LA against the Dodgers and go to 3-1 on the road trip so far (and 10-1 in the last 11, go Cubs.)
"With the 19th pick in the first round of the First Year Player's Draft of Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs select Andrew Cashner, right handed pitcher, Texas Christian."
-Bud Selig
I didn't think that there was any chance that TCU's superstar closer would last until the 19th pick, and was hoping that he would make it to 11 when the Texas Rangers picked, but when Justin Smoak (1B from S.Carolina) was amazingly still on the board, the Rangers made the consensus best pick of the first round, and I began to hope that possibly, Cashman would hang around for the Cubbies, and he did.
ESPN projects that the junior could join the Cubbies bullpen by the end of this year, which added to Marmol and Wood (and to a lesser extent Howry and Eyre) would make a strength for the Cubbies even stronger and almost unhittable!
The second that the TCU pitcher does make the big league club I can guarentee you that I will be getting his jersey!
After the old school Maddox performance helped to stop the Cubs winning streak at 9 (despite a hell of a game from Ted Lilly) the Cubs started a new one yesterday, although it got a little scary. The Cubs opened a 4-0 lead, but it became a tie game going into the 9th. In a battle of former Japenese superstars, Saito (on his bobble head night) gave up the go ahead run on a single to Fukudome (who had also homered in the game) and despite loading the bases in the bottom of the ninth, K Dub got his NL leading 17th save as the Cubbies won 5-4 to take the first game of the four game series in LA against the Dodgers and go to 3-1 on the road trip so far (and 10-1 in the last 11, go Cubs.)
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cubs Win Again, Dodgers and Rockies Fight About It
Cubs won their 9th game in a row (8th comeback in a row) last night beating the San Diego Padres 9-6 despite a poorly pitched start from Jason Marquis.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Rockies were playing each other shortly after each team was swept at the hand of the Cubs. Aparenty there was a little frustration on each team as Torrealba and Kemp got into a bit of a scuffle causing the benches of both teams to clear. How did this start? I have my theories.
Torrealba: You guys only scored one run per game against the Cubs. Your offense sucks.
Kemp: Yeah, well you guys blew a 9-1 lead against the Cubs. Your defense sucks.
Torrealba: You take that back!
Kemp: Not until you take yours back!
Then Kemp forces the baseball up into Torrealba's neck which forces Torrealba to do the same to Kemp. Kemp shoves Torrealba, Torrealba takes Kemp down. Bench's clear. Torrealba still whispering (while exhasted) "One run a game". Kemp struggling to answer, "9-1 lead".
At least that's how it happened in my head.
Go Cubbies.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers and Rockies were playing each other shortly after each team was swept at the hand of the Cubs. Aparenty there was a little frustration on each team as Torrealba and Kemp got into a bit of a scuffle causing the benches of both teams to clear. How did this start? I have my theories.
Torrealba: You guys only scored one run per game against the Cubs. Your offense sucks.
Kemp: Yeah, well you guys blew a 9-1 lead against the Cubs. Your defense sucks.
Torrealba: You take that back!
Kemp: Not until you take yours back!
Then Kemp forces the baseball up into Torrealba's neck which forces Torrealba to do the same to Kemp. Kemp shoves Torrealba, Torrealba takes Kemp down. Bench's clear. Torrealba still whispering (while exhasted) "One run a game". Kemp struggling to answer, "9-1 lead".
At least that's how it happened in my head.
Go Cubbies.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
How Bout Them Cubbies
After last night's (again a) comeback win, the Cubs have won 8 in a row for the first time since 2001.
They retain their best record in baseball.
The Cubs came into (as well as left) June 1st with the best record in baseball for the first time since 1908.
Of course we all know what else happened for the Cubs in 1908.
Towards the end of this hot streak, many Cub fans seem to be coming around on the addition of Jim Edmonds. At the start of the last home stand, many were speculating that the signing was a bust and that perhaps the Cubs should look at bringing back Kenny Lofton (who is a free agent and played a prominant role in the 2003 campaign). The last few games, however, Edmonds has found his stroke and helped the offense overcome an 8 run deficit headed into the bottom of the 6th the other day against the Colorado Rockies. (Very reminisent of the 9-0 hole the Cubs were in against the Astros in that game back in 1989 before they came back to win 10-9. You know the one, they replay during super long rain delays. Maybe this Rockies game will become the new Rain Delay Game). Now, Jim Edmonds is getting standing ovations in Wrigley Field (hey Sports Illustrated, if you use that line as a sign of the apocolypse I'd better get credit).
It's still early, but it's a good time to be a Cubs fan!
They retain their best record in baseball.
The Cubs came into (as well as left) June 1st with the best record in baseball for the first time since 1908.
Of course we all know what else happened for the Cubs in 1908.
Towards the end of this hot streak, many Cub fans seem to be coming around on the addition of Jim Edmonds. At the start of the last home stand, many were speculating that the signing was a bust and that perhaps the Cubs should look at bringing back Kenny Lofton (who is a free agent and played a prominant role in the 2003 campaign). The last few games, however, Edmonds has found his stroke and helped the offense overcome an 8 run deficit headed into the bottom of the 6th the other day against the Colorado Rockies. (Very reminisent of the 9-0 hole the Cubs were in against the Astros in that game back in 1989 before they came back to win 10-9. You know the one, they replay during super long rain delays. Maybe this Rockies game will become the new Rain Delay Game). Now, Jim Edmonds is getting standing ovations in Wrigley Field (hey Sports Illustrated, if you use that line as a sign of the apocolypse I'd better get credit).
It's still early, but it's a good time to be a Cubs fan!
Friday, May 30, 2008
College World Series
I just wanted to take a moment to complain.
TCU is the #18 team in the Country, yet they are a 3 Seed in the Stillwater regional, meaning that the selection commitee felt that there were at least 32 teams better then them. That's crap.
So despite being the 18th best team in the Nation, they have to face off against the #16 team in the nation in the first game of the Regional as an away team.
That's crap.
Hopefully, they'll win despite the slight against them.
Game one is today at 1:00pm CST.
The Cubs meanwhile are the best team in the majors!
Other great news is that an old friend of mine has a major motion picture opening today, The Strangers. Everyone go see it.
TCU is the #18 team in the Country, yet they are a 3 Seed in the Stillwater regional, meaning that the selection commitee felt that there were at least 32 teams better then them. That's crap.
So despite being the 18th best team in the Nation, they have to face off against the #16 team in the nation in the first game of the Regional as an away team.
That's crap.
Hopefully, they'll win despite the slight against them.
Game one is today at 1:00pm CST.
The Cubs meanwhile are the best team in the majors!
Other great news is that an old friend of mine has a major motion picture opening today, The Strangers. Everyone go see it.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Jon Lester steals ESPN Spotlight Meant for Berkman and Soriano
The two hottest hitters going right now (both doing things almost unheard of in baseball history), litterly no one has been as hot as these two hitters have been recently, were featured on ESPN Monday night baseball. Cubs verse Astros.
Instead, the game switched away from the close game to a 7-0 Boston beatdown of the Kansas City Royals.
Why?
Jon Lester was in the midst of a no-hitter. He got it too.
Meanwhile in Houston, Soriano and Berkman each went 0-4 in the Cubs 7-2 win to open the first Cubs/Astros series in Houston that I won't attend any games of since the opening of Minute Maid.
Oh well, you know what they say, good pitching will always beat good pitching. Congratulations to Lester on the first no hitter of the season.
Instead, the game switched away from the close game to a 7-0 Boston beatdown of the Kansas City Royals.
Why?
Jon Lester was in the midst of a no-hitter. He got it too.
Meanwhile in Houston, Soriano and Berkman each went 0-4 in the Cubs 7-2 win to open the first Cubs/Astros series in Houston that I won't attend any games of since the opening of Minute Maid.
Oh well, you know what they say, good pitching will always beat good pitching. Congratulations to Lester on the first no hitter of the season.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Interleague Play
So, in full disclosure, I will be going to the Ballpark in Arlington today for Rangers vs Astros, but just because I go to the interleague games doesn't mean that I like them.
I feel like interleague play is unnecessary and as currently constructed completely useless.
I understand the theory, you get a chance to see the players from the other league. Fans in American League cities can get a chance to see Albert Pujols, Derek Lee, and Lance Berkman (stars who have played their whole career in the NL) and fans in National League cities can get a chance to see Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and Vladimir Guerrero (you get the idea).
The only problem is, it doesn't work that way. Due to the way that the series are set up, chances are that you won't get to see any of those players at your ballpark.
The only matchups that make sense are the natural rivalry series.
Sure, Yankees/Mets, Cubs/White Sox, and Giants/A's (and to a lesser extent Rangers/Astros, Marlins/Rays, and Indians/Reds) all are great fun bragging right type games, but other matchups don't really make sense. And if you're going to have interleague, fans from those areas will demand those matchups which means you've got less of a chance to see other teams, and other teams in your division might get easier matchups that change the equality of the division's scheduales, which isn't fair.
I think that if the MLB is going to stick with interleague, then it should be more like the NFL, NHL, and NBA where it isn't something special that happens only a couple of times a season, but something that happens throughout the year so that the scheduales can be more even within each division.
Ultimately, though, I think baseball was better off when teams didn't play outside their league. Especially since National League baseball and American League baseball are different (the DH actually causes a huge shift in the way the game is played).
The only teams not joining in Interleague Play this weekend are the Cubs and Pirates who are playing each other. The Cubs have faced the Pirates in two seperate three games series so far this season and the Cubs have won all 6 games. They look to make it 9-0 starting today.
I feel like interleague play is unnecessary and as currently constructed completely useless.
I understand the theory, you get a chance to see the players from the other league. Fans in American League cities can get a chance to see Albert Pujols, Derek Lee, and Lance Berkman (stars who have played their whole career in the NL) and fans in National League cities can get a chance to see Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and Vladimir Guerrero (you get the idea).
The only problem is, it doesn't work that way. Due to the way that the series are set up, chances are that you won't get to see any of those players at your ballpark.
The only matchups that make sense are the natural rivalry series.
Sure, Yankees/Mets, Cubs/White Sox, and Giants/A's (and to a lesser extent Rangers/Astros, Marlins/Rays, and Indians/Reds) all are great fun bragging right type games, but other matchups don't really make sense. And if you're going to have interleague, fans from those areas will demand those matchups which means you've got less of a chance to see other teams, and other teams in your division might get easier matchups that change the equality of the division's scheduales, which isn't fair.
I think that if the MLB is going to stick with interleague, then it should be more like the NFL, NHL, and NBA where it isn't something special that happens only a couple of times a season, but something that happens throughout the year so that the scheduales can be more even within each division.
Ultimately, though, I think baseball was better off when teams didn't play outside their league. Especially since National League baseball and American League baseball are different (the DH actually causes a huge shift in the way the game is played).
The only teams not joining in Interleague Play this weekend are the Cubs and Pirates who are playing each other. The Cubs have faced the Pirates in two seperate three games series so far this season and the Cubs have won all 6 games. They look to make it 9-0 starting today.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
100 Years Later Welcomes Jim Edmonds to the Fold
Wow, never thought I'd say this, but Jim Edmonds is a Cub!
How many times I've seen him make unbelievable plays in the outfield to steal hits and runs away from the Cubs, how many times I've seen him hit monsterous homeruns against the Cubs, and now he'll be wearing a Cubs uniform today.
Felix Pie will be sent to Iowa (actually to Austin as the Iowa Cubs are playing the Round Rock Express currently) which is probably for the best as it will give him time to straighten out his offensive woes and hopefully allow him to become the elite player he has it in himself to be. Hopefully the demotion doesn't do any psycological damage.
I know that some people are upset with this move, saying that Edmonds is washed up, but he's been hurt early this season, and San Diego is one of the worst hitters parks in the league, so I'm sure he'll turn it around.
Besides, he's mentioned that he wants to stick it to the Cardinals for dropping him after last year, and what better place to do that then with their main rivals.
I would love for him to do to the Cardinals a little of what he always used to do to us.
Lilly appears back on the right track after winning his fourth straight decision as Soriano and Soto powered the Cubs to a big win yesterday. They go for their second straight series win (and second straight series winning three games) this afternoon with Edmonds reportedly starting.
Should be fun. Go Cubs.
How many times I've seen him make unbelievable plays in the outfield to steal hits and runs away from the Cubs, how many times I've seen him hit monsterous homeruns against the Cubs, and now he'll be wearing a Cubs uniform today.
Felix Pie will be sent to Iowa (actually to Austin as the Iowa Cubs are playing the Round Rock Express currently) which is probably for the best as it will give him time to straighten out his offensive woes and hopefully allow him to become the elite player he has it in himself to be. Hopefully the demotion doesn't do any psycological damage.
I know that some people are upset with this move, saying that Edmonds is washed up, but he's been hurt early this season, and San Diego is one of the worst hitters parks in the league, so I'm sure he'll turn it around.
Besides, he's mentioned that he wants to stick it to the Cardinals for dropping him after last year, and what better place to do that then with their main rivals.
I would love for him to do to the Cardinals a little of what he always used to do to us.
Lilly appears back on the right track after winning his fourth straight decision as Soriano and Soto powered the Cubs to a big win yesterday. They go for their second straight series win (and second straight series winning three games) this afternoon with Edmonds reportedly starting.
Should be fun. Go Cubs.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Cubbies Back On Top
Not only in the division, but in the major leagues.
Last week was certainly not one of the best for our Blue Pinstriped Heroes, but they didn't fall too far behind everyone.
After sweeping the Mets (sorry fester) the Cubs went nearly two weeks without winning another series.
They split a two game series with the Rockies, lost 2 of 3 to the Nationals, 2 of 3 to the Brewers, 2 of 3 to the Cardinals, and 2 of 3 to the Reds.
Not a good stretch by any stretch of the imagination.
Then came the Diamondbacks, the best team in baseball. This could be trouble.
Instead, the Cubs came back in all three games to sweep the majors best team (who because of the sweep lost that title to the Florida Marlins).
Then yesterday, the Cubs took care of the Padres in convincing fashion winning 12-3, which coupled with the loss of the Marlins to the Reds meant that the Cubs have ridden their current four game winning streak to the best record in the majors along with a one game lead for the Central division.
In other Cub news, Jim Edmonds, long time Cub killer from the rival Cardinals, was released by the Padres, and the rumor is that if he clears waivers he might join the Cubs as a much needed left handed bat that can play all three outfield positions.
Sure, he's older and has lost a few steps, but I think that he could be a very valuable addition off of the bench.
There were some fun bases loaded moments in baseball last night.
The Cubs held an 8-2 advantage in the 6th inning with the bases loaded, Mark DeRosa up, and two outs. With a 3-2 count, DeRosa hit a ground ball deep in the hole at third.
For those who aren't fully versed in all things baseball, when there is a 3-2 count and two outs with the bases loaded the runners take off on the pitch. If it's ball four, everyone is automatically safe at the next base. If it's strike three, the inning is over. So, the runners were off with the pitch.
San Diego's third baseman, Kevin Kouzmanoff got the ball and attempted to run to tag third before Ramirez arrived hoping to end the inning, but since the runners had left with the pitch, Ramirez beat him to the bag. At this point, Kouzmanoff tried to throw to first to get DeRosa. That probably would have worked and ended the inning if he'd have done that first, but as it was, DeRosa was probably going to beat out the throw, which caused Kouzmanoff to rush the throw which went flying past San Diego first baseman (and former Ranger) Adrian Gonzales. Both Ramirez and Fukudome came around to score as well turning what should have been an inning ending ground ball into a bases clearing infield grounder.
The Padres currently have the worst record in the majors and this just shows that when things are going poorly, it is easy for things to get worse.
The Cubs look for their fifth straight win tonight.
Last week was certainly not one of the best for our Blue Pinstriped Heroes, but they didn't fall too far behind everyone.
After sweeping the Mets (sorry fester) the Cubs went nearly two weeks without winning another series.
They split a two game series with the Rockies, lost 2 of 3 to the Nationals, 2 of 3 to the Brewers, 2 of 3 to the Cardinals, and 2 of 3 to the Reds.
Not a good stretch by any stretch of the imagination.
Then came the Diamondbacks, the best team in baseball. This could be trouble.
Instead, the Cubs came back in all three games to sweep the majors best team (who because of the sweep lost that title to the Florida Marlins).
Then yesterday, the Cubs took care of the Padres in convincing fashion winning 12-3, which coupled with the loss of the Marlins to the Reds meant that the Cubs have ridden their current four game winning streak to the best record in the majors along with a one game lead for the Central division.
In other Cub news, Jim Edmonds, long time Cub killer from the rival Cardinals, was released by the Padres, and the rumor is that if he clears waivers he might join the Cubs as a much needed left handed bat that can play all three outfield positions.
Sure, he's older and has lost a few steps, but I think that he could be a very valuable addition off of the bench.
There were some fun bases loaded moments in baseball last night.
The Cubs held an 8-2 advantage in the 6th inning with the bases loaded, Mark DeRosa up, and two outs. With a 3-2 count, DeRosa hit a ground ball deep in the hole at third.
For those who aren't fully versed in all things baseball, when there is a 3-2 count and two outs with the bases loaded the runners take off on the pitch. If it's ball four, everyone is automatically safe at the next base. If it's strike three, the inning is over. So, the runners were off with the pitch.
San Diego's third baseman, Kevin Kouzmanoff got the ball and attempted to run to tag third before Ramirez arrived hoping to end the inning, but since the runners had left with the pitch, Ramirez beat him to the bag. At this point, Kouzmanoff tried to throw to first to get DeRosa. That probably would have worked and ended the inning if he'd have done that first, but as it was, DeRosa was probably going to beat out the throw, which caused Kouzmanoff to rush the throw which went flying past San Diego first baseman (and former Ranger) Adrian Gonzales. Both Ramirez and Fukudome came around to score as well turning what should have been an inning ending ground ball into a bases clearing infield grounder.
The Padres currently have the worst record in the majors and this just shows that when things are going poorly, it is easy for things to get worse.
The Cubs look for their fifth straight win tonight.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Cubs Win Thanks To Zambrano and New Segment
Zambrano was (again) magnificent pitching 8 innings to lead the Cubs to a 3-0 lead.
Jon Leiber goes against former Ranger Edinson Volquez in today's game which is already in progress. I know, early.
But it gives us the opportunity to start a new segment here at 100 Years Later...
Great Quotes When Taken Out of Context!
Here are the results from Yesterday's games.
Enjoy today's games.
Jon Leiber goes against former Ranger Edinson Volquez in today's game which is already in progress. I know, early.
But it gives us the opportunity to start a new segment here at 100 Years Later...
Great Quotes When Taken Out of Context!
"He was alright. He got up, put his head back on, got back on the 4-wheeler, and took another lap around the ballpark."
Bob Brenly of the Cubs broadcast
Here are the results from Yesterday's games.
Enjoy today's games.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Cubs Struggles Continue, Carlos Looks To Right the Ship
Zambrano has been better then ever so far this season (and that's actually saying something). Today he will attempt to end this latest two game losing streak and hopefully put the Cubs back on winning ways.
Rich Hill (who started his last game by walking four consecutive batters) has been sent down to the minors to work on his game and tomorrow will be the first start of Jon Leiber, the last pitcher to win 20 games with the Cubs.
At the rate Big Z is going so far, he should take that title over this season.
Here are yesterday's games, including the disappointing loss by the Cubs to the Reds.
Now it's time for the Standings.....
AL EAST W L GB
Boston 21 13 -
Tampa Bay 16 15 3.5
New York 17 16 3.5
Baltimore 16 16 4.0
Toronto 16 17 4.5
AL CENTRAL W L GB
Minnisota 16 14 -
Chicago 14 16 2.0
Cleveland 14 17 2.5
Kansas City 14 17 2.5
Detroit 14 19 3.5
AL WEST W L GB
Los Angeles 21 13 -
Oakland 20 14 1.0
Seattle 14 19 6.5
Texas 13 20 7.5
NL EAST W L GB
Philidelphia 19 14 -
Florida 17 14 1.0
New York 16 14 1.5
Atlanta 15 15 2.5
Washington 14 18 4.5
NL CENTRAL W L GB
St. Louis 21 12 -
Chicago 18 14 2.5
Milwaukee 16 15 4.0
Houston 16 16 4.5
Cincinatti 13 20 8.0
Pittsburgh 12 19 8.0
NL WEST W L GB
Arizona 21 11 -
Los Angeles 18 14 3.0
San Fransisco 14 18 7.0
Colorado 12 20 9.0
San Diego 12 20 9.0
Here are today's games.
Rich Hill (who started his last game by walking four consecutive batters) has been sent down to the minors to work on his game and tomorrow will be the first start of Jon Leiber, the last pitcher to win 20 games with the Cubs.
At the rate Big Z is going so far, he should take that title over this season.
Here are yesterday's games, including the disappointing loss by the Cubs to the Reds.
Now it's time for the Standings.....
AL EAST W L GB
Boston 21 13 -
Tampa Bay 16 15 3.5
New York 17 16 3.5
Baltimore 16 16 4.0
Toronto 16 17 4.5
AL CENTRAL W L GB
Minnisota 16 14 -
Chicago 14 16 2.0
Cleveland 14 17 2.5
Kansas City 14 17 2.5
Detroit 14 19 3.5
AL WEST W L GB
Los Angeles 21 13 -
Oakland 20 14 1.0
Seattle 14 19 6.5
Texas 13 20 7.5
NL EAST W L GB
Philidelphia 19 14 -
Florida 17 14 1.0
New York 16 14 1.5
Atlanta 15 15 2.5
Washington 14 18 4.5
NL CENTRAL W L GB
St. Louis 21 12 -
Chicago 18 14 2.5
Milwaukee 16 15 4.0
Houston 16 16 4.5
Cincinatti 13 20 8.0
Pittsburgh 12 19 8.0
NL WEST W L GB
Arizona 21 11 -
Los Angeles 18 14 3.0
San Fransisco 14 18 7.0
Colorado 12 20 9.0
San Diego 12 20 9.0
Here are today's games.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Sunday Night Baseball Means Joe Stupidity, But Does It Even Matter
Cubs are on Sunday Night Baseball. That means Joe Morgan stupidity.
Early on he's already started.
Um, Joe, getting on base is equally important for everyone. What I think you're trying to say is that getting on base with your early hitters is better because the middle of the lineup is more likely to knock them in, but those guys generally will have to get on base themselves in order to be knocking those runs in, making it actually more important for the middle of the lineup to be getting on, in my opinion.
Joe, have you ever tried thinking before you talk?
No, probably not, but it doesn't really matter, because yesterday it became clear that baseball, like wrestling, is all fixed.
That's right, you read it here first.
How do I know? I was watching Cubs v Cardinals on FOX Saturday Baseball.
In the top of the fourth, it all became clear.
The score was 3-0 Cubs and Mike Fontenot was at bat.
The first pitch was outside for ball one. The little crawl at the top informed us that the pitch was 90mph, then it told us that the Cubs had homered. The score changed to 6-0, the little yellow dots for the runners at second and third disappeared. Meanwhile, the catcher was throwing ball one back to the pitcher.
The guy who spilled the beans, meanwhile was trying to fix his mistake before anyone noticed. The Cubs Homerun notification went away first, then the score changed back to 3-0. Then the little yellow dot showing someone was on second base returned, then the yellow dot showing someone on third returned. All of this in time for the next pitch.
Which Mike Fontenot hit into the right field bleachers for a three run homerun.
The Cubs Homerun notification was back, the yellow dots disappeared, and the score became 6-0.
Of course everyone who had been paying attention knew that it was going to happen.
Yes, the secret is out of the bag, baseball is fixed.
All of the sudden, everything makes more sense. The steroid controversy has been great drama, keeping the sport in the social consciousness throughout the offseason. Vince McMahn has nothing on Bud Selig.
Good thing the writers strike ended in time for baseball season to start.
Of course, the best dramatic thing (and therefore a certainty in this baseball season)?
The Cubs winning the World Series 100 years after their last one.
Mark it down, baseball is fixed, so it's already decided.
Plan the parade route.
Anyway, here are the weekends scores.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Early on he's already started.
"I think its important (getting on base) for the top of the order. Its not as important for me in the fifth and sixth place hitters but for the top of the order it is so you can score runs for your third and fourth and fifth place hitters"
Um, Joe, getting on base is equally important for everyone. What I think you're trying to say is that getting on base with your early hitters is better because the middle of the lineup is more likely to knock them in, but those guys generally will have to get on base themselves in order to be knocking those runs in, making it actually more important for the middle of the lineup to be getting on, in my opinion.
Joe, have you ever tried thinking before you talk?
No, probably not, but it doesn't really matter, because yesterday it became clear that baseball, like wrestling, is all fixed.
That's right, you read it here first.
How do I know? I was watching Cubs v Cardinals on FOX Saturday Baseball.
In the top of the fourth, it all became clear.
The score was 3-0 Cubs and Mike Fontenot was at bat.
The first pitch was outside for ball one. The little crawl at the top informed us that the pitch was 90mph, then it told us that the Cubs had homered. The score changed to 6-0, the little yellow dots for the runners at second and third disappeared. Meanwhile, the catcher was throwing ball one back to the pitcher.
The guy who spilled the beans, meanwhile was trying to fix his mistake before anyone noticed. The Cubs Homerun notification went away first, then the score changed back to 3-0. Then the little yellow dot showing someone was on second base returned, then the yellow dot showing someone on third returned. All of this in time for the next pitch.
Which Mike Fontenot hit into the right field bleachers for a three run homerun.
The Cubs Homerun notification was back, the yellow dots disappeared, and the score became 6-0.
Of course everyone who had been paying attention knew that it was going to happen.
Yes, the secret is out of the bag, baseball is fixed.
All of the sudden, everything makes more sense. The steroid controversy has been great drama, keeping the sport in the social consciousness throughout the offseason. Vince McMahn has nothing on Bud Selig.
Good thing the writers strike ended in time for baseball season to start.
Of course, the best dramatic thing (and therefore a certainty in this baseball season)?
The Cubs winning the World Series 100 years after their last one.
Mark it down, baseball is fixed, so it's already decided.
Plan the parade route.
Anyway, here are the weekends scores.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Friday, May 2, 2008
Sorry, haven't been feeling well, Cubs haven't helped
Other then game twos, Cubs haven't looked very good in the last couple of series.
But they've looked better then I've felt. I broke down and went to the Doctor yesterday, so here's hoping that I start feeling better soon (come on drugs, why won't you work? Patience, young jedi.)
Anyway, here are the links for the last three day's results.
Tuesday's games
Wednesday's games
Thursday's games
Cubs kick off a series against the rival Cardinals today, who have a half game lead on the Cubs for first place in the division. Exciting.
Here are the rest of today's games.
But they've looked better then I've felt. I broke down and went to the Doctor yesterday, so here's hoping that I start feeling better soon (come on drugs, why won't you work? Patience, young jedi.)
Anyway, here are the links for the last three day's results.
Tuesday's games
Wednesday's games
Thursday's games
Cubs kick off a series against the rival Cardinals today, who have a half game lead on the Cubs for first place in the division. Exciting.
Here are the rest of today's games.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Cubs v Brewers Take Two
Sure, the Cardinals are the team directly behind the Cubs in the standings right now, but I think that most people would agree (except for Cardinal fans who actually think that this hot start will last, poor Cardinal fans) it's going to come down to the Cubs and Brewers in the Central Division race.
That makes each of these games extra important.
Sure, it's still very early in the season, but this is turning into quite a rivalry.
Tonight in the series opener, Brewers Ace Ben Sheets faces off against Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis.
Here are yesterday's games.
And here are today's games.
That makes each of these games extra important.
Sure, it's still very early in the season, but this is turning into quite a rivalry.
Tonight in the series opener, Brewers Ace Ben Sheets faces off against Cubs pitcher Jason Marquis.
Here are yesterday's games.
And here are today's games.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Busy Sports Weekend Ends With Cubs Losing a Series to the Nationals. (Seriously?)
Definately not the team you want to lose a series to, but this is baseball and sometimes it happens. A walk off homerun (off notoriously slow starting Bob Howry) lost the Cubs the first game, Zambrano was spectacular in the second game and was backed up by the offense for a big win, but the offense should have saved some for Sunday as the Cubs were shut out in the series ender.
Despite the sad series, the Cubs remain as the second best team in all of the Majors this season (behind only the Diamondbacks) and continue to lead the NL Central.
Here are Friday's games.
Saturday's games.
Yesterday's games.
Here are today's games.
Current Standings
AL WEST W L GB
Los Angeles 16 10 -
Oakland 16 10 -
Seattle 12 14 4.0
Texas 9 17 7.0
AL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 14 10 -
Cleveland 12 13 2.5
Minnesota 11 14 3.5
Kansas City 11 14 3.5
Detroit 11 15 4.0
AL EAST W L GB
Baltimore 14 11 -
Tampa Bay 14 11 -
Boston 15 12 -
New York 13 13 1.5
Toronto 11 15 3.5
NL WEST W L GB
Arizona 18 7 -
Los Angeles 12 13 6.0
San Francisco 11 15 7.5
Colorado 10 15 8.0
San Diego 10 16 8.5
NL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 16 9 -
St. Louis 16 10 .5
Milwaukee 14 11 2.0
Houston 12 14 4.5
Cincinatti 11 15 5.5
Pittsburgh 10 15 6.0
NL EAST W L GB
Florida 15 10 -
New York 13 11 1.5
Philadelphia 14 12 1.5
Atlanta 12 13 3.0
Washington 9 17 6.5
Despite the sad series, the Cubs remain as the second best team in all of the Majors this season (behind only the Diamondbacks) and continue to lead the NL Central.
Here are Friday's games.
Saturday's games.
Yesterday's games.
Here are today's games.
Current Standings
AL WEST W L GB
Los Angeles 16 10 -
Oakland 16 10 -
Seattle 12 14 4.0
Texas 9 17 7.0
AL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 14 10 -
Cleveland 12 13 2.5
Minnesota 11 14 3.5
Kansas City 11 14 3.5
Detroit 11 15 4.0
AL EAST W L GB
Baltimore 14 11 -
Tampa Bay 14 11 -
Boston 15 12 -
New York 13 13 1.5
Toronto 11 15 3.5
NL WEST W L GB
Arizona 18 7 -
Los Angeles 12 13 6.0
San Francisco 11 15 7.5
Colorado 10 15 8.0
San Diego 10 16 8.5
NL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 16 9 -
St. Louis 16 10 .5
Milwaukee 14 11 2.0
Houston 12 14 4.5
Cincinatti 11 15 5.5
Pittsburgh 10 15 6.0
NL EAST W L GB
Florida 15 10 -
New York 13 11 1.5
Philadelphia 14 12 1.5
Atlanta 12 13 3.0
Washington 9 17 6.5
Friday, April 25, 2008
Cubs finally lose as Rockies try to blow a late lead again (but somehow still provail)
The Rockies coming into yesterday's games had lost 4 straight games that they had lead in the eighth inning. With a 2-1 lead in the 8th inning, the Cubs tied it up and it looked as if the same thing might happen again.
However, Kevin Hart couldn't keep the Rockies in place in the bottom half of the 8th and the Rockies regained the lead and this time held onto it in the 9th for a much needed win for them.
The Cubs should be able to regroup quickly, however, as they head to play at the newest stadium in the majors against the team (tied) with the worst record in the Majors, the Washington Nationals (sadly, the Rangers are right there with them).
Red Hot Ryan Dempster takes on Odalis Perez at 6:35pm CST.
Here are the rest of yesterday's games.
Here are today's games.
However, Kevin Hart couldn't keep the Rockies in place in the bottom half of the 8th and the Rockies regained the lead and this time held onto it in the 9th for a much needed win for them.
The Cubs should be able to regroup quickly, however, as they head to play at the newest stadium in the majors against the team (tied) with the worst record in the Majors, the Washington Nationals (sadly, the Rangers are right there with them).
Red Hot Ryan Dempster takes on Odalis Perez at 6:35pm CST.
Here are the rest of yesterday's games.
Here are today's games.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Loveable Losers No More. Cubs Win #10,000
How can you call a professional sports team that has won the second most games in the history of sports the "Lovable Losers"?
Answer: You can't.
The Cubs joined the Giants as the only teams in professional sports to win 10,000 games last night.
Rich Hill had his second strong start, but as he began to falter he got no help from the bullpen (or at least none from Michael Wuertz). The Rockies came into the 6th trailing 3-0, but scored 5 runs in the inning giving them a 5-3 lead late.
The Cubs got one back to make it 5-4 but that was the score headed into the ninth.
Manny Corpas, the Rockies closer had been struggling lately and after getting The Riot for out one, D Lee greeted him with a single bringing Aramis Ramirez to the plate.
At this point the color man for the Rockies said, "In a perfect world, we'll get a ground ball for a double play and we can go home happy."
I don't know what world he lives in, but I said to my tv, "No, in a perfect world, Aramis Ramirez will hit a two run shot regaining the lead for the Cubbies."
Roughly half a second later, my perfect world was realized.
That meant K Dub would be coming in to try and get the save. He had thrown three consecutive perfect innings, but after getting the first two batters to strike out, he gave up a single and then a game tying triple. He left the winning run on base when he struck out the side.
That meant the Cubs would have to go at least 10 innings in order to win number 10,000.
Rather appropriate I think.
With 2 outs in the 10th and runners at first and second, The Riot stepped up to the plate and knocked an RBI single into right field to regain the lead.
One run would be all that Carlos Marmol would need in order to shut the door in the 10th. Cubs win, Cubs win.
That win, coupled with the Dodgers defeat of the Diamondbacks also means that the Cubs now hold the Major Leagues best record at 15-6.
Here are the rest of yesterday's games.
Today, the Cubs go for their third consecutive sweep and their 7th straight win. Game time is 2:05pm CST and it is back on WGN. Jason Marquis goes for the Cubs against Aaron Cook of the Rockies.
Here are the rest of today's games.
Answer: You can't.
The Cubs joined the Giants as the only teams in professional sports to win 10,000 games last night.
Rich Hill had his second strong start, but as he began to falter he got no help from the bullpen (or at least none from Michael Wuertz). The Rockies came into the 6th trailing 3-0, but scored 5 runs in the inning giving them a 5-3 lead late.
The Cubs got one back to make it 5-4 but that was the score headed into the ninth.
Manny Corpas, the Rockies closer had been struggling lately and after getting The Riot for out one, D Lee greeted him with a single bringing Aramis Ramirez to the plate.
At this point the color man for the Rockies said, "In a perfect world, we'll get a ground ball for a double play and we can go home happy."
I don't know what world he lives in, but I said to my tv, "No, in a perfect world, Aramis Ramirez will hit a two run shot regaining the lead for the Cubbies."
Roughly half a second later, my perfect world was realized.
That meant K Dub would be coming in to try and get the save. He had thrown three consecutive perfect innings, but after getting the first two batters to strike out, he gave up a single and then a game tying triple. He left the winning run on base when he struck out the side.
That meant the Cubs would have to go at least 10 innings in order to win number 10,000.
Rather appropriate I think.
With 2 outs in the 10th and runners at first and second, The Riot stepped up to the plate and knocked an RBI single into right field to regain the lead.
One run would be all that Carlos Marmol would need in order to shut the door in the 10th. Cubs win, Cubs win.
That win, coupled with the Dodgers defeat of the Diamondbacks also means that the Cubs now hold the Major Leagues best record at 15-6.
Here are the rest of yesterday's games.
Today, the Cubs go for their third consecutive sweep and their 7th straight win. Game time is 2:05pm CST and it is back on WGN. Jason Marquis goes for the Cubs against Aaron Cook of the Rockies.
Here are the rest of today's games.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Number 9,999 very similar to Number 9,998
The Cubs won for their franchise's 9,999th time yesterday putting them one win away from 10,000 victories which only one other club can claim, the New York/San Fransisco Giants.
Despite coming into the game with a left hander who was 0-3 with an ERA over 9 this season (and a blown 7-0 lead on his resume for this year) against a team that was 8-1 while batting .300 against lefthanders so far this season, The Cubs won another game that was close early and a laugher late.
Ted Lilly finally reminded us why we loved him so much last year as he gave up only one run through 6 well pitched innings.
The Cubs (and Reed Johnson) took advantage of a bases loaded situation early in the game to build a 4-1 advantage.
In the bottom of the 8th (where the Cubs scored 5 runs in game one of this series) they loaded them up again. Ronnie Cedeno, who got the rbi hit to start the run scoring in the 8th the day before, just took care of all of them by himself yesterday hitting his first career grand slam to run the lead to 8-1 where it would finish.
The Cubs remain one game behind the Diamondbacks for the best record in the Majors, but their 14-6 start is their best through 20 games since 1975 (meaning, incidently, that this is the best the Cubs have ever started in my lifetime).
They are on a 5 game winning streak, and just completed a 7-1 homestand.
In the past 4 games the offense has come alive and the pitching has been mostly spectacular.
They have won the past four games by scores of 13-1, 13-6, 7-1, and 8-1.
Here are the rest of yesterday's games.
Today the Cubs face the reigning NL Champs. Rich Hill looks for his second consecutive strong start as he'll be facing Franklin Morales who has struggled so far pitching only 15 innings in his first 3 starts giving up 11 runs and 11 walks in those 15 innings.
For those of you mourning the in depth posts of the recent past, know that I plan to go back to that, but things are picking up at both of my jobs hindering my blogging ability for the moment, so until those posts return...
Enjoy today's games.
Despite coming into the game with a left hander who was 0-3 with an ERA over 9 this season (and a blown 7-0 lead on his resume for this year) against a team that was 8-1 while batting .300 against lefthanders so far this season, The Cubs won another game that was close early and a laugher late.
Ted Lilly finally reminded us why we loved him so much last year as he gave up only one run through 6 well pitched innings.
The Cubs (and Reed Johnson) took advantage of a bases loaded situation early in the game to build a 4-1 advantage.
In the bottom of the 8th (where the Cubs scored 5 runs in game one of this series) they loaded them up again. Ronnie Cedeno, who got the rbi hit to start the run scoring in the 8th the day before, just took care of all of them by himself yesterday hitting his first career grand slam to run the lead to 8-1 where it would finish.
The Cubs remain one game behind the Diamondbacks for the best record in the Majors, but their 14-6 start is their best through 20 games since 1975 (meaning, incidently, that this is the best the Cubs have ever started in my lifetime).
They are on a 5 game winning streak, and just completed a 7-1 homestand.
In the past 4 games the offense has come alive and the pitching has been mostly spectacular.
They have won the past four games by scores of 13-1, 13-6, 7-1, and 8-1.
Here are the rest of yesterday's games.
Today the Cubs face the reigning NL Champs. Rich Hill looks for his second consecutive strong start as he'll be facing Franklin Morales who has struggled so far pitching only 15 innings in his first 3 starts giving up 11 runs and 11 walks in those 15 innings.
For those of you mourning the in depth posts of the recent past, know that I plan to go back to that, but things are picking up at both of my jobs hindering my blogging ability for the moment, so until those posts return...
Enjoy today's games.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Cubs Take Advantage of Mistakes Late and Blow It Open
The Cubs were in a close one late with the Mets last night, holding a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth. Aramis Ramirez had hit a two run shot in the fourth for the Cubs offense and Jose Reyes hit into a double play with runners on the corners and no one out in the 6th plating the only run for the Mets. Carlos Zambrano was dominant again, and it looked like Kerry Wood would be coming in to protect the slim one run lead against the best hitters of the Mets, David Wright, Carlos Beltran, and Carlos Delgado, the 3-5 hitters, the meat of the lineup.
But first, the Cubs would have a chance to try to get some insurance with their 3-5 hitters. Derrek Lee lead off with a ground ball to Jose Reyes, but he booted it and the lead off man was on. Aramis Ramirez who had already homered in the game stepped up and got pegged in the elbow. That brought up Kosuke Fukudome. He had a five minute long, 10 pitch at bat that ended with him going the other way through the hole between short stop and third base to load the bases with no body out.
Mark DeRosa and Geo Soto (both of whom were nominated for player of the week last week) would get a chance to open up the lead a little bit.
DeRosa struck out and Soto popped out on the infield, meaning the Cubs had gone from bases loaded nobody out and two hot hitters due up to bases loaded two outs and Ronnie Cedeno up. Cedeno found out he would be starting for The Riot about five minutes before first pitch.
As bad as the inning had started for the Mets, it looked like they would get out of it.
Cedeno, however, had other plans. He had a great at bat, facing a 1-2 count, he fouled off three straight pitches before sending the seventh pitch of the at bat into center field scoring Lee and Ramirez.
With runners at first and second and 2 out, Felix Pie came up for his first at bat of the game. He had been a defensive replacement in the previous inning.
At this point, I'd like to give you a chance to read this article which was posted right before the game.
Pie was pulled from the starting lineup so that he could use the time to work on his swing.
Apparently that time worked. Pie took the 2-0 pitch into the right field bleachers for a 3 run shot and suddenly Kerry Wood was able to close out the game (3 up 3 down) with no pressure whatsoever. Cubs win 7-1 and remain one game behind the Diamondbacks for the best record in the Majors.
Here are yesterday's other games.
Today, the Cubs send struggling Ted Lilly up against Nelson Figueroa and the Mets. So far this season, the Mets have struggled against righties, but are dominating against left handed starters. Add that stat to the fact that Lilly hasn't looked good yet this season and this could be a long afternoon. The Cubs offense needs to keep up their hot hitting for the Cubs to prevail today in my opinion.
Here are the rest of today's games.
But first, the Cubs would have a chance to try to get some insurance with their 3-5 hitters. Derrek Lee lead off with a ground ball to Jose Reyes, but he booted it and the lead off man was on. Aramis Ramirez who had already homered in the game stepped up and got pegged in the elbow. That brought up Kosuke Fukudome. He had a five minute long, 10 pitch at bat that ended with him going the other way through the hole between short stop and third base to load the bases with no body out.
Mark DeRosa and Geo Soto (both of whom were nominated for player of the week last week) would get a chance to open up the lead a little bit.
DeRosa struck out and Soto popped out on the infield, meaning the Cubs had gone from bases loaded nobody out and two hot hitters due up to bases loaded two outs and Ronnie Cedeno up. Cedeno found out he would be starting for The Riot about five minutes before first pitch.
As bad as the inning had started for the Mets, it looked like they would get out of it.
Cedeno, however, had other plans. He had a great at bat, facing a 1-2 count, he fouled off three straight pitches before sending the seventh pitch of the at bat into center field scoring Lee and Ramirez.
With runners at first and second and 2 out, Felix Pie came up for his first at bat of the game. He had been a defensive replacement in the previous inning.
At this point, I'd like to give you a chance to read this article which was posted right before the game.
Pie was pulled from the starting lineup so that he could use the time to work on his swing.
Apparently that time worked. Pie took the 2-0 pitch into the right field bleachers for a 3 run shot and suddenly Kerry Wood was able to close out the game (3 up 3 down) with no pressure whatsoever. Cubs win 7-1 and remain one game behind the Diamondbacks for the best record in the Majors.
Here are yesterday's other games.
Today, the Cubs send struggling Ted Lilly up against Nelson Figueroa and the Mets. So far this season, the Mets have struggled against righties, but are dominating against left handed starters. Add that stat to the fact that Lilly hasn't looked good yet this season and this could be a long afternoon. The Cubs offense needs to keep up their hot hitting for the Cubs to prevail today in my opinion.
Here are the rest of today's games.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Cubs vs Mets Preview and MLB Standings
Now, I wasn't alive, you understand, but being a Cubs fan I do hold some resentment against the Mets for 1969. In mid August, the Cubs had a 7 and 1/2 game lead over the Mets in the newly created Eastern division, but from that point on, the Mets went an Amazing 39-11 record. The Cubs, on the other hand, wilted in September going 8-17. There was a game that season at Shea Stadium where a Mets fan let a black cat onto the field in front of the Cubs, not that I'm saying the incident was responsible, but I just wanted the reader to be aware of it.
However, this blog isn't about the past, because 100 Years Later is right now, so we celebrate the history and remind ourselves of it occasionally, but the important stuff is going on this year.
Today, John Maine faces off against Carlos Zambrano in the start of a short two game stay by the Mets at the Friendly Confines. Game time is 6:05pm CST and will be shown on ESPN, so if you can stand some Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, check it out.
Here are the Standings in Baseball after 3 weeks.
AL EAST W L GB
Boston 13 7 -
Baltimore 11 8 1.5
Toronto 10 9 2.5
New York 10 10 3.0
Tampa Bay 8 11 4.5
AL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 11 7 -
Kansas City 9 10 2.5
Minnesota 9 10 2.5
Cleveland 7 12 4.5
Detroit 6 11 5.5
AL WEST W L GB
Los Angeles 12 8 -
Oakland 12 8 -
Seattle 10 10 2.0
Texas 7 12 4.5
NL EAST W L GB
Florida 11 7 -
New York 10 7 .5
Atlanta 9 9 2.0
Philadelphia 9 10 2.5
Washington 5 14 6.5
NL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 12 6 - (2nd best record in the Major Leagues)
St. Louis 12 7 .5
Milwaukee 11 7 1.0
Cincinatti 8 11 4.5
Pittsburgh 7 11 5.0
Houston 7 12 5.5
NL WEST W L GB
Arizona 13 5 -
Colorado 9 9 4.0
San Diego 9 10 4.5
San Fran 8 11 5.5
Los Angeles 7 11 6.0
Enjoy Today's Games.
However, this blog isn't about the past, because 100 Years Later is right now, so we celebrate the history and remind ourselves of it occasionally, but the important stuff is going on this year.
Today, John Maine faces off against Carlos Zambrano in the start of a short two game stay by the Mets at the Friendly Confines. Game time is 6:05pm CST and will be shown on ESPN, so if you can stand some Jon Miller and Joe Morgan, check it out.
Here are the Standings in Baseball after 3 weeks.
AL EAST W L GB
Boston 13 7 -
Baltimore 11 8 1.5
Toronto 10 9 2.5
New York 10 10 3.0
Tampa Bay 8 11 4.5
AL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 11 7 -
Kansas City 9 10 2.5
Minnesota 9 10 2.5
Cleveland 7 12 4.5
Detroit 6 11 5.5
AL WEST W L GB
Los Angeles 12 8 -
Oakland 12 8 -
Seattle 10 10 2.0
Texas 7 12 4.5
NL EAST W L GB
Florida 11 7 -
New York 10 7 .5
Atlanta 9 9 2.0
Philadelphia 9 10 2.5
Washington 5 14 6.5
NL CENTRAL W L GB
Chicago 12 6 - (2nd best record in the Major Leagues)
St. Louis 12 7 .5
Milwaukee 11 7 1.0
Cincinatti 8 11 4.5
Pittsburgh 7 11 5.0
Houston 7 12 5.5
NL WEST W L GB
Arizona 13 5 -
Colorado 9 9 4.0
San Diego 9 10 4.5
San Fran 8 11 5.5
Los Angeles 7 11 6.0
Enjoy Today's Games.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Break Out The Brooms (Again) Cubs Sweep Bucs (Again)
The offense was out in the final two games of the second series in as many weeks against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs got wins from Rich HIll (in the first game) and Jason Marquis (in the second) for their first wins of the season. Dempster continued his strong start to the season with his third win (of course it's his second against Pittsburgh, so you should probably take that into account) in the third game.
The Cubs scored 13 in each of the last two games (13-1 on Sat, 13-6 on Sun) and won a close one to start the series off right (3-2).
With the win today along with losses by the Cardinals and Brewers means that the Cubs have taken their rightful place at the top of the Central Division (look for the standings tomorrow).
Friday's Games.
Saturday's Games.
Today's Games.
LWIB
Milestones near for two big league batters.
Manny being Manny is now 4 homeruns away from 500 and Junior is 4 homeruns away from 600.
Manny Ramirez and Ken Griffey Jr look to reach milestones soon and continue what has a trend last season (Big Hurt hit his 500th as did Jim Thome, Sammy hit his 600th, and Tom Glavine got his 300th win, also there was a rumor about someone passing Hank Aaron for most homeruns ever, but I'm not sure that it actually occured. Surely if it did, some stadium would have momentos representing that event right? Like the stadium where the player that acheived it played, right?)
Speaking of the Big Hurt, the Toronto Blue Jays released him a day after telling him that his playing time would be greatly reduced, eliciting a bit of a complaint from the future hall of famer.
These will definately be interesting stories to follow. I think that Frank Thomas still has a lot to offer (most likely as a DH in the AL, but if he'd accept it, he'd be a hell of a player off of the bench for anybody). This week should also get us a little closer to milestones and if either player gets really hot, one of them could reach a milestone this week.
Tomorrow the Cubs take on the Mets.
The Cubs scored 13 in each of the last two games (13-1 on Sat, 13-6 on Sun) and won a close one to start the series off right (3-2).
With the win today along with losses by the Cardinals and Brewers means that the Cubs have taken their rightful place at the top of the Central Division (look for the standings tomorrow).
Friday's Games.
Saturday's Games.
Today's Games.
LWIB
Milestones near for two big league batters.
Manny being Manny is now 4 homeruns away from 500 and Junior is 4 homeruns away from 600.
Manny Ramirez and Ken Griffey Jr look to reach milestones soon and continue what has a trend last season (Big Hurt hit his 500th as did Jim Thome, Sammy hit his 600th, and Tom Glavine got his 300th win, also there was a rumor about someone passing Hank Aaron for most homeruns ever, but I'm not sure that it actually occured. Surely if it did, some stadium would have momentos representing that event right? Like the stadium where the player that acheived it played, right?)
Speaking of the Big Hurt, the Toronto Blue Jays released him a day after telling him that his playing time would be greatly reduced, eliciting a bit of a complaint from the future hall of famer.
These will definately be interesting stories to follow. I think that Frank Thomas still has a lot to offer (most likely as a DH in the AL, but if he'd accept it, he'd be a hell of a player off of the bench for anybody). This week should also get us a little closer to milestones and if either player gets really hot, one of them could reach a milestone this week.
Tomorrow the Cubs take on the Mets.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Cubs Offense Disappears While Reds Discover Theirs
Well, for every 12-3 win, you can fall 9-2. Wish we could have saved some runs from Wednesday for Thursday.
Still, the Cubs won the series, which is important.
Ted Lilly finally got out of the fifth inning, but he still didn't look that great doing it and lost again.
This just in, the Colorado vs San Diego game finally ended as well.
22 innings later.
COL 2 SD 1 F 22
Other games from yesterday...
HOU 2 PHI 10 F
MIL 5 STL 3 F
CWS 5 BAL 6 F 10
DET 1 CLE 11 F
BOS 7 NYY 5 F
TEX 4 TOR 1 F
WSH 2 NYM 3 F 14
ATL 8 FLA 0 F
TB 7 MIN 3 F
KC 3 LAA 5 F
SEA 8 OAK 1 F
Rich Hill goes for the Cubs today against the Bucs and Ian Snell. Hill hopes to get on the right track himself, hopefully he'll do better then Lilly did yesterday.
Here are the rest of today's games.
Still, the Cubs won the series, which is important.
Ted Lilly finally got out of the fifth inning, but he still didn't look that great doing it and lost again.
This just in, the Colorado vs San Diego game finally ended as well.
22 innings later.
COL 2 SD 1 F 22
Other games from yesterday...
HOU 2 PHI 10 F
MIL 5 STL 3 F
CWS 5 BAL 6 F 10
DET 1 CLE 11 F
BOS 7 NYY 5 F
TEX 4 TOR 1 F
WSH 2 NYM 3 F 14
ATL 8 FLA 0 F
TB 7 MIN 3 F
KC 3 LAA 5 F
SEA 8 OAK 1 F
Rich Hill goes for the Cubs today against the Bucs and Ian Snell. Hill hopes to get on the right track himself, hopefully he'll do better then Lilly did yesterday.
Here are the rest of today's games.
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