So, it turns out CSN DID air the rally, but started with Sox Highlights...ok, I could see that, but still - just bad programming. I did set a timer for it, so it did record and I was able to see the montage, kinda. CSN had a wide view of the crowd for most of it, not sure why, but hey, I'm not a director.
So I guess in the end, no harm done, but really folks - let's get out poop together next time eh? Like the World Series montage better be scheduled correctly...:)
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
SOAB...
God D@#$% did the media drop the ball on this freakin' rally. The paper says it's on CSN, WGN says it's on CLTV, CSN is showing Sox highlights...WTF????
I ended up having to watch it on CBS, which the Guide showed was playing "Young and the Restless". And what do those CBS dipsh$%s do. Let me paint you a picture -
Jim Belushi - "WGN put together a nice little montage of this season. Let's take a look..."
Cut to commercial...
Somebody better rebroadcast this thing. I am so incredibly PO'ed right now I can't even begin to complain enough. I'd write a letter of complaint - BUT I WOULDN'T KNOW WHO TO WRITE IT TO!!!!!
I ended up having to watch it on CBS, which the Guide showed was playing "Young and the Restless". And what do those CBS dipsh$%s do. Let me paint you a picture -
Jim Belushi - "WGN put together a nice little montage of this season. Let's take a look..."
Cut to commercial...
Somebody better rebroadcast this thing. I am so incredibly PO'ed right now I can't even begin to complain enough. I'd write a letter of complaint - BUT I WOULDN'T KNOW WHO TO WRITE IT TO!!!!!
Meant to post this a couple of days ago...
So...a New Yorkless postseason.
I heard ESPN already fired 100 interns. They're sending 75 reporters up to Boston, but after they get eliminated ESPN will have nothing to do...
I heard ESPN already fired 100 interns. They're sending 75 reporters up to Boston, but after they get eliminated ESPN will have nothing to do...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Umm...Lou?
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080929&content_id=3572884&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
"For people to say that this team is built for the World Series and if it doesn't win the World Series, it's not a successful year, I just don't buy that."
So, Lou's a great manager - one of the best - but yeah Lou, uou better freakin' buy it!! Yes the team's played well during the regular season. Good for them. But to say that anything less than a World Series title is a success? Um, actually NO! Are you serious??
Finish the job Lou. Don't tell the home owner that you built four whole walls, and no roof, buy hey you got walls, so what's the problem? That's pure unadulterated BullS#$. That's just damn wrong. Anything less than the World Series is failure. This is why they talk about 100 years of failure.
Interesting fact - the Cubs, as a franchise, have never been below .500 in total wins. Not once. Ever. And yet they're talking about a century of failure. Why, Lou, do you think that is? It's because we have nothing to freaking show for it!! Just an interesting little footnote in the baseball almanac, about 700 pages past the list of World Series winners.
You know what second place is? First Losers! - I wish I could remember what movie that was from. But it's all too true. We don't want to be first losers. So suck it up, realize this means something. Realize that you have failed otherwise.
"For people to say that this team is built for the World Series and if it doesn't win the World Series, it's not a successful year, I just don't buy that."
So, Lou's a great manager - one of the best - but yeah Lou, uou better freakin' buy it!! Yes the team's played well during the regular season. Good for them. But to say that anything less than a World Series title is a success? Um, actually NO! Are you serious??
Finish the job Lou. Don't tell the home owner that you built four whole walls, and no roof, buy hey you got walls, so what's the problem? That's pure unadulterated BullS#$. That's just damn wrong. Anything less than the World Series is failure. This is why they talk about 100 years of failure.
Interesting fact - the Cubs, as a franchise, have never been below .500 in total wins. Not once. Ever. And yet they're talking about a century of failure. Why, Lou, do you think that is? It's because we have nothing to freaking show for it!! Just an interesting little footnote in the baseball almanac, about 700 pages past the list of World Series winners.
You know what second place is? First Losers! - I wish I could remember what movie that was from. But it's all too true. We don't want to be first losers. So suck it up, realize this means something. Realize that you have failed otherwise.
Bracket Challenge
So, MLB.com has this bracket challenge and while I know zilcho about the AL, here are my picks -
Divisional -
Brew/Phil - Phil in 4. This is to account for 1 Sabathia game.
Cubs/Dodgers - Cubs in 3. As much as ESPN hates the Cubs and despite John Kruk's prediction that the no-no completely screwed Zambrano, I think he steps up. This is OUR series boys.
Rays/Twins or Sox - Rays in 3 - Doesn't matter who wins that crappy AL Central, they really have no place here...
BoSox/Angels - Angels in 4 This one's a tough call, but I figure BoSox can scrap one win before going away and leaving us all in peace. Beckett's injury doesn't help.
Cubs/Phil - Cubs in 6. While the Cubs have home field advantage, I don't see them beating the Phils more than once at home, so I'm banking on Dempster and Z shutting them down here, winning one on the road of the three, then winning once more at home. If it goes to game 7, I'll poop.
Angels/Rays - I think this is where the Rays fold. I've got the Angels in 5, thinking the Rays can manage one win. But mostly I think the Angels offense, pitching and closer are just too much for the Baby Rays.
World Series -
This is mostly a vanity pick. I've got the Cubs in 6. How this is all gonna play out, I have no idea, but I have to believe that this is the best Cubs team in decades and if it ain't won this year, I'm not sure how many other chances we get. So, this one is a complete flyer judging from the facts, but there ya go...
Divisional -
Brew/Phil - Phil in 4. This is to account for 1 Sabathia game.
Cubs/Dodgers - Cubs in 3. As much as ESPN hates the Cubs and despite John Kruk's prediction that the no-no completely screwed Zambrano, I think he steps up. This is OUR series boys.
Rays/Twins or Sox - Rays in 3 - Doesn't matter who wins that crappy AL Central, they really have no place here...
BoSox/Angels - Angels in 4 This one's a tough call, but I figure BoSox can scrap one win before going away and leaving us all in peace. Beckett's injury doesn't help.
Cubs/Phil - Cubs in 6. While the Cubs have home field advantage, I don't see them beating the Phils more than once at home, so I'm banking on Dempster and Z shutting them down here, winning one on the road of the three, then winning once more at home. If it goes to game 7, I'll poop.
Angels/Rays - I think this is where the Rays fold. I've got the Angels in 5, thinking the Rays can manage one win. But mostly I think the Angels offense, pitching and closer are just too much for the Baby Rays.
World Series -
This is mostly a vanity pick. I've got the Cubs in 6. How this is all gonna play out, I have no idea, but I have to believe that this is the best Cubs team in decades and if it ain't won this year, I'm not sure how many other chances we get. So, this one is a complete flyer judging from the facts, but there ya go...
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Here we go...
Ok, I did not root root root for anyone but the Cubs. I honestly would've loved to see the Mets, but the Dodgers were #2 on the list. With Ramirez, Ethier, Kemp, Blake, Martin. That's a heck of a lineup.
I hate to see if but if Zambrano freaks out again, this is going to be a tough series. If he can stop psyching himself out and just pitch how he's capable, then we're golden. The first two games will determine the rest of the series. Dempster needs to grab that first win, so Z doesn't put even more pressure on himself. If we split, I can live with that. If the Dodgers win 2, may as well go out and party Sat night, cuz there won't be anything else happening...
If Z does blow his top, all is not lost. I feel good about Dempster, Harden and Lilly. If Zambrano steps up and proves he's the ace of this staff - grow up dude - then we can all start booking hotels.
With Lowe's sinker, the Cubs are going to be hard-pressed to get the big hits. It's therefore necessary on them to just hit the ball. Preferably to the holes in the infield. No swinging for the fences unless he's leaving them up. If he's not, God help us all...
I hate to see if but if Zambrano freaks out again, this is going to be a tough series. If he can stop psyching himself out and just pitch how he's capable, then we're golden. The first two games will determine the rest of the series. Dempster needs to grab that first win, so Z doesn't put even more pressure on himself. If we split, I can live with that. If the Dodgers win 2, may as well go out and party Sat night, cuz there won't be anything else happening...
If Z does blow his top, all is not lost. I feel good about Dempster, Harden and Lilly. If Zambrano steps up and proves he's the ace of this staff - grow up dude - then we can all start booking hotels.
With Lowe's sinker, the Cubs are going to be hard-pressed to get the big hits. It's therefore necessary on them to just hit the ball. Preferably to the holes in the infield. No swinging for the fences unless he's leaving them up. If he's not, God help us all...
Only Tim Kirkjian...
The Cubs have four players whose names end in "no"...
Zambrano, Cedeno, Soriano, Fontenot.
Un-freakin' real...
Zambrano, Cedeno, Soriano, Fontenot.
Un-freakin' real...
It's on...
Ok Cubs fans, here we go -
Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda
Let's take a look shall we?
Derek Lowe - 14 - 11, 3.24
Chad Billingsley - 16 - 10 - 3.14
Hiroki Kuroda - 9 - 10 - 3.84
Hmm...not great...
Lowe - 7IP, 4H, 0ER May 28 @ Wrigley
Chad Billingsley - 6IP, 4H 2ER May 26@ Wrigley
Kuroda - MLB.com freaked out when looking him up.
Overall, not pretty. Tell me again - why did we want to play them? Stupid Mets...But hey, last time I rooted for a team to play against the Cubs in the Playoffs, it was Florida, so I'm just gonna shut up and say, bring 'em on!!
Won't be going to Wrigley for this leg, due to the completely ridiculous "Ticket Lottery" crap the Cubs (maybe other teams) are pulling for this, so I'll be safely ensconced at home. Cross those fingers kiddies - It's go time.
Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley and Hiroki Kuroda
Let's take a look shall we?
Derek Lowe - 14 - 11, 3.24
Chad Billingsley - 16 - 10 - 3.14
Hiroki Kuroda - 9 - 10 - 3.84
Hmm...not great...
Lowe - 7IP, 4H, 0ER May 28 @ Wrigley
Chad Billingsley - 6IP, 4H 2ER May 26@ Wrigley
Kuroda - MLB.com freaked out when looking him up.
Overall, not pretty. Tell me again - why did we want to play them? Stupid Mets...But hey, last time I rooted for a team to play against the Cubs in the Playoffs, it was Florida, so I'm just gonna shut up and say, bring 'em on!!
Won't be going to Wrigley for this leg, due to the completely ridiculous "Ticket Lottery" crap the Cubs (maybe other teams) are pulling for this, so I'll be safely ensconced at home. Cross those fingers kiddies - It's go time.
Random Thought
So Walgreens can print any picture you want on Boxer Shorts. I'm thinking about starting a clothing line with Rickie Weeks on the butt, so I get to fart on his face all day.
Because he sucks.
Because he sucks.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
2k7 vs 2k8
So let's take a look at why this postseason will (Hopefully) be different.
A. The opponent - Dodgers or Mets - Not nearly the pitching Arizona boasted last year. The Mets in particular will go down in fart flames with the Cubs lineup.
B. Home field advantage. Unlike last year, when the Cubs and 'Brewers both insisted on holding the door open for the other, the Cubs this year as soon as the Brewers tripped, snapped up the crown and ran with it all season, winning at least 10 more games than their less-than-impressive effort of 07.
C. The Lineup.
Lineup for Oct 3, 2007
Soriano - While not having nearly as dominating September as last year, has 3 less HR's and 9 more walks than last year, and that's with 27 fewer games. BA is down a bit.
Jones - Gone
Lee - Less of a power, but more consistent season this year. Seems to have remembered where the strike zone is this year.
Ramirez - Has been a clutch player both years, but check out these numbers - Games +16 Runs +24 Hits +1, 2B +9, HR +1, RBI +10, BB - and this is the big one - +31, OBP +.013.
Floyd - Gone
DeRosa - Career Year in HR and RBI, but potentially hurt.
Soto - MVP. Nuff Said
Theriot - Didn't slump during September, most offensive stats up, BA +.040.
Zambrano - Not starting. Instead it will be Dempster, the winningest pitcher on the staff. Solid performer al year. Did get slapped around a bit just before the break, but a .296 ERA. Dang.
Not convinced yet? Take a look at the team numbers -
G -3, AB -120, H +7, HR +31, RBI +98, OBP +.022, SLG +.022 AVG +.007.
Lovin' them minutes...
A. The opponent - Dodgers or Mets - Not nearly the pitching Arizona boasted last year. The Mets in particular will go down in fart flames with the Cubs lineup.
B. Home field advantage. Unlike last year, when the Cubs and 'Brewers both insisted on holding the door open for the other, the Cubs this year as soon as the Brewers tripped, snapped up the crown and ran with it all season, winning at least 10 more games than their less-than-impressive effort of 07.
C. The Lineup.
Lineup for Oct 3, 2007
Soriano - While not having nearly as dominating September as last year, has 3 less HR's and 9 more walks than last year, and that's with 27 fewer games. BA is down a bit.
Jones - Gone
Lee - Less of a power, but more consistent season this year. Seems to have remembered where the strike zone is this year.
Ramirez - Has been a clutch player both years, but check out these numbers - Games +16 Runs +24 Hits +1, 2B +9, HR +1, RBI +10, BB - and this is the big one - +31, OBP +.013.
Floyd - Gone
DeRosa - Career Year in HR and RBI, but potentially hurt.
Soto - MVP. Nuff Said
Theriot - Didn't slump during September, most offensive stats up, BA +.040.
Zambrano - Not starting. Instead it will be Dempster, the winningest pitcher on the staff. Solid performer al year. Did get slapped around a bit just before the break, but a .296 ERA. Dang.
Not convinced yet? Take a look at the team numbers -
G -3, AB -120, H +7, HR +31, RBI +98, OBP +.022, SLG +.022 AVG +.007.
Lovin' them minutes...
Friday, September 26, 2008
Random Thought...
I don't get why Houston was so upset about playing a series in Milwaukee. After all, Mexico got to play in San Diego during the World Baseball Classic..
How I feel about the Sox Part 4 of X
So do you root for the Cubs and whoever palys the Sox then MGb. I KNOW you do.
Nope. I don't even watch the Sox. Don't care enough. Admittedly, I do giggle a bit when I hear they lost. But only because it might shut the Sox fans up for a day. And the end of this season, losing 3 to the Twinkies. That makes me giggle. Even if the Sox get in, they don't get past game 4. Not with those old guys hustling down the lines with their walkers. Watching Jermaine Dye and Griffey side by side int he outfield makes me sad. You can hear the creaking joints in the upper deck.
But do I root root root for the Tigers? No. I don't care enough. The only time I root against the Sox is when they play the Cubs. Then F%^& 'em. But even then, I'm not rooting against the Sox, I'm rooting for the Cubs.
I am a LITTLE bitter that they got Steve Stone - Hey Sockies - straight up trade - Santo for Stone! Think about it for a minute.
Nope. I don't even watch the Sox. Don't care enough. Admittedly, I do giggle a bit when I hear they lost. But only because it might shut the Sox fans up for a day. And the end of this season, losing 3 to the Twinkies. That makes me giggle. Even if the Sox get in, they don't get past game 4. Not with those old guys hustling down the lines with their walkers. Watching Jermaine Dye and Griffey side by side int he outfield makes me sad. You can hear the creaking joints in the upper deck.
But do I root root root for the Tigers? No. I don't care enough. The only time I root against the Sox is when they play the Cubs. Then F%^& 'em. But even then, I'm not rooting against the Sox, I'm rooting for the Cubs.
I am a LITTLE bitter that they got Steve Stone - Hey Sockies - straight up trade - Santo for Stone! Think about it for a minute.
How I feel about the Sox Part 3 of X
So what about the Sox MGb. You must really hate that they won the WORLD SERIES RIGHT??? That must drive you CRAZY?!?!?
Nope. Not even a little. See, that what the Sox fans I run into have to realize. I don't care. First of all, it's old news. WHAT-HAVE-YOU-DONE-FOR-ME-LATELY? Whether you won it 3 years ago, or 100 years ago - doesn't matter. Did you win Last year? No? Then shut up. Here's what winning in '05 really means - "At one time, MY team was better than YOUR team and MY team won the WORLD SERIES." Got that? Need to write it down? Ok...now...here's what winning in 1908 means - "At one time, MY team was better than YOUR team and MY team won the WORLD SERIES."
Is there an echo in the room?
So at the end of the day, it means squat. Bragging rights. As if I care enough about you to want to brag to you. Once again - get over yourselves.
You know who gets to brag for now? Whoever won most recently. I don't even remember who that was off the top of my head (Tigers?), because after the Cubs are eliminated, I no longer give a crap. Not even for a minute...
Nope. Not even a little. See, that what the Sox fans I run into have to realize. I don't care. First of all, it's old news. WHAT-HAVE-YOU-DONE-FOR-ME-LATELY? Whether you won it 3 years ago, or 100 years ago - doesn't matter. Did you win Last year? No? Then shut up. Here's what winning in '05 really means - "At one time, MY team was better than YOUR team and MY team won the WORLD SERIES." Got that? Need to write it down? Ok...now...here's what winning in 1908 means - "At one time, MY team was better than YOUR team and MY team won the WORLD SERIES."
Is there an echo in the room?
So at the end of the day, it means squat. Bragging rights. As if I care enough about you to want to brag to you. Once again - get over yourselves.
You know who gets to brag for now? Whoever won most recently. I don't even remember who that was off the top of my head (Tigers?), because after the Cubs are eliminated, I no longer give a crap. Not even for a minute...
How I feel about the Sox Part 2 of X
Do I hate the Sox? No. Do I hate Sox fans? No. Do Sox fans hate me? It would seem so. Once, while out hiking, I ran into a guy on a bike who was having some trouble or another. So I elped him out. Had some duct tape in my bag, so I let him use it. as he rode off, I heard him say "Never thought I'd see the day when a Cubs fan would help a Sox fan" or something like that.
Are you kidding?? I would hope that if I were ever hit by a car on the Southside and btroke my leg, I would not have to wait for a friggin' Cubs fan to come along and drag me to the side of the road. I know I wouldn't refuse help to a Sox fan. Dude...it's just baseball. And most years, it's not even good baseball...relax.
There are folks who will claim that after every game Cubs fans are in the faces of Sox fans. And Vice versa. You know what my experience has been? Whoever won that day is in the faces of whoever lost. Because whoever lost has no leg to stand on. And by the way that's all anyone has ever seen, because for a fan of the losing team to get in the face of the winner is just plain freakin' dumb.
BTW: Half my family is Sox fans - you know how many of them I called after the Cubs won the divison last year after the Sox pulled up lame? Not even one. Why? Because I'm not an A-Hole. Not about this. It only lasts one game, then tomorrow they'll be calling me when the Sox kick the Cubs' brains in. No thanks.
So I'll tell ya what Cubs fans and Sox fans - get over yourselves. Your team is not that important, and you sure as hell aren't either. Not even for a minute....
Are you kidding?? I would hope that if I were ever hit by a car on the Southside and btroke my leg, I would not have to wait for a friggin' Cubs fan to come along and drag me to the side of the road. I know I wouldn't refuse help to a Sox fan. Dude...it's just baseball. And most years, it's not even good baseball...relax.
There are folks who will claim that after every game Cubs fans are in the faces of Sox fans. And Vice versa. You know what my experience has been? Whoever won that day is in the faces of whoever lost. Because whoever lost has no leg to stand on. And by the way that's all anyone has ever seen, because for a fan of the losing team to get in the face of the winner is just plain freakin' dumb.
BTW: Half my family is Sox fans - you know how many of them I called after the Cubs won the divison last year after the Sox pulled up lame? Not even one. Why? Because I'm not an A-Hole. Not about this. It only lasts one game, then tomorrow they'll be calling me when the Sox kick the Cubs' brains in. No thanks.
So I'll tell ya what Cubs fans and Sox fans - get over yourselves. Your team is not that important, and you sure as hell aren't either. Not even for a minute....
How I feel about the White Sox....Part 1 of X
So I'm a Cubs fan, (REALLY? No...Get outta here). Yes really. Cubs and Sox fans have a very interesting relationship with one another. Currently it seems the Sox are living in the Cubs shadow, and not just because of the last two years. The Sox had a good run through 2006, post World Series, but since the sox have shown that they're not nearly as good as 2005 would indicate, they're back to being the second team in the Second City. Sox fans, hate that. It's rather funny, back in '05, a few friends of mine and I went out for a friend's b-day party at a bar, with the Sox WS Game on. At one point, I leaned over to my wife and commented "It's funny. Half the 'Sox' stuff in here smells like mothballs, and the other half still has the tag hanging off it."
Now, I know there are die-hardsout there who watched/went to games through thick and thin. I know that - this isn't directed at you, so please put down your pitchforks...But where were all you folks before July of '05?? Seriously...
I was probably too young to remember when Wrigley started filling up day after day, and maybe, just maybe, the same thing happened back in the 80's with Cubs fans. I just don't know. It just seems to me that all of a sudden, everyone's a Sox fan. Well fine - you'r4e a bandwagon jumper. Good for you.
You've been such a big fan for a minute now..
P.S. - Once again - if your rooted for the Sox or at least knew the usual starting lineup prior to 2005, this is not directed at you.
Now, I know there are die-hardsout there who watched/went to games through thick and thin. I know that - this isn't directed at you, so please put down your pitchforks...But where were all you folks before July of '05?? Seriously...
I was probably too young to remember when Wrigley started filling up day after day, and maybe, just maybe, the same thing happened back in the 80's with Cubs fans. I just don't know. It just seems to me that all of a sudden, everyone's a Sox fan. Well fine - you'r4e a bandwagon jumper. Good for you.
You've been such a big fan for a minute now..
P.S. - Once again - if your rooted for the Sox or at least knew the usual starting lineup prior to 2005, this is not directed at you.
Woo-hoo!
Boy...those Mets fans sure were excited to beat our minor league team. woo-hoo. Are the Mets really that sad? Well, yeah. I guess so. Man just seeing some of those fan closeups during the series - those are some PO'ed people...like more po'ed than normal New Yorkers. I guess a crappy bullpen will do that to ya.
And speaking of which - our bullpen hasn't been all that wonderful of late. Gaudin, Samardzija, Howry. None of them are really blowing my skirt up these days.
The Hoff had a great day. Gotta love that. Great enough for a playoff spot? Eeeeeeehhhh...that's still TBD. But it sure was a good start.
Now all that needs to be done is b-slap the Boo-hoo crew once more so we get the "Lay-zin' Mets" in round 1, and we're golden. Not to mention, I'd sure like th eopportunity to beat that fat bee-otch one last time...
And speaking of which - our bullpen hasn't been all that wonderful of late. Gaudin, Samardzija, Howry. None of them are really blowing my skirt up these days.
The Hoff had a great day. Gotta love that. Great enough for a playoff spot? Eeeeeeehhhh...that's still TBD. But it sure was a good start.
Now all that needs to be done is b-slap the Boo-hoo crew once more so we get the "Lay-zin' Mets" in round 1, and we're golden. Not to mention, I'd sure like th eopportunity to beat that fat bee-otch one last time...
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Phone call...
Dang..I had this all written up, but Howry had to get out of it...how inconsiderate...eh well, here it is anyway...
"Hello, this is Lou. Oh hi Bud. Yeah. Well, I did put a representative team on the field. Now Bud, that's not nice...Well, I know I could've put in Marmol with the bases loaded and two outs in the 8th. How was _I_ supposed to know Jeff would walk Ramon Martinez. The guy has one hit during the Bush administration. I know. And Howry? Well, it wasn't a save situation and you know how those closers are...yeah....they get all goofy..that's right...Howry's had such a good season and with Wright coming to the plate, I really liked that righty-righty matchup. Yes I know Marmol and Wood are both righties too." C'mon Bud, now you're just being unreasonable...ok...next time I won't hand them the game...yeah...ok...love to the family...you too."
Would've been funny...for a minute anyway...
"Hello, this is Lou. Oh hi Bud. Yeah. Well, I did put a representative team on the field. Now Bud, that's not nice...Well, I know I could've put in Marmol with the bases loaded and two outs in the 8th. How was _I_ supposed to know Jeff would walk Ramon Martinez. The guy has one hit during the Bush administration. I know. And Howry? Well, it wasn't a save situation and you know how those closers are...yeah....they get all goofy..that's right...Howry's had such a good season and with Wright coming to the plate, I really liked that righty-righty matchup. Yes I know Marmol and Wood are both righties too." C'mon Bud, now you're just being unreasonable...ok...next time I won't hand them the game...yeah...ok...love to the family...you too."
Would've been funny...for a minute anyway...
Funny thing...
I went to ch3eck the scores of the other games, then I realized - I don't give a crap...It's a nice feeling.
Z had a BAAAAAAAD inning tonight. In my book he just became the game 3 starter. I'm thinking Dempster in Game 1, then Lilly, then Harden then Dempster again. It really depends who they're playing, but you can tell Z it's because he's the only one reliable enough to take an away game. That outta fool him.
If he starts at home, he'll have to be game 1. His psyche couldn't hack being #2, even tho that's how he's pitching recently. And I'm not referring to his being a second starter. He's actually pitching like #2.
If memory serves, Z didn't do so well at the end of last season either, but came back strong in Arizona. We'll see...
Argh...
Z had a BAAAAAAAD inning tonight. In my book he just became the game 3 starter. I'm thinking Dempster in Game 1, then Lilly, then Harden then Dempster again. It really depends who they're playing, but you can tell Z it's because he's the only one reliable enough to take an away game. That outta fool him.
If he starts at home, he'll have to be game 1. His psyche couldn't hack being #2, even tho that's how he's pitching recently. And I'm not referring to his being a second starter. He's actually pitching like #2.
If memory serves, Z didn't do so well at the end of last season either, but came back strong in Arizona. We'll see...
Argh...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Playoff roster part II
Lou today indicated that the playoff roster would probably include 11 pitchers. So let's reorganize the list a bit.
Pitchers:
Duh
1. Ryan Dempster - the most consistent pitcher of the year. Potentially a Game 1 Starter. Best beard/goatee (GOAT!!!!) on the team.
2. Rich Harden - He can only throw 16 pitches - but those 16 are NASTY!!
3. Ted Lilly - One hitter and a clincher in the past two starts.
4. Kerry Wood - Reliable - about as much as Dempster last year. Think about THAT you Dempster haters.
5. Carlos Marmol - who needs a lights out setup man in the post season? These are all 10 - 1 games right?
6. Carlos Zambrano - Dang did he piss Lou off the other day, but he's still an ace, as long as another grandmother doesn't die.
Maybe kinda sorta probably:
7. Jason Marquis - in the bullpen. Get over your ego and learn how to warm up quick. He's pitched well enough to earn it of late.
8. Neal Cotts - need a lefty specialist in there. Not horrible, but let's just hope the game's not on the line.
9. Sean Marshall - Long guy or lefty guy. Rumor has it, the opposing teams might have more than one lefty available to bat, and maybe not consecutively.
10. Bob Howry - he sucks A-holes, but Lou likes him. We can leave him wherever he is when it's over. No need to bring him back to Chicago. We'll mail him his stuff.
11. Chad Gaudin - This is assuming he doesn't attack another dumpster. And he's healthy enough. Seriously dude. Vicodin - look it up.
Position Players
Duh -
1. Geovanni MVP - Er, I mean Soto.
2. Henry Blanco - In case Soto dies or something.
3. Derek Lee - The post season needs double plays too.
4. Aramis Ramirez - Let's hope he's more Mr. Clutch this October as opposed to Mr. I Can't Find The Clutch in My Porsche While Driving Home From Another Frickin' 0-fer" from last post season.
5. Ryan Theriot - "The Riot" I would like to see him run more - like hit and run, not stealing, cuz that's like a 50-50 shot with him.
6. (Sigh) Ronny Cedeno - The only viable backup shortstop on the team which is by the way the only reason he's still employed. Freakin' Niche markets...
7. Mark DeRosa - Hasn't played Catcher, pitcher, or Center Field this season, but hey - that's what clinching early is for. Seriously, that'd be freakin' sweet.
8. Mike Fontenot - Left handed bat with a bit of power, but otherwise a good hitter line to line.
9. Alfonso Soriano - Give him a blind fold in the outfield - it might help, but he's a game changer.
10. Jim Edmonds - Veteran leadership, strong defense, left handed hitter with pop and a boatload of postseason experience. He is one ugly SOB though.
11. Kosuke Fukudome - At the beginning of the season, he'd be number 1 on this list. Now, he's a defensive upgrade. Sad...
12. Reed Johnson - This dude's a gamer. Now if only someone would tell him what game that was.
Maybe kinda sorta probably:
(13). (Sigh) Daryle Ward - I seriously think this could go either way, but he's our pinch hitter. Had a couple good AB's of late, so that'll prolly get him in.
The X-factor - here's the 11/12 pitcher flop.
(14). Felix Pie - Upgraded from "Don't bother packing" - A defensive upgrade with speed just isn't quite enough kid. I understand Iowa has a hotel room with his name burned into the door.
(12). Jeff Samardzija - Only problem here will be Lou spelling his name correctly on the Roster. Hate to lose him on a technicality.
It's a pretty well known fact that pitching/defense wins the playoffs. This is why I see either Sam or Pie making it. The Cubs already have 2 center fielders, so Pie's on the bubble. But they also have no real stolen base threat for late innings, so I'm leaning more toward Pie here. Sorry Jeff. Better luck next year.
The only major upsets I can see here are A. The Hoff knocks off Ward, but he'll have to have one hell of a week - facing at least 3 lefties no less - to make it, or B. If Lou goes with 12 pitchers, leaving only 5 bench players. Not a lot of mix and match if you do that tho.
Pitchers:
Duh
1. Ryan Dempster - the most consistent pitcher of the year. Potentially a Game 1 Starter. Best beard/goatee (GOAT!!!!) on the team.
2. Rich Harden - He can only throw 16 pitches - but those 16 are NASTY!!
3. Ted Lilly - One hitter and a clincher in the past two starts.
4. Kerry Wood - Reliable - about as much as Dempster last year. Think about THAT you Dempster haters.
5. Carlos Marmol - who needs a lights out setup man in the post season? These are all 10 - 1 games right?
6. Carlos Zambrano - Dang did he piss Lou off the other day, but he's still an ace, as long as another grandmother doesn't die.
Maybe kinda sorta probably:
7. Jason Marquis - in the bullpen. Get over your ego and learn how to warm up quick. He's pitched well enough to earn it of late.
8. Neal Cotts - need a lefty specialist in there. Not horrible, but let's just hope the game's not on the line.
9. Sean Marshall - Long guy or lefty guy. Rumor has it, the opposing teams might have more than one lefty available to bat, and maybe not consecutively.
10. Bob Howry - he sucks A-holes, but Lou likes him. We can leave him wherever he is when it's over. No need to bring him back to Chicago. We'll mail him his stuff.
11. Chad Gaudin - This is assuming he doesn't attack another dumpster. And he's healthy enough. Seriously dude. Vicodin - look it up.
Position Players
Duh -
1. Geovanni MVP - Er, I mean Soto.
2. Henry Blanco - In case Soto dies or something.
3. Derek Lee - The post season needs double plays too.
4. Aramis Ramirez - Let's hope he's more Mr. Clutch this October as opposed to Mr. I Can't Find The Clutch in My Porsche While Driving Home From Another Frickin' 0-fer" from last post season.
5. Ryan Theriot - "The Riot" I would like to see him run more - like hit and run, not stealing, cuz that's like a 50-50 shot with him.
6. (Sigh) Ronny Cedeno - The only viable backup shortstop on the team which is by the way the only reason he's still employed. Freakin' Niche markets...
7. Mark DeRosa - Hasn't played Catcher, pitcher, or Center Field this season, but hey - that's what clinching early is for. Seriously, that'd be freakin' sweet.
8. Mike Fontenot - Left handed bat with a bit of power, but otherwise a good hitter line to line.
9. Alfonso Soriano - Give him a blind fold in the outfield - it might help, but he's a game changer.
10. Jim Edmonds - Veteran leadership, strong defense, left handed hitter with pop and a boatload of postseason experience. He is one ugly SOB though.
11. Kosuke Fukudome - At the beginning of the season, he'd be number 1 on this list. Now, he's a defensive upgrade. Sad...
12. Reed Johnson - This dude's a gamer. Now if only someone would tell him what game that was.
Maybe kinda sorta probably:
(13). (Sigh) Daryle Ward - I seriously think this could go either way, but he's our pinch hitter. Had a couple good AB's of late, so that'll prolly get him in.
The X-factor - here's the 11/12 pitcher flop.
(14). Felix Pie - Upgraded from "Don't bother packing" - A defensive upgrade with speed just isn't quite enough kid. I understand Iowa has a hotel room with his name burned into the door.
(12). Jeff Samardzija - Only problem here will be Lou spelling his name correctly on the Roster. Hate to lose him on a technicality.
It's a pretty well known fact that pitching/defense wins the playoffs. This is why I see either Sam or Pie making it. The Cubs already have 2 center fielders, so Pie's on the bubble. But they also have no real stolen base threat for late innings, so I'm leaning more toward Pie here. Sorry Jeff. Better luck next year.
The only major upsets I can see here are A. The Hoff knocks off Ward, but he'll have to have one hell of a week - facing at least 3 lefties no less - to make it, or B. If Lou goes with 12 pitchers, leaving only 5 bench players. Not a lot of mix and match if you do that tho.
Win today...
No, not today, today.
The one mistake Lou made last October, was a lack of "Win today" mentality. In Game 1, Z was unhittable, and yet Lou pulled him in favor of Marmol, so that Z could come back on short rest in Game 4. Only problem was - there was no Game 4. And Marmol who was as lights out last year as he was this year, got lit up for a Chris Young HR which ended up being the game winner.
In October, there is no tomorrow. No Game other than the one you're playing now. It's like a soldier holding down a fort, but saving ammo for when reinforcements arrive tomorrow. If 200 guys are charging you, USE THE DAMN AMMO!!!
At the point in the game last year, the D-Backs were so happy there was someone on the mound other than Z, it could've been Cy Young himself and they'd have felt on top of the world.
Lesson to be learned - if your starter is mowing them down like a tommy gun at a peace rally, leave him in. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Don't hold back. Kick them while they're down, burn them and then piss on the ashes.
Or there will be no more minutes...
The one mistake Lou made last October, was a lack of "Win today" mentality. In Game 1, Z was unhittable, and yet Lou pulled him in favor of Marmol, so that Z could come back on short rest in Game 4. Only problem was - there was no Game 4. And Marmol who was as lights out last year as he was this year, got lit up for a Chris Young HR which ended up being the game winner.
In October, there is no tomorrow. No Game other than the one you're playing now. It's like a soldier holding down a fort, but saving ammo for when reinforcements arrive tomorrow. If 200 guys are charging you, USE THE DAMN AMMO!!!
At the point in the game last year, the D-Backs were so happy there was someone on the mound other than Z, it could've been Cy Young himself and they'd have felt on top of the world.
Lesson to be learned - if your starter is mowing them down like a tommy gun at a peace rally, leave him in. Worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. Don't hold back. Kick them while they're down, burn them and then piss on the ashes.
Or there will be no more minutes...
Pitching thouhts for October...
So here's a few thoughts for the rotation in the postseason. First, Harden is a Game 2 or Game 4 guy. Probably game 4. Since it's pretty well documented that he will not be going deep into games, you're going to need to rest the bullpen after a start of his. Games 2 and 4 have an off day, so there ya go.
Dempster pitches better at home than on the road. Is he the #3 starter then? you can make that case. I certainly wouldn't mind.
Lilly can either be brilliant or very hittable. So you're making him starter number 2 or 4 as well for the same reason as Harden. Precautionary.
Zambrano, while he says he doesn't care when he starts - he cares. Make him #1. We'll need his A++ game against Santana, so run with it. He's also strong enough to go deep and if necessary come in in relief in game 3 or 4 to nail down the series, or come back in 5 if it's necessary.
so In the DS, I've got Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Harden.
Now a WS thought - not getting too far ahead of ourselves, but...
How about Zambrano and Dempster in Games 3 and 4. They're the best bat handlers in the lineup and those games are at Wrigley - in the NL. THIS CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED. In the NL, you have to think Defense and Offense from the number 9 slot. It'd give us one heck of an advantage over the AL counterpart.
Which makes Harden and Lilly games 1 and 2 starters on the road - former AL pitchers, used to the DH. The downside is, there's a better chance of previous AB's against them from the opposing lineup. Unfortunately, this is out-of-the-box thinking and will probably not enter Lou's head. Another option - Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Lilly . This brings Z back in Game 5, also at Wrigley - if it gets to game 5. But it also means Harden goes game 6 with no off day after...
Soooo many possibilities in such a short minute...
Dempster pitches better at home than on the road. Is he the #3 starter then? you can make that case. I certainly wouldn't mind.
Lilly can either be brilliant or very hittable. So you're making him starter number 2 or 4 as well for the same reason as Harden. Precautionary.
Zambrano, while he says he doesn't care when he starts - he cares. Make him #1. We'll need his A++ game against Santana, so run with it. He's also strong enough to go deep and if necessary come in in relief in game 3 or 4 to nail down the series, or come back in 5 if it's necessary.
so In the DS, I've got Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Harden.
Now a WS thought - not getting too far ahead of ourselves, but...
How about Zambrano and Dempster in Games 3 and 4. They're the best bat handlers in the lineup and those games are at Wrigley - in the NL. THIS CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED. In the NL, you have to think Defense and Offense from the number 9 slot. It'd give us one heck of an advantage over the AL counterpart.
Which makes Harden and Lilly games 1 and 2 starters on the road - former AL pitchers, used to the DH. The downside is, there's a better chance of previous AB's against them from the opposing lineup. Unfortunately, this is out-of-the-box thinking and will probably not enter Lou's head. Another option - Zambrano, Harden, Dempster, Lilly . This brings Z back in Game 5, also at Wrigley - if it gets to game 5. But it also means Harden goes game 6 with no off day after...
Soooo many possibilities in such a short minute...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Awesome...
The Cardinals can't even beat our minor league team....and Ryan Dempster...hehe...
Nuff said...
Nuff said...
Random Gripe..
Sports analogies, by UPS.
UPS shipping is so reliable, it's like a pitcher who throws 27 strikeouts per game...
So, it's like impossible? Or never been done?
This is just the latest in a long series of commercials that play off of baseball and sports in general. I like the others - Wow. A 95 MPH fast ball is almost as fast as an Oil Express oil change. Really? An oil change takes less than 1.8 seconds? Please..quite being so freakin' clever and just advertise your product without BSing my game? Please? It bugs the living crap outta me...
For longer than a minute.
UPS shipping is so reliable, it's like a pitcher who throws 27 strikeouts per game...
So, it's like impossible? Or never been done?
This is just the latest in a long series of commercials that play off of baseball and sports in general. I like the others - Wow. A 95 MPH fast ball is almost as fast as an Oil Express oil change. Really? An oil change takes less than 1.8 seconds? Please..quite being so freakin' clever and just advertise your product without BSing my game? Please? It bugs the living crap outta me...
For longer than a minute.
Looking to the future
My HTML is goofy - scroll down...
So here's the realistic list of opponents in the NL Playoffs, and the cubs respective records against them home/away. Kinda surprising actually.
Astros and Brewers have owned the Cubs at home - losing records against both at home. Milwaukee is pretty much our beeotch in Miller, but that's based on one series. We only have an overall losing record to the Phillies, but I can live with 4 and 3. We can eliminate the Astros and Milwaukee for round 1 - same division. Let's look a bit deeper.
Phillies - Great power lineup, but not as deep as the Cubs. Pitching staff is very good 1,2,3, and if you're not winning in the 9th, you're not winning. I'll take Cubs pitching over Phil's, but that doesn't mean I want to face them.
Mets - Much like the Brewers, you could be down 10 runs in the 9th, and not be out of it. In fact, I heard a rumor that the Mets bullpen tried to pull a parakeet out of a toilet after a game, and didn't save that either. Santana scares me, but the rest of their staff is above average, but hittable.
Dodgers - Manny and Blake made this a good lineup, but the rest of the team is not scary at all. The pitching staff is dang good - lowest NL ERA, and yet the Cubs did seep them at home and split on the road. This all happened pre-Manny/Blake tho.
Diamondbacks - Their pitching rotation scaqres the livving crap out of me. They have just enough hitters to not suck, but this is why they're probably not in consideration. We don't have to worry aobut the West unless the Brewers sell their balls to the Devil, so I'm trying not to freak too much. Prolly a little 2007 left in me as well...
Marlins - Oh, I'm sorry...were we supposed to take them seriously?
If I had a choice, in order of preference or most to least, I'd like to face Mets, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, then Phillies.
We'll see how it turns out. Another minute in the future...
| Home | Away | Total | ||||
| W | L | W | L | W | L | |
| Phillies | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Mets | 2 | 0 | ? | ? | 2? | 0? |
| Brewers | 4 | 5 | 4? | 0? | 8? | 5? |
| Dodgers | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2 |
| Diamondsbacks | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 2 |
| Marlins | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Astros | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4? | 8 | 9? |
So here's the realistic list of opponents in the NL Playoffs, and the cubs respective records against them home/away. Kinda surprising actually.
Astros and Brewers have owned the Cubs at home - losing records against both at home. Milwaukee is pretty much our beeotch in Miller, but that's based on one series. We only have an overall losing record to the Phillies, but I can live with 4 and 3. We can eliminate the Astros and Milwaukee for round 1 - same division. Let's look a bit deeper.
Phillies - Great power lineup, but not as deep as the Cubs. Pitching staff is very good 1,2,3, and if you're not winning in the 9th, you're not winning. I'll take Cubs pitching over Phil's, but that doesn't mean I want to face them.
Mets - Much like the Brewers, you could be down 10 runs in the 9th, and not be out of it. In fact, I heard a rumor that the Mets bullpen tried to pull a parakeet out of a toilet after a game, and didn't save that either. Santana scares me, but the rest of their staff is above average, but hittable.
Dodgers - Manny and Blake made this a good lineup, but the rest of the team is not scary at all. The pitching staff is dang good - lowest NL ERA, and yet the Cubs did seep them at home and split on the road. This all happened pre-Manny/Blake tho.
Diamondbacks - Their pitching rotation scaqres the livving crap out of me. They have just enough hitters to not suck, but this is why they're probably not in consideration. We don't have to worry aobut the West unless the Brewers sell their balls to the Devil, so I'm trying not to freak too much. Prolly a little 2007 left in me as well...
Marlins - Oh, I'm sorry...were we supposed to take them seriously?
If I had a choice, in order of preference or most to least, I'd like to face Mets, Dodgers, Diamondbacks, then Phillies.
We'll see how it turns out. Another minute in the future...
Wow....
The lineup today is crazy -
Fukudome
Cedeno
The Hoff
Ward
Fontenot
Pie
McGahee
Hill
Dempster
Think they clinched last night? I wonder...
There's a minute, which is aobut how long it'll take Looper to get thru the lineup the first time...
Fukudome
Cedeno
The Hoff
Ward
Fontenot
Pie
McGahee
Hill
Dempster
Think they clinched last night? I wonder...
There's a minute, which is aobut how long it'll take Looper to get thru the lineup the first time...
Throwing a fit part II
So the old guy did it. Not in a playoff game, but close enough. I'm not surprised. He will probably kick off before pitchers and catchers report, so he had to get in soon. He did bounce it though. But hey, he's 104. His arm's prolly thrown more pitches than Kerry Wood, Ryan Dempster, and Rich Harden combined. Bet he's had less surgeries too...
For those of you just joining us:
http://oneminutecubs.blogspot.com/2008/08/throwing-fit-i-mean-pitch.html
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1100868,CST-NWS-fan11.article
so good for the old guy. He lasted a few minutes longer than I expected.
P.S. Yes, I'm going to hell.
For those of you just joining us:
http://oneminutecubs.blogspot.com/2008/08/throwing-fit-i-mean-pitch.html
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1100868,CST-NWS-fan11.article
so good for the old guy. He lasted a few minutes longer than I expected.
P.S. Yes, I'm going to hell.
Playoff Roster...
So let's take a look at this...this'll be a long post...We'll break it down into categories..
First, category - Duh!
1. Ryan Dempster - the most consistent pitcher of the year. Potentially a Game 1 Starter. Best beard/goatee (GOAT!!!!) on the team.
2. Rich Harden - He can only throw 16 pitches - but those 16 are NASTY!!
3. Ted Lilly - One hitter and a clincher in the past two starts.
4. Kerry Wood - Reliable - about as much as Dempster last year. Think about THAT you Dempster haters.
5. Carlos Marmol - who needs a lights out setup man in the post season? These are all 10 - 1 games right?
6. Carlos Zambrano - Dang did he piss Lou off the other day, but he's still an ace, as long as another grandmother doesn't die.
7. Geovanni MVP - Er, I mean Soto.
8. Henry Blanco - In case Soto dies or something.
9. Derek Lee - The post season needs double plays too.
10. Aramis Ramirez - Let's hope he's more Mr. Clutch this October as opposed to Mr. I Can't Find The Clutch in My Porsche While Driving Home From Another Frickin' 0-fer" from last post season.
11. Ryan Theriot - "The Riot" I would like to see him run more - like hit and run, not stealing, cuz that's like a 50-50 shot with him.
12. (Sigh) Ronny Cedeno - The only viable backup shortstop on the team which is by the way the only reason he's still employed. Freakin' Niche markets...
13. Mark DeRosa - Hasn't played Catcher, pitcher, or Center Field this season, but hey - that's what clinching early is for. Seriously, that'd be freakin' sweet.
14. Mike Fontenot - Left handed bat with a bit of power, but otherwise a good hitter line to line.
15. Alfonso Soriano - Give him a blind fold in the outfield - it might help, but he's a game changer.
16. Jim Edmonds - Veteran leadership, strong defense, left handed hitter with pop and a boatload of postseason experience. He is one ugly SOB though.
17. Kosuke Fukudome - At the beginning of the season, he'd be number 1 on this list. Now, he's a defensive upgrade. Sad...
18. Reed Johnson - This dude's a gamer. Now if only someone would tell him what game that was.
Maybe kinda sorta probably:
1. Jason Marquis - in the bullpen. Get over your ego and learn how to warm up quick. He's pitched well enough to earn it of late.
2. Neal Cotts - need a lefty specialist in there. Not horrible, but let's just hope the game's not on the line.
3. Sean Marshall - Long guy or lefty guy. Rumor has it, the opposing teams might have more than one lefty available to bat, and maybe not consecutively.
4. Bob Howry - he sucks A-holes, but Lou likes him. We can leave him wherever he is when it's over. No need to bring him back to Chicago. We'll mail him his stuff.
5. Chad Gaudin - This is assuming he doesn't attack another dumpster. And he's healthy enough. Seriously dude. Vicodin - look it up.
6. Jeff Samardzija - Only problem here will be Lou spelling his name correctly on the Roster. Hate to lose him on a technicality.
7. (Sigh) Daryle Ward - I seriously think this could go either way, but he's our pinch hitter. Had a couple good AB's of late, so that'll prolly get him in.
Don't bother packing:
1. Felix Pie - A defensive upgrade with speed just isn't quite enough kid. I understand Iowa has a hotel room with his name burned into the door.
2. Micah Hoffpauir - The Hoff didn't get nearly enough playing time late in the season to wrestle this spot away from Ward, but with the Cubs clinching early, watch for playing time from the next Geo Soto.
3. Michael Wuertz - I understand it's a requirement to throw the ball over the plate two out of every five pitches. Too bad Mikey.
4. Kevin Hart - Last year, you pitched your way onto the roster. This year, you pitched your way off it. Congrats.
5. Angel Guzman - not quite there yet, but could be a surprise substitue for Sam-whatever the heck his name is...or possibly Gaudin if he's too embarrassed to take the field again.
6. Koyie Hill - Hope you like the minors. At least until Blanco retires. No more playing with table saws.
7. The rest of the kids - that's why you're called kids. But look at it this way - no more pink backpack.
First, category - Duh!
1. Ryan Dempster - the most consistent pitcher of the year. Potentially a Game 1 Starter. Best beard/goatee (GOAT!!!!) on the team.
2. Rich Harden - He can only throw 16 pitches - but those 16 are NASTY!!
3. Ted Lilly - One hitter and a clincher in the past two starts.
4. Kerry Wood - Reliable - about as much as Dempster last year. Think about THAT you Dempster haters.
5. Carlos Marmol - who needs a lights out setup man in the post season? These are all 10 - 1 games right?
6. Carlos Zambrano - Dang did he piss Lou off the other day, but he's still an ace, as long as another grandmother doesn't die.
7. Geovanni MVP - Er, I mean Soto.
8. Henry Blanco - In case Soto dies or something.
9. Derek Lee - The post season needs double plays too.
10. Aramis Ramirez - Let's hope he's more Mr. Clutch this October as opposed to Mr. I Can't Find The Clutch in My Porsche While Driving Home From Another Frickin' 0-fer" from last post season.
11. Ryan Theriot - "The Riot" I would like to see him run more - like hit and run, not stealing, cuz that's like a 50-50 shot with him.
12. (Sigh) Ronny Cedeno - The only viable backup shortstop on the team which is by the way the only reason he's still employed. Freakin' Niche markets...
13. Mark DeRosa - Hasn't played Catcher, pitcher, or Center Field this season, but hey - that's what clinching early is for. Seriously, that'd be freakin' sweet.
14. Mike Fontenot - Left handed bat with a bit of power, but otherwise a good hitter line to line.
15. Alfonso Soriano - Give him a blind fold in the outfield - it might help, but he's a game changer.
16. Jim Edmonds - Veteran leadership, strong defense, left handed hitter with pop and a boatload of postseason experience. He is one ugly SOB though.
17. Kosuke Fukudome - At the beginning of the season, he'd be number 1 on this list. Now, he's a defensive upgrade. Sad...
18. Reed Johnson - This dude's a gamer. Now if only someone would tell him what game that was.
Maybe kinda sorta probably:
1. Jason Marquis - in the bullpen. Get over your ego and learn how to warm up quick. He's pitched well enough to earn it of late.
2. Neal Cotts - need a lefty specialist in there. Not horrible, but let's just hope the game's not on the line.
3. Sean Marshall - Long guy or lefty guy. Rumor has it, the opposing teams might have more than one lefty available to bat, and maybe not consecutively.
4. Bob Howry - he sucks A-holes, but Lou likes him. We can leave him wherever he is when it's over. No need to bring him back to Chicago. We'll mail him his stuff.
5. Chad Gaudin - This is assuming he doesn't attack another dumpster. And he's healthy enough. Seriously dude. Vicodin - look it up.
6. Jeff Samardzija - Only problem here will be Lou spelling his name correctly on the Roster. Hate to lose him on a technicality.
7. (Sigh) Daryle Ward - I seriously think this could go either way, but he's our pinch hitter. Had a couple good AB's of late, so that'll prolly get him in.
Don't bother packing:
1. Felix Pie - A defensive upgrade with speed just isn't quite enough kid. I understand Iowa has a hotel room with his name burned into the door.
2. Micah Hoffpauir - The Hoff didn't get nearly enough playing time late in the season to wrestle this spot away from Ward, but with the Cubs clinching early, watch for playing time from the next Geo Soto.
3. Michael Wuertz - I understand it's a requirement to throw the ball over the plate two out of every five pitches. Too bad Mikey.
4. Kevin Hart - Last year, you pitched your way onto the roster. This year, you pitched your way off it. Congrats.
5. Angel Guzman - not quite there yet, but could be a surprise substitue for Sam-whatever the heck his name is...or possibly Gaudin if he's too embarrassed to take the field again.
6. Koyie Hill - Hope you like the minors. At least until Blanco retires. No more playing with table saws.
7. The rest of the kids - that's why you're called kids. But look at it this way - no more pink backpack.
Down time...
I'm not sure we need commentary on every game from here on out...we got what we were looking for. If there's anything really extraordinary that happens in the next week, it'll get blogged, but I believe I'll take the opportunity to look into the future a bit, look into the past a bit. Reflect and be glad.
The past 6 months? That wasn't the stressful part by the way :)
Many minutes to come...
The past 6 months? That wasn't the stressful part by the way :)
Many minutes to come...
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Hey Chicago Whaddaya say?
The Cubs are gonna clinch today!
Exciting game. Now, I haven't paid any attention to the Cardinals lately - why would I? but with Ankiel and Molina on the Bench, you send Aarom Miles to pinch hit? Ummmm....ok....
Sucks - Gameday didn't have any video highlights for this one. There were a few plays I wanted to see, but oh well. Bottom line - clear your calendars from October folks - it's gonna be a fun month!
There IS one more team to watch for a few more games...The Mets.
The answer for yesterday's question. The Number 4 is the magic number to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It is, BTW, now 3.
Party on Cubs fans! There's more work to do, no doubt, but for now, it's Miller Time! At least for a minute or two...
P.S. Eat it Cardinals,...how does it taste?
Exciting game. Now, I haven't paid any attention to the Cardinals lately - why would I? but with Ankiel and Molina on the Bench, you send Aarom Miles to pinch hit? Ummmm....ok....
Sucks - Gameday didn't have any video highlights for this one. There were a few plays I wanted to see, but oh well. Bottom line - clear your calendars from October folks - it's gonna be a fun month!
There IS one more team to watch for a few more games...The Mets.
The answer for yesterday's question. The Number 4 is the magic number to clinch home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. It is, BTW, now 3.
Party on Cubs fans! There's more work to do, no doubt, but for now, it's Miller Time! At least for a minute or two...
P.S. Eat it Cardinals,...how does it taste?
Open mouth. Insert foot.
A couple days ago, I mentioned that it'd take an unusual set of circumstances for the Cubs to Clinch on the field. Well due to amazingly exceptional circumstances, the odds are doubled now.
2:55 PM The time that BOTH the Cubs and the Brewers games start. Un frickin' real. Even if the Cubbies drop their kibble, they still may be running around the field in front of adoring fans popping corks.
You want the weird part?
What if the Cubs clinch in the 7th inning? How ef'ed up would that be??
We'll just have to see...
2:55 PM The time that BOTH the Cubs and the Brewers games start. Un frickin' real. Even if the Cubbies drop their kibble, they still may be running around the field in front of adoring fans popping corks.
You want the weird part?
What if the Cubs clinch in the 7th inning? How ef'ed up would that be??
We'll just have to see...
Friday, September 19, 2008
Woo hoo! We scored!
Yeah baby! It's 12-4 Cardinals. 2 grand slams and we're right back in this thing!
Where ya been Eddie???
Some day we'll go all the way....Yeah...Like tomorrow, jacka@%! Don't get me wrong Eddie, we appreciate the thought, and we know you've been around before.("The only problem with Eddie Vedder singing 'Take me out to the ballgame'...He sings it like Eddie Vedder..." I do a pretty good impression of that BTW)", but aren't we just a bit late to be jumping on the PR bandwagon?
And, by the way, your song makes me want to shoot myself. It's a depressing melody, man. We're depressed enough. You got no "I'm still alive" vibe for us at all? Some day we'll go all the way...yeah...someday we'll go all the way...
The lyrics are sweet though. I particularly like this line: There's magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard | The same one I stared at as a kid keeping score.
But hey, it's all good... We love ya Eddie...just would've been nice if you'd done it, say, 10 years ago...you know, before your career died...:D just kidding...
It was closer to five years ago...
Which would be 2,628,001 minutes ago, including this one...
And, by the way, your song makes me want to shoot myself. It's a depressing melody, man. We're depressed enough. You got no "I'm still alive" vibe for us at all? Some day we'll go all the way...yeah...someday we'll go all the way...
The lyrics are sweet though. I particularly like this line: There's magic in the ivy and the old scoreboard | The same one I stared at as a kid keeping score.
But hey, it's all good... We love ya Eddie...just would've been nice if you'd done it, say, 10 years ago...you know, before your career died...:D just kidding...
It was closer to five years ago...
Which would be 2,628,001 minutes ago, including this one...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Magic Number
2...For the show...
Bonus points if you can figure out why the number 4 is significant...
Bonus points if you can figure out why the number 4 is significant...
I'm spoiled into being a bad Cubs fan...
Not a Cubs fan who is lacking, but a fan of a lacking Cubs team. Two years ago, the Cubs lose this game in any number of ways. Last year, 50-50. This year, I was lured by how bad they'd been in the past. THat post was not edited in any way. I was literally typing that as Rammy hit his double.
Un freakin' beleive able. Woody gets out of a Second-Third no out jam? KERRY Wood??? Nahh...not Kerry....wow. Geo Soto has officially become the OMC MVP and ROY. That's a lot of initials.
Dang. I need to sit...you know...for a minute...
Un freakin' beleive able. Woody gets out of a Second-Third no out jam? KERRY Wood??? Nahh...not Kerry....wow. Geo Soto has officially become the OMC MVP and ROY. That's a lot of initials.
Dang. I need to sit...you know...for a minute...
Haiku
Kosuke Fukudome
Hasn't hit anything since May.
Tried to slap his wife once
And hit himself in the balls.
Hasn't hit anything since May.
Tried to slap his wife once
And hit himself in the balls.
Hate to tell ya folks
Looks like the Cubbies won't be clinching at home... Even if they dio, you won't be here to celebrate.. Too many night games for the Boo-Hoo Crew. It'd take an unusual set of circumstances to clinch at home, after THEIR game. It's possible I suppose, but with the Boo-hooers playing the Reds, I don't see it.
Of course, as I write this, with two outs, Ramirez doubles, Edmonds singles, DeRosa singles, and Soto - MVP Soto - ties the game on a 3 run homer.
Just goes to show, I don't know shizzle about shizzle...
Stay tuned, this game seems to have another minute or two left...
Of course, as I write this, with two outs, Ramirez doubles, Edmonds singles, DeRosa singles, and Soto - MVP Soto - ties the game on a 3 run homer.
Just goes to show, I don't know shizzle about shizzle...
Stay tuned, this game seems to have another minute or two left...
Same result, different reasons
So, I don't expect much from Jason Marquis starts. Haven't all year. Maybe that's not the most fair statement, especially recently, but hey...
With Sheets going to the mound, I gave it about a 30% chance the Cubs would win the game. Turns out I was right, but not for the reason I thought.
Sheets leaves - again - early because of shoulder stiffness. I call it "I'd rather not get slapped around like the little Bee-otch that I am" Stiffness, but you know - po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe. So one of the bottom 3 bullpens in the majors takes over for 7.1 innings, and we can't touch them. Argh. This is pretty much par for the course with how my day was going, so not entirely surprising.
Bottom line, the Boo-hoo Crew needed that game a lot more that the Cubs did. No biggie. We'll just spank Bush tomorrow and clinch over the weekend. Can't argue with that :).
Sheets pitched for about a minute right?
With Sheets going to the mound, I gave it about a 30% chance the Cubs would win the game. Turns out I was right, but not for the reason I thought.
Sheets leaves - again - early because of shoulder stiffness. I call it "I'd rather not get slapped around like the little Bee-otch that I am" Stiffness, but you know - po-tay-toe, po-tah-toe. So one of the bottom 3 bullpens in the majors takes over for 7.1 innings, and we can't touch them. Argh. This is pretty much par for the course with how my day was going, so not entirely surprising.
Bottom line, the Boo-hoo Crew needed that game a lot more that the Cubs did. No biggie. We'll just spank Bush tomorrow and clinch over the weekend. Can't argue with that :).
Sheets pitched for about a minute right?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
9 and ONE MOTHERF*!$ER!!!!!!!
That's all I have to say...
Perfect my pimpled red a$$...
:) :) :) :) :) :D :D :D
Monday, September 15, 2008
Reprimand from Lou
"Ted, C'mon in here. Have a seat. So I wanted to talk to you about today's game. You had some good stuff out there. That Loretta thing was kinda a downer though. Now, I know we have you signed for another two years and we really appreciate the fact that you give us your best effort out there every day. But you're gonna have to try to bring down that hit count. I mean, they got as many as you did today, and we'd like to see if maybe we can coax that down a bit.
Other than that you did a passable job, being our 4th starter and all. Have a good rest of the day, and we'll see what we can adjust in the bullpen session on Wed. Thanks Ted."
This minute just got really confused...
Other than that you did a passable job, being our 4th starter and all. Have a good rest of the day, and we'll see what we can adjust in the bullpen session on Wed. Thanks Ted."
This minute just got really confused...
Phonecall
"Hello, this is Doug Melvin. Oh hi Bud. Oh really. You wanna use the Mill for a...I'm sorry. I don't think I heard....what? Neutral?? You're kidding right?........
.......
Oooooooo Kaay. Yeah...we'll be ready...yeah...love to the family...ok...buh bye."
.......
Oooooooo Kaay. Yeah...we'll be ready...yeah...love to the family...ok...buh bye."
-click-
...Sigh...."Neutral...."
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Here's a crazt thought...
Magic number is 7. A win tomorrow makes it 6. A sweep of the Boo-hoo Crew makes it 0.
Just a thought...
One more thought - I want to BEAT that fat Ba#$%ard on Tuesday...
Just a thought...
One more thought - I want to BEAT that fat Ba#$%ard on Tuesday...
ZAMBRA NO-NO!!!
As a friend of mine aptly put it -
"The games been over for a good minute or two....WHERE IS YOUR POST????"
Hey man, I had phone calls to make and txt's to send and a kid to put to bed...
Wow. History. Yes, my 23 month old son stayed up for this. Yes my wife, son and I were glued to the TV. Yes, I watched/listened to the entire game. No, I did not go. But I was very tempted...If I'd known...eh well...
What a game. It's funny. This is not even close to the first time the Cubs and Zambrano flirted with a no-no. This season alone I remember prolly three or four that took it into the 6th, 7th, or 8th. But to go all the way - after being out for almost two weeks with "dead arm"/tendinitis. Ho-ly-frickin'-crap dude. I was shaking by the end. I jumped up at the end. There's only so mush you can say about a game like this. Z was battling the Astros - yes, the Kerry Wood 20 K Astros. He was also battling a crappy home plate umpire. There were MANY missed calls tonight. End of the day, you can't complain.
I think deep down, mostly everyone knew Z would throw a no-no. It seemed to be only a matter of time. So here's the real question - What are you nay-sayers saying now? I'll admit, I was leery. I have an earlier post saying "Harden and Z are out? WTF is going on here??" or something like that. I was nervous, sure.
Tonight was another remarkable accomplishment in a long season of remarkable accomplishments. It's history. I watched it. I'll tell my kids and grandkids about it.Do I think this is the clincher? That the Cubs are going to win the World Series? Do I think they're a lock now? Do I think this is the tipping point? That it's all the way to a ticker tape parade?
Hell Freakin' No.
Still got a lot of work to do boys. But...you get a cookie tonight.
Z - You get two minutes tonight. Now get back to work!!
:D
"The games been over for a good minute or two....WHERE IS YOUR POST????"
Hey man, I had phone calls to make and txt's to send and a kid to put to bed...
Wow. History. Yes, my 23 month old son stayed up for this. Yes my wife, son and I were glued to the TV. Yes, I watched/listened to the entire game. No, I did not go. But I was very tempted...If I'd known...eh well...
What a game. It's funny. This is not even close to the first time the Cubs and Zambrano flirted with a no-no. This season alone I remember prolly three or four that took it into the 6th, 7th, or 8th. But to go all the way - after being out for almost two weeks with "dead arm"/tendinitis. Ho-ly-frickin'-crap dude. I was shaking by the end. I jumped up at the end. There's only so mush you can say about a game like this. Z was battling the Astros - yes, the Kerry Wood 20 K Astros. He was also battling a crappy home plate umpire. There were MANY missed calls tonight. End of the day, you can't complain.
I think deep down, mostly everyone knew Z would throw a no-no. It seemed to be only a matter of time. So here's the real question - What are you nay-sayers saying now? I'll admit, I was leery. I have an earlier post saying "Harden and Z are out? WTF is going on here??" or something like that. I was nervous, sure.
Tonight was another remarkable accomplishment in a long season of remarkable accomplishments. It's history. I watched it. I'll tell my kids and grandkids about it.Do I think this is the clincher? That the Cubs are going to win the World Series? Do I think they're a lock now? Do I think this is the tipping point? That it's all the way to a ticker tape parade?
Hell Freakin' No.
Still got a lot of work to do boys. But...you get a cookie tonight.
Z - You get two minutes tonight. Now get back to work!!
:D
Ron, Ron, Ron...
So it's the 5th inning. Z's dealin'. Pence is up. With two outs, Zambrano drills him in the back on a 2-2 count (I think). Which stunning analysis do you think Ronny offered? I'll make it multiple choice:
A. That was a slider that just got away from him. You hate to see that with a 2 strike count. Zambrano just needs to buckle down and focus on this next batter and not let this get in the way or break his concentration.
B. Aww, that's just too bad. With two outs, only a pick-off play or a caught stealing will allow Zambrano to potentially finish this game having faced the minimum number of batters for the game. You hate to see it, but it happens.
C. He didnt want to do that. Wow. Gosh...ooohhh...He didn't wanna do that right there. Ahh.
I'll give you one guess as long as it isn't A or B.
What a schmuck...
He doesn't deserve a minute and his 15 are up. Now he owes interest.
A. That was a slider that just got away from him. You hate to see that with a 2 strike count. Zambrano just needs to buckle down and focus on this next batter and not let this get in the way or break his concentration.
B. Aww, that's just too bad. With two outs, only a pick-off play or a caught stealing will allow Zambrano to potentially finish this game having faced the minimum number of batters for the game. You hate to see it, but it happens.
C. He didnt want to do that. Wow. Gosh...ooohhh...He didn't wanna do that right there. Ahh.
I'll give you one guess as long as it isn't A or B.
What a schmuck...
He doesn't deserve a minute and his 15 are up. Now he owes interest.
Magic Number
Magic Number: 9
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 10
Total games left: 16
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 8
9...
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 10
Total games left: 16
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 8
9...
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Guess what kids...
Now it's a sprint. Difference being that the Cubs starting gun went off several seconds before everyone else's. But it's a sprint just the same. It's time to get it on. 16 games left in 16 days. No rest, no more days off, no letting up. Get your crap together and climb aboard. No more stops - express train to paradise. If you're not on now, you're crying.
Here's the really crappy part. After this, it's not even a sprint, it's kill or be killed. After this it's pull out all the stops time. Win today. Or go home.
Know what second place is?
FIRST LOSERS, SIR!
In the postseason - a minute is a long, long time.
Here's the really crappy part. After this, it's not even a sprint, it's kill or be killed. After this it's pull out all the stops time. Win today. Or go home.
Know what second place is?
FIRST LOSERS, SIR!
In the postseason - a minute is a long, long time.
Magic Number
Magic Number: 10
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 10
Total games left: 16
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 8
Let the countdown begin....10...
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 10
Total games left: 16
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 8
Let the countdown begin....10...
Astros at Home in Milwaukee??
So a report on cubs.com names Miller Park as a possible location for the3 postponed games over this weekend - [pout]Stupid hurricanes[/pout].
Ok so first of all, if you're going to Miller Park, ya may as well just go to Wrigley. Either fans are drive 90 min to Miller, or fight traffic for 90 min trying to find parking at Wrigley. 6 of one half dozen of the other ya know.
Second, if you're a Milwaukee baseball fan going to the game - who do you root for? The Cubs, thereby pushing the Astros back in the Wildcard, or the Astros, giving the Brewers a boost toward the division title, but closing the gap to the Brewers in the Wildcard race. My vote - root root root for the Cubbies. A division title is becoming less and less likely as the season progresses, but at least if the Stros lose, the Brewers are still safe in the Wildcard. Unless of course they drop their kibble to the Phils, and they take over the wildcard lead...
Ok so first of all, if you're going to Miller Park, ya may as well just go to Wrigley. Either fans are drive 90 min to Miller, or fight traffic for 90 min trying to find parking at Wrigley. 6 of one half dozen of the other ya know.
Second, if you're a Milwaukee baseball fan going to the game - who do you root for? The Cubs, thereby pushing the Astros back in the Wildcard, or the Astros, giving the Brewers a boost toward the division title, but closing the gap to the Brewers in the Wildcard race. My vote - root root root for the Cubbies. A division title is becoming less and less likely as the season progresses, but at least if the Stros lose, the Brewers are still safe in the Wildcard. Unless of course they drop their kibble to the Phils, and they take over the wildcard lead...
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Magic Number
Magic Number: 11
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 10
Total games left: 16
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 8
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 10
Total games left: 16
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 8
You lilly livered....
How about that Ted Lilly huh? Steals a base earlier this year. Bowls over Molina Molina Molina last night. Gotta love that. Not in love with the pitching this year, but he sure smacked Yaddie down on his butt. Catcher's gear? Who cares.
Pitched a heck of a game last night too. The bulldog eh? I believe it.
As short as minutes come...
Pitched a heck of a game last night too. The bulldog eh? I believe it.
As short as minutes come...
Random Thought
One sure sign you're out of shape -
You're hanging a shower curtain and your arms get tired...
You're hanging a shower curtain and your arms get tired...
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
ESPN Gripe...
Here's my biggest gripe with ESPN...and there are many BTW. But still...
So the Red Sox/Rays game goes 14 innings, well beyond the 3 hours slotted in the schedule for the game, and ends at 11:12PM. Ok, so BBTN was scheduled to start at 11:00. No big deal...But NO!
Frickin' Sportscenter. This ALWAYS happens...This is a show, that tomorrow from midnight to midnight on Thursday will run _14_ times. Yes FOURTEEN. Twice the show is 1/5 hrs. The others are 1 hour. So that's 15 hours of 24 they're showing Sportscenter. and YET. They preempt BBTN which runs, maybe 10 times in a WEEK for sportscenter. Really? I mean REALLY? C'mon people! out of the 15 hours of sportscenter, can we skip just ONE? that's 63% of the day you're running sportcenter. yes, that's right SIXTY THREE percent. can you please take 1 fifteenth of that and run BBTN? Is it really that hard? Is there THAT much thought involved that this almost kinda sorta makes just a TEENSY WEENSY bit of sense?
14 times!!!! In 1-24 hour day. that is just freakin' ridiculous.
Oh, and By the way, they skipped over BBTN at 9 b/c of the game too. That's just stupidity in it's purest, unadulturated form. All I want, to close out my night, is the 30 seconds of analysis you'll give the Cubs in between the 49 minutes of Yankees and Red Sox coverage. Is that too much to ask?
There's another minute, which is by the way, 60 second more than you'll see of BBTN tonight.
So the Red Sox/Rays game goes 14 innings, well beyond the 3 hours slotted in the schedule for the game, and ends at 11:12PM. Ok, so BBTN was scheduled to start at 11:00. No big deal...But NO!
Frickin' Sportscenter. This ALWAYS happens...This is a show, that tomorrow from midnight to midnight on Thursday will run _14_ times. Yes FOURTEEN. Twice the show is 1/5 hrs. The others are 1 hour. So that's 15 hours of 24 they're showing Sportscenter. and YET. They preempt BBTN which runs, maybe 10 times in a WEEK for sportscenter. Really? I mean REALLY? C'mon people! out of the 15 hours of sportscenter, can we skip just ONE? that's 63% of the day you're running sportcenter. yes, that's right SIXTY THREE percent. can you please take 1 fifteenth of that and run BBTN? Is it really that hard? Is there THAT much thought involved that this almost kinda sorta makes just a TEENSY WEENSY bit of sense?
14 times!!!! In 1-24 hour day. that is just freakin' ridiculous.
Oh, and By the way, they skipped over BBTN at 9 b/c of the game too. That's just stupidity in it's purest, unadulturated form. All I want, to close out my night, is the 30 seconds of analysis you'll give the Cubs in between the 49 minutes of Yankees and Red Sox coverage. Is that too much to ask?
There's another minute, which is by the way, 60 second more than you'll see of BBTN tonight.
Random Thought
Ryan Dempster will be performing stand-up comedy in a fund raiser for Northwestern Memorial Hospital's brain cancer ward later this month.
Somehow....that just makes sense. This is the same guy who stole Will Ohman's wheels during spring training in '06.
Somehow....that just makes sense. This is the same guy who stole Will Ohman's wheels during spring training in '06.
Magic Number
Magic Number: 13
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 11
Total games left: 17
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 9
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 11
Total games left: 17
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 9
Pulling The Riot
Gerry...is there something you wanna tell us? Not positive about this, but it seems I've seen Theriot hitting the ball to the left side quite a bit lately.
Gerald, you're not messing with the best hitter on the team are you?
If so...cut it the H-E-double hockey sticks out!!!!
Or I'll beat your minute lovin' butt!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Magic Number
Magic Number: 14
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 13
Total games left: 19
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 11
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 13
Total games left: 19
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 11
Team of Destiny
Ok...get the barf bags ready...I'm about the one up Dave Freakin' Kaplan...and if Banks is Mr. Cub - Kapper is Mr Cubs fan...
I think that we could argue that the Cubs have been a "Team of Destiny" as evidenced by their best record in baseball status and their unbeatability at home. Recently well I think you could say they've sucked...actually sucked monkey balls...actually sucked the sweat off of dead monkey balls...here's the thing tho...
The Boo-hoo crew has sucked only just a touch less. During this horrid strech from Philly to Houston to Cincy and now Louie the Cubs have lost EXACTLY one game off of their lead.
A lot of things have to happen during a season to come out on top. One of those things is, your opposition needs to suck at times, and it helps if they suck at the same time as you suck.
If there is ANYTHING positive to take out of these two weeks - holy crap it's been two weeks - that's it.
Maybe later I'll feel up to writing about that train wreck in Louie tonight. For now one minute and one more page off the calendar...
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Magic Number
Magic Number: 16
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 13
Total games left: 19
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 13
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 13
Total games left: 19
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 13
I hear your sister's going out with...
...Ronny Cedeno.
Ok, let's say it. The little Bee-otch lost the game. Although the writing was on the wall when Edmunds committed that dumb schmuck error to start the inning. Woody can't close if his defense doesn't do the job. I don't have the numbers here, but Wood's become a second Zambrano - when a error is committed, he completely loses it. Like "Hey, it's not MY fault he dropped the ball. Oh well, screw it."
Such a ridiculous loss, it boggles the mind. I got a dollar that sayus if Marmol is closing, this game looks different. Now I'm not calling for Marmol to close - Wood's done a passable job, but can we not soak our drawers when someone screws up?
Bottom line is Little B#$%^ needs to make that play. Worst case, it's a 1-run game.
But then I guess every team needs a Rickie Weeks. Shoulda traded him while he had value. Now he doesn't even have a minute.
Ok, let's say it. The little Bee-otch lost the game. Although the writing was on the wall when Edmunds committed that dumb schmuck error to start the inning. Woody can't close if his defense doesn't do the job. I don't have the numbers here, but Wood's become a second Zambrano - when a error is committed, he completely loses it. Like "Hey, it's not MY fault he dropped the ball. Oh well, screw it."
Such a ridiculous loss, it boggles the mind. I got a dollar that sayus if Marmol is closing, this game looks different. Now I'm not calling for Marmol to close - Wood's done a passable job, but can we not soak our drawers when someone screws up?
Bottom line is Little B#$%^ needs to make that play. Worst case, it's a 1-run game.
But then I guess every team needs a Rickie Weeks. Shoulda traded him while he had value. Now he doesn't even have a minute.
Excessive what???
Ok football fans, put down your torches.
But seriously yesterday apparently a football game between BYU-Washington was influenced by a 15 yard "Excessive celebration" penalty which probably helped whoever get an extra point that would've tied the game.
Excessive CELEBRATION??? How can you football fans take a game with a penalty called "Excessive celebration" seriously???
Actually that's not really true. Baseball has a penalty like that too. Only we call it a high and tight fastball...
Here's a minute....or would that be excessive? wusses...
But seriously yesterday apparently a football game between BYU-Washington was influenced by a 15 yard "Excessive celebration" penalty which probably helped whoever get an extra point that would've tied the game.
Excessive CELEBRATION??? How can you football fans take a game with a penalty called "Excessive celebration" seriously???
Actually that's not really true. Baseball has a penalty like that too. Only we call it a high and tight fastball...
Here's a minute....or would that be excessive? wusses...
Power surge...
So it's pretty much offical - when Soriano hits, the Cubs win. 3 bombs last night, and amazingly, thanks to a minor bullpen hiccup, the third was NOT the winning run. Normally, there would be freaking out in response to Samardzija and Wuertz giving up 5 ER without recording an out, but honestly the bullpen has been so solid all year (with the minor exception of one particular guy..cough.cough.Howry.cough..) one can't really overreact to bad outings by a rookie and a minor league pitcher. Which is basically what Wuertz is. This year, he's a minor leaguer. Period.
But the bats came alive, which is hopefully a sign of good times to come. Time will tell, but in the meantime we can take solace in that the Cubs are hitting the piss out of the ball, and the magic number is sinking...
Fewer and fewer minutes until October...
But the bats came alive, which is hopefully a sign of good times to come. Time will tell, but in the meantime we can take solace in that the Cubs are hitting the piss out of the ball, and the magic number is sinking...
Fewer and fewer minutes until October...
Magic Number
Magic Number: 17
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 14
Total games left: 20
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 13
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 14
Total games left: 20
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 13
Friday, September 5, 2008
Magic Number
Magic Number: 18
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 22
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 14
Nice thing about magic numbers - even when the Cubbies don't play, they can still go down. You know like the Brewers.
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 22
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 14
Nice thing about magic numbers - even when the Cubbies don't play, they can still go down. You know like the Brewers.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Dr. Piniella. Paging Dr. Piniella!
Here's the downside for not watching/listening to postgame or BBTN after a loss. I had NO idea what's been going on in the past few days...
Ok seriously folks. Zambrano is getting all creepy and supposed to get an MRI, but doesn't. Harden's hurt? WTF is going on here?? Oh, and a minor little 5 games losing streak...Hey good times...
It's a good thing Milwaukee Sucks donkey butt or we'd be really screwed.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still on board. but this train's gettin' bumpy...
Still a minute...
Ok seriously folks. Zambrano is getting all creepy and supposed to get an MRI, but doesn't. Harden's hurt? WTF is going on here?? Oh, and a minor little 5 games losing streak...Hey good times...
It's a good thing Milwaukee Sucks donkey butt or we'd be really screwed.
Don't get me wrong. I'm still on board. but this train's gettin' bumpy...
Still a minute...
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Another one bites the dust...
5 game losing streak. At home. Feels weird doesn't it? And not the good "Voice is starting to crack and getting hair in funny places" weird.
The problem from what I heard tonight was frankly trying to hit the ball out of the park, with the wind howling in. Sheesh. Randy Wolf was just serving 'em up over the plate and daring the hitters to hit it out. Yes Wiggington did hit one out, but it was a line drive, not a power bomb. Remember the good ole' days when the hitters hit into the gap? The opposite way?
Eh well. The Brewers and Cardinals have sucked just as much. Better to suck now than suck in October...
A minute, no more, no less...
The problem from what I heard tonight was frankly trying to hit the ball out of the park, with the wind howling in. Sheesh. Randy Wolf was just serving 'em up over the plate and daring the hitters to hit it out. Yes Wiggington did hit one out, but it was a line drive, not a power bomb. Remember the good ole' days when the hitters hit into the gap? The opposite way?
Eh well. The Brewers and Cardinals have sucked just as much. Better to suck now than suck in October...
A minute, no more, no less...
Magic Number
Magic Number: 19
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 22
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 14
Not sure how, but the number of home games got a little goofy..
Home Games Left: 6
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 22
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 14
Not sure how, but the number of home games got a little goofy..
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
D.P. Lee needs a nap.
I'm starting to think maybe Lee should get tucked in for a couple of games and get some sleepy time. Now some would argue that the reason Lee's hitting into so many double plays is because people keep getting on base in front of him. That may be. So try putting the ball in the air in those situations. Of course this is coming the day after he tried that strategy and ended the game, so maybe I don't have a leg to stand on. 1 out, bottom of the 8th and bases loaded - you gotta do something there bud. Just go ahead and curl up with your Teddy bear. We'll wake you when we get to Cincy.
Day two of "The Hoff's" benching. Seriously Daryle Ward?? Have you not been paying attention this season? Last year Soto made the post season roster based solely on the fact that he demonstrated he could play in September. It's the Hoff's turn. Maybe the Hoff gets a crack at first tomorrow? We'll see.
Meantime, D.P. Lee's hitting everything in sight - to the opponents' shortstops. And Ramirez forgot how to catch after the 8th tonight. I hate when that happens. Meanwhile Bomb Howry's been pretty much doing what we expect Howry to do at this point..4 runs without retiring a man...And Z better get his poop together cuz this is just getting silly.
That probably should've been a minute, but it's been ruled an error on Ramirez...
Day two of "The Hoff's" benching. Seriously Daryle Ward?? Have you not been paying attention this season? Last year Soto made the post season roster based solely on the fact that he demonstrated he could play in September. It's the Hoff's turn. Maybe the Hoff gets a crack at first tomorrow? We'll see.
Meantime, D.P. Lee's hitting everything in sight - to the opponents' shortstops. And Ramirez forgot how to catch after the 8th tonight. I hate when that happens. Meanwhile Bomb Howry's been pretty much doing what we expect Howry to do at this point..4 runs without retiring a man...And Z better get his poop together cuz this is just getting silly.
That probably should've been a minute, but it's been ruled an error on Ramirez...
Magic Number
Magic Number: 20
Home Games Left: 8
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 24
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 15
In a battle of bad bullpens, the Boo-Hoo Crew lost...
Home Games Left: 8
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 24
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 15
In a battle of bad bullpens, the Boo-Hoo Crew lost...
Monday, September 1, 2008
Another page off the calendar...
Ok folks. Step back from the ledge. It's ok. It's going to be ok. It's actually fascinating to listen to post game callers after a win, after a loss. It's like bi-polar city out there. Yeah baby - World series all the way baby. Oh man, are we even gonna make the playoffs? Argh. As Bob Brenly "talks about all the time" at this point - St Louis and Milwaukee both lost. It's another page off the calendar. The Magic Number sinks even further.
I would've liked to see Hoffpauir - who by the way, I'll be referring to as "The Hoff" from now on - come to bat in the ninth pinch for Lee. What pinch-hit for Lee? Yeah. The Hofff has been hitting everything in sight in AAA and he's just young and stupid enough to think he can hit off of Valverde, and that brings A Ram to the plate. Eh well. Still all-in Kapper.
Another minute off the blog, another page off the calendar.
I would've liked to see Hoffpauir - who by the way, I'll be referring to as "The Hoff" from now on - come to bat in the ninth pinch for Lee. What pinch-hit for Lee? Yeah. The Hofff has been hitting everything in sight in AAA and he's just young and stupid enough to think he can hit off of Valverde, and that brings A Ram to the plate. Eh well. Still all-in Kapper.
Another minute off the blog, another page off the calendar.
Magic Number
Magic Number: 21
Home Games Left: 9
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 25
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 15
Home Games Left: 9
Road Games Left: 16
Total games left: 25
Magic number to clinch a post season berth : 15
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