THIS ISN'T "NEXT YEAR"
I think today was an entirely heartbreaking day for Cub fans. We finally witnessed Mark Prior return to form... the man threw nine innings of three-hit ball, walked one, and struck out sixteen. He also gave up one run - a homer to Austin Kearns. The rest of the Cubs performed significantly less admirably.
Obviously, you can't win a pennant without timely hitting. Today the Cubs were so lacking of timely hitting that - let's face it - we're still waiting for those bats to show up, and the game ended three hours ago! You also cannot win without solid relief pitchers.
I think a lot of good things can be said about the fellas over at Baseball Prospectus but one thing even Stat-Masters like them and Bill James fail to really measure is the need of a true closer on a baseball team. The Red Sox went without one last season and it made late innings an adventure. I believe that a team really needs a guy who not only can get people out in the 9th, but wants to. This year the Cubs had a closer - Joe Borowski - who I miss now more than ever. But his shoulder wasn't right, and I don't know if it ever will be, and along with a leadoff man, a closer should be a top priority in the off season.
The Sloth feels that we can expect a lot of turnover between next year and this, but I think the core of this team is intact. They merely need a few components - essential ones, but only a few nonetheless.
Really, I feel bad for my friend Jason, whose grandfather I mentioned in an earlier post. Sadly, I believe Jason isn't alone. It's a frustrating time for Cub fans, but now we know something that we've never had before - at least, not in my lifetime. Last year's Cub team wasn't a fluke. The Cubs didn't have one of their One-and-Under seasons, where they follow a playoff berth with a complete collapse into the second division of the Central. Next year could be a lot better, and I believe they'll take the steps to improve the team.
Let's just hope Jason's grandfather is there to see it.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
OK, NOW I'M WORRIED
I don't want to be a total pessemist, but I think it's time to start looking toward next year. With two strikes and two outs in the top of the 9th, LaTroy Hawkins again gave up the game.
This shit can't keep happening. Even if the Cubs somehow recover and rebound into the post season, they won't get far without a reliable closer.
Maybe the Cubs can grab Benitez this off season.
I don't want to be a total pessemist, but I think it's time to start looking toward next year. With two strikes and two outs in the top of the 9th, LaTroy Hawkins again gave up the game.
This shit can't keep happening. Even if the Cubs somehow recover and rebound into the post season, they won't get far without a reliable closer.
Maybe the Cubs can grab Benitez this off season.
I'M NOT WORRIED...YET
Well, that was a thugly night, wasn't it?
Now with only five games remaining, the Cubs have to feel pressed to win. They're tied with San Francisco - still not the team to worry about, they lead San Diego comfortably, and they are only half a game ahead of the Astros.
The Astros. If St. Louis played them like they could, I wouldn't worry about them. But it seems as though the Cardinals are determined to keep the Cubs out of the playoffs, and quicker than you can say Presidential fix, it looks like Houston has an easy road their remaining four games of the year. They have one more against the Cardinals, and then they play the hapless Colorado Rockies.
Colorado. 67-90 on the year. Presently riding a four game skid. Owners of a 1-2 record against Houston this year. Ok, ok, maybe I'm a little worried about Houston slipping in. But only because St. Louis is taking it easy on them.
Of course, none of that would be a problem if the Cubs played like we know they can. Today, they have to. From here on out, everything is must-win.
Maddux owes up to his flubbing
Moises Alou to consider retirement after the season ends. Insert hand-pissing joke here
Neifi will be on the playoff roster should the Cubs make it. Plans to celebrate by going 0 for his next 18, in classic Neifi style
Cubs players too busy dividing up playoff shares to notice that strange object in their mouths obstructing their wind pipes
Well, that was a thugly night, wasn't it?
Now with only five games remaining, the Cubs have to feel pressed to win. They're tied with San Francisco - still not the team to worry about, they lead San Diego comfortably, and they are only half a game ahead of the Astros.
The Astros. If St. Louis played them like they could, I wouldn't worry about them. But it seems as though the Cardinals are determined to keep the Cubs out of the playoffs, and quicker than you can say Presidential fix, it looks like Houston has an easy road their remaining four games of the year. They have one more against the Cardinals, and then they play the hapless Colorado Rockies.
Colorado. 67-90 on the year. Presently riding a four game skid. Owners of a 1-2 record against Houston this year. Ok, ok, maybe I'm a little worried about Houston slipping in. But only because St. Louis is taking it easy on them.
Of course, none of that would be a problem if the Cubs played like we know they can. Today, they have to. From here on out, everything is must-win.
Maddux owes up to his flubbing
Moises Alou to consider retirement after the season ends. Insert hand-pissing joke here
Neifi will be on the playoff roster should the Cubs make it. Plans to celebrate by going 0 for his next 18, in classic Neifi style
Cubs players too busy dividing up playoff shares to notice that strange object in their mouths obstructing their wind pipes
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
We Cub fans talk a good talk. We make brilliant declarations about the state of our baseball team, and we do it often as early as April. After a harsh five game skid, we will proclaim the season over and the team's hopes shattered. After a resurgent six game streak, we flip-flop, declaring that the NL better watch out, the Cubs have come to play. But in reality, we're a cowardly and superstitious lot. Many of us are too scared to openly believe in the team out of a harsh and understandable belief that the Cubs are build to disappoint.
We're superstitious. We drop tomatoes on score cards in hopes that the team will see an improved play. We write overly-scathing remarks about particular players, hoping and believing that the player will somehow respond to our criticism and play better baseball. We wear the same pair of underwear for 12 days in a row believing that that's the reason for the team's winning streak.
In short, we do a lot of crazy, f'd up things because of our belief and love of our ballclub. And no doubt, the players are the same way. As much as we want to win it, there's no way the players don't want to win it even more.
Let's look at the long and the short of it. There are six games left. Six games! With six games remaining, the Cubs have a one game lead over the Giants for the final playoff spot in the NL. Their first round opponent would be the Atlanta Braves. To reach the playoffs, the Cubs must win, in all likelihood, at least four of those remaining games, and preferably five. They have to go through the lowly Cincinnati Reds and... the Atlanta Braves.
The Giants have six games remaining as well. They travel a harder road. They play the Padres and the Dodgers - both competitive teams also fighting for a spot in post-season play.
The Astros, it seems, are a stronger threat. They play five more games. Two against St. Louis, three against the lowly Colorado Rockies. The Rockies have played spoiler before for Chicago. In 1998 it was a Colorado victory over the Giants that led to a tie with San Fran and Chicago for the Wild Card spot. The Cubs won that game before losing three in a row to Atlanta in their first playoff appearance since 1989.
The worst was after the August 22nd-26th five game streak, when the Cubs followed it up with a 1-4 record over their next five games. It fact, it was only after their most recent five game streak from September 13th-17th that the Cubs followed it up with a winning record in their next five games - they went 3-2.
I guess the point is, streaks are meaningless. It's how they play over the course of the season. I would say they are rocky at times, solid at others, with the tendency to keep it interesting. Oh, and I think they're going to make the playoffs. That it's going to be close scares the crap out of me, and I have butterflies in my belly more often than I'd like to admit, but I think they'll get there.
And I no longer think they're a team that'll get knocked out in five.
I know I should end this post there, but I have one other thing to add. While at work today, my co-worker told me about how he hoped the Cubs won it all this year.
He's not a Cubs fan. Grew up a Mets fan, in fact, and currently cheers for the Tigers. No, he wants the Cubs to win for one simple reason: his dying grandfather. The old man has cancer and he probably won't make it through to next season. I guess that's probably fairly common with us Cub fans, but it's my first experience with it. It's scary to think that sooner or later, we will all reach a point where there isn't a next year to wait 'til. I hope for his sake, for our sake, for everyone's sake that the wait will soon be over. Magical things are happening, guys.
I told him that a player on a streak has to respect the streak. You know why? Because they don't---they don't happen very often. If you believe you're playing well because you're getting laid, or because you're not getting laid, or because you wear women's underwear, then you ARE! And you should know that!
-Crash Davis
We Cub fans talk a good talk. We make brilliant declarations about the state of our baseball team, and we do it often as early as April. After a harsh five game skid, we will proclaim the season over and the team's hopes shattered. After a resurgent six game streak, we flip-flop, declaring that the NL better watch out, the Cubs have come to play. But in reality, we're a cowardly and superstitious lot. Many of us are too scared to openly believe in the team out of a harsh and understandable belief that the Cubs are build to disappoint.
We're superstitious. We drop tomatoes on score cards in hopes that the team will see an improved play. We write overly-scathing remarks about particular players, hoping and believing that the player will somehow respond to our criticism and play better baseball. We wear the same pair of underwear for 12 days in a row believing that that's the reason for the team's winning streak.
In short, we do a lot of crazy, f'd up things because of our belief and love of our ballclub. And no doubt, the players are the same way. As much as we want to win it, there's no way the players don't want to win it even more.
Let's look at the long and the short of it. There are six games left. Six games! With six games remaining, the Cubs have a one game lead over the Giants for the final playoff spot in the NL. Their first round opponent would be the Atlanta Braves. To reach the playoffs, the Cubs must win, in all likelihood, at least four of those remaining games, and preferably five. They have to go through the lowly Cincinnati Reds and... the Atlanta Braves.
The Giants have six games remaining as well. They travel a harder road. They play the Padres and the Dodgers - both competitive teams also fighting for a spot in post-season play.
The Astros, it seems, are a stronger threat. They play five more games. Two against St. Louis, three against the lowly Colorado Rockies. The Rockies have played spoiler before for Chicago. In 1998 it was a Colorado victory over the Giants that led to a tie with San Fran and Chicago for the Wild Card spot. The Cubs won that game before losing three in a row to Atlanta in their first playoff appearance since 1989.
Obviously it would've been a lot better going home with a win. It's tough to come in here and lose the series, but we played good baseball and won some big games. Hopefully we can turn it around and get going again when we get home.The Cubs have been a streaky team this year. Too streaky, at least for my liking. They'll win five, lose three, win one, lose two more. In fact, over the course of the season, the Cubs have had two six game winning streaks, and two five game ones. After their first six game streak, dating from April 19th-25th, the Cubs lost 4 of their next six. After their second six game streak on June 12th-17th, the Cubs played .500 ball, winning 3 of their next six.
-Kerry Wood
The worst was after the August 22nd-26th five game streak, when the Cubs followed it up with a 1-4 record over their next five games. It fact, it was only after their most recent five game streak from September 13th-17th that the Cubs followed it up with a winning record in their next five games - they went 3-2.
I guess the point is, streaks are meaningless. It's how they play over the course of the season. I would say they are rocky at times, solid at others, with the tendency to keep it interesting. Oh, and I think they're going to make the playoffs. That it's going to be close scares the crap out of me, and I have butterflies in my belly more often than I'd like to admit, but I think they'll get there.
And I no longer think they're a team that'll get knocked out in five.
I know I should end this post there, but I have one other thing to add. While at work today, my co-worker told me about how he hoped the Cubs won it all this year.
He's not a Cubs fan. Grew up a Mets fan, in fact, and currently cheers for the Tigers. No, he wants the Cubs to win for one simple reason: his dying grandfather. The old man has cancer and he probably won't make it through to next season. I guess that's probably fairly common with us Cub fans, but it's my first experience with it. It's scary to think that sooner or later, we will all reach a point where there isn't a next year to wait 'til. I hope for his sake, for our sake, for everyone's sake that the wait will soon be over. Magical things are happening, guys.
There comes a time when all the cosmic tumblers have clicked into place and the universe opens itself up for a few seconds to show you what is possible.Keep clicking.
-W.P. Kinsella
Monday, September 27, 2004
TOO MUCH TO SAY
It's a big assumption, but should the Cubs actually manage to hold on and make the post-season, I officially have no plans whatsoever to attend a game. They are 1-4 in games Carolyn and I've attended this season.
First: I'm pulling for LaTroy to keep it going into the post season, but I will be severely disappointed in the team if they are unable to upgrade at closer next year. The bullpen, as always, has been a weakness this season.
Second: Sammy Sosa is just plainly and utterly TERRIBLE. Strike outs, double plays, and more strike outs. I would feel more comfortable with the pitcher at bat with runners on in a close game. Sammy needs to take some time this off season and get his head together. I'm rooting for him to successfully return - and you know he will; it's a contract year.
Third: Moises is a whining bitch who really needs to relearn what it means to be a professional ballplayer.
Fourth: Nomar truly has limited range right now, but that didn't hurt the team in the games I saw. He's also swinging a good bat.
Fifth: Prior is back. I'm glad I saw him play.
Sixth: Blame Wood for the loss, but he's still a solid pitcher and I'd take him in the post season.
Seventh: I was more vocal than usual during the second game. At one point I yelled "Hey Corey, get a hit, you are SO DUE!" The people around me laughed and told me that's the nicest they've ever heard a taunt. Later I yelled to the umpire, "HEY UMP, YOU DON'T KNOW A STRIKE FROM Y-...A HOLE IN THE GROUND!" To which those around me again were pleasantly surprised. "I didn't know how you'd finish that one," one said. And I said "yeah well, there are children around."
Eighth: Watching tonight's on-going game makes me worry about the team. The offense should be ripping Claussen a new one, Zambrano is tossing way too many pitches. On a night when the team needs seven solid innings from its starter, he'll be lucky to get through six.
Pictures from Shea tomorrow, or maybe later tonight.
It's a big assumption, but should the Cubs actually manage to hold on and make the post-season, I officially have no plans whatsoever to attend a game. They are 1-4 in games Carolyn and I've attended this season.
First: I'm pulling for LaTroy to keep it going into the post season, but I will be severely disappointed in the team if they are unable to upgrade at closer next year. The bullpen, as always, has been a weakness this season.
Second: Sammy Sosa is just plainly and utterly TERRIBLE. Strike outs, double plays, and more strike outs. I would feel more comfortable with the pitcher at bat with runners on in a close game. Sammy needs to take some time this off season and get his head together. I'm rooting for him to successfully return - and you know he will; it's a contract year.
Third: Moises is a whining bitch who really needs to relearn what it means to be a professional ballplayer.
Fourth: Nomar truly has limited range right now, but that didn't hurt the team in the games I saw. He's also swinging a good bat.
Fifth: Prior is back. I'm glad I saw him play.
Sixth: Blame Wood for the loss, but he's still a solid pitcher and I'd take him in the post season.
Seventh: I was more vocal than usual during the second game. At one point I yelled "Hey Corey, get a hit, you are SO DUE!" The people around me laughed and told me that's the nicest they've ever heard a taunt. Later I yelled to the umpire, "HEY UMP, YOU DON'T KNOW A STRIKE FROM Y-...A HOLE IN THE GROUND!" To which those around me again were pleasantly surprised. "I didn't know how you'd finish that one," one said. And I said "yeah well, there are children around."
Eighth: Watching tonight's on-going game makes me worry about the team. The offense should be ripping Claussen a new one, Zambrano is tossing way too many pitches. On a night when the team needs seven solid innings from its starter, he'll be lucky to get through six.
Pictures from Shea tomorrow, or maybe later tonight.
Thursday, September 23, 2004
TAKE A DEEP BREATH
The Cubs managed to win last night's thriller against the Pirates 1-nil. Where does that leave the Cubs? With 11 games remaining, the Cubs are tied in the loss colemn with San Francisco, and lead Houston by 3, San Diego by 4, and Florida by 6.
Props go out to Carlos Zambrano for shutting the Pirates down, and also to Sammy Sosa who made a hella-catch. The Cubs have won a couple of back-to-back one-run games, which his maybe hopefully a good sign.
What's great is that in another day or two, the team will no longer have to worry about San Francisco. Los Angeles is sliding quickly out of the division lead. LA and SF play each other six times, and I think it's going to be hard for the Dodgers to hold off the Giants. Hopefully both the Dodgers and Astros continue their slides, and the Cubs have an easy entrance into theh post season.
Of course it's not all roses and candy. The Tribune is reporting that Kerry Wood has strained his back from a rough night's sleep in Pittsburgh, and may miss his next start in New York City (although Dusty thinks it's unlikely).
Regardless, things are looking up for the Cubs. Here's to hoping that by the time I see them on Saturday and/or Sunday in NYC, they'll have taken the Wild Card lead.
Kerry Wood is 1. Mark Prior is 1A. Now meet Carlos Zambrano, 1Z.
Sammy Sosa, Chicago's whipping boy, makes a great defensive catch in spite of being "a poor defensive player"
Sammy Sosa, Chicago's whipping boy, defends his homerun hop
Kerry Wood nominated for the Clemente award
The Cubs managed to win last night's thriller against the Pirates 1-nil. Where does that leave the Cubs? With 11 games remaining, the Cubs are tied in the loss colemn with San Francisco, and lead Houston by 3, San Diego by 4, and Florida by 6.
Props go out to Carlos Zambrano for shutting the Pirates down, and also to Sammy Sosa who made a hella-catch. The Cubs have won a couple of back-to-back one-run games, which his maybe hopefully a good sign.
What's great is that in another day or two, the team will no longer have to worry about San Francisco. Los Angeles is sliding quickly out of the division lead. LA and SF play each other six times, and I think it's going to be hard for the Dodgers to hold off the Giants. Hopefully both the Dodgers and Astros continue their slides, and the Cubs have an easy entrance into theh post season.
Of course it's not all roses and candy. The Tribune is reporting that Kerry Wood has strained his back from a rough night's sleep in Pittsburgh, and may miss his next start in New York City (although Dusty thinks it's unlikely).
Regardless, things are looking up for the Cubs. Here's to hoping that by the time I see them on Saturday and/or Sunday in NYC, they'll have taken the Wild Card lead.
Kerry Wood is 1. Mark Prior is 1A. Now meet Carlos Zambrano, 1Z.
Sammy Sosa, Chicago's whipping boy, makes a great defensive catch in spite of being "a poor defensive player"
Sammy Sosa, Chicago's whipping boy, defends his homerun hop
Kerry Wood nominated for the Clemente award
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
CUBS/MARLINS SPLIT; CLEMENT A USELESS SO-AND-SO
Hi there, my name's Matt Clement and I pitch for the Chicago Cubs! Aside from looking like the idealized version of a hobo mixed with Abraham Lincoln, I have proven time and time again this seson that I'm about as reliable as the winner of a demolition derby! I have this nasty little habbit of falling apart at the first hint of trouble. If you hit a double off me, and I walk the next guy (or hit him), then I will look to the bullpen to see if Dusty is preparing to pull me. Even as early as the second or third inning! Because of my lack of sack, heart, and machismo, I have proven to be an overrated pitcher who the Cubs will hopefully release this off season, and will hopefully not use in the playoffs. Thank you for your time!
Back to business: today is a must-win for Kerry Wood, while the Giants open up the series against the Astros. At this point I think a lot of fans are hoping/expecting a Dodgers collapse and a Giants playoff berth, but with 13 games remaining it might be hard for the Dodgers to play that much worse than the Giants. And anyway, should the Dodgers make it and advance to the NLCS, I'd rather play them than the Cardinals or Giants(assuming, of course, that the Cubs get there).
Jason Stark says: Of course they are making it hard on themselves to win the Wild Card. They're the Cubs! And you're a hack
Cubs credit late-acquired Lemons for their continued good play
An accurate description of my morning: *reads article headline about the Cubs possibly using a 5-man rotation in the post season. Thinks about Clement. Shudders*
Hi there, my name's Matt Clement and I pitch for the Chicago Cubs! Aside from looking like the idealized version of a hobo mixed with Abraham Lincoln, I have proven time and time again this seson that I'm about as reliable as the winner of a demolition derby! I have this nasty little habbit of falling apart at the first hint of trouble. If you hit a double off me, and I walk the next guy (or hit him), then I will look to the bullpen to see if Dusty is preparing to pull me. Even as early as the second or third inning! Because of my lack of sack, heart, and machismo, I have proven to be an overrated pitcher who the Cubs will hopefully release this off season, and will hopefully not use in the playoffs. Thank you for your time!
Back to business: today is a must-win for Kerry Wood, while the Giants open up the series against the Astros. At this point I think a lot of fans are hoping/expecting a Dodgers collapse and a Giants playoff berth, but with 13 games remaining it might be hard for the Dodgers to play that much worse than the Giants. And anyway, should the Dodgers make it and advance to the NLCS, I'd rather play them than the Cardinals or Giants(assuming, of course, that the Cubs get there).
Jason Stark says: Of course they are making it hard on themselves to win the Wild Card. They're the Cubs! And you're a hack
Cubs credit late-acquired Lemons for their continued good play
An accurate description of my morning: *reads article headline about the Cubs possibly using a 5-man rotation in the post season. Thinks about Clement. Shudders*
Monday, September 20, 2004
IT HAS COME TO THIS
Today, the Cubs play their final two against the hated Florida Marlins. Last year the Cubs were in similar circumstances. They stand on the verge of advancement - for all of of Barry's homeruns, the Giants are scrambling to keep up - and need to win at least one today. There are a lot of people out there who might say they need to win two. If the Cubs can keep it together and win these big games, they very much so have a shot of punching through and taking the Wild Card.
The Marlins are tough, though.
As much as the Cubs have had their problems, I'm starting to believe that this has to be the year. I'm not saying it is the year, I'm just saying it has to be. There's no gaurantee that next year's team will be as offensively strong, and in fact it probably won't be. The pitching is there, if it could only be consistant, and that's the one real variable that will make the difference today and in the post season.
But here's a thought for you... if the Cubs fail to advance to the post season, I believe this team replaces the '69 Cubs as the best team to never get there. They're not as lovable as the '69 team, nor are they as memorable, but they do have the potential to be great.
And look at me, talking about the team's potential to be great almost into October. They should have more than just potential by now!
Jim Hendry acknowledges that the Deadbirds deserve the NL Central pennant while Reinsdorf supports the Cardinals even over his own team
The Cubs face the possibility of losing eight of their players this off season to free agency
David Weathers, hereby known as "the Bitch," to get a chance today to be "slapped" by the Cubs offense in game two. Now watch him shut us down!
You know the joke about how Ron Santo gets so excited over the Cubs that his heart is gonna explode one day? Well, it's not so funny anymore
Because of the recent winning streak, the Cubs aren't rushing Nomar into returning
Today, the Cubs play their final two against the hated Florida Marlins. Last year the Cubs were in similar circumstances. They stand on the verge of advancement - for all of of Barry's homeruns, the Giants are scrambling to keep up - and need to win at least one today. There are a lot of people out there who might say they need to win two. If the Cubs can keep it together and win these big games, they very much so have a shot of punching through and taking the Wild Card.
The Marlins are tough, though.
As much as the Cubs have had their problems, I'm starting to believe that this has to be the year. I'm not saying it is the year, I'm just saying it has to be. There's no gaurantee that next year's team will be as offensively strong, and in fact it probably won't be. The pitching is there, if it could only be consistant, and that's the one real variable that will make the difference today and in the post season.
But here's a thought for you... if the Cubs fail to advance to the post season, I believe this team replaces the '69 Cubs as the best team to never get there. They're not as lovable as the '69 team, nor are they as memorable, but they do have the potential to be great.
And look at me, talking about the team's potential to be great almost into October. They should have more than just potential by now!
Jim Hendry acknowledges that the Deadbirds deserve the NL Central pennant while Reinsdorf supports the Cardinals even over his own team
The Cubs face the possibility of losing eight of their players this off season to free agency
David Weathers, hereby known as "the Bitch," to get a chance today to be "slapped" by the Cubs offense in game two. Now watch him shut us down!
You know the joke about how Ron Santo gets so excited over the Cubs that his heart is gonna explode one day? Well, it's not so funny anymore
Because of the recent winning streak, the Cubs aren't rushing Nomar into returning
Sunday, September 19, 2004
"A LINEUP THAT NEVER ENDS"
This is where you see my weakness as a blogger. Somewhere out there is a statistic I want to quote: specifically, that last year, the Cubs came back and won close to zero games when trailing after the 7th. I'm pretty sure they never did it. This year, they can rightly be called the Comeback Cubs, because they make a nightly habit of it. Today's Hero© was Michael Barrett, although props also go to Moises Alou and Glendon Rusch.
The quote that makes this blog title came from Reds' closer Danny Graves. From start to finish, on any given day the Cubs lineup can score runs. An idea of how good this lineup is: the #8 hitter is batting over .300. Come on, folks, when's the last time the Cubs had their 8th hitter bat over .300?!
That's always been Chicago's problem. They might've had a good hitting second baseman, but the third baseman was crap. They may have had a solid right fielder, but left field was a revolving door - and don't get me started on catcher or center field!
It's fair to question their plate discipline - as a team, the Cubs don't draw nearly enough walks. It's certainly understandable to question their base running, although with Wendell "I calls 'em as I sees 'em - and I don't see much" Kim it may only be half their fault that they have multiple base running blunders a week.
But at this point, you can't question their heart. This is a team that wants to win, maybe too much if that's even possible. They are intense, and irritable, and by God they keep coming from behind! I have questioned them over their lack of sack, and through time they have proved me wrong.
And what about their lineup? At first base, and batting fifth or sixth in the lineup is a guy who may finish up with a .300 avg, 35 homeruns, 110 RBI, and 40+ doubles! The Cubs have never seen production like that from a first baseman. Ever.
At second is the fearsome double-team combo of Todd "Grip and Rip" Walker and Mark Grudzielanek. Walker is a guy who put up great numbers while starting daily for the Cubs and is still playing respectably, while Grudz is a guy who many thought would never hit .300 again in his career. How's .306 sound? Combined, Walker and Grudz are batting .288 with 30 doubles, 5 triples, 18 homeruns, and 62 runs driven in.
At short we have the current combo of Nomfie Garciaperezza. Nomfie is hitting .316 as a Cub with 10 doubles, 6 homeruns, and 21 RBI - all in only around 40 games played.
Then there's Aramis. Let's just call him "next year's MVP." Aramis Ramirez has made a believer out of me. The difference between the armchair GMs and the real one, Jim Hendry, is that us amateurs would've overspent in talent to get a guy like Mike Lowell, while Jim Hendry went out and nabbed a real winner in Aramis Ramirez. Aramis has been so good at Chicago in the last year and a half that Cub fans have forgotten all about the "Santo Curse" and the 100+ third baseman it killed. Aramis is batting .316 with 33 homeruns, 97 RBI, and only 57 k's in 491 at bats. You know the last time the Cubs had a first and third baseman with the production that Lee and Aramis are getting? Banks and Santo. It's been a long time.
In left field we have the resurgent yet alienating Moises Alou. When Moises isn't busy pissing all over himself, he's found himself on the verge of becoming the first Cub not named Sammy Sosa to hit 40 homeruns in a season since Ryne Sandberg did it more than a decade ago. He's also driven in 97 RBI, and has raised his average up to .290. Not bad for a guy many Cub fans thought would be burned out by year three of his 27 million dollar contract. On the other hand, Moises has made way too many base running errors, but I'd take him and his errors over a guy with less offensive production any day. It has to even out.
In center is our young leadoff hitter, Corey Patterson. Corey is hit and miss this year, but since the All Star break he's mostly been hit. And steal. And score. Corey is a 20-20 player this year, and has a small chance of stealing 40 bases on the season.
Then there's Sammy. Sammy, Sammy, Sammy. The worst hitter in the lineup, but still with the most potential to do something damaging to a baseball. I no longer believe Sammy has a shot at 700 homeruns, but now that he's dropped down the lineup a bit I don't mind if he hits .250 while slugging more than 30 homeruns.
All told, this is without a doubt the best Cubs lineup I've ever seen in my life. Far and away. But let's not forget. It's also a Cubs lineup that gets shut down and shut out way too often. These guys can score 10 runs on any given night, and be promptly shut out the night after.
Will they make the post season? I say yes. How they get there, to me, determines how they'll do once they're in. I make no predictions beyond that, but I will say, tentatively...
...I believe.
This is where you see my weakness as a blogger. Somewhere out there is a statistic I want to quote: specifically, that last year, the Cubs came back and won close to zero games when trailing after the 7th. I'm pretty sure they never did it. This year, they can rightly be called the Comeback Cubs, because they make a nightly habit of it. Today's Hero© was Michael Barrett, although props also go to Moises Alou and Glendon Rusch.
The quote that makes this blog title came from Reds' closer Danny Graves. From start to finish, on any given day the Cubs lineup can score runs. An idea of how good this lineup is: the #8 hitter is batting over .300. Come on, folks, when's the last time the Cubs had their 8th hitter bat over .300?!
That's always been Chicago's problem. They might've had a good hitting second baseman, but the third baseman was crap. They may have had a solid right fielder, but left field was a revolving door - and don't get me started on catcher or center field!
It's fair to question their plate discipline - as a team, the Cubs don't draw nearly enough walks. It's certainly understandable to question their base running, although with Wendell "I calls 'em as I sees 'em - and I don't see much" Kim it may only be half their fault that they have multiple base running blunders a week.
But at this point, you can't question their heart. This is a team that wants to win, maybe too much if that's even possible. They are intense, and irritable, and by God they keep coming from behind! I have questioned them over their lack of sack, and through time they have proved me wrong.
And what about their lineup? At first base, and batting fifth or sixth in the lineup is a guy who may finish up with a .300 avg, 35 homeruns, 110 RBI, and 40+ doubles! The Cubs have never seen production like that from a first baseman. Ever.
At second is the fearsome double-team combo of Todd "Grip and Rip" Walker and Mark Grudzielanek. Walker is a guy who put up great numbers while starting daily for the Cubs and is still playing respectably, while Grudz is a guy who many thought would never hit .300 again in his career. How's .306 sound? Combined, Walker and Grudz are batting .288 with 30 doubles, 5 triples, 18 homeruns, and 62 runs driven in.
At short we have the current combo of Nomfie Garciaperezza. Nomfie is hitting .316 as a Cub with 10 doubles, 6 homeruns, and 21 RBI - all in only around 40 games played.
Then there's Aramis. Let's just call him "next year's MVP." Aramis Ramirez has made a believer out of me. The difference between the armchair GMs and the real one, Jim Hendry, is that us amateurs would've overspent in talent to get a guy like Mike Lowell, while Jim Hendry went out and nabbed a real winner in Aramis Ramirez. Aramis has been so good at Chicago in the last year and a half that Cub fans have forgotten all about the "Santo Curse" and the 100+ third baseman it killed. Aramis is batting .316 with 33 homeruns, 97 RBI, and only 57 k's in 491 at bats. You know the last time the Cubs had a first and third baseman with the production that Lee and Aramis are getting? Banks and Santo. It's been a long time.
In left field we have the resurgent yet alienating Moises Alou. When Moises isn't busy pissing all over himself, he's found himself on the verge of becoming the first Cub not named Sammy Sosa to hit 40 homeruns in a season since Ryne Sandberg did it more than a decade ago. He's also driven in 97 RBI, and has raised his average up to .290. Not bad for a guy many Cub fans thought would be burned out by year three of his 27 million dollar contract. On the other hand, Moises has made way too many base running errors, but I'd take him and his errors over a guy with less offensive production any day. It has to even out.
In center is our young leadoff hitter, Corey Patterson. Corey is hit and miss this year, but since the All Star break he's mostly been hit. And steal. And score. Corey is a 20-20 player this year, and has a small chance of stealing 40 bases on the season.
Then there's Sammy. Sammy, Sammy, Sammy. The worst hitter in the lineup, but still with the most potential to do something damaging to a baseball. I no longer believe Sammy has a shot at 700 homeruns, but now that he's dropped down the lineup a bit I don't mind if he hits .250 while slugging more than 30 homeruns.
All told, this is without a doubt the best Cubs lineup I've ever seen in my life. Far and away. But let's not forget. It's also a Cubs lineup that gets shut down and shut out way too often. These guys can score 10 runs on any given night, and be promptly shut out the night after.
Will they make the post season? I say yes. How they get there, to me, determines how they'll do once they're in. I make no predictions beyond that, but I will say, tentatively...
...I believe.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
LAST NIGHT'S HERO: DEE LEE
Derrek Lee answered the call last night, driving in five runs with a homer and a double. Lee is now in striking distance of driving in more runs as a first baseman than Ernie Banks did in 69. In fact, Derrek is proving Jim Hendry to be a smart one with perhaps the best offensive season for a Cubs first baseman in decades. Meanwhile, Hee Seop Choi is batting .252 with 15 homeruns and 45 RBI.
Carlos Zambrano also played well, pitching seven solid innings and hitting a solo shot in the 6th. The respectable thing: Zambrano watched the ball go, and after the game apologized for showing up the opposing pitcher. I'm sure we recall Zambrano's rage at Jim Edmonds for showing him up earlier this year.
Tonight we find out if Maddux respects the streak. Will he wear his gray jersey or will he go against convention and wear the blues?
Like I said: it's a lot easier getting to the playoffs if you just never lose.
Derrek Lee answered the call last night, driving in five runs with a homer and a double. Lee is now in striking distance of driving in more runs as a first baseman than Ernie Banks did in 69. In fact, Derrek is proving Jim Hendry to be a smart one with perhaps the best offensive season for a Cubs first baseman in decades. Meanwhile, Hee Seop Choi is batting .252 with 15 homeruns and 45 RBI.
Carlos Zambrano also played well, pitching seven solid innings and hitting a solo shot in the 6th. The respectable thing: Zambrano watched the ball go, and after the game apologized for showing up the opposing pitcher. I'm sure we recall Zambrano's rage at Jim Edmonds for showing him up earlier this year.
Tonight we find out if Maddux respects the streak. Will he wear his gray jersey or will he go against convention and wear the blues?
Like I said: it's a lot easier getting to the playoffs if you just never lose.
Friday, September 17, 2004
RESPECT THE STREAK; HERO TIME
Last night's game was yet another come from behind, one-run victory. Taking a page out of Sammy's book, Aramis Ramirez hit three homeruns, a double, and drove in all 5 of the Cubs runs. In the process he tied a club record of 14 total bases in a game.
Dusty likes to call this part of the season "hero time," and so far that's been an accurate term. Aramis was last night's hero. Two nights ago, it was Corey Patterson, who drove in all three of the team's runs. Three days previous, Derrek Lee had driven in three runs in the 8th inning, lifting the Cubs over the Marlins.
As for the streak... maybe I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the Cubs have worn the blue uniforms during the duration of their four game winning streak (six out of seven). This included two games at home.
What I want to see is what uniform Maddux will wear should the streak continue beyond tonight. I don't think I've ever seen Maddux pitch a road game in anything but his grays and I'm anxious to see if he'll respect the streak.
Hopefully Zambrano will notch his 14th win of the year tonight against Luke Hudson, a difficult rookie 27-year-old with a 3-1 record and an ERA of 2.43. Were the situation reversed and Hudson pitched for the Cubs, I would worry that he would collapse in a game against a playoff contender, as so far his only two poor outings were against the Cardinals and Astros.
I wonder who'll be tonight's hero?
Baker says "we're fundamentally sound" while an errant Alou throw whizzes by his head and Neifi and Walker collide into each other in the background of the interview
Last night's game was yet another come from behind, one-run victory. Taking a page out of Sammy's book, Aramis Ramirez hit three homeruns, a double, and drove in all 5 of the Cubs runs. In the process he tied a club record of 14 total bases in a game.
Dusty likes to call this part of the season "hero time," and so far that's been an accurate term. Aramis was last night's hero. Two nights ago, it was Corey Patterson, who drove in all three of the team's runs. Three days previous, Derrek Lee had driven in three runs in the 8th inning, lifting the Cubs over the Marlins.
As for the streak... maybe I'm wrong, but I'm pretty sure the Cubs have worn the blue uniforms during the duration of their four game winning streak (six out of seven). This included two games at home.
What I want to see is what uniform Maddux will wear should the streak continue beyond tonight. I don't think I've ever seen Maddux pitch a road game in anything but his grays and I'm anxious to see if he'll respect the streak.
Hopefully Zambrano will notch his 14th win of the year tonight against Luke Hudson, a difficult rookie 27-year-old with a 3-1 record and an ERA of 2.43. Were the situation reversed and Hudson pitched for the Cubs, I would worry that he would collapse in a game against a playoff contender, as so far his only two poor outings were against the Cardinals and Astros.
I wonder who'll be tonight's hero?
Baker says "we're fundamentally sound" while an errant Alou throw whizzes by his head and Neifi and Walker collide into each other in the background of the interview
Thursday, September 16, 2004
HOW ABOUT THAT?
A good day for me as a Cubs fan. Aramis hits three - THREE - homeruns! I'll post more about that later, but for now, if you haven't already seen it, they published my article for the View From a Fan segment at the Tribune. Here's a link.
They edited it, and it's pretty much the same thing I posted here on my blog a week back. But there it is.
A good day for me as a Cubs fan. Aramis hits three - THREE - homeruns! I'll post more about that later, but for now, if you haven't already seen it, they published my article for the View From a Fan segment at the Tribune. Here's a link.
They edited it, and it's pretty much the same thing I posted here on my blog a week back. But there it is.
THREE DOWN, TWENTY TO GO
Of course, the Cubs have discovered the best method to get into the playoffs: don't lose. Ever. They bring a mini-streak to Cincinnati, where tonight Kerry Wood faces youngster Josh Hancock. I don't know if Kerry will win for the first time in a month, but I do have a very strong feeling that the Cubs are going to walk all over the Reds. Hancock is not a good pitcher, and he plays right into the Cubs game. In 43.1 innings of work, he's allowed 14 homeruns. FOURTEEN! Over a full season (200 innings pitched), that equals over 60 homeruns hit.
Of course, baseball isn't played on paper, but I like the team's chances of continuing their little winning streak.
Over at The Cub Reporter, a lot of people have been discussing who they would use as their starter for the opening game of a post season series. The general thought is that Maddux should throw in the first game, although a lot of people believe that Kerry Wood is your ace, regardless of record.
My head tells me that Maddux should pitch game one. My heart tells me Wood should. It's not because Wood has the numbers. It's because Kerry seems to have the ability to rise to the occasion in big games, Game Seven not withstanding. There may be no such thing as a clutch hitter, but I do think there's clutch pitching. Some guys can pitch in big games, other guys melt away. Kerry Wood can pitch in big games, and I feel more confident with him throwing two possible games in an opening series.
This is all depending on if the team makes it, of course. And I still think that they are a 3-and-out type team regardless, which Al Yellon commented on yesterday on his blog. Yellon disagrees, arguing (correctly, in my opinion) that the Cubs are a considerably talented team with the ability to win more than they have. But that's my point, anyway - they should win more than they have, but they haven't. Any time the team looks like it's getting its head straight, they string off four losses in six games, and that sort of inconsistency makes it hard to win a short series in October.
But if the Cubs play well from here on out, I'll change my tune. If they continue to barely survive, winning a post season spot on say, the last day of the season, much like in 98 the mere act of getting there may be so exhausting to the team that they'd have nothing left against Atlanta. Of course it's all speculation, but the Cubs really need to run away with it from here on out to convince me they can run away with anything next month, too.
Mark Prior looks forward to the next 11 days, in which the Cubs will play 12 games. Calls it "fun." Fun, sure, that's a word for it
Corey Patterson, Dusty Baker have it out on camera after a base-running error
Giants bribe MLB: will host any of their possible playoff tie-breakers in San Francisco. The Cubs would be on the road unless they played against Florida
Sammy Sosa makes the All-Flop team; promptly blasts two homeruns, drives in five RBI
In a day that will live in infamy, it is announced that the Cubs are switching Class-A affiliates... the Lansing Lugnuts will no longer be associated with the Cubs
Of course, the Cubs have discovered the best method to get into the playoffs: don't lose. Ever. They bring a mini-streak to Cincinnati, where tonight Kerry Wood faces youngster Josh Hancock. I don't know if Kerry will win for the first time in a month, but I do have a very strong feeling that the Cubs are going to walk all over the Reds. Hancock is not a good pitcher, and he plays right into the Cubs game. In 43.1 innings of work, he's allowed 14 homeruns. FOURTEEN! Over a full season (200 innings pitched), that equals over 60 homeruns hit.
Of course, baseball isn't played on paper, but I like the team's chances of continuing their little winning streak.
Over at The Cub Reporter, a lot of people have been discussing who they would use as their starter for the opening game of a post season series. The general thought is that Maddux should throw in the first game, although a lot of people believe that Kerry Wood is your ace, regardless of record.
My head tells me that Maddux should pitch game one. My heart tells me Wood should. It's not because Wood has the numbers. It's because Kerry seems to have the ability to rise to the occasion in big games, Game Seven not withstanding. There may be no such thing as a clutch hitter, but I do think there's clutch pitching. Some guys can pitch in big games, other guys melt away. Kerry Wood can pitch in big games, and I feel more confident with him throwing two possible games in an opening series.
This is all depending on if the team makes it, of course. And I still think that they are a 3-and-out type team regardless, which Al Yellon commented on yesterday on his blog. Yellon disagrees, arguing (correctly, in my opinion) that the Cubs are a considerably talented team with the ability to win more than they have. But that's my point, anyway - they should win more than they have, but they haven't. Any time the team looks like it's getting its head straight, they string off four losses in six games, and that sort of inconsistency makes it hard to win a short series in October.
But if the Cubs play well from here on out, I'll change my tune. If they continue to barely survive, winning a post season spot on say, the last day of the season, much like in 98 the mere act of getting there may be so exhausting to the team that they'd have nothing left against Atlanta. Of course it's all speculation, but the Cubs really need to run away with it from here on out to convince me they can run away with anything next month, too.
Mark Prior looks forward to the next 11 days, in which the Cubs will play 12 games. Calls it "fun." Fun, sure, that's a word for it
Corey Patterson, Dusty Baker have it out on camera after a base-running error
Giants bribe MLB: will host any of their possible playoff tie-breakers in San Francisco. The Cubs would be on the road unless they played against Florida
Sammy Sosa makes the All-Flop team; promptly blasts two homeruns, drives in five RBI
In a day that will live in infamy, it is announced that the Cubs are switching Class-A affiliates... the Lansing Lugnuts will no longer be associated with the Cubs
Wednesday, September 15, 2004
Holy Cow!
First, let's get one thing right out of the way. Corey Patterson is not Ryne Sandberg. Last night's performance is not equivilant to the Sandberg game. Why?
1. Ryne Sandberg hit his two homeruns off the Eric Gagne of 1984, Bruce Sutter.
2. Ryne Sandberg became an MVP candidate.
That doesn't discount how huge that game was for Corey. It was one of those brief moments where you could see through the smoke and mirrors, and there you found a Cubs team that was happy, focused, and winning. What was really great about last night's game is that there was an intensity with the team. Historically whenever the Cubs are in a situation where, say, they have runners in scoring position and less than two outs, I think "oh great, how are they going to blow this one?" Or if their opponents also have a scoring chance, I think "figures, they won't be able to stop this one." Last night I had a pretty good feeling they would win.
I don't particularly believe in clutch hitting. There are certainly times when over a course of a single season, a player may hit above and beyond his career averages, but statistically it tends to even out by the end of his career. But I do think that their's anti-clutch, and for most of the season I would've rather lost a finger than seen Corey Patterson in a meaningful late-game sitaution. It was the same over and over again. After they'd get two strikes on him, they'd set up on the outside of the plate, throw a ball, and watch Corey strike out while attempting to make a lot out of absolutely nothing. During the middle of the year, we saw Corey lay off on those pitches but still failing to get the big hit. Now, Corey has turned the corner and he can bat in the 9th inning for me any time. It's like what Dusty said: if a guy does it once, he starts to believe he can do it again.
Today, Mark Prior pitches. In his last outing he walked none and struck out 8. We have yet to see him give back-to-back good performances. I won't speculate on what will happen.
Dusty Baker: Our team has been more beat up than that craggy old ho' I pimp for back in San Fran
This year's Cubs have about as much fun as George Michael would had he been accidentally accepted to an All Girls College
To the horror of Cub fans everywhere, Nomar is out for at LEAST five days, giving Neifi Perez an opportunity to suck as he usually does
First, let's get one thing right out of the way. Corey Patterson is not Ryne Sandberg. Last night's performance is not equivilant to the Sandberg game. Why?
1. Ryne Sandberg hit his two homeruns off the Eric Gagne of 1984, Bruce Sutter.
2. Ryne Sandberg became an MVP candidate.
That doesn't discount how huge that game was for Corey. It was one of those brief moments where you could see through the smoke and mirrors, and there you found a Cubs team that was happy, focused, and winning. What was really great about last night's game is that there was an intensity with the team. Historically whenever the Cubs are in a situation where, say, they have runners in scoring position and less than two outs, I think "oh great, how are they going to blow this one?" Or if their opponents also have a scoring chance, I think "figures, they won't be able to stop this one." Last night I had a pretty good feeling they would win.
I don't particularly believe in clutch hitting. There are certainly times when over a course of a single season, a player may hit above and beyond his career averages, but statistically it tends to even out by the end of his career. But I do think that their's anti-clutch, and for most of the season I would've rather lost a finger than seen Corey Patterson in a meaningful late-game sitaution. It was the same over and over again. After they'd get two strikes on him, they'd set up on the outside of the plate, throw a ball, and watch Corey strike out while attempting to make a lot out of absolutely nothing. During the middle of the year, we saw Corey lay off on those pitches but still failing to get the big hit. Now, Corey has turned the corner and he can bat in the 9th inning for me any time. It's like what Dusty said: if a guy does it once, he starts to believe he can do it again.
Today, Mark Prior pitches. In his last outing he walked none and struck out 8. We have yet to see him give back-to-back good performances. I won't speculate on what will happen.
Dusty Baker: Our team has been more beat up than that craggy old ho' I pimp for back in San Fran
This year's Cubs have about as much fun as George Michael would had he been accidentally accepted to an All Girls College
To the horror of Cub fans everywhere, Nomar is out for at LEAST five days, giving Neifi Perez an opportunity to suck as he usually does
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
WHERE'S GLENALLEN WHEN YOU NEED HIM?
I began writing this as the bottom of the 8th began. I pictured in my mind the Cubs need for a broad-shouldered, hulking hitter. A man who would lumber to the plate, and with one compact swing of his mighty bat, send the ball into the seats on the ROOF.
Yes, I believe that the Cubs would be better off with a hitman like Genallen Hill. They had one in Hollandsworth, but he is long since lost. Without Hollandsworth, the Lemons are just sour milk. Or something equally cliched.
Something I mentioned to a fellow Cub fan: with a team that strongly bases its offense on the power of the homerun, October play will be hard to win once the weather gets cold and the wind begins blowing in.
However, at least once more, tonight, the homerun has saved the Cubs. Not from defeat, but from a shutout, as a defeat is still very possible. There was a time not two months ago when I would shudder to think about Corey Patterson in a clutch late inning situation. But he's turned it around, completely, and now I feel no fear when he steps to the plate. Corey may never be Ken Griffey Jr., but he may yet be more than Marquis Grissom.
Let's get a win tonight!
I began writing this as the bottom of the 8th began. I pictured in my mind the Cubs need for a broad-shouldered, hulking hitter. A man who would lumber to the plate, and with one compact swing of his mighty bat, send the ball into the seats on the ROOF.
Yes, I believe that the Cubs would be better off with a hitman like Genallen Hill. They had one in Hollandsworth, but he is long since lost. Without Hollandsworth, the Lemons are just sour milk. Or something equally cliched.
Something I mentioned to a fellow Cub fan: with a team that strongly bases its offense on the power of the homerun, October play will be hard to win once the weather gets cold and the wind begins blowing in.
However, at least once more, tonight, the homerun has saved the Cubs. Not from defeat, but from a shutout, as a defeat is still very possible. There was a time not two months ago when I would shudder to think about Corey Patterson in a clutch late inning situation. But he's turned it around, completely, and now I feel no fear when he steps to the plate. Corey may never be Ken Griffey Jr., but he may yet be more than Marquis Grissom.
Let's get a win tonight!
Monday, September 13, 2004
WAIT TIL...AW, FORGET ABOUT IT
To my three or four fans, I apologize for the inconsistant posting. The computer at work is dead in the water, and I spent this past weekend with my girlfriend which essentially means little to almost no computer time (and certainly no blogging time).
But now I'm back. And to what?
The Cubs split a nearly Must-Win series with the Marlins, after losing a nearly Must-Win series with the Expos. This is not the time to go cold and play bad baseball, but apparently similar to that "cold," bad baseball is contageous and Moises Alou made the most horrendous outfield throw I've seen this year in yesterday's game. Not that it really mattered.
As I've read through the other blogs of the CFN, I see that the Glendon Rusch smack of Miguel Cabrera was probably intentional, according to Al Yellon, who I am not mentioning because the last time I did, he replied over at his wonderful blog. Yellon mentions that Cabrera did a mocking rendition of Moises Alou's hissy-fit from last year's NLCS. After the smack by Rusch, the Marlins lit the Cubs up. So with the season series even, there are two games left. Hopefully - but doubtfully - the Cubs can focus their hostilities and sweep the double header.
Over at the Uncouth Sloth's, the Sloth has decided to push the Big Red Panic Button, and for good reason. These Cubs might have the talent, but they don't have the discipline or the focus to make an extended post season run. I suspect that even if they somehow manage to get there, it will be 3-and-out like in 98.
As far as this season has gone, I think a lot of Cub fans have used a statement similar to this one: "If, during Spring Training, I told you that the Cubs would be ___ games out of the Wild Card lead after losing ____ and ____ and ____ for this long a period of time, you would be ecstatic." You obviously can instert a lot of names and figures into the blanks. Well folks, at this point I think that's complete crap. This team has been mostly together now for some time, and they haven't broken away. This team had its' GM go out and acquire The Big Name during the trade deadline, and it hasn't amounted to anything.
For once, I don't blame the management. I honestly don't know if Dusty Baker is as great as his reputation says he is, nor do I think he's as bad as many loathing Cub fans think he is. And I no longer think that Jim Hendry is any sort of an idiot - he's made too many amazing moves too often to warrant my criticism. Instead, this time, I blame the players. I blame Moises Alou for his consistant sloppy baserunning and his unbelivablely shitty defense. I blame Sammy Sosa for his incredibly selfish play, his consistant inability to hit the cutoff man, and his unwillingness to shorten his swing and knock in porobably 10 or 15 more runs this year than he already has. I blame Kyle Farnsworth for being a brain-dead waste of uniform. I blame Matt Clement for being a sackless piece of crap. I even blame Corey Patterson for being inconsistant and Carlos Zambrano for being a hothead who can't control his temper.
I still like Clement, Patterson, and Zambrano. I just wish they'd figure it out a bit more.
All that said, this team needs an injection of leadership in the off season, and they need a renewed interest in fundamentals in Spring Training. Until then, I'm just along for the ride. It'd be great to see them play into October, but let's face it: it'll be a disappointment even if they make it to the NLDS.
Too little too late, Sammy feels the burden of his suckiness; still finds a way to blame the fans anyway
Todd Walker swallows his pride and admits that the true fans have the right to boo
Nomar's marriage with Mia finally takes its' toll: Garciaparra out indefinitely with a groin injury
To my three or four fans, I apologize for the inconsistant posting. The computer at work is dead in the water, and I spent this past weekend with my girlfriend which essentially means little to almost no computer time (and certainly no blogging time).
But now I'm back. And to what?
The Cubs split a nearly Must-Win series with the Marlins, after losing a nearly Must-Win series with the Expos. This is not the time to go cold and play bad baseball, but apparently similar to that "cold," bad baseball is contageous and Moises Alou made the most horrendous outfield throw I've seen this year in yesterday's game. Not that it really mattered.
As I've read through the other blogs of the CFN, I see that the Glendon Rusch smack of Miguel Cabrera was probably intentional, according to Al Yellon, who I am not mentioning because the last time I did, he replied over at his wonderful blog. Yellon mentions that Cabrera did a mocking rendition of Moises Alou's hissy-fit from last year's NLCS. After the smack by Rusch, the Marlins lit the Cubs up. So with the season series even, there are two games left. Hopefully - but doubtfully - the Cubs can focus their hostilities and sweep the double header.
Over at the Uncouth Sloth's, the Sloth has decided to push the Big Red Panic Button, and for good reason. These Cubs might have the talent, but they don't have the discipline or the focus to make an extended post season run. I suspect that even if they somehow manage to get there, it will be 3-and-out like in 98.
As far as this season has gone, I think a lot of Cub fans have used a statement similar to this one: "If, during Spring Training, I told you that the Cubs would be ___ games out of the Wild Card lead after losing ____ and ____ and ____ for this long a period of time, you would be ecstatic." You obviously can instert a lot of names and figures into the blanks. Well folks, at this point I think that's complete crap. This team has been mostly together now for some time, and they haven't broken away. This team had its' GM go out and acquire The Big Name during the trade deadline, and it hasn't amounted to anything.
For once, I don't blame the management. I honestly don't know if Dusty Baker is as great as his reputation says he is, nor do I think he's as bad as many loathing Cub fans think he is. And I no longer think that Jim Hendry is any sort of an idiot - he's made too many amazing moves too often to warrant my criticism. Instead, this time, I blame the players. I blame Moises Alou for his consistant sloppy baserunning and his unbelivablely shitty defense. I blame Sammy Sosa for his incredibly selfish play, his consistant inability to hit the cutoff man, and his unwillingness to shorten his swing and knock in porobably 10 or 15 more runs this year than he already has. I blame Kyle Farnsworth for being a brain-dead waste of uniform. I blame Matt Clement for being a sackless piece of crap. I even blame Corey Patterson for being inconsistant and Carlos Zambrano for being a hothead who can't control his temper.
I still like Clement, Patterson, and Zambrano. I just wish they'd figure it out a bit more.
All that said, this team needs an injection of leadership in the off season, and they need a renewed interest in fundamentals in Spring Training. Until then, I'm just along for the ride. It'd be great to see them play into October, but let's face it: it'll be a disappointment even if they make it to the NLDS.
Too little too late, Sammy feels the burden of his suckiness; still finds a way to blame the fans anyway
Todd Walker swallows his pride and admits that the true fans have the right to boo
Nomar's marriage with Mia finally takes its' toll: Garciaparra out indefinitely with a groin injury
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
MUST-WIN?
After losing in extra innings to the Expos - how do you lose to the Expos? - the Cubs find themselves in a relatively must-win situation. They are now only half a game ahead of the Red Hot Chilli Astros (Jeff Bagwell is Flea). Cubs alumnus Scott Downs is pitching for Montreal today. Anyone remember him? He's been injury-plagued and in the interim not very good, but he loved being a Cub.
I think we need to take Al Yellon to task. Yellon, who runs and another thing! is the only guy I know of who goes to practically every game. So, it should be his task to bring a sign big enough for Dusty Baker to read from the dugout. The sign should say something like "You'll never win batting Macias second in a game," or "no, really, you just can't win that way for christ's sake!"
In the Bad News department, Matty Clement left the game early with an injury to his right shoulder and upper back. No word on how serious it is, but he's probably going to miss some games. Maybe this is an opportunity to allow someone like Brownlie to get a shot; although that's probably not the best idea in a pennant chase. However with the Double Headers coming up, and with Rusch again inserted into the rotation, someone might be needed and I'd rather see Brownlie than Sergio again. I'm done with Sergio. He treat me like a rag doll. (50 points if you get the reference.)
And in the Great News category, Borowski won't pitch again this year. There was some thought that he could rehabilitate himself into returning, but that won't be the case. Perhaps "No Sweat" Joe should just give in and allow for surgery - otherwise his career may be over, less than a year after the Cubs locked him up for a few years and a few million. Oops.
Oh, and one final note. Joe from the View from the Bleachers predicted very early in the game that Corey Patterson was going to hit for the cycle. Patterson went on to hit a single, double, and two homeruns. So, if you're reading this, good try Joe. If the game wasn't on the line, maybe Corey would've stopped at third. But probably not. And speaking of predictions, at the All Star break I said that Patterson would be a 20-20 man, but wouldn't walk 50 times (although he was on pace for the 50 walks at the time). He now has 21 homeruns and 27 steals. He also just turned 25 about a month ago. Hopefully this is the start of a decent career for Corey.
Injured Ben Grieve can now officially call himself a Cub. Says "thanks, but did I have to headbang the brick wall to do it?
Propaganda-based Cubs papers suggest that Carlos Zambrano may receive consideration for the Cy Young. This comes a week after they announced that Corey should be considered for a Gold Glove.
Mysterious hip injury keeps Sosa out of important games. Yeah, a hip injury. Sure.
After losing in extra innings to the Expos - how do you lose to the Expos? - the Cubs find themselves in a relatively must-win situation. They are now only half a game ahead of the Red Hot Chilli Astros (Jeff Bagwell is Flea). Cubs alumnus Scott Downs is pitching for Montreal today. Anyone remember him? He's been injury-plagued and in the interim not very good, but he loved being a Cub.
I think we need to take Al Yellon to task. Yellon, who runs and another thing! is the only guy I know of who goes to practically every game. So, it should be his task to bring a sign big enough for Dusty Baker to read from the dugout. The sign should say something like "You'll never win batting Macias second in a game," or "no, really, you just can't win that way for christ's sake!"
In the Bad News department, Matty Clement left the game early with an injury to his right shoulder and upper back. No word on how serious it is, but he's probably going to miss some games. Maybe this is an opportunity to allow someone like Brownlie to get a shot; although that's probably not the best idea in a pennant chase. However with the Double Headers coming up, and with Rusch again inserted into the rotation, someone might be needed and I'd rather see Brownlie than Sergio again. I'm done with Sergio. He treat me like a rag doll. (50 points if you get the reference.)
And in the Great News category, Borowski won't pitch again this year. There was some thought that he could rehabilitate himself into returning, but that won't be the case. Perhaps "No Sweat" Joe should just give in and allow for surgery - otherwise his career may be over, less than a year after the Cubs locked him up for a few years and a few million. Oops.
Oh, and one final note. Joe from the View from the Bleachers predicted very early in the game that Corey Patterson was going to hit for the cycle. Patterson went on to hit a single, double, and two homeruns. So, if you're reading this, good try Joe. If the game wasn't on the line, maybe Corey would've stopped at third. But probably not. And speaking of predictions, at the All Star break I said that Patterson would be a 20-20 man, but wouldn't walk 50 times (although he was on pace for the 50 walks at the time). He now has 21 homeruns and 27 steals. He also just turned 25 about a month ago. Hopefully this is the start of a decent career for Corey.
Injured Ben Grieve can now officially call himself a Cub. Says "thanks, but did I have to headbang the brick wall to do it?
Propaganda-based Cubs papers suggest that Carlos Zambrano may receive consideration for the Cy Young. This comes a week after they announced that Corey should be considered for a Gold Glove.
Mysterious hip injury keeps Sosa out of important games. Yeah, a hip injury. Sure.
Monday, September 06, 2004
WHERE ARE WE GOING?
After an unexpected four day vacation, the season begins again today. The Cubs host the Expos, and although they've played as many as six games fewer than some of their Wild Card rivals, the Cubs still hold a three game lead in the loss column to all but Florida.
And just how badly do the Cubs want to beat the Marlins? Word has it that Dusty Baker is saving Kerry Wood and Mark Prior to start back-to-back in a double header. A DH like that has to be every fan's dream, and the Cubs have as little a chance of losing both games as they would of oh, say, Games 6 and 7 of last year's NLCS.
I think every Cubs fan out there is more than a little nervous about how September will play out. We want to win, and we want to win now. Although it's incredibly unlikely, I think a lot of us harbor a hope that the Cubs have been rope-a-doping and are dominatingly better than they've appeared.
Zambrano throws today. After an eight day layoff, he should be strong.
After an unexpected four day vacation, the season begins again today. The Cubs host the Expos, and although they've played as many as six games fewer than some of their Wild Card rivals, the Cubs still hold a three game lead in the loss column to all but Florida.
And just how badly do the Cubs want to beat the Marlins? Word has it that Dusty Baker is saving Kerry Wood and Mark Prior to start back-to-back in a double header. A DH like that has to be every fan's dream, and the Cubs have as little a chance of losing both games as they would of oh, say, Games 6 and 7 of last year's NLCS.
I think every Cubs fan out there is more than a little nervous about how September will play out. We want to win, and we want to win now. Although it's incredibly unlikely, I think a lot of us harbor a hope that the Cubs have been rope-a-doping and are dominatingly better than they've appeared.
Zambrano throws today. After an eight day layoff, he should be strong.
Sunday, September 05, 2004
ADVERTISE AT WRIGLEY? *GASP!*
So, it appears as if the Cubs are again considering putting some advertisements on the brick walls behind home plate at Wrigley Field. Of course, this nugget of news always causes an uproar. Wrigley Field is a cathederal! It would be sacriligeous! Can't they leave the damned ballpark alone? But really, I have three words to any Cubs fan who'd oppose it: Get Over It.
Look. First, the Cubs are spending money and trying to win these days. This off season will be a big one for the team - they have to retain Nomar and try to upgrade in left field, while also paying considerable more money to Aramis Ramirez in attempt to lock him up to a long term deal! If the Cubs can generate more revenue from advertisements, I say go for it.
Second, like many of you I have seen a lot of games on both tv and in person. I've never seen a game with advertisements behind the batters and thought "damn, this game would be so much better without those distractions behind home plate!" Nor have I ever seen a game at Wrigley Field and thought, "oh thank the blessed purity of the park, no distracting signs!" Chances are, you've never said those things either. So what are you complaining about?
And third, let's not forget P.K. Wrigley. That man was all about getting the name of his bubblegum out to the people. While he owned the Cubs, all Wrigley Field was was a big advertisement for Wrigley brand chewing gum. They used to encourage fans to come to Beautiful Wrigley Field to enjoy the nice summer day - watching the team was second priority. P.K. was a shitty baseball owner but a brilliant advertisor.
Therefore, I officially roll my eyes at any fan who gets red in the face when defending the cathederal that is Wrigley Field. Let them advertise. Who cares, really? As long as they spend more money on acquiring players, and as long as they win games.
Christ, for all I care they could burn a giant advertisement into the outfield grass, as long as they get good money for it.
So, it appears as if the Cubs are again considering putting some advertisements on the brick walls behind home plate at Wrigley Field. Of course, this nugget of news always causes an uproar. Wrigley Field is a cathederal! It would be sacriligeous! Can't they leave the damned ballpark alone? But really, I have three words to any Cubs fan who'd oppose it: Get Over It.
Look. First, the Cubs are spending money and trying to win these days. This off season will be a big one for the team - they have to retain Nomar and try to upgrade in left field, while also paying considerable more money to Aramis Ramirez in attempt to lock him up to a long term deal! If the Cubs can generate more revenue from advertisements, I say go for it.
Second, like many of you I have seen a lot of games on both tv and in person. I've never seen a game with advertisements behind the batters and thought "damn, this game would be so much better without those distractions behind home plate!" Nor have I ever seen a game at Wrigley Field and thought, "oh thank the blessed purity of the park, no distracting signs!" Chances are, you've never said those things either. So what are you complaining about?
And third, let's not forget P.K. Wrigley. That man was all about getting the name of his bubblegum out to the people. While he owned the Cubs, all Wrigley Field was was a big advertisement for Wrigley brand chewing gum. They used to encourage fans to come to Beautiful Wrigley Field to enjoy the nice summer day - watching the team was second priority. P.K. was a shitty baseball owner but a brilliant advertisor.
Therefore, I officially roll my eyes at any fan who gets red in the face when defending the cathederal that is Wrigley Field. Let them advertise. Who cares, really? As long as they spend more money on acquiring players, and as long as they win games.
Christ, for all I care they could burn a giant advertisement into the outfield grass, as long as they get good money for it.
Friday, September 03, 2004
THE FRIGHTENING FISH
If I were a more confident man, I would've titled this blog post "Unfinshed Business." Today was supposed to be the first game of a huge series against the Florida Marlins. Of course, Hurricane Frances changed all that. Hopefully the extra time off will help cool off the Marlins, who have been red-hot and seeping back into the Wild Card chase.
In a way, it makes sense emotionally that the Cubs would play a huge six games against the Fish in September - six games they need to win the majority of before advancing to the Wild Card. It is a sort of closure. I expect that many Cub fans still carry gaping wounds from that horrible NLCS - wounds they may even have forgotten about. And isn't it possible that the tension of this season - the fights, the attitude problems, the overall intensity of our very Unlovable, MEAN Cubs - couldn't all that be a build up to this series where at long last the Cubs have a chance to exorcise old ghosts?
After all the behavior problems the team has had this year, one could certainly say that they're still carrying the NLCS with them. And the way Prior has pitched - last season, there were two things that Mark Prior lorded over all the baseball inferiors. He had amazing command and he had inflappable confidence. This year, Prior has had neither. I haven't heard anyone voice it, but isn't it possible that part of his problem - maybe even a HUGE part of it - is that he never got over his 8th inning collapse last October?
This is a tense ballclub, and playing the Marlins will be a heartwrenching experience. I can just see how fate will play this out. The Cubs will get a comfortable early lead in one of the games - if not the first game of the series. Then the bullpen will buckle. A few 7th inning runs will score for Florida. What will happen at that point? Would the pen collapse? Would the Marlins run ramshod over the Cubs in the later innings, stealing another victory and breaking the team's spirit?
Maybe I'm exaggerating it. Maybe I'm blowing it way out of proportion. Maybe to the professionals on the Cubs, it's just another series. But I don't know that I am. I think this is a team full of guys who are experts at harboring a grudge. I believe the six games in September against Florida are going to be intense. It's even worse because the Cubs have been slumping, and the Marlins are en fuego.
Some of the Cub Crazies thought the Expos series was big. THIS is the one that's big. And if the Cubs can treat it like another game - or even just hold up under the pressure, it'll make me feel that much better about our (let's face it) fragile-looking team disposition.
Phil Rogers also notices that the Marlins are at our heels
Note to Kent Mercker: You're not nearly good enough to act as the asshole you've been lately. Leave the umpires and the booth alone
Corey Patterson may look a bit like Lou Brock these days, but he doesn't attribute batting leadoff to his newfound success
A good recap of the current feud between the Cubs and their broadcasters
If I were a more confident man, I would've titled this blog post "Unfinshed Business." Today was supposed to be the first game of a huge series against the Florida Marlins. Of course, Hurricane Frances changed all that. Hopefully the extra time off will help cool off the Marlins, who have been red-hot and seeping back into the Wild Card chase.
In a way, it makes sense emotionally that the Cubs would play a huge six games against the Fish in September - six games they need to win the majority of before advancing to the Wild Card. It is a sort of closure. I expect that many Cub fans still carry gaping wounds from that horrible NLCS - wounds they may even have forgotten about. And isn't it possible that the tension of this season - the fights, the attitude problems, the overall intensity of our very Unlovable, MEAN Cubs - couldn't all that be a build up to this series where at long last the Cubs have a chance to exorcise old ghosts?
After all the behavior problems the team has had this year, one could certainly say that they're still carrying the NLCS with them. And the way Prior has pitched - last season, there were two things that Mark Prior lorded over all the baseball inferiors. He had amazing command and he had inflappable confidence. This year, Prior has had neither. I haven't heard anyone voice it, but isn't it possible that part of his problem - maybe even a HUGE part of it - is that he never got over his 8th inning collapse last October?
This is a tense ballclub, and playing the Marlins will be a heartwrenching experience. I can just see how fate will play this out. The Cubs will get a comfortable early lead in one of the games - if not the first game of the series. Then the bullpen will buckle. A few 7th inning runs will score for Florida. What will happen at that point? Would the pen collapse? Would the Marlins run ramshod over the Cubs in the later innings, stealing another victory and breaking the team's spirit?
Maybe I'm exaggerating it. Maybe I'm blowing it way out of proportion. Maybe to the professionals on the Cubs, it's just another series. But I don't know that I am. I think this is a team full of guys who are experts at harboring a grudge. I believe the six games in September against Florida are going to be intense. It's even worse because the Cubs have been slumping, and the Marlins are en fuego.
Some of the Cub Crazies thought the Expos series was big. THIS is the one that's big. And if the Cubs can treat it like another game - or even just hold up under the pressure, it'll make me feel that much better about our (let's face it) fragile-looking team disposition.
Phil Rogers also notices that the Marlins are at our heels
Note to Kent Mercker: You're not nearly good enough to act as the asshole you've been lately. Leave the umpires and the booth alone
Corey Patterson may look a bit like Lou Brock these days, but he doesn't attribute batting leadoff to his newfound success
A good recap of the current feud between the Cubs and their broadcasters
Thursday, September 02, 2004
MONTREAL AND ME: THE STORY OF THE EXPOS, THE CUBS, AND THE FOUR FANS WHO SAW THE GAME
While on our trip, Carolyn and I took something like 200 pictures with the digital camera. Here are some of the best pictures from our time in Montreal. Just click on the thumbnails to see the bigger image.
While on our trip, Carolyn and I took something like 200 pictures with the digital camera. Here are some of the best pictures from our time in Montreal. Just click on the thumbnails to see the bigger image.
THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF BAKER, WOOD, AND HAWKINS
Memo to Dusty Baker: You're in trouble when you can't score against the Expos for the better part of 24 consecutive innings.
But in a game that many were calling "must win," the Cubs did indeed secure a victory thanks in part to Kerry Wood's clutch 8 inning, 11 k, 1 bb, 0 runs outing. I actually got to watch this game on ESPN 2 Alternate, a channel I get because I have Direct TV. Frank Viola was the analyst and in a way it was curiously strange to hear him in his distinct New Yawk accent creaming all over Kerry Wood and his big 9-to-3 curve ball.
The defensive play of the game had to be Nomar spearing the ball in shallow left field and firing off a throw mid-air that caught the runner, ending a late Expos chance.
LaTroy Hawkins received the win in spite of Wood's effort. LaTroy has been relatively solid for the club as the closer, but I'm about as confident in him closing a post season game as I am in George Bush not going button crazy should he be left in the Nuclear Strike Room by himself. At this point, if anyone has any idea on how to upgrade at closer, I'd love to hear it. It's likely that no trade is coming. Dempster still get my vote for a try, but I don't like the idea of the Cubs sporting an experimental closer in a post season situation.
Anyway, the Cubs get today off before settling some unfinished business with the Florida Marlins this weekend. It's looking more likely as though those road games will be played in Wrigley, but who knows? This time gung-ho Cub fans are right: this is a must win series. It's time to resurrect the ghost, look it square in the eye, and hit it over the head with a croquet mallet.
Cubs to Grieve: who cares if you're a heartless asshat heading the top of Lou Pinella's To Kill list, go out there and get us some clutch hits!
Hurricane Frances to make Pro Player Stadium its' bitch; Cubs-Marlins series to possibly be rescheduled
Rick Morrisey says: Stop the whining and win games, douch bags! Ok, so I might have added the "douch bags" part
Houston and Florida to make late season bids for the Wild Card; to give thousands of Cub fans new ulcers to complain about
The Franchise continues to struggle with his control, thereby causing me to suggest he should be left off the post season rotation, and causing kool-aid drinking readers to tell me I'm a moron
Memo to Dusty Baker: You're in trouble when you can't score against the Expos for the better part of 24 consecutive innings.
But in a game that many were calling "must win," the Cubs did indeed secure a victory thanks in part to Kerry Wood's clutch 8 inning, 11 k, 1 bb, 0 runs outing. I actually got to watch this game on ESPN 2 Alternate, a channel I get because I have Direct TV. Frank Viola was the analyst and in a way it was curiously strange to hear him in his distinct New Yawk accent creaming all over Kerry Wood and his big 9-to-3 curve ball.
The defensive play of the game had to be Nomar spearing the ball in shallow left field and firing off a throw mid-air that caught the runner, ending a late Expos chance.
LaTroy Hawkins received the win in spite of Wood's effort. LaTroy has been relatively solid for the club as the closer, but I'm about as confident in him closing a post season game as I am in George Bush not going button crazy should he be left in the Nuclear Strike Room by himself. At this point, if anyone has any idea on how to upgrade at closer, I'd love to hear it. It's likely that no trade is coming. Dempster still get my vote for a try, but I don't like the idea of the Cubs sporting an experimental closer in a post season situation.
Anyway, the Cubs get today off before settling some unfinished business with the Florida Marlins this weekend. It's looking more likely as though those road games will be played in Wrigley, but who knows? This time gung-ho Cub fans are right: this is a must win series. It's time to resurrect the ghost, look it square in the eye, and hit it over the head with a croquet mallet.
Cubs to Grieve: who cares if you're a heartless asshat heading the top of Lou Pinella's To Kill list, go out there and get us some clutch hits!
Hurricane Frances to make Pro Player Stadium its' bitch; Cubs-Marlins series to possibly be rescheduled
Rick Morrisey says: Stop the whining and win games, douch bags! Ok, so I might have added the "douch bags" part
Houston and Florida to make late season bids for the Wild Card; to give thousands of Cub fans new ulcers to complain about
The Franchise continues to struggle with his control, thereby causing me to suggest he should be left off the post season rotation, and causing kool-aid drinking readers to tell me I'm a moron
Wednesday, September 01, 2004
THE SONG IS THE SAME
This is not last year's Chicago Cubs. These guys aren't going to thrill fans in September, achieving the best record of any team that month. I think in a way, we were spoiled by last October, as disapointing as it was. Had the Cubs not come within Five Outs, with the Best Pitcher in Baseball on the mound, a second consecutive winning season coupled with a possible second consecutive playoff berth would've been impressive to us all.
Instead we are bitter, heartbroken, and at times sad that our team cannot match the one of our dreams.
I am newly returned from my seventeen day tour of the east coast of Canada. My amazing girlfriend Carolyn and I went to Cooperstown, to Fenway in Boston - but only outside of it; it was raining far too much to believe the game that night would be played - and eventually to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
In Montreal we got to see the Cubs defeat the Expos 5-2.
It was a great game - the Cubs got an early lead; Derrek Lee made a thrilling throw to homeplate to prevent a run from being scored, and Maddux threw a flawless 7 innings. In batting practice I got to listen to LaTroy Hawkins engrossed in a conversation with an ex minor league teammate. They spent probably twenty minutes talking about the guys they used to know in the minors, and it's great to know that LaTroy remembers his roots. Also, Corey Patterson hit a monster homerun during batting practice. In a style that of the Natural, Roy Hobbs, it bounced off the lights in Olympic Stadium. It was amazing.
I believe this team can make the post season, even if they aren't the dominating Cubs of last year. I don't believe they will advance. Even though they are better off without Farnsworth, even though Patterson, Lee, and Ramirez are performing in a way Sammy Sosa cannot dream of, without Wood and Prior being dominators, and without a dominating bullpen, the post season is due to be a bust.
I guess to even get there, the Cubs need a few things. They need Patterson to retain his sudden flair for leading off. They need at least four of their five starters to deliever on a consistant basis. And they need three or four guys in the bullpen to buckle down and pitch like we hoped they would in the pre-season.
But am I expecting a pennant? No way. As the song goes, maybe next year.
One final thought, added to this post hours after it originally was made. I spent the last 17 days with very limited internet access. I was barely able to follow the team - my only shot really was to tune into whatever errant sports radio station I found on the AM (which entirely dried up once we left the Boston region) and the occasional Information Center that had internet access (usually at $2.00 for 15 minutes). With that in mind, having been barely able to follow the Cubs for so long, you would've thought I'd've gone crazy. Or that I'd feel happy being home so I could then follow the club for September. But in reality, being with Carolyn all day every day for two plus weeks was so much better than following a baseball season. If I could go back into the wilds of Eastern Canada for the rest of the baseball season, knowing that updates on the team would be sporadic at best, I would do it in a heartbeat just to spend that kind of time with Carolyn.
I love baseball, but I have my priorities straight.
Ben Grieve and Mike DiFelice to aid the Cubs from the bench for a September Run
Newest to the list of guys the Cubs will someday bean in a non-meaningful game is Lance Berkman, Oscar Contender
God hears the prayer of Cub fans and smites Kyle Farnsworth for the remainder of the season
In another act of divinity, God considers smiting Miami with Hurricane Frances, thus causing the Cubs to consider rescheduling their series against Florida for Chicago
This is not last year's Chicago Cubs. These guys aren't going to thrill fans in September, achieving the best record of any team that month. I think in a way, we were spoiled by last October, as disapointing as it was. Had the Cubs not come within Five Outs, with the Best Pitcher in Baseball on the mound, a second consecutive winning season coupled with a possible second consecutive playoff berth would've been impressive to us all.
Instead we are bitter, heartbroken, and at times sad that our team cannot match the one of our dreams.
I am newly returned from my seventeen day tour of the east coast of Canada. My amazing girlfriend Carolyn and I went to Cooperstown, to Fenway in Boston - but only outside of it; it was raining far too much to believe the game that night would be played - and eventually to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland.
In Montreal we got to see the Cubs defeat the Expos 5-2.
It was a great game - the Cubs got an early lead; Derrek Lee made a thrilling throw to homeplate to prevent a run from being scored, and Maddux threw a flawless 7 innings. In batting practice I got to listen to LaTroy Hawkins engrossed in a conversation with an ex minor league teammate. They spent probably twenty minutes talking about the guys they used to know in the minors, and it's great to know that LaTroy remembers his roots. Also, Corey Patterson hit a monster homerun during batting practice. In a style that of the Natural, Roy Hobbs, it bounced off the lights in Olympic Stadium. It was amazing.
I believe this team can make the post season, even if they aren't the dominating Cubs of last year. I don't believe they will advance. Even though they are better off without Farnsworth, even though Patterson, Lee, and Ramirez are performing in a way Sammy Sosa cannot dream of, without Wood and Prior being dominators, and without a dominating bullpen, the post season is due to be a bust.
I guess to even get there, the Cubs need a few things. They need Patterson to retain his sudden flair for leading off. They need at least four of their five starters to deliever on a consistant basis. And they need three or four guys in the bullpen to buckle down and pitch like we hoped they would in the pre-season.
But am I expecting a pennant? No way. As the song goes, maybe next year.
One final thought, added to this post hours after it originally was made. I spent the last 17 days with very limited internet access. I was barely able to follow the team - my only shot really was to tune into whatever errant sports radio station I found on the AM (which entirely dried up once we left the Boston region) and the occasional Information Center that had internet access (usually at $2.00 for 15 minutes). With that in mind, having been barely able to follow the Cubs for so long, you would've thought I'd've gone crazy. Or that I'd feel happy being home so I could then follow the club for September. But in reality, being with Carolyn all day every day for two plus weeks was so much better than following a baseball season. If I could go back into the wilds of Eastern Canada for the rest of the baseball season, knowing that updates on the team would be sporadic at best, I would do it in a heartbeat just to spend that kind of time with Carolyn.
I love baseball, but I have my priorities straight.
Ben Grieve and Mike DiFelice to aid the Cubs from the bench for a September Run
Newest to the list of guys the Cubs will someday bean in a non-meaningful game is Lance Berkman, Oscar Contender
God hears the prayer of Cub fans and smites Kyle Farnsworth for the remainder of the season
In another act of divinity, God considers smiting Miami with Hurricane Frances, thus causing the Cubs to consider rescheduling their series against Florida for Chicago
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