2009 Repeating NL Central Division Champs Chicago Cubs Thread of Destiny

[TheMojoPin]

http://assets.espn.go.com/media/apphoto/69125b6e-1d06-4753-9c76-422699b7a8a5.jpg

BEAST.

Lee went 4-4 with a HR and a double.

Wood is 2 for 2 in save situations...shut 'em down 1-2-3 in 12 pitches today.

Thins are starting to click...Aramis and Soriano are still a little cold, but they'll kick in soon enough.

EVERYTHING'S COMING UP MILHOUSE.

[TheMojoPin]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/bcvm22/sigzeon/RallyKosuke.png

[IMSlacker]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/bcvm22/sigzeon/RallyKosuke.png

That's is fucking sweet. I'm going to steal it for a sig.

[midwestjeff]

http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r71/bcvm22/sigzeon/RallyKosuke.png

So that's how you spell awful franchise in Japanese. I always wondered.

[TheMojoPin]

Went to the game today....awwwwwwwwesome.

Zambrano looked great yet again. Gave up 7 hits, but only 2 runs and, best of all, NO WALKS with 7 k's through 7 full innings.

Wood is now 3 for 3 in save situations with another 1-23 9th, this one against the heart of the lineup with Carlos Lee and Tejada as the 2nd and 3rd batters, and he got Tejada for the final out with a swinging k. Hit 96 several times...FILTH. Plus in between you had Marmol shutting them down in the 8th with 2 k's.

Lee is definitely proving the naysayers wrong who thought his power was reduced...he's picking up where he left off at the end of last year with his 3rd double already and his 3rd homer. Ramirez is picking up steam with a couple of singles and a walk, and Soriano is hopefully shaking off the dust with his one hit today being a home run.

Hopefully they'll beat up on the Pirates tomorrow to put them over .500 (where they'll hopefully stay) and them have a relaxing day off.

[jauble]

Went to the game today....awwwwwwwwesome.

Zambrano looked great yet again. Gave up 7 hits, but only 2 runs and, best of all, NO WALKS with 7 k's through 7 full innings.

Wood is no 3 for 3 in save situations with another 1-23 9th, this one against the heart of the lineup with Carlos Lee and Tejada as the 2nd and 3rd btters, and he got Tejada for the final out with a swinging k. Hit 96 several times...FILTH. Plus in between you had Marmol shuttingt them down in the 8th with 2 k's.

Lee is definitely proving the naysayers wrong who thought his power was reduced...he's picking up where he left off at the end of last year with his 3rd double already and his 3rd homer. Ramirez is picking up steam with a couple of singles and a walk, and Soriano is hopefully shaking off the dust with his one hit today being a home run.

Hopefully they'll beat up on the Pirates tomorrow to put them over .500 (where they'll hopefully stay) and them have a relaxing day off.

watched it at home and damn was that good looking. A fun game in general to watch but a win makes it better. I think that whenever you are at a wgn and/or espn/fox game you should make a ron and fez noon to three sign. Get some dumb kid to hold it though.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

7-0 Cubbies and 0-2 for Soriano

fucking bastard

maybe a sweep over the Pie Rats will boost your morale

[TheMojoPin]

maybe a sweep over the Pie Rats will boost your morale

Jeez, you really are a disgusting jinx. Get the hell out of this thread.

[Knowledged_one]

Good Pitching Ted Lilly

Where's Anthony Young when you need him

[Bossanova]

Jeez, you really are a disgusting jinx. Get the hell out of this thread.

HAHAHAHAHA

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Jeez, you really are a disgusting jinx. Get the hell out of this thread.

Soriano better start hitting well

then maybe I wont jinx ya

[TheMojoPin]

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuggggghhhhhhhhh.

Cubs win, but Christ, what a hideous debacle for everyone involved. The umps and both teams should be disgusted with themselves for the mess that just unfolded over 5 hours. The Pirates and Cubs should both be given a loss.

On the upside, Fukudome reached base 5 times.

[TheMojoPin]

Soriano better start hitting well

then maybe I wont jinx ya

Do me a favor and trade him off your fantasy team. Your hamhocks are dragging him down.

[IMSlacker]

On the upside, Fukudome reached base 5 times.

Also, the Cubs overcame Hippo's jinx.

[BlackKen]

Yo, I'm digging these baseball threads. Damn Cubbies are fucking strong. Looks like they taking this division

[Knowledged_one]

Yo, I'm digging these baseball threads. Damn Cubbies are fucking strong. Looks like they taking this division

You just gave Mojo a rod

[TheMojoPin]

Also, the Cubs overcame Hippo's jinx.

Good point...that is some powerful voodoo to defeat.

[epo]

Yo, I'm digging these baseball threads. Damn Cubbies are fucking strong. Looks like they taking this division

Least favorite newbie ever.

[IMSlacker]

Least favorite newbie ever.

That's funny, I was thinking he's the best noob since DiabloSammich.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Do me a favor and trade him off your fantasy team. Your hamhocks are dragging him down.

I'll think about it

[cougarjake13]

Good Pitching Ted Lilly

Where's Anthony Young when you need him

losing his 24th game in a row somewhere

[TheMojoPin]

Lilly's starts are concerning. He was obviously gonna regress after a career season last year, but his fastball is easily 2-3 MPH slower, and his command is really spotty at times. Being that it's the Cubs, I fear an injury.

[jauble]

As messed up as the game was I was still happy with Jon Lieber in extra innings. Having a starter as a reliever was really good for the long stretch. There were a couple of other highlights like you said fukudome was good, soto had a good game (especially that throwdown to second). Lee played well and I am getting more and more happy with Reed Johnson.

[TheMojoPin]

And actually, Cedeno had a decent day for a player as young and raw as he is. People on the Cubs boards are giving him shit for the throw to first he airmailed into the stands, but he only made that throw after getting to a hit ball that nobody else would have, especially not Ryan-fucking-Theriot. If he hadn't been in, it would have been a straight up single and a couple of runs would have scored either way. I'm not trying to defend him as a some great player, but his offensive (hi, 3-run double Theriot has no dream of hitting) and defensive ceiling is much higher than what Theriot is capable of. Most of his errors stem from balls he got to thanks to his great defensive speed and range that nobody else on the team would have a hope of getting to.

I hope Lieber gets a shot at the rotation once they wise up and get Marquis out of it and trade off Dempster. He had a really impressive spring and has looked very sharp in long relief. I think he could be a very solid back of the roation starter.

[jauble]

Cubs sign Jon Leiber for one year, $3.5 million.

...

Fan-fucking-tastic.

*Jumps*

Is it? He's really old, fat and coming off an injury/surgery.

I hope Lieber gets a shot at the rotation once they wise up and get Marquis out of it and trade off Dempster. He had a really impressive spring and has looked very sharp in long relief. I think he could be a very solid back of the roation starter.

Ah how times have changed. I completely agree with you about cedeno great glove/speed combo. That catch he made was fantastic.

[TheMojoPin]

Hey, I love being wrong about deals and signings. I thought Hendry was robbed at the time when he traded for Lee. I thought signing DeRosa wasn't the best choice.

[SteveBartmansHeadphones]

Lets keep hope alive guys we can do this

[IMSlacker]

Lets keep hope alive guys we can do this

Your sig pic is too big.

[TheMojoPin]

03/31 - 04/07 AB R H 2b 3b HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS BABIP P/PA BDI LOB RBI%
Fukudome 24 6 11 3 0 1 6 7 5 .458 .581 .708 1.289 .556 4.06 5 8 .385


Good first week, yes? Best debut in the MLB by a Japanese player.

And yes, Bartman'sHeadphones, please shrink the sig to 300 X 100. Bad enough you've sullied the awesomenss of the sports characters by being the most obvious one.

[TheMojoPin]

Cubs take the lead 4-2 in the top of the fucking 14th against the Pirates thanks to a brutal bash of a homer by Aramis Ramirez. Hopefully this will be finished soon.

Wood blew the save, but it was giving up a solo HR to Jason Bay to tie it. He then proceeded to make the next 3 batters look like complete chumps with filthy pitching, so I'm not too worried. He's not gonna be perfect, and giving up a shot to a hitter like Bay will happen every so often. They key is that unlike opening day, after one bad AB he settled down and blew away the next 3 batters.

Too bad Dempster doesn't get the win. Went 7 full shutout innings with only 1 hit given up and 5 k's.

[TheMojoPin]

Jesus Christ.

Tied again.

CRAPFEST 2008 CONTINUES.

[Knowledged_one]

I am so glad i get the Reds games instead

[TheMojoPin]

I am so glad i get the Reds games instead

I wish I did. This is fucking tedious.

[Knowledged_one]

Well if you look on the good side of things it looks like Dempster had a really good outing

[TheMojoPin]

Well if you look on the good side of things it looks like Dempster had a really good outing

I hope he keeps it up and they can trade him.

[TheMojoPin]

How about a delicious piece of Pie?

Felix Pie singles with the bases loaded in the top of the 15th to make it 6-4 Cubs.

The Cubs, however, have blown 2-run leads twice so far in this game, so nothing is certain.

[IMSlacker]

6-4 now. If they give up yet another two run lead, fuck it, I'm going to bed.

[TheMojoPin]

Good to see Marshall back, though he's wasted if he's not starting.

[ChrisTheCop]

Tying run up again. Wow.

I love extra innings games

[IMSlacker]

Thank God, it's over.

[ChrisTheCop]

Thank God, it's over.

Mr Bennington says youre welcome.

[TheMojoPin]

http://artfiles.art.com/images/-/Cubs-Win-Poster-C10121466.jpeg

Now, tomorrow, let's have the:

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/bnance82/cubssweepsx1.jpg

[jauble]

Soto is on tonight. 3-3 with a lead changing home run.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Soriano got 2 hits in a game

Praise Jeebus

[jauble]

Soriano got 2 hits in a game

Praise Jeebus

Will you please trade him so he can start playing well. Thank you.

[epo]

Will you please trade him so he can start playing well. Thank you.

Keep up the good work Hippo!

[jauble]

Pirates fans are the worst. From what I have heard PNC is quite a nice ballpark and that place is empty.





On second thought maybe all the pirates fans are there.

[IMSlacker]

Pirates fans are the worst. From what I have heard PNC is quite a nice ballpark and that place is empty.

The seats behind home plate look quite nice. Like some sort of lounge chairs. Are they cushioned?

[jauble]

http://www.hensonbrooms.com/photos/large/brooms/Kitchen_Broom.jpg

A win in 9???

[IMSlacker]

Sweep!

[King Hippos Bandaid]

yes they are Slacker


PNC is a gr8 stadium, I got 3 rows behind the 1st base line at $15 under face value

Pie Rats vs Mets


they have a Sushi Bar and a Outback Steakhouse there which was cool




Id post this i the Pie Rats season thread, but we all know that isn't gonna happen

[TheMojoPin]

I wouldn't trash Pirates fans...the teams owners have shown zero interest in shelling out for anything even resembling a quality team, and as such they've fielded a losing team for 15 years now. That would drive away fans of any team, "the big four" of the Cubs, Mets, Red Sox and Yankees included.

[BoondockSaint]

I would like to thank the Cubs for Angel Pagan.

[IMSlacker]

I would like to thank the Cubs for Angel Pagan.

Enjoy. I think the Cubs originaly got him from the Mets in the first place.

[BoondockSaint]

Enjoy. I think the Cubs originaly got him from the Mets in the first place.

Yup.

[TheMojoPin]

Pagan is a valuable 4th outfielder (comparable to a halfassed Beltran) who will have stretches of quality starts if he gets them, but he usually falls off after a week or two, especilly since he tends to gets a number of injuries.

[Knowledged_one]

Rich Hill to lose spot in rotation? This guy has killed me in his two starts in Fantasy, I am looking to as Snoop would say:

Drop him like its hot, drop him like its hot

[TheMojoPin]

Dropping Hill would be asinine. How has he had two bad starts? His first start was a quality start. Lilly's two outings have been far worse, yet nobody talks about bumping him out for Lieber. Marquis has been a career butcher, but there's no talk about bumping him. IT'S BEEN TWO STARTS. This organization is so dumb sometimes it makes me want to scream, and ADHD Lou at the helm doesn't help things. He gloms onto shit players like Theriot, but then yanks young players like Pignatello and Pie without giving them extended stretches to devleop like they need to. He lets hacks like Marquis go out there and throw garbage again and again, but after a season and a half of amazing pitching, Hill is "on the ropes" after two starts, one of which was a quality starts. Fuck off, Lou. You look like a hungover, stroked-out dipshit most of the time. Please, keep batting Theriot or Fontenot at #2 instead of bumping Fukudome up there and moving Soto to #5...getting our better hitters more AB's and our shittier hitters less of them? MADNESS!!!

Business as usual on the North Side.

[Knowledged_one]

Dropping Hill would be asinine. How has he had two bad starts? His first start was a quality start. Lilly's two outings have been far worse, yet nobody talks about bumping him out for Lieber. Marquis has been a career butcher, but there's no talk about bumping him. IT'S BEEN TWO STARTS. This organization is so dumb sometimes it makes me want to scream, and ADHD Lou at the helm doesn't help things. He gloms onto shit players like Theriot, but then yanks young players like Pignatello and Pie without giving them extended stretches to devleop like they need to. He lets hacks like Marquis go out there and throw garbage again and again, but after a season and a half of amazing pitching, Hill is "on the ropes" after two starts, one of which was a quality starts. Fuck off, Lou. You look like a hungover, stroked-out dipshit most of the time. Please, keep batting Theriot or Fontenot at #2 instead of bumping Fukudome up there and moving Soto to #5...getting our better hitters more AB's and our shittier hitters less of them? MADNESS!!!

Business as usual on the North Side.

Keep in mind that i am not against Hill (was actually hoping he would be in the deal for Brian Roberts if/when that deal happens), just reporting on what the potential outcome will be with HIll, and as any fantasy player knows you cant have a starting pitcher on your roster if hes not starting - and at $1.50 thats a significant chunk of my salary cap, not to mention i am less then thrilled with Kerry Wood closing out games for the Cubs.

[TheMojoPin]

not to mention i am less then thrilled with Kerry Wood closing out games for the Cubs.

Why? He had the one bad outing opening day, a non-save opportunity, then the next three he got the saves in dominating fashion. He blew the one save against the Pirates by giving up a solo HR to Bay, a really good fastball hitter, to tie it, but then he shut down the next 3 batters like they were chumps. He came out again last night in a non-save situation and again 1-2-3.

[Knowledged_one]

It's just my personal feeling on Wood, partly from his lack of experience closing games and partly from his propensity for injury. Im sure in the end he will be just fine as a closer better then Jones and Borowski and Gagne but not as good as Papelbon and Rivera

[TheMojoPin]

It's just my personal feeling on Wood, partly from his lack of experience closing games

This is the part that I never get, and I've seen it used numerous times to argue against Wood as closer. Every closer has to start in that role totally new. It's not like anyone just magically appeared in the role with 40 saves under their belt.

[Knowledged_one]

I can agree with that theory, because its not like one of the greatest closers ever (Eckerseley) didn't start out as a closer but a starting pitcher. But for the most part most succesful closers start out as set-up men (off the top of my head: Rivera, Chris Ray and JJ Putz come to mind as well as George Sherrill), and i think this is why some think that Carlos Marmol should be the closer rather then wood, but i also understand the arguement that Marmol is better served being the Hold guy and getting them out of jams in the late innings.

Its just a personal preference of mine that i would rather have the tried and true guy then the unknown - and this is just from a fantasy baseball point of view

Dont you love the fact that I can talk with you about the Cubs

[TheMojoPin]

Dont you love the fact that I can talk with you about the Cubs

I'd return the favor, but it's like the Orioles were a mythical team that maybe existed at one time, but nobody knows anything about them now thanks to an evil sorceror named Angelos.

[Knowledged_one]

ehh thats cool with me, other then being the Cubs Major League trading partner there hasnt been a whole lot to talk about as far as they go.

Fantasy baseball has broadened my horizons with baseball, that and living in the midwest you get more of the cubs and reds and indians which helps me

[TheMojoPin]

It's sounding more and more like Lou is leaning towards moving Hill to the bullpen, probably for long relief.

The more things change...this organization just loves wallowing in stupidity.

[Kevin]

I'd return the favor, but it's like the Orioles were a mythical team that maybe existed at one time, but nobody knows anything about them now thanks to an evil sorceror named Angelos.

Copy right that shit or cypher films is gunna steal that idea and put on sound effects and a light or two and think its a movie.

[K.C.]

Lilly not exactly off to best start but that could have been much worse than it ended up for the Cubs

I hear the series finale is on TBS tomorrow...correct?

[BoondockSaint]

Lilly not exactly off to best start but that could have been much worse than it ended up for the Cubs

I hear the series finale is on TBS tomorrow...correct?

Yeah, 1:30.

[jauble]

wow what a dogshit game

[TheMojoPin]

Lilly has three straight dogshit starts, yet there's zero talk of moving him out of the roation like there is with Hill, who has had ONE bad start. Of course Lilly was going to regress after a career year, but this is far worse than that.

The Cubs farted an entire plum tonight. Bat Fukudome 2nd and Soto 5th, give Cedeno more starts over Theriot, start Pie against every RH starting pitcher and quit fucking around, assfucks.

[cougarjake13]

Lilly has three straight dogshit starts, yet there's zero talk of moving him out of the roation like there is with Hill, who has had ONE bad start. Of course Lilly was going to regress after a career year, but this is far worse than that.

The Cubs farted an entire plum tonight. Bat Fukudome 2nd and Soto 5th, give Cedeno more starts over Theriot, start Pie against every RH starting pitcher and quit fucking around, assfucks.

farted an entire plum ... dont think ive heard that one before

[TheMojoPin]

farted an entire plum ... dont think ive heard that one before

I stole it from Beerfest.

[K.C.]

What the hell is wrong with Ryan Theriot? The guy bunts with two outs; he can't throw out Eric F'n Bruntlett on a routine grounder to short...this guy is playing horrible today.

[K.C.]

Pinella is awesome...the fact that he took time to go by the mound and bust Jamie Moyer's balls on his way back to the dugout made me laugh.

I kind of wish Bowa was still managing the Phillies for this series. Could have had the first manager brawl in a while.

[Kris10]

WTF!

2 plays in a matter of days. I'm getting tired of this... I'm all in favor of instant replay.

[K.C.]

WTF!

2 plays in a matter of days. I'm getting tired of this... I'm all in favor of instant replay.

What a fucking BULLSHIT call!

[Kris10]

What a fucking BULLSHIT call!

Its getting old. Fine, give it to the damn Mets, it was at Shea but this is at our OWN park... its foul!! It didn't hit the foul pole, it's behind it!!! These damn umps!

[K.C.]

Its getting old. Fine, give it to the damn Mets, it was at Shea but this is at our OWN park... its foul!! It didn't hit the foul pole, it's behind it!!! These damn umps!

Exactly...I'm way more pissed about this one...at least the Reyes call was very close. I can understand how they called him safe.

This was some kind of retard logic. And NEITHER ump saw it? The guy is standing on the fucking third base line!!! If Burrell saw it, he HAD to have seen it.

[jauble]

I just love how you two are in the cubs thread.


Hi Rouski.

[K.C.]

I just love how you two are in the cubs thread.


Hi Rouski.

Our thread has more posts than yours.

We figured we'd spread the love.

[Kris10]

I just love how you two are in the cubs thread.


Hi Rouski.

LOL Hi Jauble!

We visit the opposing team threads. I only do so when we are playing against them, I don't appear as much as K.C., though.

[Kris10]

You didn't get swept. Nice job.

[IMSlacker]

I kindly request that you dirty Phillies fans to stay out of the Cubs thread. Thank you.

[scottinnj]

I kindly request that you dirty Phillies fans to stay out of the Cubs thread. Thank you.

Just be glad Utley was off on that last throw to Howard or else we'd be handing you the brooms whenever you visited the Phillies thread.

[Jughead]

Did they win today???I know I can turn on the tv.... But I get all my info here:bye:

[TheMojoPin]

What the hell is wrong with Ryan Theriot? The guy bunts with two outs; he can't throw out Eric F'n Bruntlett on a routine grounder to short...this guy is playing horrible today.

Just today? Ryan Theriot is garbage. That the Cubs continue to start him is proof of how hopeless this organization is.

[Kris10]

Just today? Ryan Theriot is garbage. That the Cubs continue to start him is proof of how hopeless this organization is.

You have Theriot, we have Gordon. Thankfully, he's not a starter, though.

[Kevin]

You have Theriot, we have Gordon. Thankfully, he's not a starter, though.

You basically traded Joba Chamberlain for Gordon since the Yanks used the pick you gave for Gordon to draft him.

[Kevin]

When the Cubs' medical staff advised Carlos Zambrano to cut down on his caffeine intake, they knew it wouldn't be easy for him to do. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said Sunday that Zambrano "is off a lot of the caffeine," but hasn't kicked the habit completely. Zambrano laughed on Sunday morning when asked if he'd stopped drinking coffee and energy drinks, saying he now does it "under the table." Told later that Piniella implied he was still drinking too much of the caffeinated beverages, Zambrano raised his eyebrows. Zambrano said he has cut back significantly but admitted it was a difficult task. Still, he knows he has to do it to prevent the forearm cramps that he has suffered on and off for years


Fucking junkie!!!

[K.C.]

You basically traded Joba Chamberlain for Gordon since the Yanks used the pick you gave for Gordon to draft him.

I thought we gave you two compensation picks for that that ended up being Hughes & Chamberlain, or Chamberlain & Kennedy.

I think we're directly responsible for two of those three.

But hey, Gordon's only got a hole in his throwing shoulder...not the end of the world.

:wallbash:

[Kevin]

I thought we gave you two compensation picks for that that ended up being Hughes & Chamberlain, or Chamberlain & Kennedy.

I think we're directly responsible for two of those three.

But hey, Gordon's only got a hole in his throwing shoulder...not the end of the world.

:wallbash:

Not sure about the other two, but i know Joba for sure.

[Knowledged_one]

Now this is awesome a yankee fan and phillies fan discussing players in a Cubs thread

BTW how bout dem O's

[K.C.]

I think it was Chamberlain and Kennedy.

Chamberlain was the compensatory round pick...Kennedy was the #21 pick overall in '05. I think that was the Phillies' pick. They gave their #1 and a compensatory pick because Gordon was a Type A free agent.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

there are Yankee and Phillies threads guys

[TheMojoPin]

AWESOME.

Dempster gets through the first with 5 pitches...and Soriano hurts his ankle catching the 3rd out doing his stupid little hop. Fantastic. As if I couldn't hate his stupid contract even more.

They better be smart and bring up Murton to play LF. The Padres want him, and so do the Devil Rays, so let him show off and hjopefully get something in a return, like as part of deal for Greene or Brignac and get us that SS we desperately need.

In the meantime, I get to witness a hellish Fontenot-Theriot 1-2 hitting pair. ECH.

[Kevin]

I think it was Chamberlain and Kennedy.

Chamberlain was the compensatory round pick...Kennedy was the #21 pick overall in '05. I think that was the Phillies' pick. They gave their #1 and a compensatory pick because Gordon was a Type A free agent.

Now that i think of it, you are right. We gave our pick which was like 28th for a signing but had your 21st as well and the sandwhich pick..


And Yes i know this is a Cub thread but it was brought up some what on topic.. But yea You are right KC.. Gordon turned into Kennedy and Joba.

[K.C.]

AWESOME.

Dempster gets through the first with 5 pitches...and Soriano hurts his ankle catching the 3rd out doing his stupid little hop. Fantastic. As if I couldn't hate his stupid contract even more.

They better be smart and bring up Murton to play LF. The Padres want him, and so do the Devil Rays, so let him show off and hjopefully get something in a return, like as part of deal for Greene or Brignac and get us that SS we desperately need.

In the meantime, I get to witness a hellish Fontenot-Theriot 1-2 hitting pair. ECH.

Whats the word on Soriano? Serious or precautionary?

[TheMojoPin]

Left calf strain. Who knows?

[Kevin]

Left calf strain. Who knows?

Took Jeter about a week, but Jeter hates sitting so i dunno how long Sori will be out.

[TheMojoPin]

Took Jeter about a week, but Jeter hates sitting so i dunno how long Sori will be out.

Until he got to the Cubs, of course, Soriano was as everyday as a player gets.

[Kevin]

Until he got to the Cubs, of course, Soriano was as everyday as a player gets.

Well he was working towards a big contract those days..

[TheMojoPin]

And he snagged the dumbest big fish around.

[BoondockSaint]

Nevermind.

[jauble]

I wish I could watch a fucking game. Did anyone else get the TBS broadcast blacked out? I screamed at my TV because of that.

[TheMojoPin]

Lee is going a long way to showing that a lot of 2005 was no fluke. He's picking up right where he left off in the last few months of last year. Looks like he's fully back from that wrist injury.

And Kerry Wood? PURE FILTH.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

I trade Soriano and this is what happens



maybe you are all the jinxes

[TheMojoPin]

It's tought to shake the taint of Hippo.

In every sense of that word.

[IMSlacker]

I've decided that Thom Brennaman is a jinx. In 2003, he was the guy who mentioned that the Cubs were "just five outs away..." right before they imploded. Tonight, he was talking about how untouchable Aaron Harang has been this year after the second inning, right before Derek Lee hit a three-run homer off of him. I rest my case. The Reds are doomed.

[TheMojoPin]

That wasn't just a homer...Lee completely violated that ball and then made out with its mother. (http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w=/2008/open/mlbam/2008/04/15/mlbtv_cinchn_139423_400K.wmv&vid=7758&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2008/04/15/cinmlb-chnmlb-1&mid=200804152532778&fid=mlb_tp400&cid=mlb&v=2&id=649758)

Between the bat he's flashing and his defense, he's showing again that he's one of the elite 1st basemen in all of baseball. Anyone who snagged him in a fantasy league is gonna luck out HUGE.

Fukudome continues to be an OBP machine...2 singles and a walk tonight. The Cubs need to move him up to hit #2 ASAP. He's a perfect tablesetter. He's got a little pop, but he just doesn't have enough overall power to stick at #5. Soto is perfect for that slot.

Hopefully Murton is on his way up if Soriano is on his way to the DL. I'd combo him and Fukudome at the top while Murton is starting.

[jauble]

That wasn't just a homer...Lee completely violated that ball and then made out with its mother.

Between the bat he's flashing and his defense, he's showing again that he's one of the elite 1st basemen in all of baseball. Anyone who snagged him in a fantasy league is gonna luck out HUGE.

Fukudome continues to be an OBP machine...2 singles and a walk tonight. The Cubs need to move him up to hit #2 ASAP. He's a perfect tablesetter. He's got a little pop, but he just doesn't have enough overall power to stick at #5. Soto is perfect for that slot.

Hopefully Murton is on his way up if Soriano is on his way to the DL. I'd combo him and Fukudome at the top while Murton is starting.

I have zero complaints with what you typed. In fact I am behind it.

[Cleophus James]

http://a982.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/126/l_12b55e458e2ec87fe2aedcef4e180c15.jpg

[Kevin]

Nevermind.

Joe Torre would not have edited that..

He is a Real man!!!

[TheMojoPin]

http://a982.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/126/l_12b55e458e2ec87fe2aedcef4e180c15.jpg

Normally I'd agree, but up until this point, Soriano was contributing next to nothing and showing no sign of switching it on. Maybe somthing in his leg was bugging him the whole time? I have no idea, but the team is winning without him, and there's no reason they can't keep winning while he's on the DL and hopefully heals up. When he came back from the DL last year he hit the cover off of the ball for the next month, so who knows? The Cubs have very good replacements for the time being in Ward and Murton.

[Knowledged_one]

Here's one for you: Brian Roberts for Soriano straight up the cubs pick up 50% of his contract if you are the GM do you do this deal?

[TheMojoPin]

Here's one for you: Brian Roberts for Soriano straight up the cubs pick up 50% of his contract if you are the GM do you do this deal?

Fuck no. If I'm going to end up paying 50% of that retardedly insane contract, it's going to be for a player younger and much, much, MUCH better than Brian Roberts.

[TheMojoPin]

So Soriano goes to the DL...the Cubs need a LFer. They have a really good MLB-proven LFer already having a really good season down in the minors yet again; one Mr. Matt Murton. So who do the Cubs call up? You guessed it...

ERIC PATTERSON.

What.

The.

FUCK?!?

What the hell is up with this team's obession of having scores of 2nd baseman on the goddamn roster for the last few seasons?!? Christ, just when I think they can't be any more clueless...YOU DON'T NEED A SPEEDY SLAP HITTER TO HIT LEADOFF. YOU JUST NEED SOMEONE WHO GETS ON BASE. Fukudome, DeRosa and Murton all fullfill that role, and then some.

Goddammit.

[Knowledged_one]

So Soriano goes to the DL...the Cubs need a LFer. They have a really good MLB-proven LFer already having a really good season down in the minors yet again; one Mr. Matt Murton. So who do the Cubs call up? You guess it...

ERIC PATTERSON.

What.

The.

FUCK?!?

What the hell is up with this team's obession of having scores of 2nd baseman on the goddamn roster for the last few seasons?!? Christ, just when I think they can't be any more clueless...YOU DON'T NEED A SPEEDY SLAP HITTER TO HIT LEADOFF. YOU JUST NEED SOMEONE WHO GETS ON BASE. Fukudome, DeRosa and Murton all fullfill that role, and then some.

Goddammit.


:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

Is Peter Angelos running that franchise?

[Kevin]

Here's one for you: Brian Roberts for Soriano straight up the cubs pick up 50% of his contract if you are the GM do you do this deal?

You could have had Sori for BJ Surhoff on several occasions.. But Peter Angelos let his hatred for the Yankees blind him. Thank God.

[Knowledged_one]

dont remind me about that, and it was part Angelos and part the veterans convinced Angelos that they could make a run to the playoffs

Im just glad they didnt trade Bedard to the Yankees, but with his recent injuries he would make a nice piece to sit next to Carl Pavano, Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa

[Kevin]

dont remind me about that, and it was part Angelos and part the veterans convinced Angelos that they could make a run to the playoffs

Im just glad they didnt trade Bedard to the Yankees, but with his recent injuries he would make a nice piece to sit next to Carl Pavano, Hideki Irabu and Kei Igawa

Well the latest one was prob in 2000 or 99 when you guys weren't close to making the playoffs.

Montreal turned down Ron DL White for Sori like 3 times also. Thank God for us that GMs and owners were stupid.

[jauble]

Fukudome with a great at bat in the first.

Cubs starting to roll (probably just Jinxy McHippoed myself)

[IMSlacker]

Wow. Lee just crushed another one.

[IMSlacker]

IT'S A BLOODBATH!!!

[TheMojoPin]

Holy GOD. What a drubbing. Lee has now hit as many HR's in the first 3 weeks as he did the entire 1st half last year, which makes me hate Furcal so much more. Yeah, it's been less than amonth, but this season plus Lee's 2nd half last year is maing it look like Furcal robbed him of a season and a half of more HOF playing after that awesome 2005 season.

Fukudome keeps on chugging...once Aramis is back to his usual self after his typical "I hate April" April and Soriano gets back...yow. With DeRosa and Soto backing them up with very solid AB's thus far and Pie hopefully developing along the way, this lineup is seriously good. Now if Hill and especially Lilly tighten it up a bit...the Reds might escape the sweep tomorrow. Lilly's out there again, ad he's been Godawful thus far, plus the Reds are having a young, relatively unkown pitcher out there, which is Cubs kryptonite.

[Cleophus James]

Normally I'd agree, but up until this point, Soriano was contributing next to nothing and showing no sign of switching it on. Maybe somthing in his leg was bugging him the whole time? I have no idea, but the team is winning without him, and there's no reason they can't keep winning while he's on the DL and hopefully heals up. When he came back from the DL last year he hit the cover off of the ball for the next month, so who knows? The Cubs have very good replacements for the time being in Ward and Murton.
From a fantasy side: I hope so. Soriano has stunk it up, but you can't drop him. At least hes on the DL, to make room.

My real feelings: Hope he never takes the field again. You still owe us 3 (Kile, Hancock, Encarnación).

[Knowledged_one]

Usually i would root for the Cubs but i have Edinson Volquez on my team so i hope the Cubs bats are quiet today

Sorry IMSlacker, Mojo and Jauble

[jauble]

Pitcher with an RBI walk, bases loaded...you better watch out KO.

[Knowledged_one]

Pitcher with an RBI walk, bases loaded...you better watch out KO.

yeah i know that walk cost me -2 points, its good hes a strike out pitcher

i also have griffey and bako playing

[jauble]

yeah i know that walk cost me -2 points, its good hes a strike out pitcher

i also have griffey and bako playing

With Lilly's last two starts that might be a real good thing.

[Knowledged_one]

not looking good for the Cubs today, at least volquez cant get the Loss which i care most about. But he did walk a lot of guys today, but it looks like he keeps the ball down in the zone, but 111 pitches to get through 5 is bad news even for a strike out pitcher

[Knowledged_one]

DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGg

Griffey goes yard on a 3 run blast and Bako follows with a double

Im now up by 60 points and another 10 if the Reds win

[Jughead]

DIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG GGGGGGGGGGg

Griffey goes yard on a 3 run blast and Bako follows with a double

Im now up by 60 points and another 10 if the Reds win

Im at work Just wondering what inning???and score please....shanks..

[Knowledged_one]

Top of the 9th

9-2 Reds

[Jughead]

Top of the 9th

9-2 Reds

Thanks..Buddy

[TheMojoPin]

[Cubs' bats]Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz[/Cubs' bats]

[Kevin]

Thanks..Buddy

I'm not your Buddy friend!

[jauble]

I'm not your friend guy.

[spadanko]

Pic??\

Kosuke Fukudome didn't have to wait long for the ugly American part of his welcome to Wrigleyville. A Fukudome T-shirt with a racist image is the hottest-selling item at a souvenir stand that sells unlicensed Cubs-related merchandise across Addison Street from the ballpark, according to Mark Kolbusz, who's in his fourth season operating the stand. On the front of the shirt is the traditional Cubs cartoon bear face but with slanted eyes and wearing oversized Harry Caray-style glasses. It's accompanied by the words ''Horry Kow,'' scrawled in cartoonish ''Japanese'' script. Fukudome's name and number are on the back. ''That's the No. 1 seller this year, by far,'' said Kolbusz, who estimates one in 10 customers complain about being offended. -- Chicago Sun-Times

[TheMojoPin]

Pic??\

Kosuke Fukudome didn't have to wait long for the ugly American part of his welcome to Wrigleyville. A Fukudome T-shirt with a racist image is the hottest-selling item at a souvenir stand that sells unlicensed Cubs-related merchandise across Addison Street from the ballpark, according to Mark Kolbusz, who's in his fourth season operating the stand. On the front of the shirt is the traditional Cubs cartoon bear face but with slanted eyes and wearing oversized Harry Caray-style glasses. It's accompanied by the words ''Horry Kow,'' scrawled in cartoonish ''Japanese'' script. Fukudome's name and number are on the back. ''That's the No. 1 seller this year, by far,'' said Kolbusz, who estimates one in 10 customers complain about being offended. -- Chicago Sun-Times

That might be the "hottest seller" at that one stand, but I've yet to see one at the games I've been to this year or around the ballpark area. Everyone is wearing a ton of Fukudome jersey and jersey-style t-shirts (a lot with his name in Japanese characters), or Fukudome headbands.

This is probably the same stand I see that sells the moronic "Cardinals fan take it in the Pujols" and "White Sux" shirts.

[Knowledged_one]

at least Cubs fans arent disresepectful enough to say the letter O, during the national anthem

[spadanko]

That might be the "hottest seller" at that one stand, but I've yet to see one at the games I've been to this year or around the ballpark area. Everyone is wearing a ton of Fukudome jersey and jersey-style t-shirts (a lot with his name in Japanese characters), or Fukudome headbands.

This is probably the same stand I see that sells the moronic "Cardinals fan take it in the Pujols" and "White Sux" shirts.


here it is... yeah tehre are stupid stands like this at every stadium

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3010/fdqr2.jpg

[jauble]

I really wonder what the ratio of actual cubs fans to just posting is in this thread. Not a complaint just a curiosity. I love you all (hippo need not apply)

[Knowledged_one]

I am an Orioles fan (originally from right outside of baltimore), but when i moved to the midwest 3 years ago, i would listen to either the Cubs (it was on some Modern Rock FM Station in Indy) or the Reds on 700 AM. And now with playing fantasy baseball it has just increased my interest in all of baseball and last year i was more of a Cubs fan because i had Derek Lee and one other Cub on my team.

And to be honest i only truly hate one team and thats the Yankees and thats mainly because of the bullshit homerun call when that faggot reached over the wall to stop Tarasco from catching the ball against the Orioles in the playoffs.

Not to mention the Orioles and Cubs are trade partners so i know about them through that, and i would have to say that i am rather knowledgable about the Cubs arent I?

[TheMojoPin]

here it is... yeah tehre are stupid stands like this at every stadium

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/3010/fdqr2.jpg

Wow, that fucking sucks.

[jauble]

I am an Orioles fan (originally from right outside of baltimore), but when i moved to the midwest 3 years ago, i would listen to either the Cubs (it was on some Modern Rock FM Station in Indy) or the Reds on 700 AM. And now with playing fantasy baseball it has just increased my interest in all of baseball and last year i was more of a Cubs fan because i had Derek Lee and one other Cub on my team.

And to be honest i only truly hate one team and thats the Yankees and thats mainly because of the bullshit homerun call when that faggot reached over the wall to stop Tarasco from catching the ball against the Orioles in the playoffs.

Not to mention the Orioles and Cubs are trade partners so i know about them through that, and i would have to say that i am rather knowledgable about the Cubs arent I?

I consider you an in between because you actually post about cubs things in this thread. It dont make you a bad person.

[Knowledged_one]

Oh and i forgot one other thing - fuck the White Sox

[Knowledged_one]

Uh oh another tie game with the Pirates, i guess another dreadful extra innings game between these two again

1-1 last i checked

[TheMojoPin]

3-1 Cubs, you dirty orange bird.

[Knowledged_one]

Do you think the Cubs are wasting Sean Marshall as middle relief? Do you think he would be better served pitching every 5 days in AAA

I saw he threw two pitches today and got one out

[TheMojoPin]

Do you think the Cubs are wasting Sean Marshall as middle relief? Do you think he would be better served pitching every 5 days in AAA

Definitely. He should be starting there or starting in the bigs instead of Marquis.

[IMSlacker]

The Cubs managed to beat the Pirates (3-2) without going to extra innings. Nice.

[Knowledged_one]

More importantly it only took Kerry Wood 6 pitches to get through the 9th and one of those outs was a strike out

Marmol needing 43 to get through 2 innings though is a little worrisome i would think but out of his 6 outs 5 were strikeouts

[TheMojoPin]

More importantly it only took Kerry Wood 6 pitches to get through the 9th and one of those outs was a strike out

Marmol needing 43 to get through 2 innings though is a little worrisome i would think but out of his 6 outs 5 were strikeouts

The unfortunate thing about Marmol's outing was that he actually struck out McClouth, but Soto couldn't keep the ball in his mitt.

Lou can be really dumb sometimes. Stretching Marmol out like this is one example. Already talking about sending Patterson back down is another. Look, I wanted Murton up here instead, but if you make a decision, don't act like a little kid ad chage your mind when it doesn't work out perfectly right away. Young players like Patterson and Pie need time to develop in the bigs. You can't just give them a handful of starts and then bench them for prolonged periods and expect them to learn anything. Play at least one young player reguarly and quit jerking them around.

[TheMojoPin]

Derrek Lee now leads the majors with his 7th HR today.

That is all.

[IMSlacker]

Any word on why Lee left in the sixth inning? The game wasn't available on EI today (stupid Fox GotW), so I couldn't watch. And, there's nothing about it in any of the stories I read about the game.

[IMSlacker]

Never mind, I found the answer (stiff neck). I guess it's not a big deal.

[TheMojoPin]

Nothing he couldn't usually play through, but they figured with the blowout, why take the chance?

Still only the first month, but I gotta say, a lot of promising offensive features with these Cubs. Soto and DeRosa are settling into roles as really solid hitters, Fukudome is looking to be the real deal (though the longer he's not at #2, he's wasted), the team as a whole is taking a ton of pitches and walks, and they're scoring an assload of runs with Aramis starting slow and Soriano ice cold/injured. Hell, even Theriot looks decent.

Let's hope it keeps up.

[jauble]

I'm wondering if the cubs bats are getting hot or if the pirates just blow as a pitching crew right now.

[IMSlacker]

I think it's a little of both. The Pirates pitching staff is pretty lousy, but the Cubs hitters seem to be as patient as I've seen them be in . . . forever.

[IMSlacker]

Mojo's favorite Cub, Ryan Theriot, is now hitting .338 with a .408 OBP. I hope he can keep it up.

[TheMojoPin]

Mojo's favorite Cub, Ryan Theriot, is now hitting .338 with a .408 OBP. I hope he can keep it up.

Well, it would be a miracle if he could, which is why he won't...but he still could be very productive. I'm still wary because he had an insane month last year similar to this April and then the rest of his season middle between barely average and downright awful, so I'll be pretty stunned if he maintains consistent starter-worthy numbers all year, but hey, I'll be happy if he does. If he does, there's even less of a reason for them not to start Pie against all righties. And man, on top of that, Cedeno is very quietly making the most of his AB's and putting up some impressive numbers.

Hopefully today was Aramis waking up and being more of his usual self after his typical sleepy April (though only power-wise; he was still getting on base at an insane clip).

Check out the team's offensive numbers since opening day:

03/31 - 04/20 AB R H 2b 3b HR TB RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
CUBS 656 111 185 42 3 22 299 101 81 121 0.282 0.366 0.456 0.822


Who the hell are these guys and where are my Cubs?!?

Obviously, there is a very clear split...they're 10-2 against the shitty Pirates, Reds ad Astros...and 2-4 against the Phillies and Brewers. I'll be very curious to see how they do against the Mets, especially with Lilly and Hill pitching the 2nd and 3rd games. That said, beating up on crappy teams consistently is something very important that they've struggled with in recent years, and will help offset some series where they struggle against better teams.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

If Mets or the Cubs Sweep this 2 game series

the loser has to display the opposing teams avatar for a week


Ill even make my mod quote "Steve Bartman is less of a Jinx then Me" if the Mets get swept

[Knowledged_one]

Shit mojo might just change it anyway

You know his motto walk lightly but carry a big mod tool

[IMSlacker]

The Cubs' starters for the series are Zambrano and Lilly. My money's on a split.

[TheMojoPin]

If Mets or the Cubs Sweep this 2 game series

the loser has to display the opposing teams avatar for a week


Ill even make my mod quote "Steve Bartman is less of a Jinx then Me" if the Mets get swept

Fuck no.

I'm all for friendly wagers, but all bets are off when it comes to my hated Big Three of the White Sox, Cardinals and Mets. If the Mets sweep, I'm banning you out of spite for even daring to mention this.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Fuck no.

I'm all for friendly wagers, but all bets are off when it comes to my hated Big Three of the White Sox, Cardinals and Mets. If the Mets sweep, I'm banning you out of spite for even daring to mention this.


I understand the NL Central and the Sox

but why the hate to the Mets, I like the Cubs

[BoondockSaint]

I understand the NL Central and the Sox

but why the hate to the Mets, I like the Cubs

Maybe because when there were two divisions the Mets kicked their asses all the time.

[TheMojoPin]

I was raised to loathe the Mets. All Cubs fans are or do because of 1969. Until they were banished to the East, the Mets and Cubs had an insanely bitter rivalry for a good 25 years.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

I was raised to loathe the Mets. All Cubs fans are or do because of 1969. Until they were banished to the East, the Mets and Cubs had an insanely bitter rilvary for a good 25 years.


you guys are trained to hate, win a world series, then you experience some love

I enjoy the cubs

I hate teh Yanks Phillies and Braves

[IMSlacker]

I was raised to loathe the Mets. All Cubs fans are or do because of 1969. Until they were banished to the East, the Mets and Cubs had an insanely bitter rilvary for a good 25 years.

My hate for the Mets has dissipated since realingment. It's been replaced by hate for the Astros.

[TheMojoPin]

Trained, nothing. Any good Cubs fan hates and will always hate the Mets to at least some degree.

[BoondockSaint]

you guys are trained to hate, win a world series, then you experience some love

I enjoy the cubs

I hate teh Yanks Phillies and Braves


I'd hate the Cubs if the Mets ever finished 37 games behind them.

[TheMojoPin]

My hate for the Mets has dissipated since realingment. It's been replaced by hate for the Astros.

Ooooh, I do hate the Astros, though not in any kind of "real rivalry" way...I just hate their pussy AL-style ballpark. Just flip them and give them a DH and be done with it.

[Knowledged_one]

My hate for the Mets has dissipated since realingment. It's been replaced by hate for the Astros.

Thats like hating the fat kid because he cant leg out a triple

[IMSlacker]

Thats like hating the fat kid because he cant leg out a triple

Since realignment, the Astros have finished ahead of the Cubs 12 times, the Cubs have finished ahead of the Astros twice. Thank god Drayton McClain finally drove Gerry Hunsicker away.

[jauble]

I was raised to loathe the Mets. All Cubs fans are or do because of 1969. Until they were banished to the East, the Mets and Cubs had an insanely bitter rilvary for a good 25 years.

Also, Mr. Met is a douche.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Also, Mr. Met is a douche.

dont let him hear that

a headbutt from Mr. Met lands you in the ER at the least

[cougarjake13]

I was raised to loathe the Mets. All Cubs fans are or do because of 1969. Until they were banished to the East, the Mets and Cubs had an insanely bitter rivalry for a good 25 years.

dont you mean from ???

[K.C.]

Since realignment, the Astros have finished ahead of the Cubs 12 times, the Cubs have finished ahead of the Astros twice. Thank god Drayton McClain finally drove Gerry Hunsicker away.

But they have Ed Wade!

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2007/09/20/PBDy9ScU.jpg


...nah, things are looking up for the Cubs.

[K.C.]

HAHAHA...these douchebags in the booth spend a half inning talking about Joba, now they're talking about tickets in the new Yankee stadium.

Gotta love the big E!

[jauble]

HAHAHA...these douchebags in the booth spend a half inning talking about Joba, now they're talking about tickets in the new Yankee stadium.

Gotta love the big E!

Thank you for also noticing that. When are they changing it to YESpn?

[cougarjake13]

Thank you for also noticing that. When are they changing it to YESpn?

2011

[spadanko]

ESPN is fucking garbage

[TheMojoPin]

Thank God this being simulcast on WCIU here with Len and Bob calling it. Sounds like ESPN is its typical dreck.

[jauble]

I would love an insurance run or two here.

[jauble]

That looked like it hurt...right off the elbow.

[jauble]

Cedeno comes up huge.

[IMSlacker]

YES!!

[jauble]

Time for punch and PIE!!!

[TheMojoPin]

How about some delicious...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/sweetpeteman/home_run_pie-1.jpg

?!?!?!?

YEAH.

Wow, nice AB's by Cedeno and Pie. Love seeing the youngsters able to do that. Great, great watching the ball.

[jauble]

Cubs win...and now for more Yankee coverage we'll go back to the ESPN studios.

[K.C.]

Good job, Cubbies.

[TheMojoPin]

HEY, CHICAGO, WHAT DO YA SAY?!?!

http://www.usflags.com/images/products/Product-4484.jpg

Awesome.

[Kevin]

How about some delicious...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v387/sweetpeteman/home_run_pie-1.jpg

?!?!?!?

YEAH.

Wow, nice AB's by Cedeno and Pie. Love seeing the youngsters able to do that. Great, great watching the ball.

Fucking starving.

[TheMojoPin]

Wow, I pretty much missed the bottom of the 9th. Another 1-2-3 for Kerry wih 6 pitches. BAM.

Cubs are now 2 victories away from their 10,000th win.

[TheMojoPin]

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20080422/i/r866978091.jpg

[jauble]

That was such a fun game to watch. Quite competitive and then feel good blow out at the end. Tomorrow night well..maybe Lilly will have his breakout game here.

[hexy68]

http://thegrumpiest.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/marisa_miller_cubs_01a.jpg

...luckey cubbies!!

[jauble]

Another good set of at bats with 2 outs in the bottom of the fourth.

[jauble]

I was worried that Lilly wasn't going to make it out of the 6th. That should be the last we see of him.

[IMSlacker]

Nice to see a scoreless inning from Howry.

[Jughead]

Grand Slam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cubs!!!

[jauble]

Ronnie fucking Cedeno...two great games in a row. Mojo is salivating right now.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

ouch

should have bet me Mojo

[TheMojoPin]

ouch

should have bet me Mojo

This is reward enough.

http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/4/49/Mkt_brutality.png

In the last 9 games (of which they've won 8) the Cubs have outscored their opponents 73-33.

Yeah.

Fukudome goes 3-3 with 2 singles and a double and 2 walks today.

Aramis Ramirez has gotten on base every single game of the season so far.

Theriot has played well, I'll give him that, but you gotta get Cedeno in there more. He just offers so much more offensively and defensively.

Nice to see Felix get a couple of hits again after last night, too.

Great to see Lilly's quality start today, especially against a good lineup that has smacked lefites this year, AND with the wind blowing out for a lot of it.

If I'm "unhappy" about one thing, it's that the mighty offense keeps depriving Wood of save opportunities. Selfish jerks.

Cubs train is rollin'...

[scottinnj]

Phillies fans say Thank you. We hope to return the favor in about an hour.

[IMSlacker]

Thank God for Carlos Marmol.

[TheMojoPin]

That was a little nuts. It seems like the games with the Rockies tend to be a little bonkers.

I was really stunned it got tied up on Wood. He looked absolutely sick striking out the first two batters, and then filthy again getting that 3rd k.

Tonight's win also makes the Cubs the 2nd team in baseball besides the Giants to have 10,000 career wins. It was also Lou's 100th win as manager of the Cubs...and possibly his most retarded bout of overmanaging ever.

[IMSlacker]

It was also Lou's 100th win as manager of the Cubs...and possibly his most retarded bout of overmanaging ever.

Pinch running for Lee in the ninth was truly mystifying.

[TheMojoPin]

Pinch running for Lee in the ninth was truly mystifying.

To say the least. And politely.

[Knowledged_one]

Well i am playing a guy in fantasy baseball who has 6 cubs hitters on his team and 2 pitchers i am hoping that the cubs bats cool off or to be nice to you guys a few rainouts the rest of this week

[jauble]

Well i am playing a guy in fantasy baseball who has 6 cubs hitters on his team and 2 pitchers i am hoping that the cubs bats cool off or to be nice to you guys a few rainouts the rest of this week

I appreciate you trying to be nice. That said barring a rainout I hope you get rocked this week.

[Knowledged_one]

Thanks buddy you are a true gentleman

And notice i hope for rain out first, i want the Cubs to end the streak so that Mojo wont be such a commie mod anymore

[TheMojoPin]

If anything, the Cubs falling into the toilet after starting out so well wouldl just make my modding even more spiteful and tyrannical.

[Knowledged_one]

If anything, the Cubs falling into the toilet after starting out so well wouldl just make my modding even more spiteful and tyrannical.

Is that possible? (said with tounge in cheek as i feel this comment may get me vacationed)

[TheMojoPin]

Fist of all, Reed Johnson tonight made on the best catches I've ever seen. (http://media.putfile.com/Unbelievable-catch-by-Reed-Johnson)

Unfortunately, it was a frustrating Cubs lose.

I hate, hate, hate, HATE stealing bases. It's a largely outdated aspect of the game that the majority of the time is pointless. Those feelings were reinforced tonight watching Theriot caught stealing TWICE when the Cubs were in position to do more damage. The first one was especially stupid, with them down 2-1 early in the gam and Theriot already on 2nd(!) and Lee at the plate. Stealing 3rd?!? Moronic. Theriot is quick, bt he's a shitty base stealer...bt he's fast enough that he's very likely to score from first on a well hit single or more by Lee or Ramirez, so running him when he's on 2nd and your #3 hitter is up is dumb.

Those moves are indicative of Lou's overmanaging. He's still too reliant on crap like unecessary steals, sac bunts and hit and runs. He sac bunts tonight with Aramis and Fukudome on 1st and 2nd and DeRosa at the plate with no outs. Why? DeRosa has shown he's a decent hitter who walks a lot. Soto and Cedeno were up on him. Why give up and out so quickly when you've already got a guy in socring a position and a very fast runner on 1st?

Why take out Cedeno at the end with the bases loaded? Cedeno has 4 hits the last time he's come up with the bases juiced, 2 of which were just in the last week. Lou takes him out, puts in Ward, and then bumps him for Murton when the Nas put in a leftie. OK, Ward's splits against lefties aren't great, but the man walks like crazy and still is your best bench option to get a hit. Lou puts in Murton, which I've been a fan of in the past, but Murton has been ice cold this year and showing little power and hitting way too many juicy DP grounders. Graned, Murton walked and they got the tying run, but it still took out Cedeno and Ward unecessarily. OVERMANAGING.

He then puts in Blanco for the pitcher with the bases still loaded and 2 outs, but then bumps him for Fontenot, who has been horrible, and he strikes out. Lou continually depletes the bench way too fast, and it's going to bite him in the ass.

[Knowledged_one]

My brother was at the game and said the Reed Johnson catch was phenomenal and he basically said he has wrapped up the ESPY with that catch

I cant believe they lost 2 of 3 agaisnt the Nats but ah well

And i ended up winning in my fantasy league, 535 to 473 my points were the league record for points and teh guy i played outscored every other team by 50 points

Thankfully the Cubs rested like 3 of his guys yesterday and that really helped but damn Zambraon was lights out this past week

[TheMojoPin]

The sad thing is that their starting pitching was really good against the Nats all 3 games and the offense (outside of game 2) just went to sleep. Yesterday they deserved to lose...down 2-0 and twice getting guys on 2nd and 3rd wih no outs and you can't plate a run? Fly back home, sit in the corner and think about what you did, dammit.

[TheMojoPin]

From Rotoworld:

San Diego Union-Tribune - The Cubs are reportedly watching Padres shortstop Khalil Greene, and the Padres have monitored Cubs center fielder Felix Pie, who lost playing time to Reed Johnson, as the two teams may make a trade.

Exact passage in the Union-Tribune article:

Even if Edmonds heats up, the Padres' need for a younger center fielder remains. That's a market the Padres have explored since last May, when they and the Cubs – frequent trade partners in recent years – considered various scenarios. The Cubs have kept tabs on Padres shortstop Khalil Greene, and the Padres have monitored Cubs center fielder Felix Pie, who lost playing time to Reed Johnson.

Now THIS is the type of rumor that gives me a titanic boner. As much as I'd like to see Pie get his shot with the Cubs, I do this trade in a heartbeat. With Johnson showing he likely play at least passably in CF ad Colvin likely ready out of the minors within a year, this deal makes a million kinds of sense. Even if Theriot and/or Cedeno hit well, they have little to no chance of being the power threat that Greene is hitting anywhere except Petco. DO THIS TRADE, HENDRY. PLEASE.

[Knowledged_one]

but its logical so the cubs will never do it

[TheMojoPin]

Pretty much. It makes too much damn sense. Hendry will probably convince himself that Greene's lousy start this year defines him and Theriot's fluke-y awesome start defines HIM and decide everything is fine.

[Knowledged_one]

Well you could be a dodgers fan and be mad about the money Andruw Jones is getting to only hit like .186

Then again i dont think a Dodgers thread would get many comments

[jauble]

Well you could be a dodgers fan and be mad about the money Andruw Jones is getting to only hit like .186

Then again i dont think a Dodgers thread would get many comments

Or be a giants fan and be glad that Zito is now in the pen for awhile to work things out on his starter's money

[TheMojoPin]

Well, here's comes the ultimate jinx yet again. (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/2008/0505.html)

The Cubs will be lucky to finish above .500 and Kosuke will be lucky to survive the season.

[Ritalin]

don't worry about it. Fukudome is Japanese for jinx proof.

[TheMojoPin]

How do you get Sheets to walk you 7 times and still lose?

By pitching Jason Marquis instead of Rich Hill.

Anyway, random news from the Far East...

Cubs sign Korean SS prospect Lee Hak-ju. (http://eastwindupchronicle.com/east-prospect-watch-lee-hak-ju/#more-1721)

Lee is a shortstop from Chungam High School. The paper lists him as being 6′0, 170 lbs., but he’s closer to 6′2 and probably heavier. I saw him practice last week and it’s the only time I’ve seen him play. But as someone still new to the scout game it was a great experience just to watch him. To use the familiar adage, he was a man amongst boys. It was as if an MLB player had stumbled onto a field in rural South Korea and started taking ground balls. The balls just ambled into his glove and his catch and release was so quick — it was a textbook example.

But that glossy description shouldn’t overshadow his arm, which is also clearly big league. I saw him field a ball across his body, and moving toward third. He didn’t stop, he just pulled up a little and threw it on a line to first.

Again, I feel kind of silly raving about this guy I haven’t even seen in a game, and I’m also not used to writing in this first-person/scout style, but I can say the Cubs are really excited about him. They believe he’d be a first round pick in the states, and one of the people who scouted him also scouted Derek Jeter in high school and says Lee has better tools at his age than Jeter did back in the early 90s.

He hits from the left side and is blazing fast. His time down the line is right around four seconds. I saw one video of him in a scrimmage, filmed through a steel cage behind the catcher. He hits what looks like a line drive (keep in mind this is amateur video) and disappears from the frame for a few seconds. Then, what would appear to be a blur goes across the screen — it’s Hakju running from first to third. Sure, a lot of it had to do with the angle and the quality of the video, but it was still amazing.

[Knowledged_one]

Bunch a commies that team is

[TheMojoPin]

The Asian sensations sweeping the nation!

I guess Jae Kuk Ryu killing that osprey was some kind of good omen. Well, not for him, since he got traded to the Rays.

And hey, Hee Seop Choi got the Cubs Derrek Lee! Asia has been berry, berry good to the Cubs.

[Knowledged_one]

The Asian sensations sweeping the nation!

I guess Jae Kuk Ryu killing that osprey was some kind of good omen. Well, not for him, since he got traded to the Rays.

And hey, Hee Seop Choi got the Cubs Derrek Lee! Asia has been berry, berry good to the Cubs.

Dont forget Hideki Irabu as the Fat Toad of the Yankees organization

[epo]

How do you get Sheets to walk you 7 times and still lose?

By pitching Jason Marquis instead of Rich Hill.



I doubt Dusty wanted to throw a lefty against Milwaukee.

[scrambler]

Going to the game tonight, anyone else?

P.S.
Prince Fielder is a fat fuck

[TheMojoPin]

I doubt Dusty wanted to throw a lefty against Milwaukee.

Yet if it had been Ted "Face Looks Like a Wilted" Lilly scheduled, they wouldn't have dared to think of skipping him.

[Knowledged_one]

Yet if it had been Ted "Face Looks Like a Wilted" Lilly scheduled, they wouldn't have dared to think of skipping him.

Did you just do a bad Chris "Ethyl Merman" Berman?

[TheMojoPin]

No, mine was actually good, which makes it totally different from Berman.

[epo]

Going to the game tonight, anyone else?

P.S.
Prince Fielder is a fat fuck

Taunt that fat kid and watch him hit homeruns off your pitching.

[TheMojoPin]

I'm not saying this to be insulting...Fielder looks a good 10-15 pounds heavier than when he was here at the start of the season. He's incredibly talented, but he's going to eat himself out of the NL. Is he really a vegetarian?

[epo]

I'm not saying this to be insulting...Fielder looks a good 10-15 pounds heavier than when he was here at the start of the season. He's incredibly talented, but he's going to eat himself out of the NL. Is he really a vegetarian?

Like his father (who he hates) he is incredibly nimble for an athlete his size. The concern with every expert is that he will be an AL-only player by the time he is 30. I don't know his specific weight, but he continues to be listed at 5'11" & 270 lbs.

And yes, he is a vegetarian. He also persuaded management to make the clubhouse & the locker room more environmentally friendly. Damn hippie!

[Knowledged_one]

I'm not saying this to be insulting...Fielder looks a good 10-15 pounds heavier than when he was here at the start of the season. He's incredibly talented, but he's going to eat himself out of the NL. Is he really a vegetarian?

Baseball's version of John "hot fudge" Williams

[TheMojoPin]

Dear Lord. This isn't just a win. This is...

http://www.sighco.com/store/images/brutal_big.gif

19 runs scored tonight without Soriano, who is finally back tomorrow.

[epo]

I thank you for essentially forcing Milwaukee into DFA'ing Derrick Turnbow. At this point it's the nicest thing you could do for us.

[TheMojoPin]

Of course, my tickets for this series are for tomorrow, when it's supposed to rain and they'll probably be all scored out.

[TheMojoPin]

http://www.fangraphs.com/lgraphs/280430116_Brewers_Cubs_67630125_lbig.png

[IMSlacker]

I thank you for essentially forcing Milwaukee into DFA'ing Derrick Turnbow. At this point it's the nicest thing you could do for us.

It's obvious to me that Derrick Turnbow is more concerned with arranging his hair to hide his enormous ears than throwing strikes. He just needs to get a hair cut and accept his freakishly large ears and I think everything else will work itself out.

[TheMojoPin]

Hah! Cuban was at the game tonight. Hopefully this gives him an even bigger boner to fight to buy this team.

[TheMojoPin]

Quietly having an awesome, potential ROY season:

The Geovanny Soto board after tonight:

5 HRs; tied with Brian McCann for 2nd among major league catchers (LAA's Mike Napoli has 6)
20 RBIs, 54 total bases, 14 XBH; leads all major league catchers (Bengie Molina is 2nd in RBIs with 17, McCann is 2nd in TB with 51 and 2nd in XBH with 13)
.621 SLG, 1.048 OPS; tops among starting major league catchers (MLB.com's stat lines don't list plate appearances or any other good qualifier and Yahoo! Sports won't update with tonight's stats until the early AM, so "starting" is the best qualifier I can give)
1 error in 158 TC
.500 CS % (6 of 12 baserunners thrown out)

In short? He rakes with the bat. He's got the respect of the pitching staff, the ability to call a great game, a gun for an arm and the brass to go out there and talk some sense into even Zambrano when need be. I know it's only the first month and any player, particularly a catcher, is going to wear down a bit as the summer goes on, but damn.

Pretty impressive when a player that young has a hideous mini-slump where he strikes out 8 times over 2 games (but still calls and catches a shutout win for one of them) and then the next game comes back and belts 2 3-run HR's.

[jauble]

Way to take that hit Soto.

[Knowledged_one]

Zambrano providing his own run support today i see

[jauble]

He looked pretty safe to me.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Theriot is having a good week for me, picked him up while Kendrick is on the DL