Baseball fans:
DO NOT WATCH THE WORLD SERIES.
Don't turn to the channel on your DVR (on either tuner - you know who you are).
Don't switch over for a second to check the score.
Don't watch Baseball Tonight on ESPN
Don't watch any postgame analysis.
We need to send a message.
What that message is exactly, I don't know.
Wait! I know!
No, wait.. I lost it.
Oh yeah, I got it!
The message is this:
We don't wanna watch your crappy world series until the friggin Cubs play the friggin White Sox!
TV NETWORKS, ARE YOU LISTENING?
We don't care how.
Just make it happen.
p.s. - also make sure that more real fans have a reasonable chance to purchase tickets this time!
p.p.s. - TBS should not be allowed to show any more baseball games until they correctly position the cameras for proper pitch-viewing. There is no excuse!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008
An Open Email to Another Die-Hard...
Hey Jim. I’m a little irritated because I typed a very long reply but somehow Facebook ate it. Actually, I was irritated. Then I waited about 3 hours before trying again. The main point was that the team in particular fed off of the tension of the fans; in other series, it wasn’t there, and in today’s game, the SouthSiders showed us, with Terrible Towels, how it was done. It has definitely (in my opinion) helped the Sox, who define themselves sometimes as being NOT the Cubs to not choke after watching us do it in legendary fashion. It WAS truly remarkable just how somber us fans got, and how quickly. A 9-game post-season losing streak will do that to you.
The first casualty of this, for me, is my Piniella boosterism. At this point, I’m ready to welcome back Dusty, I really am. His achievement with the 2003 team looms large now, it really does. This is a really grim thought, but his decision to ride his horses hard, which may have cost Mark Prior his career, doesn’t look so crazy. Q: if a healthy Mark Prior had been here, (meaning the division series) would it have helped?
The problem with Lou is that I think we all felt Something Wrong after the Loney grand slam, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Torre pushed buttons differently in the post-season - Piniella did not. He actually let Howry pitch, which shouldn’t have happened. Those insurance runs mean more in October; they confer momentum that they don’t confer in July or April. He also should have Done Something about right field; he would have liked to have DeRosa out there and Fontenot at second, but DeRosa wasn’t really able to play right with his calf injury. And this was the kind of series in which that came in to play in the first inning DeRosa was out there in game 3; with Fukudome in right, no way Manny scores from first, nor does he even consider trying. Arugably, it could have been an out with Fukudome in RF. As for game 1, Sometimes, after 6 walks, you have to get a clue and pull your ace. Dempster walked 7; I think that Lou gave him too much slack. I suspect laRussa or Torre would have pulled him before it got way out of control. I also wonder if regular-season Lou wouldn’t have done likewise.
Ron Darling said what I was thinking, that Fukudome got a hit against Kuroda because facing a familiar Japanese pitcher put him back in his comfort zone. Kosuke was visibly uncomfortable - you could see it in his face. His single changed that.
If you look at articles on ESPN and other places, we are more of a laughingstock than the Cubs have ever been before. Last year was a major oopsie, 2003 was a tragic collapse, 1984 was several unlucky incidents in a do-or-die game, 1989 was an ass-kicking by Will Clark, 1998 was a disposal of us by the superior Braves, and 1969 was the only real equivalent. In 2037, will an elderly Derrek Lee go, OH NOOOO!!!! from the broadcast booth when Jules Patel drops an easy fly ball in, say, Columbus? Maybe the new Mr. Cub will be Big Z by then? Or to pick someone like Santo whose career was cut short, Mark Prior?
Sigh. The only thing to do is to come back yet again, in 2009. The Central will still suck other than us. This core group probably can look forward to a three-peat, judging from the rest of the division, as it will be after CC Sabathia leaves.
The first casualty of this, for me, is my Piniella boosterism. At this point, I’m ready to welcome back Dusty, I really am. His achievement with the 2003 team looms large now, it really does. This is a really grim thought, but his decision to ride his horses hard, which may have cost Mark Prior his career, doesn’t look so crazy. Q: if a healthy Mark Prior had been here, (meaning the division series) would it have helped?
The problem with Lou is that I think we all felt Something Wrong after the Loney grand slam, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Torre pushed buttons differently in the post-season - Piniella did not. He actually let Howry pitch, which shouldn’t have happened. Those insurance runs mean more in October; they confer momentum that they don’t confer in July or April. He also should have Done Something about right field; he would have liked to have DeRosa out there and Fontenot at second, but DeRosa wasn’t really able to play right with his calf injury. And this was the kind of series in which that came in to play in the first inning DeRosa was out there in game 3; with Fukudome in right, no way Manny scores from first, nor does he even consider trying. Arugably, it could have been an out with Fukudome in RF. As for game 1, Sometimes, after 6 walks, you have to get a clue and pull your ace. Dempster walked 7; I think that Lou gave him too much slack. I suspect laRussa or Torre would have pulled him before it got way out of control. I also wonder if regular-season Lou wouldn’t have done likewise.
Ron Darling said what I was thinking, that Fukudome got a hit against Kuroda because facing a familiar Japanese pitcher put him back in his comfort zone. Kosuke was visibly uncomfortable - you could see it in his face. His single changed that.
If you look at articles on ESPN and other places, we are more of a laughingstock than the Cubs have ever been before. Last year was a major oopsie, 2003 was a tragic collapse, 1984 was several unlucky incidents in a do-or-die game, 1989 was an ass-kicking by Will Clark, 1998 was a disposal of us by the superior Braves, and 1969 was the only real equivalent. In 2037, will an elderly Derrek Lee go, OH NOOOO!!!! from the broadcast booth when Jules Patel drops an easy fly ball in, say, Columbus? Maybe the new Mr. Cub will be Big Z by then? Or to pick someone like Santo whose career was cut short, Mark Prior?
Sigh. The only thing to do is to come back yet again, in 2009. The Central will still suck other than us. This core group probably can look forward to a three-peat, judging from the rest of the division, as it will be after CC Sabathia leaves.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Can We Still Win This Thing?
We all feel a hell of a lot less optimistic than we did a few days ago, as we should. That is only natural. There is only one thing that mitigates this feeling of being utterly screwed: you have to remember the two times in our lives that the Cubs had the advantage that the Dodgers do now, and blew it.
Exhibit A: The bartman game. We've got 2 games at home, and only need to win one. Yes, we didn't get one. That's what the Dodgers need now.
Their roster has flaws, such as, they lack a true ace starting pitcher, they have only one legitimate star hitter, and their closer is not healthy.
Exhibit B: Cubs-Padres, 1984. Remember how we embarrassed the Padres in the opener in that series? Well maybe, just maybe, we are now lurking on the other side of that wall. We've got a more veteran team, and now that we've gone past panic in to reisngation, I think the players will be looser.
So what's the blueprint?
A great game by Harden in game three (always a realistic hope with Rich Harden), somehow (I'm not sure yet) win game 4 with Ted Lilly, and if they do those two things, Wrigley will be totally insane on Tuesday. In that case, just don't let Manny do anything about it, and then we are looking really good.
What can Lou do with the lineup to bring this about?
1) Fukudome has to sit. You know you're in a slump when Joe Torre purposely brings in a reliever against your platoon split so that your manager leaves you in.
Who goes in? Normally, DeRosa goes to RF and Fontenot to 2B to maintain the two-lefties setup. Now, I wonder if DeRosa is healthy enough to play right, with whatever is going on with his ankle. Because Fontenot is exactly what we need against the Dodgers' right-handed power arms. So, if we can't do that, then either send in Reed Johnson damn the handedness in favor of someone who can hit some, or say the heck with defense and break out Daryle Ward.
Side note: Hendry and Piniella made a big mistake not bringing Hoffpauir along. They should, if they get the chance, take Howry off of the roster and put Hoffpauir on it before the next series.
2) Edmonds should move up in the lineup. He is the only power hitter we have who is not playing tense right now.
3) If Soto is not healthy, consider Henry Blanco.
4) If Harden has trouble early, bring Carlos marmol in right away, and go with that until he's gassed. Then choose between Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Kerry Wood, and Sean Marshall. These are the reliable pitchers right now: avoid the others.
Overlooked X Factor, as to why we are losing:
There is one guy who most likely is helping the Dodgers pitch-by-pitch.
He did it here, he did it in Atlanta, and its got to have something to do with the way the LA pitchers got so hot at the end, Billingsley being the best example. When he was a Cub, he used to call pitches from the dugout. We should not have let maddux go? It was the right thing to do in '06... we gave him a chance to finish his career as a winner instead of losing here with Dusty. That said, maybe when San Diego was shopping him this year, we should have given him Marquis' job. Not that I don't like Marquis. Although, watching him pitch gets old!
So, root for a flat Dodger team, and a fired-up Rich Harden. If he brings his A game, we will score enough to win. His tendency to get outs by strikeout will also give our stressing fielders a chance to relax a bit. If we can get this one, our chances actually come up to closer to 50-50. The key is not to have quit already, and I hope they have not.
Exhibit A: The bartman game. We've got 2 games at home, and only need to win one. Yes, we didn't get one. That's what the Dodgers need now.
Their roster has flaws, such as, they lack a true ace starting pitcher, they have only one legitimate star hitter, and their closer is not healthy.
Exhibit B: Cubs-Padres, 1984. Remember how we embarrassed the Padres in the opener in that series? Well maybe, just maybe, we are now lurking on the other side of that wall. We've got a more veteran team, and now that we've gone past panic in to reisngation, I think the players will be looser.
So what's the blueprint?
A great game by Harden in game three (always a realistic hope with Rich Harden), somehow (I'm not sure yet) win game 4 with Ted Lilly, and if they do those two things, Wrigley will be totally insane on Tuesday. In that case, just don't let Manny do anything about it, and then we are looking really good.
What can Lou do with the lineup to bring this about?
1) Fukudome has to sit. You know you're in a slump when Joe Torre purposely brings in a reliever against your platoon split so that your manager leaves you in.
Who goes in? Normally, DeRosa goes to RF and Fontenot to 2B to maintain the two-lefties setup. Now, I wonder if DeRosa is healthy enough to play right, with whatever is going on with his ankle. Because Fontenot is exactly what we need against the Dodgers' right-handed power arms. So, if we can't do that, then either send in Reed Johnson damn the handedness in favor of someone who can hit some, or say the heck with defense and break out Daryle Ward.
Side note: Hendry and Piniella made a big mistake not bringing Hoffpauir along. They should, if they get the chance, take Howry off of the roster and put Hoffpauir on it before the next series.
2) Edmonds should move up in the lineup. He is the only power hitter we have who is not playing tense right now.
3) If Soto is not healthy, consider Henry Blanco.
4) If Harden has trouble early, bring Carlos marmol in right away, and go with that until he's gassed. Then choose between Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Kerry Wood, and Sean Marshall. These are the reliable pitchers right now: avoid the others.
Overlooked X Factor, as to why we are losing:
There is one guy who most likely is helping the Dodgers pitch-by-pitch.
He did it here, he did it in Atlanta, and its got to have something to do with the way the LA pitchers got so hot at the end, Billingsley being the best example. When he was a Cub, he used to call pitches from the dugout. We should not have let maddux go? It was the right thing to do in '06... we gave him a chance to finish his career as a winner instead of losing here with Dusty. That said, maybe when San Diego was shopping him this year, we should have given him Marquis' job. Not that I don't like Marquis. Although, watching him pitch gets old!
So, root for a flat Dodger team, and a fired-up Rich Harden. If he brings his A game, we will score enough to win. His tendency to get outs by strikeout will also give our stressing fielders a chance to relax a bit. If we can get this one, our chances actually come up to closer to 50-50. The key is not to have quit already, and I hope they have not.
Friday, October 3, 2008
What The Cubs Need
Nine 9th innings in a row instead of only one.
Reed Johnson (or anybody) to replace Fukudome.
Emergency life support on site for Ron Santo (and Cubs hitting).
All games going forward to be played in Milwaukee
More tickets at reasonable prices for REAL fans.
Beer in Wrigleyville in the 8th and 9th innings.
Reed Johnson (or anybody) to replace Fukudome.
Emergency life support on site for Ron Santo (and Cubs hitting).
All games going forward to be played in Milwaukee
More tickets at reasonable prices for REAL fans.
Beer in Wrigleyville in the 8th and 9th innings.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
postseason ticket shutout
=======================================================================
2008 CHICAGO CUBS NLCS TICKET OPPORTUNITY=======================================================================
October 2, 2008
We're sorry, but you were not selected for an opportunity to purchase
tickets to 2008 National League Championship Series tickets for games at
Wrigley Field.
AAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGH!!!!!
Does anyone else think there's something hinky going on here?
Cub Fans! It's Up To You!
To the lucky few who made it through the ticket lottery for the honor of purchasing playoff tickets (and didn't sell them to pay for rent or gasoline):
It's up to you, guys! "Root, root, root for the Cubbies!"
I know it's cold outside in October in the evenings, but we need to light a fire under the other fans in the stands. Yes, I know you're outnumbered by CEOs and celebrities and people with money who still had a few shekels left to pay those unreal prices for game tickets, but it's time...
Get up! Start the "Let's Go, Cubbies!" cheers! Clap until your hands warm up!
Scream "D - LEE!!!" and "Raaaaaammiiiirrreeezzzzz!!!" until your throat hurts!
This is the year!
Show them what home field advantage REALLY can do!
You also have my permission to wear red and blue face paint... but only this year.
And yes, it is also permissable to encourage Ronnie Woo Woo.
SO CHEER AND YELL AND SCREAM AND HECKLE THE DODGERS!
And you guys near the Cubs dugout... Don't let Lou leave the pitchers in too long!
Thank you for your time.
Go Cubs.
100yearsorbust.com
p.s. - Take a disco nap before the game. 8:30pm start time? Less beer, more caffeine!
It's up to you, guys! "Root, root, root for the Cubbies!"
I know it's cold outside in October in the evenings, but we need to light a fire under the other fans in the stands. Yes, I know you're outnumbered by CEOs and celebrities and people with money who still had a few shekels left to pay those unreal prices for game tickets, but it's time...
Get up! Start the "Let's Go, Cubbies!" cheers! Clap until your hands warm up!
Scream "D - LEE!!!" and "Raaaaaammiiiirrreeezzzzz!!!" until your throat hurts!
This is the year!
Show them what home field advantage REALLY can do!
You also have my permission to wear red and blue face paint... but only this year.
And yes, it is also permissable to encourage Ronnie Woo Woo.
SO CHEER AND YELL AND SCREAM AND HECKLE THE DODGERS!
And you guys near the Cubs dugout... Don't let Lou leave the pitchers in too long!
Thank you for your time.
Go Cubs.
100yearsorbust.com
p.s. - Take a disco nap before the game. 8:30pm start time? Less beer, more caffeine!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Ahhh.... Every Century, We Get Our Back to Back Post Season Appearances
Thoughts of the 1st inning.
Dodgers have Derek Lowe pitching. IN 2004, he was a hero with the Miracle Red Sox. Come to think of it, now he is reunited with Manny. Think of that what you will. We have Ryan Dempster. ONe thing that definitely went right for the Cubs this year was the pitching of that guy. Do we even remember that last season, some us were ready to get our pitchforks and torches and run him out of town after yet another bad attempt at "closing?" No, we do not. Dempster has been AWESOME.
Top of the 2nd.
Dempster walks Andre Ethier. James Loney batting. Dempster has already walked two. Loney pops out to DeRosa. Matt Kemp is another rising star of the Dodgers; the same is true of each of this inning's batters. I'm thinking about breaking out the Samuel Adams Boston Lager 40 ouncer. I didn't even those existed until yesterday. Sweet. And the Dodgers have wasted the leadoff walk. The longer this game goes with no scoring, I think it benefits the Cubs more.
Blogger ate my bottom of the second post. Here's the deal: HR DeRosa, Cubs 2, Dodgers zero. Now there's a Barack Obama ad on. He will be in town tomrrow morning for a rally.
Top of the Third:
Awesome catch by Fukudome! Wondering why he's even in there? because great defense and situational hitting win in October. Say what you want about our import, but he never stopped playing the game the right way. That's one out. I don't think the Dodgers should be bunting with Furcall after Dempster walked Lowe. He's walked three now. One great ting about Piniella: you never find yourself going, what is Lou doing? during a Cubs game. Now Furcal walks too. Hey, wait. How long until Manny bats? Now Dempster is just getting wild. Pitch count watch: 50 for Dempster. Soriano picks a NICE time to break out some actual defense! RUnning catch in LF. But I think the broadcasters are right: normally that one is outta here. I believe this may be Manny's first trip to Wrigley. Wow, nice play by Theriot, at least, to stop the ball. Theriot is a nice player, but his arm isn't strong enough for SS. Every few games it costs us a hit. It is good that we've made Derek Lowe stand on the bases this long. Wow the pitches are piling up for Dempster... but... Ethier fans. Wow, somehow Dempster survived that inning without giving up any runs.
Bottom of the 3rd.
Let's pile it on! I consider it a good sign that the Dodgers are starting game 1 with Derek Lowe. By the way, 18 to go. A hit by DLee! I'd like to see us just knock this guy out early and get in that LA bullpen. 6-4-3, Ramirez. Cubs 2, Dodgers 0.
Bottom of the 4th:
There's only one October. And every 100 years, there is a true Cubtober! Let's hope it is EXACTLY every 100 years. Two runners on for Dempster. Is another hit too much to ask with 2 runners on? Yes, but now we are already on to the 5th. Good times. Cubs 2, Dodgers 0.
Top of the 5th.
Commercial Break: The GEICO cavemen as cool motorcycle guys. Awesome. Guys, we've been waiting for this all year. (I'm talking about the Cubs again now) Really, since last October, that ended much too soon. Groundout, Derek Lowe. I'm getting after the countdown. Fourteen to go. I just realized that none of the Dodgers have postseason experience except Manny and Derek Lowe. I guess Furcal, too, from his Braves days. So, when will the Dodgers go for the kill, and break out Juan Pierre? Walk to Furcal. Now it's 5. Russell Martin batting, Manny on deck. For those of you who care, the Phillies are already one up on the Brewers. Martin flies out, and that's two down. Getting Manny out here would be HUGE. So far this is the most important at-bat of the game. Manny battles him to get a walk. However, their only truly scary hitter is fone. Now it is up to Andre Ethier... props to Ed H who is being a Cubs diehard quared by looping a radio through a dely to sync up Pat and Ron on 'GN with the TV feed on TBS. Walk to Ethier. Bases loaded now. Loney batting. Rothschild out to the mound. Bullpen up? Yes, Samarzdija and Marshall. Almost strike three, but a foul tip. But soooo close. Grand Slam, James Loney. Double, Matt Kemp. OK, I hope the 'pen is ready. Lou out - Sean Marshall in. Marshall was big for us down the stretch. But he is Always big. 6-8 or so. Blake DeWitt to bat for LA. Was it two years ago under Baker that Sean Marshall was a starter? Yes, it was. I've been really impressed by Marshall out of the pen this year. PHEW! Marshall gets out of it. LAD 4, CHC 2. :(
Bottom of the 5th.
No more arrogance... down by 2. The countdown is theirs now. Soriano will lead off for us... leads off with his Shawon Dunston. Nice time for Fukudome to come to life! Double play, DLee... hmmm....
Top of the 6th. Dodgers 4, Cubs 2.
Marshall now walks a guy too. Marquis up in the 'pen. Not a good sign! That means it's not your day. But, Marshall retires Manny, and we are on to our at-bats.
TOp of the 7th.
No lunch for us in the 6th. Sean Marshall, still in, facing Manny. WHOAAAAA! Have you ever seen someone crush a GOOD pitch like that? Marshall allows no one else on base. He pitched great. His only mistake was not rolling the pitches on the ground to Manny. Manny is starting to bother me. I never had this problem when he was on the Red Sox. Theo, what have you done to us?
Bottom of the 7th.
Rally caps on! Theriot grounds out. WOOOOO!! Fontenot delivers a pinch-single. Cmon guys!!!! Instaed Soriano and Fukudome go quietly....
Top of the 8th.
Cubs definitely flustered. Edmonds misplayed it, then dropped it, as did Theriot, trying to pick the ball up. Runner on third, no outs. Samardzija is aiming the ball, rather than pitching it now. A second bad pitch by Samardzija. He escapes giving up only one run.
Bottom of the 8th.
Cubs look lifeless until Ramirez coaxes a walk. Edmonds nearly hits it out. But, doesn't.
Top of the 9th.
Russell Martin takes Jason Marquis deep. Bad pitch, unlike the pitch to Manny Ramirez. Not this pitch, where somehow, Marquis strikes out Manny for the first out. Marquis gets out of it and then I see something unbelievable. Torre is sending in Greg Maddux to close this out. Not Saito, I can't believe what I'm seeing.
Dodgers have Derek Lowe pitching. IN 2004, he was a hero with the Miracle Red Sox. Come to think of it, now he is reunited with Manny. Think of that what you will. We have Ryan Dempster. ONe thing that definitely went right for the Cubs this year was the pitching of that guy. Do we even remember that last season, some us were ready to get our pitchforks and torches and run him out of town after yet another bad attempt at "closing?" No, we do not. Dempster has been AWESOME.
Top of the 2nd.
Dempster walks Andre Ethier. James Loney batting. Dempster has already walked two. Loney pops out to DeRosa. Matt Kemp is another rising star of the Dodgers; the same is true of each of this inning's batters. I'm thinking about breaking out the Samuel Adams Boston Lager 40 ouncer. I didn't even those existed until yesterday. Sweet. And the Dodgers have wasted the leadoff walk. The longer this game goes with no scoring, I think it benefits the Cubs more.
Blogger ate my bottom of the second post. Here's the deal: HR DeRosa, Cubs 2, Dodgers zero. Now there's a Barack Obama ad on. He will be in town tomrrow morning for a rally.
Top of the Third:
Awesome catch by Fukudome! Wondering why he's even in there? because great defense and situational hitting win in October. Say what you want about our import, but he never stopped playing the game the right way. That's one out. I don't think the Dodgers should be bunting with Furcall after Dempster walked Lowe. He's walked three now. One great ting about Piniella: you never find yourself going, what is Lou doing? during a Cubs game. Now Furcal walks too. Hey, wait. How long until Manny bats? Now Dempster is just getting wild. Pitch count watch: 50 for Dempster. Soriano picks a NICE time to break out some actual defense! RUnning catch in LF. But I think the broadcasters are right: normally that one is outta here. I believe this may be Manny's first trip to Wrigley. Wow, nice play by Theriot, at least, to stop the ball. Theriot is a nice player, but his arm isn't strong enough for SS. Every few games it costs us a hit. It is good that we've made Derek Lowe stand on the bases this long. Wow the pitches are piling up for Dempster... but... Ethier fans. Wow, somehow Dempster survived that inning without giving up any runs.
Bottom of the 3rd.
Let's pile it on! I consider it a good sign that the Dodgers are starting game 1 with Derek Lowe. By the way, 18 to go. A hit by DLee! I'd like to see us just knock this guy out early and get in that LA bullpen. 6-4-3, Ramirez. Cubs 2, Dodgers 0.
Bottom of the 4th:
There's only one October. And every 100 years, there is a true Cubtober! Let's hope it is EXACTLY every 100 years. Two runners on for Dempster. Is another hit too much to ask with 2 runners on? Yes, but now we are already on to the 5th. Good times. Cubs 2, Dodgers 0.
Top of the 5th.
Commercial Break: The GEICO cavemen as cool motorcycle guys. Awesome. Guys, we've been waiting for this all year. (I'm talking about the Cubs again now) Really, since last October, that ended much too soon. Groundout, Derek Lowe. I'm getting after the countdown. Fourteen to go. I just realized that none of the Dodgers have postseason experience except Manny and Derek Lowe. I guess Furcal, too, from his Braves days. So, when will the Dodgers go for the kill, and break out Juan Pierre? Walk to Furcal. Now it's 5. Russell Martin batting, Manny on deck. For those of you who care, the Phillies are already one up on the Brewers. Martin flies out, and that's two down. Getting Manny out here would be HUGE. So far this is the most important at-bat of the game. Manny battles him to get a walk. However, their only truly scary hitter is fone. Now it is up to Andre Ethier... props to Ed H who is being a Cubs diehard quared by looping a radio through a dely to sync up Pat and Ron on 'GN with the TV feed on TBS. Walk to Ethier. Bases loaded now. Loney batting. Rothschild out to the mound. Bullpen up? Yes, Samarzdija and Marshall. Almost strike three, but a foul tip. But soooo close. Grand Slam, James Loney. Double, Matt Kemp. OK, I hope the 'pen is ready. Lou out - Sean Marshall in. Marshall was big for us down the stretch. But he is Always big. 6-8 or so. Blake DeWitt to bat for LA. Was it two years ago under Baker that Sean Marshall was a starter? Yes, it was. I've been really impressed by Marshall out of the pen this year. PHEW! Marshall gets out of it. LAD 4, CHC 2. :(
Bottom of the 5th.
No more arrogance... down by 2. The countdown is theirs now. Soriano will lead off for us... leads off with his Shawon Dunston. Nice time for Fukudome to come to life! Double play, DLee... hmmm....
Top of the 6th. Dodgers 4, Cubs 2.
Marshall now walks a guy too. Marquis up in the 'pen. Not a good sign! That means it's not your day. But, Marshall retires Manny, and we are on to our at-bats.
TOp of the 7th.
No lunch for us in the 6th. Sean Marshall, still in, facing Manny. WHOAAAAA! Have you ever seen someone crush a GOOD pitch like that? Marshall allows no one else on base. He pitched great. His only mistake was not rolling the pitches on the ground to Manny. Manny is starting to bother me. I never had this problem when he was on the Red Sox. Theo, what have you done to us?
Bottom of the 7th.
Rally caps on! Theriot grounds out. WOOOOO!! Fontenot delivers a pinch-single. Cmon guys!!!! Instaed Soriano and Fukudome go quietly....
Top of the 8th.
Cubs definitely flustered. Edmonds misplayed it, then dropped it, as did Theriot, trying to pick the ball up. Runner on third, no outs. Samardzija is aiming the ball, rather than pitching it now. A second bad pitch by Samardzija. He escapes giving up only one run.
Bottom of the 8th.
Cubs look lifeless until Ramirez coaxes a walk. Edmonds nearly hits it out. But, doesn't.
Top of the 9th.
Russell Martin takes Jason Marquis deep. Bad pitch, unlike the pitch to Manny Ramirez. Not this pitch, where somehow, Marquis strikes out Manny for the first out. Marquis gets out of it and then I see something unbelievable. Torre is sending in Greg Maddux to close this out. Not Saito, I can't believe what I'm seeing.
Dear ESPN...
Dear ESPN,
PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT THE CUBS!
Lalalalalalalalalaaaaa! We're not listening to you! Lalalalalalalalalalaalalalalaaa!!!
(start humming "All the Way" by Eddie Vedder... )
Hmmm HMM hm HmmHmm hmm Hmmmmm!!!
Thank you.
p.s. - Go Cubs.
p.p.s. - ESPN, you have my permission to talk about the White Sox :-)
PLEASE STOP TALKING ABOUT THE CUBS!
Lalalalalalalalalaaaaa! We're not listening to you! Lalalalalalalalalalaalalalalaaa!!!
(start humming "All the Way" by Eddie Vedder... )
Hmmm HMM hm HmmHmm hmm Hmmmmm!!!
Thank you.
p.s. - Go Cubs.
p.p.s. - ESPN, you have my permission to talk about the White Sox :-)
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