Cubs place Prior, Wood on 15-day DL

Mark Prior and Kerry Wood were placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, meaning the Chicago Cubs will start the season without both star right-handers.

Neither move came as a surprise, as both have been rehabbing from injuries. The moves were retroactive to March 27.

"We knew neither one of them would be ready for opening day," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "Mark has been throwing again and has had no discomfort. Woody has been very, very good."

Prior, 25, has a strained subscapularis muscle in the right shoulder. The muscle is part of the rotator-cuff group of muscles.

Earlier this month, Wood underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a minor cartilage tear. He began throwing shortly after that. He threw 60 pitches from a bullpen mound earlier this week

Prior has not pitched this spring. The Cubs had put him on a slower-paced throwing program in an effort to avoid the elbow problems that plagued him the previous two springs.

Prior last threw from a bullpen mound March 12. Two days later, he reported discomfort in the shoulder. An MRI arthrogram revealed the strain.

The Cubs' doctors prescribed a rest period of 7-10 days for Prior, who began throwing lightly this week. The team has set no timetable for his return.

Last season, Prior went 11-7 with a 3.67 ERA in 27 starts. He has a lifetime record of 41-23 with an ERA of 3.24.

Wood, 28, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last Aug. 31, after he went 3-4 with a 4.23 ERA in 21 games, 10 of them starts. He is 70-54 with a 3.67 ERA and 1,286 strikeouts in 1,109 innings pitched and was the NL Rookie of the Year in 1998.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/5452944

LOL@the people who picked the Cubs to make the playoffs

Already off to a bad start. No way they make the playoffs without Wood and Prior pitching less than 200 innings. Zambrano is on an island all alone in that pitching staff.

LOL at the fact the Cubs wouldn't trade either guy to get a top 10 player in Tejada. These two are the oldest bits of oldest baseball bits. Next somebody is going to say Higginson wants to come back because he is the most commited to baseball he has ever been.

Is Higgy retired?

I think he is out of baseball, I heard he didn't even get a invite to ST from any club, but I haven't heard retired.

Is Higgy retired?

Speaking of Higgy, the Cardinals released Deivi Cruz today.

The old Tigs are dropping like flies.

did alex sanchez get over his steriod issue and catch on anywhere?

Chris Gomez just keeps on trucking, though. He's from the Rob Deer days...

There are alot of Cubs fans in the Midwest in general, and though I don't count myself among them, I do live like 6 blocks from their home field.
I figured they at least deserve their own thread in case anyone wants to chime in.

Lee is set to sign his extension today:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=Ao8AVMxPq9k5EuPReoORSgUV0bYF?slug=ap-cubs-lee&prov=ap&type=lgns



Cubs, Lee agree to $65 million, five-year deal

By RICK GANO, AP Sports Writer
April 10, 2006

CHICAGO (AP) -- NL batting champion Derrek Lee and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $65 million, five-year contract, a deal expected to be announced Tuesday.

"It's fairly likely something will be worked out," agent Casey Close said Monday. "We still have to iron out some things."

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The Cubs called a news conference for Tuesday but did not specify its subject, and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry declined comment.

Lee is making $8 million in the final season of a $22.5 million, three-year deal. His new contract calls for a $13 million annual salary from 2006-10 and contains a no-trade clause, one person familiar with the agreement said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Late last week, Lee said he would break off negotiations for the rest of the season if the sides did not reach an agreement by last Saturday, but he later softened his stance.

"There could be loose ends if it does work out," Lee said. "If there's a gap, we'll see. But it sounded like they're getting close."

He joined the Cubs before the 2004 season in a trade from Florida, one year after helping the Marlins beat Chicago in the NL championship series and then win the World Series.

During spring training, Lee said he wouldn't necessarily be seeking the biggest contract.

"If it's a deal I feel is fair for me, I would sign it. It's still a business. I always look at it as if there is a deal that makes me happy now, why not sign it? I don't think $2-3 million a year more is going to change my life," he said.

Lee started quickly last season and finished by leading the NL in average (.335), hits (199), doubles (50) with 46 homers and 107 RBIs while winning a Gold Glove at first base.

Through the first five games this season, Lee is batting .375 with three homers and six RBIs.

Close switched companies in a move announced Monday, joining Creative Artists Agency after many years at IMG.

"It was the continuing convergence of entertainment and sports," Close said when asked for the reason behind his decision. "I thought CAA would be the perfect place to explore new opportunities. "They're very interested in making a strong statement in this part of the business."

Football agent Tom Condon left IMG last week for CAA.

AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.

Im a cubs fan. Ever since Greg Maddux first big year there. The days of Andre Hawk Dawson, Ryan Sandberg, and Mark *win a title with someone else* Grace. Fuck Sammy Sosa and his sorry ass fall off.

Hmmm of course being a cubs fan is a self inflicted womb. [smilie=angry.gif]

That deal grossly underpaid Lee.

That deal grossly underpaid Lee.

I think it's about right. He's underpaid the first couple years, but when he starts to decline, he'll be overpaid. He's already thirty now.

oh yeah....Cubs fan since I was a kid (born in Chicago, so not just for no reason). My folks now live just a couple stops on the Red Line from Wrigley. They tried to get us tix to the Tigers comin' to town but couldn't get em'.

Man that cat Dawson used to crush some serious homers. i miss those days. Of course Sosa turned into a bitchmade prick and nomar was more like hoe-mar. but this is a good sign that we finally swept the cardinals in a set. I think we have less power, but better hitting. I also like todd walker. Dude is one of those guys who hits like he's a .300 hitter in big moments though his average is usually lower. Hmm I'm hoping barret can hit 30 homers this year. hoping atleast. [smilie=anxious.gif]

Have fun on the DL, Lee.

Who the hell does Greg Maddux think he is?? He's 5-0 now, with an era barely over 1. All at the tender young age of........40. I drafted him for my fantasy team hoping to get just an innings eater who doesnt' kill your era, but WOW. What a start for the old man.

Mad props to Maddux for representing the old guys. He's on a vengeance due to the fact his streak ended last year.

All the old farts seem to be performing well this year. Rogers, Pedro, Maddux, and I can go on.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2459060


Barrett suspended 10 games for igniting brawl

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett was suspended for 10 games and White Sox outfielder Brian Anderson five games for a bench-clearing brawl that led to four ejections.

Barrett's punch of Pierzynski after a collision at home plate earned him 10 games on the bench.

Barrett has said he will appeal the suspension.

Barrett, who punched White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski to ignite the melee, and Anderson also were fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Baseball on Friday.

White Sox third base coach Joey Cora was suspended two games and fined, while Pierzynski was fined for the incident during the interleague game on Saturday.

In the second inning, Pierzynski knocked Barrett over at home plate before the throw arrived and slapped the plate after the collision as the ball got away. Barrett then punched Pierzynski.

Anderson, who hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to score Pierzynski, got into a fight with Cubs first baseman John Mabry. Mabry injured his ribs in the commotion and was taken to a hospital for X-rays.

Barrett, Pierzynski, Anderson and Mabry were ejected.

The game was delayed nearly 15 minutes before Tadahito Iguchi hit a grand slam to give the White Sox a 5-0 lead en route to a 7-0 win.

All three suspensions are scheduled to begin Friday, when the White Sox are at Toronto and the Cubs host Atlanta, unless appealed.

Seems heavy to me.

I think 5 games might have been enough.

JSE8P3tSTLQ

Overkill
welcome to the further pansification of baseball

by the way why the hell did AJ get a fine?
he got cold cocked, but backed off and didnt participate in the fight
and he still gets fined

he might as well have smoked barrett back

I think they should have given the 10 games to A.J. Pierzynski for somehow secretly deserving it.

This is one fucked up sports era we live in.

While AJ is an ass, 10 games is the right call. Any time a player takes offense to a very normal part of the game and lands a solid punch, you have to stop it. Fights in baseball are cool for us, but it's not like hockey where they're built into the rules.
The only reason this seems like a long suspension is because it is inconsistent. For Varitek to only get 4 games after jacking A-Rod a couple years was a joke.

I'm guessing that it gets knocked down to no more than 8 games on his appeal.

Cubs' angst grows: 'Z' hurt?
Zambrano's elbow hit by Cora's fungo bat; pitcher misses All-Star Game

Just when Cubs fans thought it couldn't get any worse, it has.

The team's only All-Star, pitcher Carlos Zambrano, was hit above the right elbow with a fungo bat during pregame practice Tuesday by White Sox coach Joey Cora.

Neither Zambrano nor Cora was available for comment afterward. Cora said through a Sox spokesman that Zambrano was doing an interview with a Venezuelan journalist behind the batting cage and Cora hit struck with a backswing while he was hitting ground balls to infielders.

X-rays taken at PNC Park were negative.

Members of Pittsburgh's medical staff examined Zambrano in the training room and pronounced the injury an "elbow tendon contusion," though they declined to say how serious the injury was. They also said the Cubs' medical staff had been alerted.

Of course, the Cubs' medical staff has had its share of problems with pitchers. Kerry Wood is on the disabled list with continued shoulder soreness that has been traced to the rotator cuff. Mark Prior was scratched from his last start before the All-Star Game after straining a muscle in his side.

Zambrano had been scheduled to pitch Saturday at Wrigley Field against the Mets. If he misses one or more turns, it will mean the Cubs' only veteran starter is Greg Maddux, though Glendon Rusch filled in for Prior on Sunday.

Zambrano was 3-0 with a 1.96 ERA in his five June starts.

National League manager Phil Garner knew little about the injury.

"We were already off the field [from practice]," he said. "I was told he has a bruise on his right arm. I don't know much more."

Zambrano did not appear in the game, even though he was scheduled to pitch.

"I had him scheduled to pitch the fourth and fifth innings, so I had to [readjust] everything," Garner said.
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-0607120229jul12,1,5280842.story?coll=cs-baseball-print

They need to blow that team up ASAP.

Greg Maddux getting traded may be the first step.

They can always re-sign him next year if they want to.

They need to blow that team up ASAP.

Greg Maddux getting traded may be the first step.

They can always re-sign him next year if they want to.

first off, im a cubs fan. probably a rare sighting around here, but i cant help it, the only homer team i root for... shit happens. (fyi im rooting for the tigers because as a cubs fan, i hate the sox) greg maddux is one of the two reasons i still watch baseball, the other being clemens. so dont trade him. i coulda told everyone that this season was gonna suck beforehand because well, its the cubs. if they couldnt do anything back in the 80s with ryno dawson and grace etc then its not happening anytime soon unless they take a yankees approach. what team is there to blow up anyway? lee, maddux, anddddddd yeah. couple unproven pitchers who are always on the DL. cubs should just stick with their suckiness, and maybe in a couple years i can start going to games where i have some elbow room again and dont have to be an inconvenience to 20 people when i want a beer. those were the days :cool:

Cubs' GM: Baker's job safe for rest of season

Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Thursday that he will stick with Dusty Baker as his manager for the rest of the season.

"As far as the rest of the season goes, I let Dusty know today that he would be staying the rest of the year," said Hendry. "There won't be any discussions or questions to be asked about extensions now or anything like that. But I let him know that the next couple months, I felt it was best for the club that he complete the season and not worry about that."

Baker is in the fourth and final year of his contract for the Cubs, who are 39-61 this season.

The Cubs have been hurt by injuries to Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and Derrek Lee. Lee was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with inflammation in his right wrist. The 2005 NL batting champ had already missed 59 games earlier in the season with a broken wrist.

Wood has a partially torn rotator cuff and could miss the rest of the season. Prior, who started the season on the DL with a sore shoulder, is 0-4.

"I didn't even know there was uncertainty about things. I thought after the All-Star break that was pretty much all that needed to be said about his job status. This is just another vote of confidence," Cubs catcher Michael Barrett said.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2531904

I hope he starts immediately.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2628162


Report: Piniella agrees to manage Cubs

ESPN.com news services

CHICAGO -- Lou Piniella apparently will take his fiery brand of managing to "the Windy City."

Chicago radio station ESPN 1000 reported Monday that the Chicago Cubs have agreed to a three-year deal with Piniella.

Financial terms have not been finalized, but the radio station is reporting that Piniella will receive approximately $3 million annually. The Cubs officially will announce the hiring of Piniella on Tuesday at Wrigley Field.

Piniella, 63, faces a difficult task in turning around a Cubs franchise which posted a 66-96 record in 2006 and has reached the postseason just twice in the last 17 years.

The subject of numerous recent rumors, Piniella owns a career record of 1,519-1,420 in 19 seasons with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, the Seattle Mariners, the Cincinnati Reds and the New York York Yankees. He guided the Reds to a World Series championship in 1990 and twice was named American League Manager of the Year while with the Mariners.

On Friday, Piniella took himself out of the running for the San Francisco Giants' opening. He has also spoken to the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers, although he said the Washington job is not an ideal fit.

Piniella, 63, has been working in television since parting ways with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays after the 2005 season following three difficult years as manager.

The Cubs chose not to bring back manager Dusty Baker when his contract expired.

His broadcast stuff is already finished Glenn, we are safe.

Why couldn't the Cubs have acted sooner?

LOL Glenn on Lyons.

I thought Lou would hang out for a year and take over for Torre next year. Wrong again.

great pick up for the cubs. we'll win or he'll cuss us the fuck out if we fuck up which will be entertaining either way.[smilie=blaha.gif]

im really not sure how i feel about this. i suppose i should be happy, but for some reason im not.

I think that the Cubs should've gone after Girardi.

They will probably win a few more games with Piniella as the manager but I suspect that it will have more to do with guys being healthy and the Cubs increasing their payroll. But the organization will be still be as bad as ever because rather than trying to rebuild their farm system and increasing the talent level they will try to get the most out of the talent that they have right now.

Piniella aims for Trammell

DETROIT - Former Tigers great Alan Trammell, whose unfortunate post-playing career legacy is that AL record 119-loss season as Detroit manager in 2003, will make his first appearance at Comerica Park tonight since being fired at the end of the '05 season, joining his own former skipper Sparky Anderson in throwing out the ceremonial first pitches.

Next stop for Trammell: Chicago, where he is about to be tapped as Lou Piniella's bench coach with the Cubs. According to sources, Trammell had been approached by a couple of other clubs about a coaching position, but was given a full-court press by Piniella after "Sweet Lou's" longtime bench coach John McLaren declined to join him in Chicago, instead choosing to return to Seattle as bench coach for Mariners manager Mike Hargrove. McLaren was given what sources called "a really nice contract" by Seattle and, although all the principals are denying it, he's now in line to replace Hargrove at the first sign of faltering by the Mariners next season. "The bottom line is Mac wants to manage and he needed to sever the cord with Lou," said a source familiar with the situation. "The people in Seattle all like him and he's probably got a better chance of managing there than he would if he'd followed Lou again to Chicago."

Mo Evans > The Cubs. BRING DOWN THE WTF TYRANTS!!

Also, good for Tram.

Good for tram indeed. Tram is still my favorite Tiger ever, he was just a terrible fit as manager in the D. I wish him all the best.

Report: Cubs agree to $136M deal with Soriano

The Chicago Cubs' ownership is showing new manager Lou Piniella that they are serious about winning.

Chicago radio station ESPN 1000 reported Sunday that the Cubs have agreed to an eight-year contract worth approximately $136 million with outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

The move would clearly mark the highlight in an already busy offseason for the Cubs, who have signed free-agent infielder Mark DeRosa and have re-signed third baseman Aramis Ramirez and righthander Kerry Wood.

But the biggest prize is Soriano, who is coming off an outstanding all-around season for the Washington Nationals in which he hit .277 with 46 home runs and 95 RBI. The 30-year-old ranked third in the National League in homers and also stole 41 bases -- the sixth-highest total in the circuit.

After complaining in spring training about having to move from second base to left field, Soriano blossomed in his new surroundings. He led the league with 22 outfield assists, six more than his closest competitor, and displayed respectable range for a converted infielder.

Soriano became the first player in baseball history with 40 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 20 outfield assists in a single season. He also became the first member of the 40-40-40 club, which encapsulates homers, stolen bases and doubles.

An All-Star in each of the last five years, Soriano owns a .280 average with 208 home runs and 560 RBI in eight seasons with the New York Yankees, Texas Rangers and the Nationals.

Soriano finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year balloting with the Yankees in 2001, when he hit .268 with 18 homers and 73 RBI. He finished third in MVP voting the following season, when he increased his average to .300 and collected 39 homers and 102 RBI.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2668465

17 milllion for Soriano?????

They can afford it so I dont care. Maybe this team will be worth watching next when Z isnt pitching.

Love the signing because this club needed a shot in the arm fast. The contract is ridiculous of course, but I liken it to the Magglio one for the Tigers. You need to overpay to turn things around sometimes because as historic a franchise as the Cubs are, I still don't see why top players would want to go to such a pathetic atmosphere of losing. Turn it around again and they'll be a top destination once again. Now if we can go one season without the injury we all know is coming to our top star.

The Cubs just agreed to terms with Cliff Floyd.

"Turn it around again and it'll be a top destination once again"
Defrocked, are you a recent Cubs Convert? We're talking 1908 since they were relevant, my friend. The myth of franchises like this is that just because they are in a big city, and just because they are old, they are something to be marveled at.
At least the Tigers have won four World Series, and lost six more. The Cubs in most years are one of the worst teams MLB puts out there.
Their ownership sits back, counts the money from all the sellouts, revels in the glory of playing all those day games, and puts out a perrennially poor product.
I'm sick of Cubs fans acting like this franchise is a model of baseball royalty. They stink. They've always stunk, and they will forever stink.
meanwhile, since the Cubs last won a world series, the St Louis Cardinals have won TEN.
Sorry, I just know that Cubs fans have a cerebral hemmorhage at the mere mention of the second most prolific franchise in baseball.

LET'S HEAR IT FOR MARK PRIOR!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh damn, he raised his hand to wave and got injured again.

I'm sick of Cubs fans acting like this franchise is a model of baseball royalty.

Im a diehard lifelong Cubs fan and I know they suck, they always have sucked, and probably will always suck. Im sure anyone who pays attention to my MLB posts will back me on that. In a sick way, I kind of like their suckage.

Oh yeah, I dont even know who Floyd is. Is this a good signing?

Depends on how much you payed him.

Well the Cubs have pretty much unlimited money being that the Tribune pays the players, so that is irrelevant to me.

Think Henry Rodriguez.

Cuban submits application to purchase Cubs

Add Internet billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to the list of potential Chicago Cubs buyers.

"I submitted an app," Cuban said in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

Interested parties must submit an application to Major League Baseball to examine the team's finances. Cuban told the Chicago Tribune he sent in the application last week, although he wasn't sure of the date.

Tribune Co., which owns the team, announced in April it was selling itself for $8.2 billion to Chicago real estate mogul Sam Zell, who made the deal contingent on shedding noncore assets. That means the Cubs will go on the auction block at the end of the season -- a decision Tribune chairman and CEO Dennis FitzSimons has conceded was difficult but one that "really makes sense for our shareholders."

Several potential deep-pocketed bidders are expected to vie for the Cubs and possibly for Wrigley Field, including Cuban and Chicago native Jerry Colangelo, the Phoenix Suns CEO who once ran the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Tribune, citing unnamed sources, reported Thursday the family of Omaha, Neb.-based TD Ameritrade Holding Corp.'s founder Joe Ricketts also was considering a bid. Ricketts family representatives declined to comment on the report when contacted by The Associated Press on Thursday.

Forbes magazine recently valued the National League's Cubs at $592 million, fifth-highest in baseball, although experts speculate the bidding could start at $600 million.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella seemed impressed with Cuban's credentials.

"I don't know him, but the guy basically, he's a winner. He's a character. He has obviously got the resources," Piniella said Friday.

"I do know that he's got a lot of charisma. He likes the competition and he likes to win. So he's certainly a very viable candidate to buy the club. But there are going to be a lot of people that want the club."

Piniella said he didn't think he'd have any problems working with a hands-on boss like Cuban, if that should ever happen.

"I can work for anybody. I've done this for 20 years, all I do is my job on the field. Let me tell you this, there are going to be a lot of people that have interest, and Mark is one of them," Piniella said.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/07/13/bc.bbn.cubs.cuban.ap/index.html

I'm surprise no one has mentioned Henry Rowengartner. With Chet "The Rocket" Steadman as his personal pitching coach and step-dad, he's got to be close to making that return that we all expected.

Cubs fans would wet themselves if Cuban was allowed to buy the team.

Guarantee they get 3 of the top 5 free agents next season if it happens.

Kerry Wood made a relief appearance in the minors the other day. Struck out the side in one inning.

Been a good month to be a Cubs fan. Yes, I would wet myself if Cuban got the team for that exact reason... FA. Previously I asked who Floyd was and I have to say Im pretty happy with him, he has done a good job.

I'm surprise no one has mentioned Henry Rowengartner. With Chet "The Rocket" Steadman as his personal pitching coach and step-dad, he's got to be close to making that return that we all expected.


But does Henry understand when Chet talks to him about the can to's?

Cubs are in first place!!

Had to say that while I still can.

Cubs are in first place!!

Had to say that while I still can.
give lou pinella quality players and he'll give you wins. as much as i liked barrett, he was a garbage fielder. perfect dh type of guy., but otherwise i'm glad we traded him for better defense and communication at that position.

I'd like to thank Soriano for getting me 3 steals last night for my fantasy team. (Sorry, haven't seen a Cubs game all year so I have nothing else to add).

I'd also like to point out that D'snuts has not posted once in here even though he's texted me multple times from Wrigley at a game. Tisk Tisk.

give lou pinella quality players and he'll give you wins. as much as i liked barrett, he was a garbage fielder. perfect dh type of guy., but otherwise i'm glad we traded him for better defense and communication at that position.

Yeah I've been watching a lot of games and Lou has been responsible for at least a couple of those wins.

Kerry Wood was activated today.

I wonder if they think he can close eventually?

I kinda like the idea of Woods as a closer. Gives him the chance to come out blazing for a couple innings w/o having to save his strength for a full outing.

I kinda like the idea of Woods as a closer. Gives him the chance to come out blazing for a couple innings w/o having to save his strength for a full outing.

Agreed. He has wicked stuff and if his arm holds up the Cubs would basically be playing 7-8 inning games.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2969436

Podsednik would be a nice pickup.

Nice to replace Soriano while he's out, but considering they play in Wrigley, how is it that their outfield, without Soriano, hits a HR once every 3,000 or so ABs?

We are kicking ass so far. Soriano is on fucking fire again too. Geovany Soto has turned into the perfect combo of defense and hitting that michael barrett never could for us before. Back to Soriano, he now has as many homers as Soto whose been hot himself, but this is coming off the DL no less. Soriano spits Supreme Hot fire Mon!!
aKDN71br7v4

I love Geovany Soto, w/o question one of my top ten players in the league. Plus, Ted Lilly has been on fire lately after a slow start.

Loveable Losers (Cubs Baseball).

When are they going to be done w/ the Wood closer experiment and make Marmol full time?

I'm trying not to get my hopes up too much for the long run, but damn the Cubs are good this year. Two candidates for ROY even though neither are really rooks, lights out pitching, and an insane offense. Really, who does a team pitch around knowing that the next guy is an easy out? All teams can do is pitch around a power hitter to face a guy who is still hitting 300 plus.

Aramis Ramirez hasn't even gotten hot yet. They could probably have three or four guys get over 100 RBI this year. If they're able to acquire Brian Roberts, which right now they don't even really need him, they'll nearly become a juggernaut.

I think Jim Edmonds will be a big pickup too. He won't have much pressure on him to do well, and I expect him to make some useful contributions.

Damn Soriano is going at a psycho pace.

Even in a loss 5-5 2HR's and 3 RBI's. 6 HR's in the last 6 games. Damn did the Yankees really need Alex Rodriguez over Soriano? Hindsight is 20/20, but damn Alfonso is a top five player now.

Also Fuk-u-do-me has been fairly solid.

I think Jim Edmonds will be a big pickup too. He won't have much pressure on him to do well, and I expect him to make some useful contributions.

Yeah, kind of a second Ward.

http://wrigleyville.typepad.com/images/fukudome-t-m.jpg
http://drx.typepad.com/psychotherapyblog/images/2007/12/12/fukudome_5.jpg

go Cubbies! Henry Rowengartner for Cy Young.

maybe Ryan dempster if he keeps it up.

Cubs are sick, you know it's not going to pay off in October though, they are the Phoenix Suns of the MLB...

As much as I love Sweet Lou, Derrek Lee and Geovany Soto, they're going to hit a wall at some point...

i had the cubs and tigers in the WS, looks like i could still be at least 1/2 right.

i had the cubs and tigers in the WS, looks like i could still be at least 1/2 right.


Don't underestimate the Rays SDB, the Tigs are not a "lock" just yet...

the rays are pretty sweet.

Cubs are sick, you know it's not going to pay off in October though, they are the Phoenix Suns of the MLB...

As much as I love Sweet Lou, Derrek Lee and Geovany Soto, they're going to hit a wall at some point...
Nah, the tigers have the wall hitting locked up for the rest of the year. Also we have great hitting coaches imo. Soto, Derosa, Theriot, fontenot are all hitting with better power than they ever did before. Jim Edmonds has also found his hitting touch again. Also unlike Detroit our bullpen is the best its been ever maybe now that Woods has got settled at Closer.

I agree, Cubs are stacked, I'm just skeptical about them winning a WS, especially the way they got waxed by the D'Backs last year, you get stuck playing them again, it's tough to beat Webb/Haren...

I think the Cubbies need 1 more big time starting pitcher...

CC would be nice, give Cleveland Tyler Colvin, Hoffpauir, Samardzija and Pignatiello and go get a WS

I dont agree. Rich Hill is out and when he, Lilly, Marquis, dempster, and Zambrano are all back to healthy they'll be pretty formidable. Also again their bullpen is fire. Setup guy has more strikeouts than any relief pitcher in the majors right now. Also Dempster so far has been an ace pitching wise along with Zambrano thats a solid 1-2 punch.

im not up for giving up The Hoff. He's a great asset on Derrick Lee's days off. I dont care for the injured Daryle Ward much. Maybe get some to bite on Matt Murton.

What about that Vitters kid they drafted last year, is he untouchable?

i had the cubs and tigers in the WS, looks like i could still be at least 1/2 right.

I had Cubs over Yanks, so I'm with you.

What about that Vitters kid they drafted last year, is he untouchable?
Thats on lou...Theres no urgency right now and it'll take more games to find out what we may need. I do know St Louis isnt far behind, so i'm not celebrating yet. But its good that we are putting it all together. Also Soriano is the shiznit. Dude aint even that big, but he's crushing the ball lately.

His bats bigger than he is. Every time Fonzie steps to the plate I laugh a lil.

Fractured (left) hand for Soriano...

Fractured (left) hand for Soriano...


Ouch. Felix Pie, here's your chance...

Out 6 weeks.

Ouch. Felix Pie, here's your chance...

Forget the green text there? I'd love for Pie to step up but he has had chance after chance and shown us that he is a .240 hitter with no power who plays B+ defense.

I'm not too worried though, the club held it together for a couple weeks when Soriano was out earlier this year. Might not have the best record in the majors in 6 weeks, but that's fine.

Yeah, good thing the Cubs are like 50 games over .500.

Pie's not even getting a chance, they brougt up Hoffpauir and Corey's little brother (who's just as disappointing as Corey was as a Cub)...

I'd rather activate matt murton or the speedy eric patterson. But I personally aint feeling Felix Pie as a player.

Pie's not even getting a chance, they brougt up Hoffpauir and Corey's little brother (who's just as disappointing as Corey was as a Cub)...
Pie hasn't done much of anything offensively and didnt blow anyone away defensively. Paterson can steal bases and change the game that way, and Murton is probably our best player in the minors.

Then why don't they move Pie while he still has "prospect" value...kind of like how the Mets finally got rid of Lastings Milledge and got Schneider & Church for him...

I'd give Pie another shot, but only if his testicle has untwisted itself.

http://shop.achtungtshirt.com/images/12130783462331496966885.jpeg


http://shop.achtungtshirt.com/images/1211524108848-446149154.jpeg
"Horry Kow" has been banned at Wrigley

Geo Soto's going to start the ASG as a rookie, that's impressive to beat out McCann & Martin...

Soto = stud

Man, my stupid Cubs fans friends last night were trying to convince me that the Cubs were the front-runners to get CC Sabathia at the deadline because they "Had more to offer than any other team."

When I asked them which great prospects they would send they listed Eric Patterson and "Mark" Fontenot. When I tried to tell them that Fontenot was 28 (and also Mike not Mark) and not really a "prospect" any more they called me a liar. I hate Cubs fans (most of them anyways, no offense Wizzle).

none taken

It would take alot more than Patterson to get CC, he's hardly considered a prospect anymore, along with Pie & Murton.

To get CC, I bet it would take Vitters or Colvin along with a guy like Gallagher...

The Cubs have tons of depth in the minor leagues, but they are also filled with guys who either A) never develop and we're over hyped (Pawelek, Harvey, Pie) or B) have shown nothing in the time they've gotten in the bigs (Murton, Gallagher, Patterson, Fuld, Jake Fox, Hoffpauir)

Hopefully that Cashner kid they drafted can actually be something...

Man, my stupid Cubs fans friends last night were trying to convince me that the Cubs were the front-runners to get CC Sabathia at the deadline because they "Had more to offer than any other team."

When I asked them which great prospects they would send they listed Eric Patterson and "Mark" Fontenot. When I tried to tell them that Fontenot was 28 (and also Mike not Mark) and not really a "prospect" any more they called me a liar. I hate Cubs fans (most of them anyways, no offense Wizzle).
Some are nuts, but so are some pistons fans to be honest. How many Sheed for kg straight up trade ideas floated around over the past few years?

It would take alot more than Patterson to get CC, he's hardly considered a prospect anymore, along with Pie & Murton.

To get CC, I bet it would take Vitters or Colvin along with a guy like Gallagher...

The Cubs have tons of depth in the minor leagues, but they are also filled with guys who either A) never develop and we're over hyped (Pawelek, Harvey, Pie) or B) have shown nothing in the time they've gotten in the bigs (Murton, Gallagher, Patterson, Fuld, Jake Fox, Hoffpauir)

Hopefully that Cashner kid they drafted can actually be something...
With the injuries we've been having, i dont think trading anyone is a luxury now. I think our depth in the minors is a big reason we sit with the best record in the majors. If we can get a pitcher for Pie, cool. But i doubt that we could.

Some are nuts, but so are some pistons fans to be honest. How many Sheed for kg straight up trade ideas floated around over the past few years?

No doubt.

If you go to Wrigley much, though, it's not just an isolated few. The vast, vast majority are like this, if they're even sober enough to fight off the batting cage rats by the third. Sad.

6-player trade, Cubs get Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin.

Good trade for the Cubs, Murton was a bust, Patterson's never going to develop into anything more than a Pablo Ozuna type utility player, and I wasn't too high on Gallagher...

Donaldson may have been the best player going the other way...

Hopefully Harden can stay healthy, and Gaudin is not bad either, he had a solid season last year and when he's healthy, is a better pitcher than Marquis, IMO...

Zambrano/Harden/Lilly/Dempster/Gaudin

^^^that's pretty damn potent

Good trade for the Cubs, Murton was a bust, Patterson's never going to develop into anything more than a Pablo Ozuna type utility player, and I wasn't too high on Gallagher...

Donaldson may have been the best player going the other way...

Hopefully Harden can stay healthy, and Gaudin is not bad either, he had a solid season last year and when he's healthy, is a better pitcher than Marquis, IMO...

Zambrano/Harden/Lilly/Dempster/Gaudin

^^^that's pretty damn potent
1.) Matt Murton wasn't a bust, he was told at the beginning of the season that he was going to be traded and not given playing time unless it was needed. Why? Don't know but Pinella just didn't have him in his plans.

2.) Gallagher pitched fairly well. Don't know where the not being high on him thing comes from. I think it's his solid pitching as of late that made this deal happen.

Patterson probably won't be anything special I agree, But Matt Murton I think will. Either way We've improved our rotation and bullpen big time. It's the best pitching staff we've had in a long time and second best rotation we've had(Behind the Prior, Woods, Zambrano, Clements rotation that should have gone to the world series). Also Gaudin will probably not start. He'll have more value to our bullpen which has been pitching a lil' bity too often. Look for Jason Marquis and then Maybe Rich Hill to fill out the rotation when he gets back.

Idk man, the Cubs have a history in recent years of not developing prospects...


- Felix Pie

- Ryan Harvey

- Mark Pawelek

- Ronny Cedeno

- Jae Kuk Ryu

- Andy Sisco

- Juan Cruz

- Ben Christensen

- Nic Jackson

- Hee Seop Choi

- Adam Harben

even dating back to Corey Patterson who was supposed to be a 30/30 version of Kenny Lofton...

and even Tyler Colvin is playing like shit in the minors...

maybe your right on Murton, a change of scenery could do him well, he's always had the tools, but he's never been given much of a chance

and obviously every minor league system has their flaws, it's just that it seems to falter much more often in the Cubs system...

Idk man, the Cubs have a history in recent years of not developing prospects....
Hitting wise i agree, but doesnt make Murton a bust for the Athletics who actually do groom younger players very very well. Their pitching prospects have been solid imo. Prior, Woods, Zambrano, Clemets, Marmol, and Gallagher even.

Pie is getting more seasoning in Triple A this year. They thought he would be ready this season but he's clearly not. Probably will take over for Edmonds next season or be brought up in August and play sporadically. Sweet Lou is very high on him but Pie didn't do himself any favors by starting the season hitting .154.

Marmol is broken.

Marmol is now an All Star.

Marmol is fixed. That was some straight heat last night and he had that look about him that he had at the beginning of the season.

Last night's game was the best baseball game I've seen all year. It really felt like a playoff game. Even if the Cubs had lost it was still a great game, but even better that they won and said 'Fuck you and your Sabathia'.

Alfonso Soriano is back, and damn does he need to stay healthy, we are just so much more potent with him in the lineup. It's really hard to pitch to Soriano, Soto, Lee, Ramirez, Edmonds, and one wildcard hitter we seem to have most games.

AHAHAHAHA:

These are my buddies:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Elvis-slides-on-Wrigley-Field-tarp-plus-scary-t?urn=mlb,98547

The Elvis guy goes a good 320 or so.

8Fv7BTmgVeo

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/media/alternatethumbnails/story/2008-08/41432455-04220500.jpg

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2008-08/41432973.jpg

Awesomeness.

Those guys think they are secret service or something.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/alternatethumbnails/story/2008-08/41419128-04192213.jpg

Ok, if I were the size of an offensive lineman with limited (at best) athletic ability and a predisposition to dress like Elvis - that right there would be in the top 5 greatest things I could do in my lifetime. Slip and slide at Wrigley during a near-tornado.
Seriously, no one can ever take that away from him. Well worth any punishment he may receive.

I may hate everything else chicago, but i definitely got to get to a cubs game(probably not until next season though :( )

The Tony Larussa vs. Jim Edmonds beef will help light up the Cubs/Cards rivalry a lil' further. Especially after he yoked a couple Dingers on the cards yesterday.



Not too late to hop on the Cubs bandwagon if the tigers are killing you guys. :P

Not too late to hop on the Cubs bandwagon if the tigers are killing you guys. :P

Thanks for the offer, but I can not do that. I hate bandwagoning. I'm a Red Sox and Rays fan through and through.

However, if they make the WS and the Red Sox/Rays don't, I reserve the right to change my mind.

Headed to the game for a bachelor party.

Headed to the game for a bachelor party.
will strippers be in the stadium, besides the single moms paying their way through school that come every game.

Zambrano is broken.

Zambrano is broken.
He'd always had fall off moments, not a biggie.

Zambrano with an RBI single to help his cause and if Edmonds made that diving catch he wouldnt have gave up as much runs. Also another comeback victory. Tied the Brewers for the lead in that.

Daryle Ward keeps the magic going. I still have my doubts as to how far the Cubs can go in the postseason (soley based on the absolute stinkbomb they put up in last year's playoffs), but this is as impressive as I've ever seen them.

They're better than the '03 Cubs team. Just need to make sure guys like Theriot, Soto, and Fukudome don't hit a wall.

If they get stuck playing Arizona in the first Rd, I think they'd be screwed. I'll take Webb/Haren over Zambrano/Harden any day of the week, especially in October.

If they get stuck playing Arizona in the first Rd, I think they'd be screwed. I'll take Webb/Haren over Zambrano/Harden any day of the week, especially in October.
Actually I'd Take Lilly/Zambrano/Harden/Marquis/Dempster(All Star) over Webb/Haren/Johnson/Davis/Gonzalez everyday of the week. I'd easily take the Cubs Bullpen over there's too. So in answer no the Diamondbacks dont scare me anymore than any other team.

Ward is fixed.

MY CUBS. (http://wtfdetroit.com/forums/showpost.php?p=236155&postcount=10)

ALSO, DON'T READ WHAT I WROTE ABOUT THE ANGELS OR YANKEES

Actually I'd Take Lilly/Zambrano/Harden/Marquis/Dempster(All Star) over Webb/Haren/Johnson/Davis/Gonzalez everyday of the week. I'd easily take the Cubs Bullpen over there's too. So in answer no the Diamondbacks dont scare me anymore than any other team.


True, when you draw out the entire rotations, Chicago's is deeper, but in the 1st round, when it's best of five, if you drop those first two your done.

Not to mention, his last 7 starts, Randy Johnsons ERA is under 2.00

Good for randy, Rich harden hasn't been a punk in his few starts either. And if we can rock CC then we can rock any pitcher.

In a five game series I still like the cubs, Arizona has no bullpen and we have some of the best late inning bats i-n the league. They have to hope their starters are 8in's per game good.

How do you figure Arizona has "no bullpen"?

Jon Rauch, Tony Pena, Chad Qualls, Yusmeiro Petit, Juan Cruz...

all five of those guys are quality arms, solid numbers, and good stuff...

pretty damn solid if you ask me...

what let's Arizona down is their sub-par hitting,

How do you figure Arizona has "no bullpen"?

Jon Rauch, Tony Pena, Chad Qualls, Yusmeiro Petit, Juan Cruz...

all five of those guys are quality arms, solid numbers, and good stuff...

pretty damn solid if you ask me...

what let's Arizona down is their sub-par hitting,
I've seen Pena, Rauch, Petit, and Cruz pitch. We've gotten to them all and they dont scare me up against Gaudin(4-1 as a reliever), Marmol(strikeout machine setup man), Woods, Howry, Jeff Samardzija(whose been a surprise positive), and Wuertz. I still say the Diamondbacks would have to get 7 strong innings atleast out of their pitchers to beat us. As close as possible to their one guy who holds his own in Lyons.

And this is not counting the bats which the Cubs have a huge lead in especially in late inning batting leading the Majors in comeback wins..

Another comeback win. We have been beating up relievers all year in the NL.

2-0 thanks to Derosa. The kid n I are in matching Cubs garb, except he has Lee and I have Soto on.

LOL at Dempster serving up a fat one to Loney on a 1-2 count...

I mean, how can you possibly not want the Cubs to lose?

I hope the Cubs can break the jinx but its getting harder and harder to root for them...as the decades go by.

There are teams I like to see lose just because it's a bigger story when they do.

Most Cubs fans seem to think they are the National League version of the Yankees (as far as history, accomplishment, and arrogance). Like hell.

As a Cubs fan, living in Cubs country, I have never met a Cubs fan that would say anything even remotely close to what you just said. We know we lose and that's what we do well. Losing is our history, accomplishment, and lack of arrogance. If that's comparable to the Yankees in the AL, then I haven't watched baseball for the last 20 years.

I remember going to Wrigley as a yungin. We took some train from Detroit to Chicago to see the Cubbies. Still a great place to watch a game, right in the middle of a neighborhood, imo.

As a Cubs fan, living in Cubs country, I have never met a Cubs fan that would say anything even remotely close to what you just said. We know we lose and that's what we do well. Losing is our history, accomplishment, and lack of arrogance. If that's comparable to the Yankees in the AL, then I haven't watched baseball for the last 20 years.

Couldn't agree more, that comment baffles me.

Hopefully Carlos gets them back on track. With their pitching I think they can definitely steal back the home field the next 2 games.

There are teams I like to see lose just because it's a bigger story when they do.

Most Cubs fans seem to think they are the National League version of the Yankees (as far as history, accomplishment, and arrogance). Like hell.

Are you thinking of the right team/fans?

This team?:
http://sean.keener.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/cubs-logo.JPG

I think whats different with the Cubs than any other team is that 'some' of their fans are fans of the Cubs, but could give a crap what the rest of the league does.

I was lucky enough to visit Chicago 2-3 times a year for some extended stays as an adult. My brother lived there and his friends and friends wives and kids would love to go to a Cub game, but some of the guys and gals couldn't even talk baseball. They didn't know who was in first place here or first place there, its just about the Cubs.

I know its like that for some with other teams, but I always felt moreso with the Cubs. San Francisco Giants a distant second. Wrigley Field is just a great place for day games with the family.

I don't understand how they are more popular than the White Sox in that city. The White Sox have a better GM, better ballpark (put the folklore nostalgia aside, Wrigly is a dump). Plus since the Sox are in the AL which features a much more fan friendly brand of baseball as far as style and the teams you play , and THEY'VE WON A WS THIS CENTURY!

One things for sure, Cubs fans are due.

Did you forget the White Sox wore shorts for unis in the 70s or something.

That's all opinion Wil, aside from the ring. Sox were the first blatant cheaters in major American sports. You still suck for that 100 years later.

Man, i'll write a couple thousand words on all this later. I've spent the last 5 minutes trying to do it real quick and I just can't without over-generalizing. In a nutshell, I don't hate most Cubs fans but I do hate most of the people who attend Cubs games.

Wil, have you been to both of those ballparks?

Not sure how anyone can say that the Cell is better than Wrigley, even with the improvements that Reinsdorf has made.

Wil, have you been to both of those ballparks?

Not sure how anyone can say that the Cell is better than Wrigley, even with the improvements that Reinsdorf has made.


Yes, I've been to both. Wrigley was like being at Michigan Stadium, it has a lot of history and what not, but the experience itself is uncomfortable and the stadium is archaic.

US Cellular is definitely more modern and is a great place to see a game.

Maybe I just went to Wrigley on the wrong day, it was a hot, sticky Saturday afternoon and I was sweating buckets. Of all the parks I've been to, the two I didn't care forthe most we're Wrigley & the old Cinergy Field in Cinci.

Man, i'll write a couple thousand words on all this later. I've spent the last 5 minutes trying to do it real quick and I just can't without over-generalizing. In a nutshell, I don't hate most Cubs fans but I do hate most of the people who attend Cubs games.

Interesting

I'm sorry Ux, but LOL @ the Cubs.

I'm sorry Ux, but LOL @ the Cubs.

Yeah at this point there's not much else I can do either. I mean really... they wait til the playoffs to play worse than they have in any game all season?

Cubs need a facelift in the rotation. Fringe guys like Dempster and Lilly aren't going to win you a WS. Dempster had a fluke year and has control issues, and Lilly has always been a .500 pitcher (he's like the NL version of Nate Robertson pre-2008)

Hendry should strongly consider throwing all his chips in the middle and giving CC a kings ransom.

Not gonna happen, but damn, what if it did?

Cubs need a facelift in the rotation. Fringe guys like Dempster and Lilly aren't going to win you a WS. Dempster had a fluke year and has control issues, and Lilly has always been a .500 pitcher (he's like the NL version of Nate Robertson pre-2008)

Hendry should strongly consider throwing all his chips in the middle and giving CC a kings ransom.

Not gonna happen, but damn, what if it did?
You obviously never seen Dempster pitch. His control has been money(great fastball and a nasty change up will always get you a winning record). Honestly since being fully recovered from his surgeries he looks like the guy the Marlins were hoping for when the first brought him up. Lilly is also solid with his control and will always have advantages on teams because he's the only "not much speed, but great and changing speed" pitcher on the rotation of hard throwers. You face Harden and Zambrano, then the next day get something totally different from Lilly.

Honestly my only worry in our rotation is sean marshall. I personally think Jeff Samardzija could be a better option in that rotation spot.

Either way we are off to a decent start with a much calmer focused team this season.


Lilly has always been a .500 pitcher (he's like the NL version of Nate Robertson pre-2008)
Actually Lilly gets better more consistent run support(something he didn't get in T.Dot when maybe you saw him) and throws better pitches. His record as a Cub reflects that. Nate is pretty mediocre and shouldn't even be a starter. Even though you dont write your term papers, i doubt you take enough time to actually watch non-tiger games. Your assessment of players usually seems a lil off.

Yeah I have no issues at all with the Cubs rotation. A 5th starter is always hard to come by, and will always be switched around. Dempster is a pimp now, and if Harden stays healthy that is a top notch 1-4. Love me some Big Z (in a platonic way).

On our way to 162-0!!

Yeah I have no issues at all with the Cubs rotation. A 5th starter is always hard to come by, and will always be switched around. Dempster is a pimp now, and if Harden stays healthy that is a top notch 1-4. Love me some Big Z (in a platonic way).

On our way to 162-0!!
The bold part is pretty much the biggest worry based on his injury history. But if he does stay healthy imo he has cy young winning talent.

I like the Cubs bullpen.

When they can afford to release a decent innings eater like Chad Gaudin while also sending Samardzija to the minors, it shows you how much bullpen depth they have.

Their minor league system is dry though.

Pawelek, Harvey, Colvin---all busts.

If Harden's arm gives out (which seemingly happens every 10 months), then they should revisit the Vitters for Peavy trade.

That will push them over the top.

His era was 10+ and he was outperformed by David Patton. Good thing about having Lou Pinella is that doesn't give a shit about age, if you perform, it pays off. He's not trying to please vets, he's trying to win games. As far as Harden goes, he's changed his training regiment to improve his shoulder. The results of it won't be known until late in the season.

Don't forget about letting Wood walk. He had his off nights, but I saw a lot of 1-2-3 9ths last season where he was throwing absolute filth. Like, a bat didn't get within a foot of the ball filth.

Don't forget about letting Wood walk. He had his off nights, but I saw a lot of 1-2-3 9ths last season where he was throwing absolute filth. Like, a bat didn't get within a foot of the ball filth.
There was a plan to move Marmol into that spot, unfortunately he's choked so far. Gregg was a decent back up plan and kudos to the Cubs for having a plan in place just in case Marmol isn't ready yet.

I agree, though I still hated seeing Wood leave. That was a long ride... 20Ks, then many injuries, finally a closer, dominant 80% of the time there, then poof, nothing. Hopefully Gregg got his jitters out last night, he settled in after the first couple batters.

Marmol just needs to get a lil control, and it's mostly mental IMO. He has some really nasty stuff too, but it seemed that when the stage got bigger his confidence got smaller. I think his issues this spring are related to his nerves from the end of last year. When he can clear his mind and just throw, he's pretty much unhittable.

I liked the trade they made getting rid of Jason Marquis' hideous contract.

Vizcaino's numbers were a bit inflated last year since he had to play at Coors, but he's always been durable before then.

Plus, a full year of a healthy Angel Guzman.

Was the ending of last night's game painful in traditional Cubs fashion? I fell asleep during the 9th.

Was the ending of last night's game painful in traditional Cubs fashion? I fell asleep during the 9th.
Neal cott's set gregg up to fail and fail he did.

Neal cott's set gregg up to fail and fail he did.

If that means that Gregg really couldn't pitch out of it, then I'm OK with that... I don't have that much confidence in Cotts. He has potential, but he is just there to eat innings.

If that means that Gregg really couldn't pitch out of it, then I'm OK with that... I don't have that much confidence in Cotts. He has potential, but he is just there to eat innings.
Yea, Gregg gets saves, but does not save games in trouble as much. Either way i expect Gregg to be average, and he has been. On a side note i think Fukudome may pay off big time this year as a not so poor man's Ichiro type maybe. Definitely looks much better as a hitter.

I'm starting to gripe with WGN, fuck the White Sox, Cubs games should be the Priority like they used to be. :(

I didn't hate on Fukudome last year. He has good plate discipline, and constantly made contact last year but had bad luck with where the ball went. I know good hitters direct the ball to a point, but he seriously fucked up some superstition bad last year. Because of his style, eye for the ball, and patience, I've never doubted that at some point it would turn around for him.

Also, from what I've seen this year Soriano is showing a little patience at the plate. It's kind of like Sheed in the post... I'm not counting on it because he did it for a couple games, but I don't think anything about the Cubs in general pissed me off more last year than his 3 pitch SOs.

One final, pointless note. The female is in Milwaukee at her parent's house for the weekend. They live less than a mile from the stadium. Both her and the baby have their full apparell of Cubs gear for the weekend. Fuck the Brewers lol.

Marmol looked real solid as a closer last night. Though Pinella has never been one to change positioning right away, I think eventually Marmol is the full time closer. Also Fukudome I thought would be an ichiro type guy, but he may be a Matsui type(which is who he was compared to in Japan) with his power he's been showing so far. Like Lee/Ramirez of past years(seems like it's gonna be Lee/Bradley/Ramirez now), Soriano/Fukudome could be a solid 1-2 punch part of the lineup.

The bad so far:
Bullpen hasn't been consistent. Lou will be meddling with it all year i think to get the right setup maybe.

The bullpen is the only thing that scares me right now.

Man, when Soriano hit that homer last night... that pitch was so bad that I was out of my chair before the ball was 2/3 of the way to the plate. Batting practice pitch if I ever saw one.

I didn't know that we lost Bob Howry. That's a tough one.

Suppon, or as the female's dad (Brew fan) just called him, Strapon; just walked in 3 runs. The first on 4 pitches. Saddest thing I've seen in a while. I'm extra giddy because I just spent the day in Milwaukee.

And the reliever just walked Lee (with the bases loaded still) in 4 pitches. My trash-talkin quote of the night is going to be '4 pitches'.

I always root for the Cubs in the playoffs as my 2nd team.

I"m a serious Cubs fan when they are winning and all my other teams have been knocked out.

Reed.... is the man.

Tahoe... is a bootlick.

That catch was pretty sweet.

Marmol looking sadistic out there.

Kevin Gregg is very Tod Jones-esque. Yikes, good win though.

Source: Cubs fire Hendry as GM, vice president (http://www.google.com/url?url=http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/6876743/chicago-cubs-fire-general-manager-jim-hendry&rct=j&sa=X&ei=QItOToPODqyJsALpvKX6Bg&sqi=2&ved=0CC8Q-AsoADAA&q=jim+hendry&usg=AFQjCNGvRmpdU2jY61hY-OpvNRkJW1eAhA)‎

Crazy win!

No more Old Style.

http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/11786485/joe-maddon-expected-become-chicago-cubs-manager

Wonder if Bowden saw it on Twitter?

I like Epstein as the curse killer.

RIP Mr. Cub, you guys.

Arrieta is filthy.

Am I dreaming or are we really going to the World Series?!

Great, now everyone is a cubs fan. Ugh.

While we long-suffering die hards just get lost in the shuffle. #smh

I own a cubs hat.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=432&v=9lh7mdekB_k

Got my Rowengartner jersey on.

Just burned a Zekyl doll in effigy.


No! nooo! ....

Not really Cubs fan, but a not engines fan.

We need to score some runs.

Would've helped...those runs...they're good for winning.

Exactly. You get it.

I'll be switching between WS and Pissed Ons.

Shows how much I follow baseball, I was picturing Schwarber as some Kyle Singler looking dude.

EAT SHIT ZEKYL.

Baez = MY CUB

They're hitting Miller now.

http://i.imgur.com/7drHiqr.gif?noredirect

Holy shit, wtf was that??

I think Ross definitely has a concussion.

That was so Cubs.

Now Ross goes deep. Ha!

EAT SHIT ZEKYL!

Going to be hilarious when Chapman blows this.

Rajai will hit a homer.

LOL

Gonna be a loooooong time before Chicago Vinny shows his face around here.

Maddon is saddon.

Gonna be a loooooong time before Chicago Vinny shows his face around here.
Cough.

What a game.

Can't believe we actually did it.

Already had my appointment to get my next Cubs tat BEFORE they won the game.

Already had my appointment to get my next Cubs tat BEFORE they won the game.

Your neck is going to look so sweet.