"Stephen Gryzlo"? We Have No Idea Who You're Talking About

Out of concern for the mental health of the many Cub fans who regularly populate The Cub Reporter, the authors request that, until further notice, visitors please refrain from using the following words or phrases anywhere on or near the site:

  • shoulder
  • arm
  • "dead arm"
  • "tired arm"
  • strain
  • discomfort
  • triceps
  • fatigued
  • disabled
  • "skip a turn"
  • orthopedist
  • Dr. Stephen Gryzlo
  • examination
  • magnetic
  • resonance
  • imaging
  • "missed appointment"

Thank you.

Tags: 
Carlos Zambrano
Cub injuries
Submitted by Cubnut on Wed, 09/03/2008 - 11:15pm
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Comments

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:27am

It doesn't take Dr. Stephen Gryzlo to tell you that the Cubs are in danger of having a
"missed appointment" with destiny in the 2008, World Series.

Things aren't looking too great as a Cubs fan right about now. First you have an offense that gets shutout by the likes of Randy Wolf. Then you have a pitcher who's already talked about issues with discomfort or a strain in shoulder, which crop up after giving an extra two days off because of a fatigued or "dead arm", even though normally you would expect him to "skip a turn".

If this was two years ago, you'd have people screaming about hiding arm issues and telling us one thing while the pitcher was off to a magnetic resonance imaging for a "tired arm". Perhaps before he officially gets disabled, I hope he can have his triceps looked at during a full examination or at least visit an orthopedist.

And that's just Chad Blasko.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:37am

let me know if they're working properly again.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:43am

working.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:43am

OK, no talk about injuries...how about talking about an inept offense.
Great cure coming up. Bronson Arroyo who has given up a whopping 4 runs in his last 3 starts covering 23 innings.

Cubs offense this week reminds me of the last week of 2004 when a great offense just died. That year, due to the hurricane, Cubs played something like 26 games in the final 25 days of the season. This year, the slump was at the end of a 13 day stretch and 20games in 20 days including the DH in Atlanta. When an offense as consistantly good as the Cub takes such a deep turn south, I wonder how much fatigue settles in. Maybe 2 days off in the next 5 and 3 in the next 12 will be the cure to all our ills....

or not.

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:47am

oh good. we can still say "boobs"

Submitted by Brick
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:18am

BEES!

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:50pm

▀█▀▐▌▀█▀ ▄█▀

awww yeah.

Submitted by Rich
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:51am

I think we're abouot due for a Fonzie carry us on his back-hot streak.

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:53am

Fonzie, Ramirez, Lee, Soto, DeRosa. I'll take any or ALL of the above.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:32am

add cancelled MRI arthrogram to the list

...oops, I shouldn't have said that

Submitted by Pell Mell
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:59am

The scene: Cubs clubhouse, September 3, 2008, 11:00 p.m.

Lou: OK, well, Bob, tough homestand, huh? Oh well, onward and upward, as they say. Here's your plane ticket for tomorrow.

Howry: Thanks. [reads] Hey, this doesn't say "Cincinnati." It says "Changchun." Isn't that the capital and largest city of China's Jilin province?

Lou: Uh, that's a typo. See you at the ballpark.

Submitted by billybucks
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:44am

Other nominees:

"Towel drill"
"Long toss"
"Throwing off flat ground"
"Bases loaded, one out, DLee coming up"
"Howry is up in the bullpen"

Submitted by nohit
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:11am

"1969"

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:33am

"In Dusty We Trusty"

Submitted by billybucks
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:17pm

"..and, joining us in the booth -- Tom Dreesen!"

Submitted by John Beasley
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:34am

Quick congrats to former Cubbie Scott McClain on his first MLB home run yesterday. Dude earned it.

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:51am

And then some. How has this guy not claimed a job as some teams pinch hitter? He's got over 300 homeruns between the minors and Japan.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:06pm

Dude, this is like wondering why our Old Geezer Iowa Cubs aren't getting recognition as "top prospects."

Scott McClain is 36.

Submitted by Charlie
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:37pm

I didn't say he should be starting at 3rd for the Cubs.

He looks like he'd be an adequate pinch hitter for a lot of clubs, and cheap. It surprises me that this is his first major league homerun. I thought for sure he'd have a handful by now.

Submitted by Cubnut
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:15am

"...and Neifi! Perez is in the on-deck circle."

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:48am

Don't you dare mention Ne!f! without exclamation marks. He's earned them.

Submitted by Cubnut
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:57am

Missing "!" noted and added.

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:06am

Yeah, but how 'bout those I-Cubs, eh boys?! Seriously, I try to fight the curse/superstition mentality but we were 51-19 @ Wrigley & riding a seven-gamer when my two sons & I piled into the car @ dawn on Saturday & left Des Moines bound for Chicago & our first eyewitness games of this glorious year. I'm starting to feel personally responsible for all that's happened since...

Submitted by champsummers
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:33am

and dont ever come to Chicago again. ;)

Submitted by billybucks
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:00pm

Mike-

My son and I were 1-6 last year, but turned it around to a 4-0 record this year.

Families, like hitters, have slumps and hot streaks.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:47am

Dr. Stephen Gryzlo -

Lou calls him Griswald.

"He's taking us to uh,uh, uh Wally World.

It' relaxing.
Good time.
uh
uh
uh
Something we need."

Submitted by dB
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:58am

a missed appt isn't the Mental Midget's only concern. Apparently Z also has some major clubhouse heat on him from a number of teammates for calling out (allegedly Theriot)for a botched play on Tuesday. I don't recollect exactly which play it was, but Z sure as hell better not be cracking on his teammates after his August meltdown and after Aramis botched 3 plays in successive innings.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:08pm

I'm guessing Theriot 's double clutch on a hard Pense grounder that was beaten out.

Submitted by gobuckeyes
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:30pm

As you might be able to tell from my handle, I'm also a very, very large OSU fan. Between Chris Wells and Carlos Zambrano, my two dream seasons might be dashed.

I want to cry (nearly did when Wells went down this past weekend).

Here's to hoping the MRI's for both come out in a positive (or is it negative? you know, no bad things) way.

Submitted by dB
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:37pm

good call Jacos, forgot about that play.

Submitted by Jace
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 12:50pm

I think it likely speaks volumes that Z's behavior has been so erratic since Tuesday. I think we're gonna be without him for awhile...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:06pm

that Z had a personal matter to attend to and will take the MRI today (from Chris DeLuca)

http://www.northsidebaseball.com/Forum/viewtopic.p...

and then (from Jesse Rogers)

http://www.northsidebaseball.com/Forum/viewtopic.p...

that Z didn't want to take the MRI injection that would make him miss at least 2 starts

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:07pm

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/11453...

Z did take his MRI today and missed yesterday because of a family matter. Results should be available this afternoon.

The Trib is trying to sell that Z is done for the year.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:09pm

I hoping its a psychological thing.

If you remember back in 04 and 05 Z would be getting his brains beaten in and then he would start complaining about his back bothering him.

Maybe thats why he didn't do MRI he didn't want them to tell him nothing wrong.

I don't know, just reaching for straws.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:12pm

http://www.cubsfx.com/2008/09/big-zs-arm-september...

velocity did go down in the 5th, but not in the "struggled to get over 90" that some were reporting.

Submitted by billybucks
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:16pm

Assuming Z is done -- Cubs should focus on keeping Harden healthy and the key bullpen guys rested. A healthy wild card team (currently 9 games up) is better than a divisin champ with no Harden and a worn-out bullpen.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:30pm

Isn't that what they have been doing?

/rhetorical question

Frankly, it's more important to figure out what to do with DP Lee and Fukudome. Both of them have checked out the entire second half. It's gotten so bad, Ryan Theriot is OUTSLUGGING BOTH OF THEM.

I kid you not.

Submitted by Q-Ball
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:24pm

Cub blogs are also exploding with calls to play Micah Hoffpauir, and bench Lee. I like Hoff and he had a great 1/2 season at Iowa, but I'm not convinced he is anything more than a nice PH/1B who had a great 1/2 season at AAA.

Is there any expert analysis out there on this guy?

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:25pm

Have you looked at Hoffpauir's numbers?

He put up the same numbers in half a season that won Soto the MVP last year. Soto had 26 homers, 31 doubles, 109 RBI. Hoffpauir: 25, 34 and 100. Hoffpauir had 95 fewer at bats.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:28pm

hoffpower swings at everything and is a gap power hitter.

he's not a "mark grace" type gapper...he's got more pop than that.

that said, the guy is a stiff defender even at 1st and is gonna swing at almost everything he sees. he's got a great swing for a guy who's gonna swing at everything, but i dunno how well it'd transfer to regular work.

he makes contact, but he's not automatic. i dunno what (if anything) he's vulnerable to pitch-wise. i do know that if you put him at the plate he's gonna swing until he's out. you gotta work hard or be wild as hell to have the guy keep a bat on his shoulder enough to get a walk.

Submitted by Timmer
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 1:40pm

He's not a "stiff defender." Talk to AZ Phil, who rates him average to slightly above average.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:33pm

pretty awesome for a 29 yr old...paging Scott McClain.

Soto was 24 last year. 

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 1:56pm

Hoffpauir is 28, younger than Theriot. Only Soto would be younger in the Cubs' lineup.

Submitted by Timmer
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 1:39pm

95 at bats does not equal a half of a season.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 1:51pm

Soto didn't have a full season last year either. It's hard to remember such a time, but Soto wasn't the first-string catcher at Iowa at the start of 2007.

Hoffpauir had 290 at bats this season. McGehee played all year and had 497 at bats. So it's a bit more than half.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 2:07pm

313 PA's in 71 games. Iowa played 142 games this year. So exactly half...

McGehee had 550 PA's in 133 games, fwiw.

Soto last year played in 110 of Iowa's 143 games and had 449 PA's. 22 games at 1b and 11 at DH as well. 

Submitted by Craig A.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 1:35pm

I think the Cubs management is getting a little crazy because Z didn't get the MRI. They can't require him to get any medical procedure, can they? The Cubs only know that he will miss a start. No news is harder to accept than bad news.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:02pm

Zambrano news good, could return in Houston

September 4, 2008Recommend (10)

FROM SUN-TIMES SPORTS STAFF
Cubs Nation can stop panicking — at least for the moment — as today's news is good on Carlos Zambrano.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said today's MRI confirmed his theory that Zambrano has rotator cuff tendinitis. If things go well, Zambrano will pitch in Houston during the Sept. 12-14 series.

"It's a relief knowing Z doesn't have anything more significant than what we thought, and hopefully that's it," Hendry said.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:04pm

Won't know that until after a brain PET Scan.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:27pm

Here is the article from ESPN...

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3569470

Looks like Z will be getting a anti-inflammatory shot. Cross your fingers and toes...

Submitted by Tito
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:41pm

It's funny how we're kind of glad it wasn't worse, and ESPN is all, "This is a serious blow."

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 3:10pm

It's not like Z has been any good the second half, he's been awful. ERA over 5.00, 6th man on a six man staff.

HE NEEDS REST, preferably in a hospital. We need him in good shape for the playoffs....cause we're going to the playoffs no matter how much we suck in September.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:20pm

~wipes sweat from brow~

Submitted by billybucks
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:22pm

Can we offer Z a bonus NOT to pitch in the next World Baseball Championships, or whatever they are called?

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:33pm

I don't think Cubs are out of the woods yet. Let's see when he comes back, and what stuff he has. The flare up could easily remain through the season.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 3:08pm

Adam,
Agreed. But I think we were all thinking like he was going to be shut down or something. But yeah, let's see him come back and start and make it out OK before being too excited.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:45pm

tonight...

think the magic number will stay at 19.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:51pm

it's odd that Estes is 1-1 on the season with his only win against the Cubs...

a loss tonight vs Brewers puts him on the list of "those with evil intent"

Submitted by Chifan
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:05pm

C'mon Rob, maybe Estes still has one magical Semptember start to help the Cubs left his left arm.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:18pm

fwiw,

Geer vs Sabathia, Peavy vs Sheets and Young vs Parra the rest of the weekend.

Cubs matchups;

Lilly vs Arroyo, Marquis vs Cueto, Marshall vs Harang 

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:22pm

Sheets not hurt?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:35pm

clearly that worked...I'll try it again tomorrow.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 3:01pm

two mri/arthrograms in 3 months for rotator cuff tendonitis?

add that to the list of all the perks a $91 million contract will get cha...

People also call this impingement syndrome as the friction of rubbing the cuff (supraspinatus tendon) against the adjacent acromion (overlying bone from the shoulder blade/scapula) causes the inflammation. It's a positive diagnosis to have since this usually responds to a subacromial cortisone injection (which is what was done today). Symptoms usually start to respond in 3-5 days then they will ramp him up again.

Submitted by Jace
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 3:33pm

Thanks, cubster. I was scrolling down the comments, and was about to write and ask for your take on this diagnosis, and then, there it was! One follow-up question, though: How likely is it that there is something else wrong with his shoulder? In other words, it this a very simple, and easy, cut-and-dry diagnosis, or is there a chance that if he went to two other doctors, he would get two other diagnoses?

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:18pm

HE NEEDS REST, preferably in a hospital.
================
Are you suggesting Manteno?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manteno_State_Hospital

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:31pm

or is there a chance that if he went to two other doctors, he would get two other diagnoses?
-------------
Regarding other dxs, that could happen but I doubt it in this situation. The dx is made on a mixture of physical exam and diagnostic imaging. If the MRI + A/G shows inflammation but no dye extravasation it's extremely accurate regarding a full thickness tear. Some fraying or degeneration it might be less accurate although the MRI alone picks that stuff up. So unless the diagnostic study is unusually subtle to read, things should be clear cut.

Unless they saw a full thickness rotator cuff tear or a large labrum tear (that is why we should feel relieved), Z was going to pitch in 1-2 weeks if the pain quiets down and I expect it will.

Surgery can be done for impingement syndrome alone that doesn't resolve. The surgery addresses the structures that rub/produce friction causing inflammation. What is done shaves the acromion and/or releases a ligament in the front (the C-A or coraco-acromial ligament) that is responsible for the friction. Often this is done with a scope and certainly would not be done in the heat of a pennant race with them trying to work thru his symptoms if they were to persist after the cortisone injection.

Submitted by Ryno
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:51pm

I'd like to suggest the phrase "cool as a cucumber" be added just for the hell of it.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 4:53pm

another blog is suggesting that Z and teamates got into it a bit Tuesday Night after Zambrano called out Theriot for his error the other night. Wonder if there is any truth to that, and I wonder if maybe some lockerroom stuff is adding to the somewhat odd behavior.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:01pm

See comment #22...

I think Miles or one of the beat writers said that some players weren't too happy with Z getting on Theriot for that play. Probably something that happens 100 times a year in the clubhouse.... 

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:07pm

well, we didn't hear about the other 99. What makes this one different?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:15pm

cause some player spilled it to the media this time or some beat reporter was around when it happened this time. And it happened right when Z is seeing the doctor again.

it's worth reporting, but it's not going to effect anything in the long run.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:45pm

yeah, not a big deal in the long run...my initial point was wondering if it had anything to do with the odd behavior (my opinion) from Z and Lou the last couple days.

This whole story seems odd from the minute he was pulled, through the missed MRI, through Lou's clear frustration of not knowing what's going on.

Submitted by Dmac
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:22pm

As long as it doesn't escalate into a kind of Barrett situation, then no biggie.

Submitted by Dmac
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:24pm

BTW, that article on ESPN was supplied by some staff guy at the AP - they don't really cover analysis of sports too well, so I wouldn't take anything said there as gospel.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:27pm

Iowa goes for a 2-0 lead in the best of five series. Daytona can clinch the best of three with a win over Palm Beach.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:06pm

Daytona down 5 and Cashner is in...you can listen for free on milb.com if you register. Iowa is free to watch but I can't get it to work.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:28pm

still quite wild, but announcers say Cashner's hitting 98 on the gun. Struck out 4 over 1.1. IP, walked 2, 0 H.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:33pm

Cashner ends up with 7 K's over 3.1 IP and 3 BB, 0 H. Might as well get use to striking out Cardinals...

Daytona down 5-2 in th 8th, Iowa down 6-0 in the 6th

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:47pm

This whole story seems odd from the minute he was pulled
=============
Yeah, as if Lou had to have a press conference after spending the weekend babysitting for his grandchildren and explaining to the press what when on over those past few days.

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:52pm

Thank God, the NFL starts tonight

I can't think of one other thing that a sane, red blooded American male would watch tonight.

:-)

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:52pm

Here's the mlb.com writeup...

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&c...

Muskie sez he'll pitch 9/14 in Houston. She didn't say he got a cortisone injection, just anti-inflammatory medicine (of course a cortisone shot IS one way of getting anti-inflam. medicine)

Submitted by Ryno
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 5:58pm

He displays our jubilation when things are going well, and he gets spitting mad when things go bad. If nothing else, we know, beyond doubt that Zambrano cares about winning.

This very reason is why we love Zambrano, so naturally he'll get frustrated when a very good Cub's team is struggling to win games.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:24pm

I disagree. I think Z is a far better performer when his emotions are in check. I think he grew up a lot this year, but then started throwing temper tantrums again on the mound and letting the other team get in his head. I don't particularly like that side of Z, and I don't think it's good for the team.

Submitted by navigator
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:03pm

What are the chances that Z hurt himself punching a wall or wrestling a water cooler rather than on the field?

I'd say 100% myself.

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 6:23pm

What are the chances, in other words, that Zombie's abrupt removal from the game was somehow related to his upset @ the Theriot play? Also, Cubster,can we take any encouragement from the fact that Zombie was clocking @ 96 in the early innings; could someone w/ a more serious RC problem than 'impingement' throw that hard even briefly?

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:11pm

NSFW- Audio

Earl Weaver and Ump go at it

This is funny-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kl-4FSRYagc&feature...

"I'll be in the Hall of Fame."

"For what, blowing World Series?"

Awesome!

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:34pm

Pads get a run on a AGon double, Venable single

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:14pm

Hundley dooble, 2-1 Padres in the 4th.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:30pm

Estes weasles out of a 2nd/3rd 1 out jam without giving up a run.

Proof that miracles do happen...

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:40pm

does it strike you as odd that Z says his shoulder is sore and he gets a doc visit then an mri-arthrogram

rich harden shoulder is sore and he gets nada

I guess it's like the kid who has cried "wolf" too often (rolls eyes), and I don't mean Randy Wolf

At $91M, you'd better get your money's worth.

-------
Cameron Tripled and scored, 1-1. Estes sucks.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:15pm

well Z apparently told the doctor he wasn't feeling good on the mound. Harden and Hendry seem to be insisting nothing is wrong with Harden. Lou's the only one who seems to be implying there's at least some soreness or fatigue for Harden. 

Submitted by Rob G.
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 7:48pm

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080904&c...

Soto, Samardzija, C. Perez and I. Stewart nominated for the NL

Voting goes through Monday

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:17pm

We elect Presidents in a day, it takes a week to get an NL rookie of the month.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 8:40pm

a balk, a single and a good slide by Giles...

3-1

Keep reminding the Pads that it was the brewers that forced game 163 last yr...and revenge is a dish best served cold.

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:12pm

5-1

Venable HR and a bases loaded Sac Fly.

Suppn out after 106 pitches....flippin Sean Estes has a horseshoe up his hinnie.

http://www.nomadig.com/stuff/tuuri_onnenkenka.jpg

Submitted by tbone
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:38pm

Never underestimate the depths to which a Ned Yost team can sink in the season's final month.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 9:50pm

Estes! Estes! Estes!

Submitted by Brick
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:04pm

We call that "Esticular fortitude."

Submitted by Rich
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:28pm

"Esticular fortitude."

Classic!

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:04pm

5 games

Submitted by Cubster
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:04pm

Estes is the Dodge player of the Game. Hoffman save #28.

5-2 final, 5 GB

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:05pm

5 game lead, 22 to go.

Submitted by Pell Mell
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:14pm

Venable! Venable! Venable! (2-4, HR) Big ups to you, young sir. May you have a long and fruitful career in which you apply much hurt to Cubs divisional opponents. Thank you for starting that aspect of your career this evening.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 10:44pm

Nice reminder that the Padres eliminated the Brewers last year.
(of course the Brewers then followed that up by killing the Padres playoff chances winning the final 2 of the season with thE Padres magic # stuck at 1).

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 11:47pm

See, all it takes is just a little time and worries get knocked down one by one. Now let's snap back into the W column against these Reds, and we'll be well on our way back.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 9:50am

Micah Hoffpauir is 28, Scott McClain is 36. That's a big difference.

Hoffpauir is old to be considered a "prospect," but i'd sure rather give a guy a shot who hits 25 HR and 100 RBI in 71 games in AAA, and then comes up for a cup of coffee and goes 14 for 37, with 6 doubles than not.

Submitted by Charlie
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 11:43am

Hoffpauir does deserve a shot--as a backup 1B/emergency outfielder and pinch hitter. He deserves a shot at Ward's spot on the roster. Hoffpauir has 3 knocks on him at this point that prevent him from being much of a prospect: 1. He's 28, so chances of him improving much aren't great. 2. He plays only 1B and very little LF/RF, so he plays positions where you are looking for star hitters (especially since he's not a gold glove type). 3. He's a AAA style free swinger, which may not translate well to MLB (though you won't know until you let him play).

He's also got a few important good points: 1. He's demonstrated that he's got good pop. 2. He does hit for a high average, even though he doesn't walk. 3. He's an OK defender at first (though I've heard a variety of reports on his defense). 4. He's apparently a really good clubhouse guy. A nice guy's nice guy. 5. He'd probably be happy with bench role.

I honestly expect to see him take Wards place next year, and if he struggles then Fontenot and others will start to see more of the pinch hit opportunities.

Submitted by navigator
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 12:35pm

To win the NL Pennant

Cubs 5:4
Brewers 5:2
DBacks 4:1
Mets 11:2
Phillies 10:1
Dodgers 14:1

To win the World Series

Angels 14:5
Cubs 3:1
Red Sox 9:2
Rays 9:2
Brewers 6:1
DBacks 10:1

Submitted by 40yrcubsandcounting
on Fri, 09/05/2008 - 7:39pm

I think nohit has scored with 1969.Is there anyone that is of age to remember September?

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