Cubs, Astros Still Could Move To Milwaukee

UPDATE #2: Game on. Sunday at 7pm CST in Milwaukee and Monday at 1pm. The third game will be made up on Monday, September 29th only if necessary.

UPDATE: Paul Sullivan says the Cubs have decided that no matter what MLB decides, they won't be traveling tonight. So take that MLB and Astros.

It looks like Astros owner Drayton McLane's attempt to keep the games in Houston this weekend were all for naught. An article on MLB.com posted around 9pm CST, says the plan to move to series to Milwaukee is back in play (just like the Cubs originally suggested). If it happens, details will be announced tomorrow.

Some "connected" Brewers fan posted that everything is already in place and there will be games Sunday and Monday at Miller Park. Hopefully he's more connected than those Orioles fans from the offseason.

A Houston Chronicle story posted just a bit earlier paints a still defiant McLane.

“This could be the biggest series in the history of this season,”
McLane said via phone from his home in Temple. “And the fans would be a
tremendously inspirational force for our players. And I didn’t want our
players to be away from their families.

“We’re standing up for our fans and for our players. It’s just
not right to have them leave their families to play at another site
like Atlanta or Cincinnati. I said that to (Selig) several times
(Thursday) and I said it again (Friday).”

McLane said there are three main considerations as the club
consults with Selig and the Office of Emergency Management while
considering whether they can play a doubleheader Sunday against the
Cubs at Minute Maid Park and another game Monday.

One is the feasibility of the Cubs’ charter to land at Bush
Intercontinental Airport on Saturday; the second is to make sure
there’s no flooding near the ballpark downtown; the third is making
sure there is electricity, according to McLane.

The fourth consideration is that McLane would have to refund the ticket money and then where is he suppose to swim?

 

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Submitted by Rob G. on Fri, 09/12/2008 - 10:09pm
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Comments

Submitted by CPH2133
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 1:36am

well i have $100 that the astros wont make the playoffs, so cubs, sweep their ass and make my wealthy!

Submitted by northsider
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 2:17am

It's McLane, not McClane. The story you quoted got it right.

Submitted by Mister Whipple
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:35pm

It's actually Rainier Wolfcastle.

McBain!!!!

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:03pm

Acutally,

Sister Teresa in third grade called him Mr. McClane. his friends call him Dray Mac. You're neither...shithead.

(from Die Hard and just a joke)

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:38am

The games should've been moved to start with, but granted, moving them anywhere besides Arlington will result in a decided Cubs crowd advantage. There isn't any such thing as Ass Trolls Nation.

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:43am

"“This could be the biggest series in the history of this season,”

My lunch yesterday was the best in the history of last week.

McLane, McClane either way the Astros will die hard. (ugh)

Good news for me as I can road trip up to Milwaukee for a couple of games.

Stay dry.

Submitted by Dmac
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:29am

While Milwaukee is obviously not a "neutral" location, McClane has no right to get his panties in a knot - perhaps he's never heard of something called emergency and/or contingency planning? He had numerous opportunities to get right by this over two days ago, and refused all suggestions, save having the players airlifted into Minute Maid. What a horse's ass.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:32am

by having the Astros stay in Houston, McLane has precluded a neutral site option (per the sun times)
---------------------
it likely would be impossible for the Astros to travel from the area in the immediate aftermath of the storm. That probably would push all three games into the two-day window between the Sept. 28 season finales and the start of the postseason.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/11614...

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:35am

Ankiel done for the year with a Sports Hernia and probable surgery for it.

He was 11-65 (.169) since the July 26th injury and was playing LF rather than CF.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080913&c...

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:51am

it's not over...

looking at the projections for Ike's inland path, it's supposed to move fairly straight north and they are projecting 4 inches of rain in Chicago by Tuesday affecting the Brewer series at Wrigley

http://web.me.com/cubster/Site/Ikes_Path.html

Bud Selig's Theatre of the Absurd: might as well play the rest of the schedule in Milwaukee

Submitted by Dmac
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:59am

I live here as well, and my understanding is that we're going to get clobbered today and Sunday - then clearing. So I'm not sure what you're referring to.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:13am

Dmac: not sure what to think because it's supposed to rain in chicago sat and sunday and I agree that they say it's to clear up after that, but the link showing the msnbc rain projection from Ike looks like it affects Chicago by tuesday. A following map even projected some flash flooding up here.

http://web.me.com/cubster/Site/Ikes_flood_projecti...

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:19am

Houston officials warned residents to stay put because it was no longer safe to try to escape. »

Those who stayed were largely in the dark.

Floyd LeBlanc of CenterPoint Energy Inc. said 1.8 million of the power company's customers -- or more than 4 million people -- in metro Houston are without electricity as high winds and heavy rains downed power lines. LeBlanc said 2 million customers represent about 4.5 million people. Video Watch how the roof peeled off a building »

"It's going to take several weeks to get all this power restored," he said. "We've been saying two to three weeks."

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:31am

My oldest son is an Oriole fan and pointed me to an interesting stat: the O's could have three players with 50 doubles this year, Huff (47), Roberts (47) and Markakis (43). Markakis will probably come up short.

Lance Berkman leads the NL with 45. In the AL, Pedroia has 48, A. Rios 44.

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:26pm

huff's season is absolutely amazing...the O's needed someone to step up in the power role and the old man showed he might have something left in the tank for a few more years. his only "off" part of his season has been may...and june+ has been all-star quality play.

Submitted by Dmac
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:31am

Cubster - I usually go with whatever the Dean of Chicago weathercasters (Tom Skilling) says:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-tom-s...

At any rate, Miller Park should be fine for both Sunday and Monday, if they decide to play there.

Submitted by navigator
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:47am

This is stupid, Dodger Stadium has been available all along September 8-18. Neutral site(ha!). No weather.

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:50am

And all this BS about Houston players having family in Houston, they are not poor families from New Orleans during Katrina huddling in Superdome.

They are millionaires, if you really care about your family's welfare put them on a plane to Disneyland until it blows over.

You think that people of New Orleans would have taken that option 3 years ago?

Submitted by tbone
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:06am

I McLane gave shit about the players' families he would have chartered a plane and flown them all out on Thursday. It's all about him getting pissy because he's missing three sellouts with the Cubs in town. Screw him and the Prince of Non-Decision, Bud Selig.

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:40am

well i think i can safely say no cub game
on sunday and bud actually thought the cubs
could fly in to houston today.

and where is mcclane , i thought i read he was in
tempe, why didnt he stick around or better yet
why doesnt he go to the juicebox first and turn
the lights on for everyone.

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:47am

so the astro website said that stadium made it through with
no damage and they could play there ,but astros dont know
if the team could get out of houston to play at a nuetral
site,so the astros cant get out of houston, but they would
have no problem with the cubs getting into houston

what

Submitted by Charlie
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:53am

Good point, good point.

Submitted by Andy
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:48am

Word from Houston is that Minute Maid is in good shape. Which doesn't exactly settle anything, but at least the park is playable.

http://tinyurl.com/5tfn8h

Submitted by navigator
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 12:49pm

Reliant Stadium is damaged, no Texans game possible Monday night.
Brennan's burned down.
Ike still churning above Houston.
2-4 million without power.
FEMA has no idea yet who, where, or how many need rescue.
Mayor says stay in your homes, stay off streets and boil your water.
Downtown Houston is a flooded disaster area. All the high rises have blown out windows. Power lines and traffic signals down in the streets.

LET'S PLAY TWO!

Submitted by Hawkeye
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 1:57pm

Not that I am the biggest fan of the Catholic Church, but maybe Emperor Palpatine, sorry Pope Benedict the XVI, could talk to Drayton...

From the AP "Pope Benedict XVI condemned unbridled "pagan" passion for power, possessions and money as a modern-day plague on Saturday, as he led more than a quarter million Catholics at an outdoor Mass in Paris.

Benedict was making his first visit as pontiff to the French capital, renowned for its luxury goods, fashion sense and cultural riches.

"Has not our modern world created its own idols?" Benedict said in his homily, and wondered aloud whether people have "imitated, perhaps inadvertently, the pagans of antiquity?"

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:29pm

psst..popezilla..have you seen your house, clothes, church bank account, arts/classics holdings, investments, and kickass gold pimp cup?

he's got a valid point...but when you live like a king...well...phew. the message can get a little muddled.

Submitted by Andy
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:51pm

I think it's called a "chalice"

lol

Submitted by tbone
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 4:47pm

I am a lapsed Catholic but I agree with the Pope on this one. Only problem is, I wouldn't be looking for the Church to be selling off its art or real estate as a lesson in how to divest yourself of wealth.

"Do as we say folks, not as we do. The Mass has ended, go in peace."

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 2:19pm

"#4 Re: Cubs, Astros Still Could Move To Milwaukee
*new
Submitted by jacos on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 5:43am.
"“This could be the biggest series in the history of this season,”

My lunch yesterday was the best in the history of last week.

McLane, McClane either way the Astros will die hard. (ugh)

Good news for me as I can road trip up to Milwaukee for a couple of games.

Stay dry.

__________________________
I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence, or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me- hst"

I would like to nominate this as the post of the year. Possibly the best post ever in the history of the TCR

Submitted by O.Julius
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 7:31pm

Didn't you know, Bud Selig has announced that the outcome of the Cubs-Stros series determines home field advantage for next year's All-Star Game?

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:08pm

WSux rained out of a doubleheader at Comiskey, couldn't cancel until fox said it was OK...so they reschedule a day night on sunday (sunday night is the espn game). They don't have monday off as they fly to close out Yankee stadium (or is it Yankee Field, Jeff Gordon?)

I'm figuring the Cubs play a game before the WSux.

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:14pm

"FEMA has no idea yet who, where, or how many need rescue."

Good job, Brownie.

Submitted by tbone
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 4:52pm

Maybe he's gone back to the horse show circuit. Never understood why if a complete ass hat like George Tenet got the Medal of Freedom stuck to him, Brownie didn't get the same. That just ain't fair.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:32pm

Phils take a 3-0 lead over brewers in the first, Manny Parra 30+ pitches. Lotsa hits, rollins 1B, utley 2B (rbi), werth 1B (rbi), victorino 1B (rbi).

Submitted by Dmac
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 3:56pm

FEMA's not a first responder - never was, never will be. Feds don't come in until the local and state emergency personnel complete their rounds and tally up the needs.

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 5:29pm

So "mid-afternoon" Saturday has come and gone and still no announcement. It's getting late for the Cubs to get to the airport and fly down to Houston tonight without arriving quite late tonight.

Submitted by tbone
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 5:45pm

Unless you want to parachute the Cubs in, they aren't getting in until late tomorrow night at the earliest.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 5:56pm

from Rob's update on the Cubs declining to leave chicago saturday night no matter what decision mlb makes on their next game...

"Selig is waiting for Hurricane Ike to leave the Houston area before making a decision, which the Cubs expect will be made by mid-day on Saturday."

Unfortunately, Ike couldn't leave town as the airport was closed until monday.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 6:04pm

6 game lead!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

final Phils 7 Brewers 3

...and a doubleheader tomorrow...a sweep by Phils ties them for the wild card.

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 6:50pm

"woo." - anonymous

Submitted by Ryno
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 6:18pm

Are you effing kidding me?

“This could be the biggest series in the history of this season,” McLane said via phone from his home in Temple. “And the fans would be a tremendously inspirational force for our players...

Do you want some cheese with that whine?

Submitted by Chifan
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 6:29pm

I mean with 13 games left, we would still have 3.5-4.5 game lead and a magic number of 8-10 depending on what the Brewers do tomorrow. We can set our rotation perfectly for the Brewers (Dempster-Z-Harden)and not have to worry about traveling for make-up games taking a toll on us. Plus it hurts the Brewers WC chances (helping our chances in the playoffs) as a 3-game forfit to ASStros would put them 1.5-2.5 out of the WC.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 6:36pm

No.

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 6:57pm

I can see a situation where we have to play these games after the season is over. And it's possible that we will be up 7 games with 6 to go at the end of the season. It would then be possible that if the Astros are already eliminated from contention that the Cubs could finish the season only playing 159 games.

Submitted by The Joe
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 7:12pm

Couldn't you start a bad precedent? The Angels, could then just decide to forfeit all remaining games since they've already made it. Or wait until they have home field advantage throughout the playoffs then forfeit.

Or forfeit games in such a way to hurt the chances of another team making the playoffs. If for instance, we didn't want to face the Brewers in the playoffs we could forfeit games against all other wild card contenders. This last one you've addressed, but I don't think it is fair to just not play games.

Don't know about the rules, so I'm just stating an opinion. Is this even allowed?

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 7:27pm

I'm guessing it is not. The player and the player's union would not allow it. Players have incentives to accumulate stats, make starts, etc. If management wanted to forfeit a game it would likely run into opposition from its own players as well as the opposition. The owner's want the gate receipts. What about tickets already purchased by fans? It is simply not good for anyone involved. And Selig could likely pull the "best interest of baseball" notion and block such a move. If there is one weird game at the end of the season that doesn't matter they may not play it, but the idea of a team forfeiting a series of games in mid-September is just not going to happen.

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 7:53pm

The precedent is there already. Teams often only play 161 games when a game to be made up is cancelled because it has not post season bearing.

Now 3 games would be a lot but this is not uncharted territory.

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:22pm

I believe I said one game at the end might happen, but not a series.

Also, those games are just simply not played and not counted for either team. They are not forfeited by one team to another.

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:42pm

i never suggested forfeiture. if the cubs have more wins than the brewers with 3 to go for only the cubs, there really is no reason to play it.

If they did, we would see the AAA Iowa Cubs play the Stors for 3 games.

Submitted by Ryno
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 8:18pm

Cubster:
WSux rained out of a doubleheader at Comiskey, couldn't cancel until fox said it was OK...so they reschedule a day night on sunday (sunday night is the espn game). They don't have monday off as they fly to close out Yankee stadium (or is it Yankee Field, Jeff Gordon?)

Comiskey? You're so vintage.

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:15pm

It's official:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/press_releases/pr...

Milwaukee tomorrow night 7:05 cst. and monday day game.

Submitted by Andy
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:16pm

ROAD TRIP!

Ah, shit, I live on the East Coast.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:20pm

It's Official: Roadtrip to Milwaukee.

Info is up at cubs.com. 7pm game Sunday, DH starting at 1 on Monday.

I guess Miller Park is the official weather home away from home for MLB. Hopefully the Brewers will properly staff this series, unlike last year's Angels@Indians matchup where they didn't have nearly the staff to handle the 20k crowds that showed up.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:31pm

no DH on Monday, just a single game. They'll play a makeup after the season if necessary.

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:39pm

late and wrong

Submitted by Andy
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 9:41pm

mean and gay

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:11pm

oh geez

justing messing around.

Submitted by Andy
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:06pm

2 can play that game

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:09pm

I was in virtue waiting room at Astro's site, those Houston fans must be eating them tix up.

According to the site tomorrow is sold out.

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:16pm

Actually site says "High Traffic not able to process"

I mean, I feel bad about the hurricane and Houston, but this is gift wrapped for the Cubs having two extra home games (lets not kid ourselves) for the last two weeks of the season.

With a luck, we can work it out.

Submitted by Chad
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:25pm

the link the cubs emailed me works. seems like all sorts of seats available.

I can't imagine many houstonians making the trek.

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:17pm

#34
parachute the cubs into houston
somehow i wonder if bud gave this
serious consideration.

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:35pm

do we know what the pitching matchup will be?

or any tv ?comcast?

Submitted by George Altman
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:42pm

Cubster,

Actually, the Cubs now lead the Brewers by 7 in the all important loss column. If the Cubs go 6-10 the rest of the way, the Brewers would have to finish 11-3 just to force a 1 game playoff.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:45pm

I love the new 161 game schedule

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:47pm

krod going for #58 (record) in a few minutes...

Submitted by crunch
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:00pm

new record...and counting.

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:48pm

i wonder if ned yost is wondering where he will
be a first base coach next year.

Submitted by Chifan
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 10:54pm

Does anyone know the TV staus for tomorrow's game as the game is in the middle of ESPN's exclusive broadcasting window of MLB games?

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:00pm

I was only in the virtual waiting room for a few seconds before I got in and there seemed to be plenty of seats left. I was hoping they'd be cheap tickets like the Indians game, but these are full price. Maybe Houston's Owner gave in knowing he'd get his share of the gate receipts to a sold-out, premium priced Milwaukee game vs. a partial crowd of $10 attendees in Atlanta or something like that.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:20pm

The tickets available seem to indicate that they aren't going to open up the Club and Upper Decks, just the first two levels, like they did for the LAAA/Cle series last year, but they are still charging the premium price. So essentially, not only are they not doing discounted tickets, but they've also closed off the areas where you could get a cheap ticket.

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:04pm

the white sox game is the espn game
maybe they would be rained out
that would leave

cubs vs astros
or
phillies vs. brewers

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:18pm

Micah Owings, in a pinch hit appearance, just doubled to drive in the lead run in the 10th against the Diamondbacks.

...quick return on the Adam Dunn trade.

Final Reds 3 Dbacks 2, save-Cordero

Dbacks 4.5 games back on LA...looks like we won't have to worry about the Webb-Haren-Johnson matchup. Start watching the Manny videos.

Submitted by Chifan
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:22pm

The ASStros players really show why they are on the most aptly named team in pro sports. Complaning about playing 2 more road games while the the many residents of the city you represent lost their homes and/or buisnesses is pretty damn trival to put it lightly. Monday's game will be on CSN and I am assuming that Sunday's game will be a blackout unless the Sox-Tigers get called early again (which is a real possiblity as the Weather Channel page for Chicago is saying Tomorrow looks like a carbon copy of the last 2 days here) then ESPN might move everybody north 90 miles to air the game.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:33pm

from the Len/Bob blog, posted 10:54 pm ( approx. 30 min ago):

WGN-TV was scheduled to carry the Sunday Cubs-Astros game at 1:05p. No television decision has been made by Major League Baseball as to who or if Sunday night's game will be televised. Monday afternoon's game will be carried by Comcast SportsNet Chicago.

Obviously, we are hopeful the Commissioner's Office and ESPN will allow WGN-TV to have access to the ESPN Sunday night window so Cubs fans will be able to enjoy the game. At this point, we don't know what the decision will be.

http://blogs.trb.com/sports/custom/weblog/wgnsport...

...it's signed by bob v (Bob Vorwald, executive producer of wgn sports)

here's a fun link to Bob V being interviewed about the 60 years of Cub history on wgn special they did earlier this year:

http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=3jYumET5u0o

Submitted by Chifan
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:35pm

Well ESPN had already declined to let Direct TV air the Texans-Ravens game, that was supposed to be played Monday Night, as part of the Sunday Ticket Package so I'm not holding my breath on ESPN signing off on having the game be on TV.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:44pm

unrelated but I love this video: Brickhouse on Ernie Banks...some nice footage included and Jack's favorite Mr. Cub story

http://hk.youtube.com/watch?v=d_K3b7vmz8k&feature=...

Submitted by rokfish
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:51pm

maybe the astros players should give up there paychecks
to help with the disaster relief,then maybe i simpathize
with them.

Submitted by Ryno
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 12:06am

With you saying that, TCR's very own "Jason Marquis Has a Family To Think About" comes to mind. *sigh* Ball players. Can't live with them, can't live without them.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sat, 09/13/2008 - 11:51pm

more unrelated fun video stuff...

Vince Lloyd interview talking about Durocher and Kessinger vs Roberto Pena

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE-iMwM6SaE&NR=1

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 12:48am

according to the mlb scoreboard link...

tomorrow night matchup in Milwaukee is:

Zambrano (13-5) vs Wolf (10-11)

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/scoreboard/20080914.html

...although Rotoworld says it's Marquis vs Wolf

Submitted by Newport
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 1:48am

Carlos Zambrano will start against Randy Wolf on Sunday, with Brian Moehler starting for Houston on Monday.

That what the Cubs internets says.

Submitted by Indiana JJ
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 7:42am

Steve Stone...You are dead to me...
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/whit...

Submitted by Pell Mell
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:40am

"We feel our fans and casual baseball fans across the country will appreciate what this team of Chicago broadcast icons will bring to the table each and every telecast."

On the one hand: Usually astute baseball analysis, with a healthy helping of smugness.

On the other: Addle-pated gibberish, with a healthy helping of smugness; constant complaining over strike calls, safe/out rulings, and the fact that a well-struck ball went foul; truculent silence when the game goes badly for the home team; and the worst home run call in the history of speech (think Stone will participate?).

Yep, that'd be a great broadcast team...to unleash upon the damned as eternal punishment for their earthly transgressions as they writhe in pain in the depths of foulest Hades.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:58am

I honestly believed Stone took the one year deal for this year to see how the new Cubs ownership would be and then come back.

But as Pell Mell has so correctly written, the Stone Hawk combo will make some delightful viewing come mid-July next year if Sox are out of it and are in Oakland losing by 5.

I mean Harry was brutal the last couple of years, but he was goof on the good nature side, I don't know how Stoney is going to react when Yosemite Sam starts into his act.

Unless the Sox are looking to push Hawk out after next year.

Submitted by Pell Mell
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:26am

"...delightful viewing come mid-July next year if Sox are out of it and are in Oakland losing by 5."

*shudder* That's quite a picture. But my real empathy is reserved for the "casual fan" who is supposedly going to enjoy this pairing so much. I would think that a "casual fan" tuning in to this glowering, honking carillon of evil would be put off the following things for life:

a) the White Sox
b) baseball
c) television
d) auditory sensations
e) putting things on boards

And so on. Oh, the humanity!

Submitted by tbone
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:24am

When Hawk just quits talking for five minutes because he's fuming so much because Paulie hit into a doubleplay or Bobby blew a save opportunity, it will give Stone a nice forum to talk about the unfairness of his not being a major league general manager.

Sony should start working on a bitterness modulator for its new TVs now.

Submitted by Bleeding Blue
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:35am

Didn't Stone fill in for DJ a few games last season? Point being, I think he already knows what he's getting into working along side Bitchy the Clown.

I can't blame him for taking the deal, it looks like a win-win for him (other than who his co-worker will be). I'm actually most disappointed because Stone actually made their radio broadcasts tolerable. I'll listen to a sox game while I'm driving around, but I'm usually not going to sit down an actually watch a sox game no matter who is calling the game.

Submitted by 10man
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 9:52am

"Sox TV ratings have lagged far behind those of the Cubs, and the team would like to change that."

News flash to the Sox:
It doesn't matter who the broadcast team, there will always be loads more people who will tune in to watch the Cubs.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:54am

Stone did fill in this year, and it was okay.

But like people on the board like to point out, small sample size.

:-)

I was listening to WSCR this am and Stone was doing there weekly baseball show with mental dwarf Jesse Rogers, and a caller asked Stone about the Cubs game being moved to Milwaukee because "Selig would make a profit out of it."

Stone correctly pointed out that no Selig has been with Brewers since 2005 and said "that there is no conspiracy".

Get ready for a daily mount of that Stoney in 2009 when Paulie takes strike 3 looking next year.

Submitted by Indiana JJ
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 8:01am

The little game preview capsule thing on the front page of cubs.com says TV:WGN, but I can't find anything anywhere else as far as in an article.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 12:27pm

regarding Stone: the good news is WSCR must be fuming. It also impacts XM listeners who follow the WSux out of chicago (are there any?)

Now they are stuck with Farmer doing play by play and ? , it seems like they offered the job to DJ but he said he's "honored" that they indeed made the offer but he won't decide until after the season. I don't mind DJ, but he doesn't say much and that doesn't work on radio. Maybe Joe Carter's available if they are going for worst team possible, might as well do it correctly.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 5:30pm

im sure wsox nation will love multi-inning rants about what he'd be doing if he was that particular pitcher during losing games the next 6 years.

Submitted by 10man
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 10:31pm

That's good and all except i don't think there are enough wsox fans to make up a whole nation. wsox hamlet maybe?

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 5:29pm

mark grace on tv talking about raves and using dj/club lingo is creepy, btw.

just thought i'd say...

it was prompted by the sound guy in the stadium playing a dance version of "dont stop believing" by journey followed by gracey asking his announce partner about going to raves and throwing out lingo like "spinning discs".

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 5:44pm

Could not get on for last couple of hours.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 09/14/2008 - 5:55pm

better than not being able to get off.

...snap...snap, y'all...snap...

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