Game 91 Recap: Cubs 1, Phillies 10

Illegitimate.
W - Rodrigo Lopez. (2-0) (Seriously)

S - Chad Durbin (1)

Things to Take from This Game
1. Aspirin.

 

2. Well, the bullpen pitched well. Mostly.
Lilly never looked comfortable.  His 6/2 K/BB line looks good, but he fidgeted on the mound, was consistently wild in the strike zone, and it resulted in 7 ER in 4 IP.  A 3-run HR by Ibanez in the first, and a 2-run job by Ruiz in the second, and the Cubs were out of it.  Stevens and Heilman pitched well, before Guzman gave up a solo HR to Howard in the ninth.

 

3. Rodrigo Lopez, wtf?
The Cubs were shut down by Lopez, who departed for Chad Durbin and the embarassment of the three-inning save.  I can't begin to understand the combination of events that led to the cubs being six-hit by this pairing.

 

4. Oops.
Soriano watched a routine fly ball clank off of the heel of his glove for a run-scoring error.  You just don't see professionals miss fly balls in this manner; he didn't lose it in the lights, slip, get distracted, or anything.  Just missed it.  He then seemingly responded to the Phillies fans' mocking applause after he caught the next ball, by making an overly exaggerated graceful hop-catch on the ball after that. He did have three of our six hits, at least.

 

If you really want to, the details follow. 

Game Recap
Inning 1 - Top
  •  Rodrigo Lopez (hah!) gets Fukudome to line out sharply to center field.
  • Theriot walks.  Gets a lot of attention from Lopez (hehehheeeee, too rich) at first.
  • Lee gets jammed and bloops one into center, but Victorino gets there for a nice sliding catch. Theriot goes half-way, gets back safely.
  • Fastball inside, Ramirez rolls out to Feliz, 5-3.
Inning 1 - Bottom
  • 3-0 count to start Rollins.  Lilly gets an 86 mph fastball on the inside corner, 3-1.  Next fastball down the middle, Rollins lines it over Lilly's head for a single.
  • Victorino lines one between a drawn-in, diving Ramirez and the third base bag, double.  Rollins to third. 
  • 2-0 to Utley, who takes a surprisingly pathetic swing and misses an 88 mph fastball.  Brenly wants Lilly to try it again, I wouldn't tempt fate twice.  Ball, 3-1 to Utley.  Ohh boy.
  • Utley smacks one down the first base line, but Lee makes a nice snag on a one-hopper, sort of going to one knee and spinning as he catches it behind his body.  Runners hold, and he steps on first.
  • 2-2 to Howard, missing high with a curve.  Lilly doesn't look comfortable out there.  Fastball doesn't have much zip, not good command of the curve or the fastball, and taking his time.
  • Howard K's on an 84 mph.... something..... up in the zone.  I think it was a fastball, which is alarming.
  • Fastball looking, then slider swinging, for a 1-2 count to Ibanez. Fastball just off the outside corner, suddenly hitting 93 on the gun.  Nice pitch, fooled Ibanez, didn't get the call.  Probably off the plate.
  • And, in a sad bit of Cubbery, Ibanez then takes a fastball that was supposed to be on the outside corner and got too much of the plate, and hits it out to dead-center for a three run homer. 0-3 Phillies
  • Werth K's swinging on a change
Inning 2 - Top
  • Momma Trans on the phone, picks a good half inning to call as Hoffpauir, Soriano and Fontenot quickly ground out to second, third and second, respectively.
Inning 2 - Bottom
  •  Full count, Feliz walks.
  • Carlos Ruiz up, gets a 1-2 fastball, I think, up and over the middle of the plate.  Feliz hits it way out to left field. 0-5 Phillies
  • Lopez K's swinging.
  • 0-2 to Rollins, K's swinging at..... something.... ugly, offspeed, high and outside.  Missed its mark by 2 feet.
  • Victornio slashes a single to center.
  • Victorino runs, and seems to be safe as the short-hop causes Theriot's glove to come up before he can bring it back down for the tag.  But from there Victorino overslides the bag, and tries to sneak back in to second, darting out of the way of Theriot's tag, but is called out.  Ump said Victorino left the base path, wiggling around Theriot towards the outfield.  Victorino candidly expresses his displeasure with this call. Pretty iffy call.
Inning 3 - Top
  •  Hill hits a soft liner to Utley's right, he makes a nice running leap to catch it.
  • Lilly hits it hard, but lines out to center.
  • Fukudome lines into right, and rounding the bag just modestly, Werth throws behind him to Howard and nearly gets the out. 
  • full count to Theriot, walks. 
  • 3-2 to Lee, K's swinging at an outside slider.
Inning 3 - Bottom
  • Utley with an easy liner to Fontenot
  • Howard K's swinging, Ibanez with a lazy grounder to Ramirez, inning over.
Inning 4 - Top
  • Ramirez walks.  2-2 count to Hoffpauir, hits a lazy fly to center. 
  • Soriano hits a one-hopper right at Rollins.  It takes a bizarre big hop, and Rollins totally wiffs at it. A very, very generous "hit."
  • Fontenot then drives one just short of the warning track, and Ibanez catches Ramirez jogging back to 2nd and nearly picks him off.
  • Hill K's looking.
Inning 4 - Bottom
  • 3-1 to Werth, fastball down the middle, fouls it off.  Good battle at 3-2,  finally walks.
  • Ick.  Feliz hits a soft fly to left-center.  Fukudome and Soriano both have a run to get there, but either could have caught it.  Instead, each sort of peels off for the other, and it lands between them.  Runners at 1 and 2.
  • Slider that gets the center of the plate, Ruiz dumps it downt he left field corner for a double, Feliz to third.  0-6 Phillies.
  • Lopez, who I ought to stop laughing at, strikes out
  • Rollins flies down the right field line, where Hoffpauir makes a nice running catch near the stands.  Werth scores, Ruiz to third, 0-7 Phillies. Another pitch that was supposed to be in and floated over the plate.
  • Victorino hits a lazy fly into left-center.  Soriano has to run for it, gets there in plenty of time, and just misses it.  Hits off the heel of the glove.  Brenly yells "IT'S BASEBALL, CATCH IT!"  Ruiz scores on the error.  0-8 Phillies
  • Utley singles into right, scoring victorino, but is out trying to advance to second.  Inning mercifully ends at 0-9 Phillies.
Inning 5 - Top
  • Blanco in to hit for Lilly.  He drives one into the left-center alley, just barely making it into second as Victorino did a nice job of getting over there to cut it off.
  • Fukudome grounds to Utley, advancing Blanco.
  •  Theriot with the old inside-out swing to hit one just right of center, single.  Scores Blanco.  1-9 Phillies
  • Lee with a shallow fly out to Ibanez
  • Rodrigo F'ing Lopez K's Ramirez swinging at a fastball.
Inning 5 - Bottom
  •  Stevens in for long-relief, K's howeard, then gets Ibanez to pop softly to Fontenot.  Nice work for the righty against two tough lefties.
  • Werth pops to Lee, just in front of the Cubs' visitors dugout.  Very nice work by Stevens.
Inning 6 - Top
  • Hoffpauir pops foul, behind third base.  Feliz makes the easy catch. 
  • Soriano with a soft blooper into shallow left-center for a single.
  • Fontenot K's swinging.
  • As does Hill.  Suddenly Lopez is making the Cubs look foolish.  No, wait, that's the Cubs doing that.
Inning 6 - Bottom
  • Feliz gets jammed, hits a little pop-floater out to Blanco who is playing shortstop, and oddly makes a leap to catch a ball that could have been caught flat-footed
  • and Ruiz with a much more conventionally-fielded ground ball to Blanco.
  • Mercifully, Greg Dobbs comes in to hit for Lopez.  Out after 97 pitches.  Weakly bounces one back to Stevens for the 1-3 putout.  Very nice long-relief so far.
Inning 7 - Top
  • Chad Durbin in.  Blanco hits a soft hopper up the middle, Rollins comes across second and fires to first, just getting Blanco
  • Fukudome with a soft pop out to Rollins.
  • I must have missed the double-switch, as with Blanco in for Theriot, Blanco is now hitting 9th, pitcher's spot second.  Fox in to pinch-hit for Stevens, and hits a routine grounder to Rollins, ending the inning
Inning 7 - Bottom
  • Heilman in,Hoffpauir to 1st, Lee out, Fox to Right. Heilman now hitting third, Fox second.
  • Rollins with an easy fly to shallow left, Soriano catches it.  Phillies fans in left field give him a sarcastic standing ovation. 
  • and Victorino hits one to Soriano, he makes a running, hopping catch.  Stares back at the fans afterwards, it was a pretty big, dramatic hop he made for the catch.
  • Bruntlett pinch hits for Utley, K's on a slider in the dirt, throw on to first to finish it.  Good relief work tonight, at least.
Inning 8 - Top
  • Baker hits for Heilman, K's swinging
  • Ramirez fouls out to Ruiz, right behind home plate. 
  • Hoffpauir bounces out to Howard, unassisted.
Inning 8 - Bottom
  • Guzman in, and Howard demolishes a fastball up and on the outer halffor an opposite field HR. 1-10 Phillies
  • Ibanez K's swinging at a high fastball.
  • Werth gets out in front of one and hits it over the foul pole.  Called a foul.  Barely.  Impressive
  • Guzman then K's him swinging at a high fastball.  Hill seems to have thought it was the third out, and was walking toward the dugout.  Good Grief.
  • Feliz chops one toward the hole by short.  Blanco charges in for it, double-clutches, and the throw makes Hoffpauir leap, with Feliz called safe.  May have been out.  Error on Blanco.
  • Makes up for it when Ruiz chops one off the plate and Blanco comes in, lunges, bare-hands the ball and fires to first for the out.
Inning 9 - Top
  • Durbin trying for the three-inning save.
  • John Mayberry in right, and Soriano singles to him
  • Fontenot K's swinging.
  •  Hill puts us out of our misery, grounding into a tailor-made 6-4-3.  Do tailors still make those, or is it all Chinese sweat-shops, now?
Inning 9 - Bottom
Parachat Recap
Inning 1
  •   "Start Typing Here" joke pre-dates Jesus.  It's 3/44 B.C.
  • SJS wants to check inon the TCR Season Guessing Contest spreadsheet.  So there it is, again, folks.  Check how you're doing.
  • Tomorrow's matchups.
  • The miseries of Rob's job.
  • Amtrak. train travels
  • My addictive personality.
  • Running after drinking.
  • Ice Cream Trucks from the 1950s Waving Hello to Dad.
  • The weird Utley swing.
  • Groaning at the Ibanez homer, wondering why Fukudome was playing so far in.
  • "Is Mr. Opportunity, the cartoon guy on the Honda Commercials, the animated brother of Ryan Seacrest?" - SJS
Inning 2
  • Rob accidentally watches original footage of helicopter accidents decapitating small children.   
  • I share the health-report on Momma Trans.  Not so good.
  • WTF is Pedobear?  And would YOU let your kid have a Pedobear?
  • I don't care what Rodney_King thinks, Rodney King humor is old.  And not in the funny Norm Macdonald still doing jokes about OJ sort of way.
  • How many runs will win this game?
  • Those sorry Nationals
  • the Victorino call.
Inning 3
  • More on that bad Victorino baseline call.yikes
  • I flip out on..  I'm not sure...  But Whip got hit as a result, and all Parachat suffered.  Bad Trans.  Bad. You go to the corner and think about all the Curriculum and Instruction coffee-shop grad. students whose feelings you've hurt, you bastard.

Inning 4
  •  European philosophers who I hate.
  • Bacon.
  • Jesus Christ.
  • Fart Sounds.
  • More european philosophers
  • PENIS.
  • If the Cubs played on Mars.
  • (Transmission would like to apologize for not doing justice to this inning of Parachat.  The Bacon-Jesus-Fart-Penis-Philosopher-Mars combination deserved better, but like the Cubs, I kind of stunk up the joint tonight.)
  • How Bad Are We? (About as bad as this recap.)
Inning 5
  • Best Invention Ever?
  •  What have the Romans ever done for us?
  • Orel Report, Moral Orel
  • If Jesus were a real zombie, he'd have eaten more brains after he returned.
Inning 6
  • Whip threatens to deconstruct me.  
    • Bring it, sucker.
  • Baseball should only use two stats:  _____ and______
  • Whip and Crunch waste space.  Lots of it.  Were I to attempt to recap it, it'd look something like

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • This.  Then with bad ascii of obscure cartoon characters who once terrorized boston. 
  • Koyie Hill would be so much better if he ____________  (question courtesy of big_L)

Inning 7
  • The Koyie Hill Catcher Era
  • "This game needs more giant robots chasing megan fox" - Paul_Noce.
  •  No one can quit Rob. 
    • No one.
      • Nope, not even you.
  • Letters of Resignation
  • True Cubs Fans
  • Is Soriano show-boating on that catch, to bait the Phillies fans?
    • yes.

Inning 8
  • Whip posts a couple of links to banned German commercials for Sprite that probably epitomize a large chunk of the Parachat culture.
    •  So what does it say that I don't think I want to link to them in the recap? 
  • There.  We said it.  GENO'S IS OVER-RATED.  Let's all just move on.  Thank you, Crunch.
  • Asian Rednecks.
  • Tour-guide to Madison
Inning 9
  •  Assessing Nelson Cruz
Cubs record in games recapped on the new Mac falls to 2-5, I think.  Clearly, someone needs to buy me an even newer, better Mac.  This one is broken.
Tags: 
Game Recap
Submitted by Transmission on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 9:16pm
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Comments

Submitted by Transmission
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 9:13pm

Well, get 'em tomorrow.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 9:36pm

I use the "this one is broken" line often when trying to get my waitress or bartender to bring me another bottle of beer.

I wouldn't call that Soriano error on a routine ball. The Dunns and Lees of the NL don't even get to the ball. He should have caught it though. He forgot to hop, which probably messed him up.

Submitted by OakLawnGuy
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 7:37am

Looked to me like he just misplayed his approach. He tried to catch it like a Little League outfielder who's afraid of the ball. Made it a lot more difficult than it should have been.

Just wondering, don't the Cubs have anyone on the staff who is an "outfield" coach? Yknow, like DeJesus works with infielders on the side, Sinatro works with catchers, etc. And, back in the day, the outfielders at least periodically throughout the season worked on outfield skills. There has to be someone, because I'm sure Hoffpauir and Fox have done some drills since coming up.

I bet some teams still do drills. I don't think the Cubs are one of them. Soriano's "skills" in left have not sharpened one iota since he first went out there. Then again, you have to want to do it, and have to listen to your coach. I remember that Piersall had the same issue with Palmeiro when they tried to make him a left fielder.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 8:52am

Mike Quade is the outfield coach...

While I'm sure Dejesus works with the infielders just as much, it was my understanding that Alan Trammell is the infield coach...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 9:18am

Describe to me how you'd approach it.

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=20...

Submitted by OakLawnGuy
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:52pm

With the glove lower....I mean, it sounds far too simple, but he was there in time, had his eye on it and let it hit the heel. Bad form, no matter how you cut it. And that's a typical Soriano clank, off the eyelets.

Submitted by SJS
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:47pm

If that wasn't an error, I don't know what is. He gets to the spot in plenty of time, then slows up to make the hip catch and he misses it. Dunn and Lee might not get to it, but if you DO get to it, you get your ass under it and catch the ball. Soriano did not. E7 in every ballpark, every time.

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 9:43pm

Cardinals lose to Astros, 3-2

Submitted by Andy
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 10:03pm

Thanks for following through on the recaps, Trans, despite the adverse outcomes of late. Also, I reject any hypothesis of a causal relationship.

Submitted by Transmission
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 10:07pm

My secret, diabolical goal is to do enough recaps of enough losses that the more superstitious TCR readers start bribing me NOT to recap....

Submitted by Hawkeye
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 10:40pm

I love the re-caps. One of my favorite aspects of TCR. The sense of community is heartening. Keep 'em coming!

Submitted by Transmission
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 10:45pm

As always, I appreciate it, and am ashamed I'm not doing more of them.

 

Submitted by Mister Whipple
on Mon, 07/20/2009 - 11:03pm

Are you saying the TCR mascot is an obscure cartoon character??

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Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 7:39am

the media likes him because he's such a good interview...
---
He spent only a couple of minutes with media and spoke softly and tersely.

How long will the two work?

"That's between us," Bradley said.

What did they work on?

"We're working."

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs...

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 8:49am

Hopefully Lou is "working" with Hendry on shipping this malcontent's ass out of town. I have hated a few Cubs in the past (Hundley, Cotts, etc.), but in less than 100 games I think Bradley has slid to the top (or bottom) of the rankings.

Bradley since All-Star Break: 2-12 (.167) and 2 benchings. So Bradley has gotten as many hits as he has been benched since the break. That's a good start!!

Submitted by O.Julius
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 8:07am

I caught about an inning of the game between other projects. Looks like I missed far more on Parachat than the game. Thoughts to Momma Trans.

As far as the Romans thing, as O.Julius, I'd just like to point out: Christianity, Western Civilization, roads, urban development, trade (shared with others, natch), and marrying underage girls. All but the last are net positives, IMO.

Submitted by Andy
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 9:02am

Yeah, meant to express that myself--best to Momma Trans.

Submitted by Transmission
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 9:33am

Much appreciated.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 8:53am

Well, we clearly are not playing the Nationals anymore. The Phils are legit and if we can just take 1 of the 3, I will be happy. Just don't get swept...

Go Cubs!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 9:46am

http://hirejimessian.com/2009/07/21/larry-rothschi...

Submitted by Old and Blue
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:29am

I don't know what Rothschild sounds like, since our nearly hourly conversations ended when we had our big blowout 20 years ago, but I sure hope it's him. I can't believe the original poster actually seems pleased with himself for calling him once a month. That's stalker material.

Submitted by Tito
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:57am

That's definitely Rothschild.

Submitted by Indiana JJ
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:39pm

Their critique of Steve Stone's tweets is pretty good too.
http://hirejimessian.com/2009/07/20/hey-stoney-how...

Submitted by artskoe
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 11:07am

There you go again, Mr. Gorbachev, the WHOLE team stinks up the place and there you are blaming the guy WHO DIDN'T PLAY.

I am sick of Bradley subtractors. Not one positive statement for a guy who obviously has not filled in the blanks of the chemistry of this team, has obviously taken the weight of the injuries upon himself and every sticking time we hear he is his own worst critic some of you take that to mean he's selfish. Didn't you hear any commentator last night that said Rollins had a horrible first half? He's still in there because Charlie M. has faith in him, but Lou and you decided MB doesn't have it anymore. Just watch if he gets cut or traded, he will murder Cubs pitching - is THAT what you want?

Soto didn't play, Soriano dropped a little leaguer, Koyie didn't connect to an 88 MPH fastball and it's BRADLEY's fault. Lay off. Find another water cooler. Take a cold shower and beg her to do it, whatever - would you just stop the maliciousness toward Milton and just let him play his way through it already?

You have the right to remain silent. Please.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 11:24am

What exactly is a 'Bradley subtractor'? Does it means someone who wants him to subtract him off the Cubs?

Submitted by billybucks
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:27pm

Bradley is basically bearing the brunt of the actions of two people -- his remarkably poor performance, and Hendry's remarkaby poor decision to sign him. Bradley's mouth -- "I'm back", "I will hit the entire second half" -- creates unnecessary problems for himself. His willingness to take close pitches with 2 strikes, then get upset at the umprire, does not play well in Chicago -- it indicates a lack of heart (hoping for a walk) and effort. In the city of Walter Payton and Michael Jordan, hoping for a walk doesn't cut it.

Hendry took a big gamble in assuming Bradley could handle the Wrigley heat. Most predicted he couldn't, and he clearly can't. The Lou tutoring will liley push him over the edge.

When you take a big gamble and win, you should be rewarded. When you take a big gamble and lose, there should be consequences.

Hendry shoud be fired. He is an average GM with a huge payroll, who took a big, unnecessary gamble and lost.

Submitted by MikeVail
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 1:33pm

I don't think an "average GM" makes the playoffs 3 times in 6 years, at least not an average Cubs GM. If a GM should get fired for every bad offseason decision he makes, the average GM would last about two years. I agree that Hendry had a bad offseason, and that the Bradley signing was a risk. But a failure to make the playoffs for a third year in a row (assuming the Cubs do not) is hardly a firing offense, no matter what the payroll. If Hendry were with the Mets, he'd have a 10-year contract extension by now. And if Hendry were fired, who exactly should replace him?

Dallas Green is the only GM that even approaches Hendry in terms of quality and results in the last 50 years. And not every decision this past offseason was wrong - Gregg is having much better year than Wood is in Cleveland. Hendry didn't pull the trigger on Peavy, and now Peavy is hurt. I'm fairly certain that Marquis will have his typical lousy August and September.

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 1:54pm

dallas green never had a blank check.

i could build a playoff team if i had the ability to out-spend any team not named the Yankees.

Submitted by Tito
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 2:13pm

"...batting fourth and playing shortstop, Cesar Izturis..."

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 2:17pm

dude, it's traditional to bat your best hitter 3rd.

Submitted by OakLawnGuy
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 1:55pm

I agree that Hendry is much better than average. I always felt it's the GM's job to get you to the playoffs and the manager's job to win. Hendry's done well in that regard. But he most certainly has had a terrible off season. And he has painted himself into a corner with a few contracts - but I think he kinda knew this would likely happen with Soriano. I'm not as confident that Marquis will fall down anytime soon, but over the last four years the majority of his deals have helped a lot.

Firing Dallas Green sent the Cubs on a tailspin that lasted at least up until John Schuerholz turned down the job of club president, and beyond that if you are of a mind to believe that they wouldn't be in the position where they had to hire their third choice (MacPhail). Green's last managerial appointment was questionable at best, but the system was producing and he had a finger on the 25-man pulse and was about to hire Vukovich (or himself as it transpired) when the ax fell. I believe he could have been a Hendry-an spender (which probably prompted the firing), but it would have been mostly smart money.

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:01pm

I'm willing to bet there are a lot of Cub fans who are "Bradley subtractors."

Sorry that fans are pissed at the new FA acquisition who, after having a career season which he has never previously approached, is not even hitting his career averages. Then, this guy does about everything wrong...bad defense, bad baserunning, blaming umpires, prdicting he will hit in the second half...and coming out 2 for 12..

Waahhhh...no sympathy for Milton Bradley. None.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:44pm

Man, I wish I was able to get out to Yankee Stadium tonight to see the Ultimate Ex-Cubs Pitching Matchup.

Rich Hill vs. Sergio Mitre

**Bet the shit out of the OVER (10.5).

Submitted by SJS
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 12:51pm

I understand the Bradley bashing, I'm in that corner as well, but what I don't understand is that Soriano has been worse at the plate (at least Milty can walk). Sori at best is sub-.250 and a lackadaisical LF'er.

Maybe it's comparing cow crap to bull crap, but it's all crap just the same. This has to be two of the worst Of'ers the Cubs have had in a while. If they get hot, they are amazing, but their suck parade has been going on for too long now.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 1:03pm

Agree. And when you take in consideration the pathetic OF defense it only adds to the suckitude.

Submitted by SJS
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 1:29pm

Sad thing is that we're stuck with Sori for 5 more years, and after a game or two, Bradley for another 2.

As the great poet Chief Wiggum said as his tie was stuck in the hot dog roller at the Kwik-E-Mart, "This is going to get worse before it gets better."

Submitted by Dusty Baylor
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 1:37pm

Who's more pathetic...Discuss!!

Soriano: .244/.309/.436, 16 HR, 38 RBI

Bradley: .239/.372/.369, 6 HR, 21 RBI

Granted, Soriano had 120 more at bats..

Submitted by billybucks
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 2:05pm

For all his madness, I thnk Soriano has been a positive for the team since his arrival.

- He was huge in Sept. 2007, when the Cubs were battling the Brewers.
- He has been the team's best power hitter
- He has had several late-game HRs and walk-off hits.
- For a while, he was throwing out a lot of base-runners.
- He has been a key part of back-to-back division champs.
- Plus, he seesm a likable guy.

Bradley hasn't contributed yet. He came into the spotlight, and has not performed. While losing track of the outs didn't cost them any runs, it's a ridiculous and memorable moment.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:59pm

how about giving Milton more than a few months to see if he's a positive before we write him off?

Soriano's 2007 wasn't much until September (good June, decent May, atrocious April, July and August along with an injury in there)

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 2:58pm

A video of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews in the nude has hit the Internet. Having watching it for "journalistic" reasons, it's is clearly staged. She issued a statement today that she is going to press charges against whomever filmed her through a peephole, and sue any website that posts it. If you watch it, she's standing around naked for five minutes, working on her hair, while also doing butt squats and touching her butt. On top of that, the peephole looks rather large, and the guy filming is making all kinds of noise, including breathing heavy, from what looks like just a few feet away. Just a shameless attempt to get her name and assets out there more prominently, that's my opinion. Then again, if attractive women want to float naked video's of themselves around, who am I to complain?

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:26pm

i will bet you $1,000,000 internet dollars that it's not staged. her lawyers have come down like God-almighty on anyone who is hosting this.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:50pm

I had to delete Paul Noce's comment, nothing personal Paul...but I don't want to be a party of anything involving that video which was clearly illegally taken, even if possibly staged. Although I'm with Chad that the way the lawyers are acting, doesn't seem so staged.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:06pm

I didn't post a link, Rob, I said go search on a search engine. Someone is really afraid of the man.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:09pm

I know, wasn't really upset about it to be honest, just don't want to be a facilitator to people finding it.

But yes, I would like to avoid any Imperial entanglements if you know what I mean...

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:20pm

and we are looking for bloggers who drop their shipments at the first sign of an Imperial cruiser

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:32pm

Blank

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:33pm

think you have to click on the icon twice...

Submitted by Chad
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:17pm

".but I don't want to be a party of anything involving that video which was clearly illegally taken, even if possibly staged. "

oxymoron

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:53pm

I agree it's probably not staged because I don't know how that furthers your career.

But interestingly TMZ is thinking it's someone at the network because they know her room and it's at four different hotels.

Your with me peephole?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:05pm

from TMZ...

We will not post this video, because it is a clear invasion of privacy.

way to find your conscious TMZ...

Submitted by Charlie
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:10pm

"Also, because Andrews and her team of lawyers would be awarded our reproductive organs in a civil court."

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:36pm

wittenmeyer tweets the lineup:

RJohnson (CF), Theriot, DLee, ARam, Fukudome (RF), Soriano, Fontenot, Hill, Harden

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:52pm

now Lou's giving Reed a start ahead of Milty...bah.

Submitted by jacos
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:43pm

Lou's giving Reed

I thought his middle name was Allan.

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

Yes, I'm bored.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:47pm

Lou said that he'd start Bradley tomorrow and on the homestand.

I could definitely understand why you would want Skinny Dick in the lineup over Bradley in a park like Philadelphia's. That's just common sense. 1 or 2 runs should win it.

Submitted by Leons Crusty Glove
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 3:52pm

Anyone heard if there is an amber alert for Jake Fox? He seems to missing from this lineup.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:18pm

What about the Amber Alert for Milton Bradley? 3 straight days he has been benched? And he has actually hit Blanton pretty good, albeit in small a sample size.

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:19pm

Unless Geo returns or they add another catcher, I doubt if we'll see much of Fox.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:52pm

It's pretty obvious Hill's bat needs a game off.... well, I mean that his bat would benefit from a game off, it's been taking a few games off. He's hitting .202 versus lefthanders... when's that earn him a 3 day ride on the bench?

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:20pm

How can you tell he needs a day off, isn't .202 around his career average? I doubt we'll see Fox actually start a game at catcher.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:27pm

I just assume that players can't get to the majors without swinging through 88 MPH fastballs. Call up another catcher and send Fox or Blanco down if Fox isn't going to be playing any games.

Submitted by Jackstraw
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:42pm

Ease back on Koyie Hill. He's already got his hit for the week and it's only Tuesday.

Submitted by MikeVail
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:23pm

Reed Johnson is not a lead-off hitter, and Fukudome had been doing pretty well there. Why switch him?

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:39pm

This lineup sucks!

Fast forward to 3 hours from now---> Cubs scoring their 12th run of the game in the 5th inning.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:18pm

http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/article.aspx?subj...

think that just leaves 6th rounder Brooks Raley unsigned among the the first 10 rounds

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:58pm

Hope we get Raley too. Outside of the 1st round, I pretty much like our draft and think that Raley's got a good chance to be a great player.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:39pm

Part of the package includes a trip for Kirk’s family to attend a Cubs game at Wrigley Field this season. While there, Kirk will have the chance to work out in the bullpen with the Cubs’ staff.
---
so if he gives Sean Marshall a hotfoot, can he stay?

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 4:40pm

he said rookie, not wookie...

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:23pm

evidently if you don't hit homers you're useless.

bradley's been getting on base at a near .400 clip since his pathetic april ended.

he got benched yesterday vs. a guy who throws wild and high which is just about perfect for a guy like bradley.

bench him vs. blanton and yesterday's plaything then send him out to face a lefty crapballer...brilliant.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:28pm

Managers have little if any impact on the team.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:38pm

true, but it'd be nice if players can actually play.

this isn't hollandsworth vs. dubois...nor is it a blanket statement.

milton was supposed to work in the cage with a day off...then it turned into monday off, and before monday ended it was "it'll probably be tuesday, too."

if anything i would have had him in there yesterday vs. lopez. breaking milton back in after so many days off vs. moyer should be fun...for someone.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:37pm

http://www.baseballmusings.com/cgi-bin/BatterSplit...

since May 1st...

221/366/328 vs righties in 131 AB's(which includes 2 IBB's)

351/413/509 vs lefties in 57 AB's

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:39pm

moyer is not your usual 88-90mph lefty...pray for hanging shit.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:45pm

.351/.380/.500 in 20 AB's versus Moyer with 2 HR's, 1 2B, 1 3B  for Bradley in his career.

-edit- http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerI... (bat vs. pitch tab)

Soriano and Aramis might want to think about taking the day off

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:50pm

yeah, but that production is over 1-2 games.

damn stats.

those 2hr and double i know happened in 1 game...that massacre in SD.

-edit-

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/boxscore;_ylt=AsoGtm8S...

ow. just ow.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:51pm

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI200...

2/2 with a HR, 2b and a BB versus Moyer, other HR came off Mesa.

damn stats.

-edit- so 5/18 with a HR and a 3B somewhere else...and the game was in Philly.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:53pm

my bad...missed a homer.

still, take your numbers and wrap them in a blanket around you. then take your memories of watching bradley work the offspeed stuff lately.

hope his days off in the cage has helped him hit something besides BP fastballs and machine tosses.

Submitted by billybucks
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:54pm

The man has 21 RBI in 222 AB. That would suck if he were a #2 hitter.

He strikes out a lot (52 in 222 AB), give that he hits for no power (6 HR).

He has zero stolen bases.

Not sure what we're getting from that nifty OBP.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:58pm

6 HRs and 21 RBIs is sucky for a 2nd hitter and shows no power. How much power did Theriot exhibit last year?

"Not sure what we're getting from that nifty OBP."

Well among other things we get longer innings for the opposing pitcher, and an opportunity for the guy behind him to bat with an additional runner on base.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:58pm

when you're on first..unless you're gonna run you gotta have others cash you in.

guy spent a lotta time batting 3/4/5...he wasn't cashing in runners and no one was cashing him in.

his RBI totals are wonky...someone spending that much time in the 3/4/5 slot should have more RBIs than that even with only 6hr/9doubles.

hell, if it wasn't for the Ks he probably should be a #2 hitter at this point. he can work a count, but you can't count on him for contact even with stuff in his zone.

Submitted by artskoe
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 5:47pm

And another thing, isn't Von Joshua supposed to be the hitting coach? MB really merits a special Lou doghouse for the personal treatment. I tell you what, get Josh Hamilton to hit near MB, hire Rudy Jamarillo and listen for the thunder.

Is give peace a chance all we are saying?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 7:50pm

throws Milty under the bus...

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs...

Milty's reaction to their batting sessions

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs...

Submitted by SJS
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 8:02pm

Trans...why did you give Durbin a save?

"Illegitimate.
W - Rodrigo Lopez. (2-0) (Seriously)
L - Ted Lilly (9-7), Pre-mature aspirations of legitimation
S - Chad Durbin (1)"

We lost by 9 runs man!

Submitted by Transmission
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 9:08pm

Because he earned a save.

 

Three innings to close out a game, while preserving a lead = save.

Submitted by crunch
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 9:46pm

blah blah blah samninja whatever...

...where the hell is this team's bats?

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:02pm

Final Houston 11, Stl 6

DeRosa 2 solo homers

Cubs, Houston and Milwaukee all tied and 2 games behind StL

Submitted by billybucks
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 7:41am

DeRosa's HRs were both hit right-handed, so they don't count.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:05pm

The Transcendental Meditation technique allows
your mind to settle inward beyond thought to
experience the source of thought — pure
awareness, also known as transcendental
consciousness. This is the most silent and peaceful
level of consciousness — your innermost Self. In this state of restful alertness, your brain functions with significantly greater coherence and your body gains deep rest.

(private notes for the MB/Piniella hitting sessions)

Submitted by Chad
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 1:04am

So he's got that going for him.

Which is nice.

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:06pm

just kidding...

C'mon kid, friggin' hit the damn ball

(private notes for the MB/Piniella hitting sessions)

Submitted by billybucks
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 7:42am

Hopefully Lou can work the same magic on Milton as he did for his last pupil....Felix Pie.

Submitted by billybucks
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:11pm

The title for the 2009 Cubs Video:

"They were utterly helpless against Chan Ho Fucking Park"

Submitted by Cubster
on Tue, 07/21/2009 - 10:20pm

one more ugly milestone achieved tonight...

"Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley made a pinch-hit plate appearance in the 11th inning against the Phillies tonight, marking his 75th game played in 2009. The significance? The games played milestone caused his 2011 option, worth $12MM, to vest."

http://tinyurl.com/q8s6ot

Submitted by jacos
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 8:39am

Just heard Lou from postgame last night on the radio.

"I dont'know...maybe we should trade for some hitters before the trade deadline."

Sensing trouble in paradise with Lou and Hendry.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 9:50am

I don't know, I think I'm sensing some unrest between Lou and the pathetic hitters on his team. I'm sure neither he nor Hendry could have imagined this level of offensive ineptitude after leading the league in runs last year.

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 10:58am

Pirate beat writer spreading rumors about Pirate 1B Adam LaRoche being traded as he's supposedly not in the lineup today vs Brewers

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/pbc/archiv...

thought their plan was to accumulate as many LaRoches as possible

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:16am

The Pirates could always get this guy.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:19am

you have mail Dave...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:18am

no suprise, but update says the Giants.

Submitted by artskoe
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:04am

Wasn't there a story or something about a poll of who players would NOT want to play for? Didn't Lou lead the pack or almost?

If Hendry doesn't make a move with the manager THEN he is in jeopardy of losing his job.

As Brenly said last night, if you expect to make the playoffs then every 90 feet is important. Harden bunted the wrong way. 1 out later (granted, the next inning) Theriot singled to right, which would have scored the winning run.

Yet this board continues to rag on MB. (And Brenly predicted the scouting report on his PH, that is, pitch him in to break his bat)

Get a new skipper, Gilligan. There is a way off this island, if you'd just stop gazing at Ginger and listen to Mary Ann...

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:10am

Wittenmeyer's most recent tweet:

Dempster threw sim game couple days earlier than planned, could start sunday if thurs x-ray good.

Submitted by Cubster
on Wed, 07/22/2009 - 11:12am

ah, Ginger (hypnotic trance, drool...)

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