Sunday Funnies

Click on the image for the full-size animation.

Tim Souers is the illustrator and author of Cubby Blue and appreciates the opportunity to guest blog here at The Cub Reporter.
http://www.cubby-blue.com

Submitted by CubbyBlue on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 9:45am

Comments

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:07am

I noticed Gordon Wittenmeyer (sun-times) hasn't been around since the Phils series...must be on vacation otherwise he would have been all over the Lilly stuff

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:15am

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

Tribune/Sullivan goes over the Stone/Kaplan/Bradley rumor stuff...

"I don't pay attention to rumors," he said. "I'm always rumored. I'm one of them guys that are multi-talented, can do a lot of things. I'm not surprised. It's just a rumor."

A Cubs official then told Bradley the rumor was "100 percent untrue." Bradley began berating the media for spreading the rumor, calling it "garbage."
===

and this quote from Hendry on Soto...

Does Soto need to get in better condition to avoid injuries like his oblique strain?

"No, he's naturally a big-boned guy," Hendry said. "I don't think his weight is any different than last year when he won [N.L.] Rookie of the Year. He came to camp in real good shape, gained a few pounds after the [World Baseball Classic]. He's never going to be tall and skinny, but he's not overweight."

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:28am

Soto=Cartman

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:24am

Sullivan/Tribune article about Lilly but has brief mention that BJ Ryan, who reports to Iowa monday, may be with the Cubs as soon as next weekend (in Florida vs Marlins)

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

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:28am

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/photo/2009-07/...

AP photo of Big and Little Z

The Cubs' day began innocently enough when Carlos Zambrano's dog, "Little Z," left a present in front of the locker of Kosuke Fukudome's Japanese hitting coach.

"That means good luck," Kyosuke Sasaki said.

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

also this quote that I really like...

Hart credited Lilly for sitting next to him on the bench and giving advice.

"Teddy's a gamer," he said. "You just try to bring the same energy he brings every time he takes the mound. He's a great guy to sit right next to you going over hitters."

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:39am

http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/images/c/cart...

equals

http://www.straitpinkie.com/wp-content/uploads/200...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 11:12am

speaking of big-boned, Hideki Irabu attempting a comeback...

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/odds-ends-sh...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 11:23am

great quotes from Rickey's career...set your Tivo for his speech.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/p...

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 12:47pm

Re: Run differentials, Cards, etc.

ROB G: Did you happen to catch the run diff. for the Astros? I have not, but just can't imagine with their pitching staff that they will remain in this race much longer. Wtf!? I mean RUSS ORTIZ???

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 12:54pm

Since I have been out of the country w/out consistent WiFi, was there any talk here why the Cubs did not make a play for Julio Lugo?

The team does not have a credible SS back-up that can hit.

I don't get it.

What were the details here? Waiver? Trade?

I fucking hate the Cardinals.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 1:43pm

he sucks?

Submitted by Jordan
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 2:05pm

Soriano hitting .358 in July w/ .940 OPS. 64 ABs. Granted, I think he didnt get moved down the order until July 4th or so, but does this finally dispel the"Soriano can't be moved out of the leadoff spot" bullshit?

Submitted by Wes
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 2:19pm

I'm not even in that camp, but 64 AB's doesn't dispel shit.

Submitted by Jordan
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 2:32pm

Fewer than 64 ABs were used to prove he couldn't hit down the order...

Submitted by Jumbo
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 2:46pm

No, they didn't
People may have said he can't hit other places after fewer than 64 ABs, but 64 at bats could never prove that. Just like how 64 ABs doesn't prove that he's a better hitter in the 6 hole.

Having said that, it looks like Sori's heating up now. Len and Bob said he's hitting 392 or something since he moved to 6. CAUTION: It is a coincidence that he's hitting now and hitting 6th

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 2:52pm

just glad he's hitting...don't care where

Submitted by Jordan
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 2:54pm

I was using the term "prove" sarcastically.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 3:55pm

a call goes the Cubs way...

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 4:20pm

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/9854894/Sources...

Martinez, Lee for Loney and maybe Billingsley or Kershaw and a prospect...

Submitted by John Beasley
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 5:18pm

I assume Martinez would become a 1B full-time in this move?

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 5:24pm

That was the speculation, but now Rosenthal is reporting his own rumor as false.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 4:23pm

hell yeah...

have to hold on for 66 games..

Submitted by Mister Whipple
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 4:58pm

Let's make a run towards .600 ball at the same time, OK?

Submitted by therealwt
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 5:01pm

TOO SOON!

ha, ha, ha, ha

Submitted by Brian
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 5:26pm

Jess Todd.

I think this is fantastic news. Todd came into the year as the Cards' #4 prospect, and has a 2.20 ERA in 49 innings at Triple A.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2009/07/indians-acqu...

Submitted by Jeff_Pico
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 6:07pm

Yeah Cardinals fans REALLY like this guy. I've seen his name mentioned alot lately on Cardinals boards wanting him to be called up.

Anyway we are in first f*ing place! woo hoo! This team is FINALLY playing like we thought it might at the beginning of the season. Not a moment too soon.

Lets keep it up and take 3 out of 4 from Houston.

Submitted by waveland
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 5:45am

While the Card's losing a great prospect helps the Cubs, I'm sure Hendry was none too thrilled. The Injuns got half a season of Dero and better prospects back. Perhaps Hendry can intern with Shapiro next season, maybe learn a few things.

Submitted by Eric S
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 7:05pm

Harden pitching, Aram hitting like bad-asses. Soriano over .250, driving in runners.

First place.

Could get used to this.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 7:19pm

And... Fontenot STILL sucks!

Someone here during the first week of July mentioned his "torrid start in July".

Well, since that time he has gone from bad to worse:

LAst 14 - .259 .286 .556, 28 PA's

LAst 7 - .067 .125 .267, 16 PA's

Jim Hendry is still a fucking asshole for trading DeRosa and counting on this guy. I hope he can pull it together like some of the other guys have been post-ASG, but if he cannot soon, he's gonna land in Iowa real soon.

Ronny Cedeno still has not cracked the Mendoza line in Seattle yet, however. He also was tagged out while trying to tag up from first.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 7:43pm

"Jim Hendry is still a fucking asshole for trading DeRosa and counting on this guy"

I think Lou is just as much to blame for counting on Fontenot. I'm sure he was in Hendry's ear.

Submitted by Ryno
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 8:18pm

I don't think any other team in baseball would start Fontenot. Maybe KC, but that's about it.

Submitted by Ryno
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 8:20pm

Wow, maybe Padres, too.

Submitted by 10man
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 8:52pm

and you people can only complain? Get a life and be happy for once.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:05pm

Sorry you construe criticism of a player who has had a bad year - thought to be the "starter" in ST - with "getting a life".

The baseball season has not ended today, has it? And, the Cubs have won nothing. So requesting a player play better is not out of bounds at all.

I have a life, BTW, which includes - but is not limited to - going to many Cub games at the ballpark.

Submitted by 10man
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 10:40am

well, let's put it this way: if you live your life the way you comment on this blog, you will stress your way to a shorter life.

i just wish some of us would not fret about every little thing and just learn to relax and take joy in every victory. trust me, you will live longer and you will enjoy your life more.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:19am

10-Man: You are probably right. This can be said about many people, but I certainly cannot deny part of it. However, no-where in any other areas of my life have I followed something so passionately for 41 years only to be "kicked-to-the-curb" time and time again.

It is my stupidity for taking this franchise too seriously sometimes. I wonder how many Red Sox fans felt the same way until they won the WS recently?

Anyway, thanks sincerely for your comments.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 9:08pm

http://espn.go.com/chicago/columns/blog?post=43574...

pretty much a repeat of yesterday...

Grabow, Sherrill, Beimel, Rhodes are relievers mentioned

Davis, Garland, Gorzelanny as starters mentioned...

throws in Teahan and O. Cabrera as well...

scouts from A's, White Sox, Tigers, Brewers, O's and Blue Jays scouted the series...

Submitted by billybucks
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 9:24pm

Cubs win, move into first...and Milton rips the fans. The same fans who were standing and cheering in the second inning.

Maybe he was in a bad mood for taking another called third strike with a runner on third and no outs.

What a complete and total dick. If he has a boom box, it should be smashed.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 9:29pm

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

I found this, more ripping the media...although he says he didn't notice any of the cheers.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:07pm

Who the fuck cares?

If he continues to get the job done, I could give a shit.

I have been to plenty of games where he has been mercilessly booed. So - this is the guy Hendry signed for three years. We have to deal with it.

Submitted by Eric S
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 9:24pm

Kelly Johnson starting to heat up for the Braves after a miserable year, but doesn't appear to be knocking off Martin Prado from 2b anytime soon. Braves have no pop at first base with Kotchman "sluggin" at .385/4HR clip.

Johnson's HR/OBP/SLG
2007 16/375/457
2008 12/349/446
2009 5/288/362

He's no savior, he may continue to suck, but he's 27 and has shown Derosa type offensive skills in 2007-2008 over full seasons. Maybe Jake Fox could cure the power outage at first for the Braves?

Submitted by Jeff_Pico
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 9:33pm

Fox for Johnson? I think that would be an absolute steal for the Braves. Johnson for 'sorta prospect' Bingo!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Sun, 07/26/2009 - 10:29pm

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/51748522.html

Submitted by Rob G.
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 1:17am

4-game set versus the NL Central's hottest team starting tomorrow, then the Cubs nemesis...3 on the road at Florida.

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 6:34am

The End of Spin-0-Rama?

Kosuke Fukudome's Japanese hitting coach, Kyosuke Sasaki, departed Sunday after spending a week with Fukudome and working out some mechanics in his swing.

''He did a really nice job, and I told him that,'' Piniella said. ''We thank him for being here, and we were very appreciative and grateful to him and invited him back. He'll be back in September.''

Piniella noted the coach incorporated a slight knee turn that has helped Fukudome from spinning after an at-bat.

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/11287...

Submitted by Jace
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 9:25am

I wouldn't mind seeing the Cubs pick up Cabrera and Sherrill... I think both could definitely help, for the right price...

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 9:42am

The Orioles are going to be asking for what you would expect for a closer for Sherrill, but the Cubs would use him as a setup man. I can't see how he would come at "the right price".

Arthur Rhodes would be a better target, unless Pinhead has some problem with him.

Submitted by Mister Whipple
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 9:52am

Oh, The Fake Bob, you always come up with the funniest nicknames.

Submitted by Ryno
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:14am

I agree with The Real Neal (rare, I know). Rhodes will give you almost as good production as a LH setup pitcher. Plus, I'm a big believer of having experienced, journeyman pitchers in the bullpen. No sense in overpaying for Sherrill.

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 10:18am

First Place?!?!?!? 3 up in the loss column!

Go Cubs Go....Go Cubs Go...

I just might be visiting Chicago in October after all.

Submitted by navigator
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 10:45am

First Place?!?!?!? 3 up in the loss column!=Fire Hendry

only at TCR

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:08pm

Talk to me when Hendry wins a World Series as a GM.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:12pm

Every year, 31 GMs should be fired!

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:47pm

Your words, not mine...

Submitted by Paul Noce
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 10:46am

Dickhead Bud Selig is trying to cement his place in the history of stupidity by reconsidering Pete Rose's lifetime ban from the Hall.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4358260

Submitted by mannytrillo
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:09pm

Long overdue...

Submitted by Tito
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 10:58am

I love Bradley continuing to swing at 3-0 pitches and fouling them off.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:21am

Maybe a bit more from the left side?

Submitted by billybucks
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:14pm

....while also taking close pitches with 2 strikes and being shocked --- shocked! -- when he is called out.

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 11:23am

. Plus, I'm a big believer of having experienced, journeyman pitchers in the bullpen.
---
howry, eyre, remlinger, hawkins, heilman, cfox, leiber, rusch, veres, aguillera, guthrie, alfonseca, weathers, van poppel, karchner

i'm agnostic on this topic...but dont recall acquiring one that really helped make a difference

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:11pm

Rod Beck!!!!

Seriously though, I'm with you on this one, Cubster. I've always said I'd much rather take the best young pitchers our minor leagues have to offer and start their careers in the bullpen rather than spend $2-3 million on guys like Howry, Eyre, Remlinger, LaTroy, et al.

Submitted by billybucks
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:16pm

Great Names! Aguilera and van Poppel.

Nice trip down (bad) memory lane.

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:15pm

a big believer of having experienced, journeyman pitchers in the bullpen.
---

and although the trade was from Ed Lynch's (not Hendry) at the trade deadline...Karchner for Garland should be a lesson learned for all GM's out there who trade for mediocre middle reliever help at the deadline.

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 07/27/2009 - 12:29pm

and another Ed Lynch trade with a hefty pricetag:

Rick Aguillera

...before the Twins traded the 37-year-old and pitcher Scott Downs to the Chicago Cubs for Kyle Lohse and Jason Ryan.

I guess Scott Downs was a nice haul here...he eventually went to the Expos...July 31, 2000, he was traded by the Cubs to the Expos for Rondell White.

Ed Lynch is still on the Cubs payroll! (an old Murph line), but it's still true.

...listed as Special Assistant to the General Manager

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/team/front_office.jsp?...

(I say he's got unsavory pics of Zell/Crane Kenney/Hendry/Dusty/Lou and a few others...hopefully not any Ricketts in his photo inventory)

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