It has begun!! Well, if you consider a Sox-A's game played in Japan (while there are still 100 spring training games to be played) a beginning. Lets hear some predictions!!!
I'm calling the NL Central as:
Brewers 88-74
Cubs 86-76
Reds 80-82
Pirates 75-87
Cardinals 73-89
Astros 71-91
It's gonna be a tough, long season in the central. Both Chicago and Milwaukee are lacking on the back end of their rotation. A couple injuries could throw everything out the window. Over/under on Kerry Wood's 1st DL appearance is May 31st. ;D
I dunno, depending on the amount of work he gets I could see Woody on the DL by April 30.
Quote from: Mike S on March 25, 2008, 12:05:02 PM
Over/under on Kerry Wood's 1st DL appearance is May 31st. ;D
i will take the under on that one for sure. ;D
I was going to wait for the usual suspects to bleed blue all over their keyboards. In any case, I find it hard to believe the Cubs will fail to win 90 games which should easily win the division. It doesn't really matter what Wood does as the Cubs are three deep in short inning relievers. The Sox will be much improved and will win 88 games. Too bad it will take 95 minimum to win their division. I figure that it will still be exciting for me until registration fills for Rockford. Right around then it will be a little too big of a gap for the Sox. :angry:
Tigers beat the Mets in the World Series. Questions of the year- on September 1 who is the Sox 3rd baseman and who is the Cubs closer? Can Jerry Owens lead off over a whole season? Soriano will get more RBI's now that he is not a leadoff hitter. But will he have more RBI's or K's? What will Contreras' ERA be on June 1? It will still be a full point lower than Jason Marquis. I still pick Ozzie to get thrown out of 5 more games than Lou.
Picking on Woody is pointless. Our season is not dependent on him at all with Marmol in the pen. Wood was able to stay relatively healthy as a short reliever last season. On the upside he did not walk a batter in spring training.
The Cubs are clearly tops in the division on paper. The Brew have an awesome young lineup, but are severely lacking in the pitching department. What is the over/under on Sheets' 1st DL stint? By the way he has really been struggling in the spring and appears to have lost alot.
I'll put the the finishing order as follows:
Cubs
Brew
Astros (this team is greatly improved with Pence, Bourn, and Tejada in the lineup. They could end up winning it when the inevitable Cubs/Brewers meltdowns come)
Cardinals
Reds
Pirates
I'm not so sure about the Astros finishing 3rd. They don't have much of a rotation outside of Oswalt. Expect the Reds to finish a lot better this year with Dusty Baker as manager. Reds always start strong and then fade out. It will be interesting to see if they sputter quickly or cling for a while.
I'm thinking things will look like this:
Cubs
Reds
Brewers (rotation issues is why I put them 3rd)
Astros
Cardinals (if only because of Pujols do I not put them last)
Pirates (who from the Pirates gets traded to the Cubs this year? Jason Bay?)
Yeah Dusty Baker is an awesome manager..................omfg. i guess you were in a coma from 2003 to 2006?
Quote from: Dan Michler on March 25, 2008, 02:22:11 PM
Yeah Dusty Baker is an awesome manager..................omfg. i guess you were in a coma from 2003 to 2006?
*sigh*
To back up an informed opinion... the first year that Dusty joined the Giants they had a 31 victory improvement. The first year he joined the Cubs they had a 21 victory improvement. Harang and Arroyo are a more potent 1-2 top of rotation over most of what the other clubs have to offer this year in the Central. Adding Francisco Cordero was a nice addition.
Now the stupid thing that the Reds did? Signed Corey Patterson. So maybe they won't have as great of a 2008 season, but I was there for every exhilerating and painful moment of 2003. Don't be surprised if for the first year with Dusty as manager the Reds do a lot better than what you give them credit for.
To backup an even more well informed opinion.......Dusty joined the Giants in 1993, the same year as what 1993 MVP left fielder?? ohhhhh thats right, Barry Bonds. maybe you have heard of him? Do you think THAT might have had something to do with the large improvement in the Giants? hmmmmm. maybe. Or maybe its just all about Dusty.
Then Dusty joines the Cubs 10 years later for the only season we ever had Wood, Prior, and Zambrano healthy for an entire year. My Mom could have managed that team to the playoffs with the stacked rotation we had that year. But by all means, give all that credit to Dusty there Pitner. That makes alot of sense. And as everybody knows, Dusty proceeded to use those 3 arms for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd most pitches thrown in the 2003 MLB season. And go figure, Wood and Prior would never be the same afterwards.
Not to mention, Dusty's inability to make any effort to calm the team and Mark Prior down after the Bartman incident and Gonzalez' booted double play ball in Game 6 cost us a trip to the World Series. You have total control of a game, then you see Prior losing it on the mound, cursing and carrying on after the foul ball, and you don't even bother to make a trip out there until the lead is vanished. Solid managing. Hey Reds!, have fun listening to the ridiculous press conferences and watching 35 year old utility players play every day instead of your young talent after you are 15 games out of 1st place. Good times!
P.S. Did you enjoy the fact that Dusty ran Steve Stone out of town because he couldn't handle Steve making simple observations about his managing style? THAT WAS AWESOME! F*%@ Dusty Baker!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never said I liked Dusty Baker's performance as manager. I said that Dusty would help the Reds do better than you gave them credit for. I'm fully expecting the Reds to blow it at some point this year.
Cubs could have won game 7 too...
But now Lou is the manager, Prior's gone, and it should be a fun season.
as usual i predict cubs vs white sox world series
with the city imploding before game 7 at (can the club buy the naming rights ) Discontinuum Field
Quote from: airspuds on March 29, 2008, 07:37:46 AM
(can the club buy the naming rights ) Discontinuum Field
Membership dues going up in 2009 ;D
Ok all, time for a little homerism from the other side....
Prediction:
Brewers: 89-73
That back of the rotation may seem weak on first glance, but I look at the Gallardo, Villanueva,
Parra 3-4-5 to be very positive, and the defense (which cost us the division last year) should be
much improved.
Cubs: 88:74
Marmol will be closing by Memorial Day.They will have a tied for the lead going into the final
weekend and will miss it by losing 2 out of 3 in Milwaukee.
Cinncinati: 81-80
The Reds will be improved due to having Joey Votto and Johnny Cueto playing this year.. Downfall
will be the relationship between Dusty and his veterans
Houston: 80-82
As always a killer lineup supporting a very average pitching staff.
Pittsburgh: 74-88
Improvement is still going to be slow, but there may be a line at the end of the tunnel.
St. Louis: 74=88:
After Pujols, not much offensively. Pitching may be interesting
JMHO,
Steve
There's a U Pick 'em on chicagosports.com where you can join the North or South side challenge (or both), and for each game you predict if the Cubs or Sox will win or lose depending on if you are in the north or south side challenge.
I'd set up a private group if anyone was interested in joining, but you can only manage one private group... and my private group is just for my family.
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.upickem.net/upickem/index.asp?theprocess=1
You can pick north side or south side from the link above.
It's free to play, don't think there are any prizes - just playing for fun. Predicting 162 losses is probably what some people would want to do, but it's interesting to see if you can pick better than what the clubs final record turns out to be. I kept getting my series picks correct with the notion of winning 2 out of 3, but I would pick the wrong game they lose. Frustrating!
So what shirtless trailer trash White Sox fan wants to bet me 10 bucks on who has the better record in '08? Airspuds??????? I always take the bet in past years even when my team sucks on paper. :)
We are going to kick your ass! Nobody will even remember that the White Sox play in Chicago too.
10 bucks over all win total
ill take that bet dan
Quote from: Dan Michler on March 31, 2008, 05:03:55 AM
So what shirtless trailer trash White Sox fan wants to bet me 10 bucks on who has the better record in '08? Airspuds??????? I always take the bet in past years even when my team sucks on paper. :)
We are going to kick your ass! Nobody will even remember that the White Sox play in Chicago too.
I do not believe in betting with the heart rather than the head. My head tells me that the Cubs should be a few games better than the Sox this year. However, Dan, you bet me and then doubled me a couple years ago when the Cubs had zero chance of being better than the World Champion White Sox. I am guilted into betting back this year. I figure my odds this year are still better than yours were that year...what the heck...you're on. $10. I want to say this right now-- When the Sox make a little move in late August and come within a few games of the Cubs, I am not going to stand on my feet and exclaim in a high pitched voice, "ooh, ooh, ooh" in prayer that a warning track fly ball of a few games will go over the fence of this bet. I know better. After all, I'm not a Cubs fan. :P
Looks like 2008 is off to a great start for both the Cubs and Sox. Lets see if Buerhle can maintain that stellar 37.80 era. With baseball season starting in Chicago heartbreak isn't far behind.
Quote from: Tom McManus on March 31, 2008, 07:27:29 PM
Looks like 2008 is off to a great start for both the Cubs and Sox. Lets see if Buerhle can maintain that stellar 37.80 era. With baseball season starting in Chicago heartbreak isn't far behind.
great game by the cubbies today woo hooooo go Brew Crew
I think we are in for another brutal year. Gonna be a close race all the way to the end.
BTW I have two extra tickets for tomorrow's Cubs-Brewers game available. Field box Infield. They cost me $40 each- I have them listed on craigslist right now, going to the best offer. I've only gotten garbage offers so far.
Quote from: Mike S on April 01, 2008, 11:54:56 AM
I think we are in for another brutal year.
One thing I love about Cubs fans is the unbridled emotion. Mike, its one, count 'em, one, game. You are cheering for a warning track shot again. Its sort of like sitting too close to the televsiion set and not seeing the entire picture. Or, to put it in the context of this message board, its like a double bogey on the first hole of a four round tournament. One game, one weird and unfortunate game but one game. it is neither reason to fear that its all over nor reason to think that the Brewers have it sewn up. At least your starter didn't get lit up like a neon sign. :-\ That being said, I'm not ready to say its going to be a brutal year yet either.
i'm pretty sure mike is a Brewers fan not a Cubs fan.
I think you're right. Same comments apply but the Brewers do have cool mascots who play disc golf. I am resisting the double edge sword-- where I get to say something snotty about both Cubs and Brewers fans.
Is Prince Fielder ever going to hit a home run?
Soriano doing his Mark Prior impression now. Sprains ankle on the most routine fly ball ever hit and leaves the game in the 1st inning. Solid!!!!!!!!
So far your predictions on the Reds success and Wood's health aren't looking very accurate Mr. Pitner....
Wood is going to stay relatively healthy and save 30 games this year...FACT.
Kosuke is the new Mark Grace and is exactly what the Cubs needed. His numbers aren't going to be overwhelming, but he is worth every penny we spent on him. #2 in the league in pitches seen per AB, which I think is a very important stat when it comes to helping your team win games.
Also the Astros are an underrated team and are going to challenge for the division before the year is over.
I got to see your Cubs beat the Reds last night, first NL game I've been to. There were more Cubs fans than Reds!
Quote from: Dan Michler on May 07, 2008, 05:11:25 PM
So far your predictions on the Reds success and Wood's health aren't looking very accurate Mr. Pitner....
Wood is going to stay relatively healthy and save 30 games this year...FACT.
Kosuke is the new Mark Grace and is exactly what the Cubs needed. His numbers aren't going to be overwhelming, but he is worth every penny we spent on him. #2 in the league in pitches seen per AB, which I think is a very important stat when it comes to helping your team win games.
Also the Astros are an underrated team and are going to challenge for the division before the year is over.
I didn't see where I mentioned stuff about Wood's health - although I didn't read all of the past posts closely. Wood has been fine - unless I missed a recent story? 5 for 8 in saves, correct? He'll be fine.
Yeah, the reds are just a bunch of ex-cubs flubbing it up right now. I didn't expect St. Louis to play as well as they are right now though. Will be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes...
Is it just me or has big Z sucked since Uncle Lou pushed him to 130 pitches a few weeks ago. He could probably use a couple light starts under 100.
A very exciting weekend coming up with both teams in first place. I am glad that the Sox do not have to face Zambrano, not that he was scheduled to pitch anyway.
Your right Tom, it was a very exciting weekend. I guess the awesome starting rotation that Sox fans keep telling me about, just doesn't quite cut it. Just need to take 1 next weekend to win the season series, hell yeah!
Really sick of the Lou vs. Ozzie talk that seems to be in the media alot lately. Actually the less time they can spend showing Ozzie's worthless, whiney mug on TV the better. I love how he goes off on some ridiculous rant, blasting everybody, but then 2 weeks later when things are better he says 'people have to understand, when I say these things its just to make my players better". shhhhhure. all part of ozzie's master plan ::) or maybe he lost his temper after another bad offensive perfomance and then decided to blame it on his GM for giving him bad players? Ozzie was on to something there though, his GM does suck bigtime and so do his players, fans, stadium, and general attitude towards life. the Sox SUCK!!!!!!
Kudos to the Cubs. They kicked the Sox butt this weekend. We will see what happens next weekend and we will see who plays in October and for how long.
I don't think the Sox hit better because Ozzie went on a rant a few weeks ago. However, I think that rant was called for. His pitchers had done a great job in Tampa Bay (much better than this past weekend) and his hitters had done nothing. I don't think he was telling anything but the truth. If his hitters continued to swing at air he was going to use different players. I don't doubt for a minute that he would have done so. The Cubs have a more talented team. The Sox will continue to battle and are still a good pick to make the post season. The Cubs WILL have a better record by the end of the season. Will they succeed in the post season? Hmmm. Fortunately, they also have an eccentric manager. I think he is the reason why they have a chance to actually win something. Of course, if they meet in October I would not bet against Ozzie or his pitching staff. However, I am sure I can find a few suckers on this message board, bouyed by the recent sweep, who are looking to lose some paper or plastic on such a wager.
Dave, if we meet in October/November, 1st of all the universe will collapse in on itself, and 2nd of all I will DEFINITELY be taking all bets on that series. The Sox have a LONG way to go to even make the postseason and a ton more obstacles in their way than the Cubs (see the Tigers and Twins). All I know is this is the best team the Cubs have had since I've been alive. That being said I still half-expect Lee and Aram to contract malaria and see the Cubs divebomb into last place.............
My goodness this Cubs team is loaded. Could CC Sabathia be another Rick Sutcliffe? He is more than available right now. I just don't want to give up as much to get CC as we did to get Sutcliffe. But it would be worth another Joe Carter for a shot at the World Series. If we have 1 in the minors.
Now who can convince Soriano to hit in the 6 spot when he comes back?
Dan you were alive in '84 weren't ya? Probably just don't remember any of it. :) I know they didn't put up the offensive numbers like they do nowadys but that was before the so caled "Live Ball ERA" *cough, cough* HGH, Steroids.
I think we could live without Lee for awhile with Micah Hoffpauir available but please do not let anything happen to Aram. I never thought I would say that about Aram but the numbers don't lie.
And I never thought I would be routing for Jim Edmunds. That is almost as bad as when I was routing for Dennis Rodman.
Its too early to compare this team to a team from another era (all we know so far is this team has a better win% than the 84 team). If this team makes it to the World Series though, then obviously every sane person is taking this team over every Cubs team since 1945.
The Cubs have scored 418 runs and given up 306. Next best run differential is the Phils with +71. We are 1st in On Base, 4th in Slugging, and 1st in AVG. We have the 4th best Team ERA. No matter how you look at it, we have been the dominant team in all of baseball this year. Clearly adding another starter is going to be a priority for Hendry before the trade deadline rolls around. Sabathia and Zambrano at the top would make us far and away the class of the NL. In my opinion right now, Lou needs to be alot more conservative on Zambrano and Dempster's pitch counts. I said that earlier after Z's 130 pitch outing, and what do you know, on the DL now with shoulder soreness. And leaving Dempster out there for 100 ptiches every time isn't smart either considering his history of injury problems as a starter AND the fact that he hasn't pitched 100 innings in a year since 5 seasons ago. We don't need a bunch of burnt out starters come October (i.e. 2003 squad).
I'll ignore the comment about us being fine if Lee goes down. :rolleyes: I like Hoffpauir too, but he's still an unproven prospect who has a long ways to go to replace a Derrek Lee.
I'm
Quote from: Dan Michler on June 24, 2008, 12:55:48 PM
Its too early to compare this team to a team from another era (all we know so far is this team has a better win% than the 84 team). If this team makes it to the World Series though, then obviously every sane person is taking this team over every Cubs team since 1945.
The Cubs have scored 418 runs and given up 306. Next best run differential is the Phils with +71. We are 1st in On Base, 4th in Slugging, and 1st in AVG. We have the 4th best Team ERA. No matter how you look at it, we have been the dominant team in all of baseball this year. Clearly adding another starter is going to be a priority for Hendry before the trade deadline rolls around. Sabathia and Zambrano at the top would make us far and away the class of the NL. In my opinion right now, Lou needs to be alot more conservative on Zambrano and Dempster's pitch counts. I said that earlier after Z's 130 pitch outing, and what do you know, on the DL now with shoulder soreness. And leaving Dempster out there for 100 ptiches every time isn't smart either considering his history of injury problems as a starter AND the fact that he hasn't pitched 100 innings in a year since 5 seasons ago. We don't need a bunch of burnt out starters come October (i.e. 2003 squad).
I'll ignore the comment about us being fine if Lee goes down. :rolleyes: I like Hoffpauir too, but he's still an unproven prospect who has a long ways to go to replace a Derrek Lee.
I'm
The starting pitching is not nearly as good as other division winners. The relief pitching is tremendous. The lineup is as good as any past Cub club. Nice mix of speed and power. They have the best manager they have ever had. Most importantly, they seem to play for today rather than the echos of the past. That could be a lethally dangerous weapon. The fans, oh, i've railed about that in the past. Nonetheless, this is a very good team. Over a season, nobody will beat them. However, I think their starting pitching could be a big problem in October.
just start Dempster for only home playoff games, heh, that will help.
I've been hearing rumors about the Cubs going after Rich Harden of Oakland - the guy is injury prone though, so hopefully they can find someone else that has a rubber arm.
One key is to make sure that if C.C. doesn't come to the Cubs, he doesn't go anywhere in the NL either where it could come back to bite them. Milwaukee is supposedly the frontrunner for C.C., and that's not cool w/ me.
Cubs definetly need to make some moves if they intend to win a World Series. There starting pitching is not good enough to with stand playoff baseball. By the way , IMO if they sweep the SOX at the CELL next weekend thats just as good as a World Series to me ONLY becouse all my disc golf buddies are SOX fans >:(.
CC would be a good addition to the rotation but I dont think he is the missing piece to the Cubs puzzle. He wants a WHOLE LOT of money that the Cubs can spend else where. I DO NOT think CC will ever put up the numbers he has put up in the past 3 years. Just another MLB stud to dud in the MLB season who wants WAY too much money for sub-par play. The funny part is that the Cubs are one of the only teams who are able to give him that money and probably will the way they are spending money now a days. Does anyone else think its a coincendece that the Cubs are spending all this money since October and about to sell the team and stadium? Sorry for the spelling I been drinking. :lol: I just think if the Cubs dont do well in the playoffs this year there will be ALOT of roster moves next year that will put us right back in the position we have been in the past 100 years. Thats right 100 years!
I disagree on Sabathia. His numbers are not what they have been the past couple years yet. But since his total debacle of a start to 2008, he has returned to form. By the end of the year his numbers will be right in line with his typical career numbers. Starters like him who can dominate and never miss starts (atleast 30 starts in 6 of 7 seasons) are priceless.
I don't think the Cubs have enough to get CC. While he might not be the ideal player, he is the best pitcher available, and I just don't think the Cubs have what it takes. I can almost guarantee that he will be traded to the NL also. The Indians don't want to trade him in the AL (similar to Santana) and then have to face him a lot in the coming years. Not to say they won't, but it would take a lot to do it, and the Yankees and Red Sox wouldn't give up what it would take to get a much better pitcher in Santana. I think there is a very good chance CC doesn't get traded, since it sounds like the Indians won't give anyone a window to resign CC before a trade is finalized.
The Cubs are a very good team, but as they stand, I don't think they can win it all. They need more pitching. Zambrano is already hurt, and if you remember how the Cubs handled the Prior/Wood fiasco, who really knows how hurt he is? I don't think Dempster will last the whole year without a big drop off. He hasn't pitched more than 100 innings the past few years, and he got hurt more than once as a full season starter.
Pearso66, where have you been? I miss your ridiculous comments about the Cubs.
They CAN'T win it all in the playoffs?? Thats just dumb. If you can win in the regular season, you can win in the playoffs. Actually, its significantly easier to be successful in the MLB playoffs than it is in the regular season. How far back to you have to look for proof of that (Cardinals '06) Did they have dominant 1 and 2 starter? Anybody can get hot at the right time and win a 7 game series in baseball. Being good for 162 games...much harder. Besides, who in the National League has a rotation that is so much better suited for the playoffs? Arizona has Webb/Haren/Owings and Philly has Hamels/Myers/Moyer/Eaton/Kendrick (whichever 2 you want to go with Hamels).
Ever since Arizona won in 2001 over the Yankees with Johnson and Schilling, people think you have to have 2 guys like that to be successful. I really don't think thats the case. If it were, the A's would have won a playoff series with Mulder/Hudson/Zito in their prime...but they didn't.
Please keep talking about how bad our starting rotation is Sox fans. Our staff ERA.......4th best in the majors.
Sox have the 2nd best ERA in baseball, so I dont know if you were trying to rip on that or what, but anyway.
I didn't say they couldn't win because of lack of a top 2, I said that I don't see Dempster and possibly now Zambrano being healthy. You have to admit that if those 2 are down, the Cubs are shot.
Yes it is possible to get hot at the right time, but pitching wins championships. You saw what the Sox pitching did in 05, and yes, they were a good staff. Just like St. Louis, and Boston had good rotations also.
It's my opinion that I don't think they can win it all with what they have. I'm sure you were one of the millions of people saying the Sox had no chance in 05, nobody wanted to admit that team was good, but they were very good. The Cubs right now are the best team in the league, but if Dempster and Zambrano can't stay healthy, and if Wood's arm falls back off, it's going to be "Wait till next year" again. I also don't think Howry is that good of a reliever, and if Wood goes down, he's going to be relied on a lot more.
I was not trying to rip on the Sox ever. I don't have to rip their team, we just spanked them 3 str8. Several Sox fans (including yourself) have been saying to me that the Cubs rotation sucks and thats why we're going down. My reply to how much our pitching sucks is just that we have the 4th best staff in the league.
Yeah I think you can pretty safely say that if all the best players on the Cubs get injured then we will probably suck. Is there a team that doesn't apply to?? I love how we're assuming a Dempster injury when he is totally healthy right now. Z had an MRI and there was no damage. He'll be fine as long as Lou doesn't push him like he was last month.
Well, I am assuming Dempster will get hurt because 1, he hasn't pitched over 100 innings the past 2-3 years, and prior to that he got hurt a couple of times. If he stays healthy, great, but even if he doesn't get hurt, it's possible that he will be worn down, and not be as affective. As for Zambrano, yes, his MRI showed no damage, but remember 2-3 years ago when Prior was completely healthy, nothing showed up on the MRI, and then he went to pitch like 5 innings all year? Not saying that is the case with Zambrano, but it wouldn't be the first time the Cubs lied about a pitchers injury. It all started as he was just going to miss 1 start, and then all of a sudden he was on the DL. As for your other pitchers, Marquis isn't that good, you know that. Lilly while good, had a horrible post season last year. Do the Cubs have a 5th starter written in? Gallagher is probably your best bet. I don't know what happened to Hill, all I heard last year was he was going to be the best lefthanded pitcher in baseball, and he couldn't find the strike zone this year. I'm not saying you said that about Hill, I heard that from many many Cub fans, on why he shouldn't be traded for Bedard last year.
Once again, the Cubs top 2 pitchers are very good, also their bullpen is one of the best in baseball, but the bottom 3 are questionable, and if you lose Wood, I don't know how the rest of the bullpen will hold up. Can Marmol close? Can Howry or Eyre handle the late inning pressure? Can they handle the pressure of the playoffs?
Quote from: pearso66 on June 25, 2008, 02:56:10 PM
Well, I am assuming Dempster will get hurt because 1, he hasn't pitched over 100 innings the past 2-3 years, and prior to that he got hurt a couple of times. If he stays healthy, great, but even if he doesn't get hurt, it's possible that he will be worn down, and not be as affective. As for Zambrano, yes, his MRI showed no damage, but remember 2-3 years ago when Prior was completely healthy, nothing showed up on the MRI, and then he went to pitch like 5 innings all year? Not saying that is the case with Zambrano, but it wouldn't be the first time the Cubs lied about a pitchers injury. It all started as he was just going to miss 1 start, and then all of a sudden he was on the DL. As for your other pitchers, Marquis isn't that good, you know that. Lilly while good, had a horrible post season last year. Do the Cubs have a 5th starter written in? Gallagher is probably your best bet. I don't know what happened to Hill, all I heard last year was he was going to be the best lefthanded pitcher in baseball, and he couldn't find the strike zone this year. I'm not saying you said that about Hill, I heard that from many many Cub fans, on why he shouldn't be traded for Bedard last year.
Once again, the Cubs top 2 pitchers are very good, also their bullpen is one of the best in baseball, but the bottom 3 are questionable, and if you lose Wood, I don't know how the rest of the bullpen will hold up. Can Marmol close? Can Howry or Eyre handle the late inning pressure? Can they handle the pressure of the playoffs?
The answer is yes, yes, yes.
The cubs just don't need games in a dome on that stupid field turf. I'm hoping the Cubs can find a taker on likes-to-swing-at-pitches-near-my-eyeballs-Cedeno.
I heard a report during tonight's Cubs game that Z was playing catch casually today while trying to relax - he is ready to go once the 15-day DL is up (and playing catch isn't the reason why he's ready to go, it sounded like he told Santo he was ready).
Cool note: Lilly started the season 0-4, but is now 8-5. Works for me.
Dempster spent the entire offseason concentrating on endurance exercises. Hopefully a good result of that is a full season.
Marquis: get back to me after he starts a few after the all-star break. You never know with this guy.
It would be great to see another starter come in here that could help bolster the rotation. Who do the Pirates have for the Cubs to pick at and steal? lol.
Magic Number: 80 :)
Just when I was starting to like Edmonds he lets us down. He dogs it from 3rd on the fly ball then has a chance to light up Molina. He does not & gets thrown out. A huge rally was killed.
Yes Wood should have closed that out but a few insurance runs would have been nice.
Things have heated up in the Central with the Brewers on a roll. This 4 gamer this week is about as big as a July series can get. I'll be happy if the Cubs can split on the road and keep the 1 game lead. Soriano sparked the offense yesterday and I think he can really give the added boost we need to get to the finish. It'd be nice if Fukudome could bring some of the energy back that made us the best team in baseball for the first 3 months.
I'm going to the game on Wednesday. Can't wait! Miller Park is an awesome place to see a game.
Quote from: Dan Michler on July 28, 2008, 11:26:50 AM
I'm going to the game on Wednesday. Can't wait! Miller Park is an awesome place to see a game.
See you there!
Big series. I can't believe the Brewers swept the Cards in St. Louis. Wonder if Carpenter coming back and starting this week will give the Cards a boost.
I hope CC doesnt get his 4th complete game in a row (unless its for a loss!).
Quote from: discpro99 on July 28, 2008, 11:47:54 AM
Quote from: Dan Michler on July 28, 2008, 11:26:50 AM
I'm going to the game on Wednesday. Can't wait! Miller Park is an awesome place to see a game.
See you there!
you going too? i'll be in sec'n 207 which is 1st base side in the outfield foul territory.
Quote from: Dan Michler on July 29, 2008, 06:34:44 AM
Quote from: discpro99 on July 28, 2008, 11:47:54 AM
Quote from: Dan Michler on July 28, 2008, 11:26:50 AM
I'm going to the game on Wednesday. Can't wait! Miller Park is an awesome place to see a game.
See you there!
you going too? i'll be in sec'n 207 which is 1st base side in the outfield foul territory.
Im not sure where im sitting yet I signed up for one of those party buses in May for 75.00. Ride to and from game, ticket and all you can drink on the bus. Not bad. Hopefully its as good of a game as last night.
So Griffey goes to the White Sox....
I happened to be in Cincinnati over the weekend. Sat nite he let a fly ball drop 30 ft in front of him; the boos would have been deafening had the park not been only half-full. Later in the game he nailed a runner at the plate w/ a bullet from 350, so he can still play if he wants to. In between these plays he hit one out, which I missed because I was at a concession stand (Great American Ball Park has the most mediocre food of any MLB park I've ever been to, incidentally...)
He clearly wanted out of Cincy - the team itself has obviously quit already, and the manager (whose name I can't recall at the moment :P ) left his pitcher in until he'd given up 15 hits by the 5th inning (I'm not kidding.) How exactly he'll fit in with the Sox is a question others will have to address.
Oh yeah, got a round in at Mt. Airy. Long, tough but fair, fun, not a destination course but definitely worth playing if you're out that way.
You have to figure that the Sox have some other trade brewing to make room for Griffey. Griffey had to approve the trade and there's no way he would approve a trade if he wasn't going to be an every day player. Either that or they're going to put Konerko on the DL...ever since he's been back he's been playing like he's injured.
unreal what the Cubs have going on right now. After 121 games last season, the Cubs were 62-59. This year they are 74-47. Wow. They didn't have 74 wins last year until September 12th!
I forget how many games over .500 they were when I heard the stat that they hadn't been this many games over since the 1984 season (it was something around 23 or 24 games I think). Now they are +27. Hope they keep it rolling in Florida!
What a game! If the Cubs dont win the World Series this year, ;) then they will win it next year.
Not to change the subject but what a race by Phelps. Unreal finish!
GO USA :)
Pitner's Dusty Baker loving preseason prediction:
Cubs
Reds
Brewers (rotation issues is why I put them 3rd)
Astros
Cardinals (if only because of Pujols do I not put them last)
Pirates (who from the Pirates gets traded to the Cubs this year? Jason Bay?)
Michler's intelligent and insightful preseason prediction:
Cubs
Brew
Astros (this team is greatly improved with Pence, Bourn, and Tejada in the lineup. They could end up winning it when the inevitable Cubs/Brewers meltdowns come)
Cardinals
Reds
Pirates
Reality:
Cubs
Brewers -4 1/2
Cards -10
Astros -12
Reds -23 1/2
Bucs -26
With the Astros winning their last 7 games, it looks like I'm going to nail this thing exactly. I just wanted to point out how awesome I am :) Go ahead and pick the Reds to compete again next year Scott!
lol, I want to see if I talked about the Reds before or after they signed Corey Patterson and whatever other lame ex-Cub they could scrounge up. You also wouldn't have expected quite as bad of a season as what Harang is putting up along with Arroyo. If those two were anything like what they were in the past with how Volquez is doing, things would be a little different.
But ... they were Bakered. Pitiful.
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 03, 2008, 06:12:26 AM
Pitner's Dusty Baker loving preseason prediction:
Cubs
Reds
Brewers (rotation issues is why I put them 3rd)
Astros
Cardinals (if only because of Pujols do I not put them last)
Pirates (who from the Pirates gets traded to the Cubs this year? Jason Bay?)
Michler's intelligent and insightful preseason prediction:
Cubs
Brew
Astros (this team is greatly improved with Pence, Bourn, and Tejada in the lineup. They could end up winning it when the inevitable Cubs/Brewers meltdowns come)
Cardinals
Reds
Pirates
Reality:
Cubs
Brewers -4 1/2
Cards -10
Astros -12
Reds -23 1/2
Bucs -26
With the Astros winning their last 7 games, it looks like I'm going to nail this thing exactly. I just wanted to point out how awesome I am :) Go ahead and pick the Reds to compete again next year Scott!
Dan,
I have an extra sling for your arm in case you wrenched your shoulder by patting yourself on the back.
Hey, sometimes around here it's the only way your back gets patted! ;D
ZAMBRANO!!!!!! What a game! First no-hitter I've ever seen happen live - it's always just highlights.
WOW
first no hitter at a neutral site since 1900
around the cubs last world series win
better hope z-man's arm holds up for the playoffs
if i was manager i would have pulled him in the after the 7th
keeping the pitch count under 90 for a guy who needed 13 days rest
how many simulated games do you see in the z-mans future ( think prior and wood )
i know its historic and all but the no hitter is a personal accomplishment
not a team accomplishment
the eye on the prize is a world series ring - if you ask nice i ll show you a pic
with me wearing one of those rings
again im not impressed as Buehrle had a no hitter last year ( perfect game - 27 batters )
to all cubs fans - win the world series like you all have expected and i will impressed
but i dont see the cubs winning it all
even if the white sox make the playoffs boston is the real deal
and will not be an easy opponent for anyone
Quote from: airspuds on September 15, 2008, 06:32:27 AM
first no hitter at a neutral site since 1900
around the cubs last world series win
better hope z-man's arm holds up for the playoffs
if i was manager i would have pulled him in the after the 7th
keeping the pitch count under 90 for a guy who needed 13 days rest
how many simulated games do you see in the z-mans future ( think prior and wood )
i know its historic and all but the no hitter is a personal accomplishment
not a team accomplishment
the eye on the prize is a world series ring - if you ask nice i ll show you a pic
with me wearing one of those rings
again im not impressed as Buehrle had a no hitter last year ( perfect game - 27 batters )
to all cubs fans - win the world series like you all have expected and i will impressed
but i dont see the cubs winning it all
even if the white sox make the playoffs boston is the real deal
and will not be an easy opponent for anyone
Spuds. Come on man. Even this Sox fan thinks any no-no is a big deal. Zambrano threw about 110 pitches and was very efficent. The biggest thing that added to his pitch count is that his stuff was so good that he had too many strikeouts. No manager is going to pull a guy after 7 with a no hitter. If the Astros got a hit Zambrano should have been pulled immediately. I do not know if they had somebody warm but they should have. Baseball is a screwy sport where lots of non-logical things can have an effect. A no hitter is a good thing and could help them find their rhythm the rest of the way.
What do I know? The Sox won more games yesterday and despite a bullpen meltdown (Dotel needs to watch some film as his mechanics are poor and he has been serving up home runs) the starting pitching is looking very strong. When the Sox have strong starting pitching they win games regardless of who they play.
It was fun switching between the two games last night. Its cooler today- October like weather. More baseball to come...
Comparing Zambrano to Prior and Wood is just ignorant. Zambrano has topped 200 innings in all 5 of his full big league seasons. He is on pace to top it again making it 6 straight. That is a mark of durability that very few in the majors can touch. I know because he missed a couple starts this year you would LOVE to think that something is wrong with Big Z, but last night he showed thats not going to happen.
But thanks for reminding us we haven't won the World Series yet, thats very original, yet predictable for a Sox fan. I actually was unaware it had been so long since the Cubs won a championship.
Quote from: Chainmeister on September 15, 2008, 07:41:35 AM
Spuds. Come on man. Even this Sox fan thinks any no-no is a big deal. Zambrano threw about 110 pitches and was very efficent. The biggest thing that added to his pitch count is that his stuff was so good that he had too many strikeouts. No manager is going to pull a guy after 7 with a no hitter. If the Astros got a hit Zambrano should have been pulled immediately. I do not know if they had somebody warm but they should have. Baseball is a screwy sport where lots of non-logical things can have an effect. A no hitter is a good thing and could help them find their rhythm the rest of the way.
Dave - for the record you're right, Lou said in the post-game interview that he DID have someone up in the 9th just in case Carlos gave up a hit, and he was going to be pulled immediately. He also said that he told bench coach Alan Trammell when Z was reaching what they wanted to be his max # of pitches that if they were going to pull Z out of the game, there was no way that he (Lou) was going to go out there and Alan had to be the one to do it. :)
IP H R ER BB K HR
C. Zambrano (L, 14-6) 1.2 6 8 8 3 1 1
form your own opinion
uhm... my opinion would be whoopty flippin doo? magic number at least is down to 2.
Quote from: airspuds on September 19, 2008, 03:02:26 PM
IP H R ER BB K HR
C. Zambrano (L, 14-6) 1.2 6 8 8 3 1 1
form your own opinion
My opinion is that Spuds spewing snot doesn't represent this Sox fan. It would be great to see the Cubs and the Sox in the World Series. But the Sox better get their act together or they will be sitting home.
hopefully the cubs dont blow it in the post season again
just having some fun as usual
Re: 2008 MLB Season
« Reply #10 on: March 29, 2008, 09:37:46 AM » Quote Modify
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
as usual i predict cubs vs white sox world series
with the city imploding before game 7 at (can the club buy the naming rights ) Discontinuum Field
--------------------------------------------------------
there was my prediction - so i do expect to see the cubs in the world series as every else one has predicted
sox seem to want to back in to the playoffs
they seem the weakest of teams amongst red sox , rays, angels & mn ( to some extent)
while the cubs do seem the strongest (mets phillies dodgers ) brewers
------------
like Fox TV says October is a whole new season
by the way u have u got playoff tix - i do
I am a Cubs fan. I would not be shocked at all to see them knocked out immediately. I'm hoping for the best.
Buerhle has given up atleast 7ER in 4 starts this year, 1 of which lasted just 1 2/3 innings.
What opinion did you form after those starts Spuds? I just want to know so I can figure out what opinion I should form after Zambrano's start today.
heard a news report after the game today with an interview with Zambrano. they said that he just arrived back in town late last night because he was away in Venezuela for his Grandma's funeral. Zambrano just said he didn't have his legs under him from the trip.
Props to Zambrano for going out there to pitch today - guess he should have waited another day or two.
BUT - Milwaukee pukes again and loses 11-2. Magic number 1. Let's see that celebration on the field after they win on Saturday!
This is what - first time they've won their division back to back since 1906-1908? something like that!
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 19, 2008, 06:04:23 PM
I am a Cubs fan. I would not be shocked at all to see them knocked out immediately. I'm hoping for the best.
Just look at my grey hair. Bartmans responsible! It's not going to happen again Brett. This is the year. Mark my word. Their pitching rotation is to good and their manager is one of the best. The City of Chicago is going to explode. Waveland will be rockin. If the Cubs and Sox face each other in the World Series, i have a feeling someone will die. The whole City may die. GO CHICAGO, THE BEST SPORTS CITY IN THE WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!!
World Series prediction; Sox over Cubs in 6 games, with record sick days and more beer consumed in one week in the City of Chicago than anywhere in the world...outside of Oktoberfest in Munich of course !
Sox got one game closer today and the Cubs are in. Are people excited that there is a chance of a Cub/Sox Sox/Cub WS? Or it is one game at a time?
When is the last time both teams made the WS? Event he Cubs making the playoff back to back is very rare. Super rare.
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 21, 2008, 07:00:17 PM
Sox got one game closer today and the Cubs are in. Are people excited that there is a chance of a Cub/Sox Sox/Cub WS? Or it is one game at a time?
When is the last time both teams made the WS? Event he Cubs making the playoff back to back is very rare. Super rare.
The last time both the Sox and Cubs were in the playoffs together was 1906 where they met each other in the World Series and the sox took it in 6. It's kinda whacky because from the beginning through 1968 there were no playoffs other than the world series.
I don't mind the Sox in the playoffs. I just really, really hope that it's not a Cubs/Sox world series. As much as I'd love to see the Cubs win that world series, there's no way that I'd want to have to deal with the Cubs possibly falling to the Sox.
Glad to see the cubbies in back to back postseasons and back to back divisional champs! (first time since they finished first in 1906-1908 consecutively)
What the hell. Vasquez is not the guy to get the job done. The White Sox need this game tonight.
You White Sox fans need to stop worrying about the Sox/Cubs world series and start worrying about making the postseason.
White Sox won't make the WS. Personally I'm hoping for Rays/Cubs with Cubs in 6. & I'd really like to see the Red Sox knocked out in the first round.
Thank god Basketball & Hockey season are almost here, it was a rough summer for Detroit fan.
Quote from: JCthrills on September 24, 2008, 08:37:59 AM
White Sox won't make the WS.
After last night I hate to say that this is the way the world looks. Fuzzy, unclear, uncertain, chaotic, X#%&ing Twinkie filled goo of a nightmare. But, Hey, Buhrle is pitching tonight and if he wins its back to 2 1/2 lead, magic number 3 and only 4 games to go. And, as the last few years have made painfully clear- anybody can win as long as they get in. (Sounds sort of like a Johnny Cochran line) I will step back from the ledge, get back on the couch and watch the game tonight. If they lose make sure to get a high pressure hose to wash away the mess on the sidewalk below the ledge. Well, even if they win, the ledge is still there. After all what team cannot seem to get a clutch hit, cannot figure out how to perform a run down, cannot get from first to third, starts my grandfather in centerfield when playing on a fast track, yeah...sigh...that team.
Uh oh Sox fans!!! (i still think you'll get in)
SPLAT!
No longer on the ledge. :-(
Fuckity fuck fuck....that is all
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 25, 2008, 05:43:06 AM
Uh oh Sox fans!!! (i still think you'll get in)
There is the kiss of death.
was it over when the germans bombed pearl harbor ?
hell no !!!!
still 3 games left with monday vs detroit a possibility
thats why 162 games are played
the MN series was not what i expected to see
the umpires have to make the correct calls in a psuedo playoff consequences series
sox played/managed like crap and thats why they lost but the umps blew huge calls in the last 2 games
go white sox !
Quote from: airspuds on September 26, 2008, 05:48:54 AM
the umpires have to make the correct calls in a psuedo playoff consequences series
sox
I totally disagree with this statement. Umpires are human and the human element is a big part of the game. All teams have had calls go for them and against them during the entire 162 game season. Just because this is a big series doesn't mean any of the series earlier this year were not as important. I had to turn the volume off last night. I've never heard so much whining about not only the call last night but the call the night prior. There is nothing professional about the Sox. Not Ozzie, not their TV crew, & not the GM.
GO TRIBE!!
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 26, 2008, 07:02:53 AM
Quote from: airspuds on September 26, 2008, 05:48:54 AM
the umpires have to make the correct calls in a psuedo playoff consequences series
sox
I totally disagree with this statement. Umpires are human and the human element is a big part of the game. All teams have had calls go for them and against them during the entire 162 game season. Just because this is a big series doesn't mean any of the series earlier this year were not as important. I had to turn the volume off last night. I've never heard so much whining about not only the call last night but the call the night prior. There is nothing professional about the Sox. Not Ozzie, not their TV crew, & not the GM.
GO TRIBE!!
There were some horrendous calls in this series. That being said, The Twinkies pasted the White Sox. The Sox had ample opportunities to win games 2 and 3 and simply blew it. The calls WERE bad but the Sox WERE worse. If the Sox had stranded a runner on 2nd or third in the 9th I might say the ridiculous non-strike strikeout call on Swisher had an effect. That didn't happen. Over the past three days pretty much nothing happend. Yeah, its true the Sox still have a chance and the teams are tied in the loss column. However, The White Sox look dead. The have had multiple opportunities to seize this over the past few weeks and have done nothing. Big deal. If they limp into the Playoffs because the Twins choke (which is certainly possible) they do not look like a team that can beat anybody. Dye has done exactly that. Konerko couldn't hit a whiffle ball. Jenks pitched 2+ innings last night and will not be useful this evening. With Quentin out who will get a clutch hit on this team right now? Hmmm. Dunno. They will probably score a dozen runs in one of the games against the Indians but will likely score 1 or 2 in the others.
Did we give up when the German's bombed Pearl Harbor? No, we didn't. Right now I would bet on the Delta House to get a few more key hits than the White Sox. Right now the Sox look like Flounder's car after the road trip.
Quote from: CEValkyrie on September 26, 2008, 07:02:53 AM
Quote from: airspuds on September 26, 2008, 05:48:54 AM
the umpires have to make the correct calls in a psuedo playoff consequences series
sox
I totally disagree with this statement. Umpires are human and the human element is a big part of the game. All teams have had calls go for them and against them during the entire 162 game season. Just because this is a big series doesn't mean any of the series earlier this year were not as important. I had to turn the volume off last night. I've never heard so much whining about not only the call last night but the call the night prior. There is nothing professional about the Sox. Not Ozzie, not their TV crew, & not the GM.
GO TRIBE!!
Ridiculous.
What a waste of energy to be rooting against a team in the other league. You would think that you would be rooting for them so your team could beat them in the World Series. Unless you don't have any confidence that your team could get that far.....
After the rant above I fell into tickets for Saturday night's game. J asked my wife if she wanted to go to the game. She said, "you'e not going to be depressed all night are you? If you are going to be a downer, I don't want to go." I can't blame her especially after the loud explative that shook the house shortly after last night's game ended. Now that my expectations are radically lowered, Its just a night at a ball game and there are scant few of those left this season. In order to make my experience tomorrow night better I am going to do the follow Brett's lead and root for a team in a different game. If they win tonight (and the Sox do) tomorrow might be a little more fun...COME ON ROYALS!!!
White Sox won a game! How about that. Well you just have to win 2 more in a row to get into the playoffs, right? What is it, a make-up game on Monday against (?), and then a 1 game playoff againt the Twins on Tuesday?
I'll be honest, I have really enjoyed the White Sox complete choke-job lately. Hopefully the Twins get in as that team really deserves it. How do you lose Santana and Hunter and still have such a competitive team? Very impressive. I agree with Brett, something needs to be done about the Hawk and DJ. Listening to those guys just isn't even tolerable. They spend half their time whining about how lucky the other team is, and the other half of the time whining about why the White Sox suck. Its terrible to listen to.
And in response to Tom, it is not a waste of energy to root against a team if you truely enjoy watching them struggle and lose. Finding something you enjoy is what being a sports fan is about. I'm sorry if the thing I enjoy happens to be the thing you hate....oh wait, I'm not THAT sorry!! ;D
Looks like Milwaukee limping into the Wildcard. I can't imagine them putting up much of a fight for the Dodgers. Unless Sabathia can pitch every other game and put up these kind of performances! Unreal! Cubs//Phils, who knows. If the many power hitters on the Phils come out hitting, then it could be rough. After Hamels their rotation is suspect.
I think Cubs/Dodgers would really be interesting if Manny keeps hitting like he has. They've been hot the last month once again, anything can happen. The reason the Cubs are built for the playoffs better than any other team in my opinion is their balance and consistency. We are tossing a solid starter out every day and not overworking anybody. We can hit home runs and manufacture runs which keeps us from prolonged offensive slumps. Our bullpen is as solid as you'll find in the NL.
Can't wait for October!
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 28, 2008, 02:16:28 PM
We can hit home runs and manufacture runs which keeps us from prolonged offensive slumps. Our bullpen is as solid as you'll find in the NL.
Can't wait for October!
What is this we garbage? You got Ryne Sandberg in your pocket? And you're right about not being a waste of enery. Pathetic is more appropriate.
Quote from: Tom McManus on September 28, 2008, 05:24:10 PM
Quote from: Dan Michler on September 28, 2008, 02:16:28 PM
We can hit home runs and manufacture runs which keeps us from prolonged offensive slumps. Our bullpen is as solid as you'll find in the NL.
Can't wait for October!
What is this we garbage? You got Ryne Sandberg in your pocket? And you're right about not being a waste of enery. Pathetic is more appropriate.
I pinch ran earlier this year in an extra inning game. Maybe you missed it.
I think you are confused about the definition of the word pathetic. Pathetic is losing 5 straight down the stretch to blow the divison. Pathetic is an overrated manager who says Javier Vazquez isn't a big game pitcher right before one of the biggest games of the year. Those are some solid motivational words. I'm sure if Vazquez had pitched well, Ozzie would be a great motivator for saying that. Since Vazquez blew up, Ozzie is just a guy telling it like it is. Win-win for Ozzie! Some bush league chicken s%&! in my opinion. Rooting against stuff like that is pretty easy to do Tom.
I guess its the Dodgers starting on Wednesday. I can't wait. Tickets on Stubhub from $70 up. World Series tickets are frickin $1800 up so thats not happening :o I'd love to go to a playoff game though. Brewers/Cubs NLCS would be awesome. I'll be rooting for both teams in the 1st round.
Beware. Beware of the undead. Beware of creatures of the night that cannot be eliminated. Take heed partisans of furry baby bears. You need not fear goats or other animals. Earthly creatures will not stop you. The path is still open. A red (line) will lead you to a confrontation with the undead. You cannot drive a stake into the hearts of these creatures. You cannot summon Van Helsing. Turn your heads. You will not want to watch. Best ye run to save your soul. Beware the undead.
Quote from: Chainmeister on September 30, 2008, 08:57:47 PM
Beware. Beware of the undead. Beware of creatures of the night that cannot be eliminated. Take heed partisans of furry baby bears. You need not fear goats or other animals. Earthly creatures will not stop you. The path is still open. A red (line) will lead you to a confrontation with the undead. You cannot drive a stake into the hearts of these creatures. You cannot summon Van Helsing. Turn your heads. You will not want to watch. Best ye run to save your soul. Beware the undead.
This season was very similar to 05, leading most of the year only to nearly relinquish the lead. In 2005
WE the Sox didn't give up the lead like in 08. I think most everyone remembers what happened in 05, 11-1 in the post season and a WS sweep.
Not that it is not going to happen again this year, but it is a little nicer to think about it when your team is back in the post season.
Both teams can't win the series, but both could make the series which would be unreal. Go White Sox! Go Cubs!
In 2005, the ticket broker prices were off the charts. I ended up getting first round tickets on ebay for $100 and got to see the Sox destroy the Boston Red Sox.
I am stocking up on umbrellas because it is going to be raining cats and dogs if both teams can make the WS.
Wow, you barely avoid a total collapse and then you call that a recipe for success. Awesome! I'm focused on enjoying this Cubs/Dodgers series and hopefully we get off to a good start in Game 1. There is a long way to go to get to the World Series. While I believe the Cubs were by far and away the best NL team for 162 games (angels in the AL), that does not make us the best team for the next month. Sox fans, just keep praying for your miracle.
got tix for sun and monday on the south side
im always been a big phillies Fan from the middle 70's
schmidt , cash , bowa , boone , carlton , mcgraw,
the bull, maddox, mcbride to mention a few of the players that OWNED the scrubs in the 70's and 80's
How many home runs mike schmidt hit off cub pitchers ?
I think there was 4 in one game
ive seen a large number of baseball games on the north side
ryno 's first hit and other unmemorable moments
u have to remember a lot of those were day games and affordable
but ive seen playoff WINS on the south side ( and losses )
dan - dont forget i owe you 10 bucks for our bet
Go White Sox !
Kev C is a Dodger Fan so
GO Dodgers !
Quote from: Tom McManus on October 01, 2008, 02:17:37 AM
Both teams can't win the series, but both could make the series which would be unreal. Go White Sox! Go Cubs!
I agree with Tom. The next few weeks should provide lots of fun and excitement. I will root for the Cubs until after the Homie. After that it all depends on the Undead. If they are still stalking the playoffs after the Homie I will root for the bad boys in black. They can only be killed when captured in a dome. There are no domes in the playoffs. I think the team, and its fans, are very loose. When you have been flatlined nothing phases you.
Regardless...let the trash talking continue and let the games begin. I rode my bike to work today. It should be interesting riding home through the madness on the north side.
Well now, all those Sox haters are eating crow today. As much as I can't stand the Cubs, I will root for them, as I want the cross town series to happen, but it really wouldn't surprise me one bit to see the Cubs drop out in the first round since they have ALWAYS choked whenever it means anything. The Sox have been there, and when it counts, they will come through as they have shown.
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 01, 2008, 05:48:28 AM
Wow, you barely avoid a total collapse and then you call that a recipe for success. Awesome! I'm focused on enjoying this Cubs/Dodgers series and hopefully we get off to a good start in Game 1. There is a long way to go to get to the World Series. While I believe the Cubs were by far and away the best NL team for 162 games (angels in the AL), that does not make us the best team for the next month. Sox fans, just keep praying for your miracle.
It's definitely not a recipe for success, but remember last year, the Rockies had to win 20-21 games to make the playoffs, and they went on to the World Series. Remember in 06, both the Cardinals and the Tigers backed into the playoffs, and both teams made the World Series.
I'm not saying this matters in anything, and that the Sox WILL make the World Series, but anything can happen in the playoffs, and right now, the Sox are confident. I think they have the best match up they could have hoped for in the 1st round.
I also wouldn't put too much on the Cubs being the best team in the NL, remember 01 I believe it was, when Seattle won 116 games or something like that, and went on to lose in the first round.
Quote from: Tom McManus on October 01, 2008, 02:17:37 AM
This season was very similar to 05, leading most of the year only to nearly relinquish the lead. In 2005 WE the Sox didn't give up the lead like in 08. I think most everyone remembers what happened in 05, 11-1 in the post season and a WS sweep.
Not that it is not going to happen again this year, but it is a little nicer to think about it when your team is back in the post season.
Both teams can't win the series, but both could make the series which would be unreal. Go White Sox! Go Cubs!
I don't think it's similar to 05 really. Yes Cleveland did make a race of it, but that's because they played like .700 baseball after the all-star break. This season, the Sox and Minnesota played poorly at the end of the year, as if neither team wanted to win the division.
I don't see the Sox getting past the Angels. Either color of Sox...
Quote from: JCthrills on October 01, 2008, 09:27:23 AM
I don't see the Sox getting past the Angels. Either color of Sox...
What place did the Tigers end up?
Quote from: JCthrills on October 01, 2008, 09:27:23 AM
I don't see the Sox getting past the Angels. Either color of Sox...
I heard the same thing said in '05. I know it's not the same thing, but anything can happen. I would have agreed with you, but they actually split the season series, winning 2 of 3 in Chicago, and 3 of 7 in LA. So it's not like they havn't played well against them this year. I believe they played worse against both East teams than LA. They only have 2 wins in domes this year, which worries me a little.
Quote from: Tom McManus on October 01, 2008, 10:22:36 AM
Quote from: JCthrills on October 01, 2008, 09:27:23 AM
I don't see the Sox getting past the Angels. Either color of Sox...
What place did the Tigers end up?
I was a Tigers fan well before Leyland came to town. I'm still a baseball fan & have gotten used to an October w/o Detroit. I'm just tossing out my opinion for the playoff's here. I'm firmly aware of the ridiculously bad season that absolutley no one saw coming for the Tigers. I am however glad they're no tpicking up Rentaria's option... never thought we should have picked him up in the first place... whay they didnt make a move for Eckstein is beyond me.
Anyway... back to the playoffs!!!
Here's a match-up I'd really like to see... Sabathia vs. Zombrano
Quote from: pearso66 on October 01, 2008, 08:40:39 AM
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 01, 2008, 05:48:28 AM
Wow, you barely avoid a total collapse and then you call that a recipe for success. Awesome! I'm focused on enjoying this Cubs/Dodgers series and hopefully we get off to a good start in Game 1. There is a long way to go to get to the World Series. While I believe the Cubs were by far and away the best NL team for 162 games (angels in the AL), that does not make us the best team for the next month. Sox fans, just keep praying for your miracle.
It's definitely not a recipe for success, but remember last year, the Rockies had to win 20-21 games to make the playoffs, and they went on to the World Series. Remember in 06, both the Cardinals and the Tigers backed into the playoffs, and both teams made the World Series.
I'm not saying this matters in anything, and that the Sox WILL make the World Series, but anything can happen in the playoffs, and right now, the Sox are confident. I think they have the best match up they could have hoped for in the 1st round.
I also wouldn't put too much on the Cubs being the best team in the NL, remember 01 I believe it was, when Seattle won 116 games or something like that, and went on to lose in the first round.
Ohhhhh pearso. I was waiting for you to say that!! "anything can happen in the playoffs". That is exactly what I have been saying all year. It was YOU who said earlier in the season that the Cubs can't win in the playoffs because of starting pitching. Its interesting how your perspective changes your opinion.
Nonetheless I still agree anything can happen in the playoffs. I have said this about a million times and its still true. However, sucking it up at the end of the season has no correlation to playoff success as far as I'm concerned. But if thats what makes you guys feel better then so be it! And I'm not eating any crow deucemeister. Did I want the Sox to lose to the Twins...yes I did. But I never said it couldn't happen, in fact I said a week ago on this thread that I thought the Sox would get in the playoffs. Now I get to root for the DRays that much harder. They were already the team in the AL I wanted to see win. (a year ago i would have bet every dollar I have that the Devil Rays would not make the playoffs, much less the World Series, for god's sake they have more wins this year than they have fans!)
Cubs showed their true colors once again....yellow...... from choking;. Tune in tomorrow to see how a real Chicago team plays when the pressure is on. Bye Bye northsiders; remember there'e always next year...just like the sign at the bar that says "free beer tomorrow"..
Quote from: Dan Michler on October 01, 2008, 05:46:46 PM
Ohhhhh pearso. I was waiting for you to say that!! "anything can happen in the playoffs". That is exactly what I have been saying all year. It was YOU who said earlier in the season that the Cubs can't win in the playoffs because of starting pitching. Its interesting how your perspective changes your opinion.
Nonetheless I still agree anything can happen in the playoffs. I have said this about a million times and its still true. However, sucking it up at the end of the season has no correlation to playoff success as far as I'm concerned. But if thats what makes you guys feel better then so be it! And I'm not eating any crow deucemeister. Did I want the Sox to lose to the Twins...yes I did. But I never said it couldn't happen, in fact I said a week ago on this thread that I thought the Sox would get in the playoffs. Now I get to root for the DRays that much harder. They were already the team in the AL I wanted to see win. (a year ago i would have bet every dollar I have that the Devil Rays would not make the playoffs, much less the World Series, for god's sake they have more wins this year than they have fans!)
I never said the cubs couldn't win, I believe my words were, I don't think they will. This is the 2nd time you have said that I said they CAN'T win. As I responded the first time, and will again, I didn't say that. Zambrano's injury wasn't that bad, and Dempster has held up, although he isn't as good as he was earlier in the year. So obviously I was wrong about the starting pitching holding up, but I never said can't.
All I was pointing out in my last post was that the underdogs can win, and they have recently, they've also lost too, and that favorites can lose, and they have recently, but they've also won. Just proving basically that anything can happen. You were the one who said the Sox have to hope for a miracle. I feel that if they Sox play the way they are capable, they can very easily be in the World Series. If they play the way they have played recently, they won't be. The Cubs have also played very good at times this year, and also very bad at times. Both have had their ups and downs, and both have very good teams.
Also, I am not rooting against the Cubs because of my hatred of them, I could really care less about them. I am rooting against them because every Cubs fan I know has been crowning them champions since the beginning of the season. They have been awfully cocky about a team that hasn't won in 100 years.
I agree on the point about bragadocious Cubs fans celebrating and looking too far ahead, when the present moment is the only thing that matters. Solid starting pitching and bats are what wins (Fukudome and Sorianao are great defensively but are automatic outs; Lee started out hot, but in the late season....)
Another example of how the Cubs don't just live in the present moment; Ozzie would never have allowed that ridiculous antic about blessing the dugout to rid the billygoat curse to take place; that was the kiss of death and just proves that the team believes in such nonsense and thinks that will somehow help them win, rather than playing ball the way they should be doing and are fully capable of.. I still want them to win so the Sox can kick their butts, but won't break my heart when they lose this series either.
Even Ozzie isn't stupid enough not to start Z game one. I think Dusty took over Lou's mind. No visit to the mound & no one up in the pen. Unreal!
Quote from: CEValkyrie on October 02, 2008, 07:28:09 AM
Even Ozzie isn't stupid enough not to start Z game one. I think Dusty took over Lou's mind. No visit to the mound & no one up in the pen. Unreal!
are you talking about the slam? Rothschild had already made a visit to the mound and there were people up in the bullpen. Wasn't demp pulled right after the slam? I had to avert my eyes after it happened.
Hopefully no more sinkerball pitchers for the next three games. The Cubs can't hit them.
A guy at my work decided to email just about everyone at the office with a giant L in the email. What I don't understand is that his team is just as much at risk to get an L tonight as well. I don't get it. It got to the point where the IT team had to send out an email asking everyone to stop abusing the system! I'm not intending to retaliate, and I never will. I just don't understand when people want to rub something in your face like that.
Quote from: deucemeister on October 02, 2008, 07:21:38 AM
Another example of how the Cubs don't just live in the present moment; Ozzie would never have allowed that ridiculous antic about blessing the dugout to rid the billygoat curse to take place; that was the kiss of death and just proves that the team believes in such nonsense and thinks that will somehow help them win, rather than playing ball the way they should be doing and are fully capable of.. I still want them to win so the Sox can kick their butts, but won't break my heart when they lose this series either.
I think this is the reason the Cubs havn't won the last few years when they've had the chance. They are always sitting on the excuse that, well we're cursed, not our fault. Seeing the dugout being blessed assured me of this. If they lose in the first round, someone will blame the clergyman who blessed it, saying he wasn't good enough to rid them of the curse.
white sox will win today
there i said it
i agree that the email at work stuff is stupid
i print it up and tape it the monitor
click to pick
dye
As I've said before, my father is from Oregon didn't know you couldn't root for both home town teams and he used to take us to both parks when we were kids. I think Bruce and I paid a little more attention to the Cubs because they were on during the day when we had control of the tv and because we were able to and allowed to go to Cubs games on our own. But I don't consider myself a "fan" of either team because "fan" is short for "fanatical" and it's just a game. Nothing to be a fanatic about. I might be a borderline Bears fanatic but since I'm able to root for other teams in the many years that the Bears weren't in the playoffs, I think I'm keeping it in perspective.
That said, I enjoy watching most of the rest of you berate each other because of what team you like or more precisely, what team you hate. I'm still hoping for a Cubs/White Sox World Series this year. As someone who likes both teams, that would be cool. Watching the Cubs lose last night sucked. The White Sox game the night before was more exciting than any WS game in 2005! I think the Cubs will bounce back and win game 2. Can't wait to find out what happens in both series!
By the way, if you ever are in the mood for a sad story just ask me about my "White Sox" story.
Quote from: airspuds on October 02, 2008, 10:10:49 AM
white sox will win today
there i said it
i agree that the email at work stuff is stupid
i print it up and tape it the monitor
click to pick
dye
My click to pick the oft maligned Javy Vazquez. 9k's with 2 earned runs in 7 innings.
I think Dempster made the right decision to pitch around Manny even though he was ahead in the count. His mistake was walking the next guy which made him not want to walk a third guy and then...well you know. They tried to pitch around Manny later and the ball he golfed out of the park was unhittable. I thought he would hit himself in the foot with his bat. I am amazed by that home run.
probably a much higher chancce of a "smog" series in LA than a "what would you call it?" series in Chicago.
Woudl be nice though to see Torre take it to the Red Sox in the WS.
I love the smirk he gets when asked about New York.
Another pipe dream.... every series is decided in Game 7. has that ever happened in the wild card era?
Vasquez..... geezuz; 4 in a row buddy;; last start he'll ever see in a black and white uniform. Same question; why didn't Beurhle start game one as why Zambrano didn't start game 1 for Cubs ?
Dempster had better numbers than Z, was always solid at home, and was more consistent. Did Buehrle pitch Sunday? They probably didn't want him going on 3 days rest.
Well I guess my pick to click didn't do too well. As for the night game the only thing I can say is that even Sarah Palin made fewer errors.
Over the last 51 years of my life the Cubs and Sox have made the post season together exactly once. And a Chicago baseball team has won their division in back to back years exactly once. Both have happened this year. Being a fan of Chicago sports you come to realize that eventually you are going to get kicked directly in the balls. Yesterday was a double whammy. It has gotten pretty pathetic when the only joy we can get out of the local sports scene is crowing about the other team losing. In this scenario there are no winners.
I figure it isn't going to change, but I will try to muster up enough energy to actually pull for both teams.
The Sox were at the point where it was win or stay home. The Cubs are now at that point. I think that the atmosphere will be a little less intense in L.A. and they can go back to playing the solid ball they have been playing all year long.
Is Friday night's Red Sox/Angels game the first real game they've had in these playoffs so far?
I bet Sara Palin is a big Cubs fan........ as well as a fan of General McLellan...youbetcha doggone it...
got to work today
got tickets for monday
lower deck
lets hope i get a chance to see a game
go sox
anything can happen in a 5 game series
the world is watching and thinking
chicago baseball stinks
I'll be at the game tomorrow too; Box seats behind Sox bench; just started dating a girl who's family has season ticks and invited me !!! She was a dedicated Cubs fan all her life until yesterday; said that was the last straw, and is changing colors to the South side from here on. Bet there will be a lot of other converts who will finally wise upl.
GO SOX !!!!
156
13
3 or 4
just yell spuds
ill have on black white sox jacket and hat
go white sox !
anything can happen in a 5 game series
dan - will u be at HOMIES T ? ( pm ur address if you are not )
i have the 10 bucks i owe you
cubs had more wins than sox in regular season
fyi : sox have had more wins in post season ( just in case you were watching hawks pre season hockey )
airspuds; hmmmm black Sox jacket and hat; should be easy to find among the other 40,321 with similar description :)
We'll be tailgating with dark Grayish '06 Grand Cherokee Overland...and wearing black Sox shirt...
Doug
bringing a basket ?
Quote10 bucks over all win total
ill take that bet dan
I'll still take my 10 bucks Spuds in case you forgot.
Bears 3-2, 1st place.
the tribune reported that sox fans were classless in booing the Rays as they celebrated
guess that cubs owning rag of a paper employee is too used to other teams celebrating
at wrigley
sox fans dont put up with that cr)*p in our house
black out was eerie
Red Sox look strong
hawks start when
bulls start when
wolves start when
Quote from: airspuds on October 07, 2008, 05:53:38 AM
the tribune reported that sox fans were classless in booing the Rays as they celebrated
guess that cubs owning rag of a paper employee is too used to other teams celebrating
at wrigley
sox fans dont put up with that cr)*p in our house
black out was eerie
Red Sox look strong
hawks start when
bulls start when
wolves start when
I didn't see them booing them, and I didn't see the Tribune article, but they are right, they shouldn't boo them celebrating, and why not put up with it? The Sox celebrated on the opposing fields 4 times in 2005, and as far as I remember, their fans didn't boo, or at least it wasn't noticeable. Plus this is the first time the Rays have ever won a post season series, they have every right to celebrate. This is one time I agree with the Tribune on something, those Sox fans who booed were lacking class. And no, I'm not saying all Sox fans are classless, I am one, the ones who booed, they are.
dan
u got pm
go phillies !
dan
check in the mail
cash quickly plz
--------
i just needed a place to stash this info
Disc golf in every state?
#49332 - 05/21/03 07:23 AM Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
7 states 47 courses
IL 26 courses (4 not in ground)
IN 8 courses (1 not in ground)
MI 1 course
OH 2 courses (mt airy was only 9 )
MN 4 courses
WI 6 courses
MD 1 course
missed playing in vegas (love that blackjack)
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