Note to the Cubs. You actually have to get the Brewers out every once and a while to beat them. They are not THAT good, but we make them seem that way. Every pitcher we put out there seemed to pitch with fear of that lineup. What did they have? 45 hits? 32 for extra bases? Come on. We score seven runs off Ben Sheets -- we should win the game.
We've lost 4 of 5. So what's the problem? No Soriano? I don't think that's it, but maybe it will help to have him back. No number two starter behind Zambrano? Aha. That again? Maybe that has something to do with it, but you can't blame that one for losing four of five. Offense on Xanax? Sometimes. I still hate our "at the plate" strategy (assuming that we actually have one, that is.) This is a hacking team, and while that can be fun...over the long haul it doesn't win you championships. As a team, we need to have a plan, i.e. making pitchers work. You can be a free swinging, hack happy team if you have three starting pitchers that can usually be counted on to shut the other guys down...or at least "hold" the other team down. We don't. We have one. So we have to "win" games by playing smart baseball. I don't know that we can.
I hope we can. I want to believe. I also want someone to introduce the pork rib diet, but I don't get to have everything I want. I know it is a long season and every team will have slumps. We didn't need to have one this early. I think this team lacks killer instinct. We don't take a slight lead and regularly blow it open. We have a couple games up on the division and what happens? We slide back to the pack. Come on, Lou...it's on you to get these guys to pour it on.
JS
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Baseball
Fine. You want baseball, we can talk baseball. Geez. A guy tries to spread a little bit of culture around here and gets nothing. "I worked on my pool" or "I quit reading because it wasn't something I like." Wow. You should look more deeply into the blues music I recommend. It might be good for your soul.
Anyway. Baseball. Not much happened yesterday, except the Cards lost and we gained a half game in our idleness.
Who gets bumped when Soriano comes back from his owee? Murton? I think Fontenot. Sorry Mojo. I know you have a thing for him. He's just not getting it done right now.
We need at least two of three from the Brewers. We need to build a lead in this division for when we head west. I am telling you that Arizona is the real deal this year. We missed the boat on the Dan Haren trade.
Barry Zito. Ouch. 119 mil? He's what? 0 and 6 with an Howry-like e.r.a? And that's why so many teams don't lock up free agent pitchers for more than three or four years. He hasn't been good since he left the A's. Did Beane know? Let the 'roid speculation begin.
How can so many major league pitchers be suffering "arm strength" issues this year? Hmmm? Velocity is down. Hmmm? Maybe it's the global warming effect. Or not.
How about we lead off Fukudome and bat Reed J. second for a game or two? Just a thought.
Would you bat Big Z eighth and let Pie bat 9?
Is that enough baseball for an off day?
Sherm
Anyway. Baseball. Not much happened yesterday, except the Cards lost and we gained a half game in our idleness.
Who gets bumped when Soriano comes back from his owee? Murton? I think Fontenot. Sorry Mojo. I know you have a thing for him. He's just not getting it done right now.
We need at least two of three from the Brewers. We need to build a lead in this division for when we head west. I am telling you that Arizona is the real deal this year. We missed the boat on the Dan Haren trade.
Barry Zito. Ouch. 119 mil? He's what? 0 and 6 with an Howry-like e.r.a? And that's why so many teams don't lock up free agent pitchers for more than three or four years. He hasn't been good since he left the A's. Did Beane know? Let the 'roid speculation begin.
How can so many major league pitchers be suffering "arm strength" issues this year? Hmmm? Velocity is down. Hmmm? Maybe it's the global warming effect. Or not.
How about we lead off Fukudome and bat Reed J. second for a game or two? Just a thought.
Would you bat Big Z eighth and let Pie bat 9?
Is that enough baseball for an off day?
Sherm
Monday, April 28, 2008
the weekend
From a purely baseball point of view, I have nothing to say about this weekend or the series with the Nationals. When you lose 2 of 3 to one of the worst teams in baseball, there is little to add. When you get shut out by them? Less to add.
So what could I possibly have to say about this weekend, you wonder with gaping jaw? Well, it isn't Cub baseball, that's for sure. I didn't watch any of the games, so I probably spared myself my grief. So no Cub rant. What to do?
I did spend the weekend up in the valley at a Blues festival. (one of two we'll be enjoying this summer) It was superb. So Blues fans...and I don't mean Cubbie blue this time -- let me give you my review of THAT.
1. First up was Barry "Big B" Brenner -- a very nice acoustic blues guitar set. Had that Nawlin's sound...slow and easy. Very pleasant. Great way to warm up for what was to come.
2. The Lori Morvan Band. She was alright. Sang a song called "Why don't more girls play guitar?" and the simple answer is because all the dudes played better, Lori. She wasn't bad, though, and the women there seemed to enjoy her "it's a man's world" angle on the world. I wouldn't buy her music, though, or recommend it.
3. Michael John and the Bottomline. Probably the best blues band that you've never heard. Outstanding. He's won awards for outstanding vocals. The band is super, including lead guitar player Mikey Mo -- who is young and raw, but extremely talented. He's also Michael John's son and they work real well together. I could, and do, listen to them with regularity. Recommend their cds? Oh, yeah. Find them and buy them...none will disappoint. Mostly original stuff (more than 90%, I'd say) but to hear him cover John Hiatt's "Feels like rain" is worth whatever you pay to see them. It's on their "Good thing" cd. Find it. Buy it.
4. BB Chungking and the Buddhaheads. One of the best guitar players you'll ever want to hear. BB is tremendously polished, and it shows. They are a wow experience -- a lot of sound for a 3 pc band. It's just BB, a bass and the drummer, and they put it out, trust me. Did a new song called "At 10 she's a 2, but at 2 she'll be a 10" and it rocked the house. Okay, it rocked the park, whatever...do you have to be so specific?
5. Jimmy Z and the Ztribe. Another Nawlins style blues band. He was real good -- I'd say as good as I've heard on the harmonica. Good sax player, too. Lots of energy. Currently touring with Etta James...Very entertaining. Not the kind of music I'd buy to listen to in the car. But fun, nonetheless and a good "tweener" between BB Chungking and the headliner.
6. Robben Ford. One of my alltime favorites. The guy is a guitar magician. He's an absolute technician and it shows. 9o minutes of Ford went by in seemingly no time...he's like the pied piper -- you'd follow him anywhere. Not that you are a rat. Nevermind that analogy. He did a couple of instrumentals dedicated to the Kings (BB and Freddy) called "Indianola" and "Texas Cannonball," respectively, that were hot. Finished with "Supernatural" which is my favorite of all his tunes, officially making my day.
And there you have it. No one probably read this far. So whatever. I had a great time.
If you like this kind of stuff -- consider the Doheny Blues Festival this year (May 18 and 19?) so that you can see Jonny Lang, Coco Montoya, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Bonamassa and more...plus if you call ahead -- you can come by the house for a shot or two before or after since I live three minutes from Dana Point.
Sherm
So what could I possibly have to say about this weekend, you wonder with gaping jaw? Well, it isn't Cub baseball, that's for sure. I didn't watch any of the games, so I probably spared myself my grief. So no Cub rant. What to do?
I did spend the weekend up in the valley at a Blues festival. (one of two we'll be enjoying this summer) It was superb. So Blues fans...and I don't mean Cubbie blue this time -- let me give you my review of THAT.
1. First up was Barry "Big B" Brenner -- a very nice acoustic blues guitar set. Had that Nawlin's sound...slow and easy. Very pleasant. Great way to warm up for what was to come.
2. The Lori Morvan Band. She was alright. Sang a song called "Why don't more girls play guitar?" and the simple answer is because all the dudes played better, Lori. She wasn't bad, though, and the women there seemed to enjoy her "it's a man's world" angle on the world. I wouldn't buy her music, though, or recommend it.
3. Michael John and the Bottomline. Probably the best blues band that you've never heard. Outstanding. He's won awards for outstanding vocals. The band is super, including lead guitar player Mikey Mo -- who is young and raw, but extremely talented. He's also Michael John's son and they work real well together. I could, and do, listen to them with regularity. Recommend their cds? Oh, yeah. Find them and buy them...none will disappoint. Mostly original stuff (more than 90%, I'd say) but to hear him cover John Hiatt's "Feels like rain" is worth whatever you pay to see them. It's on their "Good thing" cd. Find it. Buy it.
4. BB Chungking and the Buddhaheads. One of the best guitar players you'll ever want to hear. BB is tremendously polished, and it shows. They are a wow experience -- a lot of sound for a 3 pc band. It's just BB, a bass and the drummer, and they put it out, trust me. Did a new song called "At 10 she's a 2, but at 2 she'll be a 10" and it rocked the house. Okay, it rocked the park, whatever...do you have to be so specific?
5. Jimmy Z and the Ztribe. Another Nawlins style blues band. He was real good -- I'd say as good as I've heard on the harmonica. Good sax player, too. Lots of energy. Currently touring with Etta James...Very entertaining. Not the kind of music I'd buy to listen to in the car. But fun, nonetheless and a good "tweener" between BB Chungking and the headliner.
6. Robben Ford. One of my alltime favorites. The guy is a guitar magician. He's an absolute technician and it shows. 9o minutes of Ford went by in seemingly no time...he's like the pied piper -- you'd follow him anywhere. Not that you are a rat. Nevermind that analogy. He did a couple of instrumentals dedicated to the Kings (BB and Freddy) called "Indianola" and "Texas Cannonball," respectively, that were hot. Finished with "Supernatural" which is my favorite of all his tunes, officially making my day.
And there you have it. No one probably read this far. So whatever. I had a great time.
If you like this kind of stuff -- consider the Doheny Blues Festival this year (May 18 and 19?) so that you can see Jonny Lang, Coco Montoya, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Bonamassa and more...plus if you call ahead -- you can come by the house for a shot or two before or after since I live three minutes from Dana Point.
Sherm
Friday, April 25, 2008
The Riot
Let me say this first off. I like Ryan Theriot. I like the way he plays. But he's young and he has a lot to learn -- and as the starting shortstop on a team with hopes of winning it all...he needs to learn it all quickly. Speaking in generalities, he's doing well. Hits are falling. He still whiffs a little too much for me, but a lot of that has to do with pitch selection. When he learns to work the count into his favor, instead of always being 1 - 2, he'll be a more consistant hitter and "putter of the ball into play." But SS is a critical defensive position, and he needs to work hard to become more than merely "serviceable" in that position. I am not talking about yesterday's error specifically. I am talking about the way that the position is played. His anticipation needs to improve -- maybe that comes with learning his pitchers a little better. He needs to get rid of the ball quicker -- he still has a second baseman's arm. Don't get me wrong. I like the guy. This is all "constructive." If he wants to be David Eckstein, then he has to walk more and foul off more and shorten his swing. Here's a tip for him. Watch Reed Johnson bat. The deeper into the count he goes, the more he chokes up and gets closer to the plate.
We were outplayed yesterday anyway, so it wasn't like we gave the game away. You are going to lose games. Just don't give away wins. So far we are winning the games we should (exception being the first series to the Brewers.)
Pie has shortened up his swing this week and it is paying dividends. Let's hope that he can keep it that way. He did misplay that ball in the eighth yesterday, but overall his D has been superb, so no complaint.
Aramis Ramirez is starting to heat it up. He looks to me likes he's dropped a few pounds. I think he's going to have a big, big year. Watch. You heard it here first.
Fontenot (Sorry Mojo) needs to go back to AAA for some at bats. He's not comfortable at the plate. He's pressing again, just like he did last year after his fast start. Another little guy trying to jerk the ball out of the yard. Fine him for hitting the ball in the air. Hey, Lou, while you are shortening Pie's swing? Work with Fonty, too. He might just be a good player someday with some help.
Question. Why doesn't Fukudome bat second against righties? I'd like to see Johnson or Theriot lead off and Fuku in the 2 spot. Move Soto up to protect Ramirez -- he's hitting, and drop the other guy in the 7 or 8 spot. Patience in the two spot is important and a long at bat in that spot makes a pitcher more likely to groove DLee early.
Let's win today and win the series. Most important stat of all is series' won. Sweeps are great, don't get me wrong, but win 2 of 3 with regularity, and you walk away with the division.
Ah, well. That's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Sherm
PS: rumor has it that Smitty has a rotator cuff injury (from patting himself on the back over the Podsednik thing)
We were outplayed yesterday anyway, so it wasn't like we gave the game away. You are going to lose games. Just don't give away wins. So far we are winning the games we should (exception being the first series to the Brewers.)
Pie has shortened up his swing this week and it is paying dividends. Let's hope that he can keep it that way. He did misplay that ball in the eighth yesterday, but overall his D has been superb, so no complaint.
Aramis Ramirez is starting to heat it up. He looks to me likes he's dropped a few pounds. I think he's going to have a big, big year. Watch. You heard it here first.
Fontenot (Sorry Mojo) needs to go back to AAA for some at bats. He's not comfortable at the plate. He's pressing again, just like he did last year after his fast start. Another little guy trying to jerk the ball out of the yard. Fine him for hitting the ball in the air. Hey, Lou, while you are shortening Pie's swing? Work with Fonty, too. He might just be a good player someday with some help.
Question. Why doesn't Fukudome bat second against righties? I'd like to see Johnson or Theriot lead off and Fuku in the 2 spot. Move Soto up to protect Ramirez -- he's hitting, and drop the other guy in the 7 or 8 spot. Patience in the two spot is important and a long at bat in that spot makes a pitcher more likely to groove DLee early.
Let's win today and win the series. Most important stat of all is series' won. Sweeps are great, don't get me wrong, but win 2 of 3 with regularity, and you walk away with the division.
Ah, well. That's my two cents. Take it for what it's worth.
Sherm
PS: rumor has it that Smitty has a rotator cuff injury (from patting himself on the back over the Podsednik thing)
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Cedeno
Never thought I'd say this...but if Cedeno plays short today, we win the game. Wow. Horrible error in the 8th to lose the game. Theriot has to play solid D...he's never gonna be an offensive power. He has to be solid in the field or he's gonna be a sub................
Marquis looked good...especially for falling behind every hitter. If we were more patient, Cook would have, too.
Ah, well...can't win 'em all.
Marquis looked good...especially for falling behind every hitter. If we were more patient, Cook would have, too.
Ah, well...can't win 'em all.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice game
Now that's the kind of game I like. Zambrano pitched great. I would have left him in for another inning, personally, but it worked out just fine. Marmol and Wood did just fine...although Woody had no pressure on him thanks to some clutch hitting from Cedeno and Pie (did you ever think you'd read that?) after some bad at bats by DeRosa and Soto.
Side note: loved hearing the announcer say "Zambrano got into a fight with Marty Barrett." I went to school with Marty Barrett. Pretty sure that Big Z wasn't even born then. Marty retired in what, 1991?
Another announcer note: Orel Hershiser needs to get out of the booth and into a Cub uniform -- as pitching coach. The guy just gets it. He knows the game inside and out from both a pitching and hitting perspective. We need to start a petition or something. Maybe start an "I love Orel" website, although that might not get the intended participants.
You have to like this win. We finally play a good team and face a good pitcher -- and we do more than just hang with them. We outplay them. Great defense with 4 dp's if you count the strike him out/throw him out dp in the first. Aramis is starting to heat it up. Fukudome is a human foul ball machine. Nice game.
One more thing. Any of you remember last year this time? Game against the Mets when we blew a big lead -- and set the stage for them kicking our asses all year long. No lead was safe. This game has to be huge mentally for everyone on this team. A true confidence boost.
Good game. Wish they were all like that.
Time to watch Sportscenter and re-live that game.
Sherm
Side note: loved hearing the announcer say "Zambrano got into a fight with Marty Barrett." I went to school with Marty Barrett. Pretty sure that Big Z wasn't even born then. Marty retired in what, 1991?
Another announcer note: Orel Hershiser needs to get out of the booth and into a Cub uniform -- as pitching coach. The guy just gets it. He knows the game inside and out from both a pitching and hitting perspective. We need to start a petition or something. Maybe start an "I love Orel" website, although that might not get the intended participants.
You have to like this win. We finally play a good team and face a good pitcher -- and we do more than just hang with them. We outplay them. Great defense with 4 dp's if you count the strike him out/throw him out dp in the first. Aramis is starting to heat it up. Fukudome is a human foul ball machine. Nice game.
One more thing. Any of you remember last year this time? Game against the Mets when we blew a big lead -- and set the stage for them kicking our asses all year long. No lead was safe. This game has to be huge mentally for everyone on this team. A true confidence boost.
Good game. Wish they were all like that.
Time to watch Sportscenter and re-live that game.
Sherm
First place
I like first place. Now to slowly pull away.
Not much to rant about today. I wasn't even going to write anything, since I have a plane to catch, but I figured that I should post something in light of our sweep of the Pirates.
Okay, so it was the Pirates. As Bob said repeatedly yesterday -- you are supposed to beat the bad teams. They will improve as this season rolls along as there is a little talent on that club, but right now they really and truly suck. Ergo, we were supposed to beat him. Hopefully, the Cub offense is waking up and starting to click -- as opposed to just taking BP against a shitty staff. I'd hate to see John Maine shut us out tonight, because it could indicate the latter. We need to beat a few good pitchers.
Felix Pie looks overmatched in every at bat. He has that "I hope I don't hurt my testicle" look on his face all the time, too. Until he can get his mind out of his scrote and onto the game, I saw send him to AAA and let him bat until his other nut falls off.
I thought that Sean Marshall looked good yesterday. Just an inning, I know. Gave up a run, I know. But he looked confident, and in control of his pitches. I think he's "tougher" than Rich Hill, and might belong in the rotation. He's got that "je nes sais quoi" that a pitcher needs. Rich Hill seems immature to me on the mound.
Okay, so I've used ergo and je nes sais quoi. No place left to go now but Smitty's blog. Ah, yes, Smitty. The Doctor Seuss of bloggers. No, that's not right. The Sam I am of bloggers. Yes. That's it.
Anybody reading, or searching for Replay yet? I am pretty sure that I still have a paperback copy of it here...so if you cannot find it and want to borrow it that could be arranged. Might cost you that single malt.
I'll be in Virginia. The state, not the woman. Stop it.
Sherm
Not much to rant about today. I wasn't even going to write anything, since I have a plane to catch, but I figured that I should post something in light of our sweep of the Pirates.
Okay, so it was the Pirates. As Bob said repeatedly yesterday -- you are supposed to beat the bad teams. They will improve as this season rolls along as there is a little talent on that club, but right now they really and truly suck. Ergo, we were supposed to beat him. Hopefully, the Cub offense is waking up and starting to click -- as opposed to just taking BP against a shitty staff. I'd hate to see John Maine shut us out tonight, because it could indicate the latter. We need to beat a few good pitchers.
Felix Pie looks overmatched in every at bat. He has that "I hope I don't hurt my testicle" look on his face all the time, too. Until he can get his mind out of his scrote and onto the game, I saw send him to AAA and let him bat until his other nut falls off.
I thought that Sean Marshall looked good yesterday. Just an inning, I know. Gave up a run, I know. But he looked confident, and in control of his pitches. I think he's "tougher" than Rich Hill, and might belong in the rotation. He's got that "je nes sais quoi" that a pitcher needs. Rich Hill seems immature to me on the mound.
Okay, so I've used ergo and je nes sais quoi. No place left to go now but Smitty's blog. Ah, yes, Smitty. The Doctor Seuss of bloggers. No, that's not right. The Sam I am of bloggers. Yes. That's it.
Anybody reading, or searching for Replay yet? I am pretty sure that I still have a paperback copy of it here...so if you cannot find it and want to borrow it that could be arranged. Might cost you that single malt.
I'll be in Virginia. The state, not the woman. Stop it.
Sherm
Friday, April 18, 2008
Back to literature for a moment
Okay. So by now you have either read, or are well into Shike. Speaking of which, there was one comment on here by someone who read it and liked it...and I don't know who that is since it was an anonymous comment. Show yourself, dammit. Who are you and what else have you read?
Anyway. The next book on the list -- is Replay by Ken Grimwood. This is another of my all time favorites. Written in 1986. It is absolutely brilliant. Read it and you, too, will be recommending it to everyone you know. It's part adventure, part fantasy -- all great. It's a little bit "Groundhog Day" but written well before "Groundhog Day" -- so don't even try to compare the two. This is a fabulous read. I promise. You won't find it in your local bookstore, so try Amazon or Alibris or one of those. And there you have it. So go. Find Replay. Finish Shike. Whatever. As you were.
Sherm
Anyway. The next book on the list -- is Replay by Ken Grimwood. This is another of my all time favorites. Written in 1986. It is absolutely brilliant. Read it and you, too, will be recommending it to everyone you know. It's part adventure, part fantasy -- all great. It's a little bit "Groundhog Day" but written well before "Groundhog Day" -- so don't even try to compare the two. This is a fabulous read. I promise. You won't find it in your local bookstore, so try Amazon or Alibris or one of those. And there you have it. So go. Find Replay. Finish Shike. Whatever. As you were.
Sherm
Getting creamed
Didn't play well yesterday. I didn't see the game, but read about it and the box score looks real bad for Fontenot. 0 for 5 and left 7 runners on base. Ouch. Blanco left 7, too. Not good. Fontenot always seems to start hot and fade. Not sure why. I think he tries too hard to hit for power. Ought to be looking for average and OBP, not the long ball.
Lilly. Yikes. Our rotation is in trouble if he doesn't snap out of it. Especially if Hill doesn't, either. Anybody seen that cream? Enough is enough. I long for the good old days when everyone was cheating.
I have given a great deal of thought (okay, four minutes on the plane yesterday) and Zambrano should absolutely bat eighth when he pitches. Let Pie bat 9th. Tell him it's "double secret leadoff" and maybe he won't notice.
How come Kyle Farnsworth can't throw 100 anymore? Anybody seen that cream?
Today's quiz. What kind of calf gets strained from a crow hop?
Answer: Anybody seen that cream?
Lilly. Yikes. Our rotation is in trouble if he doesn't snap out of it. Especially if Hill doesn't, either. Anybody seen that cream? Enough is enough. I long for the good old days when everyone was cheating.
I have given a great deal of thought (okay, four minutes on the plane yesterday) and Zambrano should absolutely bat eighth when he pitches. Let Pie bat 9th. Tell him it's "double secret leadoff" and maybe he won't notice.
How come Kyle Farnsworth can't throw 100 anymore? Anybody seen that cream?
Today's quiz. What kind of calf gets strained from a crow hop?
Answer: Anybody seen that cream?
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Where's the beef?
No beef with tonight's game. Well, maybe Lou left Zambrano in one inning too long. It's a long season -- no point adding meaningless innings now. Even our bully can hold a double digit lead.
DLee is back to his pre-2007 form. Even Doc Raker would bat him third now. We are still striking out too much, though, especially with runners on base. Pie drew a walk. Throw a parade.
This has the makings to be a pretty good team. I hope we keep getting better, too, because I really think that Arizona team is the team to beat in the NL.
So. Was Murton totally "dissed" or is it because of his options that they left him down. He's murdering AAA ball right now, our left fielder is hurt, he's a left fielder...hmmm...I know, let's bring up a second baseman to add to the mix. We only have four other guys who can play there. What's up with that? If I was Murton...I'd be pissed off. And EPat does a mini me impression of Korey with a K and whiffs. Impressive. If I was Murton...I'd be pissed off. Oh, I already said that.
More later. Or not.
JS
DLee is back to his pre-2007 form. Even Doc Raker would bat him third now. We are still striking out too much, though, especially with runners on base. Pie drew a walk. Throw a parade.
This has the makings to be a pretty good team. I hope we keep getting better, too, because I really think that Arizona team is the team to beat in the NL.
So. Was Murton totally "dissed" or is it because of his options that they left him down. He's murdering AAA ball right now, our left fielder is hurt, he's a left fielder...hmmm...I know, let's bring up a second baseman to add to the mix. We only have four other guys who can play there. What's up with that? If I was Murton...I'd be pissed off. And EPat does a mini me impression of Korey with a K and whiffs. Impressive. If I was Murton...I'd be pissed off. Oh, I already said that.
More later. Or not.
JS
more on sori (aka moron sori)
mmm...Gene and Georgetti, where was I? Doh! I was going to make this a comment and it turned into a rant...so I decided to make it a new post. Where was I?
Oh yeah, Soriasshole...the guy who coined the phrase "I gots me big money, mon, so I dooz the hops!"
Not sure if he really said that or not. But it could be. He's almost as smart as Patrick Ewing. There's a reason John Thompson wouldn't allow that moron to be interviewed at Georgetown.
And did you read all the Dusty and Lou love affair reports? About how great each other is and what great friends that they are. They remind me of Ren and Stimpy.
Did you read where Zambrano couldn't understand why his velocity was down last outing? Thinks it might be the lack of coffee. Ha. Might be the lack of juice. And Lilly, too. Velocity is down this year. Wonder why? Think all the trainers are secreting giggling like junior high school girls? Maybe these jagoffs really didn't know...
Could they be that stupid? Oh, yeah.
Oh yeah, Soriasshole...the guy who coined the phrase "I gots me big money, mon, so I dooz the hops!"
Not sure if he really said that or not. But it could be. He's almost as smart as Patrick Ewing. There's a reason John Thompson wouldn't allow that moron to be interviewed at Georgetown.
And did you read all the Dusty and Lou love affair reports? About how great each other is and what great friends that they are. They remind me of Ren and Stimpy.
Did you read where Zambrano couldn't understand why his velocity was down last outing? Thinks it might be the lack of coffee. Ha. Might be the lack of juice. And Lilly, too. Velocity is down this year. Wonder why? Think all the trainers are secreting giggling like junior high school girls? Maybe these jagoffs really didn't know...
Could they be that stupid? Oh, yeah.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Familiarity
Something familiar about Dusty Baker losing games at Wrigley.
Something familiar about Pie's line tonight. 0 - 4 with 3 K's and 4 LOB. Nice. I hope he wasn't watching another familiar face -- Corey "First Felix" Patterson going 0 - 4 for the Reds. Corey only whiffed once, because he's getting better.
Dempster 2 - 0. Ha. I never would have figured that. But to his credit, I hear that he worked his ass off during the off season to get ready. There's a novel approach. Hard working athletes. Don't they have shots for that?
Speaking of novels, anyone finish Shike yet? I am so ready to make another recommendation. Next one is as good.
Soriano strained his calf? How? Oh well, Fontenot led off and we got the win. DeRosa did fine, and hit great. I'm liking this Reed Johnson more and more, too. Nice pinch hit from him. So if Sori is out for a while...do we bring Murton up? Or let Johnson play left and leave Pie in center?
Just wondering. I'd go with Murton. He's got to be burning to play.
I didn't see the game, but it read great after the fact. Nice to see DLee off to a good start. Let's sweep the Reds.
Go Cubs.
Go Jebu.
Something familiar about Pie's line tonight. 0 - 4 with 3 K's and 4 LOB. Nice. I hope he wasn't watching another familiar face -- Corey "First Felix" Patterson going 0 - 4 for the Reds. Corey only whiffed once, because he's getting better.
Dempster 2 - 0. Ha. I never would have figured that. But to his credit, I hear that he worked his ass off during the off season to get ready. There's a novel approach. Hard working athletes. Don't they have shots for that?
Speaking of novels, anyone finish Shike yet? I am so ready to make another recommendation. Next one is as good.
Soriano strained his calf? How? Oh well, Fontenot led off and we got the win. DeRosa did fine, and hit great. I'm liking this Reed Johnson more and more, too. Nice pinch hit from him. So if Sori is out for a while...do we bring Murton up? Or let Johnson play left and leave Pie in center?
Just wondering. I'd go with Murton. He's got to be burning to play.
I didn't see the game, but it read great after the fact. Nice to see DLee off to a good start. Let's sweep the Reds.
Go Cubs.
Go Jebu.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Exposed
Most of our weaknesses were exposed this weekend against the Phillies. Starting pitching. Timely hitting. Leadoff hitter. How long do you go with a guy hitting under .170 in the one spot? It could be worse -- we could have spent big $$$ on Andruw Jones! He's ripping the ball to the tune of .105 so far. Yikes -- he and JP make one outfielder who can't hit or throw. That's brutal. You know what? If the Braves let someone get away...think hard on it -- they usually don't do that if you have any talent left. What do you say about Andruw, Mojo? Was it the juice?
As I previously suggested, the Diamondbacks look real good...and may be hard to beat for the NL. I know it's early, but they have a nice combo of pitching and quality youth.
Go Dempster. Our new number 2. Wow.
As I previously suggested, the Diamondbacks look real good...and may be hard to beat for the NL. I know it's early, but they have a nice combo of pitching and quality youth.
Go Dempster. Our new number 2. Wow.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Winning and losing
Point. It's important to win games. Point. It's important not to lose games. There is a difference, and good teams know it.
In that 15 game that we all but gave away? We did what we had to do "not to lose it" and the same with that game where we squandered the 7 run lead. Last night? We won it. And now we are 6 and 3 with 5 wins in a row and looking pretty good, albeit tired from all the extras.
I think to be a top tier team, there have to be about 20 to 25 wins a year of games that have "gotten away". That first game of the year would have been a great example. Fukudome hits that three run banger off Gagne and we almost come back to win. That was a lost game, and would have been a huge win. Even so, I think it gave us hope, and introduced us to a clutch guy named Kosuke. Past Cub teams would have folded in one or both of those first two games with the Pirates. Dusty's team would have. Lou's team did not. Good for them. I think it's a good sign.
Kudos to Leiber. Kudos to Soto and Fontenot. And kudos to Lou for pulling Hill when he did. I say put Marshall in the rotation until Hill shows that he knows what the strike zone is.
Go Cubs.
JS
In that 15 game that we all but gave away? We did what we had to do "not to lose it" and the same with that game where we squandered the 7 run lead. Last night? We won it. And now we are 6 and 3 with 5 wins in a row and looking pretty good, albeit tired from all the extras.
I think to be a top tier team, there have to be about 20 to 25 wins a year of games that have "gotten away". That first game of the year would have been a great example. Fukudome hits that three run banger off Gagne and we almost come back to win. That was a lost game, and would have been a huge win. Even so, I think it gave us hope, and introduced us to a clutch guy named Kosuke. Past Cub teams would have folded in one or both of those first two games with the Pirates. Dusty's team would have. Lou's team did not. Good for them. I think it's a good sign.
Kudos to Leiber. Kudos to Soto and Fontenot. And kudos to Lou for pulling Hill when he did. I say put Marshall in the rotation until Hill shows that he knows what the strike zone is.
Go Cubs.
JS
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Extra innings
Too bad. Dempster pitched one hell of a game. Bullpen, as is usual, blew it for him. How ironic is that?
If Dempster can keep that up...he could be our number two.
At least we seem to have something going for us this year...we are winning extra inning games so far.
Rich Hill needs to step it up and pitch long into the game tonight.
Note: obtusity is my specialty, but that was an "inside blog" to anyone who might have taken my literary recommendation seriously.
JS
If Dempster can keep that up...he could be our number two.
At least we seem to have something going for us this year...we are winning extra inning games so far.
Rich Hill needs to step it up and pitch long into the game tonight.
Note: obtusity is my specialty, but that was an "inside blog" to anyone who might have taken my literary recommendation seriously.
JS
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
It was a win
Lou says after the game "I'd rather win ugly than lose pretty" and that sums it up, I guess. Some people had a very good game -- others not so. It didn't need to go 12 innings, but at least we got the W. Good job, Leiber. Shit job, Lilly. Biggest problem? Guys swinging for the fences when a single will do. And Soriano batting .093 and still leading off. Yeah, that's the guy I want getting the most at bats -- the guy hitting under a buck. Right. Bat him 7 or 8 for a while. Reed Johnson was 1 for 3 with 2 walks. Good pick up.
Brian Roberts watch. 3 -4 with a couple of runs scored.
More later. Or not. You never know.
JS
by the way, my "make the pitcher work" stats still hold -- although only 6 of 11 yesterday. Team that sees the most pitches and gets the most walks wins.
Brian Roberts watch. 3 -4 with a couple of runs scored.
More later. Or not. You never know.
JS
by the way, my "make the pitcher work" stats still hold -- although only 6 of 11 yesterday. Team that sees the most pitches and gets the most walks wins.
Monday, April 7, 2008
AOL headlines
2 headlines caught my eye this morning:
1. Pirates hold 30 hostages -- tough way to describe Pittsburgh baseball fans, I think.
2. How big is the smallest black hole? -- I wouldn't know, never having been in an interracial relationship, but isn't that awfully personal?
AOL is weird.
1. Pirates hold 30 hostages -- tough way to describe Pittsburgh baseball fans, I think.
2. How big is the smallest black hole? -- I wouldn't know, never having been in an interracial relationship, but isn't that awfully personal?
AOL is weird.
Only two back in the loss column!
Patience. It all boils down to patience. I checked the box scores Friday after the Astros beat us 4 to 3 and found out that of 14 games played that day -- the winner in 12 of those games was the team who saw the most pitches. Those 12 also received the most walks. 12 of 14. That day, the Cubs saw fewer pitches than any other team in baseball and walked "not." Coincidence? Saturday it was not quite as pronounced. It was 11 of 15. Still pretty high. So, "making the pitcher work" should be high on the priority list going into a game. There are still only a couple of Cubs willing to take a walk. Fukudome, Ward, Ramirez...
Good game yesterday on most counts. Nice to see DLee back in the clutch. Good jobs by Z, Marmol and Wood. Throw to the plate in the first inning was a game saving play. Good effort. We have to win the games that our starter pitches that well. Period.
We walked no one yesterday. Taking, but not giving, those free passes, changes the game. News flash. Dusty was wrong. Walks don't "clog up the bases" -- they will ballgames.
Have a good week. Let's sweep the Pirates...
Good game yesterday on most counts. Nice to see DLee back in the clutch. Good jobs by Z, Marmol and Wood. Throw to the plate in the first inning was a game saving play. Good effort. We have to win the games that our starter pitches that well. Period.
We walked no one yesterday. Taking, but not giving, those free passes, changes the game. News flash. Dusty was wrong. Walks don't "clog up the bases" -- they will ballgames.
Have a good week. Let's sweep the Pirates...
Friday, April 4, 2008
A little better
Okay. At least we aren't going to go 0 and 162.
Dempster was good enough. We did take six walks (2 for Fukudome and one for Ward) and that helps. (See Boston Red Sox.) Like Doc Mike always says. Patients are a virtue. Or something like that.
Nice at bat by Pie in the 4th. Bases loaded. No one out. Can't make contact. Still can't believe that Soriano took a four pitch walk. That pitcher should be caned.
Four stolen bases by the Cubs. That I like.
Time to roll over the Astros. Is it too early to start printing playoff tickets? Mojo -- get the cooker ready and tell the big dog to make room on the couch!
JS
Dempster was good enough. We did take six walks (2 for Fukudome and one for Ward) and that helps. (See Boston Red Sox.) Like Doc Mike always says. Patients are a virtue. Or something like that.
Nice at bat by Pie in the 4th. Bases loaded. No one out. Can't make contact. Still can't believe that Soriano took a four pitch walk. That pitcher should be caned.
Four stolen bases by the Cubs. That I like.
Time to roll over the Astros. Is it too early to start printing playoff tickets? Mojo -- get the cooker ready and tell the big dog to make room on the couch!
JS
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Coco Crisp
I just read that the Cubs still like Coco Crisp. I cannot imagine why.
Although, Jim Hendry was quoted as saying "I like Coco Crisp, but I like Cap'n Crunch better." or something like that.
Seriously, if the Cubs and seriousness can co-exist anymore -- why Crisp? Two centerfielders isn't enough?
Little known fact. The expression "what the fuck?" was invented by a Cub fan.
Although, Jim Hendry was quoted as saying "I like Coco Crisp, but I like Cap'n Crunch better." or something like that.
Seriously, if the Cubs and seriousness can co-exist anymore -- why Crisp? Two centerfielders isn't enough?
Little known fact. The expression "what the fuck?" was invented by a Cub fan.
0 and 2
Nice start.
We are moving Soriano back to leadoff. That should take care of all our shortcomings. Thank goodness that at least once a game he won't have to bat with people on base. Phew! I know how hard that is for him.
Nice start.
Funny thing. Unless you are Fukudome or Daryl Ward, apparently it is mandatory that you swing on a 3 - 1 count. It's the law. Kind of like "no gum chewing" in Singapore.
Nice start.
Here's an interesting fact. Ted Lilly isn't that good. He's decent. He's no number 2. And that's been the problem all off season. We have a number one in Zambrano. We have a slew of guys who are number 4 or 5 starters. Nothing in between. Period. Stockpiling 4's does not win championships. Thank goodness we didn't get Santana or Bedard. That would have clogged up the rotation. But we kept Ronny Cedeno and Jose Veda -- phew again! I know it's water under the bridge -- but wouldn't it have been sweet to sign Torii Hunter (who wanted to play in Chicago - his home town) and trade away Pie and prospects to get a real pitcher? I know, I know. I'm dreaming, but we are 0 and 2, and I'm pissed about everything.
Nice start.
Time to get desperate, JH. Give the Orioles the world for Roberts now. Watch us overpay badly for him now. You'll see. The pressure is on. Dempster goes next. I hope he can keep the ball in the park.
Nice start.
I'm going to start watching American Idol instead of baseball.
JS
We are moving Soriano back to leadoff. That should take care of all our shortcomings. Thank goodness that at least once a game he won't have to bat with people on base. Phew! I know how hard that is for him.
Nice start.
Funny thing. Unless you are Fukudome or Daryl Ward, apparently it is mandatory that you swing on a 3 - 1 count. It's the law. Kind of like "no gum chewing" in Singapore.
Nice start.
Here's an interesting fact. Ted Lilly isn't that good. He's decent. He's no number 2. And that's been the problem all off season. We have a number one in Zambrano. We have a slew of guys who are number 4 or 5 starters. Nothing in between. Period. Stockpiling 4's does not win championships. Thank goodness we didn't get Santana or Bedard. That would have clogged up the rotation. But we kept Ronny Cedeno and Jose Veda -- phew again! I know it's water under the bridge -- but wouldn't it have been sweet to sign Torii Hunter (who wanted to play in Chicago - his home town) and trade away Pie and prospects to get a real pitcher? I know, I know. I'm dreaming, but we are 0 and 2, and I'm pissed about everything.
Nice start.
Time to get desperate, JH. Give the Orioles the world for Roberts now. Watch us overpay badly for him now. You'll see. The pressure is on. Dempster goes next. I hope he can keep the ball in the park.
Nice start.
I'm going to start watching American Idol instead of baseball.
JS
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Fire Gerald Perry
Let's hire Fukudome's batting coach from Japan. Whatever he learned? It's working.
Opening Day
Okay. So nothing ever really changes, does it?
Missed opportunities. Still can't hit a curve ball. Swinging at awful pitches. Poor situational at bats.
Theri- 0 for March
Sorian- 0 for March
Sot- 0 for March
Fonten- 0 for March
Big Z was Zuper. Nize game. Too bad we had zero offenze. I thought the most offensive thing was Kerry Wood's beard. If this closer thing doesn't work out he can always go to work doing Geico commercials. Note to Captain Caveman. Closers can't hit leadoff people. It's bad form. And they usually end up scoring.
Marmol was nasty. Unhittable.
Fukudome doesn't realize he's a Cub yet. He'll come around.
Theriot was monsterously disappointing yesterday. Swinging at garbage and taking strikes. Come on. Soriano was equally bad. 0 for ten from the 1 - 2. Yikes.
So. One game in the books and it's a giveaway. As I said, very disappointing. We have to change our attitude before we can change our game. We have to become a better situational hitting team. Did any one of these guys watch the Red Sox win the World Series last year? Did they read what that team said about their approach? About making pitchers work? Fukudome did it to Gagne. No one else did. Fire Gerald Perry today. Hire someone who gets it.
I know. I know. It's only one game. How many "one games" will I feel this way after this year?
Sherm
ps: Ernie was great. He deserved all the attention.
pss: anyone find Shike, yet? Anyone other than Mojo looking? Hello, hello, hello, is there anybody out there? (Random Pink Floyd reference)
Missed opportunities. Still can't hit a curve ball. Swinging at awful pitches. Poor situational at bats.
Theri- 0 for March
Sorian- 0 for March
Sot- 0 for March
Fonten- 0 for March
Big Z was Zuper. Nize game. Too bad we had zero offenze. I thought the most offensive thing was Kerry Wood's beard. If this closer thing doesn't work out he can always go to work doing Geico commercials. Note to Captain Caveman. Closers can't hit leadoff people. It's bad form. And they usually end up scoring.
Marmol was nasty. Unhittable.
Fukudome doesn't realize he's a Cub yet. He'll come around.
Theriot was monsterously disappointing yesterday. Swinging at garbage and taking strikes. Come on. Soriano was equally bad. 0 for ten from the 1 - 2. Yikes.
So. One game in the books and it's a giveaway. As I said, very disappointing. We have to change our attitude before we can change our game. We have to become a better situational hitting team. Did any one of these guys watch the Red Sox win the World Series last year? Did they read what that team said about their approach? About making pitchers work? Fukudome did it to Gagne. No one else did. Fire Gerald Perry today. Hire someone who gets it.
I know. I know. It's only one game. How many "one games" will I feel this way after this year?
Sherm
ps: Ernie was great. He deserved all the attention.
pss: anyone find Shike, yet? Anyone other than Mojo looking? Hello, hello, hello, is there anybody out there? (Random Pink Floyd reference)
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