Glad that I taped the game, so I didn't have to hear too much of Joe Morgan raving about the White Sox. Plus, could the umpires have been any worse? Plus, are we snakebit or what? Bad calls combined with bad luck -- Edmonds should have had a two run double in the ninth...
What can you do?
Comments on the call that got Lou tossed? Damn near a full swing. And then the punk ump tosses Lou on his way back to the dugout...not even the ump he was originally going to talk to. What the hell?
I thought that Marshall looked pretty good...all things considered.
So that's it. I'm off to St. Petersburg (Florida, not Russia) so I have nothing to add to the debacle on the south side. I'm sure that Smitty will have a massive update sometime soon. Or should I say, Jim Bing.
I hate losing. It muddies up my otherwise sparkling personality.
sherm
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Special Saturday late morning post
Since Smitty is obviously never going to update his blog (is it still a blog if it never gets updated? More like a "log") anyhoo...I thought I would take the liberty of doing it for him. So here it is, Smittysworldpdiddyblog
Hi, I am Smitty and this is my blog update. Hug me and call me Chandler. I love Podsednik. He's cute. Who wants to play baseball in Arizona? Who wants to take a poll. Well, that's all for now. Love, Phil. Not Dr. Phil.
Hi, I am Smitty and this is my blog update. Hug me and call me Chandler. I love Podsednik. He's cute. Who wants to play baseball in Arizona? Who wants to take a poll. Well, that's all for now. Love, Phil. Not Dr. Phil.
Special Saturday Edition of the Rant
I usually go ahead and sleep until four or five on Satuday, but yesterday was just so special that I decided to get up and start today early.
For starters, the Cubs sucked again, and I am beginning to worry about this team. If we play good teams down the stretch...we might be in trouble. I don't want to be negative, but this team is flawed. DLee? The human double play machine. Should not hit third. Nice defense there, lilPat.
You have now proven that you cannot catch fly balls, ground balls or throw. You might want to sign up for fantasy camp. You'd fit right in. Can you rake a machine?
A verse from the new hit song about LilPat:
(to the tune of Bette Davis Eyes)
"He's the runt of the
Patterson litter
And his brother
was no better...
It would be funner
to get the runner
He doesn't mean to do harm
He's got Mark DeCarlo's arm"
Speaking of music. Last night I had the pleasure of escorting my wife to a show that she wanted to see. Ready for this? George Michael. Thought I saw Jim Edmonds there, not sure. I may very well have been the only straight guy there. Or not. I mean that there might have been one other. Stop it. I only have one thing to say about George. After all this time...either let it grow in or shave the fucking thing already. 25 years of stubble is a little much. Maybe I'll wear the nice t-shirt next time I go to Wrigley.
Did I mention that LilPat has Mark DeCarlo's arm?
Dempster melted down during the inning from hell. First we load the bases again and cannot score. Thanks, HDPM. (See above.) That's beginning to become a habit that I don't like. Then...we give the Pox about five outs, and whaddya now? Back to back ass kicking. And I am deeply concerned about whether or not this team is as good as I thought it was a few weeks ago.
Well, I got stuff to do...
js
For starters, the Cubs sucked again, and I am beginning to worry about this team. If we play good teams down the stretch...we might be in trouble. I don't want to be negative, but this team is flawed. DLee? The human double play machine. Should not hit third. Nice defense there, lilPat.
You have now proven that you cannot catch fly balls, ground balls or throw. You might want to sign up for fantasy camp. You'd fit right in. Can you rake a machine?
A verse from the new hit song about LilPat:
(to the tune of Bette Davis Eyes)
"He's the runt of the
Patterson litter
And his brother
was no better...
It would be funner
to get the runner
He doesn't mean to do harm
He's got Mark DeCarlo's arm"
Speaking of music. Last night I had the pleasure of escorting my wife to a show that she wanted to see. Ready for this? George Michael. Thought I saw Jim Edmonds there, not sure. I may very well have been the only straight guy there. Or not. I mean that there might have been one other. Stop it. I only have one thing to say about George. After all this time...either let it grow in or shave the fucking thing already. 25 years of stubble is a little much. Maybe I'll wear the nice t-shirt next time I go to Wrigley.
Did I mention that LilPat has Mark DeCarlo's arm?
Dempster melted down during the inning from hell. First we load the bases again and cannot score. Thanks, HDPM. (See above.) That's beginning to become a habit that I don't like. Then...we give the Pox about five outs, and whaddya now? Back to back ass kicking. And I am deeply concerned about whether or not this team is as good as I thought it was a few weeks ago.
Well, I got stuff to do...
js
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tommy Lasorda
Once said that he'd rather lose 11-1 than 1-0, because then you don't waste time wondering what you should have done differently. Well, I suppose that's the way to feel about yesterday's game. A thorough spanking, and although I saw a lot of things I didn't like...screw it, I'm not going to dwell on it. I suppose we need to factor in the fact that we are missing our starting left and right fielders, too...whatever. It's over. Time to move on.
Well, alright...if you insist. A couple of comments. 1. Soto needs to bring up his game when it comes to calling pitches. He's not doing too well at that, and needs to spend a little less time at the dinner table and a little more watching film. 2. Pitch selection. I don't care if we lose by 50, we need to be a smarter and more patient team to win it all. If you wonder what I mean, watch the Red Sox. Here's a good rule of thumb. If the guy before you just walked on four pitches and you are not Barry Bonds? Don't swing at the first pitch...especially if it's nowhere near the plate. You see...that HELPS the pitcher. As I first heard in little league...a walk is as good as a hit. 3. Brain Roberts is pretty good. I'll leave it at that.
At least the Cardinals lost, too. On to the White Sux. We need Dempster to pitch a good one today on the road and go deep into the game, too, if possible.
Have a great Friday everyone.
js
ps: Chandler Bing meets Jim Hendry! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Well, alright...if you insist. A couple of comments. 1. Soto needs to bring up his game when it comes to calling pitches. He's not doing too well at that, and needs to spend a little less time at the dinner table and a little more watching film. 2. Pitch selection. I don't care if we lose by 50, we need to be a smarter and more patient team to win it all. If you wonder what I mean, watch the Red Sox. Here's a good rule of thumb. If the guy before you just walked on four pitches and you are not Barry Bonds? Don't swing at the first pitch...especially if it's nowhere near the plate. You see...that HELPS the pitcher. As I first heard in little league...a walk is as good as a hit. 3. Brain Roberts is pretty good. I'll leave it at that.
At least the Cardinals lost, too. On to the White Sux. We need Dempster to pitch a good one today on the road and go deep into the game, too, if possible.
Have a great Friday everyone.
js
ps: Chandler Bing meets Jim Hendry! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Thursday, June 26, 2008
New streak
Hey, guess what? We are 25 and 12 in the Jim Edmonds era. Another nice night last night. Homer. 2 runs knocked in. 3 walks. I bring this up only for db, who may or may not have noticed.
Now Fukudome is out for a spell with a strained calf. That's a starting outfield (Soriano, Johnson and Fukudome) all out at the same time. Thank goodness we have Jim Edmonds, huh, Dave?
Okay, I'll stop.
Lilly once again was not very good, but good enough to win. Odd year he's having.
The folks in my office got me a birthday cake...check out the picture to the left. I will only leave it up one day...so enjoy it while you can.
more later if so inspired.
js
Now Fukudome is out for a spell with a strained calf. That's a starting outfield (Soriano, Johnson and Fukudome) all out at the same time. Thank goodness we have Jim Edmonds, huh, Dave?
Okay, I'll stop.
Lilly once again was not very good, but good enough to win. Odd year he's having.
The folks in my office got me a birthday cake...check out the picture to the left. I will only leave it up one day...so enjoy it while you can.
more later if so inspired.
js
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It's a new day
Got the rant out last night. Still can't fathom Cedeno's at bat. Guy's wild. Bases loaded. Swinging like a fool at three bad pitches. I hope Lou tears him a new one, but whatever, it's past so fuck it.
So. I'm older now, and supposedly wiser. You think I'd be smart enough to know that Ronny Cedeno isn't going to be patient in that situation, but I digress.
For the birthday, my wife got me a pen that is made out of an old Wrigley bleacher set. It's beautiful. A real collector's item, and I like stuff like that. I am surprised that it doesn't smell like beer and ass, but it does not.
Yesterday's false predictions were fun. I have one, too. I predict that Ronny Cedeno will whiff in a crucial situation on June 24, 2008 because he's an impatient fool. How'd I do?
I have to go to Tampa next week. Anybody want a Rays shirt? They might be the only contender whose scalpers sell tickets below face value.
I am considering posting a chapter or two from the book I am writing for your reading enjoyment, but I don't know if anyone would actually read it. There are no pictures. Speaking of pictures, Doc Raker liked Smitty's pictures. I betcha he likes Chuck E. Cheese, too.
I'm wondering if long afternoon tea parties and American Girl shopping sessions will change Mojo?
Well, I have yet another long day ahead of me, and apparently I have to carry yesterday's loss with me a while longer. Why won't some games just go away? Why didn't he let Edmonds bat for himself? Why didn't Patterson just let Theriot catch the fucking ball? Why would you ever pinch hit Henry Blanco? Why send Hoffpauir down? Why didn't they let Leiber start? Fuck.
Twins sleeping through the night yet?
js
So. I'm older now, and supposedly wiser. You think I'd be smart enough to know that Ronny Cedeno isn't going to be patient in that situation, but I digress.
For the birthday, my wife got me a pen that is made out of an old Wrigley bleacher set. It's beautiful. A real collector's item, and I like stuff like that. I am surprised that it doesn't smell like beer and ass, but it does not.
Yesterday's false predictions were fun. I have one, too. I predict that Ronny Cedeno will whiff in a crucial situation on June 24, 2008 because he's an impatient fool. How'd I do?
I have to go to Tampa next week. Anybody want a Rays shirt? They might be the only contender whose scalpers sell tickets below face value.
I am considering posting a chapter or two from the book I am writing for your reading enjoyment, but I don't know if anyone would actually read it. There are no pictures. Speaking of pictures, Doc Raker liked Smitty's pictures. I betcha he likes Chuck E. Cheese, too.
I'm wondering if long afternoon tea parties and American Girl shopping sessions will change Mojo?
Well, I have yet another long day ahead of me, and apparently I have to carry yesterday's loss with me a while longer. Why won't some games just go away? Why didn't he let Edmonds bat for himself? Why didn't Patterson just let Theriot catch the fucking ball? Why would you ever pinch hit Henry Blanco? Why send Hoffpauir down? Why didn't they let Leiber start? Fuck.
Twins sleeping through the night yet?
js
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Not happy with that
First of all, I blame Lou. He mismanaged that eighth inning horribly. Should have let Edmonds bat. He's hot, and he's a veteran. Even if he makes an out, at least you have Murton to bat in the ninth instead of Ronny "swing at pitches nowhere near the strike zone because I am a fucking moron" Cedeno. That cost the game. That, and Eric "I'll get it because I am fucking moron who can't catch" Patterson.
Bases loaded, no outs and we cannot score. Because the bench was burnt and because Cedeno and Blanco can't tell a strike from a pig. I don't blame Fukudome -- he was just overmatched.
Fuck. Could have and should have won that game.
Fuck.
More tomorrow.
js
Bases loaded, no outs and we cannot score. Because the bench was burnt and because Cedeno and Blanco can't tell a strike from a pig. I don't blame Fukudome -- he was just overmatched.
Fuck. Could have and should have won that game.
Fuck.
More tomorrow.
js
Dempster, DeCarlo and other detritus
Sure, yesterday was an off day for the Cubbies, but apparently not for the rest of you...lots of commentary.
Mike DeCarlo wants it noted that Bad (Night of Sleep) Mojo did not have the wherewithal to predict that Ryan Dempster would be able to successfully make the move from the pen to the rotation. May I remind you that none of us did. I was the one who told you that I'd read that Dempster was going through a very aggressive offseason conditioning program to get back into shape as a starter, although for Smitty is now on the DL for pounding himself on the back for that. Maybe you read it on Smitty's blog, too. Right. Maybe it was next to the picture of Carmen Fanzone's wife. Maybe not. Maybe it was back in April when he told us "that farts linger longer in Denver?" Nope. Not then either. Oh, that's right, he never mentioned it. Check out his blog. He mentions Podsednik every fifteen minutes ("he's in great shape, he's running better than ever, the White Sox didn't give him a chance, he wants to be a Cub, he's cuuuuute!") but never, ever mentions Ryan Dempster. So here it is. The reemergence of the Demp is a nice surprise that we didn't see coming. Thank goodness, because he has nutted up huge this year and we've needed it. Mojo was wrong when he called Demp a shitbag. Dr. DeCarlo was wrong when he said that it was harder to rake the Jugs, Jr. model 400z than hit off real pitching. Smitty was wrong to stalk Podsednik. I was wrong when I suggested that we should pull the trigger and trade for Brian Roberts. (Thank God they didn't listen to me. I swear I didn't know how good Sean Gallagher was then.)
So we can all be wrong from time to time. That's the point. And which of us predicted that Marquis would be any good this year? It's time to put aside our differences. Can't we all just get along?
On to other things. Let's kick the crap out of Baltimore.
I hope that Mark had a very happy birthday yesterday. I know that I did -- although it was odd. I shared my birthday not only with Mark DeCarlo, but also with my Dad, who most of you know is no longer with us (lost him last year around this time) and he and I had this particular dialogue every year on that day which now lives on only in my mind. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dad.
I was also wrong about our Cub announcers. For the record. I didn't like them at first. Still not sure about Len, but I have grown to appreciate Brenly. He's good. He's honest. No wonder they ran him out of Arizona.
Have a great day, oh loyal readers...
more later. Or not.
JS
Mike DeCarlo wants it noted that Bad (Night of Sleep) Mojo did not have the wherewithal to predict that Ryan Dempster would be able to successfully make the move from the pen to the rotation. May I remind you that none of us did. I was the one who told you that I'd read that Dempster was going through a very aggressive offseason conditioning program to get back into shape as a starter, although for Smitty is now on the DL for pounding himself on the back for that. Maybe you read it on Smitty's blog, too. Right. Maybe it was next to the picture of Carmen Fanzone's wife. Maybe not. Maybe it was back in April when he told us "that farts linger longer in Denver?" Nope. Not then either. Oh, that's right, he never mentioned it. Check out his blog. He mentions Podsednik every fifteen minutes ("he's in great shape, he's running better than ever, the White Sox didn't give him a chance, he wants to be a Cub, he's cuuuuute!") but never, ever mentions Ryan Dempster. So here it is. The reemergence of the Demp is a nice surprise that we didn't see coming. Thank goodness, because he has nutted up huge this year and we've needed it. Mojo was wrong when he called Demp a shitbag. Dr. DeCarlo was wrong when he said that it was harder to rake the Jugs, Jr. model 400z than hit off real pitching. Smitty was wrong to stalk Podsednik. I was wrong when I suggested that we should pull the trigger and trade for Brian Roberts. (Thank God they didn't listen to me. I swear I didn't know how good Sean Gallagher was then.)
So we can all be wrong from time to time. That's the point. And which of us predicted that Marquis would be any good this year? It's time to put aside our differences. Can't we all just get along?
On to other things. Let's kick the crap out of Baltimore.
I hope that Mark had a very happy birthday yesterday. I know that I did -- although it was odd. I shared my birthday not only with Mark DeCarlo, but also with my Dad, who most of you know is no longer with us (lost him last year around this time) and he and I had this particular dialogue every year on that day which now lives on only in my mind. Anyway, Happy Birthday, Dad.
I was also wrong about our Cub announcers. For the record. I didn't like them at first. Still not sure about Len, but I have grown to appreciate Brenly. He's good. He's honest. No wonder they ran him out of Arizona.
Have a great day, oh loyal readers...
more later. Or not.
JS
Monday, June 23, 2008
Sweeps and greetings
First things first. Happy Birthday to Mark DeCarlo.
And happy anniversary -- it was 24 years ago today that Ryne Sandberg homered not once, but twice off Bruce Sutter...in the 9th and 10th innings of a game to beat the dastardly Cards. Ah, what a sweet memory!
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Nice weekend. Only thing better than a sweep is a sweep of the White Sox or Cardinals, right? That was sweet.
Who's that awesome centerfielder we have? Two dingers in an inning? Third Cub in history to do that.
Aramis is heating it up. Good thing he started reading the blog.
Like the way little Patterson played this weekend. Showed some fire.
I wouldn't have pulled Fontenot in an inning where he'd already homered. That seemed wrong.
So what are we? 6 and 4 without Soriano? Not bad. Zambrano will miss two starts, including one vs the Cardinals. Hopefully the rest of the staff will keep pitching well.
There is an electricity in Wrigley this year...they need to keep that flowing all year, and it might be, it could be, it is -- OUR YEAR.
js
And happy anniversary -- it was 24 years ago today that Ryne Sandberg homered not once, but twice off Bruce Sutter...in the 9th and 10th innings of a game to beat the dastardly Cards. Ah, what a sweet memory!
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming. Nice weekend. Only thing better than a sweep is a sweep of the White Sox or Cardinals, right? That was sweet.
Who's that awesome centerfielder we have? Two dingers in an inning? Third Cub in history to do that.
Aramis is heating it up. Good thing he started reading the blog.
Like the way little Patterson played this weekend. Showed some fire.
I wouldn't have pulled Fontenot in an inning where he'd already homered. That seemed wrong.
So what are we? 6 and 4 without Soriano? Not bad. Zambrano will miss two starts, including one vs the Cardinals. Hopefully the rest of the staff will keep pitching well.
There is an electricity in Wrigley this year...they need to keep that flowing all year, and it might be, it could be, it is -- OUR YEAR.
js
Friday, June 20, 2008
If only
If only I had known that calling out DLee and Aramis Ramirez was all that they needed to step up...I'd have done it two weeks ago.
God, I love beating the Eggshell Colored Sox.
Side note: Lilly still needs to START better. Can't always come from behind. He's great in the middle innings. Make him warm up longer, idiots.
Nice win.
JS
God, I love beating the Eggshell Colored Sox.
Side note: Lilly still needs to START better. Can't always come from behind. He's great in the middle innings. Make him warm up longer, idiots.
Nice win.
JS
Swept away by the Rays
Who ever would have imagined that?
I had a bad feeling after we only scored three in the seventh, but didn't see the whole Marmol meltdown coming. That was bizarre. Oops -- there goes that e.r.a. So. How about those Celtics?
Suddenly, we appear OLD. Which is odd, because it's not that old of a team. We are playing old. Dlee and Aram? Old. DeRosa? Old. Minimum wage centerfield platoon? Old. And hurt. Some guys need a rest. Others need a change of blood. That youth and excitement that we had early in the season seems gone...
The youth we have needs to step it up. I am unhappy with (and have been for some time) Geo Soto. His at bats are awful. Impatient. He'll hit a fastball hard every now and again. Why bother throwing him one? He can't hit anything else right now.
Time to shake things up. Make a trade or two. Go get a speedster. Or a hitter. Certainly a pitcher. Do something. Maybe Lou needs to go on a tirade. Haven't seen one of those in a while. Whatever. Do something.
Thank you to the entire KC Royal team for sweeping the Cards. At least the Rays are pretty good.
Hey Mojo...get up, the kids are hungry.
JS
I had a bad feeling after we only scored three in the seventh, but didn't see the whole Marmol meltdown coming. That was bizarre. Oops -- there goes that e.r.a. So. How about those Celtics?
Suddenly, we appear OLD. Which is odd, because it's not that old of a team. We are playing old. Dlee and Aram? Old. DeRosa? Old. Minimum wage centerfield platoon? Old. And hurt. Some guys need a rest. Others need a change of blood. That youth and excitement that we had early in the season seems gone...
The youth we have needs to step it up. I am unhappy with (and have been for some time) Geo Soto. His at bats are awful. Impatient. He'll hit a fastball hard every now and again. Why bother throwing him one? He can't hit anything else right now.
Time to shake things up. Make a trade or two. Go get a speedster. Or a hitter. Certainly a pitcher. Do something. Maybe Lou needs to go on a tirade. Haven't seen one of those in a while. Whatever. Do something.
Thank you to the entire KC Royal team for sweeping the Cards. At least the Rays are pretty good.
Hey Mojo...get up, the kids are hungry.
JS
Thursday, June 19, 2008
random mid day, mid game rant
Lee has three meaningless singles, and then whiffs with runners on second and third and one out.
Blanco cannot get down a bunt, which cost a run. Why not ph Cedeno in that situation and let your DH Soto catch the rest of the game? Did he really think Blanco was going to get the bunt down? Did you? I didn't.
Marmol. Two up and two walks. Rusty. Bummer. Hope that doesn't bite us in the ass. That and the five run inning that became only three.
Well...it was like the good old days today with inane email banter flying around, Doc being just plain silly, Smitty missing the obvious, Doc Mike a day late and a buck short. Even Southie chimed in.
More in the morning...probably. For my 3:45 feeding.
JS
Blanco cannot get down a bunt, which cost a run. Why not ph Cedeno in that situation and let your DH Soto catch the rest of the game? Did he really think Blanco was going to get the bunt down? Did you? I didn't.
Marmol. Two up and two walks. Rusty. Bummer. Hope that doesn't bite us in the ass. That and the five run inning that became only three.
Well...it was like the good old days today with inane email banter flying around, Doc being just plain silly, Smitty missing the obvious, Doc Mike a day late and a buck short. Even Southie chimed in.
More in the morning...probably. For my 3:45 feeding.
JS
Plenty to rant about
but don't have the time to do it. Got in last night at 2 am from NY -- apparently United can no longer fly in the rain.
Zambrano should have been hitting for himself. We should never lose to a team with a lower payroll than the Chattanooga Lookouts.
DLee and ARam have not been helping this team offensively. They need to heat it up -- we count on those two to drive in runs and win games...and its been a lot of 1 for 5s and 0 for 4s lately. I blame those two for our current problems. They make a lot of money to hit the fucking ball and drive in runs, and when we are losing one run games and they are not producing? Their fault. Simple as that.
Zambrano cannot and will not be hurt. I will not and cannot allow that.
That is all.
Roger the Shrubber
Zambrano should have been hitting for himself. We should never lose to a team with a lower payroll than the Chattanooga Lookouts.
DLee and ARam have not been helping this team offensively. They need to heat it up -- we count on those two to drive in runs and win games...and its been a lot of 1 for 5s and 0 for 4s lately. I blame those two for our current problems. They make a lot of money to hit the fucking ball and drive in runs, and when we are losing one run games and they are not producing? Their fault. Simple as that.
Zambrano cannot and will not be hurt. I will not and cannot allow that.
That is all.
Roger the Shrubber
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Hall of Fame game
I am glad it canceled. We didn't need any exhibition game injuries. Stupid game, anyway.
Good pitching duel tonight -- Dempster v Kazmir. We need to be patient against this guy...he's a lefty, so it will be our predominantly right handed lineup. That means no Edmonds. Too bad. He's been on a tear. Give Fukudome a rest tonight, too...he won't do well against this guy.
I am surprised to see that Willie Randolph was "dismissed" -- nice way to say fired. I thought he was pretty good. That collapse last year was not just his fault. Minaya has given him a team of old guys. Take away Reyes and Wright and they are long in the tooth. I like that expression. Wonder how it got started. Do teeth get longer as we get older? I hadn't noticed that.
Well...I got work to do -- off to NY later today. More later. Or not.
JS
Good pitching duel tonight -- Dempster v Kazmir. We need to be patient against this guy...he's a lefty, so it will be our predominantly right handed lineup. That means no Edmonds. Too bad. He's been on a tear. Give Fukudome a rest tonight, too...he won't do well against this guy.
I am surprised to see that Willie Randolph was "dismissed" -- nice way to say fired. I thought he was pretty good. That collapse last year was not just his fault. Minaya has given him a team of old guys. Take away Reyes and Wright and they are long in the tooth. I like that expression. Wonder how it got started. Do teeth get longer as we get older? I hadn't noticed that.
Well...I got work to do -- off to NY later today. More later. Or not.
JS
Monday, June 16, 2008
Not bad, eh?
I'll take two of three in Toronto -- especially with a win over Roy Halladay in the mix. Could've won all three with a little more support for Gallagher. Is it my imagination or does Jim Edmonds seem to be getting 2 hits every day now? Hmm.
JMar (that's what I'm calling Jason Marquis while he pitching so well) is on a roll. Exactly what we need -- and need -- from him. The guy can pitch, and if he can keep it up, and keep the ball down...he can be a huge boost to the back end of the staff. Lot of double entendre in that sentence. Read it again and see.
We were out all day yesterday, so I didn't have the chance to wish all you Dads a very happy father's day -- so I'm doing that now. HFD, gentlemen.
More later. Or Not. Go Cubs...
By the way...that's my grandson in the picture to the left. I don't usually go for pictures on the blog, as you all know, but he's so damn cute I made an exception which is perfectly okay because it's my blog and I only have three readers. Three loyal readers, sorry. As you can see, he's decked out in a Cub shirt (straight from Wrigley) and a Cub, Jr. hat. And he's cute. His dad is a Met fan...so it takes some doing to get him Cubbified, but I'm determined to win that battle.
JS
JMar (that's what I'm calling Jason Marquis while he pitching so well) is on a roll. Exactly what we need -- and need -- from him. The guy can pitch, and if he can keep it up, and keep the ball down...he can be a huge boost to the back end of the staff. Lot of double entendre in that sentence. Read it again and see.
We were out all day yesterday, so I didn't have the chance to wish all you Dads a very happy father's day -- so I'm doing that now. HFD, gentlemen.
More later. Or Not. Go Cubs...
By the way...that's my grandson in the picture to the left. I don't usually go for pictures on the blog, as you all know, but he's so damn cute I made an exception which is perfectly okay because it's my blog and I only have three readers. Three loyal readers, sorry. As you can see, he's decked out in a Cub shirt (straight from Wrigley) and a Cub, Jr. hat. And he's cute. His dad is a Met fan...so it takes some doing to get him Cubbified, but I'm determined to win that battle.
JS
Friday, June 13, 2008
Nothing to dread, but dread itself
Perhaps that's not the expression. Whatever. Check yesterdays comments and you'll get it. Or not.
Let's talk about those Cubs. Let's talk about our minimum wage platoon. MWP. That's what I'm calling that two headed, game winning centerfielder -- Reedmond Jimson, Lassie, whatever...
he, they, won the game for us yesterday. I was slightly disappointed that Edmonds didn't get the at bat in the 11th so that HE COULD DRIVE IN ALL OF OUR RUNS, but hey, I'm a team first guy, so it's okay. Clutch homer there in the bottom of the ninth, no? Rumor is that Edmonds was heard humming a Toby Keith song after the game...I think it's called "How do you like me now?"
Best part of this? I'm on the rental car bus yesterday and three guys with St. L caps on are following the scores on their phones, and are PISSED that Edmonds has tied the game for us. That was sweet.
I agree with Lou's decision to let Zambrano bat in the 7th. I bet you didn't see expect me to say that! I wish he had gone out and told the big guy "Hey, don't be overanxious. Be patient, get a good pitch and hit it hard." because Carlos was so excited at the opportunity that he jumped at a terrible pitch and popped it up. But it meant a lot to him. You could see that. Plus he's hitting over .350, so what the hell? And it showed faith in the rest of the team...that a one run lead late doesn't worry Lou. And THEY responded when Big Z didn't. Awesome. Huge double for Dlee...he's been slumping and that was clutch. Aramis Ramirez is maturing as a hitter -- he is started to remind me of his cousin, Manny. Great eye. Patient and powerful. Need a power hitter behind him. I'd flip him and DLee...because Aramis will take a walk and that will get Lee more fastballs.
Great job by the bullpen yesterday. Thanks to Ryan Dempster for that. They were all fresh. Did I mention Jim Edmonds yet?
Anyone else realized how right I am about Barry Bonds? Nice to see Papa Buss is on board. Doc, if we can embrace Jim Edmonds, we can learn to love Barry. Another pickup for the league minimum. I'm telling you -- it's a GREAT move. Why won't anyone listen to me? Feel free to email this to Jim Hendry.
Tough roadie coming up. Toronto is good and so is Tampa this year. Plenty of good pitching in our way -- it will be interesting to see how we do. Look for MWP to shine.
Go Cubs!
JS
Let's talk about those Cubs. Let's talk about our minimum wage platoon. MWP. That's what I'm calling that two headed, game winning centerfielder -- Reedmond Jimson, Lassie, whatever...
he, they, won the game for us yesterday. I was slightly disappointed that Edmonds didn't get the at bat in the 11th so that HE COULD DRIVE IN ALL OF OUR RUNS, but hey, I'm a team first guy, so it's okay. Clutch homer there in the bottom of the ninth, no? Rumor is that Edmonds was heard humming a Toby Keith song after the game...I think it's called "How do you like me now?"
Best part of this? I'm on the rental car bus yesterday and three guys with St. L caps on are following the scores on their phones, and are PISSED that Edmonds has tied the game for us. That was sweet.
I agree with Lou's decision to let Zambrano bat in the 7th. I bet you didn't see expect me to say that! I wish he had gone out and told the big guy "Hey, don't be overanxious. Be patient, get a good pitch and hit it hard." because Carlos was so excited at the opportunity that he jumped at a terrible pitch and popped it up. But it meant a lot to him. You could see that. Plus he's hitting over .350, so what the hell? And it showed faith in the rest of the team...that a one run lead late doesn't worry Lou. And THEY responded when Big Z didn't. Awesome. Huge double for Dlee...he's been slumping and that was clutch. Aramis Ramirez is maturing as a hitter -- he is started to remind me of his cousin, Manny. Great eye. Patient and powerful. Need a power hitter behind him. I'd flip him and DLee...because Aramis will take a walk and that will get Lee more fastballs.
Great job by the bullpen yesterday. Thanks to Ryan Dempster for that. They were all fresh. Did I mention Jim Edmonds yet?
Anyone else realized how right I am about Barry Bonds? Nice to see Papa Buss is on board. Doc, if we can embrace Jim Edmonds, we can learn to love Barry. Another pickup for the league minimum. I'm telling you -- it's a GREAT move. Why won't anyone listen to me? Feel free to email this to Jim Hendry.
Tough roadie coming up. Toronto is good and so is Tampa this year. Plenty of good pitching in our way -- it will be interesting to see how we do. Look for MWP to shine.
Go Cubs!
JS
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Nice win, big loss
I don't think the guy hit Soriano on purpose. It was an 0-2 pitch that he was trying to get inside, and it got way in. And up. Broken bone in his left hand and now he's out up to 8 weeks. Yikes. Just when things were going so well. Word in Chicago already is that Piniella is going to bring up Murton and Hoffpauir and send down a pitcher for the time being. Some people think he should bring Pie back up for his defense. Wanna know what I think? Are you sitting down?
Go get Barry Bonds. Pay him the major league minimum. Tell him that here's the deal -- you've had a great career, Barry, but you have no ring. We want to get that ring. For us. For you. For Chicago. So here's what's what. Shut the fuck up. Be a team player. We're gonna rent you for the year.
He plays 6 of those eight weeks for Soriano in LF and the other two as our DH during interleague. Fucking guy might hit .600 with an obp of .850 batting third in our lineup. Think about it before you shut me down. The balance of the year (when Soriano returns) he spot starts and is the most fearsome pinch hitter in history.
I KNOW he's an asshole. So threaten him. One bad moment and you are gone. The guy wants to play. I read today that his agent has asked every team about him and been rejected. Payback? Ya think?
And -- what if St. Louis decides to do that with Pujols injured? Who'd you rather see with that bat? Us? or them? You make the call.
Dempster was terrific tonight. Great location. Changing speeds. Nice complete game. I am so happy for him...what a great return to the location. He's pitching like a true number 2 guy in the rotation. Thank goodness...because no one else is.
Pitching matchup tomorrow is a good one -- Hudson vs Zambrano. I like our guy and expect a sweep before we head up north to France's North American territory to play the Blue Jays. Maybe we can come back with Roy Halladay on our team?
go Cubbies. Heal Sori -- hurry back. (Think maybe he can keep working on the legs and running and getting them back to full strength while he's out? Or does he need his hand to run?)
Thanks for the kind words about the father's day thing. Tomorrow, the 12th, is my grandson Jacob's first birthday. As always, life and death are interrelated. I will be bringing him a little Cub jersey of his very own to welcome him into Cub nation. I have a good feeling that he won't have to wait as long as the rest of us for that elusive championship.
Sherm
Go get Barry Bonds. Pay him the major league minimum. Tell him that here's the deal -- you've had a great career, Barry, but you have no ring. We want to get that ring. For us. For you. For Chicago. So here's what's what. Shut the fuck up. Be a team player. We're gonna rent you for the year.
He plays 6 of those eight weeks for Soriano in LF and the other two as our DH during interleague. Fucking guy might hit .600 with an obp of .850 batting third in our lineup. Think about it before you shut me down. The balance of the year (when Soriano returns) he spot starts and is the most fearsome pinch hitter in history.
I KNOW he's an asshole. So threaten him. One bad moment and you are gone. The guy wants to play. I read today that his agent has asked every team about him and been rejected. Payback? Ya think?
And -- what if St. Louis decides to do that with Pujols injured? Who'd you rather see with that bat? Us? or them? You make the call.
Dempster was terrific tonight. Great location. Changing speeds. Nice complete game. I am so happy for him...what a great return to the location. He's pitching like a true number 2 guy in the rotation. Thank goodness...because no one else is.
Pitching matchup tomorrow is a good one -- Hudson vs Zambrano. I like our guy and expect a sweep before we head up north to France's North American territory to play the Blue Jays. Maybe we can come back with Roy Halladay on our team?
go Cubbies. Heal Sori -- hurry back. (Think maybe he can keep working on the legs and running and getting them back to full strength while he's out? Or does he need his hand to run?)
Thanks for the kind words about the father's day thing. Tomorrow, the 12th, is my grandson Jacob's first birthday. As always, life and death are interrelated. I will be bringing him a little Cub jersey of his very own to welcome him into Cub nation. I have a good feeling that he won't have to wait as long as the rest of us for that elusive championship.
Sherm
Look for me
at the game tonight. I should have made a cute ESPN sign to ensure some airtime. I'll be wearing blue. Should be easy to spot.
Last night's game was good, but Lilly scares me in the first inning...again. He's got to stop that. Not every team will allow us back in the game so easily. I was gonna rail on Lou for batting Soto 5 -- then he homers (totally a stupid pitch, given his propensity to miss anything slow or breaking) and shuts me up.
Nice game, Reed Johnson. Gotta love our new centerfielder -- Jimmy John Edmondson
What's up with hotels? We can split an atom, but can't make a hotel room thermostat that works? They all have two settings: Fucking freezing and I'm melting.
I have to go shave a C into my chest and paint my face. Later.
Sherm
Last night's game was good, but Lilly scares me in the first inning...again. He's got to stop that. Not every team will allow us back in the game so easily. I was gonna rail on Lou for batting Soto 5 -- then he homers (totally a stupid pitch, given his propensity to miss anything slow or breaking) and shuts me up.
Nice game, Reed Johnson. Gotta love our new centerfielder -- Jimmy John Edmondson
What's up with hotels? We can split an atom, but can't make a hotel room thermostat that works? They all have two settings: Fucking freezing and I'm melting.
I have to go shave a C into my chest and paint my face. Later.
Sherm
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Father's Day
I know it's a bit early, but I lost my Dad one year ago today, so it seemed appropriate. I apologize to those of you looking for something less maudlin to start your day (but it's my blog, so deal with it.) JS
Father’s Day has been a most transitional holiday for me throughout my life. Not merely that the date changes to coincide with a certain convenient Sunday in June – it doesn’t really matter WHEN it is, I am talking about WHAT it is.
As a child, Father’s Day was the day that we all did whatever Dad wanted to do. All Dad ever really wanted to do was to be allowed to watch the ball game and eat something he liked. So, as usual, we did what Mom wanted, under the guise of “Dad’s special day” and we’d go out to eat and miss the game. We’d go to any place he chose, which was always Mom’s favorite place, and at the end of it all, he’d pay. He’d get presents, too. Shirts and books were always popular, since Dad read and he wore clothes. I’d make a home made card proclaiming “you are the bestest Dad in the whole world” and he’d make me feel as if it was the single greatest thing that anyone had ever done for him. At day’s end, he would thank all of us for our generosity and we’d tell him how much we loved him. We’d put another Father’s Day in the books, and forget about it for another year.
Things change. As a teenager, I vaguely remember blowing through whatever Father’s Day gaiety was had in a hurry to get to whatever it was that I really wanted to be doing on that Sunday. I no longer made him cards, and rarely remembered to buy one. Typically, I would use one that my mother had lying around and was blank inside – you know the kind; those non-holiday specific cards with a puppy on the front – and wrote my sentiments on the inside. At that point, I knew better than to write “bestest” although he’d have probably gotten a kick out of that. By then, my siblings were married and gone and for them Father’s Day was the mailing of a card and a gift. Usually a shirt or a book. Not everything changes. I would come home that evening from whatever it was that had occupied my time, say “Happy Father’s Day, Dad”, and I’d hear him say “Thanks, Honey” as I was passing through the television room on the way to my room where I’d stay for the balance of the night.
Things change. And so did Father’s Day. I got married. The love of my life happened to be a woman who had two young boys of her own. Insta-family! I adopted them in late October of the next year. Voila! Insta-Dad! Soon, we had another child, and I became a biological father. So what did I learn? Parenting is really hard! What I was starting to appreciate through all of this was my own father’s unbelievable patience. The meaning of Father’s Day had multiplied for me – now as a father myself, and as a son. Now I was the one getting the attention on Father’s Day. I got homemade cards. I got shirts. I got books.
Now Dad and I shared something. (Actually, he and I shared two things, since I was born on his birthday.) But now we shared fatherhood, too – we were members of that very special fraternity. Don’t get me wrong, I was always close to my Dad. We always had a lot to talk about – baseball, books, comedies...and now his grandchildren. My children! We shared a few Father’s Days when all of us went out and he and I missed the game together.
Things change. Dad died last June, five days before Father’s Day. Thirteen days before our birthday, for that matter. Two days after Dad died, my daughter, my baby, delivered her first child and our second grandchild. The wheel of life goes around and around. So Father’s Day last year was a day of overwhelming emotions. I missed Dad dearly and wished to have the chance to again tell him that I thought he was the bestest Dad in the whole world. There was a new father in the family, too. My son-in-law was the proud father of a beautiful baby boy and now it was my job to welcome him to the fatherhood fraternity.
Father’s Day now? It is a time to mourn and a time to celebrate. It is a time to remember our Dads and spend time with our kids. It’s the day when we stop and think, even if it’s just for a moment, about the sacrifice that our parents made for us. We say thank you in any way that we can to the people who stuck with us when we were our most difficult and somehow loved us anyway. We thank God for our fathers. We treasure the memories of fathers past. We appreciate watching our sons and son-in-laws as they carry on the traditions. Like missing the game. Dads miss a lot more than that. We realize that Dad died a little every time we did something for the first time and he missed it. But he still got up early the next day – and often stayed late – at a job he hated because that is what Dads do. Did your Dad coach your little league team? Have you thanked him for that?
Now Father’s Day is approaching again and I know that I will again miss my own Dad. I will take this special day to remember to be grateful for him. I will also spend part of this Father’s Day appreciating the father that my son-in-law is becoming and I will enjoy watching him play with his son. Instead of watching the game.
Is my journey through Father’s Day complete? No way! I’ve seen Father’s Day from several angles. I remember sitting on my father’s lap. I remember my kids sitting on my lap. Now my grandkids sit on my lap. I watch my grandkids sit on my children’s laps. No matter how you look at it, if you really are lucky enough to have kids who appreciate and love you – every day is Father’s Day. And if your Dad is with my Dad, I hope they are watching the game.
Jon Sherman
Author’s Note: One of my boys, Michael, the oldest, still sends me a Father’s Day Card on October 29, every year. For the last twenty-five years, he has never forgotten to wish me a Happy Father’s Day on that day. He doesn’t miss the June one, either, but, as he reminds me annually, it is a lot harder to find a good Father’s Day Card in October. Anybody can find one in June. Michael makes me feel very special by remembering “adoption day,” as he calls it. He never fails to let me know that he appreciates me – and I am so grateful to have him for a son.
Father’s Day has been a most transitional holiday for me throughout my life. Not merely that the date changes to coincide with a certain convenient Sunday in June – it doesn’t really matter WHEN it is, I am talking about WHAT it is.
As a child, Father’s Day was the day that we all did whatever Dad wanted to do. All Dad ever really wanted to do was to be allowed to watch the ball game and eat something he liked. So, as usual, we did what Mom wanted, under the guise of “Dad’s special day” and we’d go out to eat and miss the game. We’d go to any place he chose, which was always Mom’s favorite place, and at the end of it all, he’d pay. He’d get presents, too. Shirts and books were always popular, since Dad read and he wore clothes. I’d make a home made card proclaiming “you are the bestest Dad in the whole world” and he’d make me feel as if it was the single greatest thing that anyone had ever done for him. At day’s end, he would thank all of us for our generosity and we’d tell him how much we loved him. We’d put another Father’s Day in the books, and forget about it for another year.
Things change. As a teenager, I vaguely remember blowing through whatever Father’s Day gaiety was had in a hurry to get to whatever it was that I really wanted to be doing on that Sunday. I no longer made him cards, and rarely remembered to buy one. Typically, I would use one that my mother had lying around and was blank inside – you know the kind; those non-holiday specific cards with a puppy on the front – and wrote my sentiments on the inside. At that point, I knew better than to write “bestest” although he’d have probably gotten a kick out of that. By then, my siblings were married and gone and for them Father’s Day was the mailing of a card and a gift. Usually a shirt or a book. Not everything changes. I would come home that evening from whatever it was that had occupied my time, say “Happy Father’s Day, Dad”, and I’d hear him say “Thanks, Honey” as I was passing through the television room on the way to my room where I’d stay for the balance of the night.
Things change. And so did Father’s Day. I got married. The love of my life happened to be a woman who had two young boys of her own. Insta-family! I adopted them in late October of the next year. Voila! Insta-Dad! Soon, we had another child, and I became a biological father. So what did I learn? Parenting is really hard! What I was starting to appreciate through all of this was my own father’s unbelievable patience. The meaning of Father’s Day had multiplied for me – now as a father myself, and as a son. Now I was the one getting the attention on Father’s Day. I got homemade cards. I got shirts. I got books.
Now Dad and I shared something. (Actually, he and I shared two things, since I was born on his birthday.) But now we shared fatherhood, too – we were members of that very special fraternity. Don’t get me wrong, I was always close to my Dad. We always had a lot to talk about – baseball, books, comedies...and now his grandchildren. My children! We shared a few Father’s Days when all of us went out and he and I missed the game together.
Things change. Dad died last June, five days before Father’s Day. Thirteen days before our birthday, for that matter. Two days after Dad died, my daughter, my baby, delivered her first child and our second grandchild. The wheel of life goes around and around. So Father’s Day last year was a day of overwhelming emotions. I missed Dad dearly and wished to have the chance to again tell him that I thought he was the bestest Dad in the whole world. There was a new father in the family, too. My son-in-law was the proud father of a beautiful baby boy and now it was my job to welcome him to the fatherhood fraternity.
Father’s Day now? It is a time to mourn and a time to celebrate. It is a time to remember our Dads and spend time with our kids. It’s the day when we stop and think, even if it’s just for a moment, about the sacrifice that our parents made for us. We say thank you in any way that we can to the people who stuck with us when we were our most difficult and somehow loved us anyway. We thank God for our fathers. We treasure the memories of fathers past. We appreciate watching our sons and son-in-laws as they carry on the traditions. Like missing the game. Dads miss a lot more than that. We realize that Dad died a little every time we did something for the first time and he missed it. But he still got up early the next day – and often stayed late – at a job he hated because that is what Dads do. Did your Dad coach your little league team? Have you thanked him for that?
Now Father’s Day is approaching again and I know that I will again miss my own Dad. I will take this special day to remember to be grateful for him. I will also spend part of this Father’s Day appreciating the father that my son-in-law is becoming and I will enjoy watching him play with his son. Instead of watching the game.
Is my journey through Father’s Day complete? No way! I’ve seen Father’s Day from several angles. I remember sitting on my father’s lap. I remember my kids sitting on my lap. Now my grandkids sit on my lap. I watch my grandkids sit on my children’s laps. No matter how you look at it, if you really are lucky enough to have kids who appreciate and love you – every day is Father’s Day. And if your Dad is with my Dad, I hope they are watching the game.
Jon Sherman
Author’s Note: One of my boys, Michael, the oldest, still sends me a Father’s Day Card on October 29, every year. For the last twenty-five years, he has never forgotten to wish me a Happy Father’s Day on that day. He doesn’t miss the June one, either, but, as he reminds me annually, it is a lot harder to find a good Father’s Day Card in October. Anybody can find one in June. Michael makes me feel very special by remembering “adoption day,” as he calls it. He never fails to let me know that he appreciates me – and I am so grateful to have him for a son.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Winning road trip
It's a good thing to win the road trip -- but Piniella is right when he says that this team could be, and needs to be better than it is to win it all. That's the best Marquis has looked all year. Fukudome needs some time off. He's pressing and not getting good swings.
Suddenly, only Theriot is batting over .300 (well, not counting Zambrano) -- why is that? Team slump? Patience issue? League pitching us different? Better pitching teams on the schedule right now? Thoughts? Just a couple week ago, we have most everyone at .300+ and now...well...not.
Fukudome should not bat fifth. That's not his ideal spot. 2 or 6. Maybe 7. Not five. No power at all.
Aramis Ramirez should hit third everyday. Look at the stats. Power hitter, high OBP -- and doesn't strike out much. Get him an at bat in the first inning. Put Lee 4, or acquire a true power hitter to hit behind him. No, I don't know who. Maybe some other morning. Maybe Soriano.
Lee has been off on offensive. Not making solid contact, and that power stroke he had early is all but gone again.
There is talk of a trade with Cleveland -- and that we get CC Sabathia in the deal. I like it...if we don't give up way too much. Like Marmol. Like Gallagher. Like thirteen young guys who might be the future of the Cleveland franchise...be careful with those kinds of deals.
js
Suddenly, only Theriot is batting over .300 (well, not counting Zambrano) -- why is that? Team slump? Patience issue? League pitching us different? Better pitching teams on the schedule right now? Thoughts? Just a couple week ago, we have most everyone at .300+ and now...well...not.
Fukudome should not bat fifth. That's not his ideal spot. 2 or 6. Maybe 7. Not five. No power at all.
Aramis Ramirez should hit third everyday. Look at the stats. Power hitter, high OBP -- and doesn't strike out much. Get him an at bat in the first inning. Put Lee 4, or acquire a true power hitter to hit behind him. No, I don't know who. Maybe some other morning. Maybe Soriano.
Lee has been off on offensive. Not making solid contact, and that power stroke he had early is all but gone again.
There is talk of a trade with Cleveland -- and that we get CC Sabathia in the deal. I like it...if we don't give up way too much. Like Marmol. Like Gallagher. Like thirteen young guys who might be the future of the Cleveland franchise...be careful with those kinds of deals.
js
Sunday, June 8, 2008
First things first
Congrats to the Buss family on the new additions! Good stuff! Too bad you had to miss the game yesterday, but you'll miss lots of stuff now. And besides, it was a shitty game.
On to the rant --
that game blew for so many reasons, I can barely comment. But I will. If Theriot cannot catch the fucking the ball on stolen base attempts, then get a shortstop who can. I don't care what he's hitting. That hurt. Two dropped. Add to that the two throwaways at first by Aram and Z. And those sissy Dodgers bunting their cleanup hitter. And the biggest problem yesterday -- other than we are going back to our old ways of taking strikes and swinging at everything else -- Big Z pitched like a pussy. There. I said it. He was trying to a finesse guy and locate and throw those slow curves to guys with slow bats. He's a power pitcher and he needs to get people out with power. Fastballs with movement. Sliders that bite. That's it. Shelve that other crap and pitch the way you hit, dammit. Pathetic game. Dodgers should not score seven against us in four games. Fuck.
They'd better win tonight or I'll be really pissed tomorrow.
Once again...Happy Birthday yesterday to Courtney and Kendall. Welcome to Cub nation.
Sherm
On to the rant --
that game blew for so many reasons, I can barely comment. But I will. If Theriot cannot catch the fucking the ball on stolen base attempts, then get a shortstop who can. I don't care what he's hitting. That hurt. Two dropped. Add to that the two throwaways at first by Aram and Z. And those sissy Dodgers bunting their cleanup hitter. And the biggest problem yesterday -- other than we are going back to our old ways of taking strikes and swinging at everything else -- Big Z pitched like a pussy. There. I said it. He was trying to a finesse guy and locate and throw those slow curves to guys with slow bats. He's a power pitcher and he needs to get people out with power. Fastballs with movement. Sliders that bite. That's it. Shelve that other crap and pitch the way you hit, dammit. Pathetic game. Dodgers should not score seven against us in four games. Fuck.
They'd better win tonight or I'll be really pissed tomorrow.
Once again...Happy Birthday yesterday to Courtney and Kendall. Welcome to Cub nation.
Sherm
Friday, June 6, 2008
Enough already
No. I am not referring to the Cubs. I'm talking about Vin Scully. Shut up, already. Is he still talking? For God's sake, someone stop him.
DeRosa played a great game. Defensively, especially. Fukudome...clutch hit. Hey, was that Jim Edmonds with two hits and an amazing run scoring diving catch in centerfield? I think it was.
So when did Kerry Wood turn into Mitch Williams? What the hell was that? Hitting Tiffee with a 1 and 2 count and two outs? Then walking Pierre? Then blowing Kemp away. A save is a save, I suppose.
So...Jeff Kent? Juicer? Came up as a little stick figure second baseman. Went on to some 40 homer years. Thoughts?
Soto looks overmatched in a lot of at bats. Drop him in the order...now -- he should not be hitting 6. He's a rally killer right now.
Is Scully still jawing? Shut the fuck up! "Aramis's mother is an accountant" -- who cares? He probably makes all that shit up anyway. "Theriot owns a batting cage" -- so what? Shut up! And it's pronounced "Dose Kay" not "Do Sue Key" for crying out loud. It's "Ar-a-mis" not "a-RAM-is", dammit.
Twice he went on about Soto spells "Geovany." So what? What's so strange about that? Ask Jhonny Perhalta. He didn't name himself anyway. Who cares? Shut the fuck up! Is he still talking?
I gotta go.
JS (Sherm used to play little league in New Jersey and was once sponsored by the local ice cream shoppe) aargahhhhhhhh -- now I'm doing it!
DeRosa played a great game. Defensively, especially. Fukudome...clutch hit. Hey, was that Jim Edmonds with two hits and an amazing run scoring diving catch in centerfield? I think it was.
So when did Kerry Wood turn into Mitch Williams? What the hell was that? Hitting Tiffee with a 1 and 2 count and two outs? Then walking Pierre? Then blowing Kemp away. A save is a save, I suppose.
So...Jeff Kent? Juicer? Came up as a little stick figure second baseman. Went on to some 40 homer years. Thoughts?
Soto looks overmatched in a lot of at bats. Drop him in the order...now -- he should not be hitting 6. He's a rally killer right now.
Is Scully still jawing? Shut the fuck up! "Aramis's mother is an accountant" -- who cares? He probably makes all that shit up anyway. "Theriot owns a batting cage" -- so what? Shut up! And it's pronounced "Dose Kay" not "Do Sue Key" for crying out loud. It's "Ar-a-mis" not "a-RAM-is", dammit.
Twice he went on about Soto spells "Geovany." So what? What's so strange about that? Ask Jhonny Perhalta. He didn't name himself anyway. Who cares? Shut the fuck up! Is he still talking?
I gotta go.
JS (Sherm used to play little league in New Jersey and was once sponsored by the local ice cream shoppe) aargahhhhhhhh -- now I'm doing it!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
they're baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack
Hey, I saw the old Cubs last night. The ones who won't take a pitch. Hopefully, it was just for one game.
Afterthoughts --
1. Seemed like Lilly had first and third every inning. Why start him in the 8th? Especially with Giles coming up?
2. Apparently we cannot hit a change up -- even when we know it's coming.
3. What's Trevor Hoffman now? 53? Here's a tip. He throws a change. All the fucking time. His fastball? It's a change, too.
4. I'll take 9 of 10 anytime. Nice run of games and wins. But we are better than that.
Time to start winning again. Tonight.
Sherm
Afterthoughts --
1. Seemed like Lilly had first and third every inning. Why start him in the 8th? Especially with Giles coming up?
2. Apparently we cannot hit a change up -- even when we know it's coming.
3. What's Trevor Hoffman now? 53? Here's a tip. He throws a change. All the fucking time. His fastball? It's a change, too.
4. I'll take 9 of 10 anytime. Nice run of games and wins. But we are better than that.
Time to start winning again. Tonight.
Sherm
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Maddux tonight
There is not much to say about last night's game. Bats won it. Pitching got bailed out. Marquis too wild. Walk and balk the opposing pitcher? C'mon. Hart wasn't sharp, but first game back and with a big lead he may have been a little off. Pitching can go awry when we score 9.
I love the 6 stolen bases against Michael Barrett. Just their way of saying "you suck defensively"
Let's crush Maddux tonight. I predict Fukudome has a big game. Theriot, too. We need to see the Ted Lilly who gets people out every now and again. In my opinion, he's our number 5 right now. Or tied for 4 with the aforementioned J. Marquis.
Question -- when Ward is healthy do you bring him back? Or let him go and use Hoffpauir for the LH pinchhitter and spot starter?
Let's go for double digits tonight. Make it ten straight, Cubbies.
Oh, yeah...and I'd start Fontenot at 2b. Give DeRosa a rest.
js
I love the 6 stolen bases against Michael Barrett. Just their way of saying "you suck defensively"
Let's crush Maddux tonight. I predict Fukudome has a big game. Theriot, too. We need to see the Ted Lilly who gets people out every now and again. In my opinion, he's our number 5 right now. Or tied for 4 with the aforementioned J. Marquis.
Question -- when Ward is healthy do you bring him back? Or let him go and use Hoffpauir for the LH pinchhitter and spot starter?
Let's go for double digits tonight. Make it ten straight, Cubbies.
Oh, yeah...and I'd start Fontenot at 2b. Give DeRosa a rest.
js
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
8
Okay, so Marmol is human after all. At least it didn't cost us the game. Wood saved it, like he is supposed to do in those situations.
Hey, wasn't that Jim Edmonds with 2 more doubles and 2 more rbi's? Couldn't tell from here. Could it be that he was a great pickup? Hmmm?
This just in. Carlos Zambrano can hit. Maybe he should bat higher than 9th.
Just a thought, but if you are the Red Sox, and you just found out that David Ortiz is out indefinitely with a wrist injury -- would you consider signing Barry Bonds as your DH until he returns?
DeRosa needs a day off. Play Cedeno at 2b tonight.
Go Cubs. Let's make it 9. Time to score some runs for Marquis. He's been good enough to win a few games and has gotten no decisions...
js
Hey, wasn't that Jim Edmonds with 2 more doubles and 2 more rbi's? Couldn't tell from here. Could it be that he was a great pickup? Hmmm?
This just in. Carlos Zambrano can hit. Maybe he should bat higher than 9th.
Just a thought, but if you are the Red Sox, and you just found out that David Ortiz is out indefinitely with a wrist injury -- would you consider signing Barry Bonds as your DH until he returns?
DeRosa needs a day off. Play Cedeno at 2b tonight.
Go Cubs. Let's make it 9. Time to score some runs for Marquis. He's been good enough to win a few games and has gotten no decisions...
js
Monday, June 2, 2008
Holy Cow
Harry would have loved this!
Nice catch by Soriano in the first -- almost got DeRosa injured. Gotta like the way the guy is heating up with the bat, but jeeeeez...catch the ball, Sori.
I know this'll catch me so serious flak -- but I'm becoming an Edmonds fan. The guy can flat play centerfield, I don't care what the detractors say. I don't sweat balls to left center anymore. He gets as good a jump as anyone I've seen. (Did you see the double to left center yesterday? Edmonds got close to it...Soriano wasn't even in the PICTURE. Where the hell was he? I yelled that question at the TV, and my son in law says "maybe he was playing the line." Good one, smartass. I mean if Smitty's in left, he gets in the picture.)
Saw Ralph and Smitty on TV during fancam. That was you in the tube top, right Smitty?
Soto has a lot to learn about hitting. Every at bat is not a swing as hard as you can at bat. Sometimes you have to move a runner, or hit a fly ball...whatever. Situationally, he's not too smart yet. That'll come -- hopefully soon. I don't like watching him whiff in important situations. He needs to watch Reed Johnson bat.
Speaking of Edmonds -- another nice offensive day yesterday. Double, triple, huge walk...couple ribbies. We have a pretty nice centerfield platoon right now. (I know, I know...Edmonds is pretty and Johnson is nice.) And it cost us basically nothing. Little cash, no players. Good job, Hendry.
June 1 -- and you have to love the results and the spark that this team has. Let's keep it up. Need a big road trip -- prove that we can also win on the road.
Since the Pitt. meltdown...KWood has looked real good. Think he got a "talking to" or just changed his approach? Whatever...it's working.
Go Cubs.
Sherm
Nice catch by Soriano in the first -- almost got DeRosa injured. Gotta like the way the guy is heating up with the bat, but jeeeeez...catch the ball, Sori.
I know this'll catch me so serious flak -- but I'm becoming an Edmonds fan. The guy can flat play centerfield, I don't care what the detractors say. I don't sweat balls to left center anymore. He gets as good a jump as anyone I've seen. (Did you see the double to left center yesterday? Edmonds got close to it...Soriano wasn't even in the PICTURE. Where the hell was he? I yelled that question at the TV, and my son in law says "maybe he was playing the line." Good one, smartass. I mean if Smitty's in left, he gets in the picture.)
Saw Ralph and Smitty on TV during fancam. That was you in the tube top, right Smitty?
Soto has a lot to learn about hitting. Every at bat is not a swing as hard as you can at bat. Sometimes you have to move a runner, or hit a fly ball...whatever. Situationally, he's not too smart yet. That'll come -- hopefully soon. I don't like watching him whiff in important situations. He needs to watch Reed Johnson bat.
Speaking of Edmonds -- another nice offensive day yesterday. Double, triple, huge walk...couple ribbies. We have a pretty nice centerfield platoon right now. (I know, I know...Edmonds is pretty and Johnson is nice.) And it cost us basically nothing. Little cash, no players. Good job, Hendry.
June 1 -- and you have to love the results and the spark that this team has. Let's keep it up. Need a big road trip -- prove that we can also win on the road.
Since the Pitt. meltdown...KWood has looked real good. Think he got a "talking to" or just changed his approach? Whatever...it's working.
Go Cubs.
Sherm
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