Somebody tell the NL east that this isn't little league. We play more than seven innings.
Nice job Aramis. Thank you Dlee for not hitting into a double play. Bullpen was tight. Even Bobby was back on his game.
Comment: I thought Dempster pitched great for having a shitty outing, if that makes sense. Had less than his best, could have been pummeled for a dozen but kept us in the game. Good job.
Comment #2: I'm glad Reed Johnson got picked off and DeRosa struck out in the eighth. Why? So that Fontenot didn't have be lifted for a pinch hitter AGAIN after already homering in the inning. What the hell is Piniella thinking? Twice in the same season? Come on, Lou. The kid can hit. Lefties and righties. Quit yanking him in that situation. Fontenot has NINE homers. That's impressive.
I will be out of town for the rest of the weekend, so you will have to wait until Sunday night or Monday morning for your shermrant blog fix. Hopefully, we'll still be beating the Fillies each and every game. Tomorrow I expect Harden to shut them down.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone.
best to cb.
js
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Key Stat
As in "Mar-Key" -- he didn't walk anyone. He put the ball in play. Quick, effective game. Nicely done. Gave most of the pen a rest. Perfect.
I didn't get to see the game, but it was a nice win. Coupled with a Brewer loss in St. Louis...we have a nice lead heading into the last 29 games. Most of those are with contenders, so we have to step it up and earn the division. We might not be able to coast into the playoffs, but sometimes it helps a team to maintain the intensity in the last month rather than "rest" and get out of their rhythm.
Phillies appear to be on a bit of a roll right now, but most of that was sweeping the Dodgers, and we are much better than the Dodgers. I still think our pitching will shut them down most, if not every, game in this series. Another potential "statement series" to the rest of the NL if we can win three or all four of these. It could be a playoff preview.
September call ups will be here soon. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Hoffpauir. Maybe Pie can give Fukudome some batting tips.
Not much more to add...except Go Cubs.
best to cb
Sherm
I didn't get to see the game, but it was a nice win. Coupled with a Brewer loss in St. Louis...we have a nice lead heading into the last 29 games. Most of those are with contenders, so we have to step it up and earn the division. We might not be able to coast into the playoffs, but sometimes it helps a team to maintain the intensity in the last month rather than "rest" and get out of their rhythm.
Phillies appear to be on a bit of a roll right now, but most of that was sweeping the Dodgers, and we are much better than the Dodgers. I still think our pitching will shut them down most, if not every, game in this series. Another potential "statement series" to the rest of the NL if we can win three or all four of these. It could be a playoff preview.
September call ups will be here soon. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Hoffpauir. Maybe Pie can give Fukudome some batting tips.
Not much more to add...except Go Cubs.
best to cb
Sherm
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What was that, Dave?
I was speaking to Dave (aka Mojo) last night when the telephone cut off. Something about my...let's see, how exactly did I put it yesterday? Oh yes "Big game from Soto tonight. I can feel it." That was it. So anyway...you were saying? Something about a passed ball in the first inning, perhaps? Probably wasn't important. 7 rbis.
Things I really, really liked about that game -- comeback and "Soto's big night" notwithstanding -- Piniella tearing into Cedeno for the shit bunt. Although Brenly said that sometimes you have to remind these guys about the fundamentals...why not mention it BEFORE the at bat? Fine defensive play by Fontenot in the sixth. Theriot keeping the tag on Morgan's foot in the seventh. And the thing I liked best about yesterday's game? Marmol looked unhittable again. And Soriano's drop. I'm sorry. That was funny. Not at the time. But now.
What I didn't like? What's wrong with Zambrano? Doc Raker, in his non-blog, claims that it is fatigue and that he should miss a few starts. I don't think he looks fatigued to me. I think that ever since Rich Harden showed up, he's had to realistically digest that (along with the great year that Dempster is having) that he's the number three pitcher on the staff right now. Don't get me wrong. I think Z is a team guy all the way. I think he loves the winning and is happy for success of the other pitchers. I am not criticizing him at all. I just think he's human. He's trying to prove (mostly to himself) that he's a number one -- and therefore he's pressing. Trying to be too fine. Worrying too much about baserunners. Picking when he should be powering. And that, my loyal reader or two, is on Piniella and Rothschild to handle. Just like they (Lou and Perry) had their "talk" with Bailodome, they need to talk to Carlos. Reassure him. Tell him to relax, lighten up and have fun out there. He's tight assing is all it is. In golf, they call it the yips. Z gots the yips. Here's something else. Wrigley faithful need to give Carlos some big time love next outing...let him feed on it. I'm right, you know, even though I'm not an eye doctor. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Not really. I prefer Marriott's. But, I digress.
Fontenot - 2 for 2 off the bench. It's critical that he be given his at bats.
Thank goodness Lee walked with the bases loaded. Was I the only one who saw that double play on the horizon?
Let's sweep the Pirates tonight. I really hope that Marquis can pitch as well as he has been WITHOUT that one "fall apart inning." Be helpful to the pen if he can go seven or more tonight. Anybody see a complete game coming?
No predictions tonight. I wore it out last night with Soto, but don't want to rub it in. If I had to pick anyone to break out tonight, it would be Lee.
Smitty called and he taped the Olympic ceremonies -- opening and closing -- and has been watching them nonstop. "Can't get enough." His words. He'll update his blog soon.
Best to cb.
js
Things I really, really liked about that game -- comeback and "Soto's big night" notwithstanding -- Piniella tearing into Cedeno for the shit bunt. Although Brenly said that sometimes you have to remind these guys about the fundamentals...why not mention it BEFORE the at bat? Fine defensive play by Fontenot in the sixth. Theriot keeping the tag on Morgan's foot in the seventh. And the thing I liked best about yesterday's game? Marmol looked unhittable again. And Soriano's drop. I'm sorry. That was funny. Not at the time. But now.
What I didn't like? What's wrong with Zambrano? Doc Raker, in his non-blog, claims that it is fatigue and that he should miss a few starts. I don't think he looks fatigued to me. I think that ever since Rich Harden showed up, he's had to realistically digest that (along with the great year that Dempster is having) that he's the number three pitcher on the staff right now. Don't get me wrong. I think Z is a team guy all the way. I think he loves the winning and is happy for success of the other pitchers. I am not criticizing him at all. I just think he's human. He's trying to prove (mostly to himself) that he's a number one -- and therefore he's pressing. Trying to be too fine. Worrying too much about baserunners. Picking when he should be powering. And that, my loyal reader or two, is on Piniella and Rothschild to handle. Just like they (Lou and Perry) had their "talk" with Bailodome, they need to talk to Carlos. Reassure him. Tell him to relax, lighten up and have fun out there. He's tight assing is all it is. In golf, they call it the yips. Z gots the yips. Here's something else. Wrigley faithful need to give Carlos some big time love next outing...let him feed on it. I'm right, you know, even though I'm not an eye doctor. But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Not really. I prefer Marriott's. But, I digress.
Fontenot - 2 for 2 off the bench. It's critical that he be given his at bats.
Thank goodness Lee walked with the bases loaded. Was I the only one who saw that double play on the horizon?
Let's sweep the Pirates tonight. I really hope that Marquis can pitch as well as he has been WITHOUT that one "fall apart inning." Be helpful to the pen if he can go seven or more tonight. Anybody see a complete game coming?
No predictions tonight. I wore it out last night with Soto, but don't want to rub it in. If I had to pick anyone to break out tonight, it would be Lee.
Smitty called and he taped the Olympic ceremonies -- opening and closing -- and has been watching them nonstop. "Can't get enough." His words. He'll update his blog soon.
Best to cb.
js
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Much better
Nice team effort, and Lilly truly deserved to have a game like that. He's been better than his record indicates, which is amazing when you think about his lousy start.
Nice job Gerard Perry and Lou Piniella! Just "talking" to Fukudome has changed everything. Three more hits and four rbi's -- after they "suggested" that he shorten his swing? Wow. Impressive coaching. Now go "talk" to DLee about hitting homers. "Talk" to Marquis about throwing strikes. "Talk" to -- oh, nevermind. You get the point.
Jim Edmonds hit a triple. Bet you didn't see that one coming.
Let's talk postseason for a moment. I'm going to just assume that we make it. I also think (I agree with Charlie, now that I think about it) that Marquis gets left off the postseason roster. It'd be pretty scary to have to play us, wouldn't it? Uh, gee...who's pitching for the Cubs this series? Harden, Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly and then Harden again. And then Z. Yikes.
In terms of matchups -- the Dbacks series could be awesome. With Webb, Haren, Johnson, and Davis. But I like our chances. Mets? Santana, Pelfry, Pedo, and Maine. Pretty decent rotation just starting to come around. Phillies? I'm not seeing it. They're okay, but I think they get beaten by the teams with the better pitching. Dodgers? Not gonna make it. Brewers? Spahn and Sain and pray for rain. Sabathia, Sheets and pray for sleets? You get the point.
Versus the AL? Boston? Their pitching has been better in recent years, and the lineup is a lot less scary without Manny. Rays? Good, young team. Out of the playoffs fast. White Sox? Good team. Not good enough. Twins? Scary because they scrap. Good enough at just everything they do to win. We'd do well in their park, I think. Angels? Very good team. Fast and well managed. It would come down to pitching matchups, and I like our top four better than their top four.
We need to win our division. Just keep doing what we are doing. Win, but set up the rotation for the postseason. Continue to rest certain people from time to time to keep them sharp and fresh. And for God's sake, keep "talking" to players in slumps. Who knew talking could be so effective? Quick, someone go to Iowa and talk to Felix Pie.
I hope big Z keeps his hitting streak alive, but more important -- pitches a dominant game. We need that from him...every time out for the rest of this year.
Big game from Soto tonight. I can feel it.
best to cb
Sherm
Nice job Gerard Perry and Lou Piniella! Just "talking" to Fukudome has changed everything. Three more hits and four rbi's -- after they "suggested" that he shorten his swing? Wow. Impressive coaching. Now go "talk" to DLee about hitting homers. "Talk" to Marquis about throwing strikes. "Talk" to -- oh, nevermind. You get the point.
Jim Edmonds hit a triple. Bet you didn't see that one coming.
Let's talk postseason for a moment. I'm going to just assume that we make it. I also think (I agree with Charlie, now that I think about it) that Marquis gets left off the postseason roster. It'd be pretty scary to have to play us, wouldn't it? Uh, gee...who's pitching for the Cubs this series? Harden, Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly and then Harden again. And then Z. Yikes.
In terms of matchups -- the Dbacks series could be awesome. With Webb, Haren, Johnson, and Davis. But I like our chances. Mets? Santana, Pelfry, Pedo, and Maine. Pretty decent rotation just starting to come around. Phillies? I'm not seeing it. They're okay, but I think they get beaten by the teams with the better pitching. Dodgers? Not gonna make it. Brewers? Spahn and Sain and pray for rain. Sabathia, Sheets and pray for sleets? You get the point.
Versus the AL? Boston? Their pitching has been better in recent years, and the lineup is a lot less scary without Manny. Rays? Good, young team. Out of the playoffs fast. White Sox? Good team. Not good enough. Twins? Scary because they scrap. Good enough at just everything they do to win. We'd do well in their park, I think. Angels? Very good team. Fast and well managed. It would come down to pitching matchups, and I like our top four better than their top four.
We need to win our division. Just keep doing what we are doing. Win, but set up the rotation for the postseason. Continue to rest certain people from time to time to keep them sharp and fresh. And for God's sake, keep "talking" to players in slumps. Who knew talking could be so effective? Quick, someone go to Iowa and talk to Felix Pie.
I hope big Z keeps his hitting streak alive, but more important -- pitches a dominant game. We need that from him...every time out for the rest of this year.
Big game from Soto tonight. I can feel it.
best to cb
Sherm
Monday, August 25, 2008
Impressive
I don't know what was more impressive yesterday -- Rich Harden's seven innings, the Hawaiian little leaguers victory at the LLWS, or the big flying cheese wheels at the Olympic closing ceremonies. You'll have to forgive me, but I turned off the Olympic closing ceremonies about ten minutes in. I just don't care about that kind of stuff. I'm not big on ceremonies. Maybe after the WS this year I will be. Hope so.
Big deal. Fukudome hits a pinch hit homer. Guy comes in and somehow accidentally throws a fastball right onto the barrel of the "bailers" bat and suddenly he's fine? Even Brenley said that nothing had changed in the swing. The ball hit the bat. Unfortunate news for Fontenot, who will now sit for another week or two while Funkodome goes into his patented 1 for 14 run. Fontenot hit the ball for an opposite field double yesterday right on the screws, too. Why wasn't that a headline?
Pirates load the bases with none out yesterday in the top of the eleventh (or whatever) and could not score against G. Mota. How pathetic is that? Naturally, the Brewers came out and immediately scored the game winner after that to sweep the Pirates. Now we have to sweep the same stinking Pirates. Milwaukee moves on to play St. Mary's School for the Blind.
DeRosa is on a roll. He's a great guy. Great interview after the game. Ivy Leaguer. Okay, I'll say it. I'm so glad we didn't trade for Brian Roberts.
Marquis Marks: guy pitches great. Except for one inning every time out. What's that all about? He is pitching well...but he's pitching himself off the offseason roster. And possibly out of the starting rotation. He seems to be a good guy, too, and a good teammate. I would like to see him come around and quit falling apart once a game.
We get a second chance at Karstens today. No excuses this time to get shut down by this kid. Last time it was: "we'd never seen him" -- that won't work again today.
Personally, with or without DLee in the lineup, I like Aramis is the three spot. Lee hasn't been a bonafide 3 hitter since May.
Edmonds is slumping -- 0 for some time, but at least he's still patient. Gets a walk or two a game. Young guys need to learn from that. That said, he needs to drop in the order a little until the bat comes around. Seven might be a good spot for him for now. DeRosa can and should be hitting five while he's this hot.
Hoffpauir should hit fourth. Oh, wait. He's still in the minors. Another four hit game for him the other day.
The Felix Pie "era" was a short one.
Let's get Ted Lilly some run support tonight. He deserves it after his last outing.
Go Cubs.
best to cb
js
Big deal. Fukudome hits a pinch hit homer. Guy comes in and somehow accidentally throws a fastball right onto the barrel of the "bailers" bat and suddenly he's fine? Even Brenley said that nothing had changed in the swing. The ball hit the bat. Unfortunate news for Fontenot, who will now sit for another week or two while Funkodome goes into his patented 1 for 14 run. Fontenot hit the ball for an opposite field double yesterday right on the screws, too. Why wasn't that a headline?
Pirates load the bases with none out yesterday in the top of the eleventh (or whatever) and could not score against G. Mota. How pathetic is that? Naturally, the Brewers came out and immediately scored the game winner after that to sweep the Pirates. Now we have to sweep the same stinking Pirates. Milwaukee moves on to play St. Mary's School for the Blind.
DeRosa is on a roll. He's a great guy. Great interview after the game. Ivy Leaguer. Okay, I'll say it. I'm so glad we didn't trade for Brian Roberts.
Marquis Marks: guy pitches great. Except for one inning every time out. What's that all about? He is pitching well...but he's pitching himself off the offseason roster. And possibly out of the starting rotation. He seems to be a good guy, too, and a good teammate. I would like to see him come around and quit falling apart once a game.
We get a second chance at Karstens today. No excuses this time to get shut down by this kid. Last time it was: "we'd never seen him" -- that won't work again today.
Personally, with or without DLee in the lineup, I like Aramis is the three spot. Lee hasn't been a bonafide 3 hitter since May.
Edmonds is slumping -- 0 for some time, but at least he's still patient. Gets a walk or two a game. Young guys need to learn from that. That said, he needs to drop in the order a little until the bat comes around. Seven might be a good spot for him for now. DeRosa can and should be hitting five while he's this hot.
Hoffpauir should hit fourth. Oh, wait. He's still in the minors. Another four hit game for him the other day.
The Felix Pie "era" was a short one.
Let's get Ted Lilly some run support tonight. He deserves it after his last outing.
Go Cubs.
best to cb
js
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Fuku update
0 for 3. 2 Strikeouts. 2 errors. Yikes. Someone tell me again why Fontenot is getting splinters in his ass?
Friday, August 22, 2008
Well?
When you see what Milwaukee did to Pittsburgh and the Cardinals did to the Atlanta, you'll realize how important it is to beat bad teams. We, on the other hand, get trashed by the Nationals -- by far the worst team in our league...and give up a game to both teams chasing us.
4 - 0 lead going into the sixth and we end up losing 13 - 5? That's pathetic. I don't even know who to blame. Marquis, who can't throw a strike with a lead? Gaudin? I mean, come on, it's the fucking Nationals, for crying out loud. Not a game we should lose, folks...and that's what scares me about this team. Now we have to fight and hope to win this series...not where we wanted to be after game one against the fucking Nationals. The Nationals, who now probably feel pretty darned good about themselves...and might just come out tomorrow smoking. This is the stretch that matters -- let's see how the Cubbies handle it.
Side note: DeRosa is a pretty damned good right fielder.
Second side note: based on side note one...Fontenot should start at second base almost every day.
Time to kick it into gear.
best to cb -- all the love in the world.
js
4 - 0 lead going into the sixth and we end up losing 13 - 5? That's pathetic. I don't even know who to blame. Marquis, who can't throw a strike with a lead? Gaudin? I mean, come on, it's the fucking Nationals, for crying out loud. Not a game we should lose, folks...and that's what scares me about this team. Now we have to fight and hope to win this series...not where we wanted to be after game one against the fucking Nationals. The Nationals, who now probably feel pretty darned good about themselves...and might just come out tomorrow smoking. This is the stretch that matters -- let's see how the Cubbies handle it.
Side note: DeRosa is a pretty damned good right fielder.
Second side note: based on side note one...Fontenot should start at second base almost every day.
Time to kick it into gear.
best to cb -- all the love in the world.
js
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