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Game Thread #1: Brewers (0-0) at Cubs (0-0)

Mordecai_brown_tiny by Jeff Sackmann on in Game Threads

This Opening Day thing is confusing.  Opening Day was last week, then it was last night, now it's today, but it might not be today because of weather.

Anyway, this is probably just a formality--consider this your thread for wishing there were a game, or for disparaging remarks in general about Chicago, the Cubs, Miller Park South, and the people who did scheduling for MLB this year.

Somethingvague posted the lineups here.  Never has a player done so little to earn a higher spot in the lineup than Ben Sheets!

The game is supposed to be at 1:20, so if we're lucky, we'll have nine innings in by about 4:30 tomorrow afternoon.

Go Brewers!

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It's raining

Here in Chicago it is raining, atleast downtowm... but it is not too hard yet... maybe the lighter rain will allow the game to start. If the field is in good shape, I am optimistic they could get the game started.

Of course knowing they have tomorrow off, they might call it simply on the speculation of more rain coming.

by Kyguy922 on Mar 31, 2008 12:35 PM CDT   0 recs

Cynical prediction

They'll start the game, play two innings, call the tarp out, wait a while, and then postpone the game.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 12:42 PM CDT   0 recs

Radar

Looks like it'll clear up in an hour or two but Missouri has a nice storm moving towards Chicago. Maybe it's better this way. We don't want ol' Ben Prior falling off the mound and tearing his hamstring from the bone or something....

::knocks on wood::

Check out The Blackhawk Experience

by antbogey on Mar 31, 2008 12:47 PM CDT   0 recs

Rain delay material...

Yesterday I was channelsurfing while my son was sitting/napping/throwing up on my lap, and noticed that WGN was killing off a Sunday afternoon by showing a couple of decent-but-not-great baseball movies. At commercial breaks, various baseball folks (usually Cubs-related, naturally) provided commentary, including our very own Bob Uecker.

The funny part (I actually laughed out loud) was that when Uecker's cap came into full view of the camera, the logo was blurred out. It was obvious that he was wearing a Brewers cap, but they didn't want to show it on WGN!

(Yes, I realize there's probably a legal reason for WGN blurring a Brewers logo on their station during a non-MLB broadcast, but I found it funny anyway.)

It's called "playing the percentages."

by hilbelink on Mar 31, 2008 12:47 PM CDT   0 recs

what would be really funny

if WGN started blurring out Brewers logos during actual MLB broadcasts. Tee hee.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 12:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

If Hardy sees a strike today,

he better swing. I don't think he'll see more than one per at bat.

by Ted Simmons Speed Camp on Mar 31, 2008 12:49 PM CDT   0 recs

good point

(it took me a while to figure out what you meant, though)

gives me an idea, to do a study of walk rates for guys who sometimes bat in front of the pitcher. Counsell is a good example--he seems to rack up a lot more walks batting in front of the P than he does in the 2-hole. Could also look at the difference in strikes seen, as you point out.

It would be interesting to know how much to discount the walk rate (not just intentional ones) of #8 hitters.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:21 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hardy's walk rate

I know that when Hardy first came up, I thought he had fair patience because he took a good amount of walks. It turns out that his "plate discipline" was really just a combination of him hitting scared (his shoulder) and in front of the pitcher.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Mar 31, 2008 2:26 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Web Cams

Here and here

The rain looks like it is coming down harder... and may not start until 2 from what some people at Bleed Cubbie Blue have been prediciting as harder stuff is on the way.

by Kyguy922 on Mar 31, 2008 12:54 PM CDT   0 recs

Let it rain

I've got tickets to the Wed. game, wouldn't mind that one being the opener

by SunglassesAtNight on Mar 31, 2008 12:58 PM CDT   0 recs

Me too

And any delay today means my commute home will hopefully be relatively free from drunk Cubs fans.

WGN said they're waiting for a patch of good weather anytime between 2 and 6.

by MillerParkSouth on Mar 31, 2008 1:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Free day tommorrow

I imagine that they will play tomorrow like the Yankee/Jays will be doing (game PPD)

by Saltire on Mar 31, 2008 1:39 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

well

we're suppose to be getting bad weather again tomorrow. basically hoping for two straight days of it, but that doesn't seem to matter too much now that we've officially started

by SunglassesAtNight on Mar 31, 2008 2:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The game's on three channels

My DVR is pissed.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Mar 31, 2008 1:15 PM CDT   0 recs

1:47

FSN said they would be back on at 1:47. Im assuming there playing then.

by brewfan2 on Mar 31, 2008 1:40 PM CDT   0 recs

Trying to get used to the new digs

Does having a SB Nation screen name I can be a total asshole over at Bizarro BCB now lol ?

Its all about the Bullpen this season that is the key.

by WSB Chris on Mar 31, 2008 1:42 PM CDT   0 recs

unfortunately yes

though individual blogs can still ban you. and your posts can be flagged. (after a certain number of flags--2 on this site--the comment is deleted)

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 1:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ha

nope. i haven't banned anybody for months. (though my trigger finger is getting itchy--I was on a roll there for a while last year.)

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 1:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Next to the option to flag a comment, there's "Rec"? Is that to undo another's flag? I'd click it, but I don't want this whole blog to implode or anything.

by cwgannon on Mar 31, 2008 2:08 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm not sure exactly how they are combined...

but it isn't directly to undo a flag. If it's a good comment, (Rec)ommend it. I think comments that have been recommended a few times get highlighted somehow. You can also recommend stories and fanposts ... if enough people (4, I think) recommend a fanpost, it gets bumped up to the "recommended" fanposts section above the rest of the fanposts.

(yes, it's complicated. i think it'll make sense when everybody is using more of the features, though.)

and I don't think anything you could do would break anything ... at least that's what I'm assuming and I'm acting accordingly :).

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:13 PM CDT to parent up   1 recs

MLB Gameday

No longer listing game as delayed. May get underway reasonably soon

by Saltire on Mar 31, 2008 1:56 PM CDT   0 recs

FSN is saying top of the hour

Its all about the Bullpen this season that is the key.

by WSB Chris on Mar 31, 2008 1:57 PM CDT   0 recs

opening pitch

on the way!

by Kyguy922 on Mar 31, 2008 2:01 PM CDT   0 recs

Good timing

I got back from class just in time to see the game start. Just a little foggy from that center field camera, huh?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:02 PM CDT   0 recs

strikeee three

not the way to start the season brewers!

by Kyguy922 on Mar 31, 2008 2:02 PM CDT   0 recs

Tony Gwynn

He's seen more pitches this plate appearance than Mike Cameron's average. :)

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:04 PM CDT   0 recs

One on...

let's go Prince!

by Kyguy922 on Mar 31, 2008 2:04 PM CDT   0 recs

Team MVP

Tony Gwynn :).

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:11 PM CDT   0 recs

Who is your picture of?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown

The namesake of my projection system, and star of the Cubs back when the Cubs were likable. (And they won occasionally, too.)

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ah, cool

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

HAT???

Braun has got to know he looks like a dork with the stocking cap on!!

The Wallbangers won because they played the game like kids! Let's do that again!!!

by 80badger on Mar 31, 2008 2:12 PM CDT   0 recs

Just with the hat?

I jest...

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Anti-semite

Formerly "Ball and Glove"

by Stoa on Mar 31, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

:)

Formerly "Ball and Glove"

by Stoa on Mar 31, 2008 2:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

ugh

How did Stocker make the team?

And yes, one does need a parking pass to get in the lot on Friday

Lordz Of Vengeance....Sometimes I drink...Okay...I drink most of the time.

by Dikembe Meiztombo on Mar 31, 2008 2:19 PM CDT   0 recs

So...

If the camera adds ten pounds then is it like J.J. Hardy never had the flu?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:19 PM CDT   0 recs

Too bad

All the pitcher-batting-eighth haters will have some ammo next inning.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:22 PM CDT   0 recs

well

we'll just get to see how stubborn Ned can be when he's doing something against the conventional wisdom. We know he can be stubborn, but this is different.

(by the way, this live comment updating thing is really cool.)

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Or the Gwynn-batting-second haters

If he got an infield hit batting immediately before Sheets, all the bunting fetishists would be happy.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Mar 31, 2008 2:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

bunting fetishists

are probably the same people who think infield hit = mvp candidacy.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

double for fukudome

a vulgarity comes to mind.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:28 PM CDT   0 recs

My fantasy team

...is named Fuk U Do Me

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on Mar 31, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I think your fantasy team

had a bit part in Austin Powers 3.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:29 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ha

A dude in my FMLB league has the same team name

Lordz Of Vengeance....Sometimes I drink...Okay...I drink most of the time.

by Dikembe Meiztombo on Mar 31, 2008 2:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Stocking caps in the outfield...

Coaching wearing helmets...I don't know if I recognize this game anymore.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:30 PM CDT   0 recs

don't worry

Ben Sheets will strike out soon, and it'll all be familiar again.

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:32 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Have some faith

He might get to first by nicking Soto's glove with his swing.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Or

He's changed his stance after it worked so well for Craig

by drezdn on Mar 31, 2008 2:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Z vs. Z

There's good Z vs. Bad Z.

The bad Z is Carlos Zambrano, of course; boo at will.

The good Z is with the SBN 2.0. When you click on a post/entry and want to go straight to the new comments, press Z, and it'll take you directly to them. When you're done, press Z again to go to the next one.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:34 PM CDT   1 recs

Jason Kendall

Successfully avoids the double play and draws the walk!

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:36 PM CDT   0 recs

Yost

Just as Yost planned....

by Saltire on Mar 31, 2008 2:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

he's a genius!

Marty, shut down your site!

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Apparently

Kendall was pretty much blind last season.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:36 PM CDT   0 recs

now

he just needs to get a new throwing arm and we're set.

by drezdn on Mar 31, 2008 2:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That was one ugle swing by TGJr

The Wallbangers won because they played the game like kids! Let's do that again!!!

by 80badger on Mar 31, 2008 2:38 PM CDT   0 recs

Jeez

On the Evil BCB, they're already at 582 comments.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:38 PM CDT   0 recs

Quality

like "Kendall was pretty much blind last season." :)

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:40 PM CDT to parent up   1 recs

and the rain starts

The Wallbangers won because they played the game like kids! Let's do that again!!!

by 80badger on Mar 31, 2008 2:38 PM CDT   0 recs

Gwynn

Missed a homer by only 300 feet.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:39 PM CDT   1 recs

Rain delay

Let's say Sheets and Evil Z don't come back out. Who gets the advantage?

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:44 PM CDT   0 recs

hate to say it

but I think the cubs may have a slight edge in that they have normal starter - Lieber in the bullpen

by Saltire on Mar 31, 2008 2:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I wonder

how long it's been since having Lieber on your team was considered an advantage.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 2:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I hear Jon Lieber was a 20-game winner once

Either way, if they do continue, there's an off day tomorrow so everyone should be available.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

and we've got mcclung

who apparently can pitch 4 innings :).

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Mar 31, 2008 2:48 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I guess

Until Ned tells him to hit an umpire in retaliation for Sheets' early exit.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 3:00 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Plunk Fukodome

They could always have him or Torres plunk Fukodome, though that wouldn't be very nice of them.

by drezdn on Mar 31, 2008 3:10 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

mcclung

isn't he still serving a suspension from the Pujols plunking? genius move, ned.

by SunglassesAtNight on Mar 31, 2008 3:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Stuck Watching WGN

And they are talking about hosting a program in commemoration of 60 years of Cubs baseball on WGN, featuring the best moments of the franchise during that time.

Anyone want to hazard a guess on how long that program will take?

I'm figuring they can squeeze it in between two infomercials with Chef Tony.

by Matt L on Mar 31, 2008 2:49 PM CDT   0 recs

As an additional note

The segment they previewed on WGN featured the same music used in the Japanese version of "Iron Chef". They must have discovered it when doing cultural scouting for signing Fukudome.

by Matt L on Mar 31, 2008 2:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh, I hope this is included

Great video.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 2:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But it would still be at least twice as long

as a Brewers highlight program. Unless I somehow missed all of the World Series the Brewers have won.

"My bed is pulling me, gravity, daysleeper. Daaaysleeper."

by markleonette on Mar 31, 2008 9:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Oh ho! Burn!

Except we weren't talking about the Brewers futility, we were talking about the Cubs' futility. Which is almost 100 years old. Which is a long time.

Plus, you have to remember, it would be twice as long because they've been losing for 50+ years longer than the Brewers have been losing. So there's that.

Formerly "Ball and Glove"

by Stoa on Mar 31, 2008 10:27 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

*60+ years

Don't want to shortchange you your Cubs history, my friend. Deepest apologies.

Formerly "Ball and Glove"

by Stoa on Mar 31, 2008 10:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well

You might have. Though we've been down this path with Cubs fans before.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 10:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

That wasn't the Brewers

To be fair. But the fact remains the Brewers have won just as many postseason series as the Cubs have since 1908.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.

by TheJay on Mar 31, 2008 10:33 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

No, but it was Milwaukee baseball

It's not like people in Atlanta held a ticker-tape parade when they won.

"I will agree that the attitude [at BCB] is ridiculous and they have done so much to instigate animosity and then block us from responding. Real mature!"

by roguejim on Mar 31, 2008 11:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Notice the didn't say

60 years of Cubs "winning" baseball. It should go quick unitl they get to Bartman and then they will spend a hour or so wondering what if????

The Wallbangers won because they played the game like kids! Let's do that again!!!

by 80badger on Mar 31, 2008 2:52 PM CDT   0 recs