Friday's Frosty Mug

by KLSnow on Jul 25, 2008 8:35 AM CDT Comment 171 comments

So now it's eight in a row, the longest undefeated road trip since 1999, and three come from behind wins in four days. Still, drink with cautious optimism.

Win Expectancy Graph
BR Box Score

Jim Powell says the Brewers are coming home off of The Greatest Road Trip Ever.

Doug Melvin says he's not interested in acquiring George Sherrill. Did he say it before or after reading Jeff's post on the subject? We may never know.

On injuries:

Erik Bedard has an internal impingement in his shoulder. There's no structural damage but it could lead to some.
Kerry Wood finally hit the DL with his blister problems, but will be eligible to return Tuesday.

This is the problem with the lack of transparency Major League Baseball shows at times: Bud Selig fined the Cubs $500,000 for "violations involving the draft" but never specified exactly what the Cubs did wrong. Then, the Cubs removed Selig friend (and Brewer part-owner) John Canning from the list of candidates to purchase the team. Now Ivy Chat, among others, is suggesting the Cubs are being punished for eliminating Canning from the running. Is this likely the case? No. Will suspicions like this continue to come up until MLB does a better job of conducting business in the sunlight? Absolutely.

Bronson Arroyo would rather stay in Cincinnati than go play for a contender, and he's publicly calling out the Reds' management to keep him. I don't ever recall seeing a player publicly ask to stay on a losing team.

Of course, Johnny Estrada won't get that option: the Nats DFA'd him yesterday.

Jimmy Rollins was a late scratch from last night's Phillies game, because he was also late to the ballpark.

This one surprised me in a big way: DRaysBay is conducting a poll and 66% of the 171 participating voters think the Rays should sign Barry Bonds.

Oh, and I didn't think I'd like a story involving a Padres fan, a cute girl and hot sauce, but this is pretty funny.

Drink up. The Mug is off for the weekend but returns Monday.

0 recs | Comment 171 comments

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Forget another reliever

Let’s get the team to buy part of an official BCB metaphor.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
"We're only playing .575 ball. That isn't championship stuff." - Hal Trosky, 1940

by TheJay on Jul 25, 2008 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I can see it now

Brewers trade SS Carlos George to Black Hills Institute for Kelsey Triceratops and a dinosaur to be named later.

And neck size to baby eating ratio.

by Jordan M on Jul 25, 2008 9:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Estrada

That guy is a dick. Maybe Yost was right to fight with him.

Coffee is for closers

by drezdn on Jul 25, 2008 9:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

im just bummed...

cause the nats come to LA today; can i still wear my t-shirt to the game??

go get em' seth!

by Jamie in LA on Jul 25, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

poor decisions dot jpg

by warwick5s on Jul 25, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You have to go to the game and pretend that you’re a huge Estrada fan but that you don’t know he’s been DFA’d. Keep telling people that Estrada is going to get a pinch hit home run.

Alternatively, tell everyone you’re a CH*Ps fan.

Coffee is for closers

by drezdn on Jul 25, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

ha! that's a great idea!!! hilarious!

go get em' seth!

by Jamie in LA on Jul 25, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My second Brewer game ever

Listach had been hurt and hadn’t been in a game in well over a month. Jose Valentin was playing in his place. A kid behind me spent the whole game screaming for Listach, who was nowhere to be found. The kid insisted for the whole game that it was Listach playing short, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Listach finally came in as a pinch-runner late in the game (in what might have been his final Brewer appearance) and the kid went crazy. We were about ready to strangle him.

Lesson learned, and it’s valuable to this day: The nicest stadium, a beautiful day, and a great game can all be ruined by one moron with constipation of the brain and diarrhea of the mouth.

Derek Jeter is day to day after being hit by a pitch and being gorilla press slammed by a Bizarro Ray.

by KLSnow on Jul 25, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

gret story...

in this case, i think my awesome shirt speaks for itself… ha.

go get em' seth!

by Jamie in LA on Jul 25, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I went out last night to watch the game,

so I wasn’t able to post this in a more timely manner. Sorry to rehash, but I just wanted to comment on Braun’s HR and the ire that followed.

Ok, I admil. #8 was showboatin’ a bit. It was a big hit, by a young kid who’s always been a bit of a hot dog, against a division rival that has beaten our Brewer brains in for as long as I can remember. If that action warrants the Cards “dealing” with Braun, or Hall for that matter, the next time we face them then so be it. Braun took his medicine after a similar stunt against the Astros at home last year, and he quietly took his base. It’s not like you have to tell these guys about “the code”.

However, I would just like to point out something I’ve been thinking. The whole code pretty much says, “Don’t look at that HR too long son, or else I’ll put a fastball in your ear.” Well, if I remember the last STL series of ‘07 correctly, the Brewers were fending off oodles of beanballs from a team that was out of it when we had not broken any “code” that I was aware of. It was just LaRussa being bored in the dugout, and I remember Prince and Hart were thrown at pretty blatantly. My (long winded) point is this: The Cardinals, and admittedly the Brewers, share some resonsibility for being shown up like that. I don’t remember hearing Cards fans outraged by their team’s actions last September. If there is going to be a volley of beanballs every time LaRussa feels frisky for no reason, then I would watch my freaking HR like that too. What’s the retribution, another beanball? Seems like that’s going to happen anyway.

It is dangerous for an athlete to believe his own publicity, good or bad - Bob Uecker, 1982.

by Adam P on Jul 25, 2008 9:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I could be wrong

but I think the beanball wars last year were due to someone pitching too close to Pujols head – at least in the view of LaRussa.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is some statement about Arroyo

In one sense I think he is right a rotation of him, Cueto, Volquez, and Harang sounds pretty darn good to me. But wouldn’t the $25 mil he is set to earn be better used someplace else like maybe signing Dunn long term? I realize that isn’t going to happen but you get the picture.

Visit my baseball blog ...or else!

by dixieflatline on Jul 25, 2008 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So I just got an email from a friend of mine with this link

Huge brawl in A ball. I will not mention the perceived lack of class of hitting a fan with a baseball after intending on it landing in the opposing dugout or the interim manager of one of the teams starting the whole mess. I will also not mention the name of the organization that employs these two but I will say it rhymes with scrubs.

Visit my baseball blog ...or else!

by dixieflatline on Jul 25, 2008 9:36 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that was crazy

Saw a game in Dayton earlier this year and I love the park.

Two players apparently taken to the hospital before that even happened… player hit in the head and an aggressive slide by a guy sliding into second.

I know many may disagree with me, but I don’t think that guy who threw the ball should be prosecuted by the law… he had the same intent as beaning a player… just because he has no control he is going to get charged? If Maddux threw it, he would have hit his target, and no fans would be taken to the hospital… the league should suspend him for lots of games, but keep the law out of it.

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And what if the guy who was hit in the head died from it?

Just say it’s baseball code and give a free pass?

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Same thing applies to beaning a player

Or if Pedro had killed the old man Yankees assistant, who’s name I can’t remember, or McSorley taking out a player with his stick had died ( I think he did get charged in the court of law)... they are on the playing field, where violence occurs… the league should punish them, but clearly the intent is not to kill a fan with that action he took… it was very irresponsible and should be suspended most of the season, if not the rest… but how injured the person gets is really a matter of luck…

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i remember now

Don Zimmer

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And McSorley was charged with assault with a weapon

And suspended for a long time

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think it is the same

when an innocent bystander in the stands is put in harms way because of a hot headed pitcher. Players that get beaned have helmets and know the ball is coming in their direction. Don zimmer partially instigated his incident. I’m not saying the guy should go to jail, but I don’t think you can compare a bean ball with this incident.

"He's been very, very impressive," Yost said. "I mean really impressive. I mean really, really impressive."

by MadJimiBrewha on Jul 25, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drunk drives don’t intend to kill anyone and there are people who called for Lance Nyx’s evisceration without even knowing if he is guilty.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Intent to kill. No. Intent to harm? Yes. If it mistakenly killed him with out intent, it’s still murder.

Anyways, the point I was trying to get across in my snide remark was, the fans and the club have a responsibility to make a reasonable attempt to keep themselves safe. That means netting where fast fouls are normally fouled off too, the fan needs to pay attention to the ball while a batter is at bat.

The fan was injured during a brawl, during a point where you assume a fan doesn’t have to watch for flying objects form normal play. His intent was to harm someone, and he missed and harmed a fan. The fan should have a right to charge the player, just as the fans in “The Malice in the Palace” fans had a right to charge the fighters. Using a ball to inflict damage is pretty much the same as running up and decking him.

Remember, this wasn’t during the normal course of action.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree

I conceed every point

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd for civility

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the prosecutor and the trial lawyers involved will find humor in your contention and ask what basis do you have for it. Questions that follow might include what protective gear or training fans should be expected to use.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see what you are driving at, but it’s reasonable to expect objects to be put into “fan areas” due to normal routine play. A Brawl isn’t normal routine play.

Anyways, I have a ticket stub in my wallet. So here’s the disclaimer on the back (MLB Disclaimer at least)

In using this ticket, the ticket holder assumes all risks incidentals to the event to which the ticket admits such a holder and waives any and all rights against the Club it’s employees, lessors, agents or assigns, the venue, the issuer, or any management which the ticket holder may have arising out of any accident, personal injury or loss or damage of property.

I guess the question is, was it incidental to the event? I’d say no, it was not caused during the course of normal play. A hot headed pitcher thought he could even the score, missed and hit a bystander.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MLB teams get sued every year and that ticket disclaimer doesn’t allow them to always escape culpability. I’d also add that it wasn’t an accident or personal injury (as is meant in that disclaimer).

If you were acting as counsel and used that argument, the response would probably say something about “reasonable expectation” not including team members throwing weapons (which is what the ball had become) in the direction of innocent bystanders with a reckless disregard for their safety. Additionally, the personal history of the accused could show negligence on the part of the ballclub if he had a history of being a hothead or irresponsible.

All in all, the Cubs (that was his team right?) will pay all the injured persons medical bills, settle a lawsuit out of court with little publicity. The guy will probably be allowed to plead to a lesser charge and might spend a little time in something like work release. Cubs are a big corporation. If you and I were involved in a pickup game at the park and had an argument and I ended up winging a bat at you and missed, and ended up striking a small child watching the game and seriously injured them, I’d spend a few years in prison.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I’ll assume they’ll plead down to something and get probation. Face a suspension by the league.

I’m curious about the other law suites MLB Teams face. I’m sure a vast majority of law suites are bs, but I’m sure there are some in there due to negligence of the ball club. Say chunks of stadium falling on fans at Wrigley. :)

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Talk radio beats that message about lawsuits, but its just politics and protecting their constituents from responsibility.

Imagine some drunk falls forward into your aisle and lands on your head, snapping your neck and leaving you crippled for life. He was served a large volume of alcohol and was observed by stadium employees including security. That actually happens now and then. I believe it happened recently in both the Mets and Yankees stadiums.

Would you sue? Do you think the ticket disclaimer should shield the Yankees and Mets?

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

law enforcement -> enforcing laws

there are a lot of people in prisons who have done less

Reckless disregard is a legal term that will probably be involved.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good points

I am not that famiiar with the law, but I guess intentions aren’t everything… it is the situation you are putting others in… I reverse my opinion… just because they are in a sports arena doesn’t mean they are exempt from the law!

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We should apply this to every sport

Like hunting.

Come on, your honor, I thought it was a deer. Leave the courts out of this!

Steve
http://nohuddleoffense.blogspot.com

by stigmo on Jul 25, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Classic South Park episode

“It’s coming right for us! Shoot!”

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jul 25, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. "Classic" is right.

And by “classic”, I mean “old”, as in: Even I remember that line, and I haven’t watched South Park in close to 10 years.

It's called "playing the percentages."

by hilbelink on Jul 25, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

All episodes are now free online, and I’ve been watching the series in order, one episode every day when I have lunch. I’m almost done with season 1. Expect season 2 references next week :).

Also, cheese.

by Jeff Sackmann on Jul 25, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

beginning of the show was not funny IMO

But now, the show is one of the funniest on TV… this last season was genius… and I look at it as very similar to the evolution of the SImpsons, which started by focusing on Bart and Eat My shorts in the first few seasons, and then evolved to a smarter comedy focusing on homer.

South Park was about Cartman being fat and crude and Kenny dying at first, both not as funny as today’s genius characters and plots.

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yet another reason

to think you’re amazing

"Brett Favre looks like a man in a parking lot playing with boys." - John Madden
"Pujols just unloaded." - Bob Uecker

by kirbir on Jul 25, 2008 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

I’ve seen about 2-3 episodes of that show ever, and this is one of them.

Steve
http://nohuddleoffense.blogspot.com

by stigmo on Jul 25, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The 2B wasn't taken out by a slide

It was the same guy who threw the ball that broke his leg. Seriously. Infield single and the pitcher rolled into his 2B trying to field the ball. He had a busy night.

sig lines are for suckas

by jch24 on Jul 25, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Every good thing in life starts with a brat." - Mike Ditka

Maybe we grilled up some brats before this road trip.

If he's the Prince, then I'm the King.

by ryan braun on Jul 25, 2008 9:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Greatest Brewers' series ever?

I think there is a good argument that the Cardinals series was the best ever for the Brewers. Start with a 4 game sweep on the road. Add in the fact that three were dramatic come from behind victories, while the fourth was a complete game shutout from our new acquisition. Top that off with the fact that we came in one game behind the Cards for the playoffs and left three games ahead, and it is very impressive.

I guess there have probably been more dominant series, and more important series (the end of season series against the Orioles in ‘82, and the same against Detroit in ‘81), but I don’t know if there is anything else that can match this on other dimensions. (Let’s hope we surpass it next week…)

Anybody else have a better memory than me?

by keephopealive on Jul 25, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Your question can only be answered at the end of the season

If the Brewers don’t make the playoffs then nobody will care about this series.

However, if they make the playoffs, everyone will probably point to this series, and say that was the turning point. If only the cubs would have lost yesterday, it would have made our series that more special.

by brewfan2 on Jul 25, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think a Cubs loss makes it any more special

The Brewers will have plenty of chances to take on the Cubs and to use the cliche “in charge of their own destiny”. If they take care of the Cubs, and keep pace the rest of the games… scoreboard watching does no good… players admitted to it last year, I hope they don’t start doing it this year…

We on the other hand are expected to watch the scoreboard… we are baseball fans!

True though… if they make the playoffs, they will point to #1 CC Aquistion and #2 Probably some of the games down the home stretch #3 this series

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant a Cubs loss meaning that we were tied for first in the division

If we end up winning the division, and we were tied now, it would have put even more weight on this series.

by brewfan2 on Jul 25, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wonder if the Cards fans wrung their hands about this

Coffee is for closers

by drezdn on Jul 25, 2008 10:16 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs

they would’ve wrung their hands had it not luckily been for the exception, which is, “you can’t admire your homeruns until you can.”

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But that directly postponed the Astros making the World Series!

By a whole day!

Also, Pujols is vocally self-righteous, whereas Braun is merely evidently cocky, so it’s okay. QED.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

trade talk for a reliever?

From an article at sportsline:

Brewers GM Doug Melvin told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he doesn’t expect to trade for a reliever, but the teams with available relievers still seem to believe that the Brewers are interested. The Pirates have scouted the Brewers farm system extensively, and the Orioles are watching Milwaukee’s Double-A Huntsville team this week. In fact, one scout said that as many as 10 teams are watching Huntsville’s current series at Carolina.

Also some big love for Michael Brantley in that article.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 10:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sometimes you can't really trust srticles like this.

Here though I can vouch for at least this part:

The Pirates have scouted the Brewers farm system extensively

That is absolutely true.

Visit my baseball blog ...or else!

by dixieflatline on Jul 25, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

partial explanation for the DRaysBay Bonds poll results...

The Rays have been in a multi-week offensive slump and the offense is bar far the weakest link on the team (fielding, starters, and relievers all quite good). Fans over there have been over-reacting to adding any hitter, not just Bonds.

my blog

by Sky Kalkman on Jul 25, 2008 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

first hand observer to the brawl

over at redreporter

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 10:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting theory

Maybe I should bring this up on a day where CC is pitching… but if Gallardo doesn’t go down with an injury… are the Brewers as good of a team right now, not in terms of record, but going forward as a more difficult team to beat in September and October?

Yovani certainly would have helped the team from May to July… but we would have had a surplus of pitchers and probably not gone for CC (maybe we would have, but less likely). Now with CC on the team, we are a better team going down the stretch…

I thought the season was over when Yovani went down, but maybe that play saved it?

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

interesting point

but they’d be a better team overall when you consider 2008 combined with the next few years—still a decent shot in 2008 (healthy Gallardo instead of Sabathia), but better going forward (no injury from Gallardo and Laporta still around.)

my blog

by Sky Kalkman on Jul 25, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

also

may have freed up some resources for aquiring another bat or a pen reliever.

plus, with Gallardo in, we wouldn’t have had McClung starting, which would have resulted in higher expectations placed on Bush. If that had flamed out, maybe we’d still be looking at CC.

by PagsBrewCrew on Jul 27, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arroyo

I personally feel bad for him. Remember when the Red Sox said they were keeping him, he bought a house in Boston, then they traded him the next week? For Wily Mo Pena? And now he’s begging to stay on the REDS? It sounds like he really just wants a place to stay, to call home. Maybe mommy issues.

Also, if you’re not a huge Bronson fan yet, you are now:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=0I-2YW0IzUU

by somethingvague on Jul 25, 2008 11:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ha! oah man... thats awesome...

go get em' seth!

by Jamie in LA on Jul 25, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.. funny.

Good stuff….

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fan video of the brawl

Video

From a different angle, a bit shakey, but you get to see another part of the fight you didn’t before… watch out for some language.

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 11:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That is Just Insane

Anyone hear anything about the condition of the fan that got hit?

"He's been very, very impressive," Yost said. "I mean really impressive. I mean really, really impressive."

by MadJimiBrewha on Jul 25, 2008 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From the Dayton Daily News

Spectator Chris McCarthy, 44 of Middletown, was hit by a ball thrown by Peoria starter Julio Castillo. He was treated and released from Miami Valley Hospital.

sig lines are for suckas

by jch24 on Jul 25, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good news

I untuck my shirt!

by Michael M on Jul 25, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can see Castillo’s mug shot here.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fish / Cubs

Atta Boy Fish..

1 – 0 Fish.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 1:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Soto homers

Tie game.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dang..

Hanley already had one.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bases Juiced for Uggla

2 Outs.. come on Danny boy.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Puke..

Swinging K for Uggla.

1 – 1

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2 - 1 Cubs

Another solo shot by Reed Johnson.

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KL, I'm not sure why you keep saying that what the Cubs did is unknown

From ESPN:

A baseball source said the Cubs broke a rule requiring clubs to report signing agreements to the MLB central office. The Cubs also violated a rule requiring approved agreements to be in place before signed draft picks take the field, the source said…”This was not a slotting issue,” the official said.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 1:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Right

But which agreement? Is there a specific player the Cubs mishandled? Several players? We have shady evidence, based on an unnamed source. If baseball really wanted to handle this in the open, they should’ve issued a press release stating exactly what happened, why it’s a problem and the fine amount.

Derek Jeter is day to day after being hit by a pitch and being gorilla press slammed by a Bizarro Ray.

by KLSnow on Jul 25, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn Soto

just hit a shot. 1-1

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

by 80badger on Jul 25, 2008 1:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Josh Johnson

I really liked him back in 06 before he started having injury troubles. It looks like he’s throwing pretty hard- 93 and 94. Hopefully he can limit the Cubs here.

And neck size to baby eating ratio.

by Jordan M on Jul 25, 2008 1:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

For all the Cards fan bitching

at least the boys left their shirts on!!!!

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

by 80badger on Jul 25, 2008 2:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I wonder what % of DRaysBay participating voters

have the surname “Bonds?”

by Brew Angel on Jul 25, 2008 2:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: Bonds

Why doesn’t an AL team sign him? There are certainley quite a few (TB included) that could use a DH. It’s really starting to get suspicious if you ask me.

Ryan Braun: He loves it.

by SRB on Jul 25, 2008 2:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He's an ass and not worth the media circus and negative pub?

sig lines are for suckas

by jch24 on Jul 25, 2008 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't buy it

Media circus = more tickets sold. Besides, New York is already a media circus, especially with the A-Rod/Madonna thing, and the Yankees already have a rep as a soulless collection of mercenaries. Hank Steinbrenner also doesn’t seem too concerned with public opinion.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

NY doesn't need him though

Especially since getting Sexson on the cheap. I’d think it would have to be an AL team that would make him a DH exclusively, but who needs a bat bad enough to put up with the BS and pay his salary demands (please not: I have no idea what he’s asking for)?

sig lines are for suckas

by jch24 on Jul 25, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nonsense

Teams usually don’t care about ‘negative publicity’ (whatever that means) when the player is good enough, and Bonds would be a major improvement over almost any DH in the AL.

Ryan Braun: He loves it.

by SRB on Jul 25, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bob Brenly, touting the Lollapalooza lineup

(excitedly) “Rage Against the Machine, are you kidding me?!”

Didn’t see that one coming. Brenly the anti-capitalist punk-informed rap-metal fan?

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Spellcheck coming in

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Behold!

The Debut of Jeff F7/ Jeff Spellcheck/ The Great Mistake

TREMBLE IN FEAR

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

im going to blog

the crap out of this

2-0

not really close on either pitch

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

96

mph strike

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

98

mph fastball with some movement 3-2

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

about this time last year i mused about how much trouble the cubs were in as a franchise for sending up jake fox in a crucial situation… this year they turn to another guy with virtually no success above A ball in a crucial situation…

it’s it some kind of hero from nowhere strategy from hendry?

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 3:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Eh, they're kind of different situations

Jake Fox is an upside-limited hitter, while Samardzija is a inexperienced pitcher with great stuff. Doesn’t mean it will turn out any better, but the ceiling is higher.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sure. the point is that it’s nice to have something a little less experimental for the high leverage situations. it’s fun to throw the guys right in the fire, but i’d, as an MLB franchise, want to be a little more confident in the likelihood they’ll succeed than the cubs do.

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

im

with you jacob

maybe this is a case where the cubs scouts have seen something we havent and think he is ready

i really dont know but he has not earned this promotion in my eyes

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, pitchers are a little different than hitters in that respect too. if you think he’s ready, and he’s strung together some good looking outings, why wait? i don’t see a whole lot wrong with the promotion, i just find it very interesting that he doesn’t come in at the back of the bullpen, he’s essentially taken marmol’s or howry’s role by pitching that inning there. it’s like there is no belief that prospects need a little time to adjust.

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

right now our pen is shot , we dont really know if marmol can pitch tonight- howry is a wreck so that left Gaudin as a RHP with Marshall, Cotts and Eyre all as LHP and none of those 3 is really good enough to feel safe either

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

heh

he said cub scouts

by PagsBrewCrew on Jul 27, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

K

good start

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He looks pretty good

Certainly not overmatched.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay, wild pitch on a pitchout is pretty bad

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

cant believe that

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hanley

got behind 0-2 and gets a tap single up the middle

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have

and still am down on this guy but stuff wise alone

pretty damn good

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Haha WP on a pitch out

by Flag Up on Jul 25, 2008 3:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He looks like he has some wicked movement for 97mph heat

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

for

sure

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that slider

is semi decent-

but that heater….

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, it's electric

I’d be excited about him if I was you. Since I’m me, I hate him.

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1 more

cmon kid

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

tie game!

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2-2!

by Flag Up on Jul 25, 2008 3:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice!

Cantu power!

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

bah

oh well

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Welcome to the majors, kid

Have a blown save on the house.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
"We're only playing .575 ball. That isn't championship stuff." - Hal Trosky, 1940

by TheJay on Jul 25, 2008 3:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He has terrible control of his slider

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yep

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, that was entertaining

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 3:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Seventh inning stretch with Kasper singing – not so much so.

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marmol

I assume he’s unavailable right?

Or is there another desk to move?

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What’s the deal with the desk comments?

Coffee is for closers

by drezdn on Jul 25, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

http://hirejimessian.com/2008/07/14/lou-piniella-hates-carlos-marmol/

by SgtClueLs on Jul 25, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Coffee is for closers

by drezdn on Jul 25, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

actually

marmol is going to close today

i have no words but thats what lou said

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He is on my fantasy team today

After Kerry went on the DL, so I hope I am not wasting a roster spot with him!

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

more reason to be happy than not i suppose

that fastball is better than i thought it would be

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I am shocked he even worked his way up so fast through the minors

And despite giving up the run, he does look promising…

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 3:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of relievers out of nowhere

What did Doug Waechter do before this season?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
"We're only playing .575 ball. That isn't championship stuff." - Hal Trosky, 1940

by TheJay on Jul 25, 2008 3:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

he has

been around i think he played for the Rays for some time

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I more meant how did he become effective. I guess maybe it’s just a case of a poor starter moving to the pen.

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
"We're only playing .575 ball. That isn't championship stuff." - Hal Trosky, 1940

by TheJay on Jul 25, 2008 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think he missed last year due to surgery and then got picked up by the Marlins—in any case, he’s not the only ex-Ray failed starter doing much better with another team ;)

by morineko on Jul 25, 2008 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez is due

by Flag Up on Jul 25, 2008 3:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Dome K!

by Flag Up on Jul 25, 2008 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Round 2

Of Smadjfaskdfija

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2

quick outs

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

vn

inning

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

might he get his first ML AB here, if a runner doesn’t get past first?

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he should

with our pen like this and the fact that he has been starting in Iowa so he should be stretched out

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

edmonds hurt?

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

plus Reed Johnson is red hot right now

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so derosa or blanco if no f7

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think

edmonds is around for PH duty

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice hit

from Jimmy Baseball

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Soriano pops out!

by Flag Up on Jul 25, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rejuvenating the lineup

One pop up at a time?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
"We're only playing .575 ball. That isn't championship stuff." - Hal Trosky, 1940

by TheJay on Jul 25, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it

is going to take some time for him to get back in the groove

but one thing about him is when he is locked in its game over for the other team

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Marmol

warming up

dear lord

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How can a guy who's ERA is now almost 8 in his last 24 appearances

Still get the closer’s job? I know that in 2/3 of those appearance he has not allowed a run but with a K/BB ratio 23/17 he seems to be a long way from the pitcher in April/May with a of K/BB 52/12.
Even if he was getting paid alot of money he still should not be given that role.

by Saltire on Jul 25, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I feel like the Cubs are always going to win close games at Wrigley

I don’t have any stats to back it up… but it always feels like a close game, they will find a way to pull it out… i am guessing they find a way today, somehow

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 4:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bob

howry takes issue with what you just said

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess so, huh?

Obscure baseball records and more at my blog, Recondite Baseball.
"We're only playing .575 ball. That isn't championship stuff." - Hal Trosky, 1940

by TheJay on Jul 25, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

see?

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe it is just the games I go to

But last year at that crazy Rockies game, where the fan attacked the pitcher, they blew the huge lead, but still I knew they would pull it out… in this game, howry did blow the save, but the Cubs pulled it out.

http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN200706250.shtml

I don’t watch every Cubs game, but living in Chicago, I guess I see more than I plan on, and probably more than a lot of people who call themselves “Cubs fans” that go to all the Wrigleyville bars and are from Indiana and really don’t follow. The Cubs definetley have their hardcores, more than the Brewers do due to city size and following on WGN, but some of my friends that all the sudden decided to cheer for the Cubs and don’t know any players other than Zambrano and Soriano are starting to make me mad.

The designated hitter rule is like letting someone else take Wilt Chamberlain's free throws.

by Kyguy922 on Jul 25, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HR! 3-2

by Flag Up on Jul 25, 2008 4:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Hermida!

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 4:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i was just going to say, if he keeps throwing belt-high fastballs…

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 4:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

9 straight.

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

howry

had decent track record of being a + RP and this year he is just terrible

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he’s still got a second pitch, right?

Bring Back The Old Logo!

by jacob on Jul 25, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

a bad

slider

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

White Castle?

by ol Pete on Jul 25, 2008 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by ACB on Jul 25, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BCB's "very own marginally deserving all-star!"

by battlekow on Jul 25, 2008 4:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It’s up to Manny now.

Coffee is for closers

by drezdn on Jul 25, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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NL Central Standings

	W	L	PCT	GB	STRK
St. Louis Viva El Birdos	44	38	.536	0	Won 3
Milwaukee Brew Crew Ball	42	38	.525	1	Lost 3
Chicago Bleed Cubbie Blue	39	38	.506	2.5	Won 3
Cincinnati Red Reporter	39	39	.500	3	Lost 1
Houston The Crawfish Boxes	38	39	.493	3.5	Won 2
Pittsburgh Bucs Dugout	37	43	.462	6	Won 1