Judging by this picture:
Showing posts with label Cubs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cubs. Show all posts
Cub Fan Follow Up on UCONN Booster Demands
After a UCONN booster demanded his $3 million donation be returned because he wasn't consulted on the hiring of the football team's new head coach, thousand of Cub fans have requested their money back because of the hiring of Mike Quade as the new manager of the team.
Judging by this picture:
Quade doesn't give a rip because he is going to the bank with his big ol' paycheck. In fact, he is quoted as saying, "I'm cashing in on this baby. I'm even going to wear my uniform all over town just to rub it in!"
Judging by this picture:
Cubs Close to Reunion
Rumor has it that the Chicago Cubs are nearing a deal for pitcher Kerry Wood. That's right, folks, Kerry Wood is rumored to be returning to the place where it all started... and then went horribly wrong. It's a nice bookend on an otherwise promising, but mediocre career.
Colvin the Impaled
Chicago Cubs rookie Tyler Colvin was the victim of mistaken identity against the Florida Marlins recently. Colvin was on third watching the ball hit by Welinton Castillo, when Castillo's broken bat came flying down the line and impaled the young man in the chest in a way that would make Van Helsing proud. I think this falls under the category of things that can only happen to the Cubs.
On the bright side, it was Castillo's first career RBI... way to go, kid!
On the bright side, it was Castillo's first career RBI... way to go, kid!
Gonzalez Wants No Part of It
Fredi Gonzalez, who had enough sense to bench Hanley Ramirez for a couple of games for slacking off... and then paid for it with his job as manager of the Marlins, has no desire to follow in the footsteps of Bob Brenly, Bobby Valentine and Ryne "Bob" Sandberg. When asked to interview for the job, Gonzalez told Cubs GM Jim Hendry:
Gonzalez joins current Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa, who was "repulsed" when asked about the idea of managing the Cubs next season, on the list of people who openly don't want any part of Wrigleyville.
Apparently former Indians manager Eric Wedge has already applied for the job, and he certainly has to like his chances knowing that the list of candidates is actually growing after he interviewed.
Other possible candidates for the Cubs vacancy:
Pat Listach
Bob Melvin
Mike Quade (current interim manager)
Joe Girardi
John Calipari
William "Refridgerator" Perry
The Ghost of Casey Stengel
A pile of my toenail clippings
Gonzalez joins current Cardinal manager Tony LaRussa, who was "repulsed" when asked about the idea of managing the Cubs next season, on the list of people who openly don't want any part of Wrigleyville.
Apparently former Indians manager Eric Wedge has already applied for the job, and he certainly has to like his chances knowing that the list of candidates is actually growing after he interviewed.
Other possible candidates for the Cubs vacancy:
Pat Listach
Bob Melvin
Mike Quade (current interim manager)
Joe Girardi
John Calipari
William "Refridgerator" Perry
The Ghost of Casey Stengel
A pile of my toenail clippings
Lou's Goal to Finish Season Falls Short
Since we've been keeping tabs on the Lou Piniella saga this season (here and here), it just wouldn't be right to let another day go by without mentioning that Piniella decided that yesterday's game against the Braves (Sunday, August 22nd) would be his last as the manager of the Cubs. The team promptly went out and gave him confirmation that there was no point in investing any more into this season, by losing a close one... 16-5.
So, two months behind the rest of Cub nation, Lou Piniella has given up on the team. The only question that remains is: Who is going to manage the team into oblivion next season?
So, two months behind the rest of Cub nation, Lou Piniella has given up on the team. The only question that remains is: Who is going to manage the team into oblivion next season?
Fontenot Makes Outrageously Long Journey
The Chicago Cubs traded infielder Mike Fontenot to the San Francisco Giants last week. Fontenot was rushed to packed up all his belongings and make the journey out to San Fran..... oh, wait...
The Cubs were playing the Giants in San Francisco at the time of the trade. Fontenot simply stayed out at second base between the 3rd and 4th innings to make the trade official.
The Cubs were playing the Giants in San Francisco at the time of the trade. Fontenot simply stayed out at second base between the 3rd and 4th innings to make the trade official.
Cubs Had Big Z on Trading Block
My initial reaction to seeing that headline - Duh!
Of course Zambrano was on the trading block. The Cubs have had to deal with a lot of head-cases in the last couple of years, but Big Z may be the worst. At least Milton Bradley was just bad mouthing the fan base. Zambrano went after his own teammates. I can just imagine how the conversations went:
Hendry: Hey buddy! We've got a fantastic starting pitcher on the trade block that we're willing to deal!
Random GM: Really? We could use a lefty. What's your asking price for Lilly?
Hendry: Ted? Oh, no, that's not who I was talking about. I'm talking about Carlos.
Random GM: Zambrano?!? *click*
Yup, that's about how it went.
Of course Zambrano was on the trading block. The Cubs have had to deal with a lot of head-cases in the last couple of years, but Big Z may be the worst. At least Milton Bradley was just bad mouthing the fan base. Zambrano went after his own teammates. I can just imagine how the conversations went:
Hendry: Hey buddy! We've got a fantastic starting pitcher on the trade block that we're willing to deal!
Random GM: Really? We could use a lefty. What's your asking price for Lilly?
Hendry: Ted? Oh, no, that's not who I was talking about. I'm talking about Carlos.
Random GM: Zambrano?!? *click*
Yup, that's about how it went.
CarGo's Exclamation Point
Carlos Gonzalez, in one of those fantastic, ironic events that I don't have to make up, completed a cycle for the Rockies on Saturday against the Cubs with a walk-off home run. It wasn't just any home run. It was a massive home run... on the first pitch... one of the farthest in Coors Field history... and it went right to a Cubs fan. Doesn't get any better than this.
If you haven't seen it, check out the video here. I promise the link is safe. I would normally embed the video, but MLB.com won't let me.
If you haven't seen it, check out the video here. I promise the link is safe. I would normally embed the video, but MLB.com won't let me.
Valentine's Day in Chicago?
Apparently Bobby Valentine is trying to force his hat into the Chicago Cubs managerial ring. Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune writes that Valentine is interested in the position once Sweet Lou has retired. Valentine joins Bob Brenly and Ryne Sandberg on the list of people who have expressed interest in the job.
Reports from baseball writers have said that Sandberg has a good shot at breaking through for his first managerial position at the big league level in Chicago, but that the Cubs may want to go with a big name that has managerial experience. Regardless, Brenly and Valentine decided to express their interest in the job, and people have decided to tell us about it.
Reports from baseball writers have said that Sandberg has a good shot at breaking through for his first managerial position at the big league level in Chicago, but that the Cubs may want to go with a big name that has managerial experience. Regardless, Brenly and Valentine decided to express their interest in the job, and people have decided to tell us about it.
The Wrigley Experience
On Friday, I had the opportunity to do something that I had never done before. I got to ride a bus with a bunch of old people, and a few obnoxious ones, to Wrigley Field and see a game. There is a tour company out of Lafayette, IN that sells tickets, gives you a ride to the game, drops/picks you off/up at the gate and brings you home. It was a good experience. I don't know how willing I'd be to do it again, and I'll say more about that in a bit.
We got on the bus at 9:00am and headed north. Along the way, the tour guide pointed out some things... like a cattle farm and windmills. Yes, folks, that's northern Indiana for you. We got dropped off on Waveland Ave, where there was a crowd of people ready to catch some of the batting practice home run balls that may come flying over the wall, and entered at the left field gate.
As I entered the stadium, some kid was standing there handing out shirts. I, always the eager receiver of free stuff, was quite disappointed when I actually looked at the shirt. It was a Cubs shirt.... sponsored by Budweiser. I don't drink. I especially don't drink beer, or Budweiser. I also don't wear Cubs shirts unless I am planning to working chest-deep in feces, which has never happened.
I was immediately overwhelmed by how crowed the concourse seemed to be. In reality, it wasn't all that crowded at this point, it's just really small. One of the members of my church was kind enough to give us the money to go to this game, so we thought we'd get him something at the gift shop while we were there. I thought it would be funny to get him a shot glass (after all, who doesn't want a shot glass from their pastor?!?), but we ended up getting him a Cubs hat... and immediately hiding it in my wife's purse for the duration of the game.
We made our way up to our seats. We were on the lower level, in Section 224, in the very last row. These were pretty good seats in one sense: we were in the shade. On a 90+ degree day, shade is a good thing. I also got to see why Chicago is called the Windy City because we had a fairly nice breeze the entire game (which was not so nice when it helped a couple of balls go over the fence). The major downside to our seats had to have been that there was a slightly obstructed view. If there was a left-handed hitter in the box, I couldn't see him. Not that there's a lot of lefties I actually care to see...
As for the game itself.... eh.... I have seen the Cardinals play a long time. I've watched some bad Cardinal teams, but this was the most lackluster performance that I have ever seen in my life. I've seen apathetic little leaguers play a more competitive game than this. I knew it was going to be a rough outing as soon as I saw Suppan was the starting pitcher. To put it bluntly, Suppan sucks. I like the guy. He was an integral part of the 2006 World Series team, but he has just been awful this season, and I don't even think that Duncan can fix him. That's not a good sign for a pitcher.
The Cards went down quietly in the 1st, and the Cubbies led off the game with a home run to right. The rest of the game was pretty much a droning blur from a Cardinal fan perspective. Perhaps the play the epitomized the game for me was a pop-up in the later innings. At this point in the game it is already 4-0, thanks to three dingers. There's two outs, and a runner on second. The batter pops one up. This bad boy was hanging in the air for a good ten minutes before it decided to come down. It couldn't have been more than 20 feet away from home plate in fair territory.
LaRue goes out, Suppan comes in, and Lopez comes in from third. About three second before it drops, all three players realize that they are just standing there looking at one another. LaRue tries to dive for the ball, which couldn't have been more than 5 feet away from Suppan, but he misses, and the runner scores from second. It was horrible.
We were sitting in a place where we could see the WGN broadcast, and they showed LaRussa repeatedly slamming shut the door on the bullpen phone. I realize that they had a rough, extra inning game the day before, but it was just a terrible performance by the Cardinals all around. There were several defensive mistakes (besides the dropped pop-up), the hitters couldn't piece anything together, and the pitching was terrible until the bullpen came into the game.
As I said above, it was a good experience, but I don't know if I would take the bus again. Not because I didn't like the bus, but because seeing all the different things in Chicago as we drove through made me want to spend some time in the Windy City to take in all the sights. When you go on the bus, you've got a schedule to maintain, and you don't have the freedom to explore the city and see the sights. If I just wanted to see a game, then I would definitely do it again.
We got on the bus at 9:00am and headed north. Along the way, the tour guide pointed out some things... like a cattle farm and windmills. Yes, folks, that's northern Indiana for you. We got dropped off on Waveland Ave, where there was a crowd of people ready to catch some of the batting practice home run balls that may come flying over the wall, and entered at the left field gate.
As I entered the stadium, some kid was standing there handing out shirts. I, always the eager receiver of free stuff, was quite disappointed when I actually looked at the shirt. It was a Cubs shirt.... sponsored by Budweiser. I don't drink. I especially don't drink beer, or Budweiser. I also don't wear Cubs shirts unless I am planning to working chest-deep in feces, which has never happened.
I was immediately overwhelmed by how crowed the concourse seemed to be. In reality, it wasn't all that crowded at this point, it's just really small. One of the members of my church was kind enough to give us the money to go to this game, so we thought we'd get him something at the gift shop while we were there. I thought it would be funny to get him a shot glass (after all, who doesn't want a shot glass from their pastor?!?), but we ended up getting him a Cubs hat... and immediately hiding it in my wife's purse for the duration of the game.
We made our way up to our seats. We were on the lower level, in Section 224, in the very last row. These were pretty good seats in one sense: we were in the shade. On a 90+ degree day, shade is a good thing. I also got to see why Chicago is called the Windy City because we had a fairly nice breeze the entire game (which was not so nice when it helped a couple of balls go over the fence). The major downside to our seats had to have been that there was a slightly obstructed view. If there was a left-handed hitter in the box, I couldn't see him. Not that there's a lot of lefties I actually care to see...
As for the game itself.... eh.... I have seen the Cardinals play a long time. I've watched some bad Cardinal teams, but this was the most lackluster performance that I have ever seen in my life. I've seen apathetic little leaguers play a more competitive game than this. I knew it was going to be a rough outing as soon as I saw Suppan was the starting pitcher. To put it bluntly, Suppan sucks. I like the guy. He was an integral part of the 2006 World Series team, but he has just been awful this season, and I don't even think that Duncan can fix him. That's not a good sign for a pitcher.
The Cards went down quietly in the 1st, and the Cubbies led off the game with a home run to right. The rest of the game was pretty much a droning blur from a Cardinal fan perspective. Perhaps the play the epitomized the game for me was a pop-up in the later innings. At this point in the game it is already 4-0, thanks to three dingers. There's two outs, and a runner on second. The batter pops one up. This bad boy was hanging in the air for a good ten minutes before it decided to come down. It couldn't have been more than 20 feet away from home plate in fair territory.
LaRue goes out, Suppan comes in, and Lopez comes in from third. About three second before it drops, all three players realize that they are just standing there looking at one another. LaRue tries to dive for the ball, which couldn't have been more than 5 feet away from Suppan, but he misses, and the runner scores from second. It was horrible.
We were sitting in a place where we could see the WGN broadcast, and they showed LaRussa repeatedly slamming shut the door on the bullpen phone. I realize that they had a rough, extra inning game the day before, but it was just a terrible performance by the Cardinals all around. There were several defensive mistakes (besides the dropped pop-up), the hitters couldn't piece anything together, and the pitching was terrible until the bullpen came into the game.
As I said above, it was a good experience, but I don't know if I would take the bus again. Not because I didn't like the bus, but because seeing all the different things in Chicago as we drove through made me want to spend some time in the Windy City to take in all the sights. When you go on the bus, you've got a schedule to maintain, and you don't have the freedom to explore the city and see the sights. If I just wanted to see a game, then I would definitely do it again.
Sweet Lou Retiring at Season's End
For those surprised to hear on Tuesday that Lou Piniella announced that he will retire at the conclusion of the season, where have you been? If you've been mildly following the Cubs this season, you are pretty sure that Hendry is going to get fired and that Lou had basically given up on the season. Personally, I think it was a genius strategic move by Piniella. They aren't going to fire him during the season now because he's out of there anyway.
The Cubbies responded by putting a whoppin' on the Astros. They were really excited about it for a minute, then they realized that it was just the Astros.
P.S. - Point of personal privilege (which seems odd since it's my blog anyway), as this post is getting published on the blog, I am sitting at my first game in Wrigley Field, and the Cardinals are destroying the Cubs 22-3 in the third inning.... Well, I can hope.
The Cubbies responded by putting a whoppin' on the Astros. They were really excited about it for a minute, then they realized that it was just the Astros.
P.S. - Point of personal privilege (which seems odd since it's my blog anyway), as this post is getting published on the blog, I am sitting at my first game in Wrigley Field, and the Cardinals are destroying the Cubs 22-3 in the third inning.... Well, I can hope.
Hendry Given the Dreaded Vote of Confidence
Chicago Cubs' GM Jim Hendry was given the dreaded 'vote of confidence' by owner Tom Ricketts this week. Ricketts was quoted as saying, "The fact is right now, Jim is our general manager, I support him, I think he does a great job, and after that we'll just take it one day at a time."
After reading the article, Hendry was quoted as saying, "Crap. All righty, well, I guess I start looking into some other organizations. Rumor has it that Arizona might still be open at the end of the season."
After reading the article, Hendry was quoted as saying, "Crap. All righty, well, I guess I start looking into some other organizations. Rumor has it that Arizona might still be open at the end of the season."
Piniella Says He Won't Quit
In an article by the Chicago Tribune, Cubs manager Lou Piniella has said that he hasn't given up on the season and plans to stick it out until the end of the year. The article also states that GM Jim Hendry has said repeatedly that he doesn't plan on firing Lou either.
My wife and I made a trip up to Chicago earlier this week, and after listening to Chicago sports talk radio, I'd have to say that I agree: Hendry has no plans on firing Piniella, and Piniella doesn't plan on quitting. Do you remember the movie Snow Dogs? The main character comes in last place, but everybody thinks he was dead, so they're cheering for him anyway when he crosses the finish line. I have a feeling that's kind of how Cub fans are feeling about this season.
Perhaps the best gauge that shows the stagnation in Chi-Town is the fact that nobody seems to care right now what the Cubs are doing, which is unusual. In the area of town that we visited, we actually saw more White Sox hats than Cubs. Utterly, shocking. So buckle up Chicago! It's going to be a bumpy ride!
My wife and I made a trip up to Chicago earlier this week, and after listening to Chicago sports talk radio, I'd have to say that I agree: Hendry has no plans on firing Piniella, and Piniella doesn't plan on quitting. Do you remember the movie Snow Dogs? The main character comes in last place, but everybody thinks he was dead, so they're cheering for him anyway when he crosses the finish line. I have a feeling that's kind of how Cub fans are feeling about this season.
Perhaps the best gauge that shows the stagnation in Chi-Town is the fact that nobody seems to care right now what the Cubs are doing, which is unusual. In the area of town that we visited, we actually saw more White Sox hats than Cubs. Utterly, shocking. So buckle up Chicago! It's going to be a bumpy ride!
Downward Spiral Continues
The Chicago Cubs continued their quest to ensure Lou Piniella doesn't return for another season in Wrigleyville. Carlos Zambrano, having already set the record for the most expensive non-closer in bullpen history, decided to take it another step today... by yelling and almost getting into a fight with 1B Derek Lee in the dugout... in the 1st inning.
In the second round match-up of underachieving teams, Big Z allowed 4 runs in the first inning to the White Sox. Zambrano is known to be a bit of a hot-head and for some reason felt like it was his responsibility to remind everyone of that particular character trait.
Inside sources say the conversation went like this:
In the second round match-up of underachieving teams, Big Z allowed 4 runs in the first inning to the White Sox. Zambrano is known to be a bit of a hot-head and for some reason felt like it was his responsibility to remind everyone of that particular character trait.
Inside sources say the conversation went like this:
Lee: Hey, Carlos! Tough first inning, but don't worry, we'll get them back.
Big Z: What was that, man?
Lee: I said don't worry. We've got your back, Z. We're just glad you're starting again.
Big Z: Oh so you think I suck, momma's boy?
Lee: Wait, what?
Big Z: You heard me. You and your sissy little first base. I will drill you in the head next time we face if you keep disrespecting me.
Lee: Are you nuts?
Big Z: Oh, so now I'm crazy?
Piniella: Holy crap, boys! What the heck is going on here?
Big Z: Pretty boy here was talking smack to me, and I'm gonna punch him in the face!
Lee: Whoa, wait a minute! I was trying to encourage you.
Big Z: Why don't you shut up and start hitting those 6-run dingers again, fool! Or did you forget that I'm the only one that can go yard on this team.
Piniella: All right that's enough! Carlos, hit the showers!
Big Z: What?!? You want to see me in the shower? You sick, freak!
Piniella (on phone to bullpen): Get somebody warming up, Z's lost it again.
Bullpen phone: He was due.
Piniella: I can't wait until they fire me. First Milton, now this. I'm getting too old for this...
Oh, Sweet Lou
Lou Piniella, the captain of the sinking ship in Wrigleyville, was quoted by Paul Sullivan, a beat writer for the Chicago Tribune, as saying, "We've done everything I can humanly do to get this thing turned around. That's all I can do."
As if it wasn't bad enough that the Cubs have acknowledged their underachieving ways this season, apparently Lou is giving up on the team. Worse than the dreaded "vote of confidence," the manager admitting defeat is a sure sign that the Cubs are done. Of course, once again, Lou is simply admitting what the rest of us already know - the Cubs are awful this year, and there's no joy in Wrigleyville for the mighty... well, moderately powerful... all right, fairly mediocre... Cubs have struck out - again, and again, and again.
Reportedly management agrees, as shortly after this quote came out, they released an exclusive statement to BasesLoadedBalk:
As if it wasn't bad enough that the Cubs have acknowledged their underachieving ways this season, apparently Lou is giving up on the team. Worse than the dreaded "vote of confidence," the manager admitting defeat is a sure sign that the Cubs are done. Of course, once again, Lou is simply admitting what the rest of us already know - the Cubs are awful this year, and there's no joy in Wrigleyville for the mighty... well, moderately powerful... all right, fairly mediocre... Cubs have struck out - again, and again, and again.
Reportedly management agrees, as shortly after this quote came out, they released an exclusive statement to BasesLoadedBalk:
We are certain that Lou is doing everything humanly possible with this team, but let's face it - it's just not working. For that reason, we are beginning to search for a new, superhuman manager to take over next season. Rumor has it that a planet far away recently exploded, but someone has escaped and is living in Metropolis. If anyone knows of this intergalactic refuge and how to contact him, please send a note our way.
Underachievers Strive to Overachieve... and Fall Short
Two of baseball's self-proclaimed underachievers met at Wrigley Field for ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball... on Sunday night (in case you didn't catch that part). The underachievers set out to overachieve, and did exactly what you would expect an underachiever to do... they fell short.
White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a two-out double to AlfonsoSorry-ano Soriano. And he was met out for out by Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly, who carried his no-no into the 9th inning before giving up a lead-off, pinch-hit single to Juan Pierre. That's right, speaking of underachievers, guys hitting .274 and .245 busted up no-hitters tonight.
When asked how it felt to break up a no-hitter in the 9th, Juan Pierre answered, "Très bien. Je déteste ces oursons." Don't we all, Pierre. Don't we all...
White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up a two-out double to Alfonso
When asked how it felt to break up a no-hitter in the 9th, Juan Pierre answered, "Très bien. Je déteste ces oursons." Don't we all, Pierre. Don't we all...
Cubs, White Sox Finally Agree
The two Chicago teams finally agreed on something this week: they each suck. According to an MLB.com story, the Cubs and White Sox both recognize the fact that they are underachieving this season with the Cubbies 9 games out and the White Sox 10.5 games out so far this season. The article also points out that the Cubs' best pitcher, Carlos Silva, will be on the hill today for the team. Read that sentence again, slowly, and you'll begin to understand why the Cubs have recognized that they are underachieving.
I would start making bold proclamations about the impending apocalypse due to the fact that both teams agree; however, I think they finally just came to terms with what the rest of the world already knows. Managers Lou Piniella and Ozzie Guillen have decided that the battle for Chicago baseball supremacy will not be decided on the field, but, rather, a round robin arm wrestling tournament at Navy Pier.
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