Chicago Cubs

[gocubsgo3822]

cubs

[devilandthelord]

Well too bad Fuk couldn't keep it going, but I love his plate discipline.

The commentator noted that his homer last night was on the 9th pitch of the at-bat.
That's phenomenal.

[gocubsgo3822]

Eric karros said discipline thirty times that bat.... I jsut kept doing in my south park voice discipwin

[bothedmbfan]

you need to leave this thread.. Gingers ae not allowed becasue they have no souls....

Fuck you Bo....

World Series :evil

:twenty4

AIDS would only be too good for you.

[gocubsgo3822]

^thats not very nice Bo

[devilandthelord]

Thats not cool, Bo.

At least give him something painful, but now curable with modern medicine.

Ya know, like dysentary or kidney stones.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ :lol kidney stones FTL :(

[devilandthelord]

^ :lol kidney stones FTL :(

One of my buddies had them a few months back and he said they were definitely "teh suck".

Very painful.

[gocubsgo3822]

gross... i bet that hurts like a mother fucker... Hollywood just missed that one

[bothedmbfan]

Thats not cool, Bo.

At least give him something painful, but now curable with modern medicine.

Ya know, like dysentary or kidney stones.

Ahh Kidney Stones, the gift that keeps on giving.

[bothedmbfan]

One of my buddies had them a few months back and he said they were definitely "teh suck".

Very painful.

They're the male equivelent of giving birth. Except, instead of a child that you can love, or neglect, or whatever; you have things that look like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Nefrolit.jpg

[gocubsgo3822]

juust bought the stars and stripes hat

[gocubsgo3822]

They're the male equivelent of giving birth. Except, instead of a child that you can love, or neglect, or whatever; you have things that look like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Nefrolit.jpg

thats fucking painful looking

[gocubsgo3822]

albert pujols is a monster

[bothedmbfan]

juust bought the stars and stripes hat

NICE! I want one of those sumbitches.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ they are sold out... they said no more hats for dirt bags....


FUCk well time to get smoe more runs

[bothedmbfan]

^ they are sold out... they said no more hats for dirt bags....


FUCk well time to get smoe more runs

No more hats for now, but they'll make more.

[gocubsgo3822]

i blame this squarely on Bo if we lose. We were ininitely killing them and then Bo comes in and we give up two runs. Please kill yourself Bo

[bothedmbfan]

i blame this squarely on Bo if we lose. We were ininitely killing them and then Bo comes in and we give up two runs. Please kill yourself Bo

I've been wanting to for a while now, just needed that catalyst.

[gocubsgo3822]

i call dibs on the Bo wont be down for breakfast thread

[devilandthelord]

that was a nice play by Fontenot to retire Schumaker.

I knew 2 runs wouldn't be enough, but at least it was good to see Cotts get a 1-2-3 inning.

How did the Cards score? I was vacuuming my apartment.

[bothedmbfan]

i call dibs on the Bo wont be down for breakfast thread

Sadly, I think Hudak already owns that.

[devilandthelord]

3 hits for DLee!

[devilandthelord]

ARAM is back!

2 run homer!

Cubs lead!

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaayooooooooooo!!!!!!

[bothedmbfan]

Damn it, I really wanted to kill myself too.

[gocubsgo3822]

well that was a great way to come out of an 0-28 slump... :)

[gocubsgo3822]

what a fucking throw... and great block of the plate by molina

[devilandthelord]

Time to shut em down Kerry.

I'm about to spray a wasp's nest on my balcony.
Wish me luck!

[devilandthelord]

Oh I got them mafakkas!

They're swimmin' in that poisonous brew!

[devilandthelord]

Oh Molina totally went around on that 3-1 pitch!

Fucker! Kill that ump!

Edit: Hat trick! Where'd you guys go?

[devilandthelord]

Fuuuuuck!

C'mon Kerry! Compose yourself.

Just make outs.

[Tiduwho]

The only reason that ball got through was because of where D Lee was positioned.

[bothedmbfan]

I'm amazed at how much of a mini-community we are in here.

[Tiduwho]

Awesome.

[devilandthelord]

Too pissed to make an intelligent comment.

That just ruined my mood.

[clayj41]

Fuck :BANG

Fuck :BANG

Fuck :BANG

[rconverse]

So....is the Kerry Woods as closer experiment over? I mean, once in a while he gets a save, but does anyone feel any confidence at all when he trots out?

The Woods/Prior 15 minutes of fame are over. Ugh.

[devilandthelord]

So....is the Kerry Woods as closer experiment over? I mean, once in a while he gets a save, but does anyone feel any confidence at all when he trots out?

The Woods/Prior 15 minutes of fame are over. Ugh.

Not at all.
I think you're off base with this one man.

Kerry's been great overall.

Whaddya mean every once in a while he gets a save? He's got 22 saves, and Fox just showed a stat while he was in about how the cubs had won the last 17 games that KWood has pitched in. Including 12 saves.

I think he's a very good closer, and will get better.

Obviously I'm pissed at him today though.

[Ev42]

fuck that sucked

[Tiduwho]

So....is the Kerry Woods as closer experiment over? I mean, once in a while he gets a save, but does anyone feel any confidence at all when he trots out?

The Woods/Prior 15 minutes of fame are over. Ugh.

In his last 17 appearances, the Cubs were 17-0. Kerry Wood was 12/12 in saves with a 0.53 ERA.


Are you SERIOUS Clark? :ugh

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

So....is the Kerry Woods as closer experiment over? I mean, once in a while he gets a save, but does anyone feel any confidence at all when he trots out?

The Woods/Prior 15 minutes of fame are over. Ugh.

Dude he has 22 saves. Wood is still kicking ass right now. You don't know what you are talking about.

Shit happens. He got behind with those two walks. Then he intentionally walked their pinch hitter and I knew that was gonna be trouble.

Their 3rd run scored because Lee was playing off the bag towards second and the ball squeezed through. Then some other D-bag got a lucky hit.

Shit happens.

[Ev42]

kerry wood is still a stud. but the loss still sucks

[devilandthelord]

So....is the Kerry Woods as closer experiment over? I mean, once in a while he gets a save, but does anyone feel any confidence at all when he trots out?

The Woods/Prior 15 minutes of fame are over. Ugh.

^ Flamed. :lol

[devilandthelord]

So looks like no movement in the cubs thread since yesterday.

Looks like everybody was just as disgusted as I was by the way we (Kerry) let that one get away yesterday.

Hopefully that was a rarity, as he has been so good lately.

I hope he gets another chance out there today and shuts em down this time!

[devilandthelord]

Up 1-0 guys.

2 men on, 1 out at the moment.

[devilandthelord]

3-0 Cub Fans.

Where is everybody?
Not still pissed about yesterday are you?

[devilandthelord]

Nice job by Marshall to get out of that inning without the run from 3rd scoring!

I was thinking, okay one out, man on third, you need a strikeout here.
And he got it!

Then got Ankiel (bastard) to ground out to end the inning.

Phenomenal job, Sean.

[devilandthelord]

And I'm talking to myself.
Fine, I'm gone until one of y'all decides to show up again. :cool

[gocubsgo3822]

hello
i am here

go cubs... that was horrible yesterday afternoon

[UCFish]

Cubs.

Lets hold on. Sitting at the airport. Thank god they have t-mobile wifi so I am able to watch.

[UCFish]

Soto...gone!!

[gocubsgo3822]

thats why hes the starting all star catcher... What a fucking player... Its good to see one come through...

on another nopte i jsut got a bllackberry

[UCFish]

interesting. I might get the new sprint inspiration.

[devilandthelord]

Your starting NL All Star Catcher!

Geovany Soto!

Soto>>> McCann ftw!

[devilandthelord]

Good to see Marmol work a flawless inning.

[UCFish]

Yeah hopefully he figured something out.

[devilandthelord]

He needs to get back to throwing that Black and Decker Ball.
Breakin everybody's wood!

[UCFish]

Cubs Win!

Road series win vs. the Cards. I like it.

[devilandthelord]

Cubs win! Cubs win!

Hooray!

Woulda been real bad to lose this series today after the way yesterdays final inning went down.

The only thing that sucks about this victory today, is the fact that we shoulda swept em.

[devilandthelord]

Goes without saying, but fantastic pitching today by all parties.

Great outing by Marshall, and great work by the bullpen.

In fact today was just an all around great team effort.

Our offense scored 7, our pitching allowed 1.
What more can you ask for?

[devilandthelord]

Saw this article earlier today about Fonzie wanting to play in the all-star game and I agree with Morrisey on this one for sure.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-080705-alfonso-soriano-chicago-cubs-all-star,1,6294772.column

And I think if he really whines about it that much, I say they just let him bat lead off in the all-star game, have one at-bat and then take him out of the game. No more than that.
I'd still like him not to play at all though.

Just go, have a good time with all the other guys, enjoy the festivities and rest up.
Then come back strong after the ASB.

[gocubsgo3822]

should have swept :(

[gocubsgo3822]

CC Sabathia is a brewer :( fuck

[handal]

That's right Cubbies, Brewers got CC Sabathia. I truly hope you enjoyed your first half run as the best team in the central, remember it fondly.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ please leave.. i wouldnt be overly anxious about a player who only plays once every 5 days... The list of pitchers acquired who have won a playoff game.... 2 Some yankee back in the 70s and Jeff Weaver :lol

[Ev42]

That's right Cubbies, Brewers got CC Sabathia. I truly hope you enjoyed your first half run as the best team in the central, remember it fondly.

cc will give 8 strong than your shit pen will give it up.

[handal]

^ please leave.. i wouldnt be overly anxious about a player who only plays once every 5 days... The list of pitchers acquired who have won a playoff game.... 2 Some yankee back in the 70s and Jeff Weaver :lol

That's fine. I'll just leave with this, we've made up a good 5 or 6 games over the last month or so, and now we're getting the reigning Cy Young award winner to add to a rotation that has a potential Cy Young winner this year. Also, the 2008 Brewers aren't all those other teams you mentioned.

[handal]

cc will give 8 strong than your shit pen will give it up.

yeah, 8 strong then to our closer Torres who's 15 of his last 16 in save opportunities.

[gocubsgo3822]

cc will give 8 strong than your shit pen will give it up.

:lol :thumbsup

Heres to hoping he eats too much suasage and suffers a heart attack that puts him on DL for three months

[Ev42]

Tribe GM Mark Shapiro confirmed Sunday that the Indians are in negotiations about a trade involving ace C.C. Sabathia. But Shapiro shot down a rumor that the Indians and Brewers have completed a deal in which Sabathia would be sent to Milwaukee for Double-A outfielder Matt LaPorta and two other prospects.

is it offical yet mlb has this.

any way brewers will not win centeral.

[handal]

Tribe GM Mark Shapiro confirmed Sunday that the Indians are in negotiations about a trade involving ace C.C. Sabathia. But Shapiro shot down a rumor that the Indians and Brewers have completed a deal in which Sabathia would be sent to Milwaukee for Double-A outfielder Matt LaPorta and two other prospects.

is it offical yet mlb has this.

any way brewers will not win centeral.


ESPN and the Milwaukee Journal are both reporting it. Paperwork not all final, but the deal is as good as done. And the Brewers will win the central.

[Ev42]

ESPN and the Milwaukee Journal are both reporting it. Paperwork not all final, but the deal is as good as done. And the Brewers will win the central.

NO..

[Ev42]

Good Game by Marshall. whish they got the sweep.

[gocubsgo3822]

we fucking should have swept... So they have the fat lefty.... who cares we have great RH hitters

[handal]

we fucking should have swept... So they have the fat lefty.... who cares we have great RH hitters

Hey we only need him to hold up for half a season, then he's someone else's $100m fat lefty.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ yea fair enough... Great trade casue youll get two picks for not resigning him

[devilandthelord]

Brewers will still not win the central, and C.C. will definitely not re-sign with the Brewers after the season.

This will be a trade 3 or 4 years from now that goes down as a win for the Indians when your prospects are playing well for the Tribe, and the Tribe got something of value for a guy they had no hopes to re-sign.

[devilandthelord]

I also still believe we will get somebody before the trade deadline.

A.J. Burnett would look real nice in Cubbie blue.

[gocubsgo3822]

i want burnett harden or bedard.. no one else is worth the cost

[handal]

Brewers will still not win the central, and C.C. will definitely not re-sign with the Brewers after the season.

This will be a trade 3 or 4 years from now that goes down as a win for the Indians when your prospects are playing well for the Tribe, and the Tribe got something of value for a guy they had no hopes to re-sign.

Pretty sure the Brewers made this trade knowing we will not resign CC after the season. We only traded one top prospect (along with 2 others who weren't as highly touted) for him, and that prospect is a 1st baseman, which happens to be a position that is looking alright for now with Prince Fielder.

And, if we don't resign CC and Sheets, we'll end up with 5 of the top 35 picks in the draft, so yeah, I think our future is looking alright.

[devilandthelord]

i want burnett harden or bedard.. no one else is worth the cost

Aw, Harden would be amazing.

He is my choice out of that bunch.
As long as he could stay healthy he would be like having a second ace with Z.

[devilandthelord]

Pretty sure the Brewers made this trade knowing we will not resign CC after the season. We only traded one top prospect (along with 2 others who weren't as highly touted) for him, and that prospect is a 1st baseman, which happens to be a position that is looking alright for now with Prince Fielder.

And, if we don't resign CC and Sheets, we'll end up with 5 of the top 35 picks in the draft, so yeah, I think our future is looking alright.

Pffffft!!!

Nice signature fail btw.

[handal]

Pffffft!!!

Nice signature fail btw.

Haha, I'm so glad you have such a strong argument that you have to fall back on making fun of my "signature fail". I'll take off work tomorrow and fix that, it's been keeping me up at night.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ agreed unfortunate but true

[devilandthelord]

Haha, I'm so glad you have such a strong argument that you have to fall back on making fun of my "signature fail". I'll take off work tomorrow and fix that, it's been keeping me up at night.

Look, bottom line, with or without C.C. the Cubs still have the better team as long as we get our guys back and healthy.
Z looks great in his first start back, and Fonz is recovering much quicker than anticipated.
I don't forsee the Brewers making a race of it as the season goes along.
The Cubs will keep rollling at home, and I truly believe they will get better on the road.
We are in for some more prolonged winning streaks or at least streaks of great winning percentages, which will put a good distance between both you and the cards.

[handal]

Look, bottom line, with or without C.C. the Cubs still have the better team as long as we get our guys back and healthy.
Z looks great in his first start back, and Fonz is recovering much quicker than anticipated.
I don't forsee the Brewers making a race of it as the season goes along.
The Cubs will keep rollling at home, and I truly believe they will get better on the road.
We are in for some more prolonged winning streaks or at least streaks of great winning percentages, which will put a good distance between both you and the cards.

We have 2 top line starting pitchers in Sheets and Sabathia, as well as Manny Parra who is 9-2 and only getting better. We have a deep bullpen now that everyone is healthy. Our offensive hasn't even started clicking on all cylinders yet, and yet we're still only 3.5 games back.

It's silly to assume that the Cubs have such a better squad than the Brewers since as hot a first half as you guys had, we're right there with you.

Bottom line is time will tell what happens, but it's silly to just say you're better and you'll pull away.

[gocubsgo3822]

we probably will though when healthy

[devilandthelord]

Is Harden available?

I haven't heard much about him, but are the A's shopping him right now?

[gocubsgo3822]

Is Harden available?

I haven't heard much about him, but are the A's shopping him right now?


anyone on the a's is available for the right price

[devilandthelord]

Seriously though, could we have not put together a better deal than the Brewcrew for Sabathia?
Or did they just not wanna give up enough?
I dunno.

[gocubsgo3822]

No we could not have beaten their offer. We dont have one prospect like LaPorta he is a monster

[Ev42]

We have 2 top line starting pitchers in Sheets and Sabathia, as well as Manny Parra who is 9-2 and only getting better. We have a deep bullpen now that everyone is healthy. Our offensive hasn't even started clicking on all cylinders yet, and yet we're still only 3.5 games back.

It's silly to assume that the Cubs have such a better squad than the Brewers since as hot a first half as you guys had, we're right there with you.

Bottom line is time will tell what happens, but it's silly to just say you're better and you'll pull away.

Cubs are better and they Will win the central

[devilandthelord]

Cubs are better and they Will win the central

Oh you're silly!

You big silly brains. :monkey

[DMBZeppelin]

So....is the Kerry Woods as closer experiment over? I mean, once in a while he gets a save, but does anyone feel any confidence at all when he trots out?

The Woods/Prior 15 minutes of fame are over. Ugh.
Worst post in this thread... possibly ever. The guy had 22 saves with a 2.38 ERA before that bad outing. Which wasn't entirely his fault. Granted it's a horrible 2.91, and all that comes with an All-Star invite. I mean F*** that bum. I'd rather our closer have a 5 ERA like last year.
Saw this article earlier today about Fonzie wanting to play in the all-star game and I agree with Morrisey on this one for sure.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-080705-alfonso-soriano-chicago-cubs-all-star,1,6294772.column

And I think if he really whines about it that much, I say they just let him bat lead off in the all-star game, have one at-bat and then take him out of the game. No more than that.
I'd still like him not to play at all though.

Just go, have a good time with all the other guys, enjoy the festivities and rest up.
Then come back strong after the ASB.
I disagree, Fonz might be rusty. Instead of sending him to the minors, let him go to the All-Star game. He can see major league pitching and doesn't have to go full force at anything. I think those at bats would be perfect for him.
That's right Cubbies, Brewers got CC Sabathia. I truly hope you enjoyed your first half run as the best team in the central, remember it fondly.
I'll remember it fondly after the 2nd half. Without a doubt the Cubs were the most complete team in the NL the 1st half. Getting Sabathia is awesome for you, but why should I worry about that? Before our rough patch the Cubs were 1st in runs scored through the ENTIRE majors. They led the NL in ERA, and were 4th overall.

We're currently 2nd in the majors in terms of runs scored. We're 10th ERA wise in the majors, 4th in the NL. You have the 6th ranked pitching staff in the NL, and 8th ranked offense in the NL. This move does not improve your offense. Adding Sabathia is a great long term move, if you can re-sign him. He's been inconsistent this year, and Sheets finishing the season is a ? until proven other wise.

Majors wise, you have the 15th ranked offense and 14th ranked pitching staff. The Cubs have the 3rd best record in the majors, and guess what? This team has NOT played their best team baseball. When the Cubs hitters get hot at the same time as the pitchers. This team is going to go insane. This is a complete team, and I can't say that about a single other team in the National League.
That's fine. I'll just leave with this, we've made up a good 5 or 6 games over the last month or so, and now we're getting the reigning Cy Young award winner to add to a rotation that has a potential Cy Young winner this year. Also, the 2008 Brewers aren't all those other teams you mentioned.
Yes because all teams go through rough stretches. No one stays hot all season, or some team would go 140-20. The Cubs will slump, the Brewers will slump. The difference being, with the injuries coming to an end. The Cubs are going to pick things back up. I'm sorry to say, until you're in 1st you're playing catch up. You're 10 games over .500 and we're 17. One is A LOT harder to do.
We have 2 top line starting pitchers in Sheets and Sabathia, as well as Manny Parra who is 9-2 and only getting better. We have a deep bullpen now that everyone is healthy. Our offensive hasn't even started clicking on all cylinders yet, and yet we're still only 3.5 games back.

It's silly to assume that the Cubs have such a better squad than the Brewers since as hot a first half as you guys had, we're right there with you.

Bottom line is time will tell what happens, but it's silly to just say you're better and you'll pull away.
Yes you're only so and so back, you've been hot. You will cool off, this happens to every single team. Your best bet was to PASS the Cubs up while you were hot. That you did not do. The Cubs were like 15-13 in June. Not the best stretch of the season. With all the injuries and struggles, they still had a winning month. So when the Cubs get hot, enjoy being back another 10 games.

As Piniella pointed out. Sometimes when a closer goes down, a bullpen struggles. Sometimes when an ace goes down, the rotation struggles. As if by magic, the Cubs pitching the last three games has been worlds better with Zambrano back. Not to mention Lilly is looking like Lilly of last year. I'd be fine with us dumping Marquis and going Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Marshall, and Gallagher the rest of the year.

[DMBZeppelin]

Seriously though, could we have not put together a better deal than the Brewcrew for Sabathia?
Or did they just not wanna give up enough?
I dunno.
It's possible, but it would have killed the team. The reason we've been SO GOOD this year is because of our depth. We have to trade that to get a Sabathia. Rich Hill was suppose to have a break out year. He sucked and we plugged in Gallagher. We don't skip a beat. Zambrano gets hurt, and we have Marshall.

Theriot needs a break? Oh ok we have Cedeno who can play SS/2B. Reed Johnson gets cut by the Blue Jays. We pick him up and he pans out. Edmonds gets cut and he led the team in batting average for June.

I don't think we could win forever with out backups, but I mean when Ward, Johnson, and Soriano went down. We still had Murton, Patterson, Hoffupair, ect. Guys we could plug in and win with till our starts were back. You know how rare that is for a contender? To be able to get by when others are down.

Now we're about to come back from the All-Star break with EVERYONE healthy. Not to mention Fukudome will finally be able to get some days off with Soriano back. They play shorter seasons, with less travel in Japan. Hence the reason you saw him tire out as we're going towards the break.

[Tiduwho]

Fuck no on Burnett. He's a walking injury. He's been living his entire career off of one game and his "potential" because his stuff is nasty. But he's NOT reliable, at least not to the extent of what it would cost us. Maybe if Hendry can pull off a 2003 Pirates type trade, but I dunno.


I do love Rich Harden though. Even though he's a walking injury too. I just hate AJ Burnett and his comical contract for throwing a perfect game once. He's so fucking overrated. I hate him.

[devilandthelord]

Quality posts, Zepplin. :thumbsup

[Tiduwho]

We have 2 top line starting pitchers in Sheets and Sabathia, as well as Manny Parra who is 9-2 and only getting better. We have a deep bullpen now that everyone is healthy. Our offensive hasn't even started clicking on all cylinders yet, and yet we're still only 3.5 games back.

It's silly to assume that the Cubs have such a better squad than the Brewers since as hot a first half as you guys had, we're right there with you.

Bottom line is time will tell what happens, but it's silly to just say you're better and you'll pull away.


Lol, and ours has? For one, practically the ENTIRE SEASON we haven't had a point where our big 3 were all hitting. It was always 1 leading the way, with one guy or another coming through each day. Soriano has been hurt twice now, and mashing the ball when healthy.

The fact is, the Cubs offense has been the best in the NL and that's WITHOUT reaching full potential. But guess what? Most offenses don't reach full potential. Hitting is too cyclical. You can't just "expect" that Prince, Braun, Hart, and the gang are going to all hit at the same time. Just like Fonz, D Lee, and Aramis haven't all year.

[Ev42]

Worst post in this thread... possibly ever. The guy had 22 saves with a 2.38 ERA before that bad outing. Which wasn't entirely his fault. Granted it's a horrible 2.91, and all that comes with an All-Star invite. I mean F*** that bum. I'd rather our closer have a 5 ERA like last year.

I disagree, Fonz might be rusty. Instead of sending him to the minors, let him go to the All-Star game. He can see major league pitching and doesn't have to go full force at anything. I think those at bats would be perfect for him.

I'll remember it fondly after the 2nd half. Without a doubt the Cubs were the most complete team in the NL the 1st half. Getting Sabathia is awesome for you, but why should I worry about that? Before our rough patch the Cubs were 1st in runs scored through the ENTIRE majors. They led the NL in ERA, and were 4th overall.

We're currently 2nd in the majors in terms of runs scored. We're 10th ERA wise in the majors, 4th in the NL. You have the 6th ranked pitching staff in the NL, and 8th ranked offense in the NL. This move does not improve your offense. Adding Sabathia is a great long term move, if you can re-sign him. He's been inconsistent this year, and Sheets finishing the season is a ? until proven other wise.

Majors wise, you have the 15th ranked offense and 14th ranked pitching staff. The Cubs have the 3rd best record in the majors, and guess what? This team has NOT played their best team baseball. When the Cubs hitters get hot at the same time as the pitchers. This team is going to go insane. This is a complete team, and I can't say that about a single other team in the National League.

Yes because all teams go through rough stretches. No one stays hot all season, or some team would go 140-20. The Cubs will slump, the Brewers will slump. The difference being, with the injuries coming to an end. The Cubs are going to pick things back up. I'm sorry to say, until you're in 1st you're playing catch up. You're 10 games over .500 and we're 17. One is A LOT harder to do.

Yes you're only so and so back, you've been hot. You will cool off, this happens to every single team. Your best bet was to PASS the Cubs up while you were hot. That you did not do. The Cubs were like 15-13 in June. Not the best stretch of the season. With all the injuries and struggles, they still had a winning month. So when the Cubs get hot, enjoy being back another 10 games.

As Piniella pointed out. Sometimes when a closer goes down, a bullpen struggles. Sometimes when an ace goes down, the rotation struggles. As if by magic, the Cubs pitching the last three games has been worlds better with Zambrano back. Not to mention Lilly is looking like Lilly of last year. I'd be fine with us dumping Marquis and going Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Marshall, and Gallagher the rest of the year.


Yes.:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[devilandthelord]

I don't know that I'm comfortable having both Marshall and Gallagher in the rotation the full season.
I'd be a lot happier if we went out and got another quality starter and the rotation could look something like this:
Z
Lilly
Demps
New starter
Marshall/Gallagher (kind of let them share 5th starter spot for a while and then stick with one for the stretch run and use the other in long relief.)

[HolyCow]

Did I really read someone criticizing Woody?

He's probably our MVP right now!!!

Nice work this weekend. You tell me we're going to take two of three ON THE ROAD in St. Louis and I would've been happy.

[DMBZeppelin]

Quality posts, Zepplin. :thumbsup
Thanks man, and I'm reading ESPN's Rumblings & Grumblings. As we know history is a good indicator in baseball. Just thought these were interesting facts:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&page=rumblings

5. Good arms aren't always good luck charms

There's no commodity teams chase harder at the deadline than starting pitching. And it's mind-boggling how rarely it gets them anywhere. Consider this:

• The last two starting pitchers acquired at midseason to win a World Series game were Jeff Weaver (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6200) (picked off the scrap heap), for the 2006 Cardinals, and Mike Torrez (a relic of another era), for the 1977 Yankees.

• And the last two pitchers traded on Deadline Day (July 31) to win any kind of postseason game were Oliver Perez (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6945) (a reclamation-project throw-in), for the 2006 Mets, and David Weathers (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=4718) (as a set-up reliever), for the 1996 Yankees.

So remember, friends, there's no assurance that trading for a C.C. Sabathia is going to give your team any better chance of winning the World Series than trading for, say, Tim Redding (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?statsId=6754). And that's a fact.

The reason, said O'Dowd, is simply that those starting pitchers only get to play every five days. So "just look at the number of starts a starting pitcher is going to get by the end of September," he said. "It's probably 10. So if the guy doesn't dominate in eight of those 10 starts, it's a disappointing trade."

Position players are different, he said, "because they can blend into the mix." And bullpen arms, in the right role, "can make a big difference." And by the way, we can assure you O'Dowd really believes that, even though the only kinds of players he has on the block this month are (coincidentally) bats and relievers.

But those monster starting-pitcher deals? They create "a tremendous amount of pressure," he said. "And not many guys are able to handle that."

[gocubsgo3822]

I don't know that I'm comfortable having both Marshall and Gallagher in the rotation the full season.
I'd be a lot happier if we went out and got another quality starter and the rotation could look something like this:
Z
Lilly
Demps
New starter
Marshall/Gallagher (kind of let them share 5th starter spot for a while and then stick with one for the stretch run and use the other in long relief.)

you are leaving out Marquis.....

On anothwer note if marshall throsw like he did yesterday... and last sunday we are in good shape i believe.. Marshall will be alright by me

[gocubsgo3822]

matchups vs. Reds

Dempseter vs. Harang
Z vs. Cueto
Lilly vs. Arroyo

sounds good to me

[devilandthelord]

you are leaving out Marquis.....

On anothwer note if marshall throsw like he did yesterday... and last sunday we are in good shape i believe.. Marshall will be alright by me

I know. ;)

[UCFish]

Glad we miss Volquez.

[gocubsgo3822]

cubs woo

[gocubsgo3822]

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGalleryPhoto.asp?evgroupid=0&userid=cubsfanfoto&gallery_id=1148211&image_id=9

me at the alst game i was at

[MPizzle06]

Fucking Brewers...this blows. Why were we not aggressive enough to grab C. C.???????

Our rotation worries me for the long haul, especially w/C. C. in Milwaukee...we NEED another quality starter.

[clayj41]

Fucking Brewers...this blows. Why were we not aggressive enough to grab C. C.???????

Our rotation worries me for the long haul, especially w/C. C. in Milwaukee...we NEED another quality starter.

We didn't have enough to offer. The Brewers had more lucrative prospects.

[UCFish]

http://www.printroom.com/ViewGalleryPhoto.asp?evgroupid=0&userid=cubsfanfoto&gallery_id=1148211&image_id=9

me at the alst game i was at

You don't look drunk enough.

[bothedmbfan]

I'm an uncle~!

Now, here's the thing. The mom (my sister) is a Sox fan, the father, my brother in law, is a Cubs fan. We got a 50/50 shot of him being one of us.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ that was beer number one beers 2-11 were later....

plenty of whiskey on train though..

-peace love cubs

[clayj41]

I'm an uncle~!

Now, here's the thing. The mom (my sister) is a Sox fan, the father, my brother in law, is a Cubs fan. We got a 50/50 shot of him being one of us.

I trust you'll "take care of it".

[bothedmbfan]

I trust you'll "take care of it".

It's really more up to my brother in law. I just hope he doesn't become a bothie...that'd be teh suck/

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

cubs.




Edit: Cubs

[DMBtheStoned]

cubs.

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

Cubs.

fixed.

[devilandthelord]

I guarantee you the Cubs can't lose today.

[gocubsgo3822]

Cubs

[UCFish]

Cubs

[devilandthelord]

Cubs

Cubs

What's up my favorite pair of ants bros?

Cubs got a much deserved day off after a long, tough road trip.
We gotta get rolling again now that we'll be coming back home and set a good tone going into the ASB.

[gocubsgo3822]

What's up my favorite pair of ants bros?

Cubs got a much deserved day off after a long, tough road trip.
We gotta get rolling again now that we'll be coming back home and set a good tone going into the ASB.

:lol Not much man jsut at work... We really need Rich harden. I think you put him Dempster, Z and Lilly in a rotation WOW!!!! But as soon as we get Rich he will blow out his elbow....

Going to a strip club tonight with two hos.... I like!!!1

[devilandthelord]

I'm an uncle~!

Now, here's the thing. The mom (my sister) is a Sox fan, the father, my brother in law, is a Cubs fan. We got a 50/50 shot of him being one of us.

That just means you gotta get in there early and "show him the way" before your sis gets the wrong ideas in his head.
With you and your bro-in law you should be able to steer him towards the right path.:)

[devilandthelord]

:lol Not much man jsut at work... We really need Rich harden. I think you put him Dempster, Z and Lilly in a rotation WOW!!!! But as soon as we get Rich he will blow out his elbow....

Going to a strip club tonight with two hos.... I like!!!1

Oh for sure, I've said all along, if we didn't get CC, Harden would be amazing.
If we got him, and he stayed healthy, it'd be amazing. :hump

Have fun at the strip club btw, Admiral?

[thebestauntie]

I'm an uncle~!

Now, here's the thing. The mom (my sister) is a Sox fan, the father, my brother in law, is a Cubs fan. We got a 50/50 shot of him being one of us.
Awww, congrats Bo!! :hug :)



Go Cubs!

[gocubsgo3822]

Oh for sure, I've said all along, if we didn't get CC, Harden would be amazing.
If we got him, and he stayed healthy, it'd be amazing. :hump

Have fun at the strip club btw, Admiral?

:lol you know it... Yo my boys bot 10 dollar passes if you trying to go we will be going around 11:30

[devilandthelord]

:lol you know it... Yo my boys bot 10 dollar passes if you trying to go we will be going around 11:30

Haha, I get off at 11 so that would work out perfectly.
But I better take a raincheck, as it is only a Monday and my girlfriend might wonder what I was doing.

[gocubsgo3822]

:thumbsdown.... Titty bars on mondays FTW

[devilandthelord]

Certainly a great way to start off the work week.

I'd be worried they wouldn't have all the best girls there on a Monday though.

I went on a Saturday probably 2 months ago and I wish I had hands, so I could give them titties 4 thumbs up!

Especially this one girl, man. It was no coincidence I got 3 dances from her. Heehee.

[bothedmbfan]

Certainly a great way to start off the work week.

I'd be worried they wouldn't have all the best girls there on a Monday though.

I went on a Saturday probably 2 months ago and I wish I had hands, so I could give them titties 4 thumbs up!

Especially this one girl, man. It was no coincidence I got 3 dances from her. Heehee.

So wrong, it's not even funny.

[devilandthelord]

So wrong, it's not even funny.

Why's it wrong?
I just noticed I mistyped, obviously I meant to put more hands, but that can be inferred I thought.
Oops!

[bothedmbfan]

Why's it wrong?
I just noticed I mistyped, obviously I meant to put more hands, but that can be inferred I thought.
Oops!

And it's "4 thumbs down" but I assumed that one was on purpose.

[devilandthelord]

And it's "4 thumbs down" but I assumed that one was on purpose.

Well duh, cuz I meant that them titties was nice.

And it ain't just titties. God bless America for fully nude strip clubs.

[gocubsgo3822]

it sucks you cant drink there though.. Whatever i am going to stick my face into some DDs tonight

[devilandthelord]

it sucks you cant drink there though.. Whatever i am going to stick my face into some DDs tonight

It does indeed.
Me and my buddy got there drunk as hell, I mean we had been drinking all day, and just decided to go to the Admiral on a whim. Neither one of us had ever been there before, and we get in and they tell us we can't drink.
Instead we paid 5 dollars for a fucking RedBull. It was a momentary letdown.

That is of course, until we realized there were hot naked girls everywhere, and we got some titties shoved in our face.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ yea titties and pussy shoved in your face from hot girls is always Fn amazing

[devilandthelord]

Never gets old.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ i always feel like a kid in a candy store at strip clubs. I jsut have this stupid grin on my face the whole time...

This nasty strip club at school is F'n wesome... They have dollar lap dances and a black guy in a cowboy uniform running around "who needs ones?" :lol

[UCFish]

Strip clubs are the worst.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ gay

they are awesome... Super huge tits.. The number of girls we are going with now is three AWESOME

[UCFish]

Terrible.

[bothedmbfan]

Strip clubs are the worst.

Agreed.

[gocubsgo3822]

whats terrible

[gocubsgo3822]

hey Bo....

WORLD SERIESS!!!!!!!!!!

[UCFish]

Agreed.

Just throwing money down a pit in my opinion.

[gocubsgo3822]

Brewers re losing 4-0 to Rockies!!!!

[devilandthelord]

I hope CC comes in tomorrow and gets blown the fuck up!

[gocubsgo3822]

i cann promise he is going to eat too much sausage and have heart attack book it

[bothedmbfan]

hey Bo....

WORLD SERIESS!!!!!!!!!!

*Goes to cut Jon's testicles off, only to realize he doesn't have any.*

[UCFish]

*Goes to cut Jon's testicles off, only to realize he doesn't have any.*

:lol

[gocubsgo3822]

*Goes to cut Jon's testicles off, only to realize he doesn't have any.*

Oh Bo such violent anger..... Calm down good sir..

I jsut read you are an uncle congratualtions... Let me give you some uncle advice that my uncle did not follow...

DONT GET FUCKING MARRIED ON ALPINE NIGHTS... YOur nephew will resent you..

That is all congrats

[bothedmbfan]

Oh Bo such violent anger..... Calm down good sir..

I jsut read you are an uncle congratualtions... Let me give you some uncle advice that my uncle did not follow...

DONT GET FUCKING MARRIED ON ALPINE NIGHTS... YOur nephew will resent you..

That is all congrats

Huh? I live in Cali sir, and my sister will soon. Alpine is something I'm not worried about.
But thank you kindly for your congratulations.

[devilandthelord]

My my, more chatter in here than some game nights I say.

[bothedmbfan]

My my, more chatter in here than some game nights I say.

Game nights for who?

[gocubsgo3822]

^ people must be really bored

[bothedmbfan]

Hey Jon,

Herschel Walker.

[gocubsgo3822]

what about Mr. Walker??

[bothedmbfan]

Nothing, just Herschel Walker.

[devilandthelord]

Strip clubs are the worst.

Meh, I've only been to two in my 25 years, and never spent that much money at either of em.
Its harmless fun so long as you don't make a habit of frequenting them I think.

[gocubsgo3822]

^ good point as long as you arent that guy that falls in love with a stripper its all good. I wont be spending much tonight.. I will get my girl hos going a dance though :)

[UCFish]

Meh, I've only been to two in my 25 years, and never spent that much money at either of em.
Its harmless fun so long as you don't make a habit of frequenting them I think.

Yeah I guess. I just want to be left alone if I am at one and not accosted by every girl for a lap dance.

[devilandthelord]

Yeah I guess. I just want to be left alone if I am at one and not accosted by every girl for a lap dance.

Apparently you've never been to the Admiral before.
The girls are so hot and in such high demand, you have to ask them for dances if you want.
If not, you just sit there and watch the stages or whatever.
You'd like it I suppose.

[UCFish]

Brewers re losing 4-0 to Rockies!!!!

Thank god they hung on. I would have punched you for jinxing it.

[UCFish]

Apparently you've never been to the Admiral before.
The girls are so hot and in such high demand, you have to ask them for dances if you want.
If not, you just sit there and watch the stages or whatever.
You'd like it I suppose.

That sounds pretty good actually.

[devilandthelord]

Thank god they hung on. I would have punched you for jinxing it.

Right in your non-existent testes.

[UCFish]

:lol

[HolyCow]

Ok, I'm looking for tickets to the August 10th game against the Cards. I know it's a long shot, but I thought I'd ask just in case someone knew someone who was trying to dump tickets.

I'm pumped about going to the game though. Should be a good one.

[Sou1 So1di3r]

go to alpine instead

[HolyCow]

go to alpine instead
We actually considered it pretty strongly, but I don't think we'll make it. Our flight gets to Chicago at 2:45, so if someone wants to pick us up, we'll ride along I guess. :)

[DMBZeppelin]

We actually considered it pretty strongly, but I don't think we'll make it. Our flight gets to Chicago at 2:45, so if someone wants to pick us up, we'll ride along I guess. :)
It's only 2 hours from Chicago to East Troy. The band won't take the stage till after 8, you have plenty of time. Rent a car.

[DMBZeppelin]

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/1042571,CST-SPT-deluca07.article

Cubs hope to get Rich; Harden pursuit to heat up

With Sabathia off the market, North Siders turn attention to A's Harden

ST. LOUIS -- If Cubs general manager Jim Hendry is having a tough time reading manager Lou Piniella's wish list, it's because of all that Wite-Out.

Not long ago, Piniella wanted a speedster who could hit left-handed, and the answer was ''wait and see.'' Then he asked for a lefty-hitting outfielder and got Jim Edmonds. These days, there is only one glaring need -- a craving that likely will have to hold the Cubs until October.

''Jim and I have talked,'' Piniella said Sunday. ''The consensus here probably is another starting pitcher.''

The Cubs' pipe dream was ace left-hander C.C. Sabathia, but he's headed from the Cleveland Indians to the Milwaukee Brewers in a deal that is expected to become official today. Deep down, the Cubs knew they didn't have a package of young talent to compete with the Brewers' offer. Still, this was a tough blow watching the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner go to the second-place -- that's right second-place -- Brewers.

The Cubs have spent a lot of time on the phone recently with Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane trying to pry away right-hander Rich Harden. Expect the phone lines to start burning a little hotter beginning today.

Beane's in a tough spot. This season was supposed to be about rebuilding -- at least, that's what he told us last winter after dealing pitcher Dan Haren to the Arizona Diamondbacks and outfielder Nick Swisher to the White Sox for a combined nine prospects, including five starting pitchers. Then the A's -- even after dropping two straight to the White Sox over the weekend -- made a run in the watered-down AL West, sitting six games behind the fragile Los Angeles Angels.

Now seems like a bad time for Beane to pull the trigger, no matter how much the Cubs call.

Waiting for Harden could last right up to the July 31 non-waivers trade deadline. Thanks to the second consecutive solid outing by left-hander Sean Marshall on Sunday during a 7-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs can afford a little patience.

Or they could move to Plan C and call the San Diego Padres to inquire about veteran left-hander Randy Wolf, who commands Hendry's respect.

As much as the Cubs covet Harden -- and they have been working this deal for at least a month -- Piniella likes having another lefty in his rotation along with Ted Lilly. Marshall could be the one, though the 25-year-old needs to show a longer stretch of consistency.

''I like the idea of two lefties in the rotation because our bullpen is [mostly] right-handed,'' Piniella said. ''We've got one lefty out there right now in Neal Cotts, and he's doing a real nice job. But that's it. All of a sudden, you put a couple of lefties in your rotation, and it plays into the strength of your right-handed bullpen.''

With his one-run, six-hit effort in six innings, Marshall (1-2) bought himself another start Saturday against the San Francisco Giants, moving right-hander Sean Gallagher to the bullpen.

''Over the two years I've been here, that's as good as I've seen him throw the ball,'' Piniella said of Marshall, who struck out four and walked one. ''I like Marshall. The one good thing about Marshall, too, is I can skip him around in the rotation and he'll pitch probably just as well, or maybe a little better, with more rest. That's an advantage.''

Several questions loom over the Cubs' rotation. Will Marshall stay consistent over the long haul? Will All-Star Ryan Dempster run out of gas his first season back in the rotation? Will Carlos Zambrano's shoulder flare up again? And will right-hander Jason Marquis suffer a major slip after the All-Star break? Marquis has stumbled after the break in each of the last three seasons.

The Brewers had enough concern about their staff to swing the Sabathia deal. The Cardinals expect to get their crop of hurting pitchers back in action during the next couple of weeks, with Mark Mulder set to start Wednesday.

The Cubs have 3½ weeks before the deadline to decide if they are going to add their own new starting pitcher.

''I like our ballclub,'' Piniella said. ''But at the same time, we've played very well, and we haven't been able to shake people. That leads me to believe that this is going to be nip-and-tuck the rest of the way.''
1. Zambrano
2. Harden
3. Lilly
4. Dempster
5. Marshall

The above is drool worthy. Dempster is only 4th to break up the lefties. I didn't realize we were working on this deal for over a month.

[devilandthelord]

Just watching Sportscenter and they were talking about how hard the Cubs are pushing to get Harden.
And although Harden is not quite as good as Sabathia would have been, if we get him, he's good enough that in my eyes it basically cancels out the Brewers deal for Sabathia and makes us that much better.
Man I hope they can get it done!

Go Cubs!

[devilandthelord]

I'm also hoping I can get some tickets to the Giants series this weekend through work.
That would be tiiiiiight!

Corporate luxury box baby!

[DMBZeppelin]

Just watching Sportscenter and they were talking about how hard the Cubs are pushing to get Harden.
And although Harden is not quite as good as Sabathia would have been, if we get him, he's good enough that in my eyes it basically cancels out the Brewers deal for Sabathia and makes us that much better.
Man I hope they can get it done!

Go Cubs!
I disagree that Sabathia is better then Harden. Though he's more durable, which I'd take. Harden had a 2.53 ERA in 2006, 2.46 ERA in 2007, and a 2.34 ERA this year. I can't list Sabathia's because he doesn't have any. His lowest ERA's are 3.21 last year when he won the CY, 3.22 ERA in 06', followed by 3.60 in 04', and finally his 3.83 this year. Everything else he has is in the 4's.

Sabathia is 27, and turns 28 this month. Harden is 26 and turns 27 this offseason. One plus is Sabathia has hit 200 innings twice over the last 7 seasons. Harden has never done that during his past 5 seasons. Mainly due to injuries in 06' and 07'.

This year though Harden has been better, and if he stays healthy I'd rather have him. Though if I had my choice I'd pick Sabathia, because it suck to have another great talent always on the DL.

I realize we'll have to overpay for Harden. I just hope we don't let ourselves get raped to try and make a splash. If Harden was durable I'd be all for the raping. Take Pie, Vitters, Veal, Hart, ect. but he's not. So it will be interesting to see how low Hendry can talk them down.

Then again remember when we thought we gave up a lot for Nomar and Murton? I'd like a repeat of that deal. Nothing ever became of Beltran or Harris, ect.

Edit: Also remember when it was being debated if the Cubs would give up super specs Todd Wellemeyer and Sergio Mitre for Carl Crawford? If we had dumped them in 03' we could have gotten a kings ransom.

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

ahem....


















Cubs.

[UCFish]

Cubs!

[HolyCow]

C
U
B
S
.

[SqueeBaBooSquee]

^ I like that it looks very important.

[darbini]

____CCCCCCCCCCCCRCCCCCCCCCCCCC____
___UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU___
__BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBLBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB__
_SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSESSSSSSSSSSSSS_
TheyDo!DoThey?TheyDo!DoThey?TheyDo!

[UCFish]

Hey Chicago What Do You SAY???

[darbini]

The Cubs are going to frolick and roll in the hay!!

[UCFish]

:lol

[TapNorris]

Cubs

[gocubsgo3822]

Cubs

On another note last night i went to the strip club if you read and it WAS FCUKING AWESOME... that being said i learned a couple things.

1. My alter ego in life is a 24 year old Columbian (the country) professional gambler. I fell in love with a Puerto Rican stripper last night and talked to her in Spanish all night telling her that I was a high roller and that my father was a mercenary in the Columbian war. My spanish was A + last night and she did things for ten dollars that was amazing.. She fucking worked it. God only knows what i could have gotten for the 300 $ private dance.

2. It is not a good idea to bring a significant other to a strip club. I cant stress this point enough. Me and my best friend rolled in with three girls one that i am kind of dating and she was not too happy.. I lowered my chances of PIHB soon by a little.

3. Seriously Monday night lineups are not the best but thats why you find the best strippers and make the most of it

[gocubsgo3822]

and on another note

CUBS

[davehead86]

Cubs ...

[gocubsgo3822]

C
U
B
S

[devilandthelord]

Cubbies!

[gocubsgo3822]

cubs= bump

[daveS]

I heard on the Score right now that the Cubs have made a deal w/ the A's for Harden. Anyone else hear this?

[devilandthelord]

I heard on the Score right now that the Cubs have made a deal w/ the A's for Harden. Anyone else hear this?

No!!!
But I hope you're right! :multi

Gonna go check around the interwebz for confirmation.

[clayj41]

Harden = :hump

[daveS]

Yea - I didn't see anything on the internet but I am listening to the Score and they are talking about it right now

[UCFish]

I read Gallagher is gone.

It seems all speculation though.

[devilandthelord]

Nice!
Nothing on the internet yet it seems, but keep the news coming if they confirm it on the radio or somewhere we haven't seen.

[UCFish]

Gallagher and Murton possibly.

I am reading bleedcubbieblue

[UCFish]

Now Eric Patterson as well supposedly.

Harden better stay healthy if this is true.

[daveS]

Its official. So far it sounds like Gallagher and Murton are gone. Jim Hendry is having a news conference right now.

[monkeyman420]

I read Gallagher is gone.

It seems all speculation though.
They just played Hendry's press conference on the Score. A's are getting Patterson, Murton, Gallagher, and a player to be named.

Good deal with the Cubs if Harden can stay healthy. And that is a big if.

[devilandthelord]

So then our rotation really could be:

Zambrano
Harden
Dempster
Lilly
Marshall

Man, this is awesome.

Oh, and in case you haven't guessed, my stance on Marquis is, fuck Marquis.

[devilandthelord]

The Ginger is banished from the land!

[DMBZeppelin]

OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE WE PULLED THE HARDEN TRADE OFF!!! LISTENING TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE SCORE!!! HAHHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Gallagher, Murton, Eric Patterson, and a player to be named were the players were involved in case anyone wondered.

Edit: I see this has all be covered.

[clayj41]

:multi :multi :multi

[monkeyman420]

I can't believe Beane made this deal now. I would have thought he would have waited until closer to the deadline. And the Cubs made out on this one, as long as Harden stays healthy.

[UCFish]

CHICAGO (AP)—The Chicago Cubs have acquired pitcher Rich Harden from the Oakland Athletics in a six-player trade, a day after the rival Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia.

The Cubs will receive the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer John Donaldson.

Harden, scheduled to be a free agent after the 2009 season, is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts this season.

The oft-injured righty missed a month earlier this season because of a right shoulder strain. It was his sixth trip to the disabled list in his six-year career.

[UCFish]

Edit: I see this has all be covered.

:lol

[devilandthelord]

OH MY GOD I CAN'T BELIEVE WE PULLED THE HARDEN TRADE OFF!!! LISTENING TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE SCORE!!! HAHHAHAHAHAH!!!!

Gallagher, Murton, Eric Patterson, and a player to be named were the players were involved in case anyone wondered.

Edit: I see this has all be covered.

That's all totally fine with me too.
Totally worth it!

Bonus: I hate the Ginger!

:multi

Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago, whaddya say?

[UCFish]

NO MORE GINGER!!!!!!!!!!

I will miss EPAT though. I had warmed up to his speed.

[UCFish]

That's all totally fine with me too.
Totally worth it!

Bonus: I hate the Ginger!

:multi

Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go!
Hey Chicago, whaddya say?

THE CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TODAY....and everyday for the rest of the season.

[devilandthelord]

THE CUBS ARE GONNA WIN TODAY....and everyday for the rest of the season.

Cubs to win out?
Where's Tid? :lol


Like my new av? ;)

[devilandthelord]

Oh, btw make that 8 all-stars on our team now.

Which makes me think, does Harden still get to go the ASG? Does he pitch for the AL? Or NL? Or not at all?

[devilandthelord]

Its officially on the Cubs website now!

Hat trick!

[daveS]

God, I hope that means that we see less of Marquis now!

[clayj41]

God, I hope that means that we see less of Marquis now!

:thumbsup Few things would make me happier.

[devilandthelord]

Damn we got Chad Gaudin too!

He's not half bad either, and will be very good for long or middle relief spots.
Great trade!

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3478902


Edit: Look at my post in the Brewers thread. LOL

[DMBZeppelin]

The Cubs will receive the right-handed Harden and righty Chad Gaudin for pitcher Sean Gallagher, outfielders Matt Murton and Eric Patterson, and minor leaguer John Donaldson.
Jesus christ the rape is offical. Gallagher might turn into a good 2-3. If they could fix Murton's swing he could become a starter. I don't need to say much about Patterson. Donaldson is so-so defensively. He's got a bat though. But with Soto, I doubt catcher is a need any time soon.

Vitters, Pie, Samardzija, Veal, and Colvin are all still on the Cubs somehow. We didn't give up Marmol or something like a young stud future closer for a young stud SP. I realize Harden has had injury issues, but there's no way this is the best deal he could have gotten.

Oh and the Chad Gaudin kid? 25 year old righty, with a 3.59 ERA in the AL. Not to mention he started 34 games last year, only 6 starts with 20 relief appearances this year. He had a 4.43 ERA last year as a starter. In the AL that's low 4's, high 3's in the NL. He turned 25 this year, he could still get better. He could easily be our 6th starter if Hill never regains form.

[devilandthelord]

:thumbsup Few things would make me happier.

You're avatar is fucking scary, Clay.

[clayj41]

You're avatar is fucking scary, Clay.

:cool

It was between Harden and The Joker. You can see which direction I went. :lol

[gocubsgo3822]

What A Great Trade!!!!!!!!

[devilandthelord]

:cool

It was between Harden and The Joker. You can see which direction I went. :lol

Well I took the other route for you. :lol

[monkeyman420]

Before getting too excited, you have to remember that Harden is very injury prone, and has only thrown more than 150 innings in one season. His IP total for his career:

2003: 74.2
2004: 189.2
2005: 128
2006: 46.2
2007: 25.2
2008: 77

He has started 13 games this year throwing 77 innings, that's about 6 innings per start. His 13 games started this year equals the amount of starts he had in 06 and 07 combined. With that being said, when he is healthy he is one of the best pitchers in the game.

[clayj41]

Well I took the other route for you. :lol

That made my decision easier.

[devilandthelord]

I know, I know.
I'll have my fingers and toes crossed everytime he's out there. Because if he can stay healthy he can make us scary good with the team we already have.

[UCFish]

Before getting too excited, you have to remember that Harden is very injury prone, and has only thrown more than 150 innings in one season. His IP total for his career:

2003: 74.2
2004: 189.2
2005: 128
2006: 46.2
2007: 25.2
2008: 77

He has started 13 games this year throwing 77 innings, that's about 6 innings per start. His 13 games started this year equals the amount of starts he had in 06 and 07 combined. With that being said, when he is healthy he is one of the best pitchers in the game.

I agree with this. I think this trade will be tough to evaluate until after the season. While I am VERY excited now I will be very sad if he can't get through a good amount of innings the rest of this year. I don't want Mark Prior part 2.

Edit: the other guy we got sounds like he could help our bullpen a lot!

[DMBZeppelin]

Guy on the score said there's mixed reactions from players. As they're a tight club, and they'll miss some of these guys.

[monkeyman420]

I agree with this. I think this trade will be tough to evaluate until after the season. While I am VERY excited now I will be very sad if he can't get through a good amount of innings the rest of this year. I don't want Mark Prior part 2.

Edit: the other guy we got sounds like he could help our bullpen a lot!
I saw him pitch on Sunday (I was at the Sox game) and he looked good, but looked like his fastball wasn't always there. He was throwing it between 91 and 93 and did a decent job of locating his breaking pitches, but he only went 5 innings. That was his first loss of the season as well. His injuries as well as his inability to really go more than 6 innings could be hurtful, but then again, who knows? Like you said, can't really evaluate the trade until the season is over.

Gaudin is a stud. I really can't believe how little Hendry had to give up to get those 2.

[DMBZeppelin]

Before getting too excited, you have to remember that Harden is very injury prone, and has only thrown more than 150 innings in one season. His IP total for his career:

2003: 74.2
2004: 189.2
2005: 128
2006: 46.2
2007: 25.2
2008: 77

He has started 13 games this year throwing 77 innings, that's about 6 innings per start. His 13 games started this year equals the amount of starts he had in 06 and 07 combined. With that being said, when he is healthy he is one of the best pitchers in the game.
I call bullshit on this. I think Harden could blow out his arm and never pitch again in his 1st start for the Cubs. If that happened, I'd still be thrilled with this deal.

When was Murton going to crack the starting lineup of this club? He can't play center, and both Soriano and Fukudome have the corners locked up long term. By the time they left, our first round draft pick in Tyler Colvin should be ready. When was Patterson going to start? Cedeno was ahead of him on the depth chart, and he's a better player who can also play shortstop.

Josh Donaldson doesn't fit the need of a backup. You want those guys to be defensive catchers, where from what I read Donaldson isn't. Soto isn't going anywhere. Gallagher is the big prize of this deal. He's only 22, so 4 years younger then Harden. I don't think he would have made our playoff rotation. In a way we made a deal for the now, without screwing our future.

Not to mention that when everyone is healthy, none of these guys were on the 25 man roster. They were swing players we kept calling up and down to fill holes. Hell if Rich Hill could get back on track, and be Rich Hill. A guy many thought would have a breakout year and establish himself as a true #2. If he got back to that. You have a #2 as your 4 or 5.

[DMBZeppelin]

We had other offers on the table. One of them involved Marquis, but missed that deal. Anyways we all know that Hendry loved Bedard. Here's what we offered:

Gallagher, Murton, Patterson, and Pie

for

Bedard

So we got a guy with similar potential, and another GREAT 25 year old arm for the pen. Now Howry can move to middle relief. With one trade, and giving up way less then he should. The rotation and pen are now a lot stronger. The 3rd ranked pitching staff in the NL reclaim it's previous position of 1st.

[HolyCow]

As long as Harden is healthy, this is a wonderful deal for the Cubs. WONDERFUL.

As we all know, the most you were ever going to see out of Matt Murton was a .265, 10 HR, 55 RBI type season. I'm a little sad we let Eric Patterson go because he was kind of our safety blanket for Pie. As for Gallegher, I like what he had and what he might (MIGHT) become but come on, this is Rich Freakin' Harden.

Great deal. I'm stoked.

[HolyCow]

I call bullshit on this. I think Harden could blow out his arm and never pitch again in his 1st start for the Cubs. If that happened, I'd still be thrilled with this deal.

When was Murton going to crack the starting lineup of this club? He can't play center, and both Soriano and Fukudome have the corners locked up long term. By the time they left, our first round draft pick in Tyler Colvin should be ready. When was Patterson going to start? Cedeno was ahead of him on the depth chart, and he's a better player who can also play shortstop.

Josh Donaldson doesn't fit the need of a backup. You want those guys to be defensive catchers, where from what I read Donaldson isn't. Soto isn't going anywhere. Gallagher is the big prize of this deal. He's only 22, so 4 years younger then Harden. I don't think he would have made our playoff rotation. In a way we made a deal for the now, without screwing our future.

Not to mention that when everyone is healthy, none of these guys were on the 25 man roster. They were swing players we kept calling up and down to fill holes. Hell if Rich Hill could get back on track, and be Rich Hill. A guy many thought would have a breakout year and establish himself as a true #2. If he got back to that. You have a #2 as your 4 or 5.
:thumbsup Nailed it.

[DMBZeppelin]

The oft-injured righty missed a month earlier this season because of a right shoulder strain. It was his sixth trip to the disabled list in his six-year career.

"We've been working on Mr. Harden for a few weeks now," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said.

The Cubs said they expected Harden would join the team Wednesday.

The Cubs pay three games against the Cincinnati Reds (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=cin) starting Tuesday night before hosting the San Francisco Giants (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/clubhouse?team=sfo).

"He'll pitch in the San Francisco series," Piniella said.

Chicago also received Gaudin, who was 5-3 win a 3.59 ERA in 26 games -- including six starts. Last season, he was a starter all season and went 11-13 with a 4.42 ERA.

"I had Chad at Tampa Bay and he's got good stuff," Piniella said. "A nice hard sinker and a nice slider so he'll fit in good in our bullpen. This was a move where we got a top of the line rotation pitcher and a nice piece in the bullpen."

Donaldson, a catcher for Single A Peoria, was hitting .217 with six homers.

[Tiduwho]

Good fucking trade.

[HolyCow]

That's one thing we can't miss in this deal. Not only did we get Harden who has top five stuff, but we got Gaudin who is a very solid reliever. I'd much rather him throw late in a game than Michael Wuertz or Bob Howry.

Again, I'm very thrilled with this deal.

[gocubsgo3822]

I Am Fucking Bugging Out!!!!!!! Fuckign Amazing Trade

Cubs!!!!!!!

[Ev42]

great fucking trade. man hendry fucking nailed it:thumbsup :thumbsup

[Ev42]

So then our rotation really could be:

Zambrano
Harden
Dempster
Lilly
Marshall



thats a great rotation:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

[devilandthelord]

That's one thing we can't miss in this deal. Not only did we get Harden who has top five stuff, but we got Gaudin who is a very solid reliever. I'd much rather him throw late in a game than Michael Wuertz or Bob Howry.

Again, I'm very thrilled with this deal.

Fuckin A. :thumbsup

Although if Howry can have his shit together he can still be very effective.
However I have zero confidence in Wuerst.

[gocubsgo3822]

When was the last fucking time wuertz pitched

[devilandthelord]

When was the last fucking time wuertz pitched

The last time I wept openly.

[gocubsgo3822]

hes got the lowes ERA on the team i think

[UCFish]

Thats a fake stat. They only put him in to give up every inhereted runner and let them score.

[Ev42]

so whos out when Gaudin arrives.

[gocubsgo3822]

^dont know?

[gocubsgo3822]

Mi amor Jimbo Hendry.... (in keeping with my Columbian sub identity of last night)

[gocubsgo3822]

1-0 Ramirez triple Soto Sac Fly

[devilandthelord]

Thats a fake stat. They only put him in to give up every inhereted runner and let them score.

:thumbsup , like every damn time.
His ERA is a complete lie when it comes to judging the kind of pitcher he is.

[gocubsgo3822]

he was fucking good last year

[gocubsgo3822]

Ryan Dempster is the man.. fucking awesome

[devilandthelord]

Sacks are packed!
No outs for ARAM!