"it's just three games"

[wolf stansson]

In other fun news, the Brewers lead the Cards 2-0 in the opener at the new Busch.

Tied up.

Carlos Lee first hit in new Busch in second followed immediately by Bill Hall hitting first homerun in new Busch.

 

Pujols hr, Molina sac fly.

[treebird]

In other fun news, the Brewers lead the Cards 2-0 in the opener at the new Busch.

Tied up.

Carlos Lee first hit in new Busch in second followed immediately by Bill Hall hitting first homerun in new Busch.

 

Pujols hr, Molina sac fly.

 

no we only want to talk about the cardinals if they are losing

[wolf stansson]

We are helping you guys in the standings (and ourselves).

[snoodmonger]

We are helping you guys in the standings

for the fourth straight day.

[K-Town]

Cards sandbagged all weekend in an effort to hurry along the Dusty Baker contract extension. :lol:

 

Oh, and the Cards bullpen is REALLY bad!

[elconq05]

Well, to be honest...didn't the Brewers sweep the Cardinals in a three or four game series to start last season? The Cardinals ended up finishing well ahead of Milwaukee last year. So.....

 

The sweep really doesn't mean a ton right now unless the Cubs keep it up...especially against St. Louis.

 

Congratulations on the sweep. You guys just flat out outplayed the Cardinals.

 

 

And I'll throw this out there about the Bullpen.... IF Looper gets his stuff together (injury plagued last couple years and mechanics issues right now), I like the Bullpen (I know, I'm crazy). What Izzy did is nothing THAT out of the ordinary. He makes you nervous every time he goes out there, he's always done that...but he is pretty consistent over the course of a season. His WHIP sucks...but you can't complain about his save totals. We'll see how he fairs. He didn't seem too shaken up about it after the game.

[Andy]

Latest excuse:

 

"You guys still can't beat any bad teams" :(

[SouthSideRyan]

Well, to be honest...didn't the Brewers sweep the Cardinals in a three or four game series to start last season? The Cardinals ended up finishing well ahead of Milwaukee last year. So.....

 

The sweep really doesn't mean a ton right now unless the Cubs keep it up...especially against St. Louis.

 

Congratulations on the sweep. You guys just flat out outplayed the Cardinals.

 

 

And I'll throw this out there about the Bullpen.... IF Looper gets his stuff together (injury plagued last couple years and mechanics issues right now), I like the Bullpen (I know, I'm crazy). What Izzy did is nothing THAT out of the ordinary. He makes you nervous every time he goes out there, he's always done that...but he is pretty consistent over the course of a season. His WHIP sucks...but you can't complain about his save totals. We'll see how he fairs. He didn't seem too shaken up about it after the game.

 

The Brewers did not sweep the Cards in any series last year. And why would the Cubs have to keep it up especially against St. Louis? Your theoretical Milwaukee point seems to be that you have to beat everybody, so why would we have to beat St. Louis consistently(like we did last year)

[elconq05]

Well, to be honest...didn't the Brewers sweep the Cardinals in a three or four game series to start last season? The Cardinals ended up finishing well ahead of Milwaukee last year. So.....

 

The sweep really doesn't mean a ton right now unless the Cubs keep it up...especially against St. Louis.

 

Congratulations on the sweep. You guys just flat out outplayed the Cardinals.

 

 

And I'll throw this out there about the Bullpen.... IF Looper gets his stuff together (injury plagued last couple years and mechanics issues right now), I like the Bullpen (I know, I'm crazy). What Izzy did is nothing THAT out of the ordinary. He makes you nervous every time he goes out there, he's always done that...but he is pretty consistent over the course of a season. His WHIP sucks...but you can't complain about his save totals. We'll see how he fairs. He didn't seem too shaken up about it after the game.

 

The Brewers did not sweep the Cards in any series last year. And why would the Cubs have to keep it up especially against St. Louis? Your theoretical Milwaukee point seems to be that you have to beat everybody, so why would we have to beat St. Louis consistently(like we did last year)

You're right. It was 2004 that the Brewers took 3 of the first 4 from the Cardinals and St. Louis started 1-3. So there was no sweep...they just took 3 of 4 from St. Louis. But that doesn't really change my point too much.

 

My point, in a nutshell, was that for this sweep to mean a lot, the Cubs need to keep winning, against everyone. (and specifically against St. Louis since they are favored to win the division) Milwaukee got off to a nice start in 2004 against St. Louis, but went on to finish dead last, 31 1/2 games behind the team they took 3 of 4 from to start the year. Their 3 of 4 from St. Louis to start the season turned out to be a non-factor. I'll say the same thing about the Cubs early season sweep if they finish 20 games out of first again this year.

 

We'll see I guess.

[snoodmonger]

Well, to be honest...didn't the Brewers sweep the Cardinals in a three or four game series to start last season? The Cardinals ended up finishing well ahead of Milwaukee last year. So.....

 

The sweep really doesn't mean a ton right now unless the Cubs keep it up...especially against St. Louis.

 

Congratulations on the sweep. You guys just flat out outplayed the Cardinals.

 

 

And I'll throw this out there about the Bullpen.... IF Looper gets his stuff together (injury plagued last couple years and mechanics issues right now), I like the Bullpen (I know, I'm crazy). What Izzy did is nothing THAT out of the ordinary. He makes you nervous every time he goes out there, he's always done that...but he is pretty consistent over the course of a season. His WHIP sucks...but you can't complain about his save totals. We'll see how he fairs. He didn't seem too shaken up about it after the game.

 

The Brewers did not sweep the Cards in any series last year. And why would the Cubs have to keep it up especially against St. Louis? Your theoretical Milwaukee point seems to be that you have to beat everybody, so why would we have to beat St. Louis consistently(like we did last year)

You're right. It was 2004 that the Brewers took 3 of the first 4 from the Cardinals and St. Louis started 1-3. So there was no sweep...they just took 3 of 4 from St. Louis. But that doesn't really change my point too much.

 

My point, in a nutshell, was that for this sweep to mean a lot, the Cubs need to keep winning, against everyone. (and specifically against St. Louis since they are favored to win the division) Milwaukee got off to a nice start in 2004 against St. Louis, but went on to finish dead last, 31 1/2 games behind the team they took 3 of 4 from to start the year. Their 3 of 4 from St. Louis to start the season turned out to be a non-factor. I'll say the same thing about the Cubs early season sweep if they finish 20 games out of first again this year.

way to go out on a limb.

[elconq05]

Well, to be honest...didn't the Brewers sweep the Cardinals in a three or four game series to start last season? The Cardinals ended up finishing well ahead of Milwaukee last year. So.....

 

The sweep really doesn't mean a ton right now unless the Cubs keep it up...especially against St. Louis.

 

Congratulations on the sweep. You guys just flat out outplayed the Cardinals.

 

 

And I'll throw this out there about the Bullpen.... IF Looper gets his stuff together (injury plagued last couple years and mechanics issues right now), I like the Bullpen (I know, I'm crazy). What Izzy did is nothing THAT out of the ordinary. He makes you nervous every time he goes out there, he's always done that...but he is pretty consistent over the course of a season. His WHIP sucks...but you can't complain about his save totals. We'll see how he fairs. He didn't seem too shaken up about it after the game.

 

The Brewers did not sweep the Cards in any series last year. And why would the Cubs have to keep it up especially against St. Louis? Your theoretical Milwaukee point seems to be that you have to beat everybody, so why would we have to beat St. Louis consistently(like we did last year)

You're right. It was 2004 that the Brewers took 3 of the first 4 from the Cardinals and St. Louis started 1-3. So there was no sweep...they just took 3 of 4 from St. Louis. But that doesn't really change my point too much.

 

My point, in a nutshell, was that for this sweep to mean a lot, the Cubs need to keep winning, against everyone. (and specifically against St. Louis since they are favored to win the division) Milwaukee got off to a nice start in 2004 against St. Louis, but went on to finish dead last, 31 1/2 games behind the team they took 3 of 4 from to start the year. Their 3 of 4 from St. Louis to start the season turned out to be a non-factor. I'll say the same thing about the Cubs early season sweep if they finish 20 games out of first again this year.

way to go out on a limb.

 

Which brings us full circle...."it's only 3 games".

[EastonBlues22]

Eh, the sweep sucked...especially with the blown leads. Still, like someone else pointed out, the Cards have flat stunk against the Cubs for awhile now...it's not like this is a completely foreign experience.

 

Early season reasons for outright optimism:

Pujols, Rolen looking good as new and hitting with authority, all pitching arms are healthy, Carpenter and Mulder pitching like top of the line starters, and the defense looks solid.

 

Early season reasons for pessimism: Encarnacion looks abysmal, Edmonds looks old, and the bullpen roles are unsettled.

 

I may be wrong, but I think the Cards are much more likely to end up in the top 5 in the NL in ERA rather than in Runs Scored or OPS. The pitching isn't near as bad as it looked in the Cubs series, but the offense most assuredly isn't what it was last year or the year before. Edmonds will have to be a .900 OPS guy and Encarnacion will have to be light years better at the plate if the Cards are going to entertain any hopes of making a run in the playoffs.

 

As for the Cubs, the team speed is MUCH improved...very nice upgrade. The youngsters look good, and the team as a whole looks fairly sharp and focused. With a tangibly better offense and bullpen, the Cubs could make a lot of noise if they can keep the starting rotation healthy and productive.

 

It's going to be an interesting season.

[gus_dog]

As for the Cubs, the team speed is MUCH improved...very nice upgrade. The youngsters look good, and the team as a whole looks fairly sharp and focused. With a tangibly better offense and bullpen, the Cubs could make a lot of noise if they can keep the starting rotation healthy and productive.

 

Is this your idea of some kind of cruel joke? :wink: :lol:

[EastonBlues22]

As for the Cubs, the team speed is MUCH improved...very nice upgrade. The youngsters look good, and the team as a whole looks fairly sharp and focused. With a tangibly better offense and bullpen, the Cubs could make a lot of noise if they can keep the starting rotation healthy and productive.

 

Is this your idea of some kind of cruel joke? :wink: :lol:

:lol:

 

This should cheer you back up... In the Cards loss today, Edmonds made two errors (leading to two unearned runs) and continued to stink at the plate while Izzy gave up his second game losing gopher in four days and was booed off the field.

 

Enjoy.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Considering the lifespan of your average closer, one has to wonder if Izzy's time is done and he's following the path of Randy Myers, Jose Mesa, Ricky Bottalico, Mike Jackson, Dave Smith, Bobby Thigpen, Mark Wholers, and others who posted some good seasons as closers before losing the touch completely.

[vaball]

Considering the lifespan of your average closer, one has to wonder if Izzy's time is done and he's following the path of Randy Myers, Jose Mesa, Ricky Bottalico, Mike Jackson, Dave Smith, Bobby Thigpen, Mark Wholers, and others who posted some good seasons as closers before losing the touch completely.

 

I think it's a little early to start saying this kind of thing.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Considering the lifespan of your average closer, one has to wonder if Izzy's time is done and he's following the path of Randy Myers, Jose Mesa, Ricky Bottalico, Mike Jackson, Dave Smith, Bobby Thigpen, Mark Wholers, and others who posted some good seasons as closers before losing the touch completely.

 

I think it's a little early to start saying this kind of thing.

 

It is early, and I'm not saying it with any conviction. On the other hand, if it is the end of the line, it wouldn't be the first time this happened to a closer who had experienced some success.

 

Furthermore, one does have to wonder if the failures so far will impact his psyche any.

[vaball]

Considering the lifespan of your average closer, one has to wonder if Izzy's time is done and he's following the path of Randy Myers, Jose Mesa, Ricky Bottalico, Mike Jackson, Dave Smith, Bobby Thigpen, Mark Wholers, and others who posted some good seasons as closers before losing the touch completely.

 

I think it's a little early to start saying this kind of thing.

 

It is early, and I'm not saying it with any conviction. On the other hand, if it is the end of the line, it wouldn't be the first time this happened to a closer who had experienced some success.

 

Furthermore, one does have to wonder if the failures so far will impact his psyche any.

 

I'd actually worry the least about Izzy's psyche. He's got the perfect closer mentality. His velocity and control, however, are worrisome.

[elconq05]

Considering the lifespan of your average closer, one has to wonder if Izzy's time is done and he's following the path of Randy Myers, Jose Mesa, Ricky Bottalico, Mike Jackson, Dave Smith, Bobby Thigpen, Mark Wholers, and others who posted some good seasons as closers before losing the touch completely.

 

I think it's a little early to start saying this kind of thing.

 

It is early, and I'm not saying it with any conviction. On the other hand, if it is the end of the line, it wouldn't be the first time this happened to a closer who had experienced some success.

 

Furthermore, one does have to wonder if the failures so far will impact his psyche any.

 

I don't think his psyche would be a problem. When you hear him talk after games, he doesn't seem to let negative things get in his head. He seems to have a really good attitude.

 

And yeah, it is waaaay to early to think about him being done.

More like wishfull thinking from a Cub fan, eh? :wink:

This is the majors...slumps happen to everyone.

Now, if he is still blowing games left and right over his next half dozen outings...then there may be justification for concern, and managment will have to start wondering what to do to fix it.

[Andy]

I agree with (gasp!) the Cards fans here. Remember Mariano Rivera's April 2005?

 

Obviously Izzy is not on Mo's level, but all closers have their bad weeks. Izzy just has the misfortune of having one to start the season.

[gus_dog]

Isringhausen has three saves already.

 

I agree, his skills seem to be declining slightly. At some point though, that will affect his confidence. I mean, how can it not?

Edited April 14, 2006 by gus_dog

[K-Town]

Isringhausen has three saves already.

 

I agree, his skills seem to be declining slightly. At some point though, that will affect you confidence. I mean, how can it not?

 

His declining skills have certainly affected MY confidence!! :lol:

[elconq05]

Isringhausen has three saves already.

 

I agree, his skills seem to be declining slightly. At some point though, that will affect his confidence. I mean, how can it not?

 

Which is why it would be in his best interest to turn things around...right now.

[vaball]

Isringhausen has three saves already.

 

I agree, his skills seem to be declining slightly. At some point though, that will affect his confidence. I mean, how can it not?

 

He doesn't seem to have a lot going on upstairs, that's how.

[CubinNY]

Isringhausen has three saves already.

 

I agree, his skills seem to be declining slightly. At some point though, that will affect his confidence. I mean, how can it not?

 

He doesn't seem to have a lot going on upstairs, that's how.

 

That is not necessarily a bad thing in baseball.

 

I remember a vinet in Moneyball where Beane is reconting a story where he and Lenny Dystra are sitting on the bench talking about the pitcher they were going to face. I can't remember the pitcher's name but he was really good. Beane says someting about the pitcher and Dykstra says, "who is he" or something like that. Beane goes on to tell Dykstra how good the pitcher is and Dykstra says, "F it I can hit him".