05/05 CUBS (Lilly) @ Pittsburgh (Morton) 6:05 CDT, CSN+

[UMFan83]

Cubs know he's been struggling.

 

Hence, Cubs will swing at everything.

 

Hence, Cubs will make him look better than usual.

 

Well, he must be lobbing pitches up to the plate so swinging would seem to be appropriate. He's allowed 31.9% LD percentage so far and 35% of his fly balls given up have been for home runs (which translates to teams batting .384 off of him and him giving up 3.26 HR/9 so far). His K/BB ratio is actually pretty decent but he's still getting pounded.

 

Nope. 95MPH over the middle of the plate. The first three innings you'll be shaking your heads. The second time through the lineup, he'll start using his curve and missing, and everyone will sit on the fastball.

 

Want to make a gentlemen's bet that he earns at least a quality start tonight for the Buccos?

 

Not sure if you made a remark about this a few pages back, but yeah I win. 6 IP 2 ER, 5 H

[Old Style]

So predictable

 

Then why bother?

Because I am a Cubs fan. Have been for well over 30 years. I want them to win as much as anyone else. It kills me to see them fail time and time again, yet I can't walk away. I blame my dad for inflicting me with the sickness.

 

Are you my long-lost brother, because we're the same.

 

Look, I know two of you will take this the wrong way, but it really comes across like you just generally don't like the team or being Cubs fans. It's like you prefer when things are going bad because it gives you an excuse to be as melodramatic and "woe is us" as possible. I obviously don't know either of you, but that's just how the posts come across. I'm not saying this to start drama or whatever; it's just something that keeps coming up and surely you've seen how so many people respond to your posts because of their tone and repeated bouts of self-loathing.

Well, that's your opinion. I think if you really paid attention to my posts that you wouldn't have that impression of me. Like I stated previously, when I posted the "ballgame" comment early in the game when the Cubs were down 3 that it was done to mock the Chicken Little type posters around here. I guess I'm not well known around here enough to get away with that without being taken seriously. I'm not much of a numbers guy, so I don't really fit in around here but I do enjoy (usually) posting with other passionate Cub fans.

[erik316wttn]

So predictable

 

Then why bother?

Because I am a Cubs fan. Have been for well over 30 years. I want them to win as much as anyone else. It kills me to see them fail time and time again, yet I can't walk away. I blame my dad for inflicting me with the sickness.

 

Are you my long-lost brother, because we're the same.

 

Look, I know two of you will take this the wrong way, but it really comes across like you just generally don't like the team or being Cubs fans. It's like you prefer when things are going bad because it gives you an excuse to be as melodramatic and "woe is us" as possible. I obviously don't know either of you, but that's just how the posts come across. I'm not saying this to start drama or whatever; it's just something that keeps coming up and surely you've seen how so many people respond to your posts because of their tone and repeated bouts of self-loathing.

 

There is not a single person on this board who wants the Cubs to win more than I do. I've been a fan since I was 5 years old-- well over 20 years. I've lived and died with the team throughout my life. I was such a homer when I was a kid it was sickening-- I was convinced some of the really bad early 90's teams were going to win the World Series. However, I'm a realist-- I've seen this team snatch defeat from the jaws of victory more times than i thought was humanly possible. I've seen this team make blunders no other team makes, and make them far more often. I've seen some absolutely boneheaded decisions made both in the front office and on the playing field time and time again. I've seen disappointment after disappointment after disappointment. Forgive me if I'm jaded. Frankly, I'm kind of surprised a lot of the older fans here aren't more jaded. But, we've all seen the Cubs do things enough times to have a feeling as to what's going to happen. I know I vocalize it here, but I'm by FAR not the only one thinking it. I just don't keep it to myself. People don't like to hear the truth.

 

If I live long enough to see the Cubs win the World Series, I know that I'll cry like a baby when the last out is made. If I ever have a daughter, I've convinced my wife to agree to name her "Addison Wrigley". Half of the shirts I own are Cubs-related in some fashion. Don't question my fandom. I'm as big of a fan as anyone here. I'm just sick and tired of waiting for something that I may never live to see.

[Sammy Sofa]

I'm as big of a fan as anyone here. I'm just sick and tired of waiting for something that I may never live to see.

 

Fine, but like TT pointed out, this isn't supposed to be people's irrational emotional dumping ground. And no, it's not only you, but it does get ridiculous how some posters act like when things don't go the Cubs way it's either the end of the world or it was some kind of preordained disaster that of course was going to happen because "only the Cubs" or that they knew was going to happen.

[jersey cubs fan]

Look, I know two of you will take this the wrong way, but it really comes across like you just generally don't like the team or being Cubs fans.

 

Sounds like you're describing me.

[woodchip2153]

Look, I know two of you will take this the wrong way, but it really comes across like you just generally don't like the team or being Cubs fans.

 

Sounds like you're describing me.

 

yea, but we know you're only here for the wings.

[Sammy Sofa]

Look, I know two of you will take this the wrong way, but it really comes across like you just generally don't like the team or being Cubs fans.

 

Sounds like you're describing me.

 

You post about the Cubs?

[erik316wttn]

I'm as big of a fan as anyone here. I'm just sick and tired of waiting for something that I may never live to see.

 

Fine, but like TT pointed out, this isn't supposed to be people's irrational emotional dumping ground. And no, it's not only you, but it does get ridiculous how some posters act like when things don't go the Cubs way it's either the end of the world or it was some kind of preordained disaster that of course was going to happen because "only the Cubs" or that they knew was going to happen.

 

I know it's gone unnoticed, but I've really tried to keep myself emotionally "in check" this year in the game threads. Other than Opening Day, I don't think I've really been that bad. The whole "ballgame" comment I made yesterday was a statement of opinion that rubbed people the wrong way and started this whole mess. Note that I've made the "ballgame" comment in game threads this year before when the Cubs were winning and I felt they were going to hold the lead and win.

[jersey cubs fan]

I'm as big of a fan as anyone here. I'm just sick and tired of waiting for something that I may never live to see.

 

Fine, but like TT pointed out, this isn't supposed to be people's irrational emotional dumping ground. And no, it's not only you, but it does get ridiculous how some posters act like when things don't go the Cubs way it's either the end of the world or it was some kind of preordained disaster that of course was going to happen because "only the Cubs" or that they knew was going to happen.

 

I know it's gone unnoticed, but I've really tried to keep myself emotionally "in check" this year in the game threads. Other than Opening Day, I don't think I've really been that bad. The whole "ballgame" comment I made yesterday was a statement of opinion that rubbed people the wrong way and started this whole mess. Note that I've made the "ballgame" comment in game threads this year before when the Cubs were winning and I felt they were going to hold the lead and win.

 

It probably rubbed people the wrong time because it's a statement made by you and others nearly every single time they go behind in a game. Do you not understand that?

[erik316wttn]

I'm as big of a fan as anyone here. I'm just sick and tired of waiting for something that I may never live to see.

 

Fine, but like TT pointed out, this isn't supposed to be people's irrational emotional dumping ground. And no, it's not only you, but it does get ridiculous how some posters act like when things don't go the Cubs way it's either the end of the world or it was some kind of preordained disaster that of course was going to happen because "only the Cubs" or that they knew was going to happen.

 

I know it's gone unnoticed, but I've really tried to keep myself emotionally "in check" this year in the game threads. Other than Opening Day, I don't think I've really been that bad. The whole "ballgame" comment I made yesterday was a statement of opinion that rubbed people the wrong way and started this whole mess. Note that I've made the "ballgame" comment in game threads this year before when the Cubs were winning and I felt they were going to hold the lead and win.

 

It probably rubbed people the wrong time because it's a statement made by you and others nearly every single time they go behind in a game. Do you not understand that?

 

Ok. I and others call "ballgame" every single time the Cubs are losing in a game, as opposed to times when they're losing by multiple runs and looking like complete crap.

 

Whatever you say, Chief. I'm done with this.

Edited May 6, 2010 by erik316wttn

[jersey cubs fan]

If you say so.

 

If I say what so?

[sneakypower]

I'm as big of a fan as anyone here.

heh, there's certainly no arguing that.

[Drew Doughty]

I know it's gone unnoticed, but I've really tried to keep myself emotionally "in check" this year in the game threads.

 

the reason it's gone unnoticed is because you failed miserably

[UMFan83]

The question you have to ask yourself is: Is clicking on the reply button, typing the word "ballgame" and clicking submit really contributing to the board in any way? If the Cubs are in a tied game in the 8th innning and Justin Berg gives up a grand slam, yeah we know its probably game over. If the Cubs are up 8 in the 7th inning and you post "ballgame" does that provide any insight?

 

It's just a useless thing to post. God knows too many of my 30k+ posts on this board have not contributed enough to the discussion, but its something most posters should be aware of and try to work on.

[cubsfan1947]

I'm as big of a fan as anyone here. I'm just sick and tired of waiting for something that I may never live to see.

 

I cannot remember the last time i posted in a game thread if ever. Anyway, I became a Cubs fan back when Ron Santo played. So I have suffered, usually in silence, for a long time.

 

My feelings are exactly mirrored by the above quotation. I have had enough. At 63, I simply don't have as much time left as do some of you. I want to spend it on other things. I dropped Extra innings and now spend my money on UFC Pay per Views. As least those fighters seem to care. I don't think most MLB players do.

I highly recommend that all of you view "A Bronx Tale." There's a scene in it where this wise guy advises a kid why he shouldn't care about "the Mick". I saw That right after the blow up in October 2008. Changed my view forever.

 

If some of you haters want to argue that I am not much of a fan, fine, that's your privilege. As far as I am concerned, s c r e w you.

[Jake]

Cubs know he's been struggling.

 

Hence, Cubs will swing at everything.

 

Hence, Cubs will make him look better than usual.

 

Well, he must be lobbing pitches up to the plate so swinging would seem to be appropriate. He's allowed 31.9% LD percentage so far and 35% of his fly balls given up have been for home runs (which translates to teams batting .384 off of him and him giving up 3.26 HR/9 so far). His K/BB ratio is actually pretty decent but he's still getting pounded.

 

Nope. 95MPH over the middle of the plate. The first three innings you'll be shaking your heads. The second time through the lineup, he'll start using his curve and missing, and everyone will sit on the fastball.

 

Want to make a gentlemen's bet that he earns at least a quality start tonight for the Buccos?

 

Not sure if you made a remark about this a few pages back, but yeah I win. 6 IP 2 ER, 5 H

 

I did, around when he came out of the game. I didn't get to see as much of it as I'd have liked, but the numbers look good.

 

He's got good stuff, but he needs to learn to control it. I guess last night he did a good job. If he can get his act together, we'll win more games.

[Sammy Sofa]

If some of you haters want to argue that I am not much of a fan, fine, that's your privilege. As far as I am concerned, s c r e w you.

 

Nobody's doing anything of the sort. This tangent is about a relatively small group of posters who seem to only want to make every comment they share in a game thread or a discussion about the team some cliche about about how the Cubs suck or how "only the Cubs/only Cubs fans" have to deal with or witness whatever latest thing they act like is the worst moment in baseball history. It's primo Cubs.com stuff and little different than if a fan of another team came here and trolled about how they thought everything the Cubs did or didn't do was stupid or terrible.

[Soul]

I did, around when he came out of the game. I didn't get to see as much of it as I'd have liked, but the numbers look good.

 

He's got good stuff, but he needs to learn to control it. I guess last night he did a good job. If he can get his act together, we'll win more games.

 

Maybe he is heading for better times, but I am more inclined to believe that the Cubs' bats were simply horrible last night, as they have been prone to be many times this year.

 

But, maybe that's not the case. I don't really know.

[JonJayCutler]

Fine, but like TT pointed out, this isn't supposed to be people's irrational emotional dumping ground. And no, it's not only you, but it does get ridiculous how some posters act like when things don't go the Cubs way it's either the end of the world or it was some kind of preordained disaster that of course was going to happen because "only the Cubs" or that they knew was going to happen.

 

This is a great post. The optimism on this board is few and far between, and most logic goes out the window due to the "we're the Cubs so that will/won't happen" argument. For example, the fact that the Cubs didn't hit Morton well last night doesn't change the fact that he is a bad pitcher and that more times than not a team is going to score a decent amount of runs off him. Just because "we're the Cubs" doesn't change anything. Our losing history doesn't have any effect on each new season.

[Jake]

I did, around when he came out of the game. I didn't get to see as much of it as I'd have liked, but the numbers look good.

 

He's got good stuff, but he needs to learn to control it. I guess last night he did a good job. If he can get his act together, we'll win more games.

 

Maybe he is heading for better times, but I am more inclined to believe that the Cubs' bats were simply horrible last night, as they have been prone to be many times this year.

 

But, maybe that's not the case. I don't really know.

 

From what I read today, he was decidedly better last night. More strikes, more getting ahead of the batter.

[UMFan83]

I did, around when he came out of the game. I didn't get to see as much of it as I'd have liked, but the numbers look good.

 

He's got good stuff, but he needs to learn to control it. I guess last night he did a good job. If he can get his act together, we'll win more games.

 

Maybe he is heading for better times, but I am more inclined to believe that the Cubs' bats were simply horrible last night, as they have been prone to be many times this year.

 

But, maybe that's not the case. I don't really know.

 

From what I read today, he was decidedly better last night. More strikes, more getting ahead of the batter.

 

I would suggest that possibly he wasn't scared of challenging us like he was with other teams. We need to intimidate the opposing pitcher more. Maybe we should use that mascera that they use in Semi-Pro to scare the opponent.