Some cool quotes about the team from Barrett.

[Brian]

These came from the 7/29 game recap at Cubs.com

 

If anyone peeked into the Chicago Cubs' dugout before the bottom of the ninth inning on Friday, they would've seen what Michael Barrett saw -- a team ready to rally.

 

"I would've loved to have gotten a picture of our dugout right before that inning started," Barrett said, "because it really showed the character of what this team is about. Everybody who hadn't been in the game was ready to go, they had a bat, had their batting gloves on and they were ready and willing to do whatever it took to help this team win. That's what I feel we have going for us now."

 

 

"We're all in this thing together, from seat 229 to the dugout," Barrett said. "When Mark gave up the hit [to Glaus], we were all thinking the same thing. That was gut-wrenching and an awful feeling because Mark pitched so well. I felt Mark pitched too well to get a loss."

 

So he put his batting gloves on and got ready.

 

"We all feel that as long as we can stay together, we have a chance to win," Barrett said. "There are a lot of teams that are shedding players right now. I've been on those teams before, and I'm glad that I'm on a team that's not doing that. I thank God and thank the team for allowing us to stay together."

 

All this coming from behind definately helps with that elusive chemistry that JH was looking for at during the offseason. It sure is fun to watch our guys jumping around and excited after a walk-off win, but I think it'd be nice if they started to win a couple by 8 runs or so :twisted:

[beersoakedivy]

A laugher is long overdue. Although I like the close ones and they are fun to watch, but my ticker needs a break.

[Scott G. F.]

I posted earlier in the week I was hoping the Cubs blew out a couple games to get a break, but I changed my mind.

 

Nothing sharpens a team better then pressure packed games that you need to grind out a win. I mean look at what the playoff are in the first place. Pressure packed every game! No wonder the Wild card team has such sucess in the playoffs. Their already atuned to the "must win" environment. This week could have been a terrible losing streak for the Cubs. They won some games that could have gone either way. I like what I'm seeing and I believe this team is banding together and ready to do anything for each other for a win.

 

That's chemistry of a winning team.

[Cubfanintheknow]

I posted earlier in the week I was hoping the Cubs blew out a couple games to get a break, but I changed my mind.

 

Nothing sharpens a team better then pressure packed games that you need to grind out a win. I mean look at what the playoff are in the first place. Pressure packed every game! No wonder the Wild card team has such sucess in the playoffs. Their already atuned to the "must win" environment. This week could have been a terrible losing streak for the Cubs. They won some games that could have gone either way. I like what I'm seeing and I believe this team is banding together and ready to do anything for each other for a win.

 

That's chemistry of a winning team.

 

The team really is beginning to come together. Len Kasper and Bob Brenly were pointing out during the ninth inning how many guys were grabbing bats and putting their batting gloves on in hopes of contributing to the comeback effort. "All hands on deck," to quote Brenly.

 

But chemistry is one thing, performance is another. You'd think Wednesday's come from behind victory against the Giants would be that watershed game marking the start of a prolonged winning streak. Yet they go out and stink up Wrigley the next day against the D-backs.

 

I've said it before and other posters have been saying it for months, too. This team is consistently inconsistent.

 

Edited to add: I will say that this team and the guys on it are a lot easier to root for than last year's squad. It was hard rooting for Sosa, Alou, Mercker and Farnsworth for a variety of reasons.

Edited July 30, 2005 by Cubfanintheknow

[CuseCubFan69]

This is one of Dusty's strengths....the whole team is involved because of how he uses the bench. I give the guy a lot of crap but he does keep the hitters pretty fresh and since the Cubs play during the day it's nice to see them coming around. Macias had a nice game and if he continues to help like yesterday I'm fine with him getting some time.....some time, not a lot It's up to Hendry to get a 1st/3rd baseman backup and upgrade if ARams injury is worse then we know.