gflore34

How the [expletive]? We outplayed GB. Every stat but the score (and INT's) were in our favor. Really, if we just cool it with the turnovers and direct snaps to the RB, we'll win those games. First game of the season, lots to clean up. Cutler may have been the worst thing in that game...and we all know he can play. He had a terrible game tonight. Next one will be better. I believe so as well Steelers and all.

Loved Collinsworth and Michaels pointing out the Packers did a better job on Wale as he was being held, even on the TD pass they all but ripped his jersey off. Worst secondary in football, without question, also, the 2nd down play call from the the Packers 3 was dumber than the short snap to Wolfe.

If Edgar Bennett emerges as a big time WR I hope the Bears either trade for him, or sign him as a free agent! Of course, I meant Earl Bennett! Bears playing the Packers, having flashbacks of Edgar Bennett being their Jeff Blauser.

Anyone else think that as the season progresses Edgar Bennett is going to emerge as a big time WR? I believe the key for a Bears win is the DL, they've got to get some pressure on Rodgers, that'll hide a terrible Bears secondary. In the preseason I saw recievers wide, wide open everytime the QB had a chance, I don't believe that'ds going to change in the regular season.

Are we sure about either? I got to think Miles is a certainty, Gregg' got to be close.

What a joke you are Gomes

There's two positives we can count on in 2010: Miles and Gregg won't be Cubs.

At least he won't be available later in the game!

Another misplay by everyone's favorite SS.

There is zero need to look for a "leadoff hitter." In an ideal world Fukudome and Bradley are already slotted as the #1-2 hitters for the rest of their time in Chicago. I wouldnt hold your breath on that one happening. Bradley is a middle of the order lefty DUDE, he isnt a number 2 hitter. Lou has been willing to have Bradley bat 2nd a lot, what he hasn't been willing to do is have those back to back lefties at the top of the order. I'd like to see what a 1,2 of Fukudome and Bradley could do over a season, they could be the answer to the prolonged scoring droughts the Cubs have undergone this season. If they proven anything it's they get on base, them on base in front of Lee, Ramirez and a bouncing back Soto will generate a lot of runs. Of course, it's not the ideal L-R pattern Lou would prefer but, I believe it'll be effective.

I don't think there's a need to waste money on Valverde, Marmol without the WBC classic in this off season will be just fine as the closer in 2010.

Side bet, anyone think we will gain a game on the Cardinals again this year? I'd like to think the Cardinals are prime example of good team playing over their heads for a month and due for a big time let down in October. But, that kind of [expletive] only happens to the Cubs.

Considering both are having career years at 36 years old, I can't see both Fraklin and Miller continuing the 2009 success beyond this yr, especially if Duncan leaves as some thing he might. I gotta agree, I know its the Cardinals, pixie dust, Duncan, juicing what have you but, bullpens are fickle things. Success one season doesn't necessarily mean success the next, most especially when the parties in question are having career years, that's why it's called a career year.

Maybe the knee has been a large factor in his terrible season, I like the fact he's undergoing the surgery shortly. Hopefully, the plan is to shut him down, send him to surgery and send him home to begin preparing for next season. I'd be willing to give a 100% Soriano another shot but, I'd also have another solid option if he doesn't show anything within the first two months of 2010.

It's probably petty on my part but, I'm going to enjoy it when he implodes on the Rockies in the playoffs.

As far as the Cities there's no comparison but, didn't you know the Cardinals' fan base is the best in the history of sports fan bases?

And what historical evidence leads you to this conclusion? Not any but, its my hope the new ownership is going to dump Hendry and find a GM who knows something about building a good baseball team. When you look at the Cubs core of Lee, Ramirez, Soto, Fukudome, Bradley, in the hands of a good GM, there's a potentially really good baseball team.

Not that it matters anymore but, why did Lou move Fukudome from the lead off spot? Seemed like a 1-2 of Fukudome and Bradley was working well, they're both OBP machines. Having Lee and Ramirez often come up with runners on base is good thing no?

So what? Holliday can take Pujols, Carpenter, Lugo, LaRussa and Al Hrabosky and collectively shove them up his ass for all I care. I maintain with the proper off season moves the Cubs will be better than the Cardinals regardless of what the Cardinals do.

+1 on the firing of Hendry, the pieces are here for next season, with the right additions this team will contend in 2010. I don't what all the correct moves are but, I do know one thing - Hendry doesn't.

I do like the idea of moving Zambrano, can he net the Cubs a major league ready 2b or SS?

Long term future I don't know but, his immediate future should be taking over LF for the remainder of the season. Soriano' at least, this season, is done, being so, he's not going to help a club looking to make a run. Not that I believe the Cubs are going make a run mind you but, any possibility of run surely doesn't include Soriano.

Personally, I would like to see Soriano given the "Andres Blanco" treatment, and go on the DL because of an "injury." I'd like to see him given the buried deeply on the bench with concrete shoes treatment.

I think it's a little ambitious saying we've got the edge in 3 of those matchups...they are even in my eyes Weaver: 5.56 ERA/1.44 WHIP/47:27 K:BB Gorz: 5.24 ERA/1.16 WHIP/22:8 K:BB Wolf: 3.43 ERA/1.14 WHIP/123:43 K:BB Wells: 3.01 ERA/1.19 WHIP/71:27 K:BB Haeger: 3.86 ERA/0.71 WHIP/2:0 K:BB (one start, 7 IP) - career minors: 3.87/1.41/673:429 Lilly: 3.42 ERA/1.14 WHIP/111:27 K:BB Billingsley: 3.70 ERA/1.24 WHIP/144:66 K:BB Dempster: 4.28 ERA/1.39 WHIP/117:53 K:BB I'd give the Cubs an advantage in games 1 and 3 (Gorz and Lilly) and the Dodgers an advantage in game 4 (Billingsley). Game 2 (Wolf/Wells) is tough to call - I hadn't realized Wolf had been that good this year. Thanks for doing the research :D Red's point is still valid that it is very feasible to win 3 out of 4 here. But, the whole Cobs thing... :Insert Broom Graphic Here: Totally agree...LA is reeling, lost that big lead and Manny is swinging at balls like mad. 3 out of 4 is likely. The Cards are already getting complacent. Put in a real bad lineup card 2 nites ago and lost, putting Ankiel in tonite and benching Ludwick. Of course, they ARE playing the Pads. But again, Holliday has zoomed back to Earth....like 1 for 11 w/1rbi. Pujols has been hacking, scoring more runs on steals than homers. Win this opener and LA will funk even deeper...lose it and I don't know! Tonight' the key Cubs beat LA and they got a real good chance to take at least 1 of the remaining 3 for a split. Got to keep the struggling team from getting up off the ground however, the Cubs have shown a real knack for letting struggling teams wake up.

You talking about the play at home on Baker? Yes, on the Hill single, for some reason thought it was Harden trying to score.