chuckywang

I don't understand how anybody can justify saying Lilly deserves the 2nd start because he consistently goes 7, when his ERA is over 4, he actually averages barely over 6 innings, he's given up 4 ER and 5 ER in two of his 4 September starts, and you have Rich Harden. Harden has given up 4 ER once as a Cub, and only twice this season. He's thrown 7 innings 4 times as a Cub and is averaging nearly as many innings per outing as Lilly, at 5.9. Essentially, Lilly gets you one more out, on average, per start (actually less as he averages just 0.1 more innings per game). This is just completely illogical. You have off days galore, and bullpens will be rested. If Harden throws in game 2, then there is an off day immediately following. Harden is far and away the team's most effective starter, while Ted Lilly is clearly number 4. This should not even be a discussion. http://forum.ariakon.com/uploads/VeritechSquad/3BE_picard.jpg

Let's say there are two equal teams fighting with each other for a playoff berth. However, the first team had a very easy first half of the season, then a hard second half. The second team had a hard first half and an easy second half. I don't think it's fair to the second team that they needed to play the hard part of the schedule in full whereas the first team might get a break since they might play the hard part of their schedule against bench players. I know the common argument for Cub fans is "Just win more in the first few months so you don't find yourself in this position". But due to the differences in schedules, one team might have a better opportunity to do that compared to another team.

The Brant Brown play was also the 90th anniversary of Merkle's boner. In 1908, Fred Merkle of the NY Giants committed a terrible baserunning error against the Cubs at the Polo Grounds. The result of the play forced the Giants to play the Cubs in a 1 game playoff at the end of the season to determine who would represent the NL in the World Series. The Cubs won the playoff game and the rest is history. Coincidently, Brant Brown's drop also forced a 1 game playoff between the Cubs and Giants in 1998. Today would be the 100th anniversary of Merkle's boner, and the Cubs are in New York once again. I wonder what will happen today.

There's a difference between a big market team outspending everybody just because they can and a small market team spending to remain competitive. IMO, the Brewers set a very good example this season with how a small market team can compete. It would be a shame if they finished in the red since they proven to their fanbase that they are willing to spend to win.

Please. Stop. So he's pissed because owners don't want to lose gate? The gate pays for your salary. Just amazing how a player can earn millions and million of dollars, get the best equipment, best medical care, and still feel slighted?!?! Just shut up! What I don't get is how making them play through a lightning storm illustrates MLB's love of the dollar. The game was official before the rain delay, so the gate had already been collected. Playing after the delay wasn't going to net more money for MLB.

Our chances of winning Tuesday just went way down. Then again, if Marshall were to beat Santana, I wouldn't want to be around any Mets fans the next day.

Rejected as well. :(

This game is a good argument against the notion of "clutch" in baseball. Here, you have a game that means nothing to the Cubs and everything to the Mets, and look what happens. If clutch meant anything, then you wouldn't see this performance by the Mets. The better team the day of the game will always win.

I absolutely love that we hold the Brewers franchise by the balls. After this series, I think the Brewers will owe us BIG time.

I'll go first. These are the moments that I remember about the individual players: Geovany Soto - 3 run homer in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game against the Brewers Derrek Lee - Knocking down a ball with his bare hands, and then getting the out at first. I forgot what game that was. Ryan Theriot - I was there at the game against the Reds where he hit his only HR of the season. Mark DeRosa - Go ahead HR against the Rockies to complete the epic comeback Aramis Ramirez - so many moments, but for me it's the grand slam against the Phillies Alfonso Soriano - Back to back multi homer games Jim Edmonds - Game tying HR against the Braves (HEY HEY!!!) Kosuke Fukudome - Go-ahead single in the top 9th against Saito (I know this isn't the popular choice, but I love that AB) Reed Johnson - THE catch against the Nationals Mike Fontenot - Go ahead HR against the Giants Ronny Cedeno - Grand slam against the Mets Henry Blanco - walk off single against the Cards Daryle Ward - Go ahead 3-run HR off Marlins closer Kevin Gregg Carlos Zambrano - NO HITTER!! Rich Harden - Absolutely overpowering Conor Jackson Ted Lilly - jacking up Yadier Molina Jason Marquis - Yelling at the home plate ump Ryan Dempster -Striking out the side in the All Star game Kerry Wood - Striking out Matt Kemp to beat the Dodgers Carlos Marmol - Fighting off wildness and 3 BB's to retire the side against the Marlins and earn the save. I hope to replace these with better moments in the upcoming month!

The video is the Comcast montage, but the audio is the live version of the song. The original audio was not live and was synced up to the video better (e.g. "When Ernie Banks said 'Let's play two' ..." was synced up to a video of Banks)

If the Cubs have a chance at 100 wins with that game, then I say play the Iowa Cubs roster and see what happens.

Or if they get blown out by 10+ runs. :)

Am I the only one who doesn't care about Yankee Stadium? I don't feel sentimental at all and I don't care that I have never been.

I need that video now!

He did that for one batter against the Cubs. The Cubs batter promptly reached base and he couldn't do that anymore, otherwise it's a balk.

LOL, Bears lose!

LOL, Bears are blowing it.

I personally wish that they brought this look back: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/2873834055_e383b6f787_o.jpg (Sorry Len, I know you probably wish such pictures were destroyed, but it's waaaay too good of a look!)

Anybody with a DVR ... take note.

Len, you are one of the best in the business. You perfectly capture the joy and agony of being a Cubs fan.

Yeah, that was talked about during the post game interviews. Somehow I don't think 24 hours in first class is really all that tiring.

He corrected himself.

fatty tried to punch the catcher

How's Wrigleyville looking now? Crowded?