Tryptamine

I don't think Cousins was trying to injure Posey, but I definitely think he made up his mind to blow him up as soon as it was apparent there was going to be a play. I just don't that's appropriate. And the way he hit him was excessive, even if the catcher had the plate blocked, which he didn't. So if he hadn't tried quite as hard to knock the ball loose, that would have been okay? Cousins is running full speed down the line and the only thing he can likely see clearly before he has to decide what he's going to do is that the throw beat him by a mile. Unless he knocks the ball loose or Posey kicks it, he's out. So he used his only option, and it turned out horribly because not only was Posey hurt, he didn't field it cleanly which meant the contact seems unnecessary. That said, Cousins shouldn't have that option available to him. We don't let guys stretching singles into doubles blow up middle infielders before getting a hand on the base, and the same should apply at the plate. However, if you go down that road you have to protect the runner's rights by aggressively calling interference on catchers who try to obstruct runners without the ball. I'm starting to lean this way. I know people love the collisions at the plate, but it's just too dangerous. Many times the catchers aren't even looking and their padding does very little to absorb any of the damage. I'm all for changing the rules on blocking the plate if it keeps catchers from getting absolutely blown up at the discretion of the runner.

Did Koyie Hill really just try to bunt for a hit?

Nope. Fleita said today he takes the guns out of the park when Simpson pitches. Doesn't want him worrying about it. Not entirely sure what to think about that. The meat head in me thinks that if Simpson is mentally weak enough to let a radar gun bother him that's worrisome. http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/29/kevin-towers-used-to-mess-with-brad-penny-by-altering-the-radar-gun-readings-in-san-diego/ That's actually pretty clever and really funny.

I think it's a bad idea to have a gun anywhere near you when watching the Cubs.

I love the Cubs so much. Always good for a laugh.

Nope. Fleita said today he takes the guns out of the park when Simpson pitches. Doesn't want him worrying about it. Not entirely sure what to think about that. The meat head in me thinks that if Simpson is mentally weak enough to let a radar gun bother him that's worrisome.

I'd really prefer the Cubs stay away from Lindor and Meyer. Lindor doesn't have the type of impact bat the Cubs so desperately need and there are pitchers with upsides comparable to Meyer with nowhere near the risk.

Paul Sullivan says the Cubs traded Ryan Buchter which I don't mind in the least.

I wonder what the Giants would part with given the Posey situation. The Cubs more than likely aren't competing until 2013 so it seems like now would be a good time to inquire.

Playing devil's advocate here. Why are you allowed to plow over the catcher, but you can't plow over a 1B,2B etc? The gear a catcher wears is made to lessen impact of baseballs it does very little to help with getting running over by a person going full speed. On ESPN's sport science this morning they showed that a guy hitting a catcher is delivering 3200ish lbs of force. That's more than a QB taking a hit from his blindside.

Well the bottom of the second lasted about 2 and a half minutes.

please release Berg immediately following the game.

What is Justin Berg's appeal? He can't strike people out and apparently he can't locate a pitch. The guy has never been good at any level and yet he some how made it to the majors. 8 straight balls, please just out right release him.

Coleman is just god awful. I'm glad he keeps getting shoved down our throats.

I'm well aware, it was a comment on the state of the team not the manager's line up.

So much barf That is as close to a forfeit as you're going to see on the mlb level. At least give us Castillo to watch.

Well that pretty much killed my dreams of him some how slipping to the Cubs.

I thought you were either kidding or it was a typo. I have no idea how I didn't notice that.

Not sure if this was addressed to me or just in general, but I never said steroids. I haven't got a clue what he's doing or whether or not it's even against the rules. There has to be something other than a change in his swing. Players just don't go from being borderline roster fodder to the best hitter in baseball. What's stranger is he's getting better by the day. Last year he was only doing damage by pulling the ball out of the park. This year he's starting to go the other way a little more. So then if you're not saying it's steroids...then what are you saying? I'm not saying he's taking anything. What I'm saying is there is something beyond swing changes that is going on. I have no idea what it is.

Not sure if this was addressed to me or just in general, but I never said steroids. I haven't got a clue what he's doing or whether or not it's even against the rules. There has to be something other than a change in his swing. Players just don't go from being borderline roster fodder to the best hitter in baseball. What's stranger is he's getting better by the day. Last year he was only doing damage by pulling the ball out of the park. This year he's starting to go the other way a little more.

I don't want to be suspicious without some kind of actual proof, but after yet another 2 HR performance the numbers are just so outlandish it's hard not to. He's now sitting with a .364 AVG .509 OBP and 1.350 OPS. These numbers are on par with Barry Bond's best seasons. At least in Bonds' case he was an elite player before going ballistic. Bautista just came out of no where.

hahaha, this team is so freaking awful.

Juan Pierre lite

I'm not sure why Garza couldn't bunt. Completely wasted a bench hitter.

I don't understand why you bring in the speedster and then bunt him over. What was the point then?