Soul

Derrek Lee, a few weeks ago: "I just don't see a reason to panic, that's all." Derrek, now you know why fans panic. They panic because they know this is coming, sooner or later.

This is why I don't put too much weight on statistics and analysis. It's all great stuff, and I enjoy reading the analysis that goes on here. It is one of the reasons I love this message board. But I just keep in mind -- it'll likely not matter in the end with this team. There's no curse, but there's psychology. There's undue pressure -- the kind of pressure that comes from a city of millions of people, neurotically hoping for the best but deep down feeling that the worst will happen. The Cubs have to bathe in that crap for 162 games, every year. No other city knows that type of weirdness, at least not since Boston broke through. It has an effect. It neutralizes hard facts, neutralizes advantages, makes it much more difficult to "cut through" and win these big games. 4 infielders. 4 errors. A starting pitcher who walked 7 guys in the month of September walks 7 in a couple innings. Just something to think about. You can't put it on the stat sheet. But it's there. I'm telling you -- it has an effect, even though it can't be quantified. It's going to take a team that is beyond just "better" to win in this town. It's going to take a team of guys who truly just don't care -- a team of players who are probably hateworthy and callous above all else. Perhaps a team of Mannys. Something. Some kind of shield against the weight of all this "OH NO NOT AGAIN!" or "WHY DOES THIS ALWAYS HAPPEN TO US?!?" or "THEY'LL FIND A WAY TO BLOW IT." Something. Alright, that's my post-traumatic stress syndrome rant. Enjoy.

Vasher stinks. Bears could be 4-0 even without Harris. They need Tilman to play though. ...it should be noted, don't put big money on football games. Talk to a few of the people who put big money on Pats vs. Phins if you'd like to know why. Any given Sunday.

That'll do it. Fun season while it lasted.

I'm curious what the attendance figures looked like when Peavy pitched and when anyone not named Peavy pitched. 29,076 - Not Jake Peavy 34,245 - Jake Peavy This season only. Pretty significant.

I know it was a long time ago and Phillies fans are rightfully excited about their team, but still I can't help but be a little sickened to see Brett Myers lauded over like he's some kind of hero after he bashed his wife's face in on a public street. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2497723 Beat your wife, you become a piece of trash and ostracized from society. Unless you can throw a 95 MPH heater, then all is forgiven and you're a hero. I dunno, it just strikes me as wrong. I have no idea how I'd feel if he was a Cub.

You suck, but nevertheless I will be pulling for you. 8-)

Have I mentioned how annoying I find the word "ribbies"? If not, let me do so now: I find the word "ribbies" highly annoying. He's got 2 ding dongs too. Ding dongs & ribbies. MMmmmm.

I don't know, Gordon's a frustrating player for me. He can score, but not when he starts. He can't defend. He doesn't handle the ball particularly well from what I've seen. He's a jump shooter, and it seems to me he's a streaky one at that. I'm not real high on Gordon or Hinrich. Both of these guys leave something to be desired. But I admit, I'm not a real basketball expert.

A couple years ago I would have been freaked out, but I'm feeling like Vasher hasn't been up to his usual standards this year. I don't think Graham will be much of a dropoff, if at all. If P-Nut can't go though, then I'm worried.

I was wearing jeans & a t-shirt. It didn't work.

This is the feeling you will see @ Wrigley tonight. People will come and give it the old "college try" in the early innings with the cheering, but if the Cubs get down, you're going to see the bipolar-ness of Cub post-season fandom show up like a sudden thunderstorm of melodrama.

Hillenmeyer has been absolutely brutal this year and I dont think I want to see him starting ever again I was seriously hoping this offseason that the Bears would package Hunter for a draft pick (4th round probably at best) and give the job to Jamar Williams. Hillenmeyer wasn't that good last year either. But I thought he could garner some interest because of his speed, ability to play the middle, and his Bears pedigree. Hillenmeyer had a good sack & a pass defended against the Eagles. Other than that, the only time I remember seeing him is when he's getting beat. I guess that's not totally fair, but I agree with you -- we should be looking to upgrade that position. Why not just put Williams in there, see what he can do? I find it highly unlikely that there would be a dropoff in performance, and a pretty good chance Williams would be better.

I choose to believe the real Z is the no hitter Z. He was faking in his final starts. The old rope-a-dope. This, and a goodly amount of JD will get me through tonight. :mrgreen:

Nice. My only hope is that they look at this game and realize they have to actually play their best baseball now. 'Cuz right now this doesn't look like the team I saw in the regular season.

How many did Demp walk? 7? I still can't believe he did that. I never expected Demp to be one to fold under pressure like that. You had the lead Demp. Jesus. I think I'll do something else tonight.

I hope your feeling is correct, because I don't really like the idea of Lowe's slider against Fuku.

One more, for luck: http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm3/Codyf_2008/cubs/sexy_chicago_cubs_0021.jpg OK I'M DONE NOW I SWEAR! GO CUBS!!!!

I still think there's an opportunity for the Phils to beat CC. They're a better hitting ballclub than what CC has been facing since he came to the NL (for the most part), and CC has got to be at least a little worn out.

...satisfy my bizarre need to mix Cubs baseball with sex? I don't know, quit asking questions :P

Haha..I think we need to see these puppies.. http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/662/img0567qy9.jpg Those'll do.

Haha, beat ya on that 2nd one :) But I don't mind seeing her twice.

Whatever it takes http://members.cox.net/davewadding/TPWW/Maria_Kanellis0012.jpg http://www.collegeotr.com/images/blogs/93e2ac9264f8aca7d07b08ebc87f70a5.jpg http://bp1.blogger.com/_SyY4QL5ZHAQ/Rw1XOCS2B_I/AAAAAAAAAP4/SN2PUv4sX8I/s320/8.jpg

OK I actually got some work done today. I feel a little better about myself now :)

I'm trying to, but I can't. I'm a hopeless fool.