kente777

No offense, man, but how many times do we have to hear you tell us how "worthless" a thread is? Is the only thread worthy to discuss the ones you start?? Last I checked, this was a discussion board and we could discuss any issue we wanted to. If you think a thread is worthless, please just don't continue reading -- or posting in that particular matter. If you have thoughts, share them. I'm sure you have much to contribute. FTIW, I think this is a legitimate thread to discuss. Ken

Yeah, maybe it was since the magical date of June 3. I know I saw something where the Cubs had the best record in the NL.

All I heard on Sporting News radio this morning was how great the Cardinals have been playing and how they probably will win the Central. It doesn't matter that since the All Star break, the Cubs have the best record in the N.L. (at least they did late last week), no matter what the Cubs do, they can get no respect. One commentary even said the Cubs have more talent but the Cardinals will probably win the division. I'm sick of all the Cardinal love. Yes, I think the Cubs should have run away with this division, but c'mon. The Cubs are in first place going into September. Give us some credit!!!!!!!!!!!!! :evil: :twisted: :evil: :twisted: Ken

It's just going to be that much sweeter when one day we win the World Series. I just hope its in my lifetime (age 47). Ken

This was posted in the game thread and backs up my assertion that it was the right call. Kendall is more likely to take ball four or hit the ball on the ground in that situation than he is to swing and miss. With most players I wouldn't make that move, but I would with Kendall. It eliminates the more likely outcome of grounding into a double play and also increases the chances of him getting a hit (even slightly) because the middle infielders are on the move. As was also mentioned, Theriot and Jacque aren't your ideal guys to hit a sac fly either. Good decision by Lou, poor execution by Kendall. I just wish Jason could have gotten the damn bunt down so we wouldn't be arguing about this and we might even be 2 1/2 games up right now. If Kendall would have gotten a bunt down, people wouldn't be slamming Lou. If Kendall would have gotten wood on the ball instead of striking out, people wouldn't be slamming Lou. If Kendall had gotten a double, then 2 runs would have scored and Lou would have been called a genius. The bottom line is that Kendall did not execute. Sometimes in baseball, you take risks. How many times did people on this board slam Dusty Baker for playing it safe, not ever doing a hit and run, etc. Lou made a gutsy call....Ok...it didn't work. But I'd much rather him do something like that than be a Dusty Baker and always play it safe. The Cubs are still 1 1/2 out in front. Relax and enjoy the run.

Now that would have been unprofessional and over the line, though it would have been interesting.

I agree whole-heartedly. That sort of attack-dog stuff is unprofessional. The reporter should be ashamed of himself. He needs to remember to be a professional and not take bait from immature athletes who are paid to be ultra-competitive beyond reason. The reporter is as much blame as Myers himself. Actually, I thought the reporter was pretty shrewd -- and funny to boot.

Sure, Mark. We've seen that movie before. It's nice that he has such high expectations for an Opening Day return. However, I think having Prior back (in 2003 form) by July of next year is a more realistic expectation.

I think we're all lowering our expectations so when the inevitable comes, we're not let down.

Is there one of those in the NL Central?

It would be an interesting stat to see how many times the Cubs have given back the lead the very next inning after scoring the previous. It seems like it happens every fricken game.

No offense intended here, man, but the guy makes a great throw on Theriot's base running error and you say you "hate" him. :?:

Actually, he'd be on 3rd with one out (Jones grounds out to the right side).

yesterday was a fluke

well, I'm late on this, but I guess the question was is Z worth 91 million dollars?

I've got no problem with a 5 year deal -- not at all. I think, of any pitcher, he's worth the risk because he seems to be made of steel -- not like these fragile, pathetic wusses today who seem to always be on the DL. Remember, when Prior pitched in 2003? Everytime he went out on the mound, I felt great about our chances. I mean every time. I don't feel the same way about "Z." I never know what kind of "control" the guy will have. Will he walk 7 or throw a 2 hit complete game? To me, and this is only my opinion, that is the difference between an "ace" and someone who is a very good pitcher. I consider Z very good, not great. A number 2 or 3 picher, not an ace. But I do think he's very close to being a great pitcher. Control is the key, and Z is not quite there yet (IMHO).

Here's the answer....."yes." However, if he's demanding Zito-type money, then you have to consider a trade. He's a work-horse, no doubt, but I still do not believe he is an "ace." He walks way too many people to be considered an ace. Give him #2 or 3 money, and it's a no-brainer. He starts out crappy, and just when you think he's on a roll, he goes back to crap again. Will he ever put a great season together (from start to finish)? That's the big question. So far, he has not, at least in my mind, justified the rich, over-paid contract. But then again, Zito is not worth Zito-type money either. Ken

Can I ask a question? Why does that matter? Every year is different: new roster, new situation, etc. etc. Why does past history (success or failure) mean that the same thing will happen in the present (or even likely to happen)? Why the Cubs have played the Cardinals well the past few years or why Z has pitched well against them doesn't mean the Cubs will win the series or Z will win the game. Guess I never understood that logic. Ken

I want in on this.

spoken like a true Cubs fan

I think the main reason you were criticized for that order was D-Lee hitting 7th. We need to ride out this slump -- he's still the best hitter in the lineup when Sori and A-ram are out. But... Murton could do it! Murton's our savior.

Anyone who tracks the number of foul balls a team has given up has way too much time on their hands.

I agree that it never hurts to be reminded by the infielders. That's what a team does. But we're not talking about reminders....we're talking about blame. All I'm saying is that the infielders did nothing wrong last night...nothing. 100 percent of blame goes to Pagan. One thing we can agree on, Pagan screwed up and probably doesn't need to be our center fielder.

By the way, the Cubs you saw yesterday were the real ones, at least until Murton, Pie, and Soto are allowed out of the basement. Not sure I totally agree with you here. I don't think the Cubs are as bad as they were last night. It was a combo of a decent left-handed pitcher who was given a pretty big strike zone. It seems to me that I don't have much faith in the Cubs when I see there is a lefty starting.

I personally think that the lack of power is directly attributed to the lack of patience of this team. We swing far too much at the first pitch (what else is new). I think it is a correct analysis that we play pretty good against sucky teams, and pretty average (or below average) against good teams. If we do sneak in the playoffs, our only hope is that we get hot at the right time. But it sure was nice for the media to be talking nice about the Cubs for 2 months.