Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh, 7 April 2008
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 1:01 PM EDT
367 comments
Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates, Apr 7, 2008 1:35 PM EDT
It's Ted Lilly and Tom Gorzelanny in the home opener at 1:35 PM. Here's the box: Freddy Sanchez is back at second base. Doug Mientkiewicz starts at first.
For this series, I answered some questions about the Cubs for Byron from the Cubs blog Goat Riders of the Apocalypse, and Byron answered some questions for me. You can read my answers to his questions here.
Bucs Dugout: What do you expect from Kosuke Fukodome? Early reports have suggested he'll be like J.D. Drew but healthy; what do you think?
Goat Riders: Skills wise, JD Drew might be a decent comparison for Kosuke. Where Kosuke's got the jump on Drew will likely be in PR and health. My biggest fear for Fooky was that he would start slowly and the right field bleacher bums would get on him like they did with Jacque Jones. Well, those fears were baseless, as Fooky exploded out of the gate. I'm hoping for a .310/.390/.600 line with 40 doubles, 20 homers, 15 steals, and 15 outfield assists. From what we've seen over the first six games, those numbers are attainable.
BD: Go ahead - say something nice about rookie catcher Geovany Soto.
GROTA: Soto has some Cubs fans cautiously optimistic. The bar isn't all that high, and I think Soto's got more pop then some people expect. The key to remember is that Soto is being compared to Michael Barrett, Jason Kendall, Damian Miller, Paul Bako, and Henry Blanco. In other words, expectations are low, and if Soto's name is even mentioned in the rookie of the year race, he'll have outperformed the recent past by a wide margin.
BD: Am I incorrect to think that Carlos Marmol is a better pitcher than Kerry Wood? Would Marmol have won the closer job if his name were as recognizable as Wood's?
GROTA: Marmol may end up being better than Kerry Wood, but the closer decision is defensible. (Think Mariano Rivera setting up for John Wetteland in 1996 where Marmol is Rivera.) Wood has a reputation for being a fearless competitor while Marmol absolutely self-destructed under the post-season pressure of the NLDS. The Cubs are in the enviable position of having three guys who could close games (Bob Howry, Marmol, and Wood), but Woody is my pick for closer.
BD: Why, given the Cubs' relative abundance of decent starting pitching options (Sean Marshall, Jon Lieber, etc.), is Ryan Dempster in the rotation?
GROTA: Dirty pictures of Jim Hendry, Lou Piniella, or both? This is a question we've struggled with much of the winter. It doesn't make a ton of sense, but it has the added benefit of getting Dempster out of the closer's role. What doesn't compute is that Dempster has exactly one season of effective starting pitching in his past, and that was in 2000. Jon Lieber, meanwhile, won 20 games in 2000 and 17 in 2005. It would seem to me that Lieber ought to have a spot in the rotation. Regardless, we do have a plethora of starting options, and I wouldn't be surprised to see a trade in the near future.
BD: Was 2007 Rich Hill's peak, or will there be even better times in the future?
GROTA: We at GROTA have high hopes for Rich Hill in the future. Granted, nothing in 2008 has indicated that Hill will have a better season this year than last, but he is a lefty, and that generally confers an extra measure of patience. The other thing you have to realize is that Rich Hill has never had a bad outing in his life... but he is occasionally kidnapped and imprisoned by his evil twin Mitch who likes to hang curveballs and serve up fat floaters right down the middle of the plate.
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I don't like the Cubs
Moving to Chicago 2 years ago, I cannot stand the Cubs. Growing up in West Virginia, I never realized how annoying the hype around the Cubs is. Plus, they're an NL Central rival. On the plus side, I don't have to watch this game on my laptop. On the downside, I have to watch Len and Bob on WGN. Ughhhhhh!
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You could
put Santo on on WGN - God, I love to listen to him sigh!
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
...radio, I mean.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess
Chris Gomez can't play shortstop at all. Why else would they prefer Rivas over him right now?
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 1:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Derrek Lee
Especially not good with Lee at the plate
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Charlie
From above...do you think Fukudome will be that good....310/.390.600?
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My impression
is like Pirates of the Windy City. I think the OBP is reasonable, but the power seems high. He only slugged .600 twice in Japan.
Then again, it's not like I know a ton about this.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure that line is possible for him. I think his power is questionable. I don't think he could sustain that many homers.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ugly, but it did the trick
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rivas
And you guys sounded worried
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Am I wrong or didn't the Pirates bring up Bixler because Jack was out? Is there a reason they aren't playing him?
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haven't really heard anything or looked it up,
but I expected him to start today, too.
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Okway well at least it isn't just me then. I was worried I was making up transactions all of a sudden.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baserunning
Again another out trying to get an extra base
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 1:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just after I got through calling McLouth one of the best baserunners in the majors, too.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That happens. Like during any football game where a QB has a long streak with no INTs, they show how many attempts it has been and then next pass is picked.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, looks bad,
but sometimes you have to guess on a left. It happens.
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he did you the favor of getting on base immediately, though
Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah
by boobs on Apr 7, 2008 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy crap
what was that??? Please get him off the field!
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To quote the Pirates announcers
"That wasn't a very good looking play. Not a very good looking play at all."
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Funny, the Cubs announcers maintained an awkward silence.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 2:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rivas
Is it inappropriate to cut Rivas in the third inning. Seriously?
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
To anyone who watched
or kept a close eye on the box scores and articles--did Rivas look like this in spring training? I've seen many posts on here say he hasn't been a good defender in past seasons.
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 2:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I believe there were a couple of articles in which Huntington claimed he was impressed with Rivas' defense.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bad defense
If Russell doesn't start Bixler next game and/or put him in for Rivas now, and Jason Bay quits looking like he has down syndrome in left field, I'ma be mad
by OpiateOfTheMasses on Apr 7, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Everyone
should look at the picture of Gorzo on the pirates homepage...its pretty good.
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Gorzelanny doesn't want to pitch to Reed Johnson, apparently.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lots of throwing errors from pitchers so far this year. I think that's the fourth. Maybe they forgot to practice throwing to bases in spring training.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They probably didn't have time to practice that since they had to try and teach the pitchers where the strike zone was first
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
killing themselves
$5 says that after the game the Pirates announce Tom G's "arm trouble".
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 2:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
reds fan here
i dont know how much you guys have seen of dumatrait, but with us... he was not good.
Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah
by boobs on Apr 7, 2008 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it appears he's not improved much
Marty may have a shirt on, but Billy Beane just ripped his off and is squeezing his nipples. - Brendan's ukkah
by boobs on Apr 7, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I went to the home openers in 2006 and 2007 and this is really starting to look about right. Out of reach early as a thank you to one of the few sellout crowds they will get.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good thing there's a day off tomorrow - the bullpen's going to get a lot of work.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here's a crazy thought
Since the starters aren't logging many innings maybe they need to cut it down to a 3 man rotation and add a couple arms to the bullpen since they handle the bulk of the games.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
glad i didn't make the trip down for this one.
they better look like they have a clue friday night.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 2:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I still wish I could have made it. Bad game and all it is still opening day.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
true, but friday night plays well into a little golf in the hills on saturday.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's always nice
when in the first game of your fantasy week your starting pitcher is staked to a seven run lead by the third inning.
Apologies for the interruption, Pirates fans. Continue your self-immolation.
by scoreboard on Apr 7, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How is it possible that the Bucs have only just now gotten through the order? Wow.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Slogan
I just saw a commercial on FSN and can't tell for sure but, is this year's slogan just simply Let's Go Bucs? Is anyone in the organization trying? They didn't want to roll out We Will for the third year?
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No, they decided against We Will.
I haven't seen the advertising, but I like "Let's Go Bucs" a lot better. At least it's not a lie.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is better than "We Will" but it just seems lazy. Like they don't care anymore.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And of course I don't know for sure if that is the official slogan. I was hoping someone did and could clear it up.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know. But that, in a way, seems more honest. The PR department SHOULD give up on this team.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have a point, but I don't like thinking anyone is giving up even though they all are or already have.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is annoying
I think Lanny, Steve, Bob, etc etc are good guys and all, but sometimes I have a lot of trouble listening to them
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why because they can't decide on A or B?
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It isn't like they spent 5 minutes on it and pulled the cameras off the field to show them running around
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dumatrait struck someone out! Let's not get used to it, he's positively Duke-like out there.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 2:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just to follow up, I checked the Post-Gazette about Rivas. I found some praise of Rivas' defense by the writers there, but didn't find any from the front office, so maybe I was wrong about that.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
On the TV broadcast they just Rivas was impressive this spring defensively at second base.
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
credit
I'll give a little bit of credit there
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 3:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. I was going to call him 0-for3vas again, but I'll lay off.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
question looking at the schedule: why no Frank Taveras lumber company bobblehead? does pittsburgh hate him, or does he hate pittsburgh?
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Of course they come alive like 15 minutes before I have to go into work
by thebuccodynasty on Apr 7, 2008 3:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nate the Great!
would that have been a flyout in most parks?? who cares
by DITO on Apr 7, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
big hit by gomez
he's now hitting .400 on the season
look out ted williams...
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Surprising Pirates?
Granted, there were some defensive errors there, but the Pirates run scoring ability is somewhat surprising to me.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed
i expected them to pack it in, this is very impressive.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
they can mash - well, relatively speaking
I like this Pirates lineup and, as long as Nate keeps maturing, this team is going to be scrappy all year. Also, no surprised to see them get to Lilly. The Bucs have been very solid against left-handed pitching for two years now.
Now, if only they could find a way to dump Paul Maholm...
by Doc's Sports Predictions Guy on Apr 7, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
21-foot high wall.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe it's only the end of the 4th inning.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 3:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
injury delay?
i'm at work so i can only see the gamecast. who's hurt?
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Last Night
Home plate ump in last night's Tigers-WSox game caught a high fastball right on the forehead. Of course he was wearing his facemask but it stopped the game for a few minutes. And the Tigers scored a run because of the wild pitch
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
someone needs to tell Bay that it's o.k. to actually swing his bat sometimes. can we trade him for Oliver Perez?
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
reed johnson
is apparently impossible to get out
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
My thought exactly. :) He's Mike Jacobs, but with walks instead of homers.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
...And here comes Marte. The bullpen's been acceptable today, but it's hard not to feel dread anytime a new guy comes in.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 3:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
it was a great play. if he can hit .265/.340 i'll be satisfied.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is probably our best chance
before the cubs go howry-marmol-wood on us
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oh for three-vas is on fire. too bad he can't field worth a crap.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a shame that we really don't have anyone better than Nyjer Morgan to pinch hit in important situations like this.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
hell, i could stand up there and take a 4 pitch walk
laroche was available
ok, nate with the bases juiced. let's do this.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
to an earlier point by you. where is Craig Wilson these days?
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's a free agent. But his shoulder has all kinds of problems. I'm not sure he could pass a physical, let alone hit productively.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
too bad. he was always under-appreciated.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
I was awful disappointed when I cheated at work and saw us losing 7-0. I'm friggin psyched to come home and see it's now 8-5 with Nate McLouth batting, the bases jammed, and no outs.
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 4:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
did his job by doing absolutely nothing.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yay!
Cubs pitching imploding as we speak. Or.. type.
by camoseven on Apr 7, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
8 balls in a row?
jeez i could have filled in for that reliever too
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
That's their top lefty, too.
If I'm them I bring in Marmol now.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i'd agree with you
but sweet lou apparently doesn't want his best reliever pitching in the most important at bat of the game so far
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In his defense, it's not like Howry is bad. But still, it's that reliever rigidity thing managers have.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
what a play. Bay ripped it though
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nady
Like most others on here, it would be sweet to see Nady crush one.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 4:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We've had some pretty exciting games this year so far, I have to say.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Our boy Yates is in; Morgan to CF, Nate to LF, X to the bench.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nice to see j.r. benching the struggling guy instead of leaving bay in there just because he's jason bay.
also at some point this season i'm going to have to eat some crow because i thought the yates deal was a bad idea. not now, but at some point.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah... or maybe Todd Redmond will win the Cy Young. :)
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yates just looks mean. all pitchers should have a goatee. he makes 94 mph seem effortless. hope he pans out.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He does. Actually it probably is pretty effortless for him. He dialed it up to 97 MPH this weekend.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Three up, three down. Love this Yates guy!
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I missed the first 5 innings or so of this game
Whats up with Gorzelanny?
by camoseven on Apr 7, 2008 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wild around the zone, lack of quality strikes
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just got out of class and caught up
An answer to an earlier question. They decided to strip it down and just go with "Let's Go Bucs" to get the focus back on baseball.
by hisjazziness on Apr 7, 2008 4:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's right, I'd forgotten about that.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes!
tie game!
give some credit to the buccos for sticking in this one. and enjoy this before looking at what's available in our bullpen.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
two inning game. how many more relievers do we have?
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you're right
forgot about grabow. i know he pitched yesterday, did he pitch saturday too?
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't believe they came all the way back.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, something strange about this team.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad
They still run that history montage commercial. Probably the only worthwhile holdover from the McClattlefield era.
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 4:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That commercial is really, really cool.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're leaving Yates out there? Probably a good idea.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
i'm surprised too. he made a nice play though
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
These Cubs announcers are terrible.
They just denigrated the pierogi!
by hisjazziness on Apr 7, 2008 4:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that was irritating
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 4:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention ignorant. You can't get a good pierogi in the South!
by hisjazziness on Apr 7, 2008 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this offense will not stand. now this game is personal.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
At least for me, it's blacked out here in Chicago.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea it's blacked out here in Indy, too.
Get to the login page, use a proxy server from Canada or w/e, login, get it going, and switch off the proxy server. I can get more detailed instructions if you need/want them.
by camoseven on Apr 7, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. When he doesn't get a hit, I feel ripped off.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is LaRoche related to Roger Clemens? he also doesn't show up until June.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 4:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
capps
shouldn't he have brought in Capps. He is more rested. There is no save in this game in anyway.
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 4:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
now john lieber will pay for those ill remarks against our perogies
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 5:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm with Blass
Not sure what that was all about.
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Umm
What? I'm watching on Gamecast - was that an actual sacrifice?!
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, no kidding?
If so, what a jackass call.
by Vlad on Apr 7, 2008 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, wow
Pirates fans actually showing that they care
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
gotta shoot themselves in the foot at least once a game.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who gets fined after the game?
Bixler or Bautista...because someone obviously missed a sign.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Someone tell me what happened, I can't watch the game on this *(&#% computer.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
missed sign
Bixler was on 3rd. Bautista bunted on 1 out on what looked like a sac play and Bixler didn't run for home.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bunt
Bautista bunted down the first base line and Bixler never moved from 3rd.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bautista shockingly bunted, and Bixler didn't go to the plate.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 5:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Just a wild guess
The rookie missed the squeeze sign
by 19maz60 on Apr 7, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good thing he was in there to pinch-run.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the 3rd base coach's reaction leads me to believe that Bixler missed it. he probably would have been out anyway. it wasn't a good bunt.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course
1st/3rd one out, a million ways to score from third, what the hell are you bunting for...
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 5:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Russell seems too bunt-happy.
Maybe this will help cure him of it.
by Vlad on Apr 7, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Just get the ball to the outfield, you've got a good runner on third. Bad call either way.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
it's a better call than it seems if bixler actually breaks. they take the double play out and if they get bixler at home, we've still got a man in scoring position with 2 outs, though you're counting on luis rivas for a hit in that situation.
it would make more sense if it was say jack batting in the 2 spot with freddy on deck and mclouth on 1st.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No excuse
Bixler has 3rd base coach 5 feet from him...no way he should not know whether or not a squeeze is on.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Heh.
Just found out that my boss left in the 3rd. Laaame.
by Vlad on Apr 7, 2008 5:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
bunt
Didn't see it, but it doesn't have to be a very good bunt if the runner takes off with the ptich. I don't think its a bad play. There have already been a couple of times this year where Bautista couldn't get a runner in from third.
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
if this thing goes 15 what starters come in first?
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah. Only Meek left in the bullpen now. Gulp.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
morris
We are out of players now, I think. Look for Matt Morris to pinch hit in the bottom of the 10th.
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 5:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Why is the umpire looking for the ball in center field?
Ball is in Freddy's glove. He can't even admit he blew the call. My other question...why isn't Russell out there arguing about it?
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Daryle Ward? i'm having 1997 flashbacks
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 5:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How many miscues does Rivas need to make?
by hisjazziness on Apr 7, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bunt
Just catching up. Can't believe the third base coach wouldn't verbally confirm a squeeze with Bixler. Can't believe the squeeze was on. Rivas really blows.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Good teams are out of this inning already. Maybe some lucky ones too. We are neither.
by hisjazziness on Apr 7, 2008 5:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
considering
The Cubs have already had about 5 outs this inning...and Capps isn't out of it yet.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whose error?
I'm not as down on the squeeze call. Wish Bixler had tried it if that was the call.
Did Rivas have the error? CBSSportsline says McLouth error
by 19maz60 on Apr 7, 2008 5:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It was Rivas
Booted a ground ball in the hole.
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Technically, I guess...
...the error was Huntington's. For signing him in the first place.
by Vlad on Apr 7, 2008 5:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
why does
gamecast suck?
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Rivas
is making it easy for the Pirates to keep Bixler when Jack gets healthy.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I liked the name Pat made up, which was "CappsLock."
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Gave them extra outs and K Lee & Ramirez. We need to end this right here.
by 19maz60 on Apr 7, 2008 5:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
isnt
meek the only reliever left in the pen
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bunt
Still want to be on record that that was not a suicide. Just no way Bixler can't be running. If so, we have to cut both him and Rivas and trade for Olmedo. I thought the whole point of Gomez was that he can play short.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Who's throw day is it?
If we don't score soon, we're going to end up needing a starter to pitch.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nate
I don't suppose you could go deep right now?
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Well, on the bright side, at least Capps' spot didn't come up.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, there were starting pitchers in this game at one point.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 5:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is like an AL game
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah. seems like yesterday.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It was yesterday. He pinch hit today. Sorry. But in any case, he's not available.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LaRoche? Maybe? Can't think of anyone else right now.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oops, no, LaRoche pinch hit. So, no one?
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
both them already have
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
LaRoche
already dribbled one to 2nd as a PH in the 9th.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
russell
has used up hios bench
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guess
that Morris or Duke could PH...and Morris or Maholm could maybe throw an inning or two.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Capps
does have a career .333 batting average in the majors.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
how long
do you think capps can stay in?
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Guess we could get Duke up
since Morris is supposed to start Wednesday.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
This inning likely to be it for Capps
he's thrown a lot of pitches these 2 innings.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Meek is next regardless.....
He is going to go at least two if needed and if still tied he'll keep pitching.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 5:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
just missed a double.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
duke hitting for capps... evidently not much faith in mr. meek
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 5:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
meek will pitch, but Duke was the best bat on the bench
by bolton on Apr 7, 2008 5:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't know, duke is the next turn in the rotation, meaning he gets the call if they need a starter to pitch. why would they only use him as a ph?
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, c'mon
Intentionally walking Doug stinkin Mientkiewicz? Seriously?
Let's hope MY BOY makes them pay...
by matskralc on Apr 7, 2008 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Bautista bunts this time
Walker will start at 3rd on Wednesday.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
looks like
jose will have to clutch it up
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 5:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
argh
that's twice bautista could have won the game for us already.
by johnnycuff on Apr 7, 2008 5:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The Meek Shall Inherit the Mound
hold your breath.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well
that leaves Morris, Maholm and Dante on the bench...and Morris is starting Wednesday. Guess that means if we get deep enough to wear out Meek...we will see Maholm somewhere around the 15th inning.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 5:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
great start....NOT
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
burnetts
here tomorrow
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
If Meek blows the game this inning, I really think he'll be sent back to Tampa. I think that'll be it.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 6:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Too early .....
to make that rash a decision, I think. They can't make the evaluation on three major league innings and the 12th of the home opener. Damn if you can't hide a guy in a twelve man staff you have bigger problems. He isn't blocking anyone.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this would be a good time for the hidden ball trick
by bolton on Apr 7, 2008 6:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
As long as the pitcher stays off the rubber, it isn't a balk, and is legal
by wkearns on Apr 7, 2008 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah,
if only...
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Russell has ever let him finish an inning before. How many runs is he going to give up?
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 6:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice stop
RoPaul...the ball went 5 hole on him.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Five hole. Jeebus
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There's a whole lot of suck in the top of this inning.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
you cant teach control
he is a rick ankiel
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No, but
you CAN teach how to not have the ball go thru your legs. RoPaul wasn't listening to Sangy.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do IBB pitches count toward the pitch count?
by hisjazziness on Apr 7, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Walking Lee
Is definitely the right thing to do.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maholm up in the pen.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maholm
sitting in the bullpen with a ball in his hand.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maholm
Absolutely no point in getting Maholm up. Live or die with Meek.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
walk
I disagree. He can't throw a strike. Don't load the bases!
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Either
a double play or a grand slam here.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
SF
so it's only 9-8...but Nady almost airmailed fata$$.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll take it
Don't want to be four runs down.
by bolton on Apr 7, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
given the situation, one run is pretty good. get this out and we're still in the game.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 6:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
some of the box scores for the night games are posted already.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Paulino
getting booed. Rightfully so.
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Can we trade
for a catcher that can actually catch? I don't know why the Pirates announcers keep calling them wild pitches. He should have had both of them this inning.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
doumit is no better than Paulino. he just hits better.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't seen enough to say for sure
But he seems to do a better job of blocking the ball.
by bolton on Apr 7, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is
bull...im sorry but i dont think meek will ever get control...even if those wilp pitches were passed balls, meek cant throw strikes
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
^#@$^@*(*^&(
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess
Burnett won't be pitching for Indianapolis tonight or tomorrow.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
agreed and rightfully so...now he could show that he belongs and back up his spring
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
meek, yer killin' us....
... and Sean Burnett should be packing his bags right about now (if he can stop grinding his teeth)...
by humbucker on Apr 7, 2008 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is ridiculous
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That wasn't actually as bad as I thought it would've been.
by Pirates_of_the_Windy_City on Apr 7, 2008 6:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Mercifully
we're only down 2 going to the bottom of the 12th.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
wow, those intentional walks sure worked out!
I mean, Meek would have probably walked 'em anyway, but make the Cubs earn it, at least....
by humbucker on Apr 7, 2008 6:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It'd be hilarious if the Bucs scored two this inning and Meek had to go out and pitch again.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 6:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
then you bring in maholm
You're a Pirates fan?
by thegetupkids on Apr 7, 2008 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Masochist. What are you doing here, anyway? :)
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i was being selfish. sado-masochist.
by Blyleven Curve Ball on Apr 7, 2008 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meek
The guy is a 24 power arm. Pitched in AA last year. We got him for nothing. He's the 12 man on a 12 man staff. He isn't blocking anyone. Bitch about the starters getting shelled every night. There is no need to send Meek back to Tampa after three innings and one week.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
More Meek
If he is the guy we are relying on to win games that's one thing. Hopefully this type of situation comes up twice all year. Gorzo sucked. Bitch about him.
by dtoddwin on Apr 7, 2008 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
the joke about Meek's performance is....
... that he actually lowered his season ERA to 27.00 by giving up those 2 runs in 1 inning. now that's progress!
by humbucker on Apr 7, 2008 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
well,
we battled back from a 7 run deficit?
When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro. -- HST
by cocktailsfor2 on Apr 7, 2008 6:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
meek
This is already the second game, because we brought him in in the 6th inning of a 5-3 game and he promptly gave up two runs. Why do we assume that Tampa would take him back? They dropped him from their 40-man. To take him back, they would have to put him back on and remove someone else. Maybe they will let us keep him. Either way, I haven't been impressed enough with his stuff or control to keep him on the roster all year.
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
No they wouldn't. If the Bucs remove Meek from their roster, they have to put him on waivers. If he clears waivers (and he presumably would), they'd have to offer him back to Tampa for $25,000. Tampa wouldn't have to put him on their roster at that point.
by Charlie on Apr 7, 2008 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is Russell
really happy with the 25 he brought north?? I can see 2 or 3 he might be having 2nd thoughts about. If Bixler doesn't start on Wednesday, I will quit believing anything management has to say...not that I have been buying everything to begin with.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
considering
the "effectiveness" of the Pirates starters...may as well bring up Burnett now. He will get plenty of work.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
bixler
Let's not get too excited, though I hope he can field a grounder. He couldn't hit at all in the spring, went 0-9 at Indy and struck out his only time up so far.
by basmati on Apr 7, 2008 6:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
this is kind of weird...
... I'm guessing the game is over (I was 'watching' it online via Yahoo's gamechannel and their lo-fi box score)... but I cannot find any evidence that the bottom of the 12th inning was played. did the Pirates just decide to concede the remainder of the game, or did rain prolong the misery, or ...?
by humbucker on Apr 7, 2008 6:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
nevermind...
the delay between the topand bottom of the inning must have been longer than normal.
by humbucker on Apr 7, 2008 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't concede
it just looked that way. Marmol finished it up in 13 pitches.
by Thunder on Apr 7, 2008 6:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kosuke Fukudome
(It's pronounced Koz-kay Foo Koo Dough May, by the way.)
No, it`s not, but, since Japanese has some sounds that are different from English and vice versa, I guess Chicago fans can call him whatever they want.
His first name has three syllables in Japanese:
Ko(like co as in co-worker), su(like the name Sue), and the ke part is somewhat similar to "kay" but not quite so much emphasis on the "ay".
Fukudome is a solid, all-around ballplayer. I`m curious to see how he holds up over the long season. I don`t think his numbers will be as good as Goat Riders predicts. The steals, yes, the other numbers, doubtful. I guess we`ll have to compare again in a few months.
by patthatt on Apr 7, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That's what I thought, too, Patthatt, so I doublechecked it before I published it. A couple big sources in Chicago were acting like it's a two syllable word too:
...so I decided to defer to Byron, who's presumably been listening to news broadcasts all offseason.
Now that you mention it, though, I'm going to just edit it out. I'm sure the "Koz" part can't be right, like it rhymes with "schnozz" or something. "Kohs-kay," I could see. But whatever. I'm not really sure, and it's better to not perpetuate confusion.
by Charlie on Apr 8, 2008 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
charlie
They`ve always done the same thing with Hideki Matsui`s last name, too. It is 3 syllables in the Japanese language, not two. It`s not "Mat" and "Suey". It is "Ma"(as in Ma and Pa) , "tsu"(is a different sound from any in English I think as you have to roll your tongue across the roof of your mouth), and "e".
The English and Japanese languages simply have some very different pronunciation patterns. My students struggle with "l","r","b", and "v", among others.
People who are not familiar with the Japanese language can`t be expected to pronounce the players` names correctly to be sure, but I agree with you about "Kohs-kay" being closer to the original than "Koz-kay." There has to be an "s" sound in the middle, not a hard "z".
by patthatt on Apr 8, 2008 1:48 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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