I had the pleasure of seeing the Cubs on Opening Day yesterday along with Julie and Deb of Aerys Sports and Ana from Accidentally Sexy, and a lot of cool people* willing to get soaked and chilled in order to show us a good time.
But along the way I came into contact with more than a few Cubs fans who, apparently, haven’t left the house in awhile. My judgment could be way off, because I don’t get out of the house that often either. But my recollections of normal human conduct (using the broadest imaginable parameters of that term) make me think we Cubs fans as a group lose our minds a little bit when baseball starts.
I know people say it’s a common trait among all sports fans, but I don’t care about other sports fans. A billion wrongs don’t make a right. If all the other teams’ fans jumped off a bridge, would we do it too? As long as you live under my roof, you’ll do as I say. You probably don’t live under my roof, though, so do as you please. Who am I to tell you how to live?
A hypocritical double-talking curmudgeon, that’s who. Get off my lawn and abide by this list of painfully obvious advice that more than an isolated group of Cubs fans refuse to heed.
10. The train is not a bar. Every destination I headed to yesterday had an atmosphere of loud music and loud talking. That’s not a complaint. All the places were fun and full of people intent on having it. But the train is not one of those places. It’s full of people going to work. They want a little peace before their days really start sucking. I know you’re with your friends. But respect the environment you’re in and try to adapt to it. Because the train is not a bar, which leads to the next fact you already know:
9. Seven in the morning is a little early for drinking. In Public. Every train at every ungodly hour of the morning on any rail leading to Chicago yesterday included Cubs fans already on their second beer. Too early. Right?
8. This is not the year. Unless you mean this. In which case, THIS.
7. The old-fashioned mystique of Wrigley is gone. This actually isn’t all that obvious, but it was the product of a conversation I had with one of our hosts, Chelsea the Cardinal Fan. After the game she noted that at Wrigley, you really have to pay attention to the game to know what’s going on, but at Busch, you’re kind of bombarded with the names, stats, and pictures of the batters, replays of the action, and lively music to keep the excitement up. It made me realize that’s a mixed blessing at Wrigley. Sure, it makes the purists happy that our attention has to be on the game itself. But that’s the problem. Cubs fans’ attention doesn’t have to be on the game. It can be on anything they want it to be. It creates the opportunity for Wrigley to play host to a baseball-themed party.
If you’re complaining that Cubs fans should pay more attention to the game, you might ask that the Cubs do a little bit more to remind them they are at a sporting event. Replays, loud music, and ginormous video boards just might help more than you think.
6. Outside your apartment isn’t the best place to berate your significant other, and at the top of your lungs isn’t the best volume at which to do that. Okay, I don’t know if these people were Cubs fans, but they live right next to Wrigley. This is more just a general word of advice to all.
5. If you can’t stand anymore, you probably shouldn’t drink anymore. This is just being practical. Two girls should not have to carry their guy friend away from Wrigley. They’re going to miss their train.
4. Keep your gigantic flabby belly safely covered by the friendly confines of your t-shirt. Please.
3. When looking at the schedule for ideas about what game you should attend, don’t look at the dates where they play the Pirates and say, “Well that looks like a game we can win.” It’s not.
2. Don’t boo Starlin Castro. Not that anyone did. But you should like this guy too much to boo him. This is for future reference when he makes six errors in a game. Still, don’t boo. Just murmur. Murmuring is okay.
1. Hope is a dangerous thing. Tell ‘em, Red.
*My deepest thanks go out to our gracious hosts and new friends: Azeeza, Patrick, Ashley, Javier, Erica, and Chelsea the Cardinal fan. I had a great time, and I can’t thank you enough.
I will add:
11. Men who do not have a bag to inspect do not get to shove past anyone in the Bag Inspection line to the front. I had this actual conversation yesterday:
(Big fat guys shoving past me and my girlfriend)
Me: (blocking their way) Really?
Fat Guy #1: It’s two lines isn’t it?
Me: No, it’s one line that starts back there. (I’ll note that Wrigley security stood there looking sheepish, but did acknowledge that it was one line.)
Fat Guy #2: What, are we supposed to wait while you get your bag inspected?
Me: Yes, because this is the bag inspection line.
Oh, and sorry about the flabby belly hanging out, AC.
[quote name=Aisle424]Oh, and sorry about the flabby belly hanging out, AC.[/quote]You’ve been warned.
[quote name=mb21]Agreed. I hate that off day. Teams get18 off days during the season (plus 3 for the ASB). There is one down after you played 1 game.[/quote]
I like it because it gives you the opportunity to postpone opening day if your weather is as shitty as it was yesterday. If today were an offday then there’s little doubt in my mind that they’d be playing the first game today.
I’ve got this on both sides here
[quote name=Berselius]I’ve got this on both sides here
[/quote]That sucks. It’s one of those things where it never goes well. In public or not. I mean, who hasn’t gotten into a shouting match? It’s almost never even slightly helpful for anyone. But when you find yourself not caring how many dozens of people are staring at you, you gotta take a walk and regroup.
Hope you guys had fun at the game. I was at home annoyed at our shitty luck on fly balls. Why can’t the wind blow out for US?!
Oh, and why is the lesser defensive player who sucks even worse against lefties playing in the lineup today? By that I mean Colvin.
Something I saw on failblog:
Just a guess on Colvin, RC, but I don’t think Colvin will sit two games in a row too often. Going to be difficult since he’s in two double-lefty platoons.
[quote name=AndCounting]Just a guess on Colvin, RC, but I don’t think Colvin will sit two games in a row too often. Going to be difficult since he’s in two double-lefty platoons.[/quote]
Oh, you’re right. I forgot that my favorite team was stupid.
Is there a different term for “two guys sharing time at the same position” when it’s not a true platoon?
Disagree with 7am being too early.
/sec fan
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is there a different term for “two guys sharing time at the same position” when it’s not a true platoon?[/quote]
Stupidity.
http://public.bracketeers.com/matchup.php?id=547&m=62
The Six Row Cinderella story needs a little help in their Final Four match-up.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is there a different term for “two guys sharing time at the same position” when it’s not a true platoon?[/quote]Moroon?
[quote name=Manni Stats]Moroon?[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
[quote name=Aisle424]http://public.bracketeers.com/matchup.php?id=547&m=62
The Six Row Cinderella story needs a little help in their Final Four match-up.[/quote]Alright, I voted. Do I win beer now?
[quote name=AndCounting]Alright, I voted. Do I win beer now?[/quote]
6 Row is trying to make sure it doesn’t offend its customers that paid full price for its beers. I’m sure you understand.
On gameday in Iowa City we’d start drinking Friday night at about 6 pm. Yeah, we were still up sometimes at 6 am and still drinking. That’s a college game though. I’m sure Berselius and his days at UW can talk about the ridiculous tailgating that goes on and when it starts. (dying laughing)
I couldn’t agree more on the exposed flabby bellies seen at ballparks and other sporting events. Well put, AC.
[quote name=mb21]On gameday in Iowa City we’d start drinking Friday night at about 6 pm. Yeah, we were still up sometimes at 6 am and still drinking. That’s a college game though. I’m sure Berselius and his days at UW can talk about the ridiculous tailgating that goes on and when it starts. (dying laughing)[/quote]
(dying laughing), yeah. I lived a block from the stadium for 2 years there. We sleep with a fan on in our room for white noise so it never woke us up. Our dog LOVED being walked after the game so she could find all the random hot dogs and bits of pizza and crap that the drunk tailgaters left behind.
That neighborhood was a real funny place. There was a fairly sharp gradient between student ghetto and million dollar 100 year old homes, including 2-3 Frank Lloyd Wright houses.
Good list. Disagree with a couple though.
As anybody who went to a bigtime college football school
can attest there is certainly a time and place for drinking at 7 am. I’
I’d probably agree a commuter train isn’t it. But. I’m not going to judge.
I also disagree that videoboards and loud music would get people
more into the game. If people aren’t there to watch the game you won’t make them. I actually think videoboards would hav the opposite effect as people could not watch the game and not really miss any of the action.
I love baseball. But going to a baseball game is a social outing. If people want to talk about things other than baseball, I’m not going to hammer them for it.
Finally, whenever I bring a newcomer to Wrigley Field they still think Wrigley has a mystique. I do too for that matter. I don’t want to see a new ballpark. Too many good personal memories in Wrigley., if not baseball ones.
What time is the next fucking game starting?
I like how the site says “thank you” after every comment gets posted. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What time is the next fucking game starting?[/quote]http://isthereacubsgametoday.com/
Actually, SK, this is probably much easier to follow: http://twitter.com/#!/IsThereCubsGame
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I like how the site says “thank you” after every comment gets posted. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I think we should change that to “Thanks, fuckface.”
[quote name=Aisle424]I think we should change that to “Thanks, fuckface.”[/quote]Seriously, why hasn’t that been done already?
[quote name=Manni Stats]Moroon?[/quote]
I honestly don’t know if that is something we can easily change. MB would know much better than I.
delete
[quote name=AndCounting]
[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
THIS. I figure as loud as Wrigley is there’s no reason they shouldn’t just go all out. Jumbotron. Replays. Ads. Everything that a modern park offers should be at Wrigley. If the Cubs eventually do that, I think Wrigley would be a fantastic ballpark. As it is, I think it sucks money away from the organization. As historic as Wrigley Field is, it’s also historic because there has never been a championship won in that ballpark. It’s remembered as much for it’s old-time feel as it is for the losing that has gone on down on the field.
Z with the pinstripes.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I like how the site says “thank you” after every comment gets posted. (dying laughing)[/quote]
It’s because we mean it. We’re nothing if not sincere. We had also agreed that we would each thank all of you after a comment, but then figured 4 thank you’s after one comment would get kind of old. So we added that.
Opening walk. The three people in the stands booed.
Seriously, Gordo, I don’t give a shit what Quade’s final four picks were. You used to be such a good Twitterer.
[quote name=mb21]THIS. I figure as loud as Wrigley is there’s no reason they shouldn’t just go all out. Jumbotron. Replays. Ads. Everything that a modern park offers should be at Wrigley. If the Cubs eventually do that, I think Wrigley would be a fantastic ballpark. As it is, I think it sucks money away from the organization. As historic as Wrigley Field is, it’s also historic because there has never been a championship won in that ballpark. It’s remembered as much for it’s old-time feel as it is for the losing that has gone on down on the field.[/quote]
Revenue argument is a different argument than that ads, replays and loud music are inherently a good thing. If the Cubs need to add those things to compete, I would begrudgingly be ok with them.
I don’t think that they would add to the experience. I really don’t get why you think the tradition of losing at Wrigley is a reason to get rid of it. Do you really think that the ballpark is why the team has sucked? I’m going to say inept management matters a hell of a lot more than the ballpark.
[quote name=Berselius]I like it because it gives you the opportunity to postpone opening day if your weather is as shitty as it was yesterday. If today were an offday then there’s little doubt in my mind that they’d be playing the first game today.[/quote]Yeah, they’d play the first game today because they’d still be 0-0. (dying laughing)
I haven’t watched the opening day ceremonies stuff in about 5 or 10 years so that stuff doesn’t matter to me. I know it does to the organization, but if it’s such a big deal each team would have an off day after their home opener.
That’s the other thing I hated. The last few years the Cubs had an off day on Tuesday after opening day. They’d play Wednesday through Monday and then have Tuesday off.
If teams want to have that off day then the CBA needs to be amended to include 18 off days plus one after opening day (home and road) plus 3 for the ASB. I’m fine with that, but over 162 games I don’t want the Cubs entering game 161 having used up over 5% of their off days. Or entering game 156 already having used 11% of their off days.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Good list. Disagree with a couple though.
As anybody who went to a bigtime college football school
can attest there is certainly a time and place for drinking at 7 am. I’
I’d probably agree a commuter train isn’t it. But. I’m not going to judge.
I also disagree that videoboards and loud music would get people
more into the game. If people aren’t there to watch the game you won’t make them. I actually think videoboards would hav the opposite effect as people could not watch the game and not really miss any of the action.
I love baseball. But going to a baseball game is a social outing. If people want to talk about things other than baseball, I’m not going to hammer them for it.
Finally, whenever I bring a newcomer to Wrigley Field they still think Wrigley has a mystique. I do too for that matter. I don’t want to see a new ballpark. Too many good personal memories in Wrigley., if not baseball ones.[/quote]Those are all fair points. I will say, I don’t think “students at big-time football schools do it” is necessarily the path to wisdom. And the difference is that it’s something that works fine as a part of a subculture, but the rest of society doesn’t really welcome and embrace it as something that should migrate off campus. You know? I can say I don’t judge, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. Everybody watching Cubs fans walk around the city with beers in their hands at 7 AM is judging them. But it’s not the end of the world. (dying laughing)
And my point on the Wrigley issue is, the people watching the game intently are watching the game intently. The people that aren’t, aren’t. I have no problem with this division, and I don’t think adding a jumbotron will change that. I’m just pointing out that Wrigley makes it pretty easy for people to come to a game and have no clue what’s going on. Ever. I’d say we’re past the point of that creating an atmosphere of pure baseball. It can be for an individual fan, sure. And I like that. But in the big picture, it means a lot of fans miss almost everything.
I like how the Pirates took like 30 pitches and the first two Cubs got themselves out in three.
[quote name=AndCounting]Those are all fair points. I will say, I don’t think “students at big-time football schools do it” is necessarily the path to wisdom. And the difference is that it’s something that works fine as a part of a subculture, but the rest of society doesn’t really welcome and embrace it as something that should migrate off campus. You know? I can say I don’t judge, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. Everybody watching Cubs fans walk around the city with beers in their hands at 7 AM is judging them. But it’s not the end of the world. (dying laughing)
And my point on the Wrigley issue is, the people watching the game intently are watching the game intently. The people that aren’t, aren’t. I have no problem with this division, and I don’t think adding a jumbotron will change that. I’m just pointing out that Wrigley makes it pretty easy for people to come to a game and have no clue what’s going on. Ever. I’d say we’re past the point of that creating an atmosphere of pure baseball. It can be for an individual fan, sure. And I like that. But in the big picture, it means a lot of fans miss almost everything.[/quote]
Yeah, I agree on the time and place notions regarding drinking at 7 am. Somewhere in Wrigleyville? Sure. Getting on the Metra train in Geneva? Not so much. Just pointing out that a blanket 7 am rule might be a bit harsh.
I think I also get the point you were trying to make now. That Wrigley is not a “pure baseball” venue, and we shouldn’t avoid adding modern amenities in an attempt to preserve that atmosphere. I agree with that.
I prefer Wrigley as is, just because I like the Luddite feel of Wrigley. In our everyday lives we are bombarded by media and advertising. I think it’s nice to have 3 or 4 hours without that.
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like how the Pirates took like 30 pitches and the first two Cubs got themselves out in three.[/quote]Really? I thought that sucked.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Really? I thought that sucked.[/quote]
Apologies. My sarcasm translates poorly to the interwebs.
The Ricketts must have somewhere to be. 14 pitches in 2 innings?
Maholm on pace for a 63-pitch perfect game.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]The Ricketts must have somewhere to be. 14 pitches in 2 innings?[/quote]
I initially read this as 2 pitches in 14 innings. It seemed possible with the Cubs.
Let’s swing at some pitches and see what happens.
Either the radar gun on CSN is off or Z has no velocity today. Strike 3 to Overbay was the first 90 reading I’ve seen.
[quote name=AndCounting]Let’s swing at some pitches and see what happens.[/quote]
One of the coaches needs to come up with an alternative plan.
It’s nice to have a shortstop that has the arm to turn that double play.
One pitch one out.
WHOA! Colvin took a pitch!
A lot of them are making good contact, just falling prey to the BABIP dragon.
Brenly diplomatically explaining how ass-hatted the Colvin-Fukudome platon is.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]
A lot of them are making good contact, just falling prey to the BABIP dragon.[/quote]
Yeah, Maholm certainly isn’t missing bats.
Z took a pitch!!!
Double for Big Z!
Z breaks it up.
7 pitch at bat for Z.
I just don’t know how Zambrano isn’t more well-liked.
Sweeeeeet.
[quote name=Aisle424]I honestly don’t know if that is something we can easily change. MB would know much better than I.[/quote]Yeah, I saw it somewhere in the code, but can’t remember where. I’ll look. What should we change it to?
[quote name=Aisle424]I just don’t know how Zambrano isn’t more well-liked.[/quote]
He used to be. From 2004 to 2008, I don’t think there was a more well-liked player on the team. At least amongst the fans I talked to.
This Castro kid is pretty good.
I really like to watch Castro swing. Lots of singles, sure, but he doesn’t get cheated.
WTF Byrd. Take a fucking pitch.
I’ve only watched about 4 innings, but the Cubs aren’t very good this year.
[quote name=Rice Cube]WTF Byrd. Take a fucking pitch.[/quote]
I really hope Byrd isn’t going to be permanently in the 3 spot this year. He should be batting 6th or 7th. Having that impatient of a hitter at the top of the order is a killer.
some stellar fucking offense today. can we just fast forward until Castro bats?
Z is pitching well at least.
Don’t forget Zambrano, DJ
[quote name=Corms]This Castro kid is pretty good.[/quote]
But those rookie mistakes he keeps making… Oh wait…
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Revenue argument is a different argument than that ads, replays and loud music are inherently a good thing. If the Cubs need to add those things to compete, I would begrudgingly be ok with them.
I don’t think that they would add to the experience. I really don’t get why you think the tradition of losing at Wrigley is a reason to get rid of it. Do you really think that the ballpark is why the team has sucked? I’m going to say inept management matters a hell of a lot more than the ballpark.[/quote]
I don’t think it’s why they’re losing, but I don’t think it helps either. Too many day games. Wind blowing in all directions makes it hard to build a team to win in that park.
[quote name=AndCounting]Those are all fair points. I will say, I don’t think “students at big-time football schools do it” is necessarily the path to wisdom. And the difference is that it’s something that works fine as a part of a subculture, but the rest of society doesn’t really welcome and embrace it as something that should migrate off campus. You know? I can say I don’t judge, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. Everybody watching Cubs fans walk around the city with beers in their hands at 7 AM is judging them. But it’s not the end of the world. (dying laughing)
And my point on the Wrigley issue is, the people watching the game intently are watching the game intently. The people that aren’t, aren’t. I have no problem with this division, and I don’t think adding a jumbotron will change that. I’m just pointing out that Wrigley makes it pretty easy for people to come to a game and have no clue what’s going on. Ever. I’d say we’re past the point of that creating an atmosphere of pure baseball. It can be for an individual fan, sure. And I like that. But in the big picture, it means a lot of fans miss almost everything.[/quote]
I’d add on that there are many places in a college town where the kind of tailgating and early drinking is not at all appropriate. Generally speaking, the football stadium is near the university where many students are. It’s something that happens 7 to 8 times per year rather than 81 times. College football is almost exclusively on Saturday whereas the Cubs play on weekdays.
I think there’s a big difference between these two (college aged kids drinking early before a football game and people getting trashed early to go to one of 81 Cubs home games).
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think it’s why they’re losing, but I don’t think it helps either. Too many day games. Wind blowing in all directions makes it hard to build a team to win in that park.[/quote]
Day games is a neighborhood, not a ballpark issue. Moving the Cubs to the suburbs is a non-starter, so even if you get a new park you will have to deal with that issue.
Pena looked lost in that at bat.
Bobs uncomfortable with Len’s faggetry
[quote name=Corms]It’s nice to have a shortstop that has the arm to turn that double play.[/quote]Yeah, but in a few years Starlin Castro will be happy to be on the right side of the rivalry when the Cubs trade him for Matt Holliday.
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]I’ve only watched about 4 innings, but the Cubs aren’t very good this year.[/quote]No offense. At all. Defense is below average at best. Baserunning is horrible. Good pitching. Most of the quality players are old.
Could be a very, very bad season this year.
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think it’s why they’re losing, but I don’t think it helps either. Too many day games. Wind blowing in all directions makes it hard to build a team to win in that park.[/quote]
Also the fact that it’s been historically a strong hitter’s park doesn’t help. Parks that strongly favor either hitting or pitching are usually harder to win in because they lead to teams evaluating incorrectly their strengths and weaknesses.
if Colvin can survive this ridiculous platoon i will be impressed. Usually managers shield their young LH hitters, the cubs make them face them exclusively (dying laughing)
[quote name=dylanj]if Colvin can survive this ridiculous platoon i will be impressed. Usually managers shield their young LH hitters, the cubs make them face them exclusively (dying laughing)[/quote]
It’s the reverse platoon test.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Day games is a neighborhood, not a ballpark issue. Moving the Cubs to the suburbs is a non-starter, so even if you get a new park you will have to deal with that issue.[/quote]I agree it’s a neighborhood issue, but it shouldn’t be. All due respect to people who live nearby, but the Cubs should just schedule 70 home night games next year. On the schedule they should just put TOUGH SHIT in big block letters. They know where they live.
[quote name=dylanj]if Colvin can survive this ridiculous platoon i will be impressed. Usually managers shield their young LH hitters, the cubs make them face them exclusively (dying laughing)[/quote]It’s hilarious. Darwin Barney gets to play vs righties and Colvin plays vs lefties. I’m hoping they can platoon Castro with some lefty batting SS in the near future.
[quote name=mb21]I agree it’s a neighborhood issue, but it shouldn’t be. All due respect to people who live nearby, but the Cubs should just schedule 70 home night games next year. On the schedule they should just put TOUGH SHIT in big block letters. They know where they live.[/quote]
My season package of nights and weekends was originally for about 41-44 games depending on holidays. This year there are 56 games on the night/weekend package so since they can’t add weekends, they have to be adding night games. That is actually an area where they have been making steady progress over the years.
[quote name=mb21]I agree it’s a neighborhood issue, but it shouldn’t be. All due respect to people who live nearby, but the Cubs should just schedule 70 home night games next year. On the schedule they should just put TOUGH SHIT in big block letters. They know where they live.[/quote]
The Cubs can’t just do that. There are city ordinances.
I used to live in that neighborhood. Night games are a pain in the ass for residents. If I owned a place there and all of a sudden the Cubs started playing 70 night games a year I would be pissed too.
[quote name=Aisle424]My season package of nights and weekends was originally for about 41-44 games depending on holidays. This year there are 56 games on the night/weekend package so since they can’t add weekends, they have to be adding night games. That is actually an area where they have been making steady progress over the years.[/quote]Good point. I hope there’s more progress being made. Obviously all the blame can’t be placed on day/night games because the Cubs weren’t very good for awhile even when all teams played day games, but I do think it’s a disadvantage.
[quote name=mb21]Good point. I hope there’s more progress being made. Obviously all the blame can’t be placed on day/night games because the Cubs weren’t very good for awhile even when all teams played day games, but I do think it’s a disadvantage.[/quote]
Here’s my thing. If the Cubs were consistently well-managed and putting good teams on the field I would start to look at ballpark problems more critically. Until they do that on a consistent basis, I am not willing to put the blame on the park.
Also, what’s the thinking on why day baseball is such a disadvantage? Is it that the players wear out from playing so many games in the heat? Body-clock issues?
I always thought there was a little bit of an advantage because they are more used to playing day baseball games than their opponents.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]The Cubs can’t just do that. There are city ordinances.
I used to live in that neighborhood. Night games are a pain in the ass for residents. If I owned a place there and all of a sudden the Cubs started playing 70 night games a year I would be pissed too.[/quote]I understand there are city ordinances, but if Ricketts has the balls and threatens to build elsewhere over this issue, he’s going to get what he wants. I also understand it’s probably a pain in the ass for those who live there, but there are other places to live in Chicago. The Cubs can’t play anywhere else. Also, those in the neighborhood chose to live near place that was going to have 40,000 people in the neighborhood 81 times per year.
If it’s Cubs winning and neighbors being pissed off or neighbors being happy and Cubs fans being pissed off, I think the answer is fairly simple. There are a lot more pissed off Cubs fans that you can appease than you’ll make angry by playing night games. Besides, it’s inevitable that the Cubs will be playing a full night schedule at some point in the near future. They’re playing more and more of them and that’s not going to change.
Rip the bandaid off and do it next year. That’s my plan. (dying laughing)
same ol cubs
This offense is hard to watch.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]This team is hard to watch.[/quote] fixed
[quote name=mb21]I understand there are city ordinances, but if Ricketts has the balls and threatens to build elsewhere over this issue, he’s going to get what he wants.[/quote]
Well, Ricketts has shown he is pretty much incapable of exerting political pressure to get what he wants, so I’m sure that plan would fail miserably.
Just as with the stadium issue, he has no leverage because he can’t move the team.
Cubs are much better off gradually increasing the night games. Much less political opposition than if they tried to announce a plan that they were going to play almost exclusively night games.
There’s any number of potential advantages or disadvantages. One obvious disadvantage is that most teams play at a consistent time. Maybe 6 or 7 pm, but most teams don’t play day games very often. On the other hand, the Cubs play a lot of day games and they play a lot of night games. It’s like someone always working at different times. They’re going to be less effective as a result.
It’s not fair to mention that without at least one potential advantage: being familiar with playing during the day, but that’s only a guess. I’m not sure anyone has ever done any research to show that the Cubs players perform better in day games relative to their projections compared to others. I don’t know.
I’m not blaming everything on Wrigley. You’re absolutely right that the management has sucked for a long, long time. It’s a much bigger issue than when the game is played. However, it is an issue.
Just think about how teams build their roster. They build them with their home part in mind because they play there 81 times. You want to maximize your ability to win at home. Wrigley plays like a pitcher’s paradise at times. At other times it’s a nightmare for the pitchers. Wrigley Field is two parks in one and you they’re pretty much the exact opposite from one another.
But where is the fun in that? Imagine if they just release that schedule like I suggested. There would be all kinds of funny things happening on the internet for us to enjoy. I think the entertainment value of doing that alone makes it worth it. (dying laughing)
Uh oh. Is Z hurt?
He can get leverage. Nobody thought the Cubs would ever leave Mesa and then all of a sudden, they were looking at land in Naples and Arizona came up with money to keep them.
All the Ricketts need to do is have some meetings with suburb politicians with the ability to build them a nice, modern stadium and make sure a reporter somewhere finds out about it. They can deny anything is in the works, but it starts to open the possibility that they might not be as beholden to Wrigley as they have stated publicly. Then when they play hardball with Tunney and the city, they will be taken more seriously.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Uh oh. Is Z hurt?[/quote]
Hand cramps.
I’m still shocked that Ricketts has expressed his love for Wrigley in the way he has. I get that he really does love the ballpark, but it makes it much harder to have any leverage with the city. I agree that he can get it back, but I don’t think he’s willing to.
Castro has a really good arm. He wasn’t even trying and that was still a bullet.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]Castro has a really good arm. He wasn’t even trying and that was still a bullet.[/quote]Lazy Latino!
[quote name=mb21]I’m still shocked that Ricketts has expressed his love for Wrigley in the way he has. I get that he really does love the ballpark, but it makes it much harder to have any leverage with the city. I agree that he can get it back, but I don’t think he’s willing to.[/quote]
Then he is absolutely retarded, and that is an insult to retarded people everywhere.
[quote name=Corms]Hand cramps.[/quote]
My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.
[quote name=Aisle424]He can get leverage. Nobody thought the Cubs would ever leave Mesa and then all of a sudden, they were looking at land in Naples and Arizona came up with money to keep them.
All the Ricketts need to do is have some meetings with suburb politicians with the ability to build them a nice, modern stadium and make sure a reporter somewhere finds out about it. They can deny anything is in the works, but it starts to open the possibility that they might not be as beholden to Wrigley as they have stated publicly. Then when they play hardball with Tunney and the city, they will be taken more seriously.[/quote]
Perhaps. I still think that he has made it all to clear that he isn’t willing to leave Wrigley.
I think the only way he gains the necessary leverage is if he literally has no other choice but to move the Cubs because the team is losing money hand over fist.
[quote name=Rice Cube]My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.[/quote]
You need better friends. I assume these are the same doctors and tough-guys that were all over Jay Cutler in January.
[quote name=Aisle424]Then he is absolutely retarded, and that is an insult to retarded people everywhere.[/quote]I am insulted so yes, you are correct.
[quote name=Rice Cube]My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.[/quote]
Maybe if he got more of that from his wife his hand wouldn’t cramp.
[quote name=Rice Cube]My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.[/quote](dying laughing) most of those people are overweight, haven’t exercised in at least 3 years, ate fast food some time in the last 10 days and are planning to drink about 6 to 10 high calorie beers tonight.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Perhaps. I still think that he has made it all to clear that he isn’t willing to leave Wrigley.
I think the only way he gains the necessary leverage is if he literally has no other choice but to move the Cubs because the team is losing money hand over fist.[/quote]Losing money compared to what? I find it almost impossible to believe that the Cubs wouldn’t make more money in a new ballpark. Cubs fans aren’t going to vanish. They’re still the lovable losers. They’re still everybody’s pick at the beginning of the year. They still have to win this year. It’s still wait til next year. It’s still this year. Same team. I think the Cubs are losing money right now because they refuse add advertising that puts them even on par with small market clubs.
[quote name=Corms]Maybe if he got more of that from his wife his hand wouldn’t cramp.[/quote]
You win.
[quote name=mb21]Losing money compared to what? I find it almost impossible to believe that the Cubs wouldn’t make more money in a new ballpark. Cubs fans aren’t going to vanish. They’re still the lovable losers. They’re still everybody’s pick at the beginning of the year. They still have to win this year. It’s still wait til next year. It’s still this year. Same team. I think the Cubs are losing money right now because they refuse add advertising that puts them even on par with small market clubs.[/quote]
I think you misread what I wrote. He won’t move the team unless he is losing money at Wrigley.
hey, runner at 3rd base! Don’t look away now.
Look at the dumb asses behind the Cubs dugout yelling at Soriano to run to first on the dropped third strike with a runner on first and nobody out.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I think you misread what I wrote. He won’t move the team unless he is losing money at Wrigley.[/quote]I know, but I’m just wondering when he realized he is losing money compared to what he could be making elsewhere.
[quote name=mb21]I know, but I’m just wondering when he realized he is losing money compared to what he could be making elsewhere.[/quote]
Which suburb can afford to build him an $800 million new park? I also don’t think the Cubs would draw as well at a park in Schaumburg as they would at Wrigley.
[quote name=Corms]Look at the dumb asses behind the Cubs dugout yelling at Soriano to run to first on the dropped third strike with a runner on first and nobody out.[/quote]
I think they were also waving Pena to 3rd.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I think they were also waving Pena to 3rd.[/quote]
A bunch of them were staring at Soriano and pointing toward first.
Neifi Perez pinch bunting with 2 outs and a runner on 3rd.
Why the fuck is he bunting with 2 outs? Is he getting that sign?
[quote name=Rice Cube]Apologies. My sarcasm translates poorly to the interwebs.[/quote]Not at all. That was sarcasm on sarcasm asshattery.
Those dipshit fans were definitely shouting at Soriano to run to first. Even Len called them out on their idiocy.
White Sox on a roll.
The Cubs offense is on pace to score an MLB record low of 182 runs this season. That would be 212 runs fewer than the 1941 Phillies.
starlin castro is fun to watch
Starlin Castro is pretty good at sports.
Castro really put a charge into that ball. He’s now scored 2 of the Cubs runs this season and drove in the other.
[quote name=mb21]The Cubs offense is on pace to score an MLB record low of 182 runs this season. That would be 212 runs fewer than the 1941 Phillies.[/quote]
Castro just ruined this for you.
No doubt, DJ. Once again, this season is the Starlin Castro show. Not much else to watch.
Starlin Castro vs. The National League
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]Castro just ruined this for you.[/quote]Figures. He’s just a fuck up.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Starlin Castro vs. The National League[/quote]National League. What do I win?
Castro is really turning into a player right before our eyes. Love the opposite field double.
Castro is starting to make this game look way too easy.
[quote name=Corms]Castro really put a charge into that ball. He’s now scored 2 of the Cubs runs this season and drove in the other.[/quote]He’s scored half their runs?
you know md we are basically watching that one prospect in a million thing we have talked about for years now. This kid is 21 and getting better by the day.
I like the new message when you post.
SK, we stopped telling you thank you after your comments. Hope you’re happy.
[quote name=mb21]He’s scored half their runs?[/quote]He’s now scored 3 of their 4 and driven in the fourth.
Testing…
(dying laughing)
[quote name=dylanj]you know md we are basically watching that one prospect in a million thing we have talked about for years now. This kid is 21 and getting better by the day.[/quote]He’s got the potential to be really special. He’s already good at that age and there’s plenty of reason to think he’ll improve.
[quote name=Corms]He’s now scored 3 of their 4 and driven in the fourth.[/quote]Starlin Castro Show
Soto is going yard here.
[quote name=mb21]He’s got the potential to be really special. He’s already good at that age and there’s plenty of reason to think he’ll improve.[/quote]
Wait, so he is or isn’t as good as Hak-Ju Lee?
[quote name=mb21]Soto is going yard here.[/quote]He just missed it. (dying laughing)
clint hurdle wants the Cubs to win
testing
Hilarious and true.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Wait, so he is or isn’t as good as Hak-Ju Lee?[/quote]Lee’s problem is that he has no power whatsoever, his defense is just as raw, he’s performed worse at lower levels than Castro has at younger ages. Lee is going to have to at .300 to be much good and batting .300 in the big leagues isn’t easy.
[quote name=Aisle424]Hilarious and true.[/quote]I don’t know why we didn’t think of it before.
If one more Cub gets on then Castro is guaranteed to bat again this game, barring a double play.
[quote name=mb21]Lee’s problem is that he has no power whatsoever, his defense is just as raw, he’s performed worse at lower levels than Castro has at younger ages. Lee is going to have to at .300 to be much good and batting .300 in the big leagues isn’t easy.[/quote]
I was kidding. Making fun of the morons that were ready to move Castro off shortstop to make way for a guy hitting worse in low A ball than Castro did in the bigs at almost the same age.
Sorry, HV. I should have seen that, but I’m an idiot.
bah c’mon pena
soriano is gonna get booed on this AB
[quote name=Corms]If one more Cub gets on then Castro is guaranteed to bat again this game, barring a double play.[/quote]I’m starting to think the Cubs should ask MLB if Castro could bat each inning. Surely they’d let the Cubs do that.
[quote name=dylanj]soriano is gonna get booed on this AB[/quote]
Unless he hits a HR.
[quote name=mb21]I’m starting to think the Cubs should ask MLB if Castro could bat each inning. Surely they’d let the Cubs do that.[/quote]The Cubs wouldn’t do that, it would kill concession sales. Who would go to the concession stand and risk missing seeing him bat or make a play on defense?
this could be the year that Soriano just falls apart. His bat hasn’t look near as fast so far
Adolfo!
also sample size dj. (dying laughing)
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Unless he hits a HR.[/quote]
Or hits a game tying single.
Nice.
I don’t think I’m ever happier as a Cubs fan than when Soriano does something good. Not sure why, but I really like that guy.
That’s the first run of the season for the Cubs that Castro didn’t have a direct role in.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I don’t think I’m ever happier as a Cubs fan than when Soriano does something good. Not sure why, but I really like that guy.[/quote]
I agree. I really like it when he succeeds.
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I agree. I really like it when he succeeds.[/quote]
I’ll be completely honest. Because the biggest ass-hats in the Cubs fanbase have a hard-on for booing Soriano, and I hate for them to be right about someone.
Of course, they aren’t really right about him. Even if he’s washed up, he doesn’t deserve to get booed.
colvin is facing a RHP. Quade is gonna be pissed
Kyle Draked 1 hit the twins today. I keep hearing he has terrible mechanics though
[quote name=Corms]If one more Cub gets on then Castro is guaranteed to bat again this game, barring a double play.[/quote]
Of course I didn’t take into account the possibility that the Cubs could take the lead and win before he comes up.
[quote name=Aisle424]
[/quote](dying laughing)
“And it’s up to Blake DeWitt.” Not exactly what I want to hear…
somebody get dewitt a razor
[quote name=dylanj]Kyle Draked 1 hit the twins today. I keep hearing he has terrible mechanics though[/quote]Drabek?
the cubs offense will score 10,000 runs
(dying laughing) yeah Drabek
Enjoy this inning. Cubs won’t score for 14 more.
[quote name=dylanj](dying laughing) yeah Drabek[/quote]That’s what I figured, but I was confused. I read it like 7 times thinking I misread it.
Kosuke will walk twice in one inning
3 lefties in a row facing a righty? What’s wrong with this picture. We need more moroons.
honestly, hurdle must not have a LHP in his bullpen
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]3 lefties in a row facing a righty? What’s wrong with this picture. We need more moroons.[/quote]Clint Hurdle is the Ryan Theriot of managing.
[quote name=dylanj]honestly, hurdle must not have a LHP in his bullpen[/quote]Len mentioned during Pena’s at bat the the lefty had sat down in the pen.
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[quote name=Hector Villanueva]3 lefties in a row facing a righty? What’s wrong with this picture. We need more moroons.[/quote]
It’s White Castle time.
I said nothing made me happier as a Cubs fan than watching Soriano succeed.
I forgot about watching Marmol make a hitter look silly.
Why would anyone ever swing against Marmol? You can’t hit that slider so you might as well just hope for a walk.
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I said nothing made me happier as a Cubs fan than watching Soriano succeed.
I forgot about watching Marmol make a hitter look silly.[/quote]
I was just thinking this as well.
(dying laughing) Even when he hangs the slider they can’t hit it.
Marmol works really fast.
Cubs
Lose.Wait, Win!Mamol is on pace for 81 saves and 243 Ks.
/useless on-pace statistics
anyone else notice marmol winced during that Cedeno at bat?
Marmol was nasty
(dying laughing) at the message submitted message
Well, through two games the good news is there are 3 players on this team worth watching.
ACE MATT GARZA pitches tomorrow. I expect a 10 HR bloodbath
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Well, through two games the good news is there are 3 players on this team worth watching.[/quote]Castro, Marmol and DeWitt?
Cubs, thanks a lot for giving me a reason to watch tomorrow, jerks.
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Castro, Marmol and DeWitt?[/quote]
Castro, Marmol and Z. Although DeWitt’s beard is interesting.
Z was good to watch today. I was only messing about Beardy DeClutch.
I kind of got to see the Cubs win today. It’s a shame that any game ever comes down to Marmol vs. Cedeno, but it was still fun to watch.
I didn’t get to see Marmol close the game. Too bad. Looks like he was flashing some of that ridiculousness again.
Cedeno actually had a good approach up there. He convinced himself that his bat would be of no use and worked the count full by not swinging at some filth that would have been pretty tempting to anyone with intentions of trying to hit. Then Marmol got him out with a slider at the knees that buzzed the strike zone but was not hittable. Nasty.
This isn’t a “new thread up” or anything, but I put together a simple pitcher usage chart. For future reference you can find it on the menu under Site. http://www.obstructedview.net/cubs-pitcher-usage.html
I plan to update this after each game.
What should we put up there where the Opening Day image is? Don’t think we need that up there any longer. Thoughts?
[quote name=mb21]What should we put up there where the Opening Day image is? Don’t think we need that up there any longer. Thoughts?[/quote]
L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?
[quote name=Rice Cube]L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?[/quote]It’s his game.
[quote name=Rice Cube]L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?[/quote]He was bunting for a hit, no question. The 3rd baseman was playing 10-15 feet behind the base. Getting down that bunt successfully was his best chance at reaching base and probably driving in the run. But, you know, he didn’t really come close.
[quote name=Rice Cube]L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?[/quote]
He will do anything he needs to to win the game.
New post posted: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-officially-wont-lose-them-all.html
[quote name=AndCounting]He was bunting for a hit, no question. The 3rd baseman was playing 10-15 feet behind the base. Getting down that bunt successfully was his best chance at reaching base and probably driving in the run. But, you know, he didn’t really come close.[/quote]
I wasn’t able to watch that at-bat but followed it on Gameday. It was a facepalm worthy moment. Thanks for reassuring me that there was indeed a method to the madness.
[quote name=mb21]This isn’t a “new thread up” or anything, but I put together a simple pitcher usage chart. For future reference you can find it on the menu under Site. http://www.obstructedview.net/cubs-pitcher-usage.html
I plan to update this after each game.[/quote]
cool.