Series Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates (22-26) @ Chicago Cubs (22-26)

In Series Previews by dmick89251 Comments

The Cubs have gotten off to a good start on this 9-game home stand. They need to get as close to .500 as they can during this stretch because June is a very tough month for the Cubs. The Cubs have the right teams coming to town in the Pirates and Astros, but the Cubs have also had their troubles with those teams.

Team Overview

Team stats with respective league rankings

Pirates Cubs
wRC+ 86, 13 98, 4
UBR -2, 12 -7.7, 16
UZR 3.1, 6 -9.1, 13
DRS -4, 8 -35, 16
SP FIP 4.19, 14 4.06, 10
RP FIP 3.47, 5 3.73, 10

The Pirates have gotten no production at all from Pedro Alvarez and Lyle Overbay. Alvarez is currently on the disabled list along with pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Mike Crotta.

Pirates batters

wOBA ZiPS wOBA
Andrew McCutchen, CF .355 .364
Jose Tabata, LF .336 .333
Garrett Jones, RF .355 .335
Neil Walker, 2B .337 .338
Lyle Overbay, 1B .295 .324
Ryan Doumit, C .342 .334
Brandon Wood, 3B .247 .287
Ronny Cedeno, SS .273 .296

You wouldn’t think you could get worse after Alvarez’s .271 wOBA, but the Pirates added a guy who has hit only .247 this season and is projected to hit only .287. Alvarez is much better than he’s played so far this season. The Pirates offense is a lot like the Cubs with one exception: they don’t have the holes in their lineup like the Pirates have. The best hitters in the Pirates lineup have projected wOBA’s similar to the Cubs best. When the Cubs have Koyie Hill in the linup it’s similar up and down the lineup.

Pirates pitchers

ERA FIP xFIP ZiPS FIP
Kevin Correia, RHP 3.84 4.09 4.10 4.21
Paul Maholm, LHP 3.65 3.58 3.72 3.81
Jeff Karstens, RHP 3.57 4.81 3.18 4.60

The Cubs do miss Charlie Morton this series, which is probably good considering how well he’s pitched this season.

Pitching Matchups

ERA, FIP, xFIP, and ZiPS projected FIP in parantheses for the Cubs

Friday: Kevin Correia, RHP vs Doug Davis, LHP (8.31, 2.21, 3.53, 4.25), 1:20 PM CT, WGN

Correia has struckout just under 4 batters per 9 innings this season, which is well below his career average. He’s walked under 2 so his K/BB ratio is still pretty decent. He’s allowed a .270 BABIP and stranded many more runners than you’d expect. His FIP and xFIP are about average and ZiPS considers him an average starter. After a couple rough starts vs the Dodgers and then the Brewers, Correia pitched well last time out agains the Tigers.

Davis was hit around by the Red Sox last time out, but he’s struckout a lot of batters so far this season. His peripherals are pretty good, which shows with his 2.21 FIP and 3.53 xFIP. The Pirates have hit a bit worse against lefties than righties so I think we’ll see much better results today than last time out.

Saturday: Paul Maholm, LHP vs Randy Wells, RHP (1.50, 5.07, 3.85, 3.80), 12:05 PM CT, CSN

Maholm has been pretty good this year, but he’s facing a team that has a .353 wOBA vs lefties so I’ll be surprised if he pitches well on Saturday. Maholm has allowed only a .276 BABIP this year and has been lucky with home runs as well. I look for that luck to change on Saturday.

Randy Wells returns to make only his second big league start this season. He didn’t pitch well in his final rehab assignment, or I should say the results weren’t there. Wells is a good pitcher, but I have no idea what to expect from him after missing almost two months. I believe he only threw 70 pitches for the I-Cubs so I’d expect him to be out as soon as he reaches 80 to 85 pitches.

Sunday: Jeff Karstens, RHP vs Ryan Dempster, RHP (6.29, 4.51, 3.41, 3.74), 1:20 PM CT, WGN

19.6% of the fly balls hit against Karsents have left the yard. Considering how unlucky he’s been in that regard, it’s hard to imagine he had just a 3.57 ERA. I understand why his xFIP is so low. Then you look at his LOB% and he’s actually stranded over 81% of the runners who have reached base. That will come down and so will the HR/FB rate.

Dempster’s HR/FB rate has begun to drop finally. His ERA and FIP are still ugly as a result of how many flies left the yard, but his xFIP is actually better than any other year’s he’s been a starting pitcher. Unlike Karstens who has gotten lucky in stranding runners, Dempster has also been unlucky and not stranding runners as often as you’d expect. Dempster has a 2.62 FIP in May as well as a 2.77 xFIP to go along with his much improved 3.09 ERA. He got off to a horrible start in large part due to luck and has regressed toward the mean as we expected.


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Comments

  1. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=mb21]there clearly need to be a penalty here and it’s not going to bed without dinner.[/quote]
    That’s just it. The penalty could range from no punishment to execution and I’d be fine with both in certain situations. Our legal system doesn’t really work that way, though.

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  2. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=GBTS]the court said the plaintiff may have been equally negligent for just not killing the boar. (dying laughing) Texas.[/quote]
    I’ve grown to love Texas.

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  3. Rice Cube

    CarrieMuskat Carrie Muskat
    #cubs zambrano says his neck is fine. He gets stiff when he falls asleep in awkward position while watching TV

    Why is he watching TV instead of practicing his pitching?!?!?!!

    /hobbit’d

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  4. Dr. Aneus Taint

    Fleita said today he takes the guns out of the park when Simpson pitches. Doesn’t want him worrying about it.
    — Bruce Miles

    Before you guys go all NRA, he means radar guns.

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  5. Dr. Aneus Taint

    Well at least you don’t have to worry about the baseball team losing in the conference finals.

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  6. uncle dave

    [quote name=Mish][/quote]
    (dying laughing)

    I was just set to write three paragraphs on how pathetic I felt upon looking forward to Illinois football, but this sums it up much better.

    (No, seriously, once David Stern had decided that the NBA finals would officially be a free throw shooting contest instead of a series of actual basketball games, that’s what I thought of. Perhaps his logic was that a Heat-Mavs finals would be so bad it will make fans practically beg for a lockout?)

    But, hey, we’re only 6.5 out. Did the Germans give up when we bombed Pearl Harbor & etc.? Kaplan? Dead. Brenly? Dead. YELLLLLOOOONNNNNNNNN………..

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  7. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=uncle dave](dying laughing)

    I was just set to write three paragraphs on how pathetic I felt upon looking forward to Illinois football, but this sums it up much better.

    (No, seriously, once David Stern had decided that the NBA finals would officially be a free throw shooting contest instead of a series of actual basketball games, that’s what I thought of. Perhaps his logic was that a Heat-Mavs finals would be so bad it will make fans practically beg for a lockout?)

    But, hey, we’re only 6.5 out. Did the Germans give up when we bombed Pearl Harbor & etc.? Kaplan? Dead. Brenly? Dead. YELLLLLOOOONNNNNNNNN………..[/quote]
    So what are you gonna do? Go out and dip your butt into a koi pond and let the fish clean it?

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  8. GBTS

    ESPN is running the following poll:

    What are you rooting for in the NBA Finals?
    a) Heat win the series.
    b) Heat lose the series.
    c) Mavs win the series.

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  9. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=uncle dave]False.[/quote]
    So what are you gonna do? Go out and dip your butt into a koi pond and let the fish clean it?

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  10. GBTS

    I don’t care if Barack Obama’s challenger in 2012 wins or loses the election. I just want him reelected.

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  11. Mish

    Sickels:

    **Chicago Cubs outfield prospect Matt Szczur is on a tear for Low-A Peoria, hitting .405 in his last 10 games, stealing seven bases in that stretch. Overall, he’s hitting .336/.407/.395 with 12 steals in 13 attempts, with a 14/11 BB/K in 119 at-bats. Drafted in the fifth round last year from Villanova, Szczur is an excellent athlete with blazing speed. This helps him on the bases obviously, and he’s also a very strong defensive outfielder. He has a feel for the strike zone and makes contact; about the only flaw is a lack of home run power, though he’s shown considerable pop in batting practice and scouts think more homers could come eventually. His name would be worth 26 points in Scrabble.

    (dying laughing)

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  12. uncle dave

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]So what are you gonna do? Go out and dip your butt into a koi pond and let the fish clean it?[/quote]I hear tell that folks actually do shit like that with their feet.

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  13. Xoomwaffle

    [quote name=GBTS]I don’t care if Barack Obama’s challenger in 2012 wins or loses the election. I just want him reelected.[/quote]
    ????

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  14. Mish

    [quote name=Xoomwaffle]????[/quote]
    He’s making fun of the ESPN poll a couple posts above.

    To be fair, GBTS – that poll is made with the ESPN demographic in mind.

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  15. Mish

    KG

    Dae-Eun Rhee, RHP, Cubs (High-A Daytona): 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 10 K. 22-year-old Korea has looked much better in second year after Tommy John surgery; with solid fastball and plus changeup.

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  16. ZappBrannigan

    I’m arguing with idiots about lazy latino Ramirez.

    I should remember not to do this in the future.

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  17. mb21

    [quote name=ZappBrannigan]I’m arguing with idiots about lazy latino Ramirez.

    I should remember not to do this in the future.[/quote]Link?

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  18. ZappBrannigan

    I understand the sentiment My guess is that Quade isn’t doing it as a gesture of good faith to Ramirez. Managers and players have pretty complicated relationships that fans don’t often understand. Once again, this is only a guess, but I imagine Quade is telling Ramirez that he trusts he will come out of his funk by keeping him in the 4th spot. In all honesty, a cleanup hitter like Ramirez has been in past years is EXACTLY what this team needs to compete, so Quade showing he still has faith in him isn’t necessarily a bad move in my book.
    by markrvdl on May 27, 2011 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions
    .
    Most of last year he was not good and this year he is being out played by most. Outside of Soriano, I think ARam is last person next to Hill I want up in a clutch spot right now. Wait Hill can at least bunt…..

    But hit him 4th Essian!!!
    by TJ11 on May 27, 2011 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions

    .
    That was one of the more mind-meltingly stupid comments.
    http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/5/27/2192578/chicago-cubs-pittsburgh-pirates-preview-friday#comments

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  19. ZappBrannigan

    [quote name=Mish]I like the “Aramis isn’t Pujols” comment as if that was what you were suggesting.[/quote]
    Normally I don’t even bother arguing, but the Lazy Ramirez thread going through there has just been annoying me to no end.

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  20. Mish

    I sometimes like to push back against BCB too. I would insert myself into the fire but I don’t see anywhere to stick it in. /innuendo’d

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  21. mb21

    [quote name=8volumesthick]who the crap is Justin Bour?[/quote]This year’s breakout prospect who isn’t really any good, but people are going to fall in love with anyway?

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  22. Mish

    OVBlog members trying to discredit Tango’s blog by turning his education thread into “what place has the best weather” thread.

    Great post mb. (dying laughing)

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  23. Mish

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]

    Yeah, I’m bored.[/quote]
    Should I be honored or insulted that I’m the one you chose for you fagif?

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  24. mb21

    [quote name=8volumesthick]oh, you mean 2011’s Chris Archer?[/quote]Him, Jason Dubois, Jay Jackson and others. It happens every year. I’m sure it happens with fans in every organization.

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  25. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=Mish]Should I be honored or insulted that I’m the one you chose for you fagif?[/quote]
    Post No. 34 was the last in the thread when I decided to make that.

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  26. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]Should I be honored or insulted that I’m the one you chose for you fagif?[/quote]I’d kick his ass. Stab him in the heart. you can’t let him get away with that shit.

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  27. Mish

    [quote name=Jame Gumb]Post No. 34 was the last in the thread when I decided to make that.[/quote]
    +1 faget point

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  28. Mish

    [quote name=mb21]I’d kick his ass. Stab him in the heart. you can’t let him get away with that shit.[/quote]
    Knock it off.

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  29. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]OVBlog members trying to discredit Tango’s blog by turning his education thread into “what place has the best weather” thread.

    Great post mb. (dying laughing)[/quote]I hate best weather arguments. You can go anywhere and if you talk to people who have lived there for awhile the weather is one of the things they’re going to love. It’s just stupid. People also get used to weather rather quickly so it’s not like it’s a big deal.

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  30. Dr. Aneus Taint

    [quote name=mb21]I’d kick his ass. Stab him in the heart. you can’t let him get away with that shit.[/quote]
    I have a feeling you’ll appear in the “Which of the following is the smallest?” version.

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  31. Mish

    [quote name=mb21]I hate best weather arguments. You can go anywhere and if you talk to people who have lived there for awhile the weather is one of the things they’re going to love. It’s just stupid. People also get used to weather rather quickly so it’s not like it’s a big deal.[/quote]
    I agreed with everything you said. Tango responded to you trying to determine the ideal conditions.

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  32. uncle dave

    [quote name=mb21]What did Len say?[/quote]Nothing interesting, but, his cadence, was a, bit unusual so, it seemed like something that Al, would say.

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  33. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]I agreed with everything you said. Tango responded to you trying to determine the ideal conditions.[/quote]Which is impossible because of all the factors that need to be considered. Even if it was, I can guarantee people still complain about the weather.

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  34. Mish

    [quote name=Berselius]Same old Cubs[/quote]
    Is there a specific way you get tweets and posts here to sync up, or do you copy pasta?

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  35. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]False. This year’s team is different. Al Yellon said so.[/quote]
    Agree to disagree, even though he has a source.

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  36. Mish

    [quote name=mb21]At least there won’t be a no-hitter.[/quote]
    Damn this was the only reason to watch. If I was watching. Which I’m not,

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  37. Berselius

    [quote name=Mish]Is there a specific way you get tweets and posts here to sync up, or do you copy pasta?[/quote]
    Cloned pasta is nothing to joke about

    also, no.

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  38. Xoomwaffle

    [quote name=mb21]False. This year’s team is different. Al Yellon said so.[/quote]
    They’re going to comeback because they have to.

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  39. uncle dave

    Four singles, four walks, two errors. Also, can we please beat the fucking Pirates at some point? Just once?

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  40. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]Is there a specific way you get tweets and posts here to sync up, or do you copy pasta?[/quote]I don’t understand the question. Can you say it slower?

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  41. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Mish]^^^ explain yourself.[/quote]Len quoted something that was written on mlb.sbnation.com about Tony Campana’s scrapitude.

    Upon investigation, it appears that someone else said it, not the Irrational-Idiot-in-Chief.

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  42. mb21

    [quote name=uncle dave]Four singles, four walks, two errors. Also, can we please beat the fucking Pirates at some point? Just once?[/quote]I was feeling good about this series, but the Cubs just suck.

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  43. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Agree to disagree, even though he has a source.[/quote]You’re disagreeing with a source? That’s ballsy.

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  44. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]Anybody know why Ryno is posting his family pictures on OV?[/quote]
    Maybe he’s wondering if they should get haircuts

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  45. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Maybe he’s wondering if they should get haircuts[/quote]His wife should get a haircut and he should see a dermatologist. Just my 2 cents.

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  46. ACT

    Sweet, mlb.tv is showing the Lincecum game tonight as the free game. Maybe I’ll see something resembling real baseball today.

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  47. mb21

    [quote name=ACT]Sweet, mlb.tv is showing the Lincecum game tonight as the free game. Maybe I’ll see something resembling real baseball today.[/quote](dying laughing) you’re not going to see it this weekend if you watch the Cubs and Pirates.

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  48. Berselius

    (dying laughing) at this protracted rant from Brenly about the Right Way To Play The Game re no-hitters

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  49. mb21

    What’s funny is that he just said there’s no right or wrong yet he was upset about it. (dying laughing)

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  50. Suburban kid

    “I guess they wanted us to drop our weapons and raise our hands. We’re trying to win the ballgame and we got the tying run up to the plate. We almost won the ballgame.” Bochy raised this argument: “What if it’s the seventh game of the World Series? Would they or anybody be upset? No, because that’s a huge game and you’re trying to win the game. That’s how you want your team playing every game.”

    http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/diamondbacks/2001-05-27-schilling.htm

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  51. uncle dave

    Is Koyie wearing tape on his fingers to help the pitchers see signs? It ain’t helping him throw out baserunners.

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  52. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Berselius]http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/5/27/2193824/the-cubs-unholy-3[/quote]Seems like Neyer gets paid to watch the Cubs and make little posts quoting Bob and Len. He has several Brenly soundbite posts as well.

    Couldn’t any blog commenter do that?

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  53. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/diamondbacks/2001-05-27-schilling.htm[/quote]You’re all about doing research today. (dying laughing)

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  54. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid]Seems like Neyer gets paid to watch the Cubs and make little posts quoting Bob and Len. He has several Brenly soundbite posts as well.

    Couldn’t any blog commenter do that?[/quote]Yeah. I’m not sure what’s gone wrong with Neyer, but it’s pretty bad at this point.

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  55. Suburban kid

    Cubs came out sucking when they were born.
    Their mom said “suck it” till the break of dawn.

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  56. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Yeah. I’m not sure what’s gone wrong with Neyer, but it’s pretty bad at this point.[/quote]I couldn’t even tell what his point was with the Brenly quotes. I couldn’t be sure if he liked the quotes or was mocking them.

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  57. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Suburban kid]I couldn’t even tell what his point was with the Brenly quotes. I couldn’t be sure if he liked the quotes or was mocking them.[/quote]
    I assumed the latter.

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  58. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]If this was last year’s team, there would be no base hits in the 7th inning.[/quote]
    This year’s team grounds into double plays after base hits in the 7th inning.

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  59. mb21

    I would imagine Campana is getting all kinds of shit from the teammates about his hat like Len and Bob said.

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  60. Perkins

    [quote name=Suburban kid]http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/diamondbacks/2001-05-27-schilling.htm[/quote]
    (dying laughing), Ben Davis is actually related to my boss’s wife. Small world.

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  61. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Do we have to remove the It’s Gonna Happen image from the sidebar if the Cubs lose?[/quote]
    I’d keep it for the irony.

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  62. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Do we have to remove the It’s Gonna Happen image from the sidebar if the Cubs lose?[/quote]

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  63. mb21

    [quote name=Rice Cube]I think I actually like SK’s picture idea better.[/quote]But people would think we’re pessimistic! We can’t have that.

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  64. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]But people would think we’re pessimistic! We can’t have that.[/quote]
    Oh, is THAT why today’s preview was so upbeat? (dying laughing)

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  65. mb21

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Oh, is THAT why today’s preview was so upbeat? (dying laughing)[/quote]Actually, no. I just really thought the Cubs would dominate this series. I really did think they’d sweep.

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  66. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Actually, no. I just really thought the Cubs would dominate this series. I really did think they’d sweep.[/quote]
    Well, we still have six outs left.

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  67. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Len is going all Harry with this last name shit the last few days.[/quote]What else is there to do when broadcasting non-2008 Cubs games?

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  68. mb21

    [quote name=ACT]He leads the league in handling the pitching staff well.[/quote]He’s also been the primary back-up catcher to a team that might be close to .500 if they didn’t have any injuries.

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  69. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]He’s also been the primary back-up catcher to a team that might be close to .500 if they didn’t have any injuries.[/quote]Impressive.

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  70. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid]Impressive.[/quote]I know. That’s why he’s an all-star and it’s our responsibility to see to it that other fans understand.

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  71. Perkins

    [quote name=mb21]He’s also been the primary back-up catcher to a team that might be close to .500 if they didn’t have any injuries.[/quote]
    He’s marginally better at baseball than at operating a table saw!

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  72. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Am I going too far to suggest that fans start chanting M-V-P when Koyie comes to bat?[/quote]
    I think I’ll do it if Koyie ever starts a future game I go to at Wrigley Field.

    I suspect many will stare at me like I’ve lost my mind.

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  73. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Berselius]Time for a warning track out for Rodrigo[/quote]
    If by warning track you mean Waveland, then I concur.

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  74. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Did Castro walk again?[/quote]
    Yes. Then Ramirez popped out on the infield to end the inning.

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  75. mb21

    [quote name=Rice Cube]I think I’ll do it if Koyie ever starts a future game I go to at Wrigley Field.

    I suspect many will stare at me like I’ve lost my mind.[/quote]Do it. Then start the wave.

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  76. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Yes. Then Ramirez popped out on the infield to end the inning.[/quote]Just kill me now.

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  77. mb21

    [quote name=ACT]Didn’t quite have the distance.[/quote]It was a lot deeper than the flyout would have been last season.

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  78. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Do it. Then start the wave.[/quote]
    The seat Nazis may eject me for such an offense.

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  79. Mish

    So what’s the deal with PSN? My buddy’s an Indians fan so we wanna catch Rays/Indians, but I don’t want the two of us staring at my iPad all night long.

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  80. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]If we trade Grabow back to the Pirates between innings we have a chance to win this game.[/quote]
    Shut you right up.

    Unless of course you meant to trade him straight up for McCutchen, in which case I heartily agree.

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  81. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Mish]So what’s the deal with PSN? My buddy’s an Indians fan so we wanna catch Rays/Indians, but I don’t want the two of us staring at my reflection all night long.[/quote]
    /ha

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  82. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]So what’s the deal with PSN? My buddy’s an Indians fan so we wanna catch Rays/Indians, but I don’t want the two of us staring at my iPad all night long.[/quote]It’s working fine these days.

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  83. mb21

    [quote name=Mish]Thanks. I thought I read it got hacked again after it went back up.[/quote]It did, but it didn’t knock it offline.

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  84. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Adolpho! Cubs lose by less![/quote]Last year this is a 4-0 loss. This year it’s 4-2.

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  85. mb21

    Why did the Pirates bring in a lefty to face the Cubs? That’s about the only thing you can do wrong against this lineup.

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  86. Mucker

    111 pitches in 4 2/3 for Davis? (dying laughing) Should have left him in for the 207 pitch complete game.

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  87. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Why did the Pirates bring in a lefty to face the Cubs? That’s about the only thing you can do wrong against this lineup.[/quote]
    Pity.

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  88. Mish

    [quote name=mb21]Why did the Pirates bring in a lefty to face the Cubs? That’s about the only thing you can do wrong against this lineup.[/quote]
    For Pena I’m sure, but they could have brought in Hanrahan after Beimel walked him. Not exactly sure what the thought process was there, you gave Soriano the one thing he can handle well (bad lefties).

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  89. Rice Cube

    [quote name=mb21]Take away the injuries and losing to the Astros and Pirates and this team might be .500.[/quote]
    And if the team had a good offense, good defense and good pitching, they’d be contenders.

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  90. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Take away the injuries and losing to the Astros and Pirates and this team might be .500.[/quote]Don’t forget the weather.

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  91. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/27/10-years-later-bob-brenly-still-bitter-about-ben-davis-bunt/[/quote]
    What was the score of that game at the time, like 2-0? If it were me I wouldn’t have cared. Now if the score was 15-0, then I’d think that was a bit of a dick move.

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  92. Suburban kid

    [quote name=Mish]^^^ on Brenly[/quote]

    skerney – May 27, 2011 at 5:38 PM
    26 years later, I’m still bitter about Bob Brenly hitting .220 in 1985.

    (dying laughing)

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  93. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid]Yuck. I just fuckyeahnoun’d “injuries” and it was something Ryno might link to.[/quote]Some things you can’t unsee.

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  94. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid]Don’t forget the weather.[/quote]Great point. You could also take away all their blow out losses, as well as any losses of 1 run or more and the team is undefeated. That’s how good this team is.

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  95. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Some things you can’t unsee.[/quote]Unlike those things that you can unsee?

    /dick’d

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  96. mb21

    [quote name=Suburban kid]Unlike those things that you can unsee?

    /dick’d[/quote]If you’re as advanced as me, you can unsee things.

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  97. Berselius

    [quote name=Mish]http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/05/27/10-years-later-bob-brenly-still-bitter-about-ben-davis-bunt/[/quote]

    Brenly also made the comment that his statements at the time slamming Davis may have been overly heated because the Schilling game was the first in a doubleheader and, as a result, he had to talk to the press immediately after the game and didn’t have time to cool down. Of course, we do have some data there. The Diamondbacks played no doubleheader that day. It was a pretty typical Saturday night game — the third game in a four-game series. Arizona played just one doubleheader that year, that coming three months later.

    (dying laughing)

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  98. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Bruce Miles says Rodrigo Lopez –> starting on monday[/quote]If Rodrigo Lopez had started all the games that Wells and Cashner missed, the team would be close to .500.

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  99. Mish

    [quote name=GBTS]Still (dying laughing) @ Stick Ponies.[/quote]
    I hope your profession will survive this unfortunate turn of events.

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  100. melissa

    Watching White Sox game and Beckham just had a throw bounce off the turf and hit him right below the eye. He has a huge goose egg, hope his face isn’t broken like Byrd’s. It looked nasty.

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  101. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]Cubs lose.

    Though it will be good to see Randy Wells back[/quote]It would be nicer if we saw the Cubs offense show some kind of consistency.

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  102. Chris Dickerson

    Robert Whitenack went a whopping 2.2 innings last night before Gameday flashed the “Injury Delay” and then he was replaced.

    Good times!

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  103. mb21

    [quote name=Chris Dickerson]Robert Whitenack went a whopping 2.2 innings last night before Gameday flashed the “Injury Delay” and then he was replaced.

    Good times![/quote]Can’t find any word on the injury, but apparently he delivered a pitch and then bent over in pain. That’s usually not a good sign.

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  104. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]It would be nicer if we saw the Cubs offense show some kind of consistency.[/quote]
    The Cubs offense has the consistency and odor of baby shit.

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  105. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]Can’t find any word on the injury, but apparently he delivered a pitch and then bent over in pain. That’s usually not a good sign.[/quote]
    At least the pitch didn’t fly into the dugout, bouncing off of Brett Jackson’s and Trey McNutt’s skulls before crushing a puppy.

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  106. Xoomwaffle

    [quote name=Berselius]At least the pitch didn’t fly into the dugout, bouncing off of Brett Jackson’s and Trey McNutt’s skulls before crushing a puppy.[/quote]
    Now that’s just ridiculous. Why would there be a puppy in the dugout?

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  107. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]At least the pitch didn’t fly into the dugout, bouncing off of Brett Jackson’s and Trey McNutt’s skulls before crushing a puppy.[/quote]It may have and they just didn’t tell us. I’m not sure I believe the ball can bounce all the way to Arizona and hit Jackson, but I could be convinced.

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  108. Berselius

    [quote name=mb21]It may have and they just didn’t tell us. I’m not sure I believe the ball can bounce all the way to Arizona and hit Jackson, but I could be convinced.[/quote]
    (dying laughing), I forgot he wasn’t with the team. No wonder all the other blogs continuously blast this one for being complete shit.

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  109. Berselius

    lineup

    CF Campana
    2B Barney
    SS Castro
    3B Rodrigo
    LF Adolfo
    RF Montanez
    1B Peenya
    C Koyie
    P Wells

    Too lazy to scroll up, but I’m guessing the Pirates are starting a lefty

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  110. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius]lineup

    CF Campana
    2B Barney
    SS Castro
    3B Rodrigo
    LF Adolfo
    RF Montanez
    1B Peenya
    C Koyie
    P Wells

    Too lazy to scroll up, but I’m guessing the Pirates are starting a lefty[/quote]Maholm

    This lineup is hilarious. Tony Campana, Koyie Hill, and Luis Montanez along with a pitcher. Welcome to Des Moines.

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  111. Chris Dickerson

    Bruce Miles has a Whitenack update

    We’ve also written a lot about pitcher Rob Whitenack. He left last night’s start after only 2.2 innings with what the Cubs described as arm discomfort. And so it goes. Talk with you guys Sunday.

    (sigh)

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  112. Suburban kid

    [quote name=mb21]Maholm

    This lineup is hilarious. Tony Campana, Koyie Hill, and Luis Montanez along with a pitcher. Welcome to Des Moines.[/quote]Let the kids play.

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  113. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Chris Dickerson]Bruce Miles has a Whitenack update

    (sigh)[/quote]
    *sad face*

    Byrd was at Wrigley today.

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  114. ACT

    [quote name=mb21]It would be nicer if we saw the Cubs offense show some kind of consistency.[/quote]The Cubs’ offense has been the least of their problems this year.

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  115. mb21

    [quote name=ACT]The Cubs’ offense has been the least of their problems this year.[/quote]It may be the least of their problems, but 29 times they’ve scored fewer runs than average and they’ve done so in a hitter’s park. When you suck on defense, running the bases and your pitching staff has gotten lit up, the offense is obviously going to be the least of their problems. It would still make things a lot easier if they could consistently score runs, which they haven’t done so far.

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  116. ZappBrannigan

    I see the strategy of making the opposing pitcher throw as few pitches as possible is working wonderfully again.

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  117. Suburban kid

    [quote name=ZappBrannigan]I see the strategy of making the opposing pitcher throw as few pitches as possible is working wonderfully again.[/quote]The strategy also includes, when playing the Pirates, that no one gets a base hit for at least three innings.

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  118. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Suburban kid](dying laughing) @ Quade’s “I’m so fired” look[/quote]
    I can’t watch today but I thought he always had that look (dying laughing)

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  119. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Rice Cube]I really want to see if Maholm can throw a “gem”…

    /no jinx[/quote]
    False.

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  120. Rice Cube

    (dying laughing)
    (dying laughing)

    Keith was saying that Russell was on deck and nobody was up in the pen. It’s wonderful to know that Quade is so sure his 7 and 8 spot guys are such automatic outs.

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  121. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Rice Cube]Pirates have a touchdown! Can they hit the extra point?[/quote]
    Ricestradamus.

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  122. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Suburban kid]Have they tacked on a field goal yet?[/quote]
    Oh yeah. Pirates kneeled to end the game.

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  123. Rice Cube

    [quote name=Xoomwaffle]So, they just got three-hit by a left-hander, right?[/quote]
    Pat said two of the hits were complete shit and the double by Soriano hung for a very long time and McCutchen just mistimed it, so the Cubs could very well have been no-hit (dying laughing)

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  124. Berselius

    (dying laughing). At least there were no fielding errors by the Cubs today. I laughed when I turned on my phone and saw the score.

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  125. Mish

    I turned it on in the 8th inning and the Cubs were down 9-0. I was really upset, mostly because there was (and still is) nothing else on TV to watch.

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  126. ACT

    [quote name=Berselius](dying laughing). At least there were no fielding errors by the Cubs today. I laughed when I turned on my phone and saw the score.[/quote]No errors, but Campana made a dumbass throw that allowed a runner to advance.

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  127. Rice Cube

    the Cubs failed to draw a single walk and rank dead last in doing so in the National League.

    A lot of it is that Maholm was pounding the zone today.

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  128. ACT

    I actually like their chances tomorrow, assuming Soto is 100% (or thereabouts) and Demp isn’t all homer-happy.

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  129. Rice Cube

    [quote name=ACT]I actually like their chances tomorrow, assuming Soto is 100% (or thereabouts) and Demp isn’t all homer-happy.[/quote]
    Based on B-Ref’s WAR tables, Soto at 0% > Koyie at 100% (dying laughing)

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  130. Rice Cube

    If you intentionally walk Yuniesky Betancourt, is that like dividing by zero?

    It is the bottom of the ninth with only one out and runners on 2B and 3B though, so I can understand it.

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  131. mb21

    [quote name=Berselius](dying laughing). At least there were no fielding errors by the Cubs today. I laughed when I turned on my phone and saw the score.[/quote]I just checked the score a couple minutes ago and wasn’t even that surprised. This team is a joke.

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