October 4 Playoff Game Open Thread

by lboros on Oct 4, 2007 2:39 PM EDT in St. Louis Cardinals News


morales	kendrick
3-2, 3.43	10-4, 3.87

franklin morales is one of two rookie pitchers colorado put into their rotation in the 2d half. he joined on august 18, a month after ubaldo jimenez (who made his first start july 19). with those two rookies in the rotation, the rockies shaved about 3/4 of a run off their team era --- 4.60ish before july 19, 3.87 thereafter.

this game starts at 2 pm central time; the yanks and indians are on at 5:30 (wang vs sabathia), and the cubs and dbacks wrap things up beginning at 9 o'clock in a matchup of southpaws (lilly v davis). all the games are on TBS. this is a generic thread for all 3 games today.

Update [2007-10-4 19:10:23 by lboros]: silly me --- i completely forgot to add links to the SB Nation sites corresponding to today's playoff participants:

phillies: The Good Phight
rockies: Purple Row
yankees: Pinstripe Alley
indians: Let's Go Tribe
cubs: Bleed Cubbie Blue
dbacks: AZ Snakepit

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Comments

Gameday up now

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2007_10_04_colmlb_phimlb_1

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 2:30 PM EDT reply actions

Lineups

Col:
Matsui 2B
Tulo SS
Holliday LF
Helton 1B
Atkins 3B
Hawpe RF
Spilborghs CF
Torr C
Morales P

Phi:
Rollins SS
Utley 2B
Burrell LF
Howard 1B
Rowand CF
Werth RF
Helms 3B
Ruiz C
Kendrick P

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 2:32 PM EDT reply actions

Looks like Charlie took my advice

and stacked:
Rollins SS
Utley 2B
Burrell LF
Howard 1B
Rowand CF

all in a row. Unfortunately for me and him, those first 3 sucked hard.

Do or die time for the Phillies today. Don't want to fall into a 2-0 hole going on the road.

Go Rox!

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions

First pitch HR!

Go Troy!

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 3:11 PM EDT reply actions

Shit Holliday

Another first pitch homer.

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 3:13 PM EDT reply actions

When does Holliday

Become a Free Agent? I know its not far off. I want him in a Cards uni!

Come on You Redbirds--Mike Shannon

by BluesDrummer85 on Oct 4, 2007 3:14 PM EDT reply actions

Boras client

gonna cost a bunch of money. Look at what Tex gets next year and add $3 M a year.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Never...

he'll take over for Helton as the face of the Rockies Organization.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Oct 4, 2007 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

He is from

Oklahoma (Stillwater)

That might be Cardinal country. Get him ASAP!

Come on You Redbirds--Mike Shannon

by BluesDrummer85 on Oct 4, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions

Imagine

Rasmus CF
Ankiel/Duncan LF/RF/whereverfield
Pujols 1B
Holliday LF/RF

Those four to open up against if Rasmus pans out correctly would be nasty and followed by:

Rolen 3B
Renteria SS
Ryan 2B
Molina/Anderson C
Wainwright P

mmm tasty.

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions

Funny thing is....

in the minor leagues, Holliday never had much power, and only hit for decent average.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Oct 4, 2007 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions

Holliday in the minors

.275/.348/.424 Holliday
.262/.337/.415 Duncan
.304/.415/.525 Dunn
.314/.373/.543 Pujols

Looking at Holliday's minor league stats I see a lot of similarity to Duncan's so we might already have a Matt Holliday on our team if he can stay healthy. I included Dunn's and Pujols' stats just for fun.

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

be VERY careful re: holliday

his coors/non-coors splits are very suspicious. away from coors, he's still solid, but nothing like he is at home

Hello, playoff watching

by nycbirdo on Oct 4, 2007 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Rollins follows suit

another first pitch homer now 2-1 Rox

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 3:19 PM EDT reply actions

Looks like this one...

is gonna be a barn burner!...God...I LOVE playoff baseball...

by Timbo02 on Oct 4, 2007 3:20 PM EDT reply actions

me too...

I just wish our Birds were in it :/

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Oct 4, 2007 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Morales is tipping his pitches

on his fastball, he 'drags' his arm behind him and then slingshots it towards home, as if he is loading up on it.

on breaking pitches, he quick throws it. It's more fluid, arm goes back, arm comes forward.

Which, is really amazing because if you look for this, it plays to the hitters strength because you can't 'sneak' a curveball past a hitter and with the fastball, you have that extra delay to get started.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

Automatic ball

Gameday just showed an automatic ball, what is that?

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 3:48 PM EDT reply actions

Morales touched his face/mouth

on the mound - automatic ball.

by enoscountry on Oct 4, 2007 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Is this only once you're set?

Seems like pitchers do that constantly.

by sdrone on Oct 4, 2007 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Not on mound, rule 8.02

The pitcher shall not --
(a) (1) Bring his pitching hand in contact with his mouth or lips while in the 18 foot circle surrounding the pitching rubber.

EXCEPTION: Provided it is agreed to by both managers, the umpire prior to the start of a game played in cold weather, may permit the pitcher to blow on his hand.

PENALTY: For violation of this part of this rule the umpires shall immediately call a ball. However, if the pitch is made and a batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a hit batsman or otherwise, and no other runner is put out before advancing at least one base, the play shall proceed without reference to the violation. Repeated offenders shall be subject to a fine by the league president.

by enoscountry on Oct 4, 2007 4:00 PM EDT reply actions

Rollins owns Morales

Wonder what the vegas odds are on Rollins hitting for the cycle before the 5th inning?

by SleepyCA on Oct 4, 2007 4:01 PM EDT reply actions

KAAAAZOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Go Rox.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

kaz!

and look everyone, it's TOLAXOR!

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 4, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

Please explain why...

I should be excited by the return of TOLAXOR. Is that your alter ego or something?

Ease LaDunketty out gently, thank him profusely, and... Hire Antonetti!!!

by guayzimi on Oct 4, 2007 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

because TOLAXOR is entertaining

because every time he posts, unknowing people post about eight different times "why do you use all caps, it's annoying"

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 4, 2007 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Hindsight 20/20

what a terrible call by Manuel. Matzui is boosting his contract everyday.

by enoscountry on Oct 4, 2007 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

I thought pinch-hitting this early was idiotic

who's the idiot now?

answer: me

The Phillies fan in the next office just kicked a box that was up against a wall, causing a chain reaction that lead to his law school diploma falling and breaking.

by tdawg on Oct 4, 2007 4:40 PM EDT reply actions

ahahahaha

phillies are screwed.

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 4, 2007 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Broken Diploma

serves him right. There are less childish ways to vent than that. I wonder, now that it looks like the Rockies are putting this one to bed early, if he's started kicking down the wall that separates the two of you. Might want to stand back.

"Requiescat In Pace - 2007 Zombie Cardinals"

by AustinBOB on Oct 4, 2007 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

what a strange game

Both the Phillies and the Rockies bringing starting pitchers out of their bullpen early in the game. I guess Fogg only got 4 IP out of his last start, but it was 3 days ago, and he threw 75 pitches...

by SleepyCA on Oct 4, 2007 4:49 PM EDT reply actions

it looks like

you can watch the game online.

go to stlcardinals.com and click on the TBS thing it shows. >_>

by Pujols on Oct 4, 2007 5:03 PM EDT reply actions

check out

the dugout cam, it's pretty neat.

by Pujols on Oct 4, 2007 5:06 PM EDT reply actions

As if the Rockies weren't already the favorite...

here at VEB. The team and management voted to donate their playoff share to the Coolbaugh family.

----

"We decided as a team," shortstop Troy Tulowitzki said Thursday afternoon. "You know, a lot of thoughts and prayers went out to him. ... We felt that, as a team, it was the right thing to do and we're obviously happy with the decision. I hope they are too, and I'm sure they will be."

Tulowitzki only addressed the gesture after manager Clint Hurdle divulged the results of last week's vote while discussing the maturity of his young team.

"That's a matter between the players and Mandy," Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd said. "I will say it almost brought tears to my eyes. ... They didn't do that for you guys to find out."

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Oct 4, 2007 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

wonderful

Nothing else to add . . . that's just a wonderful decision on their parts.

TSF

by TedSimmonsFan on Oct 4, 2007 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

It's a terrific gesture

but your sentence made it sound like they are donating the entire playoff kitty to the Coolbaugh family.

Just to be clear, they voted to donate a full player share, which is still quite generous and should be heartily applauded.

I'm rooting for them to sweep the Phils so they can set up their starting pitching for the NLCS...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Oct 4, 2007 7:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Kaz may hit for the cycle.

Miller sucks.

by Ankiels Missing Curveball on Oct 4, 2007 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Jose Mesa

What a useless pitcher.

It's likely that the last interaction between the 2007 Phillies and their fans will be made in boos.

by liam on Oct 4, 2007 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

Rockies

continue to rake Philly pitching -- to the surprise of few. After facing the D'Backs, the Dodgers and the Padres pitching all season long, going up against most of the Phils staff must be only marginally tougher than BP.

"Requiescat In Pace - 2007 Zombie Cardinals"

by AustinBOB on Oct 4, 2007 5:26 PM EDT reply actions

Dbacks vs. Rockies

Can we hope for an NL West NLCS?

by ICbirdfan on Oct 4, 2007 5:31 PM EDT reply actions

Alfonsucka in

gets out KAz, now gives up a double to troy

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 4, 2007 6:02 PM EDT reply actions

Rox win again

Last year's MVP only struck out twice today...

by SleepyCA on Oct 4, 2007 6:54 PM EDT reply actions

It's impossible...

to predict these things. I would've bet a fair chunk of change that Burrell, Utley, Howard etc... would tee off on these crappy Colorado pitchers. Especially in Philadelphia...

Ease LaDunketty out gently, thank him profusely, and... Hire Antonetti!!!

by guayzimi on Oct 4, 2007 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Those crappy Colorado pitchers...

...had the best ERA in the league after the All-Star break. Or at least I think I remember reading that.

by Perry on Oct 4, 2007 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Perhaps...

but Fogg, Affeldt, and Speier are still Fogg, Affeldt, and Speier.

Howard went deep against one of those guys, but I expected a bit more out of the Phillies at Citizens Bank...

Ease LaDunketty out gently, thank him profusely, and... Hire Antonetti!!!

by guayzimi on Oct 4, 2007 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Yanks will regret...

not putting a few more on the board against Sabathia.

Prediction: CC goes seven strong, gives up 5 hits and two runs. Indians win game one 7-2.

Ease LaDunketty out gently, thank him profusely, and... Hire Antonetti!!!

by guayzimi on Oct 4, 2007 7:01 PM EDT reply actions

i really really really really really hope

the cubs don't make the nlcs and we have to hear chip caray get all excited for the cubs like in the old days on WGN

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 4, 2007 7:09 PM EDT reply actions

Wang has nothing today it seems

this could turn into a slugfest...

How did Peralta get himself out at second on a single to CF by Lofton??

by SleepyCA on Oct 4, 2007 7:19 PM EDT reply actions

I have it as Peralta...

out at third.

Ease LaDunketty out gently, thank him profusely, and... Hire Antonetti!!!

by guayzimi on Oct 4, 2007 7:25 PM EDT up reply actions

CC is up to 50...

pitches thru 2. Luckily at 6'8 280 he can chuck it about 140 times or so before retiring. Not like Carlos "85 pitches y no mas" Zambrano...

Ease LaDunketty out gently, thank him profusely, and... Hire Antonetti!!!

by guayzimi on Oct 4, 2007 7:30 PM EDT reply actions

wow wang really has nothing tonight

he's getting shelled.

Hello, playoff watching

by nycbirdo on Oct 4, 2007 8:00 PM EDT reply actions

NL vs AL Generalizations are Amusing

Down 2, top 5th, 2nd in the lineup, Jeter up with men on 1st and 2nd and 1 out.

Chip Caray (who does many Braves broadcasts) stated that an NL team in this situation would have been an automatic bunt situation.

If the Cardinals had Duncan up here (as he preferred hitting in front of El Hombre early in the season), I don't really see Duncan bunting there, but hitting away.

(Jeter flew out to right and LilDunc's bro lined a double past 3rd base for a run.)

Rooting on the Cardinals one off-season transaction at a time!

by ColinMacLeod on Oct 4, 2007 8:33 PM EDT reply actions

Scratch the Brother comment

I heard that Duncan got a double and assumed it was Chris Duncan's brother. I get players confused at times, especially when I'm half-listening.

Rooting on the Cardinals one off-season transaction at a time!

by ColinMacLeod on Oct 4, 2007 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Duncan

Shelley is Chris's brother, and his gameday picture is ugly, but he hit a single not a double and that was before jeter got up, he scored on Abreu's double. I think he was refering to when Duncan batted it being the 9th place hitter maybe not sure though. I also feel the NL vs AL generalizations go a bit too far sometimes but there are some that are fairly accurate.

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions

If Sabathia had to bat

his ERA would be a run higher. It takes a lot of energy to move that man.

by enoscountry on Oct 4, 2007 8:39 PM EDT reply actions

White guy moment of the night

Craig Sadler's high five to the fan after that HR.

by enoscountry on Oct 4, 2007 8:48 PM EDT reply actions

wow

don't let your kids go to pinstripe alley. they are mega-pissed over there and are showing it like true yankee fans.

Hello, playoff watching

by nycbirdo on Oct 4, 2007 9:08 PM EDT reply actions

BCB

I read a BCB thread linked on the Rox board by a DBacks fan ripping both those teams, it is kinda vile over there too. Man some interesting baseball fans, I know we get violent sometimes but is it really ever that bad?

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 9:13 PM EDT up reply actions

VEB isn't even close

I've read BCB off and on pretty consistently this season, and I can honestly say that a argumentative or "bad" day on VEB is a "tame" day on BCB. I would never even want to be a member of BCB because of all the personal attacks and venomous posts. Not all of the BCB posters are bad and there are some really decent, thoughtful folks there, but a significant percentage (20% - 40%?) are extremely nasty on a regular basis.

I think that VEB never gets, as you say, "violent". The few times it started getting out of hand, LB or other members tended to squelch it -- which is nice. Nothing's perfect, not even VEB, but I prefer VEB over just about any of the other team blogs I've perused.

"Requiescat In Pace - 2007 Zombie Cardinals"

by AustinBOB on Oct 4, 2007 9:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Me, too.

I read Halos Heaven once in a while and man, does it get bizarre.

"Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." --Churchill

by lordsummer on Oct 5, 2007 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions

I hope that

our game threads don't look like that when the cards are losing. I know we don't have the gratuitous f-bombs, but even with that aside, it's nothing but overdone negativity.

by jeff abs on Oct 4, 2007 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Police: Men Attack Red Sox Fan, Send Him To ICU

http://www.wnbc.com/sports/14272751/detail.html?dl=headlineclick
"NEW YORK -- Two men attacked a Red Sox fan outside a Yonkers hotel Thursday night, beating him so badly he ended up in the intensive care unit, police said."

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 10:02 PM EDT up reply actions

giovanii whosawhatsa

doug davis sucks, maybe we'll trade for him this winter.

it's sad that so many cub fans are in arizona.

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 4, 2007 10:42 PM EDT reply actions

But it's kinda funny that they just saw Lilly

give up a 3 run HR....

by BTown Birds fan on Oct 4, 2007 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Soriano misread that

4-2 Zona..and Lilly is not living up to his "ace" of a season

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 4, 2007 11:08 PM EDT reply actions

Would Soriano have caught that

if he had clicked his heels and done the little hop he does on every fly ball?

Byrnes shouldn't have stopped. He had a stand up inside-the-park HR because of some terrible Cubs defense on 2 straight plays.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

ahaha

lilly slamming the glove. classic.

by stlcardinalsfang on Oct 4, 2007 11:10 PM EDT reply actions

did you see Lilly's reaction

on the 3R HR? He absolutely lost it.

by _pistol_ on Oct 4, 2007 11:13 PM EDT reply actions

So I guess 'it' followed his control

out the door. Although, the control left before he got out of the bullpen.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Anyone read Buster Olney's blog today?

He seems to think that Tom Glavine may end up in St. Louis this winter on a 1 year deal.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 11:23 PM EDT reply actions

I saw that

I wonder why St. Louis, and if he has anything left to give, he sure didn't look like it towards the end of the season

by Hammondsbird on Oct 4, 2007 11:28 PM EDT up reply actions

That would be way awesome

I just love Glavine. He's one of the few pitchers who, although he regularly hangs loses on the cards, I still love. Real smart guy, very likable. And a 300 game winner.

by cloistermaximus on Oct 4, 2007 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions

+1

n/t

by spants on Oct 4, 2007 11:50 PM EDT up reply actions

not an insider

since i don't subscribe I can't read the full blog but it doesn't surprise me at all, Glavine is all but being run out of NY right now and Atl would be his next favorite place to play but they seem to want to get younger meaning he is out of their radar, that leaves a place with a good pitching coach that has resurrected dead careers before, not sure if I would like the move or not but a Glavine Wainwright 1-2 wouldn't be half bad if he has any gas left for even the first half.

by StLHugo on Oct 4, 2007 11:31 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree

A 1 year deal for a decent price would probably be a positive thing, IMO.

by saladdays on Oct 4, 2007 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Was not Jocketty just fired

for just this sort of move you advocate? Did giving up eight runs in the first inning against Florida on the last game of the season -- which help blow the division title for the Mets, by the way -- convince anybody that Glavine is on the fast trip downhill?

Yes, Glavine is a certain Hall of Fame pitcher, and an all around nice guy. Maybe he'd make a great pitching coach. But why pay him the millions of dollars to post what would be a sub-.500 record and an ERA in the upper 4.00 range? Just to see him in a Redbirds' uniform?

by LTSmash on Oct 5, 2007 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions

younger

I thought we are trying to get younger? Why get his $$$$ contract when he is clearly in decline. Have the Cardinals not learned anything? Glavine would have been a good idea 3 years ago but at this point hell no.

With our luck he gets hurt and we still have to pay him.

by ICbirdfan on Oct 5, 2007 12:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Yes and no

It all depends on the contract, we need a number 1 starter, regardless of age, the only question is whether Glavine can fill that gap at least for one half season I think that disaster was more of a pressure and that his body probably can't handle 200 IP any more. But I don't think he is the best option out there just that if he wants to come here and would take a kip wells type contract then I would be all for it, if he wants more then that no way. So that means he won't be a Card if I was the GM since he probably will want more then 4M and someone will give it to him.

by StLHugo on Oct 5, 2007 7:05 AM EDT up reply actions

I think

a one year, six/seven-ish million dollar contract for Glavine would be worth it. He and Wainer would make up an (at least) average start to the rotation until whenever (if ever?) Carp comes back.

Well, let's go to the old mill anyway -- get some cider!

by Alxfritz on Oct 5, 2007 7:14 AM EDT up reply actions

And if somebody gives him $12M

they can have him.

"Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals." --Churchill

by lordsummer on Oct 5, 2007 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions

I've never been a fan of Doug Davis

but I've been pretty impressed with his stuff tonight. He has a very nice curveball that he's been throwing for strikes tonight. His fastball isn't fantastic but given the complimentary breaking pitches it hasn't needed to be.

by azruavatar on Oct 4, 2007 11:43 PM EDT reply actions

Stephen Drew's swing

looks very similar to his brother's.

by saladdays on Oct 4, 2007 11:46 PM EDT reply actions

except he doesn't go on the 15-day DL

after doing it.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 4, 2007 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Touche

by saladdays on Oct 4, 2007 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Zing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

by Hammondsbird on Oct 4, 2007 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Looks like the Cubs

are sinking into the Arizona quicksand much like we did back in September. The Snakes sure are a tough team to beat and Sweet Lou is finding this out pretty quick.

by KYCards on Oct 4, 2007 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

NLs future

I'm starting to think we'll be seeing a Rockies-DBacks NLCS not just this year but many times in the future.

They both are so young it's hard to see them faltering given their recent performance.

by enoscountry on Oct 4, 2007 11:50 PM EDT reply actions

Well I'm glad the Cards

are not in the NL West...that division is going to be really strong for some time to come. If San Diego picks up a impact hitter at some point it will be a strong 3 team race.

by KYCards on Oct 5, 2007 12:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Add the Dodgers

Lots of young talent, great pitching, big budget the best scouting and developing guy in the game in Logan white. The dodgers will be good soon and for a long time.

by Hammondsbird on Oct 5, 2007 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions

only if

Ned Colletti allows them to play the youngsters and puts people like Gonzalez, Garciaparra, and Pierre out to pasture!

by chuckb on Oct 5, 2007 12:33 AM EDT up reply actions

man, this is fun.

as unpredictable as the post-season is, i really expected the cubs come out and dominate.

by _pistol_ on Oct 4, 2007 11:51 PM EDT reply actions

bcb turning on everyone

heroes, as per bcb: zambrano, soto, theriot.

villains: soriano, dlee, aram, piniella, lilly, umpires, optimistic BCB posters.

boo hoo, boo hoo.

Hello, playoff watching

by nycbirdo on Oct 5, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions

Also

someone is blaming MLB being against them because them scheduling the games so far to start so late. Like they are the only team that has had games started late in the playoffs....

by saladdays on Oct 5, 2007 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions

They do know that those games are still

early in Arizona, right?

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 5, 2007 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Don't you know?

The Cubs are supposed to be in prime time ALL the time! Why, it's just not fair that their fans should be made to have to stay up late.

Never mind that in the days before MLB Extra Innings, Cubs fans could watch their team play all the time, every day, while Cardinals fans could hope for the occasional glimpse on the NBC (or CBS) Game of the Week, an ESPN game, or, yes, come playoff time.

I mean, don't the network people know just how super spectacular wonderfully popular the Cubbies are across the nation? Why -- stomp, stomp -- it's just not -- sob, stomp, sob, stomp -- it's not not FAIR!

by LTSmash on Oct 5, 2007 12:44 AM EDT up reply actions

I've been surprised by how bad

their outfield defense has been in tonight's game.

by azruavatar on Oct 5, 2007 12:14 AM EDT up reply actions

Funny indeed

but they should relax a little, I mean they are going back to Wrigley where the Cubs could win both games there pretty easily with their HR friendly park. I will be shocked if they get swept.

Will Rich Hill be able to take the pressure of maybe being down 0-2 in a must win game??? Should be interesting.

by KYCards on Oct 5, 2007 12:17 AM EDT up reply actions

You'll be shocked?

How about all the nation's sports media who dismissed the Diamondbacks? Just because the Cardinals happen to win a World Series despite 83 regular-season wins last season, the dorks think it'll happen every year, so they pick the Cubbies as the favorites to go all the way.

by LTSmash on Oct 5, 2007 12:47 AM EDT up reply actions

I'm guessing

that the inevitability that so many Cubs fans saw as their World Series entitlement is leading to an extra bitter taste tonight.

I'm just as certain the nation's baseball media is rather surprised to see that the Diamondbacks can run the bases in the right order, can catch the ball with regularity, and can even swing the bat with some authority. As if it was some kind of anomaly that they finished with the National League's best record despite playing in the toughest division.

by LTSmash on Oct 5, 2007 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

if this was posted yesterday forgive me but..

this start by the cubs was predicted ESPN XM read yesterday an article about some mystic guy saying it was in the stars and had to do with planets and stuff..cubs would drop first 2 but win in CHI

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 5, 2007 12:16 AM EDT reply actions

I was never big on Lebron

and tonight he wore a Yankees hat to a home Indians game..they booed him..WHAT A DORK

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 5, 2007 12:25 AM EDT reply actions

WTF

What was he thinking? Come on just don't wear a hat. At least make people think you may be rooting for your hometown team.

by ICbirdfan on Oct 5, 2007 12:32 AM EDT up reply actions

Ya would have been like Jordan attending a

bears game in a Favre Jersey..

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 5, 2007 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

this is the longest game I've ever seen

it just keeps going and going-- coming up on 3 hours and it's only the top of the 6th!

by SleepyCA on Oct 5, 2007 12:53 AM EDT reply actions

It's because of Doug Davis

I remember when we went up against Davis last month Al & Dan were going on and on about how long he took between pitches. I'm not watching the game on TV, just following on the computer, but I would bet Davis is a big reason why the game has gone so slow.

by KYCards on Oct 5, 2007 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions

at least its not davis vs

Trachsel

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 5, 2007 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Juan Cruz

Figures the ex-Cub would come in and promptly give up two runs.

by LTSmash on Oct 5, 2007 12:57 AM EDT reply actions

Soriano & Ramirez

Have been pretty bad thus far in this series, which I'm sure is causing some unrest in the Windy City given their big $$ contracts.

by KYCards on Oct 5, 2007 1:16 AM EDT reply actions

Chris Young

If he learns to be a little more patient at the plate he will be a great impact hitter in the league. He really needs to cut down on swinging at everything he sees.

His at-bat earlier in the game was horrible, on a 3-0 count with men on 2nd & 3rd he was swinging for the fences on ball 4. He would go on to strike out in that at-bat. LaRussa would have benched him for that LOL.

He's going to be fun to watch in the next few years.

by KYCards on Oct 5, 2007 1:44 AM EDT reply actions

D-Backs are trying to screw this up.

by Big Red on Oct 5, 2007 1:48 AM EDT reply actions

Nevermind

Pepper Belly is just too good.

Sit down A-Ram.

by Big Red on Oct 5, 2007 1:53 AM EDT up reply actions

Did Valverde learn to pitch from Izzy?

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Oct 5, 2007 1:51 AM EDT reply actions

Did you watch that inning?

He was nails. It was the defense that was abandoning him.

by Big Red on Oct 5, 2007 1:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I know.

He just makes me nervous.

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Oct 5, 2007 2:07 AM EDT up reply actions

Great way to end the game

Ramirez 0 for 5 with 6 men LOB. That's clutch.

Come on Snakes finish it up at Wrigley!!

by KYCards on Oct 5, 2007 1:54 AM EDT reply actions

No way...

that's not in the script.

The Cubs will eek out two nailbiter wins in Wrigley with a couple of convenient basket homers thanks to their park's dinky dimensions or the wind blowing out or some such.

Then they will return to Arizona, take an early lead, and just when the Cubs fans start to think they are on their way to the NLCS, it will all collapse and the Snakes will snatch victory from them in the bottom of the 9th.

At least, that's how it plays out in my head.

In reality, the Diamondbacks may very well be celebrating on the Wrigley infield come Sat...

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

by Mr Clean on Oct 5, 2007 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions

That

would be SWEET!! I think you know all. Nice work.

by rockin redbird on Oct 5, 2007 3:18 AM EDT up reply actions

From the perspective of

a Cardinal fan living in Chicagoland.

I'd rather the Snakes sweep. While it would be awesome to see another collapse, I'd rather just put 'em down now. I don't think I could handle the radio and tv networks if they climbed back in to this thing.

by Big Red on Oct 5, 2007 9:05 AM EDT up reply actions

Awesome like in '04?

Seriously, I am no Cubs fan but I just don't get why so many show pleasure in the misery of Wrigleyville.

The St. Louis Cardinals- 11 time World Champions!

by Zubin on Oct 5, 2007 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions

I am also

a Cards fans in chicago. before i lived here, i considered the cubs-cards rivalry to be rather friendly. But since, they have changed my mind. descriptive words that come to mind: angry, mean, spiteful, entitled... and that's just to their mothers and girlfriends.
but seriously, cub fans bring it on themselves. The team might be lovable; the fans not so much.

by _pistol_ on Oct 5, 2007 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions

That pretty much sums it up

Basically, you have to live here to understand. And I think "entitled" is a great descriptor. There's a ton of 'em and they act as if their shear number gives them the right to act like assholes.

They've got a bunch of fans, and some pretty good ones, but they've got a faction that is completely unbearable and they create the entire persona. Some may say "don't let a few bad apples spoil the bunch". Well, it's more than a few (a lot more) and they spoiled the bunch a long time ago.

Honestly, it's hard to explain. It's kinda like that guy the other night with the light-up Cubs clock behind home plate. While every team has it's share of idiots, for whatever reason the Cubs get their's in the spotlight. Whether its flashing a light at the pitcher in plain view of a national broadcast or its the Bleecherites throwing garbage or a fan jumpinng on the field and trying to attack Bob Howry or the emotional roller-coaster they travel each year where every win means their the greatest team ever created and every loss means they should blow up the franchise.

And don't get me started on Ron Santo....or Mike Murphy.

Or maybe it's that stupid ass song I've had to listen to for the past 2 months?

Btw, did you know the Cubs have a theme? Yeah, it's "It's Gonna Happen". They've got signs and rubber bracelets and t-shirts and stickers and stuff. What's funny about is that the guy who came up with it is the same moron who ran onto the field and attacked Randy Myers. Seems about right.

Anyway, like I said, it's really difficult to explain so I've trid to just give some reasons. You won't get it if you don't live here, but the sounds of Ron Santo crying is one of the greatest things ever. I love Cub fans misersy, but Ron Santo misery is like the purified, golden chalice of Cub misery.

by Big Red on Oct 5, 2007 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't live

in Chicago, but I do live in Cubs territory (SW MI/NW IN) and I have to agree with you. As I said the other day, they are obnoxious when they lose, so imagine how unbearable Cubs fans would be if the Cubs actually won something significant like, say, the NL pennant or the WORLD SERIES!

by cardsgirl95 on Oct 5, 2007 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions

All the games today went on for ever

MLB needs to figure something out. Almost 4 hour games is boring and I love baseball.

Call up PJ Walters!

by Hardcore Legend on Oct 5, 2007 2:02 AM EDT reply actions

again could you imagine

if davis would have gone against someone like Trachsel? Or maybe D wells when he gets guys on good grief he throws to first over and over..

07 Cards more drama than a daytime soap..with replacement actors

by punchinjudy on Oct 5, 2007 2:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Cubfans

talking about rioting if they don't win. Jeez, are they really that disturbed by losing? If so, let them win. Poor Blueboys.

by rockin redbird on Oct 5, 2007 3:15 AM EDT reply actions

No

Let 'em lose.

Forever.

Rockies in October!

by Scarlet the Cardinal on Oct 5, 2007 3:19 AM EDT up reply actions

Agreed

by cardsgirl95 on Oct 5, 2007 7:53 AM EDT up reply actions

+2

by Big Red on Oct 5, 2007 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions

i know it's probably mean, but...

next to the cardinals winning, nothing makes me happier than pissed off cub fans...
Saw this over at BCB this morning...

IM SICK AND F**CKING TIRED OF WAITING TILL NEXT YEAR, WHEN THE HELL WILL IT EVER BE OUR DAMN YEAR, SORIANO, LEE, AND RAMIREZ: CHOKERS ALL OF YOU, YOU GUYS MAKE STEPHEN DREW LOOK LIKE GOD, YOU ALL MAKE ME WANT TO PUKE, 99 YEARS WITHOUT A CHAMPIONSHIP AND ALL THE FANS HERE WILL STILL BE TOLERANT OF IT AND SAY ITS OK, THATS WHY WE WILL ALWAYS BE LOSERS, THE ONLY WAY WE WILL EVER WIN A WORLD SERIES IS IF NEW OWNERS GO OUT AND BUY ONE, THIS IS PATHETIC!!!!!!!
Bring back the damn cowbell!
by CubsBall2202 on Friday, October 5, 2007 at 1:01 AM CT

their anger is soothing to me...

by _pistol_ on Oct 5, 2007 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions