Cubs Are Pathetic
I was wrong again.
There is no curse.
There is no voodoo.
The Cubs are just pathetic.
I’m embarassed to be a Cubs fan.
Cubs Curse? Help Me Reverse
I don’t know how to add a video to the MLBlogs but please visit my other blog and watch my video to help Reverse This Curse.
Time is running out – it is only a best of five series.
Cubs Were Just Awful
This could have been the worst game of the season. Good timing guys. The pitching; terrible, hitting; terrible, motivation; terrible. They were flat, flat, flat, FLAT, FLAT!!!
This loss makes an official seven playoff game losing streak going back to 2003 where the Cubs, up 3 games to 1, lost the next three games in a row. Then last year the Cubs were swept by the Diamondbacks, and now they start off this year’s playoffs with a loss at home. Which by the way is now a four game home playoff losing streak.
Why is Mr. Next Century Is Here talking so negatively? Because I’m pissed-off. When are the Chicago Cubs going to come to a big game and…I don’t know…SHOW UP! This was an absolute travesty.
Dempster walked seven! SEVEN! The Dodger’s pitcher got a free pass…TWICE! How in the world do you expect to win when you do this?
Here’s where I start crying in my soup, but you know what…f— it. I have been trying all year now to be positive and down play this voodoo b.s. and you know what, maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this team is cursed. Maybe for some unknown reason this team is just not destined to be World Champs. They have to be, even a blind squirrel finds a nut occasionally. If that is the case, someone please tell me how to get off this ride. I’m 47 years old and I have been a fan since I was 10. Every year watching other teams reach the brass ring. Watching other fans going absolutely crazy with joy over their team going all the way. Then year after year seeing highlights of past champions and the joy of their victory.
Pat Hughes, the radio announcer for the Cubs, told the story of a man he bumped into after the loss against the Diamondbacks. The Cubs had just been swept three games to none and their season was over for the 99th year without being champions. The man was in his mid-fifties. He looked up at Pat and with pain in his voice asked…”what did we Cub fans do to deserve this?” Pat said he had no answer.
Why am I going so crazy after just one game? Of the last 28 NLDS playoff series the team that has won the first game has won the series 24 times. The Dodgers went 17-8 in September, the Cubs were just 12-12. We just blew our wad with our best pitcher of the year and the result was a loss. Now Big Z is pitching tomorrow and I don’t know which Zambrano will show up. The bats? Only God knows if they will show up. Looking at the rest of this series in a logically way, I don’t feel good about it. The Cubs needed to come out strong and make a statement. Well they made a statement but I’m afraid it was different year…same results.
I’m sorry but the Chicago Cubs fans are some of the greatest in the world, and they have stood behind a team that for 100 years has FAILED. Now it is the players turn to come out, defy the odds, curses, hoodoo, voodoo, black magic, black cats and all the other crap and give back to all of those fans for the past 100 years. How, show-up, earn their millions. The millions that come from the money the fans have spent for the last 100 years.
Being a Cub fan is…exhausting.
Cubs Clinch Home Field To World Series
After a 5-1 hang-over win against the Cards yesterday using the bench players, the Cubs go to New York and beat up on the Mets 9-5. This win puts them at the 95-60 mark but more importantly accomplishes step two of the five steps for the 2008 season I outlined the other day; winning home field advantage to the World Series.
I would love there to be another step in this season’s goals but, in 2003, commissioner Bud Selig in all his infinite wisdom decided that the winner of the All Star game should determine home field advantage in the World Series.
I understand that Selig was trying to create a carrot by which the players could be motivated to win a game that had become a pageant of sorts. Once upon a time this carrot wasn’t need since each league had its’ own President and a form of separation was there to create bragging rights. But to take something as important as home field advantage in the World Series and use it as the motivating factor in a game that is nothing more than an exhibition circus could be the dumbest rule since the D.H.
Let’s take this year for the example; you have a player from the Marlins, Dan Uggla commit a record breaking three errors in the All Star game, and although he did not directly cost the game my point can still be made. What if a player from a team that is not in the playoffs (the Fish are 2 games away from being eliminated) directly cost a league the game and consequently home field advantage? Considering the fact that 58% of the teams with home field advantage have won the World Series, it doesn’t seem right.
In fact, let’s remove this ridiculous rule and review the situation brewing in the MLB this year. The Angles are 96-59, The Cubs are 95-60. Without this All Star rule these teams along with Tampa Bay at 93-62 would be playing for something very important; home field advantage in the World Series. As it is the Cubs have clinched everything they can in their league and their destiny, if they get to the World Series, has been determined by a cast of others.
I don’t know Bud, if you ask me, let the All Star game be the talent showcase, home run hitting contest, pop and circumstance, exhibition game that it is and let the players and the teams that have a stake in the World Series determine their own fate.
Oh…that’s right, nobody asked me.
Cubs Central Division Champs – Again But Different
The Chicago Cubs are Central Division Champions for the second time in as many years. So just like last year the Cubs finish on the Top of their division…but that is where the similarities end. There is a hunger, a resolve, their eyes are on a different prize.
This is the first time in 100 years that the Cubs have won back to back divisional championships. Because of that every year, in the last 60 years, the Cubs have won the division it has been more of a relief than a stepping stone to something bigger. The fact that they were in the playoffs was the archived objective. Consequently they consistently underachieved during the playoffs. That’s not the case this year because the core of last year’s team is here and the additions made have been instrumental in improving their weaknesses. More importantly, their attitude has changed, so have their expectations.
This Cub team has tasted failure in a way no other Cubs team has in over 100 years. This point was made by Theriot in an interview after the game today. Ryan said, “you have to lose before you can win”. Very few teams can go from mediocre or bad to champion in one year. I believe to be a champion you have to get close to the prize yet fall short. You have to taste it, smell it, feel it. You have to see the joy of victory but suffer the agony of defeat. You need that bad taste in your mouth. It is that taste that creates the resolve to be a champion.
In listening to the Cub players after today’s game the same theme was being discussed; we are going to celebrate and we’re glad we clinched it in Wrigley for the fans, but we are not done. They all eluded to the fact that it felt different this time. Last year was a battle to get there and by the time they realized what was happening it was over. This year they expected to be there, not in a cocky way but a confident way. Even though no player would have admitted it last year, getting to the playoffs was the achievement, this year it is but one step to the ultimate achievement.
This year step one has been accomplished. Step two is home field throughout the NL playoffs. Step three is a Divisional Series win. Step four is NL Champions. Step five is the goal, the prize, the brass ring, it’s what North Chicago has been waiting for for 100 years…A World Series Championship. Go Cubs! Cubs Century Is Here!
Cubelievable
What a game, what a series and I’m sorry but the blown save couldn’t have happened to a better player. With two out and two on in the bottom of the ninth with the Cubs down by three, Torres serves up a pitch to Soto that was in his wheel house and he unloaded on it.
Why am I glad it was Torres that blew the game? Because back on September 10th I wrote about Torres talking smack about catching the Cubs, and with his team one out away from taking two out of three from the Cubs in Wrigley Field he BLOWS IT!
But I digress, the more important part of this game is the character the Cubs showed coming from four runs behind to win. The truth be told, this game did not mean much to the Cubs. They were eight behind in the loss column with eleven games to play. Even if the Brewers run the board the Cubs would have to go 3-8 to lose the division.
But in the top of the 12th with Brewers on second and third, the Cub’s pitching and defense, highlighted by the run down at third, gets out of the half inning without any damage. Then in the bottom of the 12th, with two outs and a two and two count on the man everybody is screaming is not a clutch player, Derrek Lee, gets a walk of single scoring Marquis.
And the crowd goes wild…Cubelievable…Cubs Century Is Here!
Zambrano No-Hits Stros
Let’s set the stage; the Cubs were playing as the away team, in Milwaukee’s Miller Park, in the home dugout, against the Houston Astros playing as the home team in the away dugout, with at least 20,000 of the 23,400 fans rooting for the Cubs. All this while the Brewers were in Philadelphia losing a double header against the Phillies. With the stage set all Zambrano did was…no-hit the Astros.
Since Zambrano’s early exit in his last start the questions started swirling as to the extend of his shoulder problems. How bad was it? When would he return? How effective would he be? These questions were answered in a way only Big Z could answer them; with the first Cubs no-hitter since Milt Pappas did it in 1972.
Zambrano started out a little shaky and I have to admit I though he might be rusty and over throwing. Big Z went 3-0 to Houston’s first batter Erstad. Then after finding the strike zone with his fourth pitch for a called strike, he got Erstad to ground out for the first out of the game. Zambrano would walk one and hit another batter but with two outs in the ninth the no-hitter would hinge on retiring Darin Erstad again. The first two pitches were out of the zone but Big Z would ultimately get the count to 3-2 before striking Erstad out on a low and outside pitch. Big Z would get all the help he needed from an offense that has struggled lately.
The timely hitting was started with Soriano going yard in the first inning. Then in the third the Cubs would get back to back singles by Cedeno and Zambrano. The next two batters would be retired before Lee would drive in both runs with a double. Ramirez singled to left, scoring Lee and after a bad throwing error Ramirez would go to second. Soto doubled in Ramirez and the scoring for the game would end.
The Cubs have now won three in a row and have been progressively getting better with each win. Let’s hope they keep that trend going and continue to work out the kinks that have put them in their most recent dry spell. The Cubs stay in Milwaukee to play one more against the Astros and then head to Chicago to host Milwaukee. Go Cubs! Cubs Century Is Here!
Help Ron Santo & JDRF Walk For The Cure
Since the Cubs game has been postpone due hurricane Ike I thought I would deviate from my normal entry to one; ask all my readers to keep their thoughts and prayers with those affected by this terrible storm and hope that Ike’s devastation is much less than predicted.
Also, I ask them to consider helping other people who live with a disease that affects their daily life. Those people are are inflicted with Type 1 Diabetes and one of them is my hero, and probably yours, Ron Santo. For thirty years Ron Santo has been working with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) to help find a cure for this devastating disease.
Rather than trying to explain everything about Type 1 Diabetes, Ron Santo and JDRF I ask my readers to watch this video and then go to the links provided below the video to find out more about this disease and how to help fight for the cure.
Thank you.
I will be participating in this years Walk For The Cure. To donate to JDRF by supporting my efforts or to join Team Next Century Is Here and walk with us click here
For facts about JDFR click here.
For facts about Type 1 Diabetes click here.
To register as a walker by yourself or to start your own team click here.
On behalf of all those inflicted with diabetes and their loved ones I thank you,
Greg Dantona
Next Century Is Here
Pitching, Defense Gets Cubs By Cards
Hang on, let me put my diphibulator away…
Another game in which that bats just really could not get going. The Cubs score three runs but two are unearned. In the top of the fifth the scoring went as so; walk, error, walk, walk, fielder’s choice. Two runs without the benefit of a hit. The good news is that most of the Cubs are being patient and taking pitches, something that can be difficult when you are struggling to score runs.
In the next inning the Cubs showed some signs of emerging from the black cloud that is this slump. DeRosa starts the inning with a double off the right field wall. I hate to slam DeRosa, being a fellow MLBlogger of the Pulse, but it appears he’s a bit too anxious at the plate lately. Until his a bat in the fifth Mark had not taken a pitch and his swings are long and choppy. That said DeRosa was the first Cub to get a multi-base hit in over a game and a half. Lil’ Babe comes up next and with a pretty swing slams it to right and DeRosa scores. That was it, the only earned run.
As far as pitching, Harden looked great again giving up two runs, one walk and striking out three.
Samardzija quickly retired the first two in the seventh before, this series’ Cubs killer, Izturis stroked a line shot to left for a single. Schumaker lined out to DeRosa in right and the book is closed on Samardzija.
Marmol gave up a couple of well hit balls, but thanks to the defense both men were retired. The mighty Pujols, hit a line drive to left and is robbed by Soriano with a diving shoestring catch. Soriano was able to get up throw to first and just missed doubling up Miles. One batter later Lopez hits a high fly to right that has Fukudome drifting back, back, back then leaping up, slamming into the fence and making the catch. Marmol would get out of the inning without a run scoring.
Wood would get me charging my diphibulator just to make sure it was ready. It was almost needed. First batter, Ryan with a 1-0 count, gets a double on a line drive to right, and the tying run is in scoring position. Next up, current Cub killer, Izturis squares to bunt and on the first pitch pushes it hard toward Lee who scoops it up and without hesitation goes to third. Ramirez is late with the tag but when Ryan over slides the bag Ramirez applies it for out number one. Schumaker singles and Izturis goes to second. Diphibulator check, all’s good. Wood gets Miles out on three strikes. Pujols steps to the plate. Re-read the diphibulator directions and give it a dry run, praying that if needed I will somehow be able to self administer. First two pitches are outside and inside respectively for balls, 2-0 count. Grab diphibulator pads and tape them to my chest. Next two pitches, Wood stays inside, one called strike, next one fouled off. Hand on diphibulator “Charge” and await next pitch. Wood goes back inside with a 97 mph fastball, Pujols swings…and pops out to DeRosa.
Quickly remove tapped pads off my chest while wondering if I can make it to the end of the season. Next Century Is Here.
Cubs Barely Survive
The good news is we got a win, the bad news is; only because the Cards gave it to us.
More good and bad; the good is Lilly pitched a great game. After getting rocked in two innings during his last outing, Ted Lilly did exactly what the Cubs needed him to do, go deep into the game with few runs. Lilly ended up going eight innings and only giving up one.
Which brings me to bad number one, what was Lou thinking taking Ted out with only 90 pitches and bringing in Wood who blew his last save opportunity? Don’t tell me he was trying to show Kerry he hasn’t lost confidence in him. Wood is a big boy, if he needs Lou to blow smoke up his back side in order to feel good than he is in the wrong business. We needed a win and Lilly was pitching lights out, if it’s not broke don’t fix it. If he was looking to get Kerry innings then wait until tomorrow when Harden pitches and he goes his standard five or six. I know it worked but I still question the move.
More bad; the bats are still dead. I know we got four runs but without the two errors we get one and this game is a loss. We have to get more timely hitting and more multi-base hits. Not just home runs, although we are not hitting them anymore either, both some gappers for doubles and triples. The guys that looked the best at the plate today; Felix Pie and Ted Lilly, yeah I know it sounds crazy but Pie went 1 for 2 with 2 walks and Lilly put down two great bunts.
We needed a win and we got a win. That is definitely a step forward in getting out of this horrendous slump. Let’s take the next step, get a win and earn it. Next Century Is Here.
gdantona
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