tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-155370332024-03-18T22:29:22.209-05:00Unrestricted View"Lou is not talking about mechanics when he goes out to the mound," <br />~Chicago Cubs pitching coach Larry RothschildGrahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-32616311016981495822010-07-22T17:33:00.005-05:002010-07-23T03:15:23.306-05:00Worst season ever<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9KBO6th6xrs9EWWhC46YHO4ly1esbjD6Xz_vgnP_huOrXBnIkJtPizoN7wKM1gcZpl4wgcpBID2zVUZwUns1kXkT0Q2YKQXedWkzsCrf6kXVw0vTO6pkeQ1W6KtnGPWDLiEFUw/s1600/art.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9KBO6th6xrs9EWWhC46YHO4ly1esbjD6Xz_vgnP_huOrXBnIkJtPizoN7wKM1gcZpl4wgcpBID2zVUZwUns1kXkT0Q2YKQXedWkzsCrf6kXVw0vTO6pkeQ1W6KtnGPWDLiEFUw/s200/art.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496877539198676354" border="0" /></a><br />So let me tell you about a professional(loose term) baseball team that crushes my soul with their ineptitude. You guessed it I am talking about the Houston Astros. The stros record entering today is 39 and 56. They trail everyone in the division excluding the pirates and they are making a strong run at the bucs for last place. Certainly a lot of people saw this coming and to say I was one of them would be true except that I also have a denial problem.<br /><br />The Astros have scored 135 less runs then they have allowed this year and are near the bottom percentage of just about every meaningful statistic that exists in baseball. Armed with this information it would be safe to assume that this has been a bad year, but it goes farther. This is the "worst year ever'. Let me list just why this year for Astros baseball has hummed on balls the way it has.<br /><br />1. We started the year with a feliz/blum -manzilla left side of the infield because we have no farm system. Manzilla is a 30 year old rookie<br /><br />2. Carlos Lee is a fat sack of no hitting shit. Sucking at defense and offense makes you virtually worthless. Funny thing is the Astros owe him close to 40 mil for the net two years sooooooooo........yeah.<br /><br />3.Our best pitcher requested a trade two weeks into the season and the worst hitting team in the major leagues waited till mid season to fire their hitting coach<br /><br />4. I actually pay for mlb extra innings for the first time in my life. That means that I am paying extra to watch them lose.<br /><br />5. I got dressed up in all Astros gear to watch them play the Dodgers here in LA. Expecting to be the only die hard Astro fan in the crowd. I showed up at what must have been the gang entrance to Dodger stadium. The latino gang banger heckling didnt last long before my girlfriend was detained at the entrance for trying to sneak liquor in. Let me be clear: the only people getting kicked out of the Dodgers game that day were the 2 Astros fans and some guy who was bussed there by some kind of LA homeless organization. I watched them lose from my apartment.<br /><br />6. Brian Moehler going on the DL was a major loss for this team. Say that again to yourself.<br /><br />7. The Los Angeles lakers won the NBA championship<br /><br />8. They were no hit by a schitzo while on a nomadic homeless home-stand from a hurricane in Milwaukee. Wait, sorry that wasn't this season.<br /><br />9. They traded for and now start Angel Sanchez at SS. Who the hell is angel sanchez?<br /><br />10. Perhaps the most unnerving of all. They are rumored to be sending Roy Oswalt to the St. Louis Cardinals. Two things here: A. we will get owned and B. ITS THE FUCKING ST LOUIS CARDINALS!! Are you kidding me? I hate this team with the passion of a Danielle Steele novel and now we are sending them our best pitcher?<br /><br />This season has blown goats and I have no choice but to look toward the NFL as a gleaming oasis upon the horizon. I hope that someday the Astros begin to draft and actually pay good players so that they have a farm system. I hope that maybe they hire a gm who studies numbers and doesnt get his ass choked in lunch hall like its prison. I hope that they find there way back to the world series before I die, Im almost thirty and I have reason to be worried on this one.<br /><br />Seriously though, fuck this season.Rick Styleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04118304560933141601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-58778573526906187442010-07-21T00:06:00.007-05:002010-07-21T00:45:23.032-05:00Sweet Lou Goes Home<img src="http://13mlb.mlblogs.com/Kick%20That%20Dirt.jpg" width="360"/><br /><br />Well, sorry Lou. I love ya man. Sorry to see you go. Lot's of folks who call themselves Cubs Fans love to blame you. But they're not really baseball fans. They don't know the game. We do, my man. And we'll miss ya.<br /><br />"I don't care about feelings. Let's take feelings out of this." - So said the Manager of the Year of 95, 01 and 08.<br /><br />Asking Lou Pinella to coach the Cubs and win the Series is like asking Jimmy Johnson to take a Hyundai into the winner's circle at Daytona. It just ain't gonna happen. Not while Hendry and the Ivory Tower think throwing a couple of overpaid idiots with no mind for the game (that's you Fonzie and Z) Top Five money for nothing. Well, they <span style="font-style:italic;">do</span> get on ESPN for egregious errors and mental meltdowns. Yep, good job. Beer anyone?<br /><br />Let's not even talk about Fukudome getting paid more than D Lee. Ever wonder what a $133 million dollar Hyundai looks like? The Tower knows.<br /><br />Well, here's to you Lou, for giving it your best shot. Hard to make this team filled with fiscal irresponsibility into anything more than you did. Thanks for trying to bring some real baseball into Ozzie's Northside Bar. Sorry it didn't work out.<br /><br />"I'm not afraid of anything," Lou said. Well, besides coaching one more year with these fools. Let's hope the new direction of the team angles more towards <span style="font-weight: bold;">wins</span> than concession sales.<br /><br />I'm not holding my breath though. We know better 'round these parts.<br /><br />But, back to tonight. This one's on me, Lou. Cheers.<br /><br /><img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiTd-HhQ2TA249uxRhaoE_FlZK0co-jgT_oQTcKhV4vT8IUjw&t=1&usg=__LWuJ9ZCjFljJl93JBMu3k3b6wJs=" /><br /><br />Well, and Aramis. Glad to see him back. Where ya been Fool?! A little late ain't ya? But, hey, that's what the Cubs do best. Gotta get close enough in the race to sell plenty of $6.75 brewskies. Still, a three dinger day is a good day indeed. Especially when that W gets raised up on the pole.<br /><br />Now, let's see how long it takes for Lilly to be moved.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Go Cubs!</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-16624610653782553792010-07-18T20:26:00.012-05:002010-07-18T21:27:09.010-05:00Sunday Bloody Sunday<img src="http://media.ebaumsworld.com/picture/CarGirl/CaptainObvious-1.png" width="390" /><br /><br />Or, in other words, I'm watching Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN...<br /><br />How can anyone, especially an alleged sports network, put these idiots on TV and give them money.<br /><br />Example: Home run hit off Halladay by the Cubs Geo Soto got "caught up in the wind" and was pushed out "miraculously" (I mean, the flags aren't even moving... not a puff). But, OK, lots of idiots do the same thing in Wrigley. Everything hit is caught up in Jesus, I mean, the WIND. It's like magic man! Cue the idiot sheep-like smile.<br /><br />Then, according to Joe Handicapable I Don't Believe In Stats Morgan and Orel I Believe In Ghosts Hersheiser, <span style="font-style: italic;">on the very next pitch</span>, a ball gets hit and is foul to the first base side and the wind blew that one too... Directly right. Out beyond the first base dugout. Man, that wind sure is creepy. It just blows shit every which a way. Some one better call the Weather Channel! I think we got us one of them Chicago Hurricanes!<br /><br />Well Blow ME why don't ya!?<br /><br />Like the muttonhead analysts on ESPN Baseball. Full of hot air and no substance beyond mythology and Tim McCarver like I-swear-I-almost-sound-like-I-know-something-isms.<br /><br />I got this novel idea. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Physics</span>. It'll help you. So will basic freaking intelligence. Are we asking too much to, I don't know, be smarter than a fifth grader?!?<br /><br />Obviously, we certainly are.<br /><br />Isn't some fat fuck dancing their ass off right now? Oh shit, are we missing it?!<br /><br />Then, Gorzo walks Halladay in the 5th, which sucks, this is true. To lead off the inning even. And what is the infinite wisdom these mentally challenged highly paid "experts" tell us? THAT NEVER HAPPENS!! Wow! GEE THANKS DAD!! I bet Mom isn't really working late either!<br /><br />Umm, let's not, ya know <span style="font-style: italic;">analyze</span> things. Hey look, that dude's dead! Thanks Brokaw, good job with the news. Now here's Julie with the weather.<br /><br />/cuethedancingbaby<br /><br />This is what lack of competition breeds. Folks tellin' us piss is really light beer. Well, they may be right about that one, but still.<br /><br />"Just remember how stupid the average person is and remember... Half of 'em are even stupider than that!" - Mr. George Carlin<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Go Cubs! (at least .500?)<br /></span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-53986246377910620352010-07-08T21:47:00.004-05:002010-07-08T21:58:09.328-05:00Blame Delonte West<img src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/WfYyBp4Ln2s/hqdefault.jpg" width="350/" /><br /><br />Hey Cleveland fans! Yes, yes, everyone hates you. It's so easy to wallow in self-pity instead of do something about it. I know.<br /><br />But, if you're going to blame someone, sure, blame LeBratchelor. No prob. I understand. But, you really want to know when shit when down?<br /><br />When Delonte West started having sex with LeBron's Mom.<br /><br />Thanks Delonte!<br /><br />Well, at least Miami thanks you.<br /><br />Now, I want to see wtf Miami fans think Riley's going to do to sign 11 people with 10 million dollars.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />You know who else is happy? Dwight Howard! Thanks for making sure he goes for 30 points and 20 boards 12 games a year!<br /><br />Congrats LeBron. Good job going to the third best team in the East. Hope it was worth it.<br /><br />Oh, and Kobe might be the happiest. No more Boozer in Utah. No more Amare in Phoenix. Oh yeah. Put the Lakers' name on the Trophy now.<br /><br />Thanks LeBatchelor!<br /><br />/failGrahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-63912193809981259652010-03-08T15:01:00.005-06:002010-03-08T16:36:09.092-06:00Good Sign in Early Spring<img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/writers/grant_wahl/03/08/donovan.everton/landon-donovan-home.jpg" /><br /><br />Gotta love Lou Pinella. He's not screwing around with the lineup right off the bat. Here's how the top of the lineup looks today in the Spring Training game against the Oakland A's:<div><br /></div><div>Ryan Theriot, SS</div><div>Kosuke Fukudome, RF</div><div>Derrek Lee, 1B</div><div>Aramis Ramirez, 3B</div><div>Marlon Byrd, CF</div><div>Alfonso Soriano, LF</div><div><br /></div><div>All I can say is, Hell Yeah. Soriano in the six slot. It's about time. No more BS about him being a leadoff guy. No putting the worst OBP starter in the two slot. Move him down to six where he can swing his oversized bat a few times and maybe get some RBI's for once. He's not a rally starter, but he's been quite the killer, so let's hope he doesn't start off a sad 6-9 O-fer game after game.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, for now, I am pleased :) Well, except for the lack of lefties... (but we should be used to that by now)</div><div><br /></div><div>And, as far as that "<a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7179929&c_id=chc&topic_id=">diving catch</a>" goes a few days ago... please. WTF. I mean, for Fonzy, it was good. Sure. And I appreciate the effort. But, it was on the freaking Top Ten plays of the day on the Mothership. /fail. Let's hope it was a slow day for highlights.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of, how about Landon Donovan's fantastic <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/grant_wahl/03/08/donovan.everton/">goal + assist day</a> for Everton on Sunday morning? Yeah, I know, you prob didn't see it. :P But, it was s w e e t. He's got some subtle skills that I hadn't really taken the time to notice before. When you see him perform like that in the Barclay's Premier League, damn, that's some good shit.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, as far as the Chicago Cubs go, let's hope they can display some subtle skills of their own. The starting pitching rotation is making me nervous. We'll have to see how it develops, but, it's definitely not what anyone (sober) would call "top tier" (see St. Louis). They need Big Z and Dempster to really come out firing to have a chance. Let's hope that happens, but I wouldn't plan that trip to Vegas just yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ted Lilly is throwing off the mound. Nady is ready to swing the bat but not throw from the OF yet. More <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/473/lilly-progressing-throws-off-mound">here</a> from ESPN's Cubs Blog. Hope these two keep moving in the right direction.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#3333FF;">Go Cubs!!</span></div>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-44291706238585914332009-09-19T23:22:00.004-05:002009-09-20T13:14:14.960-05:00Why is Texas Number 2?<img src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/content/images/2006/09/19/texas_longhorn_470x312.jpg" width=350><br /><br />Besides the obvious jokes the headline suggests, why the hell is Texas number two in the country? I mean, beating Division 2 Louisiana-Beauty School and looking shabby against Wyoming and then barely beating unranked Texas Tech at home by ten? Revenge? Fuck that. There's no revenge in beating an unranked team at home after allowing them to knock you out of the Title Picture last year. This Tech team has no resemblance to that team. TTU is NOT RANKED! They have no business keeping this a game into the fourth quarter, much less somehow justifying UT's farcical placement into the top of the college game. No one is pretending they even come close to last year's great team. STFU ESPN/ABC. Stop shoving this crap down our throats. You got lucky it was even a game. Texas allowed over 400 passing yards from a team that lost three starting Offensive Lineman, their starting quarterback, and one of the best receivers in the college game. Just who thinks we should buy this bullshit? Well, besides Disney/ABC/ESPN...<br /><br />Kindly remove your preconceptions of what you thought would happen and base your thoughts on what you've actually seen this year. Texas hasn't beaten anyone worth anything. And somehow they are number two... WHY?! Alabama has beaten a tough Va Tech team that just beat Nebraska in a great game of ranked teams. Michigan has actually beaten a ranked Notre Dame. Miami has beaten TWO ranked teams. What gives?<br /><br />Abolish the Preseason poll. Now. It is damaging the credibility of College Football. What's left of it (when's the last time a Heisman Trophy winner translated success into the NFL?). I mean, the fact they don't settle the actual championship with, ya know, an Actual Game, is crock enough. But, this who can we get more ratings with BS of a preseason poll is just an absolute mockery. It's all based on viewership and the number of alumni they have watching television. If you don't believe it, count how many undefeated teams will still be ranked below USC, who just lost to an unranked team for the fourth straight year, once the new polls come out. Why does Notre Dame get all it's games on national television?<br /><br />And, to make things worse, the Longhorns don't play anyone this season except Oklahoma. Just like usual. Well, except last year when TTU caught lightning in a bottle. Sure, OK St, who just lost to HOUSTON... Kansas? Really? Mizzou? Not a great team this year. The Big 12 is worse than the SEC again, and probably the Pac 10 this year. There could be an argument for the Big 10 as well, but, with the weather the Big 12 teams enjoy, the better athletes, as a whole, will always come down here. So, I'd think from top to bottom, the Big 12 is better, since the bottom-feeders here could kick the pants off the bottom-feeders up there.<br /><br />Back to the point, the goal of this farce is to keep the big boys up top, so their 100,000+ stadiums remain full, the conferences continue to cash in and the networks continue to enjoy ratings, no matter what the actual strengths of these teams are. It's all about money. Well, what isn't. But, if we are going to actually call this a competition, let's let the actions on the field mean something. Even though the teams are stupidly not allowed to settle things on the field at the end of the season anyway.<br /><br />It's just a ridiculous Beauty Contest anyway. Should I even get into the fact that the month in between the last games and the second to the last games for these teams at their season's end changes everything as well? That and, besides the No. 1 vs. No. 2 game, all the other matchups are set up as a guaranteed win so the Big Dollar teams get to enjoy a "win" at the end of their seasons, so the "kids" and big money grads can continue to hand over their millions to the networks and the NCAA.<br /><br />Nah, I'm tired. And forget College Football anyway. It's a joke. I've wasted too much time on it already.<br /><br />/rantoverGrahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-27720299854224404342009-09-19T20:35:00.011-05:002010-03-08T17:10:13.122-06:00Tax Cheese, Not Soda<img src="http://foodcourtlunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/fat-dude.jpg" width="350" /><br /><br />If you really want to help the health of the nation, don't tax soda. Who cares. And, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have way too much money anyway. You won't win that and it doesn't make as much sense as another move that could actually help folks. Tax Cheese.<br /><br />I know, I know, we all like cheese. Well, except the lactose intolerant. But, hear me out. Even the right-wingers might get on board with this one. Ya know, those dang French sure make a lot of cheese...<br /><br />Seriously, though. Soda is just sugar and water and a bit of coloring. Sure, not great, but worse for your teeth than for your girth. OK, maybe not so good for either. :P Cheese, however, is pretty much just fat and calories. Sure, there's some milk proteins, but, come on, what the hell is cheese anyway? Spoiled milk? I could live without it. Well, "could" being the operative word. I do like myself some good cheese. But, I'd understand taxing it to pay for healthcare. Or maybe potato chips and/or french fries. These things really add to the unhealthiness of America. OK, soda too, but it's not as big a problem as these fried foods.<br /><br />Will any food be taxed? No, of course not. It makes too much sense. Fat people pay taxes too. And buy two seats on a plane. Not like those "damn" smokers and drinkers... Maybe we should tax by the pound divided by height. lol. But really, we should do something. Why should folks who choose to be unhealthy weigh down the whole system? And there are too damn many of these bigguns. I mean, look around. See what I mean? Ya think these folks won't flip out when food is literally being taken from their mouths?<br /><br />If folks would just take care of themselves and not get so fucking fat, maybe we wouldn't have so much cost in healthcare anyway. Take a page from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-maher/new-rule-you-cant-complai_b_291852.html">Bill Maher</a> and get a clue. I want to be clear here, if folks want to get fat, go ahead. Have fun. But don't expect me to be happy paying for it.<br /><br />That, and let's get rid of all the paperwork bullshit. Seriously.<br /><br />And <span style="font-weight:bold;">forcing</span> folks to get insurance is just wrong. If I don't want Insurance, why do I have to get it? If I get sick, I pay out of pocket or I die. Cool with me. Shouldn't I be able to choose to not go to the hospital? I haven't gone for 10 years now. And when I did that time, I used a little known thing called <span style="font-style:italic;">cash</span> to pay for it. Why make me pay every month for something I don't use? How much would that be in wasted monthly payments? Where's that money going? Who's using it? Why make decisions for me? Am I FREE or not? Well, then again, if I'm paying taxes to cover healthcare, why am I paying taxes <span style="font-weight:bold;">and</span> monthly healthcare premiums? WTF?<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">And I'm what folks call a Liberal...</span><br /><br />/rantoverGrahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-61293522178118285902009-09-11T11:04:00.005-05:002009-09-11T12:39:04.832-05:00The One<img src="http://upperdeckblogs.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/michael_jordan_trophy_rings.jpg" /><br /><br />Michael Jordan goes into the Basketball Hall of Fame today. No person on the planet is surprised. The Man, The Legend, The Greatest to Ever Play The Game.<br /><br />Great pre-ceremony speech. Love what he said about Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, David Robinson and Jerry Sloan. What else can really be said? Bask in the wonderment of what has passed. We shall never see this moment again.<br /><br />Thank you Michael for all the moments you brought us. I shall never forget the greatness I witnessed. Too Bad the Bulls got lucky and will never repeat as NBA Champions. At least not with present ownership/management.<br /><br />But, Six Times ain't so bad ;)Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-36577886358590014742009-09-07T11:58:00.001-05:002009-09-07T14:02:01.435-05:00Did the Cubs REALLY just lose two of three to the Mets?<img src="http://www.theroundfamily.com/images/isaac_sad.jpg" width=300><br /><br />Yeah, They Did...Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-1710846596093906202009-09-03T12:33:00.006-05:002009-09-03T13:09:06.963-05:00Perhaps That Word Does Not Mean What You Think It Means<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2239/1883324921_239ad3d7c3.jpg" width=300 /><br /><br />Pitching Coach.<br /><br />Yeah, that's two words, but, anyone take the time away from bashing the National League to wonder, maybe the Red Sox don't <span style="font-style:italic;">really</span> know what they're doing over there?<br /><br />I mean, Smoltz goes on down I-55 to the Redbirds and pitches like a born-again superstar. Penny goes into San Fran and struts his stuff against the defending champs. And Beckett looks like he's wondering where the meds are. Mabye, just maybe, <a href="http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/team/coach_staff_bio.jsp?c_id=bos&coachorstaffid=114023">John Farrell</a> ain't all that. Who is that guy anyway? Yeah, when the Baseball World is looking at your resume for these reasons, it isn't a good thing.<br /><br />Unless you're the Cardinals or Giants that is.<br /><br />Story is it took about a day for the Cards and Dave Duncan (a REAL pitching coach) to figure out what was wrong with John Smoltz. Seems he was tipping his pitches. Really?! Ya mean someone paid to know these things, seven figures most likely, doesn't know this kind of things? And I thought Larry Rothschild needed some help...<br /><br />Yeah, he still does. I mean, how many complete games do the Cubbies have this year? ONE. Guess who that was. Lilly? Good guess, best bet, but, nope. Big Z? Yeah right. That'd mean he'd be <span style="font-weight: bold;">earning</span> his paycheck. Dempster? Hell, young man Wells has more IP/GS than ol Red. Wells is definitely one of the very bright spots of the year though (10-7, 2.90 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and a .358 Opp SLG, seventh best in the NL). So, I guess that means they'll either dump him in the offseason or really overpay him (reverse psychology?) Anyway, back to the quiz. It's Sean Freaking Marshall. Yeah, that's right. The guy in the pen with nine starts all year. Fantastic.<br /><br />Well, it's Ryan Dempster up against some noob named Eddie Torres tonight. Wait, that's the alien from Cheech and Chong. I mean <span style="font-style: italic;">Carlos</span> Torres. A guy who's only pitched 9.1 innings in two starts this year. He debuted in the Bigs at the end of July. Sounds like the Cubs are in trouble...<br /><br />If only I were kidding.<br /><br />But, Red just had his 2nd best month of the year in August. He's got a 3.69 ERA, almost 6.2 IP/GS, 37/12 K/BB, but a tepid 1.31 WHIP for the month. His season's WHIP is 1.37, so I'm guessing that's about what to expect from him. That'd be fourth on the starting staff though, above, you guessed it, Zambrano's paltry 1.43 runners per inning. YIKES (that's 39th in the NL, 69th in the League). Would this be the time to mention Z is the third highest paid starter in all of Baseball? Oh, I've said that before? OK, I won't say it this time then...<br /><br />So, rants aside, will Dempster show up tonight against the White Sox and give us a win? Let's hope so. The Northsiders need to run off about 10 straight to get back in this thing. Chances of that? Especially with D Lee getting the night off.<br /><br />Let's just say I'm folding to any raise. And I'm only getting my money in if I'm already blinded.<br /><br />That's not all that good. :P But, I still have my cards in my hands.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Go Cubs!</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-69091442483271267572009-09-02T14:49:00.005-05:002009-09-03T12:33:34.659-05:00What's That Smell?<img src="http://kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/images/2008/08/15/burnttoast.jpg" width=300 /><br /><br />So, the Cubs are about toasted again, but still won't admit defeat. Aren't the tickets sold already? Not that I'll really care what moves they make until the headline "Soriano Sent Packing" or "Zambrano Agrees to Smaller Salary" hits the stands. Which won't ever happen.<br /><br />I mean, they don't even have Newspapers anymore, do they?<br /><br />So, what's a Chicago Sports fan to do? Watch the Sox at least try, and then at least be smart enough to cut payroll? Bleh. Watch Bears preseason? We talkin bout Practice?! I'm already tired of hearing about Longhorn Football in Austin, and they haven't even kicked the crap out of Louisiana Beauty School or whoever their first game's against yet. Grr..<br /><br />And Maybe Next Year just ain't fun to think about. Besides, I've already done that enough. With Alfonso Soriano tied to the squad through 2014, it might just be 2015 that's our year. Maybe.<br /><br />Why even torture ourselves? Let's face it. The Cubs are the Cubs. They just win enough games to sell enough beer to get enough butts in the seats to make a profit, and they dangle the shiny objects at us enough until we buy in to their devious Marketing and Lies. WHY!? Well, we're suckers, that's why.<br /><br />Cub Fans love losing. If we won, wtf would we do? Well, besides most of the fans going into such a bender, they may not get out of it until 2015. Hey, at least Soriano would be gone! Who's got the next round!!<br /><br />Luckily for you, I need to get to sleep, or there'd be more aimless rambling qq to go around.<br /><br />Maybe the 2020's are our decade.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-81483889449626248962009-07-26T23:45:00.005-05:002009-07-27T00:31:26.059-05:00Watching Everyone Else Try<img src="http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/41807000/jpg/_41807524_8rugby.jpg" /><br /><br />The Chicago Cubs are in first place in the NL Central. I know I should be happy about this. And, you know, I am, somewhat. However, it feels like last year, but without the record to hide the facts about the real quality of this team. The Cubs are good, yes. But not great. They might actually make the playoffs, although they need to win the division to do so, so it won't be an easy run. However, if they get in, I do not see this team winning the National League.<br /><br />And the Ivory Tower seems fine with this.<br /><br />Since they seem to be happy not making any trades before the deadline, I think they'll end up watching the Cards pass them by anyway. I'm not trying to be a doom-bringer here. That's just what the Cards do. They win. As the team with the second most MLB World Championships would. If only the Cubbies weren't content simply sitting on their laurels (whatever those are - 1907-08 Back to Back! Woot!!) and watching everyone else actually try to make their clubs better.<br /><br />With the third highest payroll in baseball, yeah, they've sort of burnt out this year's shot with yesteryear's bad contract decisions. Not to bring up Soriano and Fukudome again. But, to keep with the theme, Good players not worth their Great contracts. While other teams who actually win World Series games are getting their Hollidays or working on their Halladays, the Northsiders are going to say why change a good thing. I mean, they're in first place, right?! And the payroll is pretty high already. So are the Dodgers and World Champion Phillies, and they've spent plenty of cash. You don't see them saying they're good enough. And they don't have Wrigley to pad the books. The Cards had Holliday move in down I-55, and he promptly put a 4 for 5 on the board. They go out and get it done. Not with flash, but with substance. Well, most folks like to seem to get out of Oakland lately. If you need good help, see Pirates and the Athletics for good deals. Nice to have the farm system in the Bigs. The film quality's better up here.<br /><br />But, I digress. You see the Redbirds, Phils and Bums trying to improve their teams. Why aren't the Cubs at least in the discussion for trades like this? Because if they make the playoffs, or at least finish over .500, the turnstiles turn every night and day. They don't need to try. Kinda sad, actually. Sure, Graham, you might say. But they don't need to try in Boston or St. Louis either. Those fans would keep on filling the stands. True. But at least <span style="font-style: italic;">they</span> try. And succeed, I might add.<br /><br />There is no try. Only do.<br /><img src="http://blog.antiquetrader.com/blog/content/binary/Antiques%20-%20Yoda.jpg" width="150" /><br /><br />Out of the Cubs Front Office, I'd be pleased if I even saw a frickin' try.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-45855920984875391622009-04-29T19:56:00.002-05:002009-04-29T20:01:19.784-05:00NBA Referees Are A Joke<img src="http://www.fancydressstore.ie/CUuploads/Shop/items/418/96312_clown.jpg" /><br /><br />So, Wade goes up to block a shot, and gets a Flagrant Foul 1 call, but Rondo smacks a guy across the face, and it's just a hard foul.<br /><br />What The Fuck...<br /><br />Way to be consistent. You are A JOKE.<br /><br />Gratz.<br /><br />Stevie Wonder could've seen that shit.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-77303851475079121872009-04-06T00:00:00.000-05:002009-04-05T19:51:45.962-05:00Chicago Cubs Opening Day<img src="http://www.moonbattery.com/DonQuixoteWindmill.gif" /><br /><br /><blockquote>To dream the impossible dream<br />To fight the unbeatable foe<br />To bear with unbearable sorrow<br />To run where the brave dare not go</blockquote>OK, it's been a LONG offseason. We lost the great writings of Cub Town and all of the Baseball Toaster. The Cubs lost the playoff series with the Dodgers in less than impressive fashion. And we still seem to have Alfonso Soriano leading off <span style="font-size:85%;">(OK, at least he went 3-4 yesterday with AB's vs. Pettitte and Burnett)</span>.<br /><br />But, this is the day we put our losses behind us. This is the day we say This Is The Year. This is the day we start our long journey toward a goal not seen since 1945 and not won since 1908. this is the day, we saddle up that steed once again, and charge right at that World Series ring. This is the day, we sit and watch our Beloved Cubbies with hearts and arms open, hopes abound with joy, and smile while Big Z gets the big win and goes 2 for 4, and Derrek Lee hits one on Waveland.<br /><br />Ah, this is the life. Cub Fans days have very few of these precious moments to cherish. So, grab your favorite beverage, grab your comfiest chair (or get to Wrigley if you are a lucky one!) and let's watch the beauty that is the Chicago Cub Franchise. Today, at 6:05pm CDT we watch the first pitch breeze in there for a strike, and cheer with glee. Today we stand arm and arm and sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame together. We hold our heads up high and see that unattainable dream within our grasp. Today, we beat Roy Oswalt and the Houston Astros and we high five and talk about where we were when it all began.<br /><br />For one single solitary day, we, the Chicago Cubs, are the greatest team in the Universe.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Live this day as if it will be your last. Remember that you will only find "tomorrow" on the calendar of fools. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it... Make it the best day of your year."</span> - Og MandinoGrahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-17032500977222845342008-12-06T09:25:00.004-06:002008-12-06T10:09:50.760-06:00Astros offseason moves bold and glamorous<a href="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07xd4jy6rifTM/340x.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 340px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 522px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07xd4jy6rifTM/340x.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Retired? Not yet, bored with this years off season? Fuck Yeah! The Astros continued their whirlwind off season acquisitions yesterday with the signing of Matt Kata, a 30 year old minor league player who they hope can compete for a spot to back up Miguel Tejada. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm gonna kick back and let that sink in for awhile. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The Kata signing comes on the heels of Mike Hamptons return, Hampton who once finished second in the Cy Young voting while in a Houston Uniform comes home leading the "audacity of hope" mantra that the nearly flawless starting rotation will no doubt adopt as the season gets underway in 120 days. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I cant tell you how awesome it is to be an Astros fan currently, other than the two blockbusters i just mentioned, the biggest story of the off season is how the club will deal with economic woes. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>That's what i want to hear about, the economy. God knows when i go to the local sports page in the morning i want to get the latest update on what my favorite baseball team WONT be doing due to the infringing economic crisis. I don't hear people talking enough about the economic crisis anyway, please molest my precious baseball rumors with fiscal doubt and uncertainty.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well i have been a negative nelly long enough today, i hope everyone Else's off season is going well and that there are those who don't have starting rotation worries(cough cubs cough). </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Merry Christmas you pitching rich bastards!! </div>Rick Styleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04118304560933141601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-65298892487236891512008-10-05T07:54:00.005-05:002008-10-05T09:05:32.508-05:00Why The Cubs Won't Win The World Series<img src="http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v315/deltau922/spirit.jpg" width=375><br /><br />The biggest reason? Alfonso Soriano.<br /><br />Easy as that. Yeah, yeah, I know. Try and talk to me about it. Homeruns, woooo, shiny. No OBP, no team chemistry, no glove, no baseball mind, no baseball heart. OK, he's got a decent arm. Great. And he's plugging up the leadoff spot because he's a spoiled freakin' brat. And, the worst part is, the Cubs deserve it. Because they've let it happen.<br /><br />The contract they signed him to was stupid. It was stupid then, and it goes all the way up to REALLY F'n STUPID in the coming years. Not only is he a major reason this season will be the best of his tenure on the Northside, the back end of the deal is so large, no one will ever take him off the Cubs hands. EVER. And it will prevent them from signing an outfielder that's, well, better than just above average.<br /><br />Seriously. If you thought $13 million was a little high (little?!) for nearly the worst OBP of the starters (Edmonds was one one hundredth of a point behind, and he's a platoon player) and #2 on the team behind Soto for K/AB, just wait until next year when he costs $16 million. Hey, at least it only gets a whole lot worse when he gets $18 mil per year for the next <span style="font-weight: bold;">four consecutive years</span> after that. Do you think he's worthy of the equal money of Carlos Zambrano? That's what I thought. Oh, and he has that silly-ass hop out there. Fun times.<br /><br />The baseball world (wrongly) hears about Alex Rodriguez's numbers in the postseason and how they aren't good. Well, would you rather have A-Rod's .279/.373/.483 with 9 doubles and 7 HR's or A-Sore's .213/.263/.299 with more K's (53) than Total Bases (52)?!<br /><br />OK, how can this be fixed? Get rid of him. Well, that won't happen, so make him bat fifth. No questions, no bitching, no other way. You bat fifth. Period. Can the Cubs ever realize how important Leadoff is?? Ya know, for RBI's for the big bats? Maybe then he wouldn't only have 75 RBI to show for his 29 HR's. But, then again, he looks alright against the Pirates of the world, but once he goes against smart managers that know not to pitch Soriano any strikes, he gets himself out. And, if the guy won't do what's best for the team (which we know he won't), has no plate discipline, and you can't get rid of him, what do you do? <br /><br />Lose. That, and only score twelve runs in the last six playoff games, all losses. Sweet. Don't forget to get your Commemorative T-Shirt on your way out!<br /><br />Oh, and great job signing Fukudome and having seven digits of salary sitting on the bench as well. Hey, guess what, next year it nearly doubles!! WooHoo!!<br /><br />Seriously, if the team played without Soriano or Fukudome, they wouldn't miss them a bit. That's two outfield positions, with a weak CF for every year since, ever?, that are gone baby gone... Please, get rid of one of them. Yeah right. Neither can go. They're tied into their contracts. And therein lies the problem. We Cub Fans are tied into several more years of Losing. Fantastic. Well, at least we won't get this close for a while, so maybe it won't hurt as much...<br /><br />Congrats on a good season, Cubbies. Hope that's all you wanted. The Central crown again. Cause that's as good as it's going to get.<br /><br />Yay! Maybe next century will be our century. Go Cubs in 2100!! Bloody Hell.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-44867702245131601082008-07-31T21:03:00.003-05:002008-08-01T19:42:42.746-05:00Different Dog Same Fleas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5iwAolMLfXrFeDxS3jE8NRz-uIyz4oVuDCg2nM8u-hFy8HtKbDKs00LE4esLyHaEVKgz8J2qYJVIU67a1zcvnVn10L4eiutklAVK61wuZeWiYXcIVSptDJwh_18VvvfwD4xOew/s1600-h/dog_w_fleas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5229714334102788034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5iwAolMLfXrFeDxS3jE8NRz-uIyz4oVuDCg2nM8u-hFy8HtKbDKs00LE4esLyHaEVKgz8J2qYJVIU67a1zcvnVn10L4eiutklAVK61wuZeWiYXcIVSptDJwh_18VvvfwD4xOew/s200/dog_w_fleas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9QW3Kyx8nJrqmeqmBiuIObBIRKyzcAx8AAuCBBxGrN0M6uSkkij_aUcvGeonWk1BTDyo3ldq_VdLsYqZx2PpxIiQeADnDZLf5vOB8W5Gfyybu9_LVqx9EEkxo7KWqmjlNOgDqg/s1600-h/dog_w_fleas.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Today the Sox decided to get more power in the lineup. They acquired Griffey Jr. from the Reds for next to nothing, Massett – who was just about to get sent down to the minors and Richar, who no longer had a spot to come up. With Cabrera at SS this year our 1st round draft pick on Beckham from UGA, Ramirez at 2nd with the over priced Uribe as a backup. Richar was the odd man out.<br />I question what Kenny is doing to get a declining player such as Jr. which the Sox are only paying for $2.4M of his salary this year. We are fine in the OF with All Star Quentin LF, MVP Dye in RF, and Mr. Lunchbox Swisher in Center.<br />If they plan to platoon Konerko at 1st with Swisher you loose defense in both spots. Jr. no longer can track down balls, like he used to.<br />How often do you really need to rest a DH, since it gets tiring only participating in half the game? Yes I understand that it is tough to stay mentally when you don’t play the field since I was a DH myself back in the day. But you should be able to go out and hit.<br />Maybe they are thinking that Jr. can play first. I know it sounds weird, and Jr. might not have played 1B since Tee ball or Babe Ruth. But it might be worth it. Have him invest a new round glove and put him at first.<br />This sure does seem like it fits on the team. This team sure is getting old and it is turning back to the South Side Hitmen, Bashing Balls, roll out the keg for Softball league. Or just prior to they won the World Series, with el Caballo Lee in RF, Ordonez in RF, Konerko at 1B, Big Hurt DH.<br />The Sox have proven that this doesn’t work. I believe that they should go back to fundamentals and play small ball, manufacturing runs. Chics may dig the long ball but I believe real baseball fans would rather see runs truly produced.</div></div>boltoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506970063889954005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-25421905104322752832008-07-23T10:29:00.003-05:002008-07-23T19:18:22.602-05:00USA...USA...USA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-lXqFgZddOuCyVJvy6ajSE3C6ogzdt3D5pT4MnWQBjpLD9YI-rkaJyvn5yMgeQFNWYvyIKVFrQGtrRiJHUvBnJjwVjaAtzYt0P01SGgqArFDv-4HYpmxHrOgs6dQSHHBX9XGLA/s1600-h/Hacksaw.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5226232350013936114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-lXqFgZddOuCyVJvy6ajSE3C6ogzdt3D5pT4MnWQBjpLD9YI-rkaJyvn5yMgeQFNWYvyIKVFrQGtrRiJHUvBnJjwVjaAtzYt0P01SGgqArFDv-4HYpmxHrOgs6dQSHHBX9XGLA/s200/Hacksaw.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As 8/8/08 comes closer for the start of the summer Olympics, do people really care about the Olympics for the main stream events? I enjoy the watching the games that I don’t get to see much of or get over hyped, such as your Track and Field, swimming, wrestling, weight lifting, and other. However I really don’t give a rats butt on watching some of the main stream events. Here is a list of games that I feel that the USA fan really won’t watch.<br /><br /><strong>Basketball</strong> – This is like watching the summer basketball for the rookies. Sure there is a lot of talent there but do you really care if you missed watching it<br /><strong>Soccer</strong> – The EURO and World Cup are the bigger venues then the Olympics<br /><strong>Boxing</strong> – All too often this is just a glorified Golden Gloves. If people want to watch fighting they should watch MMA or bring cage fighting to the Olympics.<br /><strong>Baseball</strong> – This is right in the middle of the MLB season. There are so many international players that are in MLB that are not going so that should tell you how important the players even think it is.<br /><br />People should tune into the Olympics. However, I for one will want to follow the smaller sports and look for that underdog that we can grasp on to and truly lift up as a champion.</div>boltoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506970063889954005noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-72109567126067625732008-07-22T01:49:00.003-05:002008-07-22T02:04:49.998-05:00Bears Show Urlacher The Money<img src="http://www.celebritywonder.com/picture/Brian_Urlacher/BrianUrlache_Grayson_6846579.jpg" width="440"/><br /><br />Finally.<br /><br />Brian Urlacher got what he was looking for: Contract Restructuring. He gets six million off the bat in "signing bonus" and a one million boost each year over the next four years. Good. The inept Chicago Bears Front Office finally did something smart, and assured the best player on their squad stays happy and keeps crushing guys on the other side of the ball. Unfortunately, their offense still sucks.<br /><br />But, let's focus on the positives for a moment. No more singing for the man, no more, "sure, we'll get to it"/"check is in the mail" crap. They paid him what he's worth, and he'll go out there and play like he always does. It's just a bonus that it'll be in a Bears uniform.<br /><br />And enough stupid stories about him having to go earn it. He's done that ever since he's first stepped on Soldier Field. So, if you read <a href="http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080721-brian-urlacher-chicago-bears-haugh,1,672510.column" target="_blank">this</a> story, remember to send some hate mail in about how stupid Haugh is. Thanks. Actually, don't even read it. What's the use.<br /><br />However, there's a hilarious <a href="http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-080721-brian-urlacher-brett-favre-bears-downey,1,3908894.column" target="_blank">idea</a> of trading Urlacher for Favre from Mike "I was bored today, so I wrote a column" Downey. Yeah. Brilliant. Let's see, what comes to mind exactly... oh yeah... STFU. Compared to Downey, Haugh is a genius. Mike Downey is the only guy I can think of that would make W the smartest man in the room.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-7727857760453956042008-07-20T17:23:00.002-05:002008-07-20T17:33:24.775-05:00Brewers Acquire Ray Durham<img src="http://www.sfgate.com/blogs/images/sfgate/giants/2006/06/24/durham24499x313.jpg" width="300"/><br /><br />The Milwaukee Brewers just made a move to up their offense (even while they're beating on TimLin 5-0) and traded for veteran second baseman Ray Durham. They gave up two Minor Leaguers, outfielder Darren Ford, and pitcher Steve Hammond.<br /><br />Gotta give it to the Brew Crew Management, they're giving it all they have for the one year shot at the prize. Seems weird to count out Rickie Weeks, but perhaps the .218 BA has something to do with it. Ya think?<br /><br />Well, I don't think the Cubs are going to make anymore big moves, but an addition to the bullpen is still possible.<br /><br />In the meantime, let's get the right-handed swingers ready for Mr. Randy Johnson.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Go Cubs!!</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-76269852736379853902008-07-20T15:36:00.003-05:002008-07-20T16:12:41.157-05:00Cubs Lost Offense Found in Baggage Claim<img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/144/337268497_58fd143522_o.jpg"><br /><br />Well, after two nights of No Offense Whatsoever, the guys got off their asses and supported a fantastic outing from Ryan Dempster to wipe out the Astros on getaway day to the tune of 9-0. The Cardinals are down 3-2 as I type and are looking at bases loaded of Padres with two out in the top of the eighth. On a side note, man, where'd they get these tools who broadcast Padres games? Actually, I don't want to know.<br /><br />Eight strong <span style="font-size:85%;">(well, seven, the loading the bases thing and all)</span> innings from Demp, followed up by a 1-2-3 ninth from Marmol, is exactly what the Cubs needed. Nice to see only one walk from Ryan, not until the eighth, along with the seven K's. Add that with the bats actually showing up today, and the ship's once again pointed in the right direction.<br /><br />Theriot continues his hit streak, now at 12, with a multi-hit, multi-RBI game. Fontenot had a awesome day as well, with a single, double and homer. Hell, even Fukudome decided to get involved with a couple of hits. Edmonds and Lee too. Let's keep this train rolling along with Harden against the Unit tomorrow night.<br /><br />Ahhh... No tranq's needed tonight. Let's hope the Giants can help the Cubs out with a W as well tonight, although the Brew Crew already but two on the board in the 2nd off of TimLin.<br /><br />I'm getting another glass of Iced Tea, puttin' the feet up, and enjoying the rest of the Baseball packed day.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Go Cubs!!!</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-49231848452741451592008-07-19T20:38:00.008-05:002008-07-20T16:23:57.193-05:00Cubs Fall Out The Gate<img src="http://www.danoconnor.com/images/golf/golf_cartoon_shoot_self_in_foot.jpg"><br /><br />What? Great. Cubs 0-2, Cards 3-0, Brewers 2-0 since Break. Cubs lose two to the (used to be) cellar dweller. F_ckin' Skippy. Lilly loses and the Ace, Z, loses (and gives up six walks). WTF?!?!?!?!?<br /><br />If this team doesn't learn how to play on the road soon enough, especially a "offensively good", right-handed dominated team, at the Band Boxes of ALL Band Boxes, Enron/Astros/Minute Maid Park, what the hell do they have to look forward to?<br /><br />I'll tell ya. 1969. Well, except that year, they had the dignity to collapse a lot later.<br /><br />OK, I know. Doombringer Extraordinaire. So sue me. F_ckin' Bullsh_t watchin' these Cubs roll over for the first two out the gate in the second half.<br /><br />If they aren't crushing the loser Astros by the third inning tomorrow, cue the Lou Pinella Tirade.<br /><br />Bet the Ranch on it.<br /><br />I only hope it works. Again.<br /><br />And, if anyone even suggests the can't get on base, can't steal, strike out fool who, yes, can hit home runs, but why the f_ck is he a leadoff hitter, Fonzie, I'll...<br /><br />AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Zoloft anyone?)</span><br /><br />At least Ryan Theriot acts like he cares. Great 3-4 game, Kid. But, if the team can't take out the 'stros, I hate to see what the Cards and Brewers do. Especially when they keep on winnin'.Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-49720133202616762272008-07-16T15:33:00.007-05:002008-07-16T17:21:25.761-05:00Dan Uggla: Wanna Get Away?<img src="http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/southwest%20airlines%20flight%20attendants.jpg" width="280" /><br /><br />Ding! The long, long, long, All-Star Game last night was fun at times, sad at times, but a wonder to watch overall. What did we learn? The American League still has better players and obviously had the better Manager last night, but, also, we learned this game can actually mean something.<br /><br />However, one person absolutely wanted to find a hole and hide, and that was Dan Uggla. Credited with three errors, he actually made a few other questionable plays as well. He also K'd with the bases loaded once and also ended the threat in the 10th by grounding into an easy 4-6-3. So, I'm assuming y'all know that 0-4 with three strikeouts <span style="font-size:85%;">(the most on either squad)</span>, six LOB <span style="font-size:85%;">(again, the most)</span>, three errors <span style="font-size:85%;">(yep, the most)</span> and a GIDP probably cost the game. I'm sure Dan's well aware of that too. Maybe he just wasn't used to, as a Florida Marlin, playing in front of more than 10,000 people. Perhaps he stayed up all night with one of NYC's finest ladies of the night. He certainly didn't help his value on the trade market, which we know is what the Marlins are all about. Dan's not the Man, last night for sure. Of course, he'll just hit some more slam dunks, oh, I mean home runs, and get all over ESPN again anyway. Right Corey Hart? A two-hopper to the plate from shallow right field <span style="font-size:85%;">(and not even on target)</span>?! Way to go Jacque Jones, Jr.<br /><br />He's not the only one who had a hard day at the game. What was Clint Hurdle thinking getting Brad Lidge up SIX times in the pen? Lidge was tabulated as throwing over 100 warmup pitches before he ever got into the game, sometime past 1:00 am EDT. Seriously, I'd expect this from a High School coach <span style="font-size:85%;">(just ask Kerry Wood)</span>, maybe, but a Big Leaguer? Embarrassing, stupid, foolish and just plain sad. How'd this doofus ever get to the World Series? Oh yeah, roll of all rolls and a collapse ahead of him. Great.<br /><br />The NL did get lucky though, with every one and their mother stealing on Soto and Martin. The LA catcher can hit and is one of the best fielders behind the plate, but Francona pretty much showed everybody that the man just can't throw out baserunners <span style="font-size:85%;">(not that Soto got anyone either)</span>.<br /><br />Finally, I think they should add another pitcher per team, perhaps two players and let them decide if they want position players or pitchers. This way, more people get on the team, more fans are happy, more players are happy <span style="font-size:85%;">(more get bonuses too)</span>, and the Managers don't have to worry as much about the late game attrition <span style="font-size:85%;">(although why Francona only got 9 pitches out of Halladay can easily be criticized after the fact)</span>.<br /><br />Good News? This comes from the "sort of" department, but at least Zambrano, Dempster and Marmol all looked good. However, I'd rather they all have more time off if the NL didn't win anyway. Especially Carlos Marmol. Oh well, at least they showed the AL they can take 'em out, on the big stage, if need be. Ya gotta think Ryan felt pretty hopped up about the three K's he threw down in the ninth. And Big Z, where's that pickoff move been all year? Loved the pitch to Manny too. Fun times.<br /><br />Is it Friday yet?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Go Cubs!!</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-8964138895513099152008-07-15T15:38:00.002-05:002008-07-15T17:51:13.991-05:00The Home Run Derby is a Joke<a href="http://kitschtina.vox.com/library/audio/6a00ccff85b407985d00cd972888264cd5.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.dvdtimes.co.uk/images/MichaelMackenzie/rs2.jpg" /></a><br /><br />The purpose of this is not to take away from what Josh Hamilton was able to accomplish last night. The problem I have, and many others, is of what he was not allowed to accomplish: The Actual Victory.<br /><br />Yes, he "won the hearts of baseball fans across America" and blah blah blah. Great that Disney Sports, oh, I'm sorry, ESPN, got to tout Christianity and Don't Do Drugs messages all night <span style="font-size:85%;">(Happy Happy Joy Joy)</span>. Fact is, the structure of the Home Run Derby is fatally flawed. It is so irritating that I will never watch another one of these again, until they change up the way it is so the guy who hits the most home runs actually wins <span style="font-size:85%;">(I'll just watch the highlights and keep those three and a half hours of my life, thank you)</span>. What a concept, eh? I mean it is <span style="font-size:85%;">(supposedly)</span> a frickin' Home Run Derby contest, right? Then why are hitting more home runs seemingly unimportant?<br /><br />Remember back in '99, when Mark McGwire won the Home Run Derby in Fenway Park? Oh yeah, he didn't win <span style="font-size:85%;">(Griffey did, but no one cares to remember that, cause he shouldn't have)</span>, even though he trounced the competition and hit some of the most memorable home runs ever in this faux "competition". They changed it in '06 <span style="font-size:85%;">(wow, in only took six more years of crap?)</span> so that Round 1 and 2 added up together. Good idea, they got rid of the stupid Wipe The Slate Clean thing. But, they didn't. They just saved it for the last round for when the two "sluggers" <span style="font-size:85%;">(Justin Morneau? Luis Gonzalez?)</span> are so tired they can barely lift their arms. F_cking Ridiculous.<br /><br />And that's not the only year the guy with the most dingers lost. Last year, Rios hit two more that Vlad, but lost. In '05, David Ortiz got hosed when his first round of 17 got wiped and he didn't even make it out of the second round. In 2003, Garrett Anderson won even though he actually hit the third most home runs <span style="font-size:85%;">(Pujols and Giambi hit more)</span>. Wow, fun times for morons. Giambi got screwed in '01 too, when he hit 20 but "lost" to Luis Gonzales (16) and Sammy "Say It Ain't" Sosa (13). Yep, Jason didn't even make the finals that year.<br /><br />If you're thinking about the strategy and how endurance is a factor, and you aren't a Twins fan, then go out back and shoot yourself now. Really, I'll wait...<br /><br />OK, for the rest of us, let's work on revamping this sorry, sorry display of Suits jacking up an otherwise decent idea. We're at the point where people don't even want to be in it. Sure, some people think they'll screw up their swing, but that's garbage <span style="font-size:85%;">(sorry, Abreu, it was time on earth that caught up with you, not hacking a few BP's over the fence)</span>. It's the same problem as the Slam Dunk Contest. The best person doesn't always win <span style="font-size:85%;">(right Dwight Howard?)</span>.<br /><br />What should be done? I've been thinking about this for a while. Yesterday, I suggested an inning by inning format like they did in the old <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Run_Derby_%28TV_series%29" target="_blank">TV show</a>, but that wouldn't solve the fatigue factor, and may, actually, intensify it. My Suggestion version 2.0 is to eliminate the third round, and invite only the HR leaders at the time of the break.<br /><br />Here's how'd my idea would work. Currently, there are three rounds, starting with eight, and involving 14 sets of 10 "outs" to <span style="font-size:85%;">(wrongly)</span> determine the winner. I say, invite the top five HR hitters from each league, and going down the list to cover injuries and "no thank you"'s until you get the ten peeps.<br /><br />OK, now that we have ten contestants <span style="font-size:85%;">(who can actually hit 'em)</span>, let them each take their hacks in Round One, 10 outs if ya want, although isn't nine a better baseball number? Unless we've finally moved to the Metric System or something. Anyway, that argument being rather silly, take the best four guys, move them to the final round, let them slug it out, and take the combined numbers from Round 1 and Round 2 to determine the winner. In case of a tie, you could up the drama and go swing for swing Sudden Death to establish the Champ.<br /><br />Ya see? Still 14 rounds, still same TV time, still same Ad Rev <span style="font-size:85%;">(although I'd argue it'd be better)</span>. And this way, the person who hits the most home runs actually wins. Also, the contestants won't get so tired, so the final round would actually be worth watching, instead of feeling like a spotter asking for "just one more".<br /><br />What a concept.<br /><br />I'll take a 5% cut off the top, and may even take less if you get rid of that stupid Call the Shot thing. What gives with that anyway? How about giving $10,000 from each player to the charity of their choice, then give $50,000 to the winner's charity and $25,000 to the runner-up. Hell, have the Prez's of each charity there and get all the Smile-aren't-we-great TV time that you could ever hope for. You could even do a minute or two on each charity, and really up the ante.<br /><br />Someone get on this, will ya? Thanks.<br /><br />Tonight, more exhibition. Well, "it counts" for the AL home field advantage <span style="font-size:85%;">(seemingly)</span> every year, since the inception of this Selig gem. Great. Please, please, please, No Cubs Get Hurt. That's the mission. Otherwise, maybe the only other big deal could be an Aramis Ramirez late inning HR or something, cause that'd make for a good highlight. Maybe I should wait to bitch about the ASG until tomorrow.<br /><br />Better for the stress levels, ya know?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Go Cubs!!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />two more days 'til Real Baseball again... (sigh)</span>Grahamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852209105770363058noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15537033.post-61640596129831060702008-07-14T22:02:00.004-05:002008-07-15T17:47:11.646-05:00Objects are Closer Then They Appear<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoyLbymTriCS32Hcu7Z-XoMGtg6UlUKvuD2Ouk9ZZ-BJ3yFPG63vBR9JY_O_F8en4XSTq6G4rVf4PiCji3MZnwUYuMsb9HOL7exVgO5fWToxs8N2alcjL4eFNErZdX3lZ_U4v8g/s1600-h/closer.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5223072040557120258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAoyLbymTriCS32Hcu7Z-XoMGtg6UlUKvuD2Ouk9ZZ-BJ3yFPG63vBR9JY_O_F8en4XSTq6G4rVf4PiCji3MZnwUYuMsb9HOL7exVgO5fWToxs8N2alcjL4eFNErZdX3lZ_U4v8g/s200/closer.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Any one that has been down on their luck only has to look as far as Josh Hamilton. We all have made wrong decisions in our lives but it is how we all learn and want to better ourselves. Josh could have been one of those guys that decided my life is crap and given up. But he has overcome it all, at least in this chapter in his life. I had no idea who this kid was. I didn’t know he was the first player taken and a five tool player. My first memory of Josh was on the show Flip this House, “The Real Deal” with Richard Davis and Trademark Realty on TLC. The story was, that Josh was a kid that had some problems, and he played some ball. Richard hired him to work on some of his home make overs to sell homes quickly. Richard is one that seems very straight forward and is one that will give people a break. But, they will have to work for it. If you don’t then you would be out. Josh showed that he was one that would put the time in and work hard. If my memory serves me correctly Richard helped to get Josh a chance in A-Ball then it seemed like Josh took off from there. Almost like a Disney movie script for this kid was made. The next thing, Josh is playing for the Reds. Then this year for the Rangers, making a run at the triple crown, hitting 28 in the first round of the HR Derby. However he ran out of gas and couldn’t get enough out. They need to have the derby be a total. As they stated no one will remember Justin, only Josh’s performance will be remembered for HR Derby of 2008.<br /><br />I sure get to hear a lot about him being in Big D but the story is one for the books and he isn’t a flash in the pan. Watch out Angels, things in the mirror are closer then they appear.<br /><br />Get in, get out, go home</div>boltoxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07506970063889954005noreply@blogger.com0