Tuesday, September 30, 2003

GAME #1

CUBS WIN!!!!!!!!! Kerry Wood pitched a masterful game. The Cubs were a little bad at hitting with runners in scoring position but come through in the end. All I have to say is that Braves fans are really in general the worst fans in baseball. I am in a fraternity with over 50 guys and I have two extra tickets to Wednesday's game. I got them because a couple of my friends said they wanted to go, but then something came up and they couldn't make it. So I go around and ask some of my friends that only go against the Cubs since I go for them. They come up with lame excuses. Some of these guys are "Braves fans" or so they call themselves. But when they get a chance to go to a playoff game they go to prove that braves fans are not loyal fans and really don't care about baseball. I found two people to go, but it actually took some effort because all of the "braves fans" have better stuff to do. That is why I hate the Braves and have no respect for them. But anyways I'll be at the game tomorrow with my brother and some friends so Go CUBS and win tomorrow.

Go Cubbies!!!!!!!!!!!

A Little Interesting Tidbit

I got an email from my good friend, David Irwin, from High School today. He pointed out that if the Rockies and Marlins had never joined the NL the Cubs still would have made the playoffs because the Braves and Giants would have been in the same division. Just thought that was an interesting fact.

Off To Atlanta

Well, I am off to Atlanta for Games 1 and 2 of the NLDS. I will try to post some thoughts after the game 1. I will be driving back after game 2, so look for those on Thursday as I have to be at class on Thursday. Not much to say, but GO CUBS!!

Monday, September 29, 2003

The Cubs Are Not The Only Champions

Yes, I have finally won my first Fantasy Baseball Championship. After 5 years of trying I beat my good friend Jay McPhillips 12-8 after the two week final. That makes twice this year I have knocked Jay out of Fantasy Championship(even though I hate the NBA I still play), but I am sure he will beat me before it is over. Many people I know use Yahoo for their free fantasy games, but there is somthing about that Championship Banner you get from ESPN that makes it that much more fun to hange them on the wall. That makes three total now Baseball, Basketball, and month ago I won Golf. More on the Braves tomorrow.

Sunday, September 28, 2003

And So It Goes......




The Cubs are 2003 Central Division Champions. I would like to repeat that, the Chicago Cubs are 2003 CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPIONS. I have been on cloud nine all after noon. I have been planning my trip to Atlanta now for about 10 hours and everything is settled. I will be at games 1 and 2 of the NLDS. Game 1 I will finally meet Scott Lange of the Northside Lounge. I am sure you are already reading his site, but if not make sure you check it out. It should be a lot of fun going over to Atlanta. It has taken me until 2 in the morning to finally come up with something to say. I have been thinking about what profound statements or feelings I could put down, but nothing really came to me. The only thing I said was "I get to see the Cubs in the Playoffs."

In 1998 I attended Ole Miss for my first year in college. Well after the one game playoff I could have gone to Atlanta, but a few things got in my way. One I did not know anybody at Ole Miss that wanted to go and second I did not have a car. My parents(Even though I love you very much) kept me away from that series because I could not drive over to Atlanta. I really thought I would get another chance, but that was not meant to be until this year. So there was no way I could miss this series. First I tried to get tickets in Chicago, but I could not, so I started praying that the Cubs would play the Braves. I really hate the Braves and their winning, but it has made their fans a little slow to get tickets. Once we clinched today that was all she wrote. So I am headed to see the Cubs in the playoffs. That brings me to reason of this post. Is this the greatest sporting event I have seen live? So I went through all my ticket stubs to see how much I have really done in the first 23 years of my life. So here we go these are in no order, so I am just going through the box.

Baseball

I have been to 15 of the 30 major league baseball parks. This includes stadiums that no longer with us, but it still counts in my book. I have been to a lot of fun games, but only a few with any meaning. I now have been to Chicago(both), New York(both), Boston, Baltimore, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle, Arizona, Houston, Texas, Atlanta, and St. Louis to see a game.

I have seen the Cubs all over now, and also saw a Howard Johnson walk off HR on June 16, 1995. Also August 8, 1998 I was at St Louis to McGuire and Sosa both hit HR's that day. It was a very cool game.

Also I went to the College World Series Championship game in 1999 as Miami beat Florida State. I sat with Miami Players Families some how. Other than that the rest have been regular games.

College Basketball

If there in one sport I have been involved with over the past few years it is College Basketball. I helped Co-Found Mark's Madness The University of Alabama Student Fan Club. I have seen Alabama play now in 2 NCAA Tournaments in 2002 and 2003. I have been to Kentucky to see a game at Rump Arena.

I have a streak of 43 straight SEC Basketball Tournaments attended, even when my Crimson Tide has been bounced in the first round 2000 and 2003. I have met Andy Katz and many other writers along the way.

This year in January I attended a Duke Basketball game in Cameron Indoor Stadium.

College Football

If there is one thing you learn growing up in Alabama it is football. I have always liked football, but I still think baseball is a better sport.

My first Alabama vs Auburn game was not until November 21, 1998 a win for the Tide. And I also was witness to the First ever Alabama win in Jordan Hare Stadium on November 17, 2000 and another win in 2002. I have been to countless other Alabama games.

Also I have attended three BCS Bowl Games. My first was January 2, 1995 to see the Oregon Ducks take on Penn State. I saw Alabama play Michigan on January 1, 2000 in the Orange Bowl. To follow that up two days later on January 3, 2000 I saw the BCS National Championship Game between Floriday State and Virigina Tech. I did not have ticket to that game, but I paid 100 dollars to some guy to let me in with my two other friends.

I have done a lot, but nothing like waiting for this playoff game on Tuesday. I look foward to this more than any other event I have been to or want to go to.

Saturday, September 27, 2003

AC 005895

You will see this title a lot over the Cub Blog world, but papers run the same title and I will do it also. Cubs win the Central and I am going crazy and will post more later. I am going to the game with Scott Lange for the Northside Lounge on Tuesday, so more later.


CUBS WIN CUBS WIN

Friday, September 26, 2003

Fit To Be Tied

Well that was not the plan. The Cubs lose 9-7 and the Astros win so that means tied with 3 left. Tomorrow is big, huge and massive. If there is one positive is the fact Sosa is breaking out of his slump. I am reading Jane Eyre, so more later.

Thursday, September 25, 2003

When Did We Trade for Barry Zito?

I was just kidding about the title, but Shawn Estes was dealing tonight. I talked to Christian Ruzich over at Cub Reporter chat room and he asked me what I thought about Estes Well, I thought he had one game in him left. Like Christian, I believed that it would be great if he got through 5 or 6 that would be a all we could ask.

Well throw out all of that. Estes had something to prove and pitched his best game of the year. My brother and I talked throughout the game and we were just schocked to Estes have that much comand. 4 Hits and only 2 walks is all he gave up. That should be all for Estes unless he gets some bullpen work in the playoffs. As we stand now the number that shall not be named here is 4. The Astros won 2-1 today so no ground was made up.

There is one thing I feel pretty certain about, the Marlins are going to be the Wild Card. They look to take all the wind out of the Phillies tomorrow and short of a sweep at the hand of the Mets they will face the Giants. So that leaves the Central as the only division that matters this weekend. I hope that Fox will pick up our game on Saturday, but they will probably split the nation and show my area the Braves and Phillies even tough it will not matter. So it looks like I will listen to Ron and Pat twice over the next three games.

Wednesday, September 24, 2003

Pick the Player

Complete game, 4 hits, 2 walks, 5 strike outs, and 0 earned runs. Who is it? Nope not Kerry Wood, sorry not Mark Prior, not Zambrano, guess again not Matt Clement, and Juan Cruz---no. It's none other than the infamous Shawn Estes. Once again he comes through with a game that leaves everyone baffeld. With his great game the Cubs are once again a game ahead in the Central. Four games remain with Zambrano on the hill for the final game against the Reds. The offense is still going strong with 8 runs tonight. As long as the Cubs keep this momentum going through the final games they will see post season play once again. I feel very good about it and can't wait until tomorrow to watch another game.

Go CUBS!!!!!!!!!!!! Still #1!!!!

The Chase Goes On

Well Houston wins today 2-1 and the lead is a half. The Cubs go with Shawn Estes tonight and it is his biggest start of the season. Can he do it? I have no clue, but it should be fun.

Well come on over to the Cub Reporter and join the chat tonight with some other Cub Fans.

More later.

Speechless

I am at a loss of words tonight. I wanted to post something witty or something and it took me until 2 in the morning to finally come down from the Mountain Top. I would like to say welcome back to my brother who is posting again after about a month off to deal with his fraternity stuff(I heard they may be on Double Secret Probation down in Auburn). The Cubs win tonight 6-0 on the strength of Kerry Wood and Astros get pounded by the Giants. Quickly the Cubs have gone from 1.5 down to 1 up in 4 days. That means the Number that shall not be named here is now at 5. Five wins by us or 5 losses or anything inbetween wraps up the Cubs first division title since I was 9. Well, I guess I am not at such a loss of words. Look tomorrow as I take a look at Gonzo's numbers. I found some very interesting stats on him and I am putting together. Hopefully it will be up by game time. Ok till then keep praying, only 5 left and we control our own fate.

Tuesday, September 23, 2003

HOLY COW!!!!!!

The Cubs are in first place all by themselves with 5 games left. I know I am biased but this is the most exciting baseball has been in a long time. Anyways Kerry Wood pitched a gem of a game today, only allowing 1 hit in 7 ininnings pitched and no earned runs. Also the Cubs offense is starting to roll along. Even though Estes is pitching tomorrow, I still feel good about the last 5 games. I think with the momentum the Cubs have, tomorrow will be a great day for Estes. Since this is the first time since the Cubs have been in first since 1989, anything can happen.

Go Cubs and prove me right. #1

Monday, September 22, 2003

Excitement without playing

The Cubs catch back up to first place without even playing. The Astros continue there great streak to help the Cubs come back to first place. The Cubs start their last 6 games tomorrow that will decide on whether or not they make the post season. So hopefully after tomorrow I will write again about the Cubs being in first place by themselves.

Go Cubs!! 1st Place

Viva La Astros Bullpen

There has been a lot said over the past few weeks on how the Astros Bullpen was the best one of the best in baseball. Lidge, Dotell and Wagner at the end would make them almost unbeatable, but for the last 3 days they have not got the job done. Today's Hero is Billy Wagner. He gave up 2 HR's in the top of the 9th with score tied 3-3. The Giants held on to win 6-3.

Also the Marlins won tonight 6-3. That means the Cubs are tied in the Central and are 2 games back in the Wild Card. I watched almost all the game, except for 30 minutes when I went to get some food. The bullpen also walked the bases loaded and walked a run in. So maybe the Cardinals took something out of the Astros this weekend. Wade Miller goes tomorrow against Jason Schmidt.

So six games left for both teams and everything is even. Makes you feel good. The Cardinals are hanging around at 3.5 games back, so they are not dead yet, but really on life support.

Sunday, September 21, 2003

Down the Stretch They Come

I had to borrow the horse racing call for this post, because this is one hell of a race. The Cubs had everything go their way today. The Astros, Phillies, and Marlins all lost.

So where does that leave us, well you probably already know. The Cubs are 1/2 game back of the Astros and 1.5 behind the Marlins in the Wild Card. The Astros and Marlins both play tomorrow so it could be even closer.

I have to say at this point playoff fever is fun and heartbreaking at the same time. Last night I had to leave the house and drive for a little bit. I was just sick knowing that the Cubs wasted a chance to gain ground. I was watching Matchstick Men Saturday and checking my internet on my phone every few minutes. A side note go see Matchstick Men. I also got about 4 phone calls when Albert hit a HR, so I knew something was up.

Then today I am back on top of the world. I had a good feeling with Prior on the mound, but I still was worried. I said earlier in the day that I thought the Astros really needed to lose for the Cubs to have a chance. Well, the Cardinals woke up and won 2 of 3.

Jerome Williams will face Ron Villone tomorrow and it would be nice to be tied going into the last 6 games. I will be watching the Astros tomorrow so look back after that game to find out all the inside info.

Bad Karma Gone

I feel like I have brought about the Bad Karma to the Cubs, so the number(which shall not be named) is no longer on the site. It will also never come back, because I say so. I am the cause of the losing streak, not the bad pitching. So enjoy, the Cubs are making a comeback today.

Saturday, September 20, 2003

Cubs Spilt and Astros Roll On

Not much to say, I watched both games and the Cubs are in deep trouble because the Astros are just on fire right now. They are already up 2-0 today and things are looking slim.

More later. Keep Hope Alive.

Thursday, September 18, 2003

God Save The Cardinals

Be sure to go read Scott Lange's moving letter to the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Northside Lounge-A Chicago Cubs Blog

If the Cardinals can find a way to take 2 of 3 the Cubs would be in great shape.

Astros Pull Ahead

Well the Astros won today and they now lead by 1 game heading to St. Louis.
The Cubs did get some good news as the Phillies won today
That makes the Cubs 2 games back in the Wild Card.

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Cubs Win and Astros Don't

It is about time. The Cubs get the first home sweep of the year and the first sweep of the Mets since 1992. The Cubs also go a little help from the Rockies tonight as the they won 7-5.

The Cardinals were also beat by a 2 Run Home Run by Brooks Kieschnick. The only thing that did not go well was that the Marlins beat the Phillies.

Central GB
Astros 0
Cubs .5

Astros 1 at Rockies, 3 at Cardinals, 3 vs. Giants, 4 vs. Brewers

With the Astros sweep last weekend it looked like the Astros were well on their way, but teh Cubs continue to play well and after a sweep of the Mets they find themselves .5 games back. It would be nice to see the Astros fall tomorrow and Cardinals find some heart, but this race could come down to the final day.

Cubs 4 at Pirates, 3 at Reds, 3 vs. Pirates

I read Rob Neyer's article today and I agree thay maybe the Cubs and Astros are neck and neck and then After tonights loss by the Astros, I have changed my mind. The Cubs really play much easier teams, but baseball is a crazy sport. They cannot afford to lose more than 2 games in the next two series.

Wild Card GB
Marlins 0
Phillies 1.5
Cubs 2.5
Dodgers 3.5

It would be nice if the Cubs could get more help from the Rockies tomorrow as they finish out the series. Wade Miller is on the mound against Jose Jimenez.
Looking at the remain series the Cubs could catch the Wild Card also.

Marlins 1 at Phillies, 4 at Atlanta, 3 vs. Phillies, 3 vs. Mets

The Marlins have a tough rest of the way. They have tomorrows game against the Phillies as Millwood goes against Willis. Then onto Atlanta and then the Phillies come to South Florida. They do finish easy with the AAAA Mets.

Phillies 1 vs. Marlins, 3 vs. Reds, 3 at Marlins, 3 vs. Braves

The Phillies have the most home games left in the Wild Car. There only road series is against the Marlins. If they split the last four then the Cubs could catch both teams. The Phillies have a tough last series agaisnt the Braves.

Dodgers 1 vs. D-Backs, 3 vs. Giants, 4 at Padres, 4 at Giants

The Dodgers have really the toughest path to the post season. They have 7 against the Giants including a DH on the second to last day of the year. With their second straight loss tonight to the D-Backs, it looks very unlikely that the Dodgers great pen can get them into the playoffs.

So there you have it. There is only about 10 days of baseball remaining and the Cubs are in the thick of things.

Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Cubs Take Game Two, but Astros Pound Rockies

Mark Prior improved to 16-6 tonight with a 3-2 win over the N.Y. Mets. The best news of the night was Sammy Sosa drove in all 3 runs, and the most disturbing is the play of Alou and Lofton in the outfield. It is an adventure everytime a ball is hit there.

The worst news of night is the Astros keep hitting a ton and cannot loose. The Cubs did gain a game in the Wild Card, so if the Astros do win it will be 1.5 back in the Central and 2.5 back in the Wild Card. 11 Games remain and every game is almost a must win.

Cubs Win A Very Important Game

Matt Clement looked bothered throughout the night, but he pitched 7 innings a only gave up an unearned run. The Cubs took game one 4-1.

The hitters came out early and then went to bed after late in the game. Mark Prior goes tomorrow and Houston plays the Rockies. The Cubs did what they had to, that is win while the Astros are off. The Cub are 1.5 back with 12 to play and the Astros have 13 left. The Cubs have most the weekend set, except for one of the games of the double header. The Astros next 9 games are real tough, as they play the Rockies and Cardinals on the road, execpt the Cardinals look defeated. Then the Giants come to Houston, but lets take of our own games first.

Saturday, September 13, 2003

A Look Inside the Numbers of Joe Borowski

I have been thinking about writing about Big Joe for some time. Everyone knows that Joe was almost out of baseball down in Mexico. He has been great for the Cubs, but over the past month and a half he really has been good.

So lets look at the numbers:

Overall
2-2 28 Saves 64.0 IP 2.81 ERA 63 K 16 BB 51 Hits 4 BS
.177 BAA with runners in scoring position


Really not bad numbers for a closer. You would think the Cubs would have more saves, but Joe has only blown 4. In those games the Cubs are 2-2. Borowski has not blown a save since August 2nd. His numbers since that point are stellar.

1-0 8 Saves 13.0 IP .69 ERA 13 K 4 BB 8 Hits 0 BS
The lone run Borowski gave up was the pinch hit HR by Jose Macias in the 4-3 win over the Expos. The Cubs will continue to have a playoff chance with him pitching like this.

Here are some other stats:
.210 BAA
.210 BAA vs. Right .211 vs. Left


He has been equally as hard on the left as the right. The only main difference is that he has given up 4 HR's to Left Handed Batters vs. 1 to the right side. 4 of the HR's were solo shots.

One surprising thing looking at all his splits is that he is much tougher on the road.

Home 2-2 3.97 ERA 12/15 SVS .254 BAA
Road 0-0 1.50 ERA 16/17 SVS .162 BAA


He has almost been spotless on the road. He has only given up 5 ER on the road all season. The HR Tuesday in San Juan was the first ER on the road since May 15th against the Brewers. For a guy that is not a closer by trade, he has done a hell of a job.

Two Days Two Comebacks Two Astors Wins

So the Cubs rallied down a run again today vs. the Reds. Cruz was roughed up a little bit, it just seemed like he was singled to death. This may give Baker the reason to throw Estes in one of the Double Header games against the Pirates.

I hate the Cardinals more than anything right. Where is there great offense when the Cubs need it? It will be alright if they can win tomorrow and the Cubs sweep away the Reds.

Carlos Zambrano will go tomorrow. He has been nothing, but brialliant since the All-Star break. He stuggled a little on Tuesday in San Juan, but still got the win. I am trying for playoff tickets in the morning so we shall see if I can score some. If I do I will post about it in the morning.

Friday, September 12, 2003

Dogs and Cats Living Together! Mass Hysteria!

Bonus points for anyone that can name where that comes from. Anyone is today's chat is banned from this little contest. The first person to get it right will have their name published on this site.

Congrats to Gary M. Kurtis! He correctly said that the quote is from Bill Murray, and it was from "Ghostbusters"

This came from today's 7-6 comeback victory. The Astros killed the Cards tonight. The Cubs are now 1 game back.

Today was a Mass Hysteria game. Two balls off the gloves and the game winner by Tom Goodwin. Matt Morris goes tomorrow against Oswalt. The Cubs would like to see the Astros and Cards split the 6 games, but right now I would like to see the Cubs gain some ground.

Thursday, September 11, 2003

Cubs Get Lost in the Lights

The Cubs can look back at this game if they do not make the playoffs. Everybody has either seen it or heard about, so I am not going to keep writing about it.

Prior needs to right the ship today and maybe the Brewers can win a game.

Tuesday, September 09, 2003

Cubs Take Game One

From the 2nd inning until the 7th, Carlos Zambrano was real sharp. He also had 2 hits tonight. Alou drove in 2 for the game winner 4-3. Big Joe gave up a solo shot in the 9th, but it was not enough for the Expos. Now that the Expos are below .500, the Cubs will not face a team with a winning record all season. Check the Magic Number throughout the night, because it could change.


Sosa Gets hit for the second time this year in the head.

So What is the Yarbage All About?

I have been planning on telling this story for quite some time, but I just got around to it. I have had many people over the past few months and even years ask about Yarbage. Well, my name is Chris Yarbrough, and the nickname Yarbage came from two of my friends in High School.

Justin Ladner and Micheal Joffrion coined "Yarbage". It all came from Triple Play 97(It has since been changel to MLB 2004....) on the first playstation. I always played with the Cubs and they were pretty bad on the game. Jamie Navarro was the #1 Starter. Sandberg had just come back from a few years off, and Sosa was still a free swinger. Now Mark Grace was pretty solid. The thing about that game is you could step in front of pitches by moving your batter after the pitch came. I did this pretty well, and it led the Justin and Micheal to say that is Garbage Ball, then after a minute one of them said "No it is not Garbage Ball, but it is Yarbage Ball." We were in the 10th grade at the time and the nickname slowly grew and it has just followed me everywhere, so I just embraced it.

For the most part the name does not give me any problems, but since my 21st birthday I have had a few occasions because of the Cubs Jersey my friends got me. They did a great job, they got me a batting practice jersey with Yarbage and the #21 on it. I get a lot of people asking who Yarbage is, but everynow and then I get called names, but for the most part I do not care. It does not stop me from wearing my Jersey proudly.

So that is the story, from a video game a new name was born. All because I was a dirty player, but hey I wanted to win.

The Cubs Magic Number stayed at 20 tonight as the Astros beat the Brewers. The Cubs are tied with the Astros a top the Central. It is going to be a fun three weeks.

Monday, September 08, 2003

Check out the Upcoming Changes and the Magic Number

Ok, I am finally getting around to playing with the site. I have been unhappy with the way it looks for some time now. It will change a lot of the next few days, but the posts will keep on coming.

Also I have put up the magic number countdown over on the left. So lets hope that number gets smaller tonight as the Astros take on the Brewers.

More changes later.

Sunday, September 07, 2003

Cubs Sweep Away the Brewers and Move into First

A three game sweep of the Brewers is just what the docto ordered. Also combined with with an Astros loss the Cubs are now in first place by .5 games. Wood pitched up and down today, but was good enough to get the win.

The Big shock of the day was Randall Simon. He had his first ever 2 HR game and had 5 RBI. Sammy continued to haunt the Brewers with another HR. The Cubs head to the PR to face the Expos. The Expos are the last team that has .500 record or better they face the rest of the year. The Cubs will send Zambrano, Clement, and TBA for Thursday.

Saturday, September 06, 2003

Cruz for 5th Starter

A little weak for the title, but I am little drunk as I sit down and put down my thoughts about tonights game. Cruz proved that he should be the 5th starter. When he got in jams, he was able to work out of them. Alf came in and ended one jam and it will probably be the last time we see him for a few games, unless his appeal is later.

The Cardinals lost, but the Astros won, so the Cubs are still .5 back and 3 back in the Wild Card as the Phillies won.

I will be unable to watch tomorrows game, because I will see #1 Oklahoma take my Alabama Crimson Tide. There has not been a lot to brag about in Alabama, but I am ready. So look for some comments Sunday. Prior is on the Hill, so it should be a good game.


I met another Cub fan tonight, he lives across the street and his first Cub memory was 84 and the NLCS. He was happy to find out I have the MLB Extra Innings, so he will be over a lot down the stretch.

Ok, more later.

Friday, September 05, 2003

Alfonseca Sits for Seven

According to ESPN.com the Cubs will be without Alf for the next week. Is that good or bad? Alf has pitched well the last couple of days, but he is very streaky. Check out the article.

ESPN.com - MLB - Three Cubs disciplined for umpire run-in

At 7 the Cubs need to win tonight and Cruz needs to earn a spot in the rotation.

Thursday, September 04, 2003

Bad Pitching, Bad Luck, Bad Umps and The Cubs Win?


I am shocked to be writing this right now. The Cubs win today 7-6. That makes it 15-13 over the past 2 days. Not exactly what we have come to expect over the years and even this season. The Cubs outslugged the Cards. I was unable to see the first 5 innings today because of Class, but through the wonder of Tivo everything was live until a friend caught me off guard, so I just fast went on ahead. I went back and watched the first 5 after the game was over. Estes did not look good and really he did not look that bad. He was unlucky in the first when Alou could not come up with a fly. He was lucky in the 4th a Double Play. He drove in a run.

The 5th inning is where he lost it, but he should not have. Those were some good pitches to Widger, but he did not get the calls. This is the Bad Umps portion of the review. First Mark was safe on the throw from Bo Hart. He cleary beats the throw into second base. Sosa may have said some words, but he was headed back to the dugout. I have seen much worse let go before. I was surprised that Simon was not tossed after his K. Back to Estes he threw 2 pitches that should have ended the inning, but again he was unlucky. Widger doubled and it opened the gates. He was actually in line to win until Wellemeyer and Remlinger blew the save. This still does not mean he should be pitching again. He gave up 9 hits and 5 ER.

Some way through all fo this the Cubs game back and won the game. They took 4 of 5 from the Redbirds. They are .5 back of the Astros and .5 ahead of the Cards. Next up is the Brewers. Cruz will get another start and this will probably end the 6 man rotation after this. The pitching rotation and bullpen are a little overworked. They could use a blow out or something to rest them. One more note. Joe Borowski has great again today. I thought he would be the closer for about a month, but he keeps getting the job done. Joe has been the 1 reliever who has been strong all year. Also "The Farns" shut the door in the 8th with getting Albert and Striking out Renteria, not too bad for Ole' Dr. Tightpants.

This year feels special, but there is still a lot to play for.
Estes Ready For Series Finale?

With fact there are no fresh arms in the bullpen, then you had to figure that Shawn Estes would get the call. Dusty has said that Estes will pitch today. Our friend Mike Kiley had this to write today from the Sun-Times:


''I'm ready to step up to the challenge,'' Estes said. ''I do feel my back is against the wall right now. This team needs me, so I plan on going out and giving it all I have.

''I'll be ready to pitch. I feel like this year there have been games where I have let them get away. Maybe mentally I wasn't right. But I'll be ready to pitch tomorrow. You have to be in that situation.''


I am not sure if I believe it, but if there is ever a chance for one of those gems he throws, well today is the day.

I will miss the first couple of innings, because I have to go to Visual Jounalism, but I will back for a recap later. I am going to Tivo the game today, just maybe the Cubs can pull the 4 of 5.

Wednesday, September 03, 2003

Please Call The Doctor

The word around town is that Cub Blog Army could all be need of medical help before the end of the year.

Over at and another thing! by Al Yellon he has some first hand acounts of the games. Scott Lange from Northside Lounge sat with Al for the past couple of games. After all this I am ready to head to Chicago. So I am working out a trip as we speak.

Today's game was the best thing I have seen in years. I will admit I said "Game Over" after the Drew Grand Slam. Right now we are .5 behing the Astros and Cardinals, but the Astros are up 4-2 as I write this. I have been talking to Mike from the Cubs Pundit. Be sure you are checking it out. Also for good game banter go over to the Cub Reporter for all your game day chat needs.

More thoughts after tomorrows game.

Tuesday, September 02, 2003

Join the Chat and Holy Cow

The Cub Reporter

That was great. Sammy Sosa ends the first of a day night DH with a 2 Run HR in the 15th. The Cubs pull within a game of the Astros and .5 game of the Cards. Kerry has to go deep tonight after the bullpen was stretched today.

Head over to the Cub Reporter for tonight's game. It was real fun this afternoon and it is still going. Head over about 7 and join in on the fun.

Monday, September 01, 2003

Game Log #2

8:35 Farnsworth came in and allowed a hit, but the Cubs win 7-0. The Cubs pull within 1.5 games of the Cardinals and Astros if they hang on to beat the Dodgers. Also I was not aware that this was the first Shut-out of the Cardinals on the road. Prior for Cy Young. Tomorrow DH is the biggest of the year. Zambrano and Wood split the DH and they need strong outings. There is an outside chance the Cubs could pass the Cards tomorrow, but that would take a sweep.

8:20 I really think Dusty made a mistake letting Prior go out in the 8th, he gave a cheap hit up to Vina and then walked the next batter. A nasty hook got Kerry Robinson. 8 Shut out innings, but 132 pitches was not needed. We will see how he looks Friday.

8:12 Prior gets another hit, but the Cubs fail to add anything to the 7-0 lead. We head to the 8th.

8:02 I know there has been a lot of talk about the Closers for the Cy Young, but Prior is just unbeatable right now. Without a breakdown Prior will pick up win #14. He is just on fire. I think that should be the last inning, but you never know with Dusty making the calls.

7:57 The Cubs need to save some strength for tomorrow. Karros gets the nights first HR and the Cubs lead 7-0. I think this should be Prior's last inning. Maybe let the Kids get some work or something. But there is no reason to push Prior tonight.

7:51 Nothing doing for the Cards in the 6th. Prior got the Double Play he needed to end the inning.

7:43 The Cubs send 11 batters to the plate and score 6 runs. Tony Womack now has 3 hits and I have to say he is playing much better than I thought he would, but does this mean we platoon when Mark gets back. This is a statement the Cubs are sending and they must hang on.

7:35 Woody Williams gave up 10 hits and the Cubs lead 4-0 after the Prior single. Miller continues to play better at the plate after his Sac-Fly to score Karros. Lofton is up with runners at the corners. Wow, 2 bad plays by Rolen. You know it is the Cubs day when stuff like that happen. 5-0 Cubs.

7:27 The Cubs have bases loaded and nobody out. The Cubs have a real chance to make a statement here in game one. Williams got off the hook last week and now they can tag him for 2 or 3 more runs here and that would be big momentum swing in the series.

7:25 Cubs get the lead off man on for the 4th time. Alou has been really struggling lately and he needs to find his stroke to help the Cubs. It seems like he is pressing a little the last couple of weeks. Great baserunning by the Cubs. Alou hustles into 2nd and Sammy running all the way to third. 2nd and 3rd with no outs. The Cubs can not be blanked this inning. Base hit and Cubs lead 1-0. Also Kim was smart and did not send Alou. Runners at 1st and 3rd with no outs.

7:15 Wow, a web gem from Ramon. That might have saved the game. Palmerio is up to bat and it is a 1-2 count. The kid is hanging in there. This is a huge inning. Prior gets the fly ball and the game is still tied heading into the bottom of the 5th.

7:02 The Cubs have 2nd and 3rd one out. This is a huge situation for the Cubs. Lofton is up and has hit the ball hard. Kenny Flys out and the Cubs blow another chance. It is up to Tony Womack now. I do not like the chances of this. If the Cardinals pitch around Womack to get to Sosa, I would be very shocked. The Cubs leave 2 more and this is becoming a very bad trend.

5:52 Prior walks a man, but no damage donw. Prior's pitch count is starting to rise tough and it would be nice to see Mark go deep in the game. The Cubs need to cash in on Williams, but they can not get the clutch hit. 0-0 after the top of the 4th.

6:40 Cubs had two men on again and the Cubs leave two more on base. This is what the Cubs do not need. I feel like the Cards could bust out in any minute.

6:20 Cubs leave another man on base and the score is 0-0 after 2. Williams, Vina and Palmerio up in the 3rd.

6:10 Prior gives a lead off hit to Rolen, but no damage done after Prior gets 3 fly outs to end the inning.

5:55 Cubs get 2 on and noboby out and end up loading the bases, but get nothing. They can not squander chances like that. 0-0 after 1

5:45 Prior is in comand in the Top of the 1st. Albert gets robbed by the wind and the Lead off single to Vina does not come back to haunt the Cubs. This game has a playoff feel to it and the Cubs need to get to Williams early.

5:38 Well infield hit by Cub killer Vina.

5:28 Well a 4 Hour Rain Delay the Cubs are finally about ready to play some ball. This is maybe the most important series of the year. The Cubs need to win the series. If there is 4-1 that would be really nice, but really the Cubs need a 3-2 and cut the lead to 1.5. The pitching match-up is Woody Williams vs. Mark Prior. Prior has been great so, lets see if that continues. The wind is blowing in and it is cool.
Live Play By Play Comments Today

I am going to do my second Game Log today. I am sitting here watching the tele-a-thon waiting to get the Cards and Cubs.
I have just set up the network in the Apartment, so Today is a good day as any to do one.

More once the game starts.