I had the pleasure of seeing the Cubs on Opening Day yesterday along with Julie and Deb of Aerys Sports and Ana from Accidentally Sexy, and a lot of cool people* willing to get soaked and chilled in order to show us a good time.
But along the way I came into contact with more than a few Cubs fans who, apparently, haven’t left the house in awhile. My judgment could be way off, because I don’t get out of the house that often either. But my recollections of normal human conduct (using the broadest imaginable parameters of that term) make me think we Cubs fans as a group lose our minds a little bit when baseball starts.
I know people say it’s a common trait among all sports fans, but I don’t care about other sports fans. A billion wrongs don’t make a right. If all the other teams’ fans jumped off a bridge, would we do it too? As long as you live under my roof, you’ll do as I say. You probably don’t live under my roof, though, so do as you please. Who am I to tell you how to live?
A hypocritical double-talking curmudgeon, that’s who. Get off my lawn and abide by this list of painfully obvious advice that more than an isolated group of Cubs fans refuse to heed.
10. The train is not a bar. Every destination I headed to yesterday had an atmosphere of loud music and loud talking. That’s not a complaint. All the places were fun and full of people intent on having it. But the train is not one of those places. It’s full of people going to work. They want a little peace before their days really start sucking. I know you’re with your friends. But respect the environment you’re in and try to adapt to it. Because the train is not a bar, which leads to the next fact you already know:
9. Seven in the morning is a little early for drinking. In Public. Every train at every ungodly hour of the morning on any rail leading to Chicago yesterday included Cubs fans already on their second beer. Too early. Right?
8. This is not the year. Unless you mean this. In which case, THIS.
7. The old-fashioned mystique of Wrigley is gone. This actually isn’t all that obvious, but it was the product of a conversation I had with one of our hosts, Chelsea the Cardinal Fan. After the game she noted that at Wrigley, you really have to pay attention to the game to know what’s going on, but at Busch, you’re kind of bombarded with the names, stats, and pictures of the batters, replays of the action, and lively music to keep the excitement up. It made me realize that’s a mixed blessing at Wrigley. Sure, it makes the purists happy that our attention has to be on the game itself. But that’s the problem. Cubs fans’ attention doesn’t have to be on the game. It can be on anything they want it to be. It creates the opportunity for Wrigley to play host to a baseball-themed party.
If you’re complaining that Cubs fans should pay more attention to the game, you might ask that the Cubs do a little bit more to remind them they are at a sporting event. Replays, loud music, and ginormous video boards just might help more than you think.
6. Outside your apartment isn’t the best place to berate your significant other, and at the top of your lungs isn’t the best volume at which to do that. Okay, I don’t know if these people were Cubs fans, but they live right next to Wrigley. This is more just a general word of advice to all.
5. If you can’t stand anymore, you probably shouldn’t drink anymore. This is just being practical. Two girls should not have to carry their guy friend away from Wrigley. They’re going to miss their train.
4. Keep your gigantic flabby belly safely covered by the friendly confines of your t-shirt. Please.
3. When looking at the schedule for ideas about what game you should attend, don’t look at the dates where they play the Pirates and say, “Well that looks like a game we can win.” It’s not.
2. Don’t boo Starlin Castro. Not that anyone did. But you should like this guy too much to boo him. This is for future reference when he makes six errors in a game. Still, don’t boo. Just murmur. Murmuring is okay.
1. Hope is a dangerous thing. Tell ’em, Red.
*My deepest thanks go out to our gracious hosts and new friends: Azeeza, Patrick, Ashley, Javier, Erica, and Chelsea the Cardinal fan. I had a great time, and I can’t thank you enough.
Comments
I will add:
11. Men who do not have a bag to inspect do not get to shove past anyone in the Bag Inspection line to the front. I had this actual conversation yesterday:
(Big fat guys shoving past me and my girlfriend)
Me: (blocking their way) Really?
Fat Guy #1: It’s two lines isn’t it?
Me: No, it’s one line that starts back there. (I’ll note that Wrigley security stood there looking sheepish, but did acknowledge that it was one line.)
Fat Guy #2: What, are we supposed to wait while you get your bag inspected?
Me: Yes, because this is the bag inspection line.
Oh, and sorry about the flabby belly hanging out, AC.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Oh, and sorry about the flabby belly hanging out, AC.[/quote]You’ve been warned.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Agreed. I hate that off day. Teams get18 off days during the season (plus 3 for the ASB). There is one down after you played 1 game.[/quote]
I like it because it gives you the opportunity to postpone opening day if your weather is as shitty as it was yesterday. If today were an offday then there’s little doubt in my mind that they’d be playing the first game today.
BerseliusQuote Reply
I’ve got this on both sides here 🙁
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’ve got this on both sides here :([/quote]That sucks. It’s one of those things where it never goes well. In public or not. I mean, who hasn’t gotten into a shouting match? It’s almost never even slightly helpful for anyone. But when you find yourself not caring how many dozens of people are staring at you, you gotta take a walk and regroup.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Hope you guys had fun at the game. I was at home annoyed at our shitty luck on fly balls. Why can’t the wind blow out for US?!
Oh, and why is the lesser defensive player who sucks even worse against lefties playing in the lineup today? By that I mean Colvin.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Something I saw on failblog:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Just a guess on Colvin, RC, but I don’t think Colvin will sit two games in a row too often. Going to be difficult since he’s in two double-lefty platoons.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Just a guess on Colvin, RC, but I don’t think Colvin will sit two games in a row too often. Going to be difficult since he’s in two double-lefty platoons.[/quote]
Oh, you’re right. I forgot that my favorite team was stupid.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Is there a different term for “two guys sharing time at the same position” when it’s not a true platoon?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Disagree with 7am being too early.
/sec fan
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is there a different term for “two guys sharing time at the same position” when it’s not a true platoon?[/quote]
Stupidity.
Aisle424Quote Reply
http://public.bracketeers.com/matchup.php?id=547&m=62
The Six Row Cinderella story needs a little help in their Final Four match-up.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is there a different term for “two guys sharing time at the same position” when it’s not a true platoon?[/quote]Moroon?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]Moroon?[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]http://public.bracketeers.com/matchup.php?id=547&m=62
The Six Row Cinderella story needs a little help in their Final Four match-up.[/quote]Alright, I voted. Do I win beer now?
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Alright, I voted. Do I win beer now?[/quote]
6 Row is trying to make sure it doesn’t offend its customers that paid full price for its beers. I’m sure you understand.
BerseliusQuote Reply
On gameday in Iowa City we’d start drinking Friday night at about 6 pm. Yeah, we were still up sometimes at 6 am and still drinking. That’s a college game though. I’m sure Berselius and his days at UW can talk about the ridiculous tailgating that goes on and when it starts. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I couldn’t agree more on the exposed flabby bellies seen at ballparks and other sporting events. Well put, AC.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]On gameday in Iowa City we’d start drinking Friday night at about 6 pm. Yeah, we were still up sometimes at 6 am and still drinking. That’s a college game though. I’m sure Berselius and his days at UW can talk about the ridiculous tailgating that goes on and when it starts. (dying laughing)[/quote]
(dying laughing), yeah. I lived a block from the stadium for 2 years there. We sleep with a fan on in our room for white noise so it never woke us up. Our dog LOVED being walked after the game so she could find all the random hot dogs and bits of pizza and crap that the drunk tailgaters left behind.
BerseliusQuote Reply
That neighborhood was a real funny place. There was a fairly sharp gradient between student ghetto and million dollar 100 year old homes, including 2-3 Frank Lloyd Wright houses.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Good list. Disagree with a couple though.
As anybody who went to a bigtime college football school
can attest there is certainly a time and place for drinking at 7 am. I’
I’d probably agree a commuter train isn’t it. But. I’m not going to judge.
I also disagree that videoboards and loud music would get people
more into the game. If people aren’t there to watch the game you won’t make them. I actually think videoboards would hav the opposite effect as people could not watch the game and not really miss any of the action.
I love baseball. But going to a baseball game is a social outing. If people want to talk about things other than baseball, I’m not going to hammer them for it.
Finally, whenever I bring a newcomer to Wrigley Field they still think Wrigley has a mystique. I do too for that matter. I don’t want to see a new ballpark. Too many good personal memories in Wrigley., if not baseball ones.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
What time is the next fucking game starting?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I like how the site says “thank you” after every comment gets posted. (dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What time is the next fucking game starting?[/quote]http://isthereacubsgametoday.com/
GBTSQuote Reply
Actually, SK, this is probably much easier to follow: http://twitter.com/#!/IsThereCubsGame
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I like how the site says “thank you” after every comment gets posted. (dying laughing)[/quote]
I think we should change that to “Thanks, fuckface.”
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I think we should change that to “Thanks, fuckface.”[/quote]Seriously, why hasn’t that been done already?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Manni Stats]Moroon?[/quote]
AndCountingQuote Reply
I honestly don’t know if that is something we can easily change. MB would know much better than I.
Aisle424Quote Reply
delete
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]
[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
Aisle424Quote Reply
THIS. I figure as loud as Wrigley is there’s no reason they shouldn’t just go all out. Jumbotron. Replays. Ads. Everything that a modern park offers should be at Wrigley. If the Cubs eventually do that, I think Wrigley would be a fantastic ballpark. As it is, I think it sucks money away from the organization. As historic as Wrigley Field is, it’s also historic because there has never been a championship won in that ballpark. It’s remembered as much for it’s old-time feel as it is for the losing that has gone on down on the field.
mb21Quote Reply
Z with the pinstripes.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]I like how the site says “thank you” after every comment gets posted. (dying laughing)[/quote]
It’s because we mean it. We’re nothing if not sincere. We had also agreed that we would each thank all of you after a comment, but then figured 4 thank you’s after one comment would get kind of old. So we added that.
mb21Quote Reply
Opening walk. The three people in the stands booed.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Seriously, Gordo, I don’t give a shit what Quade’s final four picks were. You used to be such a good Twitterer.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]THIS. I figure as loud as Wrigley is there’s no reason they shouldn’t just go all out. Jumbotron. Replays. Ads. Everything that a modern park offers should be at Wrigley. If the Cubs eventually do that, I think Wrigley would be a fantastic ballpark. As it is, I think it sucks money away from the organization. As historic as Wrigley Field is, it’s also historic because there has never been a championship won in that ballpark. It’s remembered as much for it’s old-time feel as it is for the losing that has gone on down on the field.[/quote]
Revenue argument is a different argument than that ads, replays and loud music are inherently a good thing. If the Cubs need to add those things to compete, I would begrudgingly be ok with them.
I don’t think that they would add to the experience. I really don’t get why you think the tradition of losing at Wrigley is a reason to get rid of it. Do you really think that the ballpark is why the team has sucked? I’m going to say inept management matters a hell of a lot more than the ballpark.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I like it because it gives you the opportunity to postpone opening day if your weather is as shitty as it was yesterday. If today were an offday then there’s little doubt in my mind that they’d be playing the first game today.[/quote]Yeah, they’d play the first game today because they’d still be 0-0. (dying laughing)
I haven’t watched the opening day ceremonies stuff in about 5 or 10 years so that stuff doesn’t matter to me. I know it does to the organization, but if it’s such a big deal each team would have an off day after their home opener.
That’s the other thing I hated. The last few years the Cubs had an off day on Tuesday after opening day. They’d play Wednesday through Monday and then have Tuesday off.
If teams want to have that off day then the CBA needs to be amended to include 18 off days plus one after opening day (home and road) plus 3 for the ASB. I’m fine with that, but over 162 games I don’t want the Cubs entering game 161 having used up over 5% of their off days. Or entering game 156 already having used 11% of their off days.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Good list. Disagree with a couple though.
As anybody who went to a bigtime college football school
can attest there is certainly a time and place for drinking at 7 am. I’
I’d probably agree a commuter train isn’t it. But. I’m not going to judge.
I also disagree that videoboards and loud music would get people
more into the game. If people aren’t there to watch the game you won’t make them. I actually think videoboards would hav the opposite effect as people could not watch the game and not really miss any of the action.
I love baseball. But going to a baseball game is a social outing. If people want to talk about things other than baseball, I’m not going to hammer them for it.
Finally, whenever I bring a newcomer to Wrigley Field they still think Wrigley has a mystique. I do too for that matter. I don’t want to see a new ballpark. Too many good personal memories in Wrigley., if not baseball ones.[/quote]Those are all fair points. I will say, I don’t think “students at big-time football schools do it” is necessarily the path to wisdom. And the difference is that it’s something that works fine as a part of a subculture, but the rest of society doesn’t really welcome and embrace it as something that should migrate off campus. You know? I can say I don’t judge, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. Everybody watching Cubs fans walk around the city with beers in their hands at 7 AM is judging them. But it’s not the end of the world. (dying laughing)
And my point on the Wrigley issue is, the people watching the game intently are watching the game intently. The people that aren’t, aren’t. I have no problem with this division, and I don’t think adding a jumbotron will change that. I’m just pointing out that Wrigley makes it pretty easy for people to come to a game and have no clue what’s going on. Ever. I’d say we’re past the point of that creating an atmosphere of pure baseball. It can be for an individual fan, sure. And I like that. But in the big picture, it means a lot of fans miss almost everything.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I like how the Pirates took like 30 pitches and the first two Cubs got themselves out in three.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Those are all fair points. I will say, I don’t think “students at big-time football schools do it” is necessarily the path to wisdom. And the difference is that it’s something that works fine as a part of a subculture, but the rest of society doesn’t really welcome and embrace it as something that should migrate off campus. You know? I can say I don’t judge, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. Everybody watching Cubs fans walk around the city with beers in their hands at 7 AM is judging them. But it’s not the end of the world. (dying laughing)
And my point on the Wrigley issue is, the people watching the game intently are watching the game intently. The people that aren’t, aren’t. I have no problem with this division, and I don’t think adding a jumbotron will change that. I’m just pointing out that Wrigley makes it pretty easy for people to come to a game and have no clue what’s going on. Ever. I’d say we’re past the point of that creating an atmosphere of pure baseball. It can be for an individual fan, sure. And I like that. But in the big picture, it means a lot of fans miss almost everything.[/quote]
Yeah, I agree on the time and place notions regarding drinking at 7 am. Somewhere in Wrigleyville? Sure. Getting on the Metra train in Geneva? Not so much. Just pointing out that a blanket 7 am rule might be a bit harsh.
I think I also get the point you were trying to make now. That Wrigley is not a “pure baseball” venue, and we shouldn’t avoid adding modern amenities in an attempt to preserve that atmosphere. I agree with that.
I prefer Wrigley as is, just because I like the Luddite feel of Wrigley. In our everyday lives we are bombarded by media and advertising. I think it’s nice to have 3 or 4 hours without that.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like how the Pirates took like 30 pitches and the first two Cubs got themselves out in three.[/quote]Really? I thought that sucked.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Really? I thought that sucked.[/quote]
Apologies. My sarcasm translates poorly to the interwebs.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
The Ricketts must have somewhere to be. 14 pitches in 2 innings?
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Maholm on pace for a 63-pitch perfect game.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]The Ricketts must have somewhere to be. 14 pitches in 2 innings?[/quote]
I initially read this as 2 pitches in 14 innings. It seemed possible with the Cubs.
CormsQuote Reply
Let’s swing at some pitches and see what happens.
AndCountingQuote Reply
Either the radar gun on CSN is off or Z has no velocity today. Strike 3 to Overbay was the first 90 reading I’ve seen.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Let’s swing at some pitches and see what happens.[/quote]
One of the coaches needs to come up with an alternative plan.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
It’s nice to have a shortstop that has the arm to turn that double play.
CormsQuote Reply
One pitch one out.
CormsQuote Reply
WHOA! Colvin took a pitch!
A lot of them are making good contact, just falling prey to the BABIP dragon.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Brenly diplomatically explaining how ass-hatted the Colvin-Fukudome platon is.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]
A lot of them are making good contact, just falling prey to the BABIP dragon.[/quote]
Yeah, Maholm certainly isn’t missing bats.
CormsQuote Reply
Z took a pitch!!!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Double for Big Z!
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Z breaks it up.
CormsQuote Reply
7 pitch at bat for Z.
CormsQuote Reply
I just don’t know how Zambrano isn’t more well-liked.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Sweeeeeet.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I honestly don’t know if that is something we can easily change. MB would know much better than I.[/quote]Yeah, I saw it somewhere in the code, but can’t remember where. I’ll look. What should we change it to?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I just don’t know how Zambrano isn’t more well-liked.[/quote]
He used to be. From 2004 to 2008, I don’t think there was a more well-liked player on the team. At least amongst the fans I talked to.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
This Castro kid is pretty good.
CormsQuote Reply
I really like to watch Castro swing. Lots of singles, sure, but he doesn’t get cheated.
MishQuote Reply
WTF Byrd. Take a fucking pitch.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’ve only watched about 4 innings, but the Cubs aren’t very good this year.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]WTF Byrd. Take a fucking pitch.[/quote]
I really hope Byrd isn’t going to be permanently in the 3 spot this year. He should be batting 6th or 7th. Having that impatient of a hitter at the top of the order is a killer.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
some stellar fucking offense today. can we just fast forward until Castro bats?
dylanjQuote Reply
Z is pitching well at least.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Don’t forget Zambrano, DJ
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]This Castro kid is pretty good.[/quote]
But those rookie mistakes he keeps making… Oh wait…
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Revenue argument is a different argument than that ads, replays and loud music are inherently a good thing. If the Cubs need to add those things to compete, I would begrudgingly be ok with them.
I don’t think that they would add to the experience. I really don’t get why you think the tradition of losing at Wrigley is a reason to get rid of it. Do you really think that the ballpark is why the team has sucked? I’m going to say inept management matters a hell of a lot more than the ballpark.[/quote]
I don’t think it’s why they’re losing, but I don’t think it helps either. Too many day games. Wind blowing in all directions makes it hard to build a team to win in that park.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Those are all fair points. I will say, I don’t think “students at big-time football schools do it” is necessarily the path to wisdom. And the difference is that it’s something that works fine as a part of a subculture, but the rest of society doesn’t really welcome and embrace it as something that should migrate off campus. You know? I can say I don’t judge, but it doesn’t really matter what I think. Everybody watching Cubs fans walk around the city with beers in their hands at 7 AM is judging them. But it’s not the end of the world. (dying laughing)
And my point on the Wrigley issue is, the people watching the game intently are watching the game intently. The people that aren’t, aren’t. I have no problem with this division, and I don’t think adding a jumbotron will change that. I’m just pointing out that Wrigley makes it pretty easy for people to come to a game and have no clue what’s going on. Ever. I’d say we’re past the point of that creating an atmosphere of pure baseball. It can be for an individual fan, sure. And I like that. But in the big picture, it means a lot of fans miss almost everything.[/quote]
I’d add on that there are many places in a college town where the kind of tailgating and early drinking is not at all appropriate. Generally speaking, the football stadium is near the university where many students are. It’s something that happens 7 to 8 times per year rather than 81 times. College football is almost exclusively on Saturday whereas the Cubs play on weekdays.
I think there’s a big difference between these two (college aged kids drinking early before a football game and people getting trashed early to go to one of 81 Cubs home games).
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think it’s why they’re losing, but I don’t think it helps either. Too many day games. Wind blowing in all directions makes it hard to build a team to win in that park.[/quote]
Day games is a neighborhood, not a ballpark issue. Moving the Cubs to the suburbs is a non-starter, so even if you get a new park you will have to deal with that issue.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
Pena looked lost in that at bat.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Bobs uncomfortable with Len’s faggetry
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]It’s nice to have a shortstop that has the arm to turn that double play.[/quote]Yeah, but in a few years Starlin Castro will be happy to be on the right side of the rivalry when the Cubs trade him for Matt Holliday.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]I’ve only watched about 4 innings, but the Cubs aren’t very good this year.[/quote]No offense. At all. Defense is below average at best. Baserunning is horrible. Good pitching. Most of the quality players are old.
Could be a very, very bad season this year.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I don’t think it’s why they’re losing, but I don’t think it helps either. Too many day games. Wind blowing in all directions makes it hard to build a team to win in that park.[/quote]
Also the fact that it’s been historically a strong hitter’s park doesn’t help. Parks that strongly favor either hitting or pitching are usually harder to win in because they lead to teams evaluating incorrectly their strengths and weaknesses.
CormsQuote Reply
if Colvin can survive this ridiculous platoon i will be impressed. Usually managers shield their young LH hitters, the cubs make them face them exclusively (dying laughing)
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]if Colvin can survive this ridiculous platoon i will be impressed. Usually managers shield their young LH hitters, the cubs make them face them exclusively (dying laughing)[/quote]
It’s the reverse platoon test.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Day games is a neighborhood, not a ballpark issue. Moving the Cubs to the suburbs is a non-starter, so even if you get a new park you will have to deal with that issue.[/quote]I agree it’s a neighborhood issue, but it shouldn’t be. All due respect to people who live nearby, but the Cubs should just schedule 70 home night games next year. On the schedule they should just put TOUGH SHIT in big block letters. They know where they live.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]if Colvin can survive this ridiculous platoon i will be impressed. Usually managers shield their young LH hitters, the cubs make them face them exclusively (dying laughing)[/quote]It’s hilarious. Darwin Barney gets to play vs righties and Colvin plays vs lefties. I’m hoping they can platoon Castro with some lefty batting SS in the near future.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I agree it’s a neighborhood issue, but it shouldn’t be. All due respect to people who live nearby, but the Cubs should just schedule 70 home night games next year. On the schedule they should just put TOUGH SHIT in big block letters. They know where they live.[/quote]
My season package of nights and weekends was originally for about 41-44 games depending on holidays. This year there are 56 games on the night/weekend package so since they can’t add weekends, they have to be adding night games. That is actually an area where they have been making steady progress over the years.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I agree it’s a neighborhood issue, but it shouldn’t be. All due respect to people who live nearby, but the Cubs should just schedule 70 home night games next year. On the schedule they should just put TOUGH SHIT in big block letters. They know where they live.[/quote]
The Cubs can’t just do that. There are city ordinances.
I used to live in that neighborhood. Night games are a pain in the ass for residents. If I owned a place there and all of a sudden the Cubs started playing 70 night games a year I would be pissed too.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]My season package of nights and weekends was originally for about 41-44 games depending on holidays. This year there are 56 games on the night/weekend package so since they can’t add weekends, they have to be adding night games. That is actually an area where they have been making steady progress over the years.[/quote]Good point. I hope there’s more progress being made. Obviously all the blame can’t be placed on day/night games because the Cubs weren’t very good for awhile even when all teams played day games, but I do think it’s a disadvantage.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Good point. I hope there’s more progress being made. Obviously all the blame can’t be placed on day/night games because the Cubs weren’t very good for awhile even when all teams played day games, but I do think it’s a disadvantage.[/quote]
Here’s my thing. If the Cubs were consistently well-managed and putting good teams on the field I would start to look at ballpark problems more critically. Until they do that on a consistent basis, I am not willing to put the blame on the park.
Also, what’s the thinking on why day baseball is such a disadvantage? Is it that the players wear out from playing so many games in the heat? Body-clock issues?
I always thought there was a little bit of an advantage because they are more used to playing day baseball games than their opponents.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]The Cubs can’t just do that. There are city ordinances.
I used to live in that neighborhood. Night games are a pain in the ass for residents. If I owned a place there and all of a sudden the Cubs started playing 70 night games a year I would be pissed too.[/quote]I understand there are city ordinances, but if Ricketts has the balls and threatens to build elsewhere over this issue, he’s going to get what he wants. I also understand it’s probably a pain in the ass for those who live there, but there are other places to live in Chicago. The Cubs can’t play anywhere else. Also, those in the neighborhood chose to live near place that was going to have 40,000 people in the neighborhood 81 times per year.
If it’s Cubs winning and neighbors being pissed off or neighbors being happy and Cubs fans being pissed off, I think the answer is fairly simple. There are a lot more pissed off Cubs fans that you can appease than you’ll make angry by playing night games. Besides, it’s inevitable that the Cubs will be playing a full night schedule at some point in the near future. They’re playing more and more of them and that’s not going to change.
Rip the bandaid off and do it next year. That’s my plan. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
same ol cubs
dylanjQuote Reply
This offense is hard to watch.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]This team is hard to watch.[/quote] fixed
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I understand there are city ordinances, but if Ricketts has the balls and threatens to build elsewhere over this issue, he’s going to get what he wants.[/quote]
Well, Ricketts has shown he is pretty much incapable of exerting political pressure to get what he wants, so I’m sure that plan would fail miserably.
Just as with the stadium issue, he has no leverage because he can’t move the team.
Cubs are much better off gradually increasing the night games. Much less political opposition than if they tried to announce a plan that they were going to play almost exclusively night games.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
There’s any number of potential advantages or disadvantages. One obvious disadvantage is that most teams play at a consistent time. Maybe 6 or 7 pm, but most teams don’t play day games very often. On the other hand, the Cubs play a lot of day games and they play a lot of night games. It’s like someone always working at different times. They’re going to be less effective as a result.
It’s not fair to mention that without at least one potential advantage: being familiar with playing during the day, but that’s only a guess. I’m not sure anyone has ever done any research to show that the Cubs players perform better in day games relative to their projections compared to others. I don’t know.
I’m not blaming everything on Wrigley. You’re absolutely right that the management has sucked for a long, long time. It’s a much bigger issue than when the game is played. However, it is an issue.
Just think about how teams build their roster. They build them with their home part in mind because they play there 81 times. You want to maximize your ability to win at home. Wrigley plays like a pitcher’s paradise at times. At other times it’s a nightmare for the pitchers. Wrigley Field is two parks in one and you they’re pretty much the exact opposite from one another.
mb21Quote Reply
But where is the fun in that? Imagine if they just release that schedule like I suggested. There would be all kinds of funny things happening on the internet for us to enjoy. I think the entertainment value of doing that alone makes it worth it. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Uh oh. Is Z hurt?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
He can get leverage. Nobody thought the Cubs would ever leave Mesa and then all of a sudden, they were looking at land in Naples and Arizona came up with money to keep them.
All the Ricketts need to do is have some meetings with suburb politicians with the ability to build them a nice, modern stadium and make sure a reporter somewhere finds out about it. They can deny anything is in the works, but it starts to open the possibility that they might not be as beholden to Wrigley as they have stated publicly. Then when they play hardball with Tunney and the city, they will be taken more seriously.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Uh oh. Is Z hurt?[/quote]
Hand cramps.
CormsQuote Reply
I’m still shocked that Ricketts has expressed his love for Wrigley in the way he has. I get that he really does love the ballpark, but it makes it much harder to have any leverage with the city. I agree that he can get it back, but I don’t think he’s willing to.
mb21Quote Reply
Castro has a really good arm. He wasn’t even trying and that was still a bullet.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]Castro has a really good arm. He wasn’t even trying and that was still a bullet.[/quote]Lazy Latino!
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m still shocked that Ricketts has expressed his love for Wrigley in the way he has. I get that he really does love the ballpark, but it makes it much harder to have any leverage with the city. I agree that he can get it back, but I don’t think he’s willing to.[/quote]
Then he is absolutely retarded, and that is an insult to retarded people everywhere.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Hand cramps.[/quote]
My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]He can get leverage. Nobody thought the Cubs would ever leave Mesa and then all of a sudden, they were looking at land in Naples and Arizona came up with money to keep them.
All the Ricketts need to do is have some meetings with suburb politicians with the ability to build them a nice, modern stadium and make sure a reporter somewhere finds out about it. They can deny anything is in the works, but it starts to open the possibility that they might not be as beholden to Wrigley as they have stated publicly. Then when they play hardball with Tunney and the city, they will be taken more seriously.[/quote]
Perhaps. I still think that he has made it all to clear that he isn’t willing to leave Wrigley.
I think the only way he gains the necessary leverage is if he literally has no other choice but to move the Cubs because the team is losing money hand over fist.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.[/quote]
You need better friends. I assume these are the same doctors and tough-guys that were all over Jay Cutler in January.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Then he is absolutely retarded, and that is an insult to retarded people everywhere.[/quote]I am insulted so yes, you are correct.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.[/quote]
Maybe if he got more of that from his wife his hand wouldn’t cramp.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]My Facebook feed is now full of people deriding him for being a pussy.[/quote](dying laughing) most of those people are overweight, haven’t exercised in at least 3 years, ate fast food some time in the last 10 days and are planning to drink about 6 to 10 high calorie beers tonight.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Perhaps. I still think that he has made it all to clear that he isn’t willing to leave Wrigley.
I think the only way he gains the necessary leverage is if he literally has no other choice but to move the Cubs because the team is losing money hand over fist.[/quote]Losing money compared to what? I find it almost impossible to believe that the Cubs wouldn’t make more money in a new ballpark. Cubs fans aren’t going to vanish. They’re still the lovable losers. They’re still everybody’s pick at the beginning of the year. They still have to win this year. It’s still wait til next year. It’s still this year. Same team. I think the Cubs are losing money right now because they refuse add advertising that puts them even on par with small market clubs.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Maybe if he got more of that from his wife his hand wouldn’t cramp.[/quote]
You win.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Losing money compared to what? I find it almost impossible to believe that the Cubs wouldn’t make more money in a new ballpark. Cubs fans aren’t going to vanish. They’re still the lovable losers. They’re still everybody’s pick at the beginning of the year. They still have to win this year. It’s still wait til next year. It’s still this year. Same team. I think the Cubs are losing money right now because they refuse add advertising that puts them even on par with small market clubs.[/quote]
I think you misread what I wrote. He won’t move the team unless he is losing money at Wrigley.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
hey, runner at 3rd base! Don’t look away now.
mb21Quote Reply
Look at the dumb asses behind the Cubs dugout yelling at Soriano to run to first on the dropped third strike with a runner on first and nobody out.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I think you misread what I wrote. He won’t move the team unless he is losing money at Wrigley.[/quote]I know, but I’m just wondering when he realized he is losing money compared to what he could be making elsewhere.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I know, but I’m just wondering when he realized he is losing money compared to what he could be making elsewhere.[/quote]
Which suburb can afford to build him an $800 million new park? I also don’t think the Cubs would draw as well at a park in Schaumburg as they would at Wrigley.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Look at the dumb asses behind the Cubs dugout yelling at Soriano to run to first on the dropped third strike with a runner on first and nobody out.[/quote]
I think they were also waving Pena to 3rd.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I think they were also waving Pena to 3rd.[/quote]
A bunch of them were staring at Soriano and pointing toward first.
CormsQuote Reply
Neifi Perez pinch bunting with 2 outs and a runner on 3rd.
CormsQuote Reply
Why the fuck is he bunting with 2 outs? Is he getting that sign?
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Apologies. My sarcasm translates poorly to the interwebs.[/quote]Not at all. That was sarcasm on sarcasm asshattery.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Those dipshit fans were definitely shouting at Soriano to run to first. Even Len called them out on their idiocy.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
White Sox on a roll.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
The Cubs offense is on pace to score an MLB record low of 182 runs this season. That would be 212 runs fewer than the 1941 Phillies.
mb21Quote Reply
starlin castro is fun to watch
dylanjQuote Reply
Starlin Castro is pretty good at sports.
mb21Quote Reply
Castro really put a charge into that ball. He’s now scored 2 of the Cubs runs this season and drove in the other.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The Cubs offense is on pace to score an MLB record low of 182 runs this season. That would be 212 runs fewer than the 1941 Phillies.[/quote]
Castro just ruined this for you.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
No doubt, DJ. Once again, this season is the Starlin Castro show. Not much else to watch.
mb21Quote Reply
Starlin Castro vs. The National League
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]Castro just ruined this for you.[/quote]Figures. He’s just a fuck up.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Starlin Castro vs. The National League[/quote]National League. What do I win?
mb21Quote Reply
Castro is really turning into a player right before our eyes. Love the opposite field double.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
Castro is starting to make this game look way too easy.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]Castro really put a charge into that ball. He’s now scored 2 of the Cubs runs this season and drove in the other.[/quote]He’s scored half their runs?
mb21Quote Reply
you know md we are basically watching that one prospect in a million thing we have talked about for years now. This kid is 21 and getting better by the day.
dylanjQuote Reply
I like the new message when you post.
CormsQuote Reply
SK, we stopped telling you thank you after your comments. Hope you’re happy.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He’s scored half their runs?[/quote]He’s now scored 3 of their 4 and driven in the fourth.
CormsQuote Reply
Testing…
Suburban kidQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]you know md we are basically watching that one prospect in a million thing we have talked about for years now. This kid is 21 and getting better by the day.[/quote]He’s got the potential to be really special. He’s already good at that age and there’s plenty of reason to think he’ll improve.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Corms]He’s now scored 3 of their 4 and driven in the fourth.[/quote]Starlin Castro Show
mb21Quote Reply
Soto is going yard here.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]He’s got the potential to be really special. He’s already good at that age and there’s plenty of reason to think he’ll improve.[/quote]
Wait, so he is or isn’t as good as Hak-Ju Lee?
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Soto is going yard here.[/quote]He just missed it. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
clint hurdle wants the Cubs to win
dylanjQuote Reply
testing
Aisle424Quote Reply
Hilarious and true.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Wait, so he is or isn’t as good as Hak-Ju Lee?[/quote]Lee’s problem is that he has no power whatsoever, his defense is just as raw, he’s performed worse at lower levels than Castro has at younger ages. Lee is going to have to at .300 to be much good and batting .300 in the big leagues isn’t easy.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Hilarious and true.[/quote]I don’t know why we didn’t think of it before.
mb21Quote Reply
If one more Cub gets on then Castro is guaranteed to bat again this game, barring a double play.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Lee’s problem is that he has no power whatsoever, his defense is just as raw, he’s performed worse at lower levels than Castro has at younger ages. Lee is going to have to at .300 to be much good and batting .300 in the big leagues isn’t easy.[/quote]
I was kidding. Making fun of the morons that were ready to move Castro off shortstop to make way for a guy hitting worse in low A ball than Castro did in the bigs at almost the same age.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
Sorry, HV. I should have seen that, but I’m an idiot.
mb21Quote Reply
bah c’mon pena
dylanjQuote Reply
soriano is gonna get booed on this AB
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]If one more Cub gets on then Castro is guaranteed to bat again this game, barring a double play.[/quote]I’m starting to think the Cubs should ask MLB if Castro could bat each inning. Surely they’d let the Cubs do that.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]soriano is gonna get booed on this AB[/quote]
Unless he hits a HR.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m starting to think the Cubs should ask MLB if Castro could bat each inning. Surely they’d let the Cubs do that.[/quote]The Cubs wouldn’t do that, it would kill concession sales. Who would go to the concession stand and risk missing seeing him bat or make a play on defense?
CormsQuote Reply
this could be the year that Soriano just falls apart. His bat hasn’t look near as fast so far
dylanjQuote Reply
Adolfo!
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
also sample size dj. (dying laughing)
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Unless he hits a HR.[/quote]
Or hits a game tying single.
CormsQuote Reply
Nice.
mb21Quote Reply
I don’t think I’m ever happier as a Cubs fan than when Soriano does something good. Not sure why, but I really like that guy.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
That’s the first run of the season for the Cubs that Castro didn’t have a direct role in.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I don’t think I’m ever happier as a Cubs fan than when Soriano does something good. Not sure why, but I really like that guy.[/quote]
I agree. I really like it when he succeeds.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Xoomwaffle]I agree. I really like it when he succeeds.[/quote]
I’ll be completely honest. Because the biggest ass-hats in the Cubs fanbase have a hard-on for booing Soriano, and I hate for them to be right about someone.
Of course, they aren’t really right about him. Even if he’s washed up, he doesn’t deserve to get booed.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
colvin is facing a RHP. Quade is gonna be pissed
dylanjQuote Reply
Kyle Draked 1 hit the twins today. I keep hearing he has terrible mechanics though
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Corms]If one more Cub gets on then Castro is guaranteed to bat again this game, barring a double play.[/quote]
Of course I didn’t take into account the possibility that the Cubs could take the lead and win before he comes up.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]
[/quote](dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
“And it’s up to Blake DeWitt.” Not exactly what I want to hear…
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
somebody get dewitt a razor
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Kyle Draked 1 hit the twins today. I keep hearing he has terrible mechanics though[/quote]Drabek?
mb21Quote Reply
the cubs offense will score 10,000 runs
dylanjQuote Reply
(dying laughing) yeah Drabek
dylanjQuote Reply
Enjoy this inning. Cubs won’t score for 14 more.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj](dying laughing) yeah Drabek[/quote]That’s what I figured, but I was confused. I read it like 7 times thinking I misread it.
mb21Quote Reply
Kosuke will walk twice in one inning
Suburban kidQuote Reply
3 lefties in a row facing a righty? What’s wrong with this picture. We need more moroons.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
honestly, hurdle must not have a LHP in his bullpen
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]3 lefties in a row facing a righty? What’s wrong with this picture. We need more moroons.[/quote]Clint Hurdle is the Ryan Theriot of managing.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]honestly, hurdle must not have a LHP in his bullpen[/quote]Len mentioned during Pena’s at bat the the lefty had sat down in the pen.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]3 lefties in a row facing a righty? What’s wrong with this picture. We need more moroons.[/quote]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_Kh7nLplWo
Aisle424Quote Reply
It’s White Castle time.
CormsQuote Reply
I said nothing made me happier as a Cubs fan than watching Soriano succeed.
I forgot about watching Marmol make a hitter look silly.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Why would anyone ever swing against Marmol? You can’t hit that slider so you might as well just hope for a walk.
CormsQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]I said nothing made me happier as a Cubs fan than watching Soriano succeed.
I forgot about watching Marmol make a hitter look silly.[/quote]
I was just thinking this as well.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
(dying laughing) Even when he hangs the slider they can’t hit it.
CormsQuote Reply
Marmol works really fast.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Cubs
Lose.Wait, Win!XoomwaffleQuote Reply
Mamol is on pace for 81 saves and 243 Ks.
/useless on-pace statistics
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
anyone else notice marmol winced during that Cedeno at bat?
dylanjQuote Reply
Marmol was nasty
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
(dying laughing) at the message submitted message
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Well, through two games the good news is there are 3 players on this team worth watching.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
ACE MATT GARZA pitches tomorrow. I expect a 10 HR bloodbath
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Hector Villanueva]Well, through two games the good news is there are 3 players on this team worth watching.[/quote]Castro, Marmol and DeWitt?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Cubs, thanks a lot for giving me a reason to watch tomorrow, jerks.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Castro, Marmol and DeWitt?[/quote]
Castro, Marmol and Z. Although DeWitt’s beard is interesting.
Hector VillanuevaQuote Reply
Z was good to watch today. I was only messing about Beardy DeClutch.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I kind of got to see the Cubs win today. It’s a shame that any game ever comes down to Marmol vs. Cedeno, but it was still fun to watch.
AndCountingQuote Reply
I didn’t get to see Marmol close the game. Too bad. Looks like he was flashing some of that ridiculousness again.
mb21Quote Reply
Cedeno actually had a good approach up there. He convinced himself that his bat would be of no use and worked the count full by not swinging at some filth that would have been pretty tempting to anyone with intentions of trying to hit. Then Marmol got him out with a slider at the knees that buzzed the strike zone but was not hittable. Nasty.
AndCountingQuote Reply
This isn’t a “new thread up” or anything, but I put together a simple pitcher usage chart. For future reference you can find it on the menu under Site. http://obstructedview.net/cubs-pitcher-usage.html
I plan to update this after each game.
mb21Quote Reply
What should we put up there where the Opening Day image is? Don’t think we need that up there any longer. Thoughts?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What should we put up there where the Opening Day image is? Don’t think we need that up there any longer. Thoughts?[/quote]
L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?[/quote]It’s his game.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?[/quote]He was bunting for a hit, no question. The 3rd baseman was playing 10-15 feet behind the base. Getting down that bunt successfully was his best chance at reaching base and probably driving in the run. But, you know, he didn’t really come close.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]L flag. Duh.
By the way, did they ever explain WTF Reed was doing bunting with two outs?[/quote]
He will do anything he needs to to win the game.
XoomwaffleQuote Reply
New post posted: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-officially-wont-lose-them-all.html
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]He was bunting for a hit, no question. The 3rd baseman was playing 10-15 feet behind the base. Getting down that bunt successfully was his best chance at reaching base and probably driving in the run. But, you know, he didn’t really come close.[/quote]
I wasn’t able to watch that at-bat but followed it on Gameday. It was a facepalm worthy moment. Thanks for reassuring me that there was indeed a method to the madness.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]This isn’t a “new thread up” or anything, but I put together a simple pitcher usage chart. For future reference you can find it on the menu under Site. http://obstructedview.net/cubs-pitcher-usage.html
I plan to update this after each game.[/quote]
cool.
GWQuote Reply