Every 1.8 seconds, a child in the Chicagoland metropolitan area makes a wish—and not just any wish. A wish to see the Chicago Cubs play on the hallowed ground of Wrigley Field. For the lucky ones, that wish is granted without a second thought. But not every child has two parents with six-figure salaries.
Some children have bigger problems than deciding between club box infield or dugout box. Some children’s parents have to pay doctor’s fees instead of box office convenience fees. Some children have no parents to misguidedly lead them into the bleachers. For most of these kids, the wish of seeing a game in Wrigley Field is a long shot at best. All they can realistically hope for is to catch a few innings on the radio in the orphanage or in a hospital room in between operations.
Here at Obstructed View, our sight line might be blocked by the Wrigley Field I-beams. Our vision might be obscured by our own palms that cover our faces in disgust. But we will never turn a blind eye to the dreams of children whose hearts are set on cheering on the Chicago National League Ball Club.
These kids might not have the greatest family backgrounds. They may not have the best health. They may not even have hope. But as long as they have $10 in discretionary income, they have a friend in Obstructed View.
That’s because a portion of the proceeds of every sale of Obstructed View merchandise will go to the not-for-profit agency Ten-Dollar Dreams, an organization dedicated to making it possible for those who are less fortunate to see their wishes granted at a price they can afford.
How much would you pay for a bleacher ticket? $50? $60? $75? Dream on. Thanks in large part to Obstructed View’s best customers, these kids in need will realize their dream for a mere ten bucks. In the bleachers. Peanuts and Cracker Jack. Booing Soriano. It will all be real, thanks to Ten-Dollar Dreams—and thanks to you.
What do you have to do? Just spend money. Lots of it. Just follow the link to the OV Shop and start buying stuff. Get the Obstructed View sign on a mug. Order a onesie commemorating the Cubs’ recent World series championship. Show your friends your admiration mingled with loathing with the original Cubbie Facepalm T-shirt. The options are incalculable . . . unless you have way too much time on your hands.
But don’t order because the designs are awesome—they are. Don’t order because the frustration is to much to bear without a fashionable expression of anguish—it is. Order for the children.
UPDATE: Within .015 seconds of publishing this post, our lawyers received notice of a temporary restraining order forbidding us or Ten-Dollar Dreams from offering bleacher tickets for $10. We have been told that if sick, homeless, or orphaned children are found in attendance at the Wrigley Field bleachers without a valid receipt proving their tickets were purchased for no less than $40, they will be sent to a juvenile detention center without trial, and Obstructed View will be forced to surrender all sales revenue to BUTT (Bleacherites Upholding Ticket Trade). In view of these recent developments, all profits will now just go to us. In the end, it’s probably better that the children find another team to root for. They’ve been through enough. Be assured, though, that no matter what happens, no proceeds will ever go to the Ricketts family, the Chicago Cubs, or BUTT. Ever.
Please don’t let this unpleasantness stop you from spending. Perhaps you can find some consolation in knowing that the Obstructed View Android app is now available for download. It’s no less awesome than this blog. Get it now. And then buy a shirt and a tote bag.
Comments
It’s a much better idea that the children find a team that will eventually win. Much less frustration.
I don’t think the app is available yet, but should be sometime tomorrow.
mb21Quote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Apparently I thought there should be no further comment. Don’t comment, just buy. (dying laughing)
I’m out for most of the night. Somebody email me when we’re rich.
AndCountingQuote Reply
WHERE THE FUCK IS MY OV IPAD APP?
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]WHERE THE FUCK IS MY OV IPAD APP?[/quote]I’ve never used an ipad before. Do they use entirely different apps like the Macbook does?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mish]WHERE THE FUCK IS MY OV IPAD APP?[/quote]
I just posted a QR code for it.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I’m out for most of the night. Somebody email me when we’re rich.[/quote]
email, AC (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
Did you know my next door neighbor has three dogs?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’ve never used an ipad before. Do they use entirely different apps like the Macbook does?[/quote]
I can run any of the iPhone apps but yeah they are usually more robust and richer, like Tim should be by the end of the night.
As cool as it would be, I have no problems using Safari for this.
MishQuote Reply
Outstanding, AC.
I don;t have kids, but I think I’m going to order the onesie commemorating the recent World Championship.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I just posted a QR code for it.[/quote]
No, you didn’t.
shadasrevengeQuote Reply
Well fuck, I was really looking forward to some $10 bleachers tickets too. Maybe on StubHub in a couple weeks.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Lineup for tonight:
Castro SS
Barney 2B
Byrd CF
Ramirez 3B
Peña 1B
Soriano LF
Colvin RF
Soto C
Dempster P
Apparently Soto is a better hitter than only Dempster in this lineup. They must be pretty damn good.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Outstanding, AC.
I don;t have kids, but I think I’m going to order the onesie commemorating the recent World Championship.[/quote]I’m disappointed a few items haven’t sold yet: the onesie, apron and the dog shirt. I almost bought one for my dog until I realized she’d wear that for about a split second. If that.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Lineup for tonight:
Apparently Soto is a better hitter than only Dempster in this lineup. They must be pretty damn good.[/quote]I’m predicting the Cubs score 74 runs tonight.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m disappointed a few items haven’t sold yet: the onesie, apron and the dog shirt. I almost bought one for my dog until I realized she’d wear that for about a split second. If that.[/quote]
I thought about getting a small one for my cat, but he’s too old for my juvenile nonsense.
Aisle424Quote Reply
Same here. As much fun as it would be to see my dog in it, I’m afraid she’d kill herself trying to get out of it. And she’d hate me for it.
mb21Quote Reply
I’ll show the dog one to my wife and see what she thinks. We have a little rat dog and he pretty much wears whatever we make him wear because he’s short-haired and in Chicago.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I’m disappointed a few items haven’t sold yet: the onesie, apron and the dog shirt. I almost bought one for my dog until I realized she’d wear that for about a split second. If that.[/quote]Wait — are you implying that the other items have all sold? (I mean, to people other than you four guys)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
The wife is a fan of the Cubs facepalm. So that is a definite future possibility.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I’ll show the dog one to my wife and see what she thinks. We have a little rat dog and he pretty much wears whatever we make him wear because he’s short-haired and in Chicago.[/quote]
Better order now while they’re still in stock
WenningtonsGorillaCockQuote Reply
[quote name=WenningtonsGorillaCock]Better order now while they’re still in stock[/quote]
Or we have a sale and fuck our best customers.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Or we have a sale and fuck our best customers.[/quote]
In that case I’ll wait for the 10-cent doggie shirt giveaway.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Or we have a sale and fuck our best customers.[/quote]That’s some premium class of service there.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
All kidding aside, those are some awesome products. The plain OV one seems so quaint, without any memes or snark on it.
I like this one
I can use it on my route. (dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I like Castro leading off but why the fuck is Soto batting eight?
And honestly I think the Cubs should consider batting Castro 3. This offense sucks.
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]That’s some premium class of service there.[/quote]
We emulate ourselves after the Cubs except the products are actually high quality.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Lineup for tonight:
Castro SS
Barney 2B
Byrd CF
Ramirez 3B
Peña 1B
Soriano LF
Colvin RF
Soto C
Dempster P
Apparently Soto is a better hitter than only Dempster in this lineup. They must be pretty damn good.[/quote]More importantly, why was this posted only three hours before the game?
I assume Quade texted this to the players last Wednesday.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]More importantly, why was this posted only three hours before the game?
I assume Quade texted this to the players last Wednesday.[/quote]
He may not know the steal sign or how to keep his 3rd base coach from giving it at a piss poor time, but he knows how to schedule his injuries and the resulting lineup changes a week in advance.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I like Castro leading off but why the fuck is Soto batting eight?
And honestly I think the Cubs should consider batting Castro 3. This offense sucks.[/quote]
I like Castro batting #2. I think I want the Colvin/Soriano tandem sharing time at #3.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I like Castro batting #2. I think I want the Colvin/Soriano tandem sharing time at #3.[/quote]What Colvin/Soriano tandem? Is that like a fantasy platoon that doesn’t exist?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]What Colvin/Soriano tandem? Is that like a fantasy platoon that doesn’t exist?[/quote]
Only in my sad imagination, SK.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
This should have been a FanPost.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]This was the game you expected the cubs to win right, B?[/quote]
I carefully hedged my bets by only saying that the Cubs would lose the last two (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
Tomorrow’s game is going to be difficult to watch. I don’t understand why Russell’s coming out of the bullpen for one-third of a start when Quade’s not even committing to giving him another start later.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Tomorrow’s game is going to be difficult to watch. I don’t understand why Russell’s coming out of the bullpen for one-third of a start when Quade’s not even committing to giving him another start later.[/quote]Maybe they’re just stalling while Ramon Ortiz gets stretched out.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Maybe they’re just stalling while Kerry Wood gets stretched out.[/quote]
/Alvin’d
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]
Maybe they’re just stalling while Kerry Wood gets stretched out.
/Alvin’d[/quote]
That explains him not coming into the game last night.
WaLiQuote Reply
Who else see the leprechaun say yeah!
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
SSS, but per the Tribune (quality source that), the Cubs have the best OBP out of the leadoff spot at .548.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]SSS, but per the Tribune (quality source that), the Cubs have the best OBP out of the leadoff spot at .548.[/quote]
I’d believe it for now. Fukudome alone is at .500 in limited time (bah), and Castro and Baker are hitting everything within a mile of the strike zone.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
More SSS alerts, but Dempster has some bad luck in his three starts (yes, I know, it’s only 3 starts). An 18% HR/FB, 59.8% LOB%, and a .321 BABIP. His K/9, BB/9, and GB rate are all improved from last year.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]More SSS alerts, but Dempster has some bad luck in his three starts (yes, I know, it’s only 3 starts). An 18% HR/FB, 59.8% LOB%, and a .321 BABIP. His K/9, BB/9, and GB rate are all improved from last year.[/quote]What’s Dempster’s xFIP in “TAKE ME OUT OF THE FUCKING GAME” situations?
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]What’s Dempster’s xFIP in “TAKE ME OUT OF THE FUCKING GAME” situations?[/quote]Gamer.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]What’s Dempster’s xFIP in “TAKE ME OUT OF THE FUCKING GAME” situations?[/quote]banana.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]More SSS alerts, but Dempster has some bad luck in his three starts (yes, I know, it’s only 3 starts). An 18% HR/FB, 59.8% LOB%, and a .321 BABIP. His K/9, BB/9, and GB rate are all improved from last year.[/quote]Mish, that’s interesting, but I think you’re forgetting that it has only been three starts. That’s kind of a small sample size.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
When do Cubs fans start bitching about the Fuld trade?
I mean, Hendry should be fired for that, right?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Meme meme meme, snark snark, meme, snark, meme.
Snark!
Meme, snark, snarking meme.
Cubs lose.
(dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Meme meme meme, snark snark, meme, snark, meme.
Snark!
Meme, snark, snarking meme.
Cubs lose.
(dying laughing)[/quote]
Well there goes my contribution for today.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Sam Fuld is an outstanding defensive outfielder. That’s at least 2 catch-of-the-year catches I’ve seen him make already this season.
mb21Quote Reply
one area where quade has sucked so far is using a tired SP one inning too many.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Meme meme meme, snark snark, meme, snark, meme.
Snark!
Meme, snark, snarking meme.
Cubs lose.
(dying laughing)[/quote]False.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]Meme meme meme, snark snark, meme, snark, meme.
Snark!
Meme, snark, snarking meme.
Cubs lose.
(dying laughing)[/quote]You forgot faget, you faget.
GBTSQuote Reply
I see the Cubs got their first stolen base last night with some average speed.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]You forgot faget, you faget.[/quote]That was covered under meme.
/snark
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]You forgot faget, you faget.[/quote]
.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
funny or disturbing image/gif
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban Kid]When do Cubs fans start bitching about the Fuld trade?
I mean, Hendry should be fired for that, right?[/quote]
Oh, as soon as they see he hit for the cycle last night. So, in about an hour.
[quote name=mb21]Sam Fuld is an outstanding defensive outfielder. That’s at least 2 catch-of-the-year catches I’ve seen him make already this season.[/quote]
Yeah, I don’t think that’s ever been a question. Or at least it hasn’t for me. I just thought it was stupid that the evidence most Cubs fans cited for this fact was his pancaking into brick walls. But yeah he’s a solid defender. Just will probably never hit enough to stick around as a full timer.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
rank these beers in order of drinkability
Budweiser
Miller Lite
Coors
Busch Lite
Olde English
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]rank these beers in order of drinkability
Budweiser
Miller Lite
Coors
Busch Lite
Olde English[/quote]
Personally…1 being most drinkable, 5 being asswater:
1. Miller Lite
2. Olde English
3. Budweiser
4. Coors
5. Busch Lite
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]rank these beers in order of drinkability
Budweiser
Miller Lite
Coors
Busch Lite
Olde English[/quote]
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Personally…1 being most drinkable, 5 being asswater:
1. Miller Lite
2. Olde English
3. Budweiser
4. Coors
5. Busch Lite[/quote]
1. Asswater
2. Bleach
3. Cyanide
4. (tie) Miller Lite, Olde English, Budweiser, Coors, Busch Lite
Aisle424Quote Reply
I figure Fuld gets on base a lot, plays superb defense so he can probably stick around for awhile. May even have a productive year or two in there, but definitely used late in game to get a guy on or play some defense.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I figure Fuld gets on base a lot, plays superb defense so he can probably stick around for awhile. May even have a productive year or two in there, but definitely used late in game to get a guy on or play some defense.[/quote]
I figure he’ll be like a Miguel Cairo. He’ll be in the majors for way longer than anyone can figure.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]
[/quote]
Arguably, if you took a Taco Bell burrito and ground it into a smoothie, it’d probably be better than most of the beers on that list.
This is always a good decision:
Rice CubeQuote Reply
for me it would be
Bud
Miller
Coors
Olde E
Busch
dylanjQuote Reply
I think it would be awesome if Fuld broke through as a 4th OF thanks to the Rays appreciating his plate discipline skills. The defense was always there.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]rank these beers in order of drinkability
Budweiser
Miller Lite
Coors
Busch Lite
Olde English[/quote]Mickey’s
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I figure he’ll be like a Miguel Cairo. He’ll be in the majors for way longer than anyone can figure.[/quote]I don’t know if he’ll ever have the power of a Darwin Barney, but he’s gonna surprise some people with his pop.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]rank these beers in order of drinkability
Budweiser
Miller Lite
Coors
Busch Lite
Olde English[/quote]Ask me this question when I was in high school.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I figure he’ll be like a Miguel Cairo. He’ll be in the majors for way longer than anyone can figure.[/quote]Will he have a projection system named after him?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]for me it would be
Bud
Miller
Coors
Olde E
Busch[/quote]You are correct.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I figure Fuld gets on base a lot, plays superb defense so he can probably stick around for awhile. May even have a productive year or two in there, but definitely used late in game to get a guy on or play some defense.[/quote]The white Lance Johnson. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]What’s the over/under he will have a projection system named after him?[/quote]
Fixed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
mickeys is easily the best of the malt’s.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Arguably, if you took a Taco Bell burrito and ground it into a smoothie, it’d probably be better than most of the beers on that list.
This is always a good decision:
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
^ I will try those next time I stop by Binny’s. Jolly good show, ol’ chap!
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Pranqster is one of my favorite Belgian Style beers. True story.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]1. Asswater
2. Bleach
3. Cyanide
4. Cookies BBQ Sauce
5. (tie) Miller Lite, Olde English, Budweiser, Coors, Busch Lite[/quote]Meme’d
Suburban kidQuote Reply
If Kansas sold this one I’d probably start drinking again.
mb21Quote Reply
For the love of god, it’s not Cookies BBQ. Do you guys know nothing about good BBQ sauce?
It’s Cookie’s Bar “B” “Q”
Get it right or don’t say it all. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
What about Olympia, Strohs, Point, Red White & Blue, and Rhinelander?
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]For the love of god, it’s not Cookies BBQ. Do you guys know nothing about good BBQ sauce?
It’s Cookie’s Bar “B” “Q”
Get it right or don’t say it all. (dying laughing)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
I’m also thinking there was a really cheap beer made in Dubuque, but those HS/college years are a blur.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
mmmmmm: https://shop.cookiesbbq.com/Cookies-Zesty-Chili.html
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]mmmmmm: https://shop.cookiesbbq.com/Cookies-Zesty-Chili.html%5B/quote%5DTheir flavor enhancer is to die for.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Pranqster is one of my favorite Belgian Style beers. Fact.[/quote].
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]^ I will try those next time I stop by Binny’s. Jolly good show, ol’ chap![/quote]
I doubt you’ll be able to get the Devil’s Backbone. The first two are better anyway.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Picketts!
Suburban kidQuote Reply
the 49ers will draft a QB. FACT
dylanjQuote Reply
so you can now carry a pistol around your local college campus and drive 85 mph in Texas.
I think the state seal should just depict Yosemite Sam.
dylanjQuote Reply
.
He’s got to stop doing this. Maybe last night was an object lesson. Let’s hope so.
by Al Yellon on Apr 12, 2011 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I hope so…
… but I doubt it’ll happen. Everyone lauds the fact that players love playing for Quade, and this is precisely why.
by dmlichte on Apr 12, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
In that case…
… Dempster has to know his own limits better.by Al Yellon on Apr 12, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions [/quote]
Yeah, who doesn’t love an “ace” starter who asks to be removed from games?
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]the 49ers will draft a QB. FACT[/quote]
Maybe two. Fact.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
i remember that last time we drafted two QB’s. Carmazzi and Rattay all day baby
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]so you can now carry a pistol around your local college campus and drive 85 mph in Texas.[/quote]
http://fuckyeahnouns.com/texas
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i remember that last time we drafted two QB’s. Carmazzi and Rattay all day baby[/quote]
Tom Brady’s still upset about that.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Anything brewed at this place is some of the best beer around:
http://www.d2m.com/Tugwebsite/
Their cask stout is the best beer on the planet.
mb21Quote Reply
I think it’ll be Ricky Stanzi and TJ Yates.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Anything brewed at this place is some of the best beer around:
http://www.d2m.com/Tugwebsite/
Their cask stout is the best beer on the planet.[/quote]
Fakt: Your rong, faget.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
I love how the results dictate what the correct decision should have been. Perhaps they would have preferred Grabow blowing the lead?
I’d rather have Dempster throw a few extra pitches while he’s taking hits from an oxygen tank in between pitches than bring in John Grabow. It’s not like he got sent out there to reach 130+ pitches.
Either way, I’d prefer the pitcher not be making decisions about when they come out of games because every single one of them will tell Quade that he’s good for a few more batters.
Aisle424Quote Reply
i dont know 424. He gives up an inside the park HR. The hit by Bourn to me was a HR. So you leave him in and he gives up a HR.
Quade has some notice that it was time to go.
dylanjQuote Reply
If you’re ever in St. Louis…
They did a cask Vanilla Bean Porter that was phenomenal.
Aisle424Quote Reply
i gotta say im only 4 years out of college but if the dude next to me in lecture had a fucking pistol i would probably check out of that class.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]so you can now carry a pistol around your local college campus and drive 85 mph in Texas.
I think the state seal should just depict Yosemite Sam.[/quote]
I just overheard one of the profs here talking about how he was going to start packing heat to defend himself from his students.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I love how the results dictate what the correct decision should have been.[/quote]
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]Pranqster is one of my favorite Belgian Style beers. True story.[/quote]
Pranqster is probably my favorite of any style of beer.
As for Sam Adams, my experience is that it’s great on tap, and absolute shit in bottles.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Is it really a big deal going from 80 to 85 mph? It’s not like you can drive 85 on residential streets. They didn’t raise the speed limit in school zones to 60 mph. I think Great Britain is considering raising their speed limit to 80.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i dont know 424. He gives up an inside the park HR. The hit by Bourn to me was a HR. So you leave him in and he gives up a HR.
Quade has some notice that it was time to go.[/quote]
Maybe you have to take the bandbox of Minute Maid into consideration since none of the HRs were exactly crushed and may not have left normal ballparks.
If they are even playing at Wrigley without the wind blowing out, I think those are three flyball outs. But I’m not necessarily arguing that Dempster should have been left out there, but given the options, I was fine with him giving it a shot. I figure the odds of him being successful were as good as Grabow’s. Now, if Marshall had been up, I might have wanted Marshall sooner.
Aisle424Quote Reply
people are just such shitty drivers that letting them go faster never seems like a good idea.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i gotta say im only 4 years out of college but if the dude next to me in lecture had a fucking pistol i would probably check out of that class.[/quote]
No, you pretend you’re high. Pretend you’re bored.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Fuld’s shown discipline at every level he’s played (nad he’s a stathead, so he “gets” it), so if he can at least post a league average OBP he should be plenty valuable as a 4th outfielder. Clearly he’s not going to be a starter, but I think he’s a cromulent bench player.
Oh, and he didn’t hit for the cycle last night. He took second on his last hit.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Is it really a big deal going from 80 to 85 mph?[/quote]
I was going 85 anyway. Now I can go 95.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]people are just such shitty things that letting them live never seems like a good idea.[/quote].
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I love how the results dictate what the correct decision should have been. Perhaps they would have preferred Grabow blowing the lead?
I’d rather have Dempster throw a few extra pitches while he’s taking hits from an oxygen tank in between pitches than bring in John Grabow. It’s not like he got sent out there to reach 130+ pitches.
Either way, I’d prefer the pitcher not be making decisions about when they come out of games because every single one of them will tell Quade that he’s good for a few more batters.[/quote]I’m a little more frustrated by the bigger picture. Quade had to be a little stingier with the bullpen because one of his relievers is going to be starting today instead of an actual starter. If none of the minor league guys are stretched out enough to go more than three innings anyway, fine. But somehow I seriously doubt that.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Quade had to be a little stingier with the bullpen because one of his relievers is going to be starting today instead of an actual starter. [/quote] They had already brought up Jeff Stevens to fill Russell’s spot in the pen, so it’s not like they were a player short.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]I’m a little more frustrated by the bigger picture. Quade had to be a little stingier with the bullpen because one of his relievers is going to be starting today instead of an actual starter. If none of the minor league guys are stretched out enough to go more than three innings anyway, fine. But somehow I seriously doubt that.[/quote]
I’m sure the Russell/Samardzija tandem of suck will give up less than 8 runs in five innings. Since Q is going to use Z for 15 innings on Wednesday anyway, he can afford to deplete the bullpen tonight.
Also, there’s little chance the Cubs score more than three runs off Brett Myers, so someone should just go in and get shelled and save everyone else the trouble.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]I was going 85 anyway. Now I can go 95.[/quote](dying laughing) The speed limit here in Kansas is 70, but 90% of the people drive 85 or higher. Also, they had to create a law to stop dumbass motherfucking Kansans from driving in the left lane.
I could not believe the interstates when I moved here. I’ve taken a lot of interstates in my life. I’ve lived in various parts of the country. Never before had I seen an entire population drive in the left lane. There would actually be places where you’d have two douchebags riding side by side for 30 miles going 65 mph.
As far as driving goes, nothing has ever pissed me off more than the average Kansas driver. There’s the left lane nonsense and it’s ridiculous. They still do it. They have no clue how to drive on the snow. Not even when there’s just a bit of snow on the ground. Ice? I don’t even know why these people bother going outside in the winter. Nobody in the god damn state knows how to drive.
mb21Quote Reply
Is there a poll I missed somewhere?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]They had already brought up Jeff Stevens to fill Russell’s spot in the pen, so it’s not like they were a player short.[/quote]Right, but they knew they’ll need at least six innings from the bullpen tonight. So I think Quade didn’t want to use the pen for more than 2 innings last night if he could avoid it.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Fuld’s shown discipline at every level he’s played (nad he’s a stathead, so he “gets” it), so if he can at least post a league average OBP he should be plenty valuable as a 4th outfielder. Clearly he’s not going to be a starter, but I think he’s a cromulent bench player.
Oh, and he didn’t hit for the cycle last night. He took second on his last hit.[/quote]I agree with that. There’s not really any reason he can’t be a solid 4th outfielder.
Also agreed on the cycle. Saying he hit a cycle last night is like saying a guy who hits 3 triples and a home runs hit for the cycle.
Besides, it’s much less common for a batter to hit two doubles, a triple and a home run anyway.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Right, but they knew they’ll need at least six innings from the bullpen tonight. So I think Quade didn’t want to use the pen for more than 2 innings last night if he could avoid it.[/quote]You mentioned that last night and I think you’re right. Russell is probably on a 45-pitch limit so it’s possible he barely gets through 2 innings.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Right, but they knew they’ll need at least six innings from the bullpen tonight. So I think Quade didn’t want to use the pen for more than 2 innings last night if he could avoid it.[/quote]
But we were winning by 4, why not go to the bullpen to try to win when Dempster (at least to me) was clearly gassed or couldn’t find the plate after 6. I would think you would want to guarantee a win instead of managing to a win that may not happen the next day.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]But we were winning by 4, why not go to the bullpen to try to win when Dempster (at least to me) was clearly gassed or couldn’t find the plate after 6. I would think you would want to guarantee a win instead of managing to a win that may not happen the next day.[/quote]
I guess the bigger problem is we only have a pitcher that will pitch 2-3 innings tomorrow.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]But we were winning by 4, why not go to the bullpen to try to win when Dempster (at least to me) was clearly gassed or couldn’t find the plate after 6. I would think you would want to guarantee a win instead of managing to a win that may not happen the next day.[/quote]That’s a good point. If the game goes to extras or something and you use your bullpen, you can always call someone up. They could have sent Stevens right back down and brought up someone else.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Right, but they knew they’ll need at least six innings from the bullpen tonight. So I think Quade didn’t want to use the pen for more than 2 innings last night if he could avoid it.[/quote]
“The Book” was suggesting that relievers are underused, and with the off-day as a recovery day (Thursday) it’s not like they can’t afford to empty some tanks. I’m not sure how true that is and also not sure what the Cubs training staff is doing wrong that makes all their pitchers break, so maybe that’s not the best idea, but I bet even if you don’t use Marmol again, you could probably use Wood tonight for an inning and then play “wait-and-see” on Wednesday night. Marshall seems like a big boy and can probably take some extra work too.
I also thought using Grabow before Marshall because of some misguided “set inning” philosophy was stupid, but then again I didn’t foresee Marshall getting dinged around by the bottom of the order.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
As far as workload for relievers goes, we have evidence that relievers can work about 20 to 30 more innings than they already do (at least). Before all this specialization, relievers would throw 100 or more innings. I’ve been saying it for awhile, but I see no reason that Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol can’t throw 100 innings. I wouldn’t do that with Wood because he’s so fragile, but that’s an additional 60 innings out of two of the best in the bullpen meaning one less reliever.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=WaLi]I guess the bigger problem is we only have a pitcher that will pitch 2-3 innings tomorrow.[/quote]
I mean tonight.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Right, but they knew they’ll need at least six innings from the bullpen tonight. So I think Quade didn’t want to use the pen for more than 2 innings last night if he could avoid it.[/quote]
I might buy this line if Quade hadn’t left Demp in too long on opening day. He probably left Z in too long in his first start as well. Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when it appears to be a pattern.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I might buy this line if Quade hadn’t left Demp in too long on opening day. He probably left Z in too long in his first start as well. Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when it appears to be a pattern.[/quote]
Agreed. I yelled at my TV both (Dempster) times this happen before he promptly shit the bed. It seems like Dempster has always had a long leash though, at least that’s what the eye test tells me. Maybe because he is such a good guy.
WaLiQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) The speed limit here in Kansas is 70, but 90% of the people drive 85 or higher. Also, they had to create a law to stop dumbass motherfucking Kansans from driving in the left lane.
I could not believe the interstates when I moved here. I’ve taken a lot of interstates in my life. I’ve lived in various parts of the country. Never before had I seen an entire population drive in the left lane. There would actually be places where you’d have two douchebags riding side by side for 30 miles going 65 mph.
As far as driving goes, nothing has ever pissed me off more than the average Kansas driver. There’s the left lane nonsense and it’s ridiculous. They still do it. They have no clue how to drive on the snow. Not even when there’s just a bit of snow on the ground. Ice? I don’t even know why these people bother going outside in the winter. Nobody in the god damn state knows how to drive.[/quote]
I’m glad to see that my impressions when driving through there are confirmed (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
I think this may all be a moot point though. James Russell sucks and will probably get shelled and then the bullpen will just have to suck up five more innings. They might as well give all of them to Samardzija and rest the other guys depending on how many runs (if any) they score off Brett Myers.
I don’t foresee a good offensive showing against Myers though…he just seems like an underrated pitcher to me.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’m quite confident than Kansans and their left lane silliness are going to kill a much higher percentage of people than an 85 mph speed limit would. The only way you’re going to get Kansans to stop that bullshit is if you take their license away from them. Any person driving in the left lane while not passing should have their license revoked for a period of no less than 125 years.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I might buy this line if Quade hadn’t left Demp in too long on opening day. He probably left Z in too long in his first start as well. Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when it appears to be a pattern.[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21](dying laughing) The speed limit here in Kansas is 70, but 90% of the people drive 85 or higher. Also, they had to create a law to stop dumbass motherfucking Kansans from driving in the left lane.
I could not believe the interstates when I moved here. I’ve taken a lot of interstates in my life. I’ve lived in various parts of the country. Never before had I seen an entire population drive in the left lane. There would actually be places where you’d have two douchebags riding side by side for 30 miles going 65 mph.
As far as driving goes, nothing has ever pissed me off more than the average Kansas driver. There’s the left lane nonsense and it’s ridiculous. They still do it. They have no clue how to drive on the snow. Not even when there’s just a bit of snow on the ground. Ice? I don’t even know why these people bother going outside in the winter. Nobody in the god damn state knows how to drive.[/quote]
That’s true everywhere. It only takes one idiot jackass to fuck up a freeway. I’ve started just laying on the horn behind people not passing in the left lane.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I might buy this line if Quade hadn’t left Demp in too long on opening day. He probably left Z in too long in his first start as well. Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when it appears to be a pattern.[/quote]Just to clarify, I don’t know that leaving Dempster in was a good idea at all. I thought he was in there too long. I’m just frustrated by the decision that made taking Dempster out even less appealing, which was the decision to bring up a reliever instead of a starter and creating a starter-by-committee experiment for tonight’s game. That’s my gripe. Quade is probably prone to leave Dempster in too long anyway, I agree.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’m glad to see that my impressions when driving through there are confirmed (dying laughing)[/quote]It’s pathetic. I know it shouldn’t make me this mad, but it does. It’s infuriating when you’re driving behind some guy going less than the speed limit and they’re driving side by side with some other person not driving the speed limit.
The change takes place right when you get to Kansas City. A mile north of KC everybody drives like you’re supposed to. In KC and all of Kansas it’s like the government sent all of the shitty drivers to one state.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]That’s true everywhere. It only takes one idiot jackass to fuck up a freeway. I’ve started just laying on the horn behind people not passing in the left lane.[/quote]It’s nowhere near the same as it is here. Everybody is used to the occasional asshole, but the only way you can get a Kansas driver license is if you are an asshole driver. Every single one of them, Ryno. I don’t even think a single person in the state had heard that the left lane was for passing until they passed a law. I’m dead serious. I do not think they were even aware of that.
mb21Quote Reply
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDhEZmIuMxE&feature=player_embedded
Lou Piniella + Carlos Zambrano = Joe Maddon
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]In KC and all of Kansas it’s like the government sent all of the shitty everything to one state.[/quote].
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting] I’m just frustrated by the decision that made taking Dempster out even less appealing, which was the decision to bring up a reliever instead of a starter and creating a starter-by-committee experiment for tonight’s game. That’s my gripe.[/quote]
I don’t agree with Russell as the starter either but I think Quade probably has some say in that as well. I’d much rather see them bring up a starter and take their chances that way. I’m not an advocate of giving every shitty reliever two innings and let’s see what happens.
melissaQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s pathetic. I know it shouldn’t make me this mad, but it does. It’s infuriating when you’re driving behind some guy going less than the speed limit and they’re driving side by side with some other person not driving the speed limit.
The change takes place right when you get to Kansas City. A mile north of KC everybody drives like you’re supposed to. In KC and all of Kansas it’s like the government sent all of the shitty drivers to one state.[/quote]
I’ve found that most people anywhere don’t know to get the fuck out of the left lane when not passing. I’ve driven across Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania pretty regularly and I spend a great deal of my time pissed off at some dipshit in the left lane not letting anyone by. Same thing when we’ve driven down to Florida. Always somebody fucking something up.
And nobody can drive in the snow. I just don’t understand. Either people are weaving in and out and going a bazillion miles per hour because they have SUVs and think they are impervious to physics or they are driving 2 miles per hour down the middle of two lanes because they’re scared to be too close to the snow banks on the side.
I’ve never gotten road rage while at my computer, but here we are.
Next question!
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]As far as workload for relievers goes, we have evidence that relievers can work about 20 to 30 more innings than they already do (at least). Before all this specialization, relievers would throw 100 or more innings. I’ve been saying it for awhile, but I see no reason that Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol can’t throw 100 innings. I wouldn’t do that with Wood because he’s so fragile, but that’s an additional 60 innings out of two of the best in the bullpen meaning one less reliever.[/quote]
MB I think the bigger deal is appearances, not innings. RPs should pitch more innings when they make an appearance, not pitch in more games.
BerseliusQuote Reply
(dying laughing) In Iowa, even in Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids and whatever other large-ish cities they have, people knew how to drive. If you stayed in the left lane in Phoenix, someone would run you over. Then again, people there didn’t even know how to drive when it rained. People left work early when it started raining.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s nowhere near the same as it is here. Everybody is used to the occasional asshole, but the only way you can get a Kansas driver license is if you are an asshole driver. Every single one of them, Ryno. I don’t even think a single person in the state had heard that the left lane was for passing until they passed a law. I’m dead serious. I do not think they were even aware of that.[/quote]
Driving —–> Killing
It’s gonna happen.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
[quote name=Jame Gumb]That’s true everywhere. It only takes one idiot jackass to fuck up a freeway. I’ve started just laying on the horn behind people not passing in the left lane.[/quote]
FWIW I’ve also felt that everyone drives too slowly in TX, but from what I’ve heard the cops here aren’t as likely to give you the usual cushion of 5-10 mph over the speed that most states do. No idea if it’s true.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]It’s nowhere near the same as it is here. Everybody is used to the occasional asshole, but the only way you can get a Kansas driver license is if you are an asshole driver. Every single one of them, Ryno. I don’t even think a single person in the state had heard that the left lane was for passing until they passed a law. I’m dead serious. I do not think they were even aware of that.[/quote]
My favorite drivers are NJ drivers, who are insane. We used to go up there all the time when my grandparents lived there, and on more than one occasion we witness drivers backing down onramps when they realized they got off at the wrong exit (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]MB I think the bigger deal is appearances, not innings. RPs should pitch more innings when they make an appearance, not pitch in more games.[/quote]
The snippet in “The Book” was kind of short on the subject but suggested that most relievers in the early 2000s could probably have pitched four straight games (an inning or so each) and still given about the same quality of performance. I also read a bit about warming up and what that might do to the arm but I don’t think they drew many conclusions from that.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]MB I think the bigger deal is appearances, not innings. RPs should pitch more innings when they make an appearance, not pitch in more games.[/quote]Yeah, that’s what I meant. If you get rid of two relievers, the five you have are forced to pitch more per appearance.
I also think the good relievers should be your spot starters. Sean Marshall and one of the other relievers should have gotten a few starts while Wells and Cashner were out. I don’t think making those changes is going to do anything other than improve the game. You improve the game immediately by getting rid of the two worst relievers on the team. Bad news for John Grabow and Jeff Samardzija.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I’ve found that most people anywhere don’t know to get the fuck out of the left lane when not passing. I’ve driven across Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania pretty regularly and I spend a great deal of my time pissed off at some dipshit in the left lane not letting anyone by. Same thing when we’ve driven down to Florida. Always somebody fucking something up.
And nobody can drive in the snow. I just don’t understand. Either people are weaving in and out and going a bazillion miles per hour because they have SUVs and think they are impervious to physics or they are driving 2 miles per hour down the middle of two lanes because they’re scared to be too close to the snow banks on the side.
I’ve never gotten road rage while at my computer, but here we are.
Next question![/quote]
My family has done the DC to WI trip for years and I don’t think my dad was ever happier than when most of the interstates on the trip widened to three lanes. He’s wasted too much time in his life waiting for two trucks to pass each other at 61 and 60 mph (dying laughing).
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]My favorite drivers are NJ drivers, who are insane. We used to go up there all the time when my grandparents lived there, and on more than one occasion we witness drivers backing down onramps when they realized they got off at the wrong exit (dying laughing).[/quote](dying laughing) drivers are just nuts near the East coast.
mb21Quote Reply
is trying to calculate how long it would take for one to pass the other what made you so interested in math? (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=melissa]I might buy this line if Quade hadn’t left Demp in too long on opening day. He probably left Z in too long in his first start as well. Hard to give him the benefit of the doubt when it appears to be a pattern.[/quote]Just to clarify, I don’t know that leaving Dempster in was a good idea at all. I thought he was in there too long. I’m just frustrated by the decision that made taking Dempster out even less appealing, which was the decision to bring up a reliever instead of a starter and creating a starter-by-committee experiment for tonight’s game. That’s my gripe. Quade is probably prone to leave Dempster in too long anyway, I agree.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]My family has done the DC to WI trip for years and I don’t think my dad was ever happier than when most of the interstates on the trip widened to three lanes. He’s wasted too much time in his life waiting for two trucks to pass each other at 61 and 60 mph (dying laughing).[/quote]I applaud the workers who form the backbone of our domestic economy and all that, but all truck drivers should be executed.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I applaud the workers who form the backbone of our domestic economy and all that, but all truck drivers should be executed.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
I understand the trucks. They are frustrating, but at tleast you know when they are done slowly passing another truck, they will get the fuck over. there is a light at the end of that tunnel. The other people who just clearly don’t give a fuck about anything other than how they are going to stay in the miraculously clear left lane because it’s easier are the ones who should be glad I don’t have rocket launchers on my car.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]FWIW I’ve also felt that everyone drives too slowly in TX, but from what I’ve heard the cops here aren’t as likely to give you the usual cushion of 5-10 mph over the speed that most states do. No idea if it’s true.[/quote]
It varies. Dallas drivers are crazy. Fort Worth and Austin are pretty tame, but relatively competent.
And I had a DFW cop tell me they usually won’t stop you unless you’re going more than 10 over.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
Just realized Baseball Cube doesn’t keep PA totals?
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/profile.asp?P=/Sam-Fuld.shtml
MishQuote Reply
Mike Napoli is completely healthy and sports a .651 wOBA to start this season, but he’s played once in the last seven days and is out again today.
GBTSQuote Reply
BTW I hate speed limits on interstates and highways. The average speed isn’t going to change because you change the speed limit. Texas could raise the limit to 3500 mph and the average speed will remain the same. They could lower it 0 mph and the average speed will remain the same. Speed limits are about generating revenue.
mb21Quote Reply
Doug Davis——> Cubs?
h/t MLBTR
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Just realized Baseball Cube doesn’t keep PA totals?
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/profile.asp?P=/Sam-Fuld.shtml%5B/quote%5DYou've got all the stats there to calculate it yourself.
PA = AB + BB + HBP + SF + SH
If you wanted PA that you’d use for wOBA, subtract IBB and do not add SH.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=AndCounting]Doug Davis——> Cubs?
h/t MLBTR[/quote]If you can’t hit him, trade for him.
I have no idea why the Cubs suck against Doug Davis.
mb21Quote Reply
Anyone else (Tim, Adam, Jeff) have something started about Doug Davis?
mb21Quote Reply
doug davis. sigh.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Anyone else (Tim, Adam, Jeff) have something started about Doug Davis?[/quote]
I don’t.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]You’ve got all the stats there to calculate it yourself.
PA = AB + BB + HBP + SF + SH
If you wanted PA that you’d use for wOBA, subtract IBB and do not add SH.[/quote]
Well, DUH. I’m just saying, I find it odd to not be listed at all. Seems like the most basic starting point.
MishQuote Reply
if doug davis starts more than 1 game for the Cubs we lose the division by default.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Mish]Well, DUH. I’m just saying, I find it odd to not be listed at all. Seems like the most basic starting point.[/quote]Some projections don’t even include PA. Just AB. I’ve always thought it was odd too. It’s simple enough to just add the category in and it’s more useful than AB.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Anyone else (Tim, Adam, Jeff) have something started about Doug Davis?[/quote]
False.
BerseliusQuote Reply
The only thing I can figure out is that PA is a tricky stat to find in the minor leagues. I’m sure BC pulls their stats from some other source rather than combing through the play by play. They’d have to since they have stats prior to minor league PBP. Maybe it was impossible when they started to find PA.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Anyone else (Tim, Adam, Jeff) have something started about Doug Davis?[/quote]I ain’t got shit.
http://bit.ly/hcRYjw
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If you can’t hit him, trade for him.
I have no idea why the Cubs suck against Doug Davis.[/quote]
I think it’s just a minor-league deal if they finalize it.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I’d rather have Doug Davis than Ramon Ortiz (dying laughing)
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The only thing I can figure out is that PA is a tricky stat to find in the minor leagues. I’m sure BC pulls their stats from some other source rather than combing through the play by play. They’d have to since they have stats prior to minor league PBP. Maybe it was impossible when they started to find PA.[/quote]
This is probably correct. I agree with you, AB is almost useless to me unless I need it to find out PAs.
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]I’d rather die in a fire than have Doug Davis or Ramon Ortiz (dying laughing)[/quote]
fify
MishQuote Reply
New thread up.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
new stuff: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/cubs-to-sign-doug-davis.html
mb21Quote Reply
Looks of entertaining conversation in this post.
I firmly believe the government uses truck drivers as a way to regulate the speed of traffic. That way the 16 year old who just got his license can’t go 100 mph all the way to Six Flags.
For the craft/micro-brew talk, gotten pretty into it since graduating. 3 Floyds (which has a cult following now) is every bit as good as advertised. I like all their beers. Also really like the offerings from Founders, Sierra Nevada, and Brooklyn.
jtsunamiQuote Reply