Talkin' Cubs NLDS Live - Cubs vs. Dodgers - 10/04/08

Tonight's lineup:

Soriano - LF
Fontenot - 2B
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Soto - C
Edmonds - CF
DeRosa - RF
Theriot - SS
Harden - P

Hi everyone. It's been a difficult week to say the least, and while I have read all the comments, I just couldn't bring myself to say anything.

Aaron, great to see you come back...I knew you would.

Pretty much everything has been said already. I'm glad Lou kicked a little tail, and I'm REALLY glad to hear he's benching Fuku. What remains to be seen is whether these guys truly have the cajones to get the job done.

Personally, I believe we're going to see a real pitcher's duel, and it's going to be up for grabs late in the game. One of our big guys, probably Aramis, is going to come through with a hit and we WILL WIN THIS GAME.

WE WILL WIN THIS GAME.

WE WILL WIN THIS GAME!

LET'S GO CUBS!!!!

I agree that the cubs will win tonite. With all the talk lately, all year long I have screamed for lou to at least try Lee in a different spot in the order. So many times this year we saw the DP. Now, it's too late for experiments, but, with that being said, we did win 97 games with this lineup and could have easily got 100 if not for the september try-outs we witnessed. I personally would rather have seen the regulars play all the remaining games with maybe a 2 or 3 inning rest each game.
I read today that Lou had a volunteer practice today and almost everyone showed up. I would rather he had them in the clubhouse showing them highlights of all the great defensive plays and ofensive gems that this team produced this season so as to remind them of the great team they are! I'M HERE TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS AND SHE WILL BE SINGING GO CUBS GO!!!!!

Looking ahead a couple of hours: The sky is dark in my place away from the lights of the city. The moon is yellow. And I'm a little scared myself.

The customary shortcut walk through the unlit cemetery to my home will not be quite as scary as it was on another night of darkness and high uncertainty. Then, I fell into a freshly dug grave unaware that the town drunk had too. He was unseen sleeping in a corner. I lept up several times trying to grab enough of the sod above to help pull myself out. The drunk awoke and in a deep voice he said, "You can't get out of here." But I did!!

And now the time nears for our Cubs to see if they can get out of the hole they've dug for themselves. Like me in the cemetery, they will be motivated tonight in their cemetery where they are the living markers. In our quiet thoughts, we hope they will play well and win. Since the game will be played in a well-lighted venue, we'll all be able to see the action--and experience the outcome. Outbursts of anger and joy are acceptable and expected.

Motivation and focus should favor the Cubs tonight. If that isn't enough, we'll already be celebrating Sunday morning--which is a day especially well suited for new beginnings. And, just maybe, our fate will be another scary walk through another cemetery later in the day.

We are hoping for a win and for another scary walk later in the day. We are in full support tonight, Chicago Cubs!!

Hey guys.

I'll be at work tonight. But you better believe I'll be watching tonight.

I won't comment on the CCO, so someone pick up my slack!

I'm with you guys! LETS GO CUBBIES!

LETS DO THIS!

Go Cubs Go!
I think having Font batting 2nd is a good move. Hope Dero's leg holds up.
Go Cubs Go!

One thing about DLee, I want to give him credit for, is that he's been historically very good at clutch situations. Even during this season, while his on-base ability dropped month in and month out after that big April boom, he's still the top 3 contributors of runs late in the game.

ARam, on the contrary, hits just as good with or without runners on base.

In general, the Cubs lineup is one of the best, if not the best in the league. And what we have to lose? We can't fear a loss. There's nothing to fear of.

Remind you all, Cubbie Faithfuls, I'll quote Bill Murray:

"Someone said you're going to be very upset when you lose. You don't get it. We've been losing since I was born. If defeat was going to break me, it would have happened a long time ago."

And we've been so gifted, like Harry Caray said,

"The Lord wants the Cubs to win!"

For the win, Let's kick it!

It might sound childish, but like a marriage, I'm here too. Go get em' Cubs!

Come on, boys!
Tonight we begin the multi-win streak this team is capable of.......
Put the Dodgers on notice: Our off-season does NOT begin tonight.
Now, go do it!

I would like to hear some of your thoughts on this matter: After thursday's little league like performance at the press conference a reporter ask about and Lou ripped Fuk a new one. Agreed that Fuke's slump has lasted since the all star break and obviously the mlb pitchers have his number, but I feel like he was singled out unfairly, there were four errors in that game and not one by #2. I remember a game towards the end of the season (that still mattered) Fuke came in in the 8th and made a game saving catch at the wall, one I dont think Dero would have gotten to. What does a good manager do in this situation??? We have other bats and when they are affective we dont miss Fuke's But a great glove and arm in right...how do you bench it??? Just something to think about.

I hate to say this but I think tonight is the last game for the cubs. They've showed nothing so far and Lou keeps tinkering with the lineup. Why would you move Theriot to 8th!!! Theriot has the 6th highest batting average in the league so he can get on base...what's the doing in the 8 hole??? Give him a chance to bat as many times as possible.
Overall nobody is performing in the post season, including Lou. That's why I think the cubs are done. Don't get me wrong, I hope that they win, but there's nothing to incdicate that they could. They've been dominated from hitting, pitching, and coaching.

FYI.. Brewers 3-1 over Philadelphia - bottom 6 bases loaded 2 out, Fielder up, Dubin just k'd Braun. The only reason I mention is b/c if they have to show 1/2 1/2 crap b/c the Brewers and Phillies aren't done yet, I am going to be mightily upset.

Sorry Stan but I disagree, this team has not played they're game. In fact, the last 2 games i believe have been the worst all year. It's not indicative of what this team is capable of. I hope they play like I know they can tonite. If not, then they deserve to go home and wait till next year. I know these guy's CAN do it. It's just a matter of WILL they do it.
Don't be fooled, the pressure is on us (the fans) because win or lose the players still have their millions, all we will have is a broken heart or a great sense of satisfaction. I'll take the latter!!!!! GO CUBS GO!!!

Stan -
I don't disagree that the Cubs have looked more than flat, but I really don't believe that they are done yet. I have to point to their season record to prove that they are clearly more than capable of winning this series. If you take their season winning percentage.. > .600.. That's a little better than 3/5... Let's keep the spirits up!!

As a general rule, I think the opportunity to have a game changing at bat, occurs about 10 times more often than does a game changing (other than the routine ones)defensive play. Why else would Soriano make the money he does?

John, regarding Fukudome -

I'd have to say that I agree with Lou's decision to bench him. While I remember that play in St. L, just like any other Cubs fan, I don't think game-saving plays are made all the often in the first half of the game. I'd say if DeRosa struggles at the plate, or if we are in a tight game in the 7th, then use Fukudome. I'm hoping for a well-deserved blow out. So, hopefully we won't have to worry about it.. :D

Just my $.02.

i most definitely hope the cubbies win tonight, but seriously, they've been dominated. The part that ticks me off the most is Lou. He's supposed to be the brains but he's making calls that are ridiculous. For example, the Fuk decision as No. 2 was absurd; then the Theriot move to the bottom of the order; where is Hoff??; anyone seen Marmol??; now he blasts the players when he needs to make them feel relaxed. I'm sorry, but Lou has failed in the post season; twice. He's the captain and the ship is sinking.

Soriano started his career as an infielder, I actually never saw him play in those days, I can only hope he played more aggressivly in those days.
It makes me so mad to watch him jog after fly balls

ok, sorry for the negativity; I'm just really irritated by Lou's dementia. However, you guys are right... I must keep my spirits up and cling to hope. The cubs are a good team and they could do it. Here's to a win tonight guys!!

That's the SPIRIT Stan!! What's done is done.

1/2 hour to go!

Lou has been known to make "insightful" decisions, I believe he put Howry and Fukudome on the roster expecting them to somehow do great things and prove that he (Lou) has a great baseball mind

To change the subject, the Brewers must do something about the outfield at Miller Park in the off-season. When your own players are falling/slipping, there is a problem.

The Brewers have played a very good game tonight, one of the best I've seen from them this season. A lot of patience at the plate against Jamie Moyer.

Maybe the Cubs had the game on in the clubhouse.

They have to make Kuroda work. This is his first ever post season game. Never pitched in one in Japan as well. A run and production from Soriano, Lee and Ramirez would go along way.

Neil,

I believe this is the defining moment of the Cubs decade thus far..... It's sort a culimnation of the 2003,2007 and 2008 seasons ----

A pivotal moment in the franchise's history --- and its time for the offense to put on a show...

we know Harden will

I expect 10 Cub runs in this game....

Back from an excellent dinner. I'm looking forward to the rest of the night. Fontenot bats 2nd tonight because he too is about a .300 hitter and bats lefty. Riot bats 8th because Lou wants someone on when Soriano bats--thinking a guy with a history of some big games is past due for one.

Here's a big difference between winning and losing this post season, and what we have to change to win. Boston pitchers: 6 W and 18 SO; Dodger pitchers: 4 W and 16 SO; Cubs pitchers: 11 W and 16 SO. Boston top 3 hitters: 12 for 27 and 13 RBI's. Dodgers top 3 hitters: 8 for 27 and 11 RBI's. Cubs top 3 hitters: 9 for 22 and 5 RBI's. DeRo has 4 of our hits and 4 of our 5 RBI's. Sori, Aram and Lee have no RBI's--although Lee is 3 for 7.

It's interesting that Manny's replacement, Jason Bay, is 5 for 9 with 2 HR and 5 RBI's. Manny is 4 for 8 with 2 HR and 3 RBI's. And Bay is doing it with a lot less hair and zero "stylin".

So what we need, said Mr. Obvious, is for our pitchers to pitch and our hitters to hit. And some defense would be a big help too. Let's play a complete game tonight, Cubs.

Our pitchers are mostly TERRIFIC..... Our offense has been absent for 2 post-seasons --- NO MORE NO MORE... NO F#$#$# MORE... NO F$##$# MORE

It would have been nice to see Soriano take a pitch or two....

Was Martin out?

I don't understand why the RIOT is not in the 2 hole... I think thats idiotic

I dont understand why the RIOT is not in the 2 hole... I think thats idiotic

2 outs and 2 on and the Cubs don't come through.

2 outs and 2 on and the Dodgers come through.

Sorry, I think the Cubs are just in the zone where nothing will be going their way regardless.

Other than the 9th inning of game 2 and at bats by DeRosa, there hasn't been anything to indicate the Cubs can break through and out.

Worst case scenario just occured..Dodgers took a 1st inning lead.

Harden is throwing 89-91 ---- this is not his usual velocity --- arm troubleS??

a) Martin's "hit" was a foul ball.

b) Martin was out at 3rd.

Should be 0-0 right now. As if the team wasn't having a hard enough time already. Unbelievable.

bad call at third.....we have our hands full cub fans

CMON OFFFENSE --- Neil --- LETS GO LETS GO OFFENSE LETS GO

WE WILL WIN TONITE!!!!

the one thing Theriot doesn't have is speed... He is not fast.. .he is not a real base-stealer.....

His focus that AB should have been making Kuroda work---- that bunt was a dumb idea cause he is not that fast

10 pitches for Kuroda that inning ... a DONKEY performance by the Cubs offense ... FUC#$#$ DONKEY performance

baron,

I think Harden has his stuff tonight, that's what matters. You can tell that Soto had a problem catching him. Harden got so much movement, it's good for a pitcher's night like this.

A little more luck and some patience at the plate will roll the Cubs to the World Series!

Let's go Cubs go!

maybe it's just how I see things...but something tells me that with these 1 million easy ground balls to the Dodgers infield that the Cubs have hit throught the first two games and in tis game thus far...I just don't see an offensive break out coming in this game. hope i'm wrong but not seeing anything to prove me wrong.

Good pitcher's night, Harden will pitch nine.

:-)

Fin Kuroda made Harden throw 7 pitches.... Theriot made Kuroda throw 1..... FUC#$#$ DONKEY

LET'S GO OFFENSE, LET'S GO (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)!!!

Can someone tell me if there is a good live streem of the game tonight?

Hey guys, just made it back to my house from a family dinner. Man we can't catch a break can we? Soriano had that guy pegged at 3rd.

More 2 out failures. Ugh. Now would be a good time for someone to step up, fellas. On the positive side, I don't think Kuroda is going to last past 6 tonight.

Our offense looks completely 'Fair-Weather'... there are few fundamentally sound hitters...

Neil, you asked me about the Red Sox and Cubs last time... I can't speak to much --- but the basic approach of Cubs hitters is COMPLETELY different than how these schmucks do it...... Every hitter, 1-9 --- works it... works the count ........ That softens up the starter.......

Also.... our BIG 3 are really 3 Big TWOs........ Every offense needs a no. 1 to add Gravitas.... we have none.... No pitcher is afraid of anyone in our lineup --- and that DOES make a difference

DLee is old...

This is DISGRACEFUL amateurish stuff on defense..... We are becoming the laughing stock of baseball ---- Embarassing.....

LET'S GO OFFENSE, LET'S GO (choke,choke,choke,choke,choke)!!!

6 Errors in the series..... Only in the laid-back Midwest is this accepted..... People would be put to the guillotine here in the East

Who wants to bet that Furcal is going to score a run this inning?

Not a hero in the bunch. After being swept out of the playoffs 2 years in a row, I see no point in keeping this team together. It is packed with mental midgets that can't wait to hop the first plane back to the Dominican. Like so many teams before them the Cubs have discovered that all the talent in the world is worthless unless its coupled the mental fortitude. Does any Cub fan take solace in a "nice season"? HELL NO! It's time to start over, and get some "gamers" on this team.

Soriano is 16 for 79 in the post-season for a .205 Average.... and Jim the IMBECILE Hendry pays him $136 million .... Even the Biggest Sucker GM, Brian Cashman, rejected Soriano........

The Cubs are about to lose 8 CONSECUTIVE playoff Games......

The fact that Furcal didnt score in the inning means that good things are starting to happen to us...

the Dodgers have scored 13 of their 19 runs in this series with 2 outs. that just magnifies how "un-clutch" the Cubs offense has been.

at least there was a good camera angle of Harden's face as Lou came to the mind..just reminded me of how cute Harden is..*sigh*

Good job getting out of the jam.

The offense MUST get going.

The fact that Harden pitched well with men-on-base proves that he's IN the game.

In the contrary, at the plate, Patience, lineup guys, patience...

Lou needs to keep his ass in the dugout

Good start by Soto...and a productive out by Edmonds. First productive out of the series by the Cubs.

all you fair-weather fans please leave the room

Horrible, horrible at bat by DeRosa. No patience.

I think Harden should be lifted. Dempster is in the pen.

DeRo HAS to lift that ball into the outfield.

getting eliminated before the Brewers and White Sox is going to be so embarassing and humiliating.

John, I don't see people as being "fair weather"..I see them being realistic about what's actually occuring...

First pitch swinging for DE-Rosa.... FUC#$#$ IDIOT... DONKEY--- MORON -- -FRESH WATER SWAB -- IMBECILE --- POC MARK

They have base runners on every inning...it's only a matter of time......talk to me after the game Rob GO CUBS GO!!!!!

Harden is pitching a decent game, but I still feel he should have been lifted. Dempster is in the pen and right now there is not a tomorrow. A base hit would have done so much to relax the team.

Six left on base in 4 innings and Kuroda has not allowed a run to the Cubs at Dodger Stadium in 13 innings.

Just one run would do so much...in my humble opinion.

Neil, I have to COMPLETELY disagree..... For all his success --- Dempster is 1/10th the pitcher than Harden is....... As long as he is not fatigued... Harden is a superstar pitcher... Dempster is not....

John, they've had base runners in Game 1, Game 2, and this game...what kind of offensive outpouring have we seen?..none...they may be capable of putting up big innings..but there is a difference of being capable and actually doing..and their in a zone of not doing..

"it's only a matter of time"...umm..call the dugout and tell them their time is almost up...

Critical inning coming up here. Top of the lineup for the Cubs has to get things done.

A note on Soriano's postseason...he is a streaky hitter. He has batted poorly so far for us, but he has also dominated in some postseason series in past years.

Neil,
I agree.
I am the biggest Harden fan, but I would have pinch-hit for him with Hoffpauir...gotta go for it...there is no tomorrow.

C'mon Soriano!!!!

Jason B -- Hoffpauir is not on the playoff roster... please don't be stupid

The Big 3 all hit less than .205 in the playoffs with SIGNIFICANT playing time for each of them ---

Sosa, Mcgriff, Alou was a MUCH better big 3

Soriano is 1-for-12 in the series.....WOW!

I would pay to see him hit the ball to right field.

DLEE FINALLY showed some emotion there...

No way I would have pinch hit for Harden. He's pitching pretty well and I'd be afraid 5 innings of the bullpen would give up a few more runs. Hopefully we can come up with 3 runs over the next 4 innings.

Baron, you are right on Harden, but he is hurt. Lou had a chance and I feel he should have taken it.

Its hard to score runs when your leadoff hitter hits .083... as this crew said -- hes a good hitter with a LOT of holes --- in the playoffs you don't face to many no.4 and no.5 schmucks -- you face STUDs who find holes....

Soriano might be the most over-rated 35 HR hitting outfielder ever....

Its hard to score runs when your leadoff hitter hits .083... as this crew said -- hes a good hitter with a LOT of holes --- in the playoffs you don't face to many no.4 and no.5 schmucks -- you face STUDs who find holes....

Soriano might be the most over-rated 35 HR hitting outfielder ever....

Our guys look mediocre.
The fact that we have Theriot, DeRosa, and Fontenot all in the lineup at the same time, in the most important playoff game of the year, stuns me.

All 3 are borderline bench players.

Contrast that with the Dodgers, and they have Nomar, Jeff Kent, and Juan Pierre on their bench.

We have Ronny Cedeno and Darryl Ward.
Man oh man.

Derrick Lee decides to finally show emotion. A bit late Derrick. How much are we paying you again. I gave him all of last season as a pass, because I figured his wrist/daughter was the culprit. But he has truly shown that 2005 was just a fluke. He is the same guy he was in 2004: solid, but not a superstar. Not a #3 hitter.

Lou has shown me nothing. The guys look undisciplined, hit too many grounders, too many guys aren't working the counts. The mental errors. Pathetic.

Alou/Sosa/Ramirez from 2003 seems a lot more potent than what we have now, whcih is surprising considering the offense we put up.

Theriot did well all year in #2, so Lou puts the bench player (Fontenot) in his spot. Huh? Makes no sense.

I blame the playoffs on Fukudome. What I mean by that is if Fuku was productive, it would keep DeRosa at 2B, the lineup would be that much more potent, and the defense more solid.

22 starts, I think, out of 25, Harden gave up 2 runs or less. The Dodgers just scored their 3rd. This is just not the Cubs year, my friends.

I don't think that pointing out deficiencies on the team you root for, makes you a fair-weather fan. It just means that you are a student of the game, and are expressing where you would like to see improvements or changes made.

5 runs in 3 games in this series...

10 runs in 3 games in the 2007 NLDS.... This GREAT offense averages about 2.5 runs per game in the last 2 seasons.... THAT IS DISGRACEFUL

And Theriot is a VERY MEDIOCRE defensive short-stop... he has no range and and arm like a 12 year old schoolgirl

Baron,
Call me ignorant on Hoffpauir. Stupid is a poor choice of words on your part, but you are understandably in a bad mood at this point.

I still would have pinch-hit at that point...the Cubs can't waste any more scoring opptys.

Well....I see a fat lady standing up at Dodger Stadium............ hopefully it's just to go get a few Dodger Dogs....but it doesnt look good....

This team is pathetic. I haven't seen a team suck this bad in a play-off series since, oh let me think, last years Cubs team. It will be another 100 years before they win a world series if they continue to play without passion and don't do little things like moving runners over or getting a run in with a man on second and nobody out. It doesn't help that our pitchers keep walking everyone with those players scoring. Did they have to much time off during the last week of the season, is that the problem?

Apologies Jason B.... I am just ready to pull teeth!!!

Soriano is 1-12 with 0 HR and 0 RBI ... an ABJECT FAILURE..

A-Ram 2-10 0 HR 0 RBI Appalling!!!

Let's get off of DLEE's back...he is hitting .500! Sori is entirely responsible for this lack of offense

It's not just this year... For 2 years now, our offense has looked like a School-Girl Softball team in the playoffs

Baron, I think Soriano had 2 hits last year.

I know this will not be a popular statement, but his performance the past two Octobers is why the Cubs need a lead off hitter. Regular season, Soriano does his job, mostly against 3's, 4's and 5's and puts his team in position to win games. In the post-season, over matched and selfish.

There is plenty of blame to go around....from the offense...to the pitching staff....to the manager....

Lou has made some crap decisions....Fukudome should never have been in the line up for games 1 and 2....Wrigley is not spacious...and the games were at night...so no sun to deal with....If D-RO wasn't ready....hell they could have used Reed Johnson who is a scrapper!! Keeping Fontenot on the bench when he was one of the hottest hitters in September was stupid....starting Harden in a must win game KNOWING he is not 100% is lame......Lilly has been very hot of late....HE should have been in tonight.....

Just awful......

AMEN to that Neil,

Even a complete fool like Brian Cashman saw the flaws in Soriano --- He bats no.5 or he should be DFA'd and Jim Hendry should wash dishes at the Cubbie Bear to pay his salary

Whether they admit or not...the pressure of 100 years without a title got to the players' minds...

actually...now that i said that...i dont know what got to their minds last year

At least next year there wont be any pressure of 100 years as a round figure...now that its past 100 years..its past...a lot of people wanted it this year more than any other year mostly because 100 years sounded better than 101 years...

it seems that we are going to be in the playoffs often in the upcoming years...one of those years...we should be able to get it done...that's why its important to keep the team together and not dismantle it as many are suggesting...let them play as a team again and again in the playoffs...get more relaxed..etc

Neil,
I would tend to agree, but then you have to figure out the CF position, and Fukudome has to become the player Hendry thought he was. We can't take Soriano out of the #1 spot, if that means we are dependent on Fontenot/Cedeno/Theriot to get things done.

Maybe Pie makes the jump next year. Or perhaps Reed Johnson. This is not a knock on Edmonds, but who/where does your #1 hitter come from then?

I suppose a .300 hitting Theriot would be an option.

Theriot
Fukudome
Ramirez
Soriano
Lee
Edmonds
Soto
DeRosa

If Fukudome can hit, that lineup seems awesome.
Not a lot of speed/steals, but still potent.

This team doesn't need to be blown up. We just need to avoid playing a bunch of backups in a playoff game. That wouldn't be happening in our big-time players like Fuku and Soriano were producing.

Theriot is a scrappy hitter --- but his arm at SS is SO incredibly weak...

Jason, this will also not be a popular statement, but the Cubs need a shortstop. Let Theriot move to 2B, more of a 8 spot hitter, can flip the lineup and his arm and range is better suited for second at the major league level. Hendry tried 3 years ago and was outbid by the Dodgers, but Furcal is a free agent and looks pretty darn healthy to me.

That would help with the leadoff spot a little, don't you think?

I would have liked to see Reed Johnson in for Edmonds instead of Fukudome...I dont think Johnson has made a single appearance so far in this series...when we know that every time the Cubs had a comeback or a big inning...Reed Johnson was ALWAYS in the middle of it

Neul,
Don't disagree.
That frees up DeRosa for the supersub role that he is so good at.
Furcal gives you the leadoff hitter you need, and the steals.

Supposedly he was overpaid. Hendry called the signing of Furcal "ridiculous" at the time.

Wonder how he looks himself in the mirror when he paid Fukudome the same amount, and Fuku was unproven at the mlb level.

I think you jinked Furcal! That could be the spark we need!

here it is, guys. We mess up here and it's over. 2 on, 1 out. lets go sori.

Soriano looks like a complete shi$ Head hitter much of the time....... He is great against soft-tossing back of the rotation guys who have poor command and throw it low in the zone

game over.

Fourth different inning left two on base tonight. Soriano swinging at the first pitch just makes me want to scream....

I love all of you guys, but I think we may have to get ready to embrace disappointment again. Rally time... please.

Neil...at least went the other way with it

I meant...at least Soriano went the other way with it....We need to go out and get a Mr. OCTOBER this offseason...doesnt matter at what position it is

D. Lee has been the best hitter in the NLDS..

Soto 1-11 in the post-season....

A-Ram, Soriano and Soto have been DISGRACEFUL this series

Will Broxton lose his control tonight? He's done so, so let's wish, Cubbie BLues!

Ward with the first 2-out RBI of the series for the Cubs.

Duas....you are right.

Broxton is one looking MOFO ... for once --- i can't blame the hitters --- but Kuroda looked far from un-hittable tonight and our woeful top of the order disgraced and humiliated themselves...

I meant to say bad-ass about Broxton......

Compare his mean face to Rich Hill who looks like his mommy didn't pack his PBJ for lunch --

Manny to the Cubs to play LF.....nobody is more October then him.....move Soriano to RF with his cannon....

Soriano RF
Theriot SS
Ramirez LF
Ramirez 3B
Lee 1B
Soto C
DeRosa 2B
Pie CF

Will we see Saito in the 9th? There's still hope...we scored twice on him in game 2..

Fukudome could play CF and hit in the 8 hole rather than Pie....

PLEASE let Reed pinch hit for Fukudome!!!!!!!!!!!
Or Zambrano!!!!

You know the phrase "Be careful what you wish for You just might get it."? I love my Cubbies and they've played their hearts out all year, but I think they got what they wished for and are under way too much pressure and are screwing up. They are trying way too hard.

I'm more than diasppointed and angry--especially with Soriano and Rameriz. But, I'm not going to cut off my head.

Broxton is like Farnsworth on Steroids with testicles

You know, I love em all. I think of the Cubs as family. They have been in our living room 162 times this season. I hope the fans aren't too hard on them. My heart is breaking for all of the players right now. You can see it in their eyes that they feel they've failed themselves and the fans. Let's be supportive stand behind em.

5 runs in 3 games.... Soriano 1 - 14 in the series with 0 HR and 0 RBI and the stud Broxton just urinated on this pathetic team.....

2008 Chicago Cubs: special, but not really all that special.

Season ends...not with a bang, but with a whimper.

Ironic we lose to a team with Ned Colletti as the GM who made the late season moves to get Manny.... You'll remember Ned was the Cubs Media Relations guy for many years.....

It was a great season.....disappointing end.....

And we all say in unison....

Wait Till Next Year

A Pathetic, disgraceful, humiliatiing abominable perforamnce

Cubs are 0-8 in their last 8 playoff games --- FUC#$# gutless shrimps.....

Neil,

On behalf of all of those that enjoy the daily recaps, the latest news, and the available soapbox, I just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work this year.

Sorry that we didn't have a better finish for you.

On the plus side...time to start talking off-season!

:)

Well, not much to say. Our bats fell asleep long before this series. There was no way to come back after the 5 errors in two games. DLee and DROS did their part, even with the errors. I am heart broken. I am at a loss for words. There is no explanation, it's why they play the games. I don't question Lou, but maybe the heart of these guys. No one looked pumped up or that need to win mentality. TOO laid back. This will be the last post for me this year. It's too hard to go through this after the 03 season. I was at that game five in Miami, and to have lost every postseason game since then...not even a cubs fan would guess that would happen. 9 postseason losses in a row and no answers, where do we go for next year? I guess that is the question isn't it? Because there is no more this year. Have a great holiday season and offseason to all, I am going to a dark place. But I will end with one thing...I AM PROUD TO BE CUBS FAN! PERIOD!

Neil,

Thanks for all your efforts this season -- as usual --- you run a terrific ship on this site.....

alas --- lets wait till the off-season and see if that completely MORON Jim Hendry does something to improve this show --- Starting with --- GETTING MANNY RAMIREZ ---

I echo Jason's sentiments Neil.

Hey guys,
While I still have your attention, I just wanted to thank you all for being a part of the site this season.

For those of you who don't know Neil, he typically puts in 12-hour days at his 'real job' and gets about 4-5 hours of sleep a night after keeping up the site.

Every time he considers "shutting down the site" because it's just taking too much out of him, he thinks about all of you who come here regularly and make this site what it is.

I'll be booking our flights and the hotel for Spring Training before I know it. In the meantime, just remember that it was a fun season.

Come back every day to see what's happening in the offseason.

You guys really are what keeps this going.

Abby (aka The Wife)

It's funny how our judgment of other people changes so quickly....just two weeks ago...all of us were praising Jim Hendry for all the moves that he has made over the years to bring together the team that went on to win 97 years...And now, the players didn't perform...and we all turn on JH? Come on guys...let's be classy

The GM's job is to construct a winning team...and there was not a single analyst at the beginning of the season who said the Cubs weren't going to win the NL Central. That was his job...and he was successful. What happens after that...is either Lou's fault or the players'...The fact that we don't have a Mr. October...it has to take two postseasons for JH to figure that out just as it did for us

Regarding player's showing fire...they showed a lot of emotion and fire in the final 3 innings of today's game...but that was too late

I won't wave goodbye yet...as I will come back to read others' comments and maybe respond to a few

Abby,

Neil runs the best Cubs fan site in the business ---

Kudos to both of you ---- and your scaredy-cat Dog --- I think you should re-name him Alfonso Soriano

Things to do:

1) Sell Team To Mark Cuban
2) Sign CC SABATHIA
3) Sign Manny Ramirez
4) Teach Fukudome to sell Old Style in the Stands

What a waste. 161 games watched for nothing. These guys are going to make people stop caring. I saw no life, no heart, no emotion and no RUNS!!!!!!!!!! Its going to be real hard to want to cheer for these guys next season. 9 straight loses in the postseason.

Neil thanks for a place to come and vent and a place to find all the news and rumors. For the first time I will not be watching the rest of the playoffs. I just don't care.

Neil,

You should organize an in-person meeting of all CCO regulars this off-season -- I would love to see what you guys look like in real life --- pick a weekend --- and I'll come on out there....

:)

Nite Folks --- Have to drive to New Haven in the morning and deal with public scorn and humiliation Monday morning...

I can't remember the last time I swore so much over the course of two hours!

As for the offseason ... signing Manny would be a mistake and another signing to regret like Soriano. I agree with Neil and Jason B ... we need a lead-off hitter. Furcal would be perfect. So would Brian Roberts ... though I hate to go down the Roberts speculation road again this offseason.

Finally ... a thank you to Neil for the site! It's a great place with great people.

GO CUBBIES!!!

Baron,
You are a sweetie.

I can't rename my dog Alfonso Soriano.....because he is a winner :)

One more thing. For all those who want to get rid of Lee. look at his stats. The only bat that showed up. Only problem no one was on in front of him. Some of you really think to think before you leave some of these posts. Either some of you are really young or just act like it. My father always said to me after every lose "Jim there is nothing worse than a poor loser, except for a poor winner."

Thanks to the CCO members and Neil for the unbelievable time and committment to the season. Hard to believe 162 games of bliss can come to this. We shall see what direction the franchise goes in the next six months. Thanks again to all who have been companions on this site and I wish everyone safe and healthy winter months. Best wishes and I am sad to say goodbye in what seems and feels a to be a premature ending. This pain will end sometime before April...

Good idea Baron - if you're interested in a "CCO Get Together", let Neil know at neil@chicagocubsonline.com and I'll set something up soon.

Abby...you guys are great! I hope Neil is OK...

Congrats to the Dodgers. They played some damn solid baseball this series. Anybody else relieved this series is over? The Cubs looked so pathetic out there, I was waiting for Soriano to strike out so he could put me out of my misery.

Baron, I don't think Manny Ramirez is the answer. Just like getting Soriano wasn't the answer. I was strongly opposed to getting Soriano back then, and I will not support getting manny now. We need to dump the entire lineup and build again from scratch. Build an offense around Teixeria. Bolster the bullpen. I hate to say it, but I would be surprised if the Cubs still dominate the NL next year. Guys had career years or they had average years. Nobody had a "down" year. That makes me very worried, and I would recommend selling off the parts while their value is still high.

Thanks all for another great season. I love you all like brothers and sisters, and I cant wait till next year. As for a CCO get together, I am there baby, Lets do it. Go Cubs, get em in 09!

How many days until spring training neil?

Duas,

Don't want to sound different, but I'm the guy who've been trying to "hope" that GM Hendry does "better."

We have no choice. He's not gonna be replaced anytime.

Before the season started, I said it out loud here, for various reasons, I was hoping for Kuroda as our No.3, instead of Fuk as our No.1.

I wanted a "Plan B," instead of "waiting" for Fuk, like Hendry said.

I was hoping for trades, not "internal options."

All in all, I found Hendry less consistent than some GMs. He's still doing O.K., but with all respect to his earnesty, he's not doing great.

For the Next season? We need to figure out our off-season, Now.

I want to give props to Neil, too.

The CCO is the best out there. All of you are the best. There's no better Cub fans out there.

I have some thoughts on 2009, but I'll save it for the offseason.

Again, you guys are the best and have a good night. 2008 was really fun.

Go Cubs Go!

Soriano would be change 1, if it can be done. He doesn't work well in the one hole, and he doesn't produce elsewhere. As mentioned, maybe there's a deal to be done with the Mets. If he has to stay, he must wear looser pants. They work for Manny.

I too like the idea of a meeting of the Faithful. One possibility would be spring training. We like the Dobson Ranch Inn in Mesa, which has a long Cubs tradition, has cost about $145 a night for a pleasant room. It offers a free breakfast buffet has a large pool and a courtyard area that accomodates informal gatherings and provides top seating for Cubs games (Field boxes within 10 rows of the field near the Cubs dugout at $22 per, e.g. All of the minor leaguers play on four adjoining diamonds at Fitch Park, a few blocks from HoHoKam and admission there is free.

I'm not shilling for the place (and there are newer nicer hotels), but my friend Mary McCaffrey, the special events coordinator, would likely make some nice discounts available with the booking of several rooms. The drawback might be that the place caters more to people who stay longer than (say) one or two nights.

I will say a little more later today after I have had some sleep, but I really appreciate everyone's kind words....it really means a lot to me.

I spent a litte time on the phone tonight with Brian and Shaun as we are all still in shock, like I would imagine all of you are.

I have said this before and I will say it again, you guys fuel this site and without all of you, as well as the support of my wife, the CCO would not be what it has become.

I think the best word to describe how I feel right now is 'shocked', not that they lost, but how badly they played. The team that played the Dodgers did not look like the team that took the field for 161 games.

Finally, to answer Jeff's question, pitchers and cathers should report in 133 days....Jim Hendry has a lot of work to do.

Thanks again to everyone.