BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: Chicago Cubs (63-44) @ Milwaukee Brewers (60-47), Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 8:05pm

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Chicago Cubs (63-44) @ Milwaukee Brewers (60-47), Wednesday, July 30, 2008, 8:05pm

CHC: Ryan Dempster (31, RHP, 11-4, 2.99)
MIL: Manny Parra (25, LHP, 9-3, 3.72)

The Primer Chimp Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:00 AM | 177 comment(s)
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1. Mayonnaise Savant (DTM) Posted: July 30, 2008 at 11:19 AM (#2882010)

The Cubs go for the series win today.

The Brewers have to consider this series a failure already. Playing a 4 game series against a slumping team that plays poorly on the road while only 1 game back should be a recipe for a division lead. At this point the Brewers need to ensure a series split to prevent themselves from collapsing.

2. Weeks T. Olive Posted: July 30, 2008 at 11:23 AM (#2882016)

Agreed. I hypothesized at the beginning of the game chatter before game one that the Brewers surely were looking for 3 of 4 or better, while the Cubs would have to have been happy with a series split.

Now that the Cubs have picked up the first 2, they really have a chance to put their boot to the Brewer's collective throats. That's not to say that even if the Cubs win both of the next two that it's over; far from it. But from a standpoint of wanting to discourage your opponent, the Cubs really have a change to do some serious long term damage.

3. Cabbage Posted: July 30, 2008 at 11:32 AM (#2882029)

These two teams don't meet again until the last two weeks of the series. There will be three games in Chicago during the middle of the month, and they wrap up the season with three games at Miller Park.

4. Stevens Posted: July 30, 2008 at 11:52 AM (#2882050)

Okay Cubs. Let's keep it going.

Huh, Jason Kendall has hit very well against Dempster. Ray Durham too in not a ton of PAs. Nobody on the Cubs has more than 2 PAs against Parra.

5. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 12:19 PM (#2882091)

Pedal to the metal, boys.

6. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 12:20 PM (#2882092)

It'd be really weird if the Cubs manage to blow a 5 game lead and regain it, all within a span of 2 weeks.

7. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 01:49 PM (#2882222)

This is another really good pitching match up. And what a fun series this has been.

8. Stevens Posted: July 30, 2008 at 02:14 PM (#2882255)

Anyone recommend non-stadium parking options for Milwaukee? I'm heading up tonight on a whim. We just bought Standing Room Only tix but the parking is sold out. I've been to Miller Park before, but I've always parked in the lots. Any other tips would be appreciated.

Thanks.

9. Bunny Vincennes Posted: July 30, 2008 at 02:51 PM (#2882294)

I think Kelly's Bleachers has a stadium shuttle.

I'd park here, have a beer and take the shuttle. Kellys!

10. Bunny Vincennes Posted: July 30, 2008 at 02:52 PM (#2882296)

I'm surprised the North Lot is full, you can't get to it unless you approach it from the east, the though. I assume you are coming up from Chicago.

11. Stevens Posted: July 30, 2008 at 02:58 PM (#2882300)

Thanks Jack. Kelly's sounds good.

Also, I'm not sure if I'm reading this thing right. It wouldn't let us buy parking on the Web site, but it sounds like some spots might be first-come, first-served. Can anyone clarify?

And yes, coming from Chicago. But I think I might get off the highway early and come in on 43rd.

12. Bunny Vincennes Posted: July 30, 2008 at 03:06 PM (#2882308)

There is also a Stadium Flyer from downtown that runs an hour or so before and after the games, 5th Street or so is the bus stop.

13. Bunny Vincennes Posted: July 30, 2008 at 03:08 PM (#2882309)

You should be able to park in the north lot first come first serve. I'm not even sure if they charge.

14. Bunny Vincennes Posted: July 30, 2008 at 03:13 PM (#2882311)

Just confirmed from The Chairman, that yes, the North Lot should be open first come first serve.

15. Stevens Posted: July 30, 2008 at 04:42 PM (#2882469)

Groovy. Thanks again for the info, Jackrabbit.

16. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 05:35 PM (#2882655)

I help my uncle install carpet and this morning we working on a young couple's home. I was talking about last night's game with my uncle and the guy overheard us and we got to talking a bit about baseball. Turns out he pitched in college and was even drafted in the fifth round by the Brewers (not sure what year, but he's 31), but torn his rotator cuff. Pretty interesting to randomly meet someone who got drafted, let alone by the Brewers.

17. In what respect, Craig K? Posted: July 30, 2008 at 05:58 PM (#2882699)

18. Russlan is an overhyped Met BTFer Posted: July 30, 2008 at 06:44 PM (#2882796)

All we need is a last name to find him, probably.

Thanks to the wonderful Baseball Cube, you don't even need that. The guy is probably Chris Pine who was drafted in 1997 out of Oregon State. He was born on September 25th, 1976. He missed an entire season in 2000 which might be the year he tore his rotator cuff.

19. Russlan is an overhyped Met BTFer Posted: July 30, 2008 at 06:45 PM (#2882798)

Pine was actually drafted in 1997.

20. NTNgod Posted: July 30, 2008 at 07:10 PM (#2882831)

Heh... the ABC affiliate in Milwaukee led the news with some drunk Cub fans that got arrested for leaping a guy and breaking his jaw.

One of the four guys was from Joliet, but they didn't say if they all were or what (there were four of them).

Obviously they're in a bit of legal trouble (assault & battery, possesion of drug paraphernalia, etc.)

21. TVerik fondly recalls Todd Palin's facial hair Posted: July 30, 2008 at 07:54 PM (#2882950)

Ned Yost is on the phone on BBTN right now. The Brewers are playing in ten minutes! He has nothing better to do?

22. TVerik fondly recalls Todd Palin's facial hair Posted: July 30, 2008 at 07:55 PM (#2882953)

*banging on door*

Ned! We need your lineup card!!!

23. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:06 PM (#2882977)

Same Brewer lineup 1-8 as last night, except Hall in for Branyan.

24. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:08 PM (#2882983)

Reed Johnson hitting 5th? Lou's blind to his actual ability.

25. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:09 PM (#2882987)

Left that pitch up.

26. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:10 PM (#2882988)

Bunting in the first? Really?

27. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:12 PM (#2882994)

good to see Soriano running. 6 for 6 against Kendall.

28. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:13 PM (#2883001)

That sucked, ARam.

29. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:16 PM (#2883009)

Is it gonna be a big strike zone tonight? Strike 1 to Reed was way off the plate.

30. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:16 PM (#2883013)

strike 2 was low, too, i think. it'll help dempster if that's the zone all night.

31. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:17 PM (#2883015)

What a bad swing. Johnson should have been out, not running right away. Not a great throw, Lee got to third.

32. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:20 PM (#2883029)

Nicely done, clutch DeRo.

33. Carl Spongberg Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:21 PM (#2883034)

I hope Harveys is okay after that.

34. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:23 PM (#2883039)

We'll being the bullpen for the Brewers sooner than later tonight.

35. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:23 PM (#2883042)

Well on their way to getting into the Brewer pen. 29 pitches in the first.

36. Giantandre Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:23 PM (#2883043)

#20

Drunk Cub Fans ..... shocking

Huge strike zone tonight

37. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:26 PM (#2883059)

I'm not a huge fan Ray Durham. He hits way too well against the Cubs.

38. Giantandre Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:32 PM (#2883070)

Exchange between Sutcliffe and O'Brien about people not knowing about Braun then mentioning that he was 2nd in the NL All Star Voting was priceless.

39. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:32 PM (#2883071)

Thank goodness ESPN is blacked out here.

40. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:34 PM (#2883080)

Really? 2 runs on wild pitches already. Ridiculous.

41. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:35 PM (#2883086)

Naturally, he ends the inning on the next pitch. Oh well; Parra's WP netted the Cubs 2 runs (and came on a strikeout), so I suppose I can't complain.

42. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:43 PM (#2883102)

Lee ends the inning with a groundout. Didn't see that one coming.

43. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:43 PM (#2883104)

It wasn't a DP, retro. Progress.

44. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:43 PM (#2883105)

I loved the DeRosa at-bat. He really has been one of the team's unsung heroes.

45. Carl Spongberg Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:44 PM (#2883106)

Am I wrong or is it starting to feel like one of these streaks where you simply can’t get Soriano out?

46. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:44 PM (#2883107)

If it had been, I'd've been impressed.

47. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:46 PM (#2883114)

Dempster's command's looking a little spotty.

48. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:48 PM (#2883124)

The Brewers hitters are pretty antsy, so it's helped Dempster so far.

49. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:49 PM (#2883127)

Is anyone else's ESPN feed dropping in commercials DURING the inning? They cut to a liposuction ad as Parra threw the wild pitch in the first and then they cut to a commercial after the second out in the bottom of the second.

50. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:52 PM (#2883133)

It just hit me.

I've become a grumpy old man. Watching Parra pitch to A-Ram, and now Reed -- I'm seeing pants and stirrups worn properly. I think players wearing them low look like they're wearing flannel pajamas.

Does this make me old?

51. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:52 PM (#2883135)

Yes.

52. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:56 PM (#2883141)

Dammit.

Where's Harvey to back me up?

53. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:57 PM (#2883147)

I agree with you though. Prince and Gagne are two of the worst offenders when it comes to uniform-wearing.

Parra?!? That was smoked.

54. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:57 PM (#2883148)

Parra hit the hell out of that one.

55. Cabbage Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:58 PM (#2883150)

During tonight's thread, the role of Chris Dial will be played by Moses Taylor.

56. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 08:59 PM (#2883151)

Where's Harvey to back me up?

Well, I'm here, so that's the next best thing. Right, Moses?

57. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:00 PM (#2883155)

What did I do, Cabbage?

Yes, retro, you are correct.

Good baserunning by Parra getting to 3rd there.

58. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:01 PM (#2883157)

Rameriz really is tons better in the field than he was when he arrived. He's still no gold glover, but I find myself cringing a lot less on tough throws than I used to... Having Lee at 1B probably helps with that.

59. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:03 PM (#2883161)

Nice work by Dempster.

The Cubs seem to be seeing the ball from Parra pretty well, but they're not working many deep counts after that first frame.

60. Cabbage Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:04 PM (#2883163)

Moses: 9 posts in a row?

Rameriz really is tons better in the field than he was when he arrived. He's still no gold glover, but I find myself cringing a lot less on tough throws than I used to... Having Lee at 1B probably helps with that.

He looks a lot thinner than he did two years ago.

61. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:07 PM (#2883171)

Hey, it's a big game. And no one else was here. I had the whole top of the 1st to myself, and it was an interesting half inning.

62. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:11 PM (#2883187)

Making him work again.

63. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:11 PM (#2883193)

He looks a lot thinner than he did two years ago.

He does.

It probably never will because part of the trade had to do with $$$ on the Bucs' end - but that deal should really go down as one of the best in Cubs history. It's up there with the Sandberg deal.

64. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2883203)

Parra showed him up.

65. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:13 PM (#2883206)

Same exact thing as last time, almost.

66. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:14 PM (#2883208)

Ugh. It's like watching Cesar Izturis up there.

67. retro-shiite Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:15 PM (#2883215)

Lee again avoids hitting into the DP. Yay.

68. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:21 PM (#2883230)

This is reminding me a bit of Monday's game. Cubs get two runs, but can't add on until after the Brewers have tied and then regained the lead. Obviously, we aren't to the last part yet, but I'd like to see them tack on a couple of runs given all the hits and walks they're stacking up.

69. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:22 PM (#2883234)

They're running up Parra's pitch count, so if nothing else -- we'll get into the bullpen soon enough.

Ahhh... walks... such a wonderful thing. Why didn't we think to look into using them years ago?

70. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:31 PM (#2883256)

See?

That's what you get for wearing your pants and stirrups the wrong way... it's tough for the ump to keep track of where the knees are.

71. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:34 PM (#2883263)

Some interesting strategy there.

72. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:35 PM (#2883264)

Parra again, really !?!?!

Thanks for saving us the run, Ned.

73. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:36 PM (#2883267)

WTF was Reed diving? I disagree that it was a nice effort, Bob. It was dumb.

Parra does have a really nice looking swing.

74. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:37 PM (#2883272)

Big oops on sending Kendall...

75. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:37 PM (#2883273)

Manny Parra... single and homer away from the cycle.

Lucky there were two outs/none on - because that was terribly played by Soriano and Johnson. Someone needs to be cutting behind to cut the ball off, not both the CF and LF looking to show off their Jim Edmonds' impression.

76. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:37 PM (#2883275)

I wonder if Reed makes the stupid ass dive if Kendall doesn't get thrown out.

77. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:37 PM (#2883277)

Hopefully the Cubs get Parra a little unrested this upcoming inning.

78. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:39 PM (#2883284)

I'm looking forward to football season, but geez am I tired of hearing about the Bears training camp.

79. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:40 PM (#2883287)

In addition to pants worn too low, I think I'm also virulently anti-pink ball caps.

80. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:42 PM (#2883290)

Dempster getting jealous of Parra...

81. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:43 PM (#2883295)

Agree again, zonk, unless we're talking about really young girls. If it helps get them interested in baseball, fine by me. I don't like it for the Trixie age group though.

Soriano just keeps on raking...

82. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM (#2883302)

THE RIOT!

83. Pops Freshenmeyer Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM (#2883303)

Deja Vu, Hart...

84. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM (#2883304)

Another really bad route by Hart.

Well done, Theriot.

85. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM (#2883307)

That looked like a ball Hart should've been able to cut off. Agree?

86. Giantandre Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:46 PM (#2883308)

THE RIOT THE RIOT THE RIOT THE RIOT THE RIOT THE RIOT

87. Giantandre Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:47 PM (#2883310)

BTW Hart has to cut that off

88. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:48 PM (#2883312)

Oh yeah - we're getting a clinic on poor OF play tonight.

89. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:48 PM (#2883313)

Best part about the triple is that it keeps Lee out of conventional double-play possibility.

90. BeanoCook Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:48 PM (#2883314)

Hart looks like he was programmed by EA Sports in the OF. I've seen his back on at least 4 balls hit to the wall this week. The Brewers are loaded with sloppy defenders.

91. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:49 PM (#2883317)

I'm also glad Dempster gets a chance to sit and rest a bit after running the bases. I think running the bases is definitely what sunk Parra.

92. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:49 PM (#2883319)

Oh yeah - we're getting a clinic on poor OF play tonight.

Just tonight? I've learned plenty the previous two games as well.

93. BeanoCook Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:50 PM (#2883320)

Where is Hank Steinbrenner?

94. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:50 PM (#2883322)

And I realize you're including the Johnson/Soriano play. Just felt like taking a cheap shot.

95. BeanoCook Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:51 PM (#2883324)

Don't worry Brewers fans, tomorrow is another day, Dave Bush dominates @ Home!

96. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:52 PM (#2883326)

Ugh, Lee. Ugh.

97. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:52 PM (#2883327)

Just tonight? I've learned plenty the previous two games as well.

Yeah.

You know who might make for a nice pickup as speedy 5th OF/defensive replacement for both the Cubs and Brewers?

CP.

98. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:54 PM (#2883330)

I'd be pitching around ARam here. I know we're not supposed to believe in lineup protection on this site, but I'm pretty sure SYTH is anti-protection.

99. zonk Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:55 PM (#2883335)

The rumored 3 way involving Manny, Bay, the Pirates, the Fish and the BoSox is reportedly done.

100. Moses Taylor didn't fall far from the awesome tree Posted: July 30, 2008 at 09:55 PM (#2883337)

Really? Wow.

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