BBTF's Game Chatter Discussion :: RedSox (31-33) @ Cubs (22-42), Saturday, June 16, 2012, 7:15pm

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

RedSox (31-33) @ Cubs (22-42), Saturday, June 16, 2012, 7:15pm

BOS:Jon Lester (28, LHP, 3-4, 4.57)
CHC:Jeff Samardzija (27, RHP, 5-4, 3.96)

The Primer Chimp Posted: June 16, 2012 at 10:00 AM | 173 comment(s)
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1. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 02:43 PM (#4158640)

I like how the end of yesterday's chatter had some of us clamoring for Marmol's release, yet it was that same appearance that was apparently good enough for him to regain the closer's role.

2. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 05:34 PM (#4158802)

I think releasing Marmol would be silly, just because it's not clear to me that the Cubs have a whole bunch of better options. I'm skeptical about his long-term outlook as well, but he hasn't been bad for long enough to make sense to give up on him altogether. And at any rate, he'd probably still fetch something in a trade even if the Cubs did want to get rid of him; I don't see him passing through waivers, at least.

3. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 06:21 PM (#4158827)

Morning all, seems like it has been ages since I've been here - looking forward to watching my first Sox game in full (work permitting) in over a week

4. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 06:29 PM (#4158830)

Brian, I think releasing Marmol would be an overreaction, but he hasn't really done anything to show that he's worthy of regaining the closer slot. Other than the alternatives being just as bad, if not worse, that is.

5. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 06:29 PM (#4158832)

Anywone watching the golf while they wait for the game?

6. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:02 PM (#4158844)

I am, Phil.

7. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:16 PM (#4158846)

I am, Phil.

I love watching the US Open - but this course is brutal - Johnny Miller gets me through (I think he is a fantastic commentator) but the crowds really kill me - do we need the screaming and shouting on every freaking hole?!?!

Graeme McDowell looks the best of contenders for me right now, FWIW

8. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:16 PM (#4158847)

This lineup doesn't inspire much confidence.

9. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:17 PM (#4158848)

One of my closest friends from Australia is at this game

10. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:18 PM (#4158849)

Ah, good, Phil's here. The last few weeks have been missing proper anger.

(I kid. We've been holding up.)

11. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:18 PM (#4158850)

This lineup doesn't inspire much confidence.

Agree - of course Buck will fawn over Pods all day as well

12. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:20 PM (#4158851)

Ah, good, Phil's here. The last few weeks have been missing proper anger.

(I kid. We've been holding up.)

I got pretty angry during the Celtics - Heats game 7 if it's any consolation??!!!

13. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:20 PM (#4158852)

Why is Salty who is slumping batting clean up?

14. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:22 PM (#4158853)

Edit - I think I know why - sheesh...

15. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:25 PM (#4158855)

Jay , I saw on twitter you liked Zen - my wife and I love that show!!

16. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:25 PM (#4158857)

.287 OBP hitter batting cleanup - and he's probably the actual best option for it too...

17. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:26 PM (#4158859)

Jesus Papi - with two ####### outs - don't you just run all the freaking way and not stop?

18. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:27 PM (#4158860)

That was quite beautiful from the Cubs' end.

19. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:27 PM (#4158861)

I love watching the US Open - but this course is brutal

Courses should be brutal for the US Open, I think. Still, this isn't as brutal as Oakmont back in '07 - I think the winning score will probably be abut +3 or so, with a bunch of people in range.

Anyway, we're 2.5 months through the season, and I still don't know what to think about Samardzija. His peripherals are pretty good, but he's been pretty mediocre his last couple starts. Wouldn't be surprised if that slide continues, and I wouldn't be surprised if he runs off a few good starts starting today.

Ortiz sure is slow.

20. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:27 PM (#4158862)

Man, Joe Buck is annoying.

21. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:27 PM (#4158863)

Now they won't threaten the rest of the day.

22. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:28 PM (#4158864)

Now they won't threaten the rest of the day.

You know who you're playing, right?

23. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:29 PM (#4158865)

I somehow missed "Zen" on Masterpiece Mystery! last year (I think it ran while I was in Montreal for the Fantasia Festival), but, man, it's beautiful, right up there with the BBC version of "Wallander".

24. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:29 PM (#4158866)

Ortiz coasted between 2nd and 3rd - God only knows why

Courses should be brutal for the US Open, I think.

I'm not so sure they should be like this - it's painful to watch mostly - anyway - back to the baseball !

25. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:30 PM (#4158867)

You know who you're playing, right?

Doesn't matter who the Sox playing...

26. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:31 PM (#4158869)

Ortiz wasn't running hard at all until he turned third. You can't send him if he wasn't running hard, and he should've been running hard from contact with 2 outs. Bad baserunning, bad third base coaching.

27. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:31 PM (#4158870)

...and the replay shows just how bad the Ortiz base running was - seriously - what was he thinking - he should have scores standing up.

28. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:31 PM (#4158872)

And Middlebrooks bobbles the double play ball, leaving a runner in scoring position.

29. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:32 PM (#4158873)

Well that's just shoddy lucky.

30. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:33 PM (#4158874)

And, guys, I know the Sox have been a disappointment, but the Cubs will ALWAYS leave the other team in the game until the final out.

31. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:35 PM (#4158875)

Doesn't matter who the Sox playing...

Nonsense. I know yesterday didn't work out for you guys, but you noticed how the Cubs went out of there way to let the Sox "threaten" at the end of the game, right?

32. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:36 PM (#4158876)

Drives me crazy when players don't hustle on the bases, but I can imagine what was in his mind. First, will it be caught? Then, it is off the wall, but no way I can score. Then, Oh sh_t, he's sending me.

No sure if I disagree with sending him with 2 outs.

33. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:36 PM (#4158877)

I somehow missed "Zen" on Masterpiece Mystery! last year (I think it ran while I was in Montreal for the Fantasia Festival), but, man, it's beautiful, right up there with the BBC version of "Wallander".

My wife sitting next to me nods - she loves Wallander , to a point of obsession - man that's good.

34. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:36 PM (#4158878)

Yeah, the Red Sox still lost in spite of the Cubs doing everything they could to hand the Sox yesterday's game. How is that supposed to make us feel better about today's game?

35. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:37 PM (#4158880)

No sure if I disagree with sending him with 2 outs.

You send him if he was running hard. Once you see he's been jogging from first to third, you have to hold him up.

36. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:38 PM (#4158883)

Drives me crazy when players don't hustle on the bases, but I can imagine what was in his mind. First, will it be caught? Then, it is off the wall, but no way I can score. Then, Oh sh_t, he's sending me.

My only explanation is that he didnt there was two outs - that's all I've got!

37. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:39 PM (#4158884)

Really glad it was a day game yesterday - glad I was asleep

38. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:39 PM (#4158886)

Jed Lowrie just hit his 13th home run of the season, while Adrian Gonzalez showed off his warning track power. Thanks, Ben!

39. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:43 PM (#4158887)

Jed Lowrie just hit his 13th home run of the season, while Adrian Gonzalez showed off his warning track power. Thanks, Ben!

Jesus - the off season trades are making me sicker by the minute

40. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:44 PM (#4158888)

C'mon, Soriano, don't nosedive until someone trades for you.

41. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:45 PM (#4158889)

And a ball bonks off Lester's glove. Of course it does.

42. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:45 PM (#4158890)

Yeah, the Red Sox still lost in spite of the Cubs doing everything they could to hand the Sox yesterday's game. How is that supposed to make us feel better about today's game?

Well, for one thing, the Sox' OF defense didn't allow 3 runs in the first inning tonight.

43. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:47 PM (#4158891)

Phil, you might be right re: outs.

I do have to say that I can appreciate how grueling it is to play 162 games with all of this travel, so I can see why guys don't run all out. I get so tired and sore playing a doubleheader in softball that I don't hustle as much as I should to back up all the time. Of course, I'm a generation older and paid $14.575M less than Ortiz.

44. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:49 PM (#4158894)

re 43

Another thing is - I'm the master of concentration lapses at work to be honest - sometimes I just do STUPID stuff!!

45. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:51 PM (#4158895)

Another thing is - I'm the master of concentration lapses at work to be honest - sometimes I just do STUPID stuff!!

Hmmm ... you sound like the guy who drove my elementary school bus.

46. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:53 PM (#4158896)

Hmmm ... you sound like the guy who drove my elementary school bus.

Not that bad I hope (I just put on a 3 day beer festival!) but I really do think I have room to improve here

47. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:54 PM (#4158897)

Joe Buck making it sound like the Cubs are the A's w/r/t "tearing it down."

48. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:55 PM (#4158898)

And now McCarver thinks it's gonna be more than five years before the Cubs are good. Where's my mute?

49. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 07:57 PM (#4158900)

5 years seems a little long ...

50. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:00 PM (#4158901)

I hate it when I'm watching two things (in this case, Cubs and golf), and they're both in commercials at the same time.

51. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:01 PM (#4158902)

Buck just said the Red Sox "strand their first". Does Saltalamacchia not count as stranded in the first? I would think he does, technically.

52. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:07 PM (#4158903)

Buck just said the Red Sox "strand their first". Does Saltalamacchia not count as stranded in the first? I would think he does, technically.

Of course he does. How odd that Buck was wrong about something.

53. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:08 PM (#4158904)

I hate it when I'm watching two things (in this case, Cubs and golf), and they're both in commercials at the same time.

We get a cool international coverage which reduces the ads - Tiger needs to hold on for dear life it seems - you're on the money with the +3 prediction

Great shot from rough for Tiger there

54. Darren

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:10 PM (#4158906)

Jed Lowrie just hit his 13th home run of the season, while Adrian Gonzalez showed off his warning track power. Thanks, Ben!

Ben didn't acquire Gonzalez. Lowrie looked great for a while last year too.

55. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:11 PM (#4158907)

Salty with his third RBI - oh wait

Anyway - Salty!

56. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:11 PM (#4158908)

I'm aware that he didn't acquire Gonzalez. I was thanking him for giving away the SS with the most homers in MLB.

57. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:11 PM (#4158909)

Now you can trot, Papi.

58. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:12 PM (#4158910)

Saltalamacchia, taking baserunning out of the equation!

59. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:12 PM (#4158911)

Saltalamacchia seems to be taking to the cleanup spot well.

60. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:13 PM (#4158912)

Salty home run was right at the same time as what might end up being a huge Tiger birdie on nine...

61. Joe Bivens, Minor Genius Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:13 PM (#4158913)

That is one impressive mullet. And by impressive I mean ridiculous.

62. Joe Bivens, Minor Genius Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:15 PM (#4158914)

Jed Lowrie just hit his 13th home run of the season, while Adrian Gonzalez showed off his warning track power. Thanks, Ben!

Come on, Dan. This is talk radio stuff.

63. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:15 PM (#4158915)

It's insane some of the stuff he swings at now

64. Darren

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:16 PM (#4158917)

Probably should have split those out.

65. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:17 PM (#4158918)

Nice recovery, SRJ. That said--2-run leads are formidable against this Cub offense.

66. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:21 PM (#4158920)

Nice recovery, SRJ. That said--2-run leads are formidable against this Cub offense.

Not to worry - Dale Sveum has strategically put his best hitter, and one of his lone sources of power, on the bench so that he can get a single key at-bat later in the game.

67. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:22 PM (#4158922)

Starlin Castro has been striking out a ton lately - 16 in now 63 PA this month.

But not this time.

68. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:22 PM (#4158923)

Not to worry - Dale Sveum has strategically put his best hitter, and one of his lone sources of power, on the bench so that he can get a single key at-bat later in the game.

Eh...LaHair hasn't looked very good lately, and Lester's a tough lefty. Can't really argue with his giving Baker the start.

69. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:23 PM (#4158924)

Castro's starting to bug me.

70. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:23 PM (#4158925)

####.

71. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:24 PM (#4158927)

Of course, you could give Baker the start at third, since I'm thinking I'd rather have LaHair's bat in there than Valbuena's.

72. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:25 PM (#4158928)

Those Titled Kilt commercials are mighty annoying.

73. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:26 PM (#4158930)

That should be "Tilted," of course, but as this site's a POS, I can't edit my post, notwithstanding the existence of what appears to be an "edit" button.

74. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:27 PM (#4158931)

Eh...LaHair hasn't looked very good lately, and Lester's a tough lefty. Can't really argue with his giving Baker the start.

Even looking no-so-great lately, he put up a 792 OPS in May and so far an 802 in June. Which still makes him one of their best hitters.

I wouldn't mind if LaHair was just sitting today against Lester. But he sits against every lefty and I'm tired of it. Put Baker in RF or 3B if it's that important to get him into the lineup.

75. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:28 PM (#4158932)

Eh...LaHair hasn't looked very good lately, and Lester's a tough lefty. Can't really argue with his giving Baker the start.

LaHair has looked positively over-matched by the fastball lately, which is concerning, since you'd figure it was the off-speed stuff that would pose a problem.

And yeah, I don't know if it's just the lack of walks, but Castro's been a bit irritating this season given his potential.

76. Joe Bivens, Minor Genius Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:30 PM (#4158933)

For a second, I thought LaHair was the nickname you gave the pitcher.

77. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:31 PM (#4158935)

For a second, I thought LaHair was the nickname you gave the pitcher.

Plausible, to be sure.

Samardzija's nickname is actually in flux, since 'Bullpen Jesus' (BPJ) is no longer apt.

78. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:31 PM (#4158936)

LaHair has looked positively over-matched by the fastball lately, which is concerning, since you'd figure it was the off-speed stuff that would pose a problem.

That was my sense yesterday--he just seems not to have a lot of bat speed. Of course, as Brian C points out, his production still hasn't been terrible, and it's not like there's anyone better around until Rizzo comes up.

And yeah, I don't know if it's just the lack of walks, but Castro's been a bit irritating this season given his potential.

It's the lack of walks combined with a annoying tendency to play with his head up his ass (i.e., running just now in a non-running situation, forgetting the number of outs, etc.. I'm pleased with his development defensively, but his lack of progress on offense is bothersome, and the sense that he's not quite all there "baseball smarts"-wise isn't helping.

79. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:33 PM (#4158937)

For a second, I thought LaHair was the nickname you gave the pitcher.

Well, that's why you're Joe Bivens, Idiot. ;-)

I kid, of course--that would be a very Cub chatter-esque nickname of us to give him.

80. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:33 PM (#4158938)

Samardzija's nickname is actually in flux, since 'Bullpen Jesus' (BPJ) is no longer apt.

As I acknowledged above in calling him "SRJ."

81. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:35 PM (#4158939)

As I acknowledged above in calling him "SRJ."

That's like shortening his name to an airport code.

82. Joe Bivens, Minor Genius Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:35 PM (#4158940)

Everyone, listen to the Plugz "Blue Sofa" right now.

83. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:36 PM (#4158941)

That's like shortening his name to an airport code.

You say that like it's a bad thing. Every Chicagoan should know the back story of "ORD."

84. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:38 PM (#4158942)

You say that like it's a bad thing. Every Chicagoan should know the back story of "ORD."

You mean the actual reason, or is there some urban legend behind it?

85. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:40 PM (#4158943)

95 pitches through 5 for Samardzija.

86. Gern Blanston Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:40 PM (#4158944)

The actual reason.

87. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:50 PM (#4158949)

Letting him face Salty again is asking for it, isn't it?

88. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:53 PM (#4158950)

I'm all for pulling Samardzija here - he really had no business going back in to open an inning against two guys he hasn't gotten out tonight - but at the same time, I'm sad about all the options to replace him.

89. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:53 PM (#4158951)

Whoops, Pedroia opened the inning, but still I think the point stands.

90. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:55 PM (#4158952)

Some great baserunning tonight - jesus

91. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:55 PM (#4158953)

Ortiz runs well, Salty runs poorly.

92. Phil Coorey. Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:55 PM (#4158954)

Serious - these guys are making my mistakes at work look forgivable...

93. Walks Clog Up the Bases Posted: June 16, 2012 at 08:58 PM (#4158955)

It says something that you Sox fans are genuinely nervous about the outcome of this game. The Cubs are pretty terrible and not the faux "these dudes suck!" outcries you hear from fairweather fans. They're an awful team and three runs is pretty insurmountable for them, especially this late.

Plus, the Sox are into the Cubs pen now.

94. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:05 PM (#4158959)

Salty just turned 27. I felt like he'd been around a lot longer, maybe just because he was a touted prospect long ago who's now on his third organization.

95. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:07 PM (#4158960)

I'm not nervous about the outcome of this game, but only because I've given up on having expectations from this iteration of the Red Sox.

96. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:07 PM (#4158961)

Salty was in the majors at age 21.

97. Dan Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:08 PM (#4158962)

That inning was almost a disaster for Middlebrooks.

98. Brian C Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:09 PM (#4158963)

I look forward to hearing Sveum threaten to bench Soriano after the game for heaving his head up his ass.

99. The Ghost of Sox Fans Past

Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:12 PM (#4158966)

That inning was almost a disaster for Middlebrooks.

How good/bad is supposed to be with the glove, anyway? I think teaching him LF before the season would've been worthwhile, not that all the OF injuries were foreseeable.

100. Jay Seaver Posted: June 16, 2012 at 09:17 PM (#4158968)

I am starting to trust Podsednik more than Pedroia. That's nutty.

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