clujer420

Well, as you know, it really isn't going to matter what guys like White do because they aren't competing with Wunsch. The people competing with Wunsch are the young lefties. We're going to have (at least) 2 lefties in the pen, and IMO, it's Wunsch's job to lose. Marte is set, obviously, so that leaves Wunsch, Porzio, and the youngies that are in ST for the first time this year. They're going to have to take the job from Kelly.

WTF? Chip just said "The question is whether or not the Cubs are going to be able to score 3 or 4 runs a game." Does he think the Cub staff is going to post a team ERA of 1.00? NO team is going to win with a 3 or 4 run per game average. Hell, it would be hard to play .500 ball with that production, let alone contend for a playoff spot.

Ugh...the Cub pitcher just threw a big curve to Miguel, and he looked like Henry Rowengartner in Rookie of the Year (if you haven't seen that movie, it's very funny). Not a good at-bat at all. Hope that wasn't typical.

The biggest thing to me is that there was only 1 ball hit out of the infield (a lazy flyout to left), which shows that he's doing what he wants to do. The sinker's working, and that's a good sign. His performance this season is one of the biggest keys for our success (or failure )

Hmmm...he's thrown 3 scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts. I know that the other lefties are doing well also, but I would think it's Kelly's job to lose -- so if he keeps this up, he'll be on the team. If he struggles...who knows.

If those chicks take their tops off (and get rid of the one with the kid...UGH), I'll buy a raffle ticket. If they play their cards right, I may buy 2.

Since Frank, Mags, and Paulie (and others, of course) did not make the trip, what are they doing while this game is being played? Are they working out with BP, defensive drills, etc? They don't get an off-day I hope (I doubt they do). Anyone know?

He looks really good actually. He's spotting his pitches well (with the exception of the single he gave up to Sammy that 99% of the time Sammy would hit out of the park), and he's getting ahead in the count. 3 IP, 2 hits, 0 runs, 1 BB, and at least 1 K -- not too bad I'd say.

Ding dong

LOL, Patterson just K'd on a pitch that would have been at the letters of Yao Ming!

Kaboom!

If we start the season off like we finished last year, yes.

Frank didn't make the trip along with a couple of Sox players.

Does this idiot Baker have any class at all? It's the first friggin inning of an exhibition game, and he can't help from hollaring for his team to do good. What's his problem? For those of you not watching, they have Baker on a mic and they're talking to him.

WTF is going on? Frank, once again, is not in the starting lineup. Is there a reason for this? So far this spring, he's only had like 13 AB's. How is he supposed to get ready for the season with 13 AB's in 8 team games? I hope they bring him in as a replacement mid-way through the game. I wanna see him while I get the chance.

Good point. And Iron Mike rules.

Since this is a Cubs "home game" (I think), we're gonna get the Cub announcers though.

I disagree. 2000 was a magical season. As late as September, the critics were still waiting for the Sox to "come down to earth" and roll over for the Indians, and it never happened. The defining moment of the year was when we went to Cleveland and NY for 7 games and won all 7. That made a statement to the world that they were for real and that they weren't going to go away. So while the "WFT" cost the franchise a lot of fans and whatnot, I think all was healed in 2000 and what we were able to accomplish and coming out of nowhere. Hopefully our guys can top '00 in '03.

It's hard to come up with that many options, heh... Anyway, I'd personally have to go with the no-hitter. The reason is because I think we've got 2 guys who legitimately can go out and dominate for 9 innings everytime they go to the hill. They do it in very different ways (finesse vs. power), but they are equally as effective. I think the least likely would probably be Koch getting 50 saves. Not because he's not a solid closer, because he is. I just don't think he'll get enough opportunities. Even in our great season of 2000, Keith Foulke (who was the #2 or #3 closer that year) only had in the mid-to-upper-40's in terms of opportunities. Anyway, just thought I'd throw out a question that I haven't seen asked yet.

I don't get it.

Just because a player is popular, that doesn't mean management has to keep him. Sure, if it's fiscally responsible, you do your best to keep fan faves, but otherwise it's a business.

That wasn't nasty.

WTF? I'm sure it will be less than 10 -- 10 multi-HR games is A LOT. I'd rather have him hit them at a steady pace anyway. We need consistency, anyway.

Baggio... This asshole obviously has a political agenda that does not include George W Bush. I firmly believe that a large percentage of these people who oppose us disarming Iraq would have a completely different view on it if it was a democratic president in office calling the shots. George W has gotten the mistaken label of "war monger", and it's really very unfortunate. Anybody who is unbiased and reasonable (and capable of hearing) can clearly see that he has tried every possible outlet to avoid military action, and thus far Saddam has made that a very tough road to hoe. Soon, Saddam will find out that you can dick around with the US only for so long -- and when we say enough is enough, we aren't just making idle threats.

Someone in another post referred to this guy Burke and whoever the other catcher is. If the injury to either Miguel or Sandy is minor, one of the new new guys could called up. If it's something more severe, then a trade would probably have to be made for some average backup. Wouldn't be that pressing of an issue IMO.