I think I speak for all of greater Cubdom when I say that despite the fact that this might be the greatest day to be a Cub in our lifetime, I’m sitting here waiting for the beginning of Game Five and I’m sweating like Bobby Sura in a calculus exam.
Part of me wants to drink until I pass out and then wake up and find out what happened.
You know, like I did during the entire ’90s.
But in my gut, right next to the part that’s doing the rhumba is a part that says, "You don’t want to miss this." So we’ll try and remain conscious as long as possible.
PO'd in CR
on October 12, 2003 at 3:05 pm
I’m absolutely frantic. Our local Fox affiliate is broadcasting the friggin’ Bears game instead of the NLCS. How fucking stupid is THAT?
D-SAR
on October 12, 2003 at 3:08 pm
I’m here!
D-SAR
on October 12, 2003 at 3:11 pm
No baseball has been played yet, you are fine PO’d
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:12 pm
Gametime’s not until 3:30 p.m. You won’t miss a thing.
PO'd in CR
on October 12, 2003 at 3:23 pm
yeah but who’s gonna remind me how long it has been since the Cubs have played in a WS? who’s gonna remind me who drafted Dontrelle Willis?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:28 pm
Of course we’re in the NLCS pre-game show and all Fox can talk about is the ALCS mess… Sigh.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:28 pm
Has anybody else noticed that TV wonks always confuse the word historical for historic?
It wasn’t a historical game, it was a historic game. Guh.
Chris Myers, who answered the phone late one night in the ESPN news room back in 1992 talked with me and four of my drunk friends for about 20 minutes. Very nice man.
How much of that was out loud?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:30 pm
Jeannie introduced a segement like Jack McKeon was going to regale us with tales of the 1984 Padres, unfortunately for Fox, Jack doesn’t remember any of it.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:31 pm
Who else thinks that if Carlos Zambrano will simply not over-throw that he’ll be pretty good this afternoon???
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:32 pm
One more thing about Chris Myers, the reason we called him was that we were arguing about whether Mike, Dan and Bill Patrick were brothers.
They, of course, are not.
Uh oh. Kevin Kennedy just said the Cubs are going to close it out.
Be quiet, Kev. We don’t need your bad voodoo.
Man, that DA’s daughter is a horny little thing, ain’t she?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:32 pm
BC: You and Steve Stone.
Hugh Hefner
on October 12, 2003 at 3:33 pm
Don’t you think that due to the magnitude of this HISTORIC game, it should be brought to us by a playmate rather than Eliza Dushku? I’ll try and sign one up…
Walt
on October 12, 2003 at 3:35 pm
thanks Andy, for siding with me on ‘historical’ vs. ‘historic’. I just had a "spirited discussion" with my girlfriend about that during last night’s game. Although *I* was correct, she has the MBAa and therefore is always right.
p. d.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:35 pm
I am hoping for a good start from Zambrano, but expecting the bullpen to be warming up by the third inning.
Cade McNown
on October 12, 2003 at 3:36 pm
Hugh,
I can probably spare a couple that I’ve dated
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:36 pm
Thom, WE KNOW!!!
We’re not like Marlins fans, to have to be told our history.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:37 pm
That toupee that tHom has is pretty bad. Looks like he put it in the dryer and it shrunk.
tHom with a cute "Believe it or not, the Marlins have shown up" crack. Shut up.
Psycho is babbling about Castillo and Pierre again.
Al is talking about how the pitchers need to do better than in game one. Really?
This is all pretty deep.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:37 pm
The woman is always right… Just don’t ask them out to a golf date. Bad times…
Walt
on October 12, 2003 at 3:37 pm
and I thought McCarver was bad…. these yelks on Fox are the absolute worst.
D-SAR
on October 12, 2003 at 3:38 pm
Welcome to the discussion, BC
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:39 pm
It’s going to be a historic game today and despite that we’ll still be hysterical.
How’s that? Show that to Ms. MBA and have her put it in her hat and smoke it.
The Marlins have broken out the home whites, so at least they’ll look good in the background when the archivists file the photos of the Cubs championship dogpile.
Chip Caray
on October 12, 2003 at 3:39 pm
Beeege and I were just talking about how the Cub’s haven’t been in a World Series since 1945. Did any of you clowns know that?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:40 pm
The Cubs with the "good" lineup today. How sad is it that Paul Bako is a significant offensive upgrade.
Just catch strike threes for a change, Paul.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:40 pm
Shut up, Chip.
Walt
on October 12, 2003 at 3:41 pm
hey Chip. We listened to you quite enough during the regular season, thank you. btw, how is it you can speak with your lips in constant direct contact with Biggio’s ass?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:42 pm
Thom getting excited on every Beckett strike.
George Wendt
on October 12, 2003 at 3:42 pm
COME ON! Let’s get this game going, I’m running out of bar time to celebrate once the Cubs win!
p. d.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:42 pm
The first pitch is head high, and Lofton didn’t even think of charging the mound. Sso much for signing with the Bosox in the offseason.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:42 pm
Lofton strikes out.
Nice work by tHom. He says the Cubs have scored in the first inning of all four games in this series. Then Fox shows a graphic that says the Cubs have done it in three of the four.
Walt
on October 12, 2003 at 3:44 pm
Lyons is even worse with names and facts than Harry, bless his heart.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:44 pm
Gruddy grounds to short.
Steve and tHom are really going overboard with the Fish love so far.
p. d.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:45 pm
I, for one, like swordfish.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:45 pm
Sammy grounds to short, and tHom is fired up that the Cubs didn’t score.
Nice.
After a half, we’re scoreless.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:46 pm
3 up, 3 down.
Beckett and Zambrano with an advantage due to shadows early.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:49 pm
tHom says, "So much was made about Pierre and Castillo getting on."
Yeah, by YOU.
Pierre flies to Alou.
One down.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:51 pm
Castillo singles to center.
Can we finally start to pitch Pudge inside now?
Please?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:52 pm
He needs a pitch in his earhole sometime in this series. Doesn’t he?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:53 pm
Al calls Castillo a "green runner." I have no idea.
Pudge flies deep to right. Two out. Castillo still at first.
Carlos has yet to get a grounder.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:54 pm
"Molecules"???
Come on Al it’s a BASEBALL GAME!!!
Somebody get me some blood for my ears, I’m about out of blood to gush out of them…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:55 pm
Al is giving us some science crap about how humidity affects the ball. Just stop it.
Carlos gets Cabrera with a nice sinker. Carlos is fired up and that’s a good thing. I hope he gets so jacked up after a strikeout that he grabs the bat from the hitter and pummels him to death with it.
That’s the Carlos we know and love.
After one. No score.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 3:56 pm
Carlos shows some emotion striking out Lee. Thom settles back down to get ready for his suicide later tonight.
D-SAR
on October 12, 2003 at 3:57 pm
My gosh I love Zambrano!!! There is no one cooler…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 3:59 pm
Alou strikes out on a good curve.
One down.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:00 pm
Umpire has a big strike zone for Beckett right now, after that strike three call on Alou…
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:00 pm
Steve with the "tip your cap" mention.
I think I’m going to puke…
Joe Carter
on October 12, 2003 at 4:01 pm
What? I’m back?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:01 pm
Steve is excited about a 90 MPH changeup from Beckett. That’s not a good thing. If your fastball is 96 and your change is 90 that’s not enough differential, that’s a bad fastball.
p. d.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:02 pm
or a very long changeup.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:02 pm
Damn, Steve just made my exact point.
Now I feel dumb.
Big difference between Beckett and Zambrano. When Beckett gets tired his pitches flatten out, when Zambrano gets tired they start to work. That’s a good thing for Carlos, a bad thing for Beckett.
Beckett walks E-ramis.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:03 pm
Hey Andy, I think the Cubs are going to win this Virtual Manager question too…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:04 pm
Look at the enormous zit on Al’s forehead. Ouch.
This Sprint PCS thing is always brutally awkward. No change tonight.
Simon flies to shallow right, though he posed at home like he thought he jacked one.
Two out.
Jerry Crawford finally got over the runs! Way to go Jerry.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:05 pm
Gonzo pops to Lowell.
After one and a half, still scoreless.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:06 pm
Somebody tell Thom Arizona is not equal to Florida. Thanks.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:08 pm
Florida = Humidity
Arizona = Arid
Florida = Disney World
Arizona = Original London Bridge
—–
You make the call…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:09 pm
Carlos falls behind 3-0 then rallies to strike out Lee on a wicked sinker. Nice.
One out.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:10 pm
Lyons needs to shut up….it is where it crosses the plate not where the catcher catches it.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:10 pm
Lowell grounds to E-ramis.
tHom is bringing up 84 now. Great. Keep it up, jackass.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:10 pm
Thom now mentioning 1984…
Zambrano seems to be doing well.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:12 pm
Zambrano walks Conine.
Somebody get Thom out of that booth. Although Joe Buck is probably going to be worse…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:12 pm
Now tHom is complaining that the only reason Zambrano’s pitching well is the huge strike zone.
Steve says this reminds of Dontrelle yesterday. Yeah, except without the shelling.
That pitch to Conine looked like a strike. So maybe that zone’s not so generous.
Why is it Beckett’s a stud and Carlos is lucky?
Chip Caray
on October 12, 2003 at 4:13 pm
Beege and I are available!
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:13 pm
Didn’t Al Leiter explain that a two-seamer was a sinker in game three too???
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:13 pm
Carlos’ ball is moving and darting like crazy. Personally, I think the ump is doing a good job of calling the game.
If the Cubs could put a run up and the Marlins start to become free swingers, he will start to mow them down.
p. d.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:14 pm
I can’t wait for Al to explain that "a cut fastball is a fastball that cuts" for the third day in a row.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:14 pm
Zambrano makes like a hockey goalie and gets out of the inning. Have the Blackhawks sign him up!!!
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:15 pm
Evil Alex grounds up the middle, it his Carlos in the shoe and he throws him out easily.
No doubt tHom will bemoan the Fishies bad luck for another half inning now.
After two, no score.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:15 pm
Why don’t the dumbasses in the Chevy commercial just go to a dealer if they like the truck that much. Not like there is a shortage of Silerados out there. They look like the last batch of condoms are being expressed to Hef’s suite at the Playboy mansion.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:17 pm
I don’t think a major leaguer can go a whole year without at least one lucky homer. I’m calling one for Bako today.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:18 pm
I’m going to channel Chip Caray for just a moment…
"Honesty compels me to say that I am a moron. It’s one and two. Here’s the pitch. Swung on, belted… Biggio’s under it. He’s there. He makes a superb two-handed catch. Biggio wasn’t even sweating on that one. He can play any position out there."
OK, that hurt. Back to the insightful Desipio gang.
cubs faithful
on October 12, 2003 at 4:18 pm
wrong a-hole. coming up next is the cubs celebration
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:18 pm
OK, maybe next at bat.
Bako strikes out and tHom is LOVING IT!
Shut up, you hump.
p. d.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:19 pm
Bako does hit best Damien Miller imitation, and lets the bat sit on his shoulder on a pitch down the middle.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:20 pm
Eric Gregg mention. Oh I could use a cheeseburger right about now…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:20 pm
Zambrano strikes out.
Steve says that we have to remember that Beckett settled down after the first inning in game one. Yeah, he gave up two runs and still couldn’t get through the sixth inning.
Make it stop.
thom
on October 12, 2003 at 4:20 pm
more insightful marlins history. Livan over the Braves. meanwhile, josh beckett for series mvp
Cheech
on October 12, 2003 at 4:20 pm
It’s 4:20 Homes!
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:21 pm
Lofton grounds to second.
After two and a half, no score.
Josh Beckett
on October 12, 2003 at 4:21 pm
For those of you who can’t read lips, I just said f**k ya!!!
(in my best Carlos Zambrano imitation)
Paul Bako
on October 12, 2003 at 4:22 pm
Hey, Mr. Devil, what happened to that bargain we had?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:23 pm
Screw this, I’m gonna watch This Old House on PBS.
Hey look, sheet rock! Excellent.
Tom Silva is playing with a glue gun. This is fascinating.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:24 pm
Beckett grounds to short.
One down.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:24 pm
Jack McKeon reminiscing on the playoffs.
"I really don’t remember much. Hey, my pants are wet! How did that happen? Where am I? Who are you?"
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:26 pm
Pierre singles and tHom’s pants begin to rise.
Steve Lyons
on October 12, 2003 at 4:26 pm
When Zambrano’s pitches are up, they don’t sink as well. I am a genius.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:27 pm
What happened to Karry Ling? Are they still locked up in an Atlanta prison?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:27 pm
Castillo grounds to short, Pierre was running so Gonzalez settle for throwing Lonnie Smith, Jr. out at first.
Two outs.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:28 pm
The Marlin loving annoucers did not notice it, but that was a pretty nice play by Alex. He handled a pretty tough short hop.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:30 pm
Hey an inside pitch against I-Rod. Any, hey, it’s a strike… WHO KNEW!?!?!?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:30 pm
No Dennis, that would have been a lucky play by the Cubs’ Gonzalez. Or at least according to the Fox announcers.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:31 pm
Steve is now stalking Pudge. He knows where he lives and who his neighbors are. I’ll bet he knows when his trash day is, too.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:32 pm
Pudge walks.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:33 pm
A pitch gets through Bako and both runners advance. That has to be a passed ball.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:33 pm
Paul Bako can’t stop anything now… Darn.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:34 pm
Why did Carlos let that go foul….just pick it up and tag the guy. Yikes!
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:34 pm
This will tell you all you need to know about the Marlins fans. Cabrera taps one up the line that goes foul. When the Cubs can’t get to it and Cabrera touches first the crowd screams thinking they just scored.
Yikes.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:35 pm
Carlos nails Cabrera. Let’s hope he broke his arm.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:35 pm
Carlos getting a tad wild. Just hit Cabrera.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:36 pm
tHom feels the need to explain to us that Carlos was not trying to hit Cabrera on a 1-2 pitch.
Wow.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:37 pm
Carlos gets out of it.
Sammy due in the fourth.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:38 pm
Lee grounds to short. Gonzo forces Cabrera at second.
tHom is audibly disappointed.
After three. No score.
Gruddy, Sosa, Alou and E-ramis due in the fourth.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:38 pm
On top of blowing a game in which Wood was pitching, and then betting blown out yesterday, the Marlins are starting to strand runners. Lets just score 5 here and put them away.
Paul Bako
on October 12, 2003 at 4:40 pm
Uh, Mr. Devil, I’m waiting. Please don’t save your magic for the late innings.
Bill
on October 12, 2003 at 4:41 pm
Steve Stone is predicting big things on the second time through the lineup. Sigh
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:41 pm
Gruddy is struggling in this series. This is the guy who played for the Dodgers last year.
He strikes out.
One down.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:42 pm
Hey, it’s the famous bar shot from game five of the ALDS!!!
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:42 pm
Oh, wait, that was a CHICAGO bar!!!
Sammy has some issues with a fastball high and tight from Beckett.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:43 pm
Beckett buzzes Sosa and Sammy makes a move towards the mound. I think Beckett just woke up any of the slumbering Cubs. He’ll regret that.
On the replay, Sammy never charged the mound, he stumbled trying to keep from falling down. But he did angrily point at Beckett.
Sammy almost launched the second pitch.
Carlos
on October 12, 2003 at 4:43 pm
I must kill Pudge…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:45 pm
Sammy srikes out looking.
He did however foul a 100 MPH fastball straight back. So much for the Marlins theory that he can’t get around on the good heater.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:47 pm
Moises grounds to short.
Somewhere Don Zimmer is boarding a plane to fly to Miami and bum rush Josh Beckett.
Still scoreless.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:48 pm
Well, it IS Carlos after all, which Marlin gets one in the ear hole this inning?
Or does he wait for Beckett?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:51 pm
Fox shows Pudge eating a sandwich in the dugout.
Lowell singles about two feet to the right of Randall. Nice range, there tubby.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:52 pm
On a pitch about two feet from Conine, tHom says, "Almost hit him, up and in."
Conine whiffs.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:54 pm
Al Leiter disagreed with a check swing call? What was THAT?
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 4:54 pm
Did I hear that right:
Lyons: Look at Conine’s rear end
Leiter: One step ahead of you friend
Maybe my hearing is off but I think that is what was said.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:55 pm
Alex Gonzalez overreacts to an inside pitch and then strikes out.
Two down.
Here’s Beckett.
How about we get his pants a little dirty?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:56 pm
If there were two outs and nobody on here, Carlos would have hit Beckett already. But maybe he is waiting.
CT
on October 12, 2003 at 4:57 pm
SHIT!
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:58 pm
Carlos gets ahead of Beckett 0-2 then throws three straight balls, has to grove a fastball and grounds to Gruddy. Gruddy smothers it, but Lowell goes to third.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 4:58 pm
Thom: "What a great at-bat from Beckett…"
Um, Thom, that’s called sticking a bat out there and getting a fastball right at it.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 4:59 pm
I did a piss poor job of explaining that last hit.
Gruddy made a nice diving stop of a base hit, but threw to first as Lowell running with two outs went to third.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:00 pm
Carlos walks Pierre.
They’re loaded.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:01 pm
Danger Carlos, Danger.
Carlos is over 90 pitches, this has crappy bullpen pitcher game written all over it.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:01 pm
Al "I don’t want to keep saying it" but I will.
Uh oh. Dave Veres warming up in the bullpen.
What time’s Tuesday’s game?
CT
on October 12, 2003 at 5:01 pm
Steve Stone says Larry Rothschild is telling Zambrano to go right after Castillo. Andy, what do you think they’re really talking about?
JL
on October 12, 2003 at 5:01 pm
Any chance the Anti-Cubs can send out the Anti-Veres today?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:02 pm
Steve: "If Castillo hits one right down the line it’ll be a triple and everyone will score."
Sure. And if he hits one at somebody it’ll be an out.
Or, if he swings and misses, it’ll be strike three.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:03 pm
Carlos strikes him out and goes nutty on his way off the field.
This is the Carlos we all know and love.
After four it’s scoreless.
Fox just ran a Tru Calling ad.
CT
on October 12, 2003 at 5:03 pm
Jesus, is there a guy in the league who gets in and out of more jams than Zambrano? This guy is good, but someday he’s gonna be GREAT.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:03 pm
Carlos keeps getting out of things.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:04 pm
This upcoming Cubs rally is brought to you by Eliza Dushku.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:05 pm
How about a hit this inning E-Ramis???
Walt
on October 12, 2003 at 5:05 pm
seems to be a toss-up whether the home plate ump is going to give the inside pitch to Z-man. half the time he gets the call, half the time he doesn’t…
Bill
on October 12, 2003 at 5:05 pm
Why do people keep saying that the Big Z is emotional? And why is Dave Veres warming up in the pen. Can’t he find some overzealous Marlins groundkeeper to attack?
Eliza Dushku
on October 12, 2003 at 5:07 pm
That X picture isn’t very flattering there Andy.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:08 pm
Ramirez giving a good at-bat to Beckett by the non-Thom Brennaman school of baseball definition.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:10 pm
JUSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT missed there Aramis.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:10 pm
E-ramis leads off the fifth.
E-ramis hammers a pitch just foul.
Did that hit the wall or the foul pole?
That hit the pole!
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:11 pm
He strikes E-ramis out, but maybe it was the angle, but it looked on one replay like E-ramis’ ball hit the foul pole.
Whatever, he forced Beckett to throw him 15 pitches.
Lee robs Simon of a base hit.
But, the Cubs are starting to hack on Beckett’s fastball.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 5:11 pm
Boy that replay did look like it hit pole, but no one argued, so maybe I am blinded by Cub love.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:13 pm
Alex loops a single in front of Cabrera.
Here comes that Bako homer.
Right?
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 5:13 pm
Well, there goes the no-no and it is now time to end another streak: Bako’s homerless streak!!
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:13 pm
Alex Gonzalez with the first hit of the game, a flare into right center.
Paul Bako coming up to end the inning.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:15 pm
Al is talking about "green runners again." Whatever.
Bako hits one to deep center, but out.
Still scoreless.
I’m still puzzled by that foul pole thing. I’m just glad I’m not the only one who saw it.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:17 pm
It looked to me like it hit the wall about a foot to the left of the pole.
It was close, I’ll grant you that one.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:18 pm
Thanks to Fox, we now know what Jack McKeon does in the dugout. He yells "Be alive for the wild pitch!"
You can’t pay enough for that kind of brilliance.
Ken Griffey Jr.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:18 pm
I would have separated my shoulder on that last out.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:18 pm
Pudge grounds to second.
One out.
Pudge
on October 12, 2003 at 5:18 pm
I’m so good, i can throw two no-hitters in one game.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:19 pm
Did anybody know Tony Womack was hurt?
Carlos hits the backstop on the fly. Yikes.
I thought Womack just sucked.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:20 pm
Zambrano walks Cabrera and tHom is fired up.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 5:21 pm
Question to the crowd….do they lift Zambrano in the top half for a pinch hitter?
D-SAR
on October 12, 2003 at 5:21 pm
I give credit to Steve Lyons for the Sherlock Holmes/Steve Palermo joke
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:22 pm
Lee flies to center. Two down.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:23 pm
Nothing funnier than mocking a cripple.
Speaking of cripples, Mike Lowell just hit a two run homer.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:24 pm
Mark Guthrie is in the bullpen saying, "See! I’m not the only one."
D-SAR
on October 12, 2003 at 5:24 pm
Cmon! He wasn’t mocking cripples, but that was a funny scene at Fenway and Palermo did look like the grizzled ol detective.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:25 pm
Conine flies to center.
Well, you had to score to win anyway.
Get to work.
After five, 2-0 Marlins.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:25 pm
Was that Guthrie out there again on that homerun pitch hit by Lowell?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:27 pm
Tom Goodwin pinch hits for Zambrano. I shudder to think who will pitch the sixth.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:28 pm
Tom Goodwin up. We don’t need a triple here Tommy. Just get a hit or a walk or something.
Veres warming up. Should I puke right now or later?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:29 pm
Goodwin strikes out looking.
He does that a lot when he pinch hits. Just to clarify, not a good thing.
Bringing Veres in next inning just means this ones going to be a laugher.
Lofton flies to center.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:31 pm
This is getting ugly…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:31 pm
Grudzielanek grounds to short.
This one is about to get ugly.
After five and a half, Marlins 2, Cubs 0.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:35 pm
Carlos did a nice job today. It’s not his fault that the Cubs didn’t score while he was in.
Veres gets Alex Gonzalez to pop out to Gruddy.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:37 pm
Beckett taps out back to Veres.
Well, he handled the banjo hitting shortstop and the pitcher. Now he gets some real hitters to face.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:38 pm
Pierre tries to bunt, but Bako is all over it.
Hey 1-2-3. That was unexpected, and I do expect the Cubs to whack Beckett in this half.
After six, 2-0 Florida.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:38 pm
Anything can happen… I mean, Dave Veres just pitched a scoreless inning.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:40 pm
I hope we have a runner on for Ramirez.
He’s due this time I think…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:41 pm
Sosa grounds to third, and as tHom says "plenty of time" Sosa almost beats it.
One out.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:42 pm
Alou singles. Here’s E-ramis.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:43 pm
E-ramis strikes out.
cubs faithful
on October 12, 2003 at 5:44 pm
that pitch ARAM just watched? that was THE pitch
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 5:45 pm
When is Beckett going to realize that the Marlins aren’t supposed to win?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:46 pm
Randall grounds to second.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:47 pm
Man we’ve gotten nothing going today.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:48 pm
All Beckett is doing is making the party on Tuesday night a little bigger.
After six and a half, 2-0.
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 5:50 pm
Fruggin’ ’86 Royals …
Stupid Bal-boni.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:50 pm
The only team to blow a 3-1 LCS lead since 1986?
The Saint Louis Cardinals…
How much we laughed at them then…
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:51 pm
Castillo grounds to second.
One down.
Nice shot of Jack McKeon trying to remember who has come back from 3-1 deficits.
I’ll just remind him that the last team to blow a 3-1 lead is just down I-55 from us.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:51 pm
Dave Veres gives up a homer to Ivan Rodriguez…
Sigh.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:51 pm
Pudge homers off the human punching bag–Dave Veres.
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 5:52 pm
BC, the Cards actually blew that lead in the World Series, a place the Cubs are having a tough time getting to.
Pudge has been scary all series long, he finally connects.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:52 pm
Was Veres smiling after giving up the blast?
Or am I just insane?
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 5:53 pm
Oh, and Dave Veres? You’re welcome.
Nearly making up for all the Troll appearances for us last summer.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:53 pm
Cabrera singles to right.
Dusty is coming out to review Dave’s performance.
Dusty: "You, you’re not good. You stink."
Veres: "DK 57!"
Who’s in now, Pulpo?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:53 pm
No it was the 1996 Cardinals.
Up 3-1 against the Braves.
Dennis Eckersley goes insane after getting a save in Game 4 at Busch.
Cardinals bullpen melts down in Games 5 and 6, and then Atlanta blew them out in Game 7 if I remember correctly.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:54 pm
No Kelly, but you did that too.
You blew a 3-1 lead to the Braves a few years back.
The Genius was in charge of that debacle. And this guy:
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:54 pm
And yes, those were good times for this Southern Illinois Cubs fan.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:56 pm
EL PULPO!!!
Come on, show ’em that trade was a good one. For once.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:56 pm
Psycho on Marlins third base coach Ozzie Guillen. "Boy could he pick it."
What, his nose?
El Pulpo
on October 12, 2003 at 5:56 pm
I have one pitch. Inside fastball. Hit it.
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 5:57 pm
Did Ozzie grow an entire goatee since Friday night?
Or was the TV in the bar that blurry?
(Yeah, it was the TV’s fault)
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 5:57 pm
It is one thing for Veres to get out 8-9-1, but to leave him for 2-3-4 is a little insane.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 5:58 pm
Psycho also says the White Sox could do worse than Ozzie Guillen for a manager. Oh, they will.
Derek Lee grounds into a double play 543.
El Pulpo magnifico! Or something.
Thanks to our dead Cardinal worshipping hurler, it’s 3-0 Marlins.
Somewhere, Mark Prior is sitting in the dugout explaining to Damian Miller that Damian is not to leap on him Tuesday night when he strikes out the last man to win the pennant.
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 5:59 pm
The woman in that Taco Bell commercial looks like Parker Posey’s younger sister, a sister who probably locked herself in an empty refridgerator at some point.
Come on Cubbies, do it tonight.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 5:59 pm
They’ve got to take Beckett out of this game sometime right?
Right?
For the record, that’s Andy’s chewed-on straw I just reached for.
KD
on October 12, 2003 at 6:01 pm
A couple pinch-hit triples would go pretty well around this time.
tHom Brennaman fan club
on October 12, 2003 at 6:01 pm
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 6:01 pm
Should have charged the mound there Alex…
Trading you for Ramon and trading Beckett for a relief pitcher is a trade I’d take right now.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:02 pm
Nah, it’s not happening tonight. But unlike our softball uniform wearing buddies in 84, it will happen.
Gonzo strikes out.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:03 pm
Paul Bako strikes out and that was brought to you by Monte Kiffin’s combover.
Paul Bako
on October 12, 2003 at 6:03 pm
Any day now, Mr. Devil…
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 6:03 pm
Come on Fox, show Beckett’s wife. Maybe she is hot too. About the only thing that could cheer me up right now.
Pitch count
on October 12, 2003 at 6:03 pm
101
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 6:04 pm
Um, Troy O’Leary isn’t getting a pinch-hit triple in this game.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:05 pm
The decaying corpse of Troy O’Leary pinch hits.
He manages to avoid striking out, but grounds out to second.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:06 pm
That horrendous top of the eighth was brought to you by Bea Arthur.
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 6:07 pm
Should I throw in the towel or just the remote?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 6:07 pm
By the way, I’m just saying for the game, not for the series.
Mariah's boobies
on October 12, 2003 at 6:07 pm
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:09 pm
Mike Remlinger in now. This pitching change brought to you by
Jeff Fisher’s Guitar Hut!
Karry Ling
on October 12, 2003 at 6:10 pm
Wait, the game was at 3:30? Damn it.
My buddy Michael just said that if the Cubs lose tonight the baby gets it.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 6:10 pm
Beckett is due for a a 4 run ninth or a bladder explosion.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:12 pm
Conine hits one and it’s 4-0, and it’s all irrelevant anyway.
Timmy Lupus
on October 12, 2003 at 6:12 pm
Jim Edmonds
on October 12, 2003 at 6:14 pm
Hi everybody!
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 6:15 pm
Remlinger takes the 3-1 down the middle to walk. We should try to pick him off 15 times in a row to make him tired.
Sammy's Boombox
on October 12, 2003 at 6:16 pm
Mariotti will put down the doughnut and blame me for this tomorrow.
Dennis
on October 12, 2003 at 6:17 pm
OK….time for a few bloops and a blast. Alex bats seventh and will be in position to swat the game winner.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:17 pm
Pierre loops one to short for the final out. The Marlins are now up 4-0 as we go to the ninth.
The good news, the next time you hear a loud crowd, they’ll be cheering for the right team.
Blecch.
This one was just not to be.
Still, you can’t be too disappointed that the Cubs won two of three from the team with the best home record in the NL.
Statler and Waldorf
on October 12, 2003 at 6:19 pm
Hey Beckett, we don’t care what the score is! You suck!
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:19 pm
Lofton pops to Lowell.
One down.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:21 pm
tHom says we know Prior will start game six, but we don’t know who the Marlins will use.
Uh…it doesn’t matter.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:21 pm
Gruddy grounds to second. Two out.
Al thinks they’ll use Pavano.
They’re going to use Redman. How dumb are these guys?
B.C.
on October 12, 2003 at 6:21 pm
Who were those girls behind the Marlin bullpen?
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:22 pm
Steve thinks they should use Penny. He got torched last night, too.
Andy
on October 12, 2003 at 6:23 pm
Sammy grounds out.
The Marlins win it.
I’ve seen enough for tonight.
We’ll have a Dose tomorrow and be back here on Tuesday night.
I think I speak for all of greater Cubdom when I say that despite the fact that this might be the greatest day to be a Cub in our lifetime, I’m sitting here waiting for the beginning of Game Five and I’m sweating like Bobby Sura in a calculus exam.
Part of me wants to drink until I pass out and then wake up and find out what happened.
You know, like I did during the entire ’90s.
But in my gut, right next to the part that’s doing the rhumba is a part that says, "You don’t want to miss this." So we’ll try and remain conscious as long as possible.
I’m absolutely frantic. Our local Fox affiliate is broadcasting the friggin’ Bears game instead of the NLCS. How fucking stupid is THAT?
I’m here!
No baseball has been played yet, you are fine PO’d
Gametime’s not until 3:30 p.m. You won’t miss a thing.
yeah but who’s gonna remind me how long it has been since the Cubs have played in a WS? who’s gonna remind me who drafted Dontrelle Willis?
Of course we’re in the NLCS pre-game show and all Fox can talk about is the ALCS mess… Sigh.
Has anybody else noticed that TV wonks always confuse the word historical for historic?
It wasn’t a historical game, it was a historic game. Guh.
Chris Myers, who answered the phone late one night in the ESPN news room back in 1992 talked with me and four of my drunk friends for about 20 minutes. Very nice man.
How much of that was out loud?
Jeannie introduced a segement like Jack McKeon was going to regale us with tales of the 1984 Padres, unfortunately for Fox, Jack doesn’t remember any of it.
Who else thinks that if Carlos Zambrano will simply not over-throw that he’ll be pretty good this afternoon???
One more thing about Chris Myers, the reason we called him was that we were arguing about whether Mike, Dan and Bill Patrick were brothers.
They, of course, are not.
Uh oh. Kevin Kennedy just said the Cubs are going to close it out.
Be quiet, Kev. We don’t need your bad voodoo.
Man, that DA’s daughter is a horny little thing, ain’t she?
BC: You and Steve Stone.
Don’t you think that due to the magnitude of this HISTORIC game, it should be brought to us by a playmate rather than Eliza Dushku? I’ll try and sign one up…
thanks Andy, for siding with me on ‘historical’ vs. ‘historic’. I just had a "spirited discussion" with my girlfriend about that during last night’s game. Although *I* was correct, she has the MBAa and therefore is always right.
I am hoping for a good start from Zambrano, but expecting the bullpen to be warming up by the third inning.
Hugh,
I can probably spare a couple that I’ve dated
Thom, WE KNOW!!!
We’re not like Marlins fans, to have to be told our history.
That toupee that tHom has is pretty bad. Looks like he put it in the dryer and it shrunk.
tHom with a cute "Believe it or not, the Marlins have shown up" crack. Shut up.
Psycho is babbling about Castillo and Pierre again.
Al is talking about how the pitchers need to do better than in game one. Really?
This is all pretty deep.
The woman is always right… Just don’t ask them out to a golf date. Bad times…
and I thought McCarver was bad…. these yelks on Fox are the absolute worst.
Welcome to the discussion, BC
It’s going to be a historic game today and despite that we’ll still be hysterical.
How’s that? Show that to Ms. MBA and have her put it in her hat and smoke it.
The Marlins have broken out the home whites, so at least they’ll look good in the background when the archivists file the photos of the Cubs championship dogpile.
Beeege and I were just talking about how the Cub’s haven’t been in a World Series since 1945. Did any of you clowns know that?
The Cubs with the "good" lineup today. How sad is it that Paul Bako is a significant offensive upgrade.
Just catch strike threes for a change, Paul.
Shut up, Chip.
hey Chip. We listened to you quite enough during the regular season, thank you. btw, how is it you can speak with your lips in constant direct contact with Biggio’s ass?
Thom getting excited on every Beckett strike.
COME ON! Let’s get this game going, I’m running out of bar time to celebrate once the Cubs win!
The first pitch is head high, and Lofton didn’t even think of charging the mound. Sso much for signing with the Bosox in the offseason.
Lofton strikes out.
Nice work by tHom. He says the Cubs have scored in the first inning of all four games in this series. Then Fox shows a graphic that says the Cubs have done it in three of the four.
Lyons is even worse with names and facts than Harry, bless his heart.
Gruddy grounds to short.
Steve and tHom are really going overboard with the Fish love so far.
I, for one, like swordfish.
Sammy grounds to short, and tHom is fired up that the Cubs didn’t score.
Nice.
After a half, we’re scoreless.
3 up, 3 down.
Beckett and Zambrano with an advantage due to shadows early.
tHom says, "So much was made about Pierre and Castillo getting on."
Yeah, by YOU.
Pierre flies to Alou.
One down.
Castillo singles to center.
Can we finally start to pitch Pudge inside now?
Please?
He needs a pitch in his earhole sometime in this series. Doesn’t he?
Al calls Castillo a "green runner." I have no idea.
Pudge flies deep to right. Two out. Castillo still at first.
Carlos has yet to get a grounder.
"Molecules"???
Come on Al it’s a BASEBALL GAME!!!
Somebody get me some blood for my ears, I’m about out of blood to gush out of them…
Al is giving us some science crap about how humidity affects the ball. Just stop it.
Carlos gets Cabrera with a nice sinker. Carlos is fired up and that’s a good thing. I hope he gets so jacked up after a strikeout that he grabs the bat from the hitter and pummels him to death with it.
That’s the Carlos we know and love.
After one. No score.
Carlos shows some emotion striking out Lee. Thom settles back down to get ready for his suicide later tonight.
My gosh I love Zambrano!!! There is no one cooler…
Alou strikes out on a good curve.
One down.
Umpire has a big strike zone for Beckett right now, after that strike three call on Alou…
Steve with the "tip your cap" mention.
I think I’m going to puke…
What? I’m back?
Steve is excited about a 90 MPH changeup from Beckett. That’s not a good thing. If your fastball is 96 and your change is 90 that’s not enough differential, that’s a bad fastball.
or a very long changeup.
Damn, Steve just made my exact point.
Now I feel dumb.
Big difference between Beckett and Zambrano. When Beckett gets tired his pitches flatten out, when Zambrano gets tired they start to work. That’s a good thing for Carlos, a bad thing for Beckett.
Beckett walks E-ramis.
Hey Andy, I think the Cubs are going to win this Virtual Manager question too…
Look at the enormous zit on Al’s forehead. Ouch.
This Sprint PCS thing is always brutally awkward. No change tonight.
Simon flies to shallow right, though he posed at home like he thought he jacked one.
Two out.
Jerry Crawford finally got over the runs! Way to go Jerry.
Gonzo pops to Lowell.
After one and a half, still scoreless.
Somebody tell Thom Arizona is not equal to Florida. Thanks.
Florida = Humidity
Arizona = Arid
Florida = Disney World
Arizona = Original London Bridge
—–
You make the call…
Carlos falls behind 3-0 then rallies to strike out Lee on a wicked sinker. Nice.
One out.
Lyons needs to shut up….it is where it crosses the plate not where the catcher catches it.
Lowell grounds to E-ramis.
tHom is bringing up 84 now. Great. Keep it up, jackass.
Thom now mentioning 1984…
Zambrano seems to be doing well.
Zambrano walks Conine.
Somebody get Thom out of that booth. Although Joe Buck is probably going to be worse…
Now tHom is complaining that the only reason Zambrano’s pitching well is the huge strike zone.
Steve says this reminds of Dontrelle yesterday. Yeah, except without the shelling.
That pitch to Conine looked like a strike. So maybe that zone’s not so generous.
Why is it Beckett’s a stud and Carlos is lucky?
Beege and I are available!
Didn’t Al Leiter explain that a two-seamer was a sinker in game three too???
Carlos’ ball is moving and darting like crazy. Personally, I think the ump is doing a good job of calling the game.
If the Cubs could put a run up and the Marlins start to become free swingers, he will start to mow them down.
I can’t wait for Al to explain that "a cut fastball is a fastball that cuts" for the third day in a row.
Zambrano makes like a hockey goalie and gets out of the inning. Have the Blackhawks sign him up!!!
Evil Alex grounds up the middle, it his Carlos in the shoe and he throws him out easily.
No doubt tHom will bemoan the Fishies bad luck for another half inning now.
After two, no score.
Why don’t the dumbasses in the Chevy commercial just go to a dealer if they like the truck that much. Not like there is a shortage of Silerados out there. They look like the last batch of condoms are being expressed to Hef’s suite at the Playboy mansion.
I don’t think a major leaguer can go a whole year without at least one lucky homer. I’m calling one for Bako today.
I’m going to channel Chip Caray for just a moment…
"Honesty compels me to say that I am a moron. It’s one and two. Here’s the pitch. Swung on, belted… Biggio’s under it. He’s there. He makes a superb two-handed catch. Biggio wasn’t even sweating on that one. He can play any position out there."
OK, that hurt. Back to the insightful Desipio gang.
wrong a-hole. coming up next is the cubs celebration
OK, maybe next at bat.
Bako strikes out and tHom is LOVING IT!
Shut up, you hump.
Bako does hit best Damien Miller imitation, and lets the bat sit on his shoulder on a pitch down the middle.
Eric Gregg mention. Oh I could use a cheeseburger right about now…
Zambrano strikes out.
Steve says that we have to remember that Beckett settled down after the first inning in game one. Yeah, he gave up two runs and still couldn’t get through the sixth inning.
Make it stop.
more insightful marlins history. Livan over the Braves. meanwhile, josh beckett for series mvp
It’s 4:20 Homes!
Lofton grounds to second.
After two and a half, no score.
For those of you who can’t read lips, I just said f**k ya!!!
(in my best Carlos Zambrano imitation)
Hey, Mr. Devil, what happened to that bargain we had?
Screw this, I’m gonna watch This Old House on PBS.
Hey look, sheet rock! Excellent.
Tom Silva is playing with a glue gun. This is fascinating.
Beckett grounds to short.
One down.
Jack McKeon reminiscing on the playoffs.
"I really don’t remember much. Hey, my pants are wet! How did that happen? Where am I? Who are you?"
Pierre singles and tHom’s pants begin to rise.
When Zambrano’s pitches are up, they don’t sink as well. I am a genius.
What happened to Karry Ling? Are they still locked up in an Atlanta prison?
Castillo grounds to short, Pierre was running so Gonzalez settle for throwing Lonnie Smith, Jr. out at first.
Two outs.
The Marlin loving annoucers did not notice it, but that was a pretty nice play by Alex. He handled a pretty tough short hop.
Hey an inside pitch against I-Rod. Any, hey, it’s a strike… WHO KNEW!?!?!?
No Dennis, that would have been a lucky play by the Cubs’ Gonzalez. Or at least according to the Fox announcers.
Steve is now stalking Pudge. He knows where he lives and who his neighbors are. I’ll bet he knows when his trash day is, too.
Pudge walks.
A pitch gets through Bako and both runners advance. That has to be a passed ball.
Paul Bako can’t stop anything now… Darn.
Why did Carlos let that go foul….just pick it up and tag the guy. Yikes!
This will tell you all you need to know about the Marlins fans. Cabrera taps one up the line that goes foul. When the Cubs can’t get to it and Cabrera touches first the crowd screams thinking they just scored.
Yikes.
Carlos nails Cabrera. Let’s hope he broke his arm.
Carlos getting a tad wild. Just hit Cabrera.
tHom feels the need to explain to us that Carlos was not trying to hit Cabrera on a 1-2 pitch.
Wow.
Carlos gets out of it.
Sammy due in the fourth.
Lee grounds to short. Gonzo forces Cabrera at second.
tHom is audibly disappointed.
After three. No score.
Gruddy, Sosa, Alou and E-ramis due in the fourth.
On top of blowing a game in which Wood was pitching, and then betting blown out yesterday, the Marlins are starting to strand runners. Lets just score 5 here and put them away.
Uh, Mr. Devil, I’m waiting. Please don’t save your magic for the late innings.
Steve Stone is predicting big things on the second time through the lineup. Sigh
Gruddy is struggling in this series. This is the guy who played for the Dodgers last year.
He strikes out.
One down.
Hey, it’s the famous bar shot from game five of the ALDS!!!
Oh, wait, that was a CHICAGO bar!!!
Sammy has some issues with a fastball high and tight from Beckett.
Beckett buzzes Sosa and Sammy makes a move towards the mound. I think Beckett just woke up any of the slumbering Cubs. He’ll regret that.
On the replay, Sammy never charged the mound, he stumbled trying to keep from falling down. But he did angrily point at Beckett.
Sammy almost launched the second pitch.
I must kill Pudge…
Sammy srikes out looking.
He did however foul a 100 MPH fastball straight back. So much for the Marlins theory that he can’t get around on the good heater.
Moises grounds to short.
Somewhere Don Zimmer is boarding a plane to fly to Miami and bum rush Josh Beckett.
Still scoreless.
Well, it IS Carlos after all, which Marlin gets one in the ear hole this inning?
Or does he wait for Beckett?
Fox shows Pudge eating a sandwich in the dugout.
Lowell singles about two feet to the right of Randall. Nice range, there tubby.
On a pitch about two feet from Conine, tHom says, "Almost hit him, up and in."
Conine whiffs.
Al Leiter disagreed with a check swing call? What was THAT?
Did I hear that right:
Lyons: Look at Conine’s rear end
Leiter: One step ahead of you friend
Maybe my hearing is off but I think that is what was said.
Alex Gonzalez overreacts to an inside pitch and then strikes out.
Two down.
Here’s Beckett.
How about we get his pants a little dirty?
If there were two outs and nobody on here, Carlos would have hit Beckett already. But maybe he is waiting.
SHIT!
Carlos gets ahead of Beckett 0-2 then throws three straight balls, has to grove a fastball and grounds to Gruddy. Gruddy smothers it, but Lowell goes to third.
Thom: "What a great at-bat from Beckett…"
Um, Thom, that’s called sticking a bat out there and getting a fastball right at it.
I did a piss poor job of explaining that last hit.
Gruddy made a nice diving stop of a base hit, but threw to first as Lowell running with two outs went to third.
Carlos walks Pierre.
They’re loaded.
Danger Carlos, Danger.
Carlos is over 90 pitches, this has crappy bullpen pitcher game written all over it.
Al "I don’t want to keep saying it" but I will.
Uh oh. Dave Veres warming up in the bullpen.
What time’s Tuesday’s game?
Steve Stone says Larry Rothschild is telling Zambrano to go right after Castillo. Andy, what do you think they’re really talking about?
Any chance the Anti-Cubs can send out the Anti-Veres today?
Steve: "If Castillo hits one right down the line it’ll be a triple and everyone will score."
Sure. And if he hits one at somebody it’ll be an out.
Or, if he swings and misses, it’ll be strike three.
Carlos strikes him out and goes nutty on his way off the field.
This is the Carlos we all know and love.
After four it’s scoreless.
Fox just ran a Tru Calling ad.
Jesus, is there a guy in the league who gets in and out of more jams than Zambrano? This guy is good, but someday he’s gonna be GREAT.
Carlos keeps getting out of things.
This upcoming Cubs rally is brought to you by Eliza Dushku.
How about a hit this inning E-Ramis???
seems to be a toss-up whether the home plate ump is going to give the inside pitch to Z-man. half the time he gets the call, half the time he doesn’t…
Why do people keep saying that the Big Z is emotional? And why is Dave Veres warming up in the pen. Can’t he find some overzealous Marlins groundkeeper to attack?
That X picture isn’t very flattering there Andy.
Ramirez giving a good at-bat to Beckett by the non-Thom Brennaman school of baseball definition.
JUSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT missed there Aramis.
E-ramis leads off the fifth.
E-ramis hammers a pitch just foul.
Did that hit the wall or the foul pole?
That hit the pole!
He strikes E-ramis out, but maybe it was the angle, but it looked on one replay like E-ramis’ ball hit the foul pole.
Whatever, he forced Beckett to throw him 15 pitches.
Lee robs Simon of a base hit.
But, the Cubs are starting to hack on Beckett’s fastball.
Boy that replay did look like it hit pole, but no one argued, so maybe I am blinded by Cub love.
Alex loops a single in front of Cabrera.
Here comes that Bako homer.
Right?
Well, there goes the no-no and it is now time to end another streak: Bako’s homerless streak!!
Alex Gonzalez with the first hit of the game, a flare into right center.
Paul Bako coming up to end the inning.
Al is talking about "green runners again." Whatever.
Bako hits one to deep center, but out.
Still scoreless.
I’m still puzzled by that foul pole thing. I’m just glad I’m not the only one who saw it.
It looked to me like it hit the wall about a foot to the left of the pole.
It was close, I’ll grant you that one.
Thanks to Fox, we now know what Jack McKeon does in the dugout. He yells "Be alive for the wild pitch!"
You can’t pay enough for that kind of brilliance.
I would have separated my shoulder on that last out.
Pudge grounds to second.
One out.
I’m so good, i can throw two no-hitters in one game.
Did anybody know Tony Womack was hurt?
Carlos hits the backstop on the fly. Yikes.
I thought Womack just sucked.
Zambrano walks Cabrera and tHom is fired up.
Question to the crowd….do they lift Zambrano in the top half for a pinch hitter?
I give credit to Steve Lyons for the Sherlock Holmes/Steve Palermo joke
Lee flies to center. Two down.
Nothing funnier than mocking a cripple.
Speaking of cripples, Mike Lowell just hit a two run homer.
Mark Guthrie is in the bullpen saying, "See! I’m not the only one."
Cmon! He wasn’t mocking cripples, but that was a funny scene at Fenway and Palermo did look like the grizzled ol detective.
Conine flies to center.
Well, you had to score to win anyway.
Get to work.
After five, 2-0 Marlins.
Was that Guthrie out there again on that homerun pitch hit by Lowell?
Tom Goodwin pinch hits for Zambrano. I shudder to think who will pitch the sixth.
Tom Goodwin up. We don’t need a triple here Tommy. Just get a hit or a walk or something.
Veres warming up. Should I puke right now or later?
Goodwin strikes out looking.
He does that a lot when he pinch hits. Just to clarify, not a good thing.
Bringing Veres in next inning just means this ones going to be a laugher.
Lofton flies to center.
This is getting ugly…
Grudzielanek grounds to short.
This one is about to get ugly.
After five and a half, Marlins 2, Cubs 0.
Carlos did a nice job today. It’s not his fault that the Cubs didn’t score while he was in.
Veres gets Alex Gonzalez to pop out to Gruddy.
Beckett taps out back to Veres.
Well, he handled the banjo hitting shortstop and the pitcher. Now he gets some real hitters to face.
Pierre tries to bunt, but Bako is all over it.
Hey 1-2-3. That was unexpected, and I do expect the Cubs to whack Beckett in this half.
After six, 2-0 Florida.
Anything can happen… I mean, Dave Veres just pitched a scoreless inning.
I hope we have a runner on for Ramirez.
He’s due this time I think…
Sosa grounds to third, and as tHom says "plenty of time" Sosa almost beats it.
One out.
Alou singles. Here’s E-ramis.
E-ramis strikes out.
that pitch ARAM just watched? that was THE pitch
When is Beckett going to realize that the Marlins aren’t supposed to win?
Randall grounds to second.
Man we’ve gotten nothing going today.
All Beckett is doing is making the party on Tuesday night a little bigger.
After six and a half, 2-0.
Fruggin’ ’86 Royals …
Stupid Bal-boni.
The only team to blow a 3-1 LCS lead since 1986?
The Saint Louis Cardinals…
How much we laughed at them then…
Castillo grounds to second.
One down.
Nice shot of Jack McKeon trying to remember who has come back from 3-1 deficits.
I’ll just remind him that the last team to blow a 3-1 lead is just down I-55 from us.
Dave Veres gives up a homer to Ivan Rodriguez…
Sigh.
Pudge homers off the human punching bag–Dave Veres.
BC, the Cards actually blew that lead in the World Series, a place the Cubs are having a tough time getting to.
Pudge has been scary all series long, he finally connects.
Was Veres smiling after giving up the blast?
Or am I just insane?
Oh, and Dave Veres? You’re welcome.
Nearly making up for all the Troll appearances for us last summer.
Cabrera singles to right.
Dusty is coming out to review Dave’s performance.
Dusty: "You, you’re not good. You stink."
Veres: "DK 57!"
Who’s in now, Pulpo?
No it was the 1996 Cardinals.
Up 3-1 against the Braves.
Dennis Eckersley goes insane after getting a save in Game 4 at Busch.
Cardinals bullpen melts down in Games 5 and 6, and then Atlanta blew them out in Game 7 if I remember correctly.
No Kelly, but you did that too.
You blew a 3-1 lead to the Braves a few years back.
The Genius was in charge of that debacle. And this guy:
And yes, those were good times for this Southern Illinois Cubs fan.
EL PULPO!!!
Come on, show ’em that trade was a good one. For once.
Psycho on Marlins third base coach Ozzie Guillen. "Boy could he pick it."
What, his nose?
I have one pitch. Inside fastball. Hit it.
Did Ozzie grow an entire goatee since Friday night?
Or was the TV in the bar that blurry?
(Yeah, it was the TV’s fault)
It is one thing for Veres to get out 8-9-1, but to leave him for 2-3-4 is a little insane.
Psycho also says the White Sox could do worse than Ozzie Guillen for a manager. Oh, they will.
Derek Lee grounds into a double play 543.
El Pulpo magnifico! Or something.
Thanks to our dead Cardinal worshipping hurler, it’s 3-0 Marlins.
Somewhere, Mark Prior is sitting in the dugout explaining to Damian Miller that Damian is not to leap on him Tuesday night when he strikes out the last man to win the pennant.
The woman in that Taco Bell commercial looks like Parker Posey’s younger sister, a sister who probably locked herself in an empty refridgerator at some point.
Come on Cubbies, do it tonight.
They’ve got to take Beckett out of this game sometime right?
Right?
For the record, that’s Andy’s chewed-on straw I just reached for.
A couple pinch-hit triples would go pretty well around this time.
Should have charged the mound there Alex…
Trading you for Ramon and trading Beckett for a relief pitcher is a trade I’d take right now.
Nah, it’s not happening tonight. But unlike our softball uniform wearing buddies in 84, it will happen.
Gonzo strikes out.
Paul Bako strikes out and that was brought to you by Monte Kiffin’s combover.
Any day now, Mr. Devil…
Come on Fox, show Beckett’s wife. Maybe she is hot too. About the only thing that could cheer me up right now.
101
Um, Troy O’Leary isn’t getting a pinch-hit triple in this game.
The decaying corpse of Troy O’Leary pinch hits.
He manages to avoid striking out, but grounds out to second.
That horrendous top of the eighth was brought to you by Bea Arthur.
Should I throw in the towel or just the remote?
By the way, I’m just saying for the game, not for the series.
Mike Remlinger in now. This pitching change brought to you by
Jeff Fisher’s Guitar Hut!
Wait, the game was at 3:30? Damn it.
My buddy Michael just said that if the Cubs lose tonight the baby gets it.
Beckett is due for a a 4 run ninth or a bladder explosion.
Conine hits one and it’s 4-0, and it’s all irrelevant anyway.
Hi everybody!
Remlinger takes the 3-1 down the middle to walk. We should try to pick him off 15 times in a row to make him tired.
Mariotti will put down the doughnut and blame me for this tomorrow.
OK….time for a few bloops and a blast. Alex bats seventh and will be in position to swat the game winner.
Pierre loops one to short for the final out. The Marlins are now up 4-0 as we go to the ninth.
The good news, the next time you hear a loud crowd, they’ll be cheering for the right team.
Blecch.
This one was just not to be.
Still, you can’t be too disappointed that the Cubs won two of three from the team with the best home record in the NL.
Hey Beckett, we don’t care what the score is! You suck!
Lofton pops to Lowell.
One down.
tHom says we know Prior will start game six, but we don’t know who the Marlins will use.
Uh…it doesn’t matter.
Gruddy grounds to second. Two out.
Al thinks they’ll use Pavano.
They’re going to use Redman. How dumb are these guys?
Who were those girls behind the Marlin bullpen?
Steve thinks they should use Penny. He got torched last night, too.
Sammy grounds out.
The Marlins win it.
I’ve seen enough for tonight.
We’ll have a Dose tomorrow and be back here on Tuesday night.
Sociology is the science with the greatest number of methods and the least results. by texas hold’em