4/18 Cubs @ Braves 6:35 PM CT TV: CSN+ Radio: WGN

[CUBScrazy22]

4/18 Cubs @ Braves 6:35 PM CT TV: CSN+ Radio: WGN

Starting Pitchers:

http://carlos-zambrano-news.newslib.com/img/logo/6875.jpg

Carlos Zambrano
1-2
7.88 ERA


http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/images/2005/05/21/YtIGoPe7.jpg

Kyle Davies
0-0
2.70 ERA

[ryno4ever]

I just realized they are on CSN+! I don't get that! They are blacked out on my MLB.tv, so I guess I have a date with Pat and Ron tongight. Comcast (the one I get) is actually going to replay the game at 1:30 am on Comcast, but have the White Sox/Rangers on tv tonight! :(

[VanMan]

Luckily, CFU (Cedar Falls Utilities) has all the CSN+ games on its local access channel.

[Ivy Killa]

I just realized they are on CSN+! I don't get that! They are blacked out on my MLB.tv, so I guess I have a date with Pat and Ron tongight. Comcast (the one I get) is actually going to replay the game at 1:30 am on Comcast, but have the White Sox/Rangers on tv tonight! :(

I'm blacked out on mlb.tv as well.....what the hell is that all about?

[VanMan]

Well, for those who can't see the game, I'll keep everyone up to date. Opening graphics are playing now.

[VanMan]

Pie stuck out looking after starting with a 3-0 count. :(

But then DeRosa goes straight-away center for a home run on the second pitch! :) 1-0 Cubs!

[VanMan]

Lee walks after starting his AB 0-2. I think we might see a pattern here.

[ryno4ever]

Luckily, CFU (Cedar Falls Utilities) has all the CSN+ games on its local access channel.
Ours out of Geneseo usually does (Mediacom), but they are carrying a High School Volleyball game on it tonight. I did see where the regular Comcast station will be replaying the game at 1:30am....for those night owls.

[VanMan]

Ramirez grounds into a DP, 6-4-3.

Middle 1st, Cubs 1, Braves coming up

[ryno4ever]

I'm blacked out on mlb.tv as well.....what the hell is that all about?

did you call or email mlb?

I can't watch my mlb right now because something has chewed into one of my outside cables and is affecting my high speed internet connection and when I go to watch or listen to multi-media, it disconnects my internet.... I have a tech coming out tomorrow to replace the cables...

[VanMan]

Ours out of Geneseo usually does (Mediacom), but they are carrying a High School Volleyball game on it tonight. I did see where the regular Comcast station will be replaying the game at 1:30am....for those night owls.
Well, Mediacom Connections sometimes shows CSN+ games when I had Mediacom, but CFU just has Channel 17 set aside for CSN+ and a few other local stuff.

[ryno4ever]

I'm really really liking DeRosa more and more every day...and I wasn't a big fan of the signing in the first place. Nothing against DeRosa, I just couldn't understand why they signed ANOTHER second baseman. Not to mention, DeRosa is a little bit of eye candy for us girls....:)

[VanMan]

Johnson grounds back to Zambrano, easy out, but then Renteria hits a sharp grounder under DeRosa's glove for a single. Chipper's up next.

[VanMan]

Chipper grounds to DeRosa, going to his left. Unable to make the pivot to get Renteria at second, takes the easy out at first.

[VanMan]

Andruw Jones walks with two out. Three pitches prior, he waved at a nasty slider from Z, but that was only for strike two.

[VanMan]

McCann takes the first pitch through the hole into left field for an RBI single, 1-1 tie.

[VanMan]

Francoeur hits a three-run HR to left field. Carlos doesn't have it tonight. 4-1 Braves.

[ryno4ever]

80 mph changeup.....Ron Santo sounds like he is going to run down to that field and just shake Carlos!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Wow Zambrano is getting waxed!! Hope our offense shows up tonight!!!

[VanMan]

Barrett goes to talk to Carlos after missing the first two to Thorman. Next pitch was fouled down the left field line. We have to wonder what is going on with Carlos of late. Is it the contract?

[ryno4ever]

We need innings out of Carlos tonight... the bullpen is spent. Lou said in the pregame show that the only one who is somewhat "fresh" is Eyre (or IRE as Lou calls him....) Lou said he asked Eyre how to pronounce his last name, and Scott told him "air"...Lou said when he pitches good, he'll call him Eyre, otherwise, he'll call him IRE.

[ryno4ever]

Barrett goes to talk to Carlos after missing the first two to Thorman. Next pitch was fouled down the left field line. We have to wonder what is going on with Carlos of late. Is it the contract?

Santo said it looks like Zambrano was't even trying to listen to Barrett out there. This is ridiculous...they got you a run to work with, AND OUR ACE BLOWS IT!

Is he hurt?

23 pitches so far! UGH!

[roenick99]

This is just great...

Mr. Cy Young is just plain crap and don't tell me "it's still early" cuz I don't want to hear it.

[ryno4ever]

It's not early anymore...two weeks into the season and another crappy start from our Ace..... WE ARE IN LAST PLACE! And I really don't want the Cubs to stay there all season with the payroll we have!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

The early excuse ranks second just under the excuse that didn't you know that Zambrano starts like this every year? So that makes it right?

[ryno4ever]

I just noticed, 5 more ranking points and fogpog will be on the first page of the top 100 baseball sites as number 50! Yeah!

Okay, back to the game, the bats had better come alive quick...and a pop fly to shallow left isn't going to help!

[ryno4ever]

The early excuse ranks second just under the excuse that didn't you know that Zambrano starts like this every year? So that makes it right?

Especially when he makes promises at the beginning of the season that he WILL win the Cy Young Award and he WILL lead us to a world series championship..... Okay, Carlos, it's time to shut up and pitch.... put the ball where your mouth is.

[VanMan]

With two out, Jones doubles to the left-center field wall. Izturis just can't get the bat off his shoulder so far.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

As far as I am concerned Hill is the ace of the staff. Zamrano needs to earn it back in my book.

[VanMan]

Especially when he makes promises at the beginning of the season that he WILL win the Cy Young Award and he WILL lead us to a world series championship..... Okay, Carlos, it's time to shut up and pitch.... put the ball where your mouth is.
I have to wonder if he's still thinking about the contract. He was supposed to be signed by this time, but the sale of the team may have tabled it. Otherwise, he'd probably be sharp as a tack out there.

[VanMan]

Len just said the travel plans for the Braves, just as Izturis grounds weakly to second to end the inning. Anyway, the Braves just got in from Washington. After these two games, they go to New York, Florida and Colorado. I think I'm missing a few places.

[roenick99]

As far as I am concerned Hill is the ace of the staff. Zamrano needs to earn it back in my book.

Hell, Prior is more of the Ace than Zambrano. How many games has Prior blown? HAHA

[roenick99]

Lou is on the mound now. If he does not walk back to that dugout with Z's fat head under his arm, I will be disappointed...

[roenick99]

And THAT my friends is why we have those two guys up the middle D!!!!!

[VanMan]

I have to wonder what Lou just told Z a moment ago. The AB after that, he got a lot of defensive help from Izturis, diving stop up the middle, flipping to DeRosa for one, turn to Lee for two and ending the inning.

Now, we'd better hope Z can swing the bat to get himself going. Remember what he did last AB?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Problem is that seems to be the same spot thats giving us offense and it wasn't meant to be that way.

[VanMan]

Unfortunately, Z Ks swinging at a low-and-away pitch.

[VanMan]

Pie had worked the count to 3-1, fouled the next pitch, and then lines hard to the RF corner. He hustles to a triple for his second career hit! That should get them going!

[ryno4ever]

FEE---LIX! FEE-LIX! FEE-LIX!!

[VanMan]

DeRosa grounds to second, Pie scores from third. That's a productive out! 4-2 now.

[VanMan]

Maybe if Z can just get himself going on the mound, we can start chipping away at that lead. Need to see that bowling-ball sinker.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, for just a moment, you are Lou Pinella...you are going out to the mound (last inning).... what do you say to him to get him going?

[VanMan]

Okay, for just a moment, you are Lou Pinella...you are going out to the mound (last inning).... what do you say to him to get him going?
I'd say, "Carlos, the reason you're down 4-1 now is you're NOT THROWING STRIKES! Lay off the junk, quit nibbling, and throw the damn ball over the God damn plate! Throw that sinker! Make it look like a strike so they chase it! Just don't nibble!"

[VanMan]

After a walk and a single, Z gets Francoeur on a higher-than-high fastball.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Pitch a damn strike or ride the pine!!! Way to many walks. Zambrano just isn't himself, when he is effective he jumps in front of hitters alot. He even seems to walk the few he has done that to tonight.

[VanMan]

Thorman gets sawed off, the barrell flies over Z's head, ball goes to DeRosa to get the runner at second.

Now they're showing the Langer Hands! What is up with these Braves fans????

[ryno4ever]

Someone needs to take Z out of the camera's eye...give him a good slap across the face and tell him to throw freaking strikes now that the Cubs are coming up to bat.

[VanMan]

Davies taps to Zambrano for the third out. Braves leave the bases juiced after Z hits Langerhans.

End 3, Braves 4, Cubs 2

[VanMan]

AFLAC question:

Before Mark Grace who wore No. 17 for the Cubs?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Its pretty bad when your pitcher hits the 8th batter in the line up before facing the pitcher in order to save from throwing him 4 consecutive balls to walk him anyways, way to watch the pitch count Carlos. Guess there is a positive side of things.......LMAO Not to mention its probably the smartest move he has made all game!

[VanMan]

Ramirez grounds to Renteria.

[ryno4ever]

AFLAC question:

Before Mark Grace who wore No. 17 for the Cubs?

Lon Warneke (1932)

[VanMan]

Cliff just tried to persuade the umpire that the ball hit his shoe, but they weren't buying it. No shoe polish on the ball, so it's a grounder to first.

[VanMan]

Barrett got sawed off again, grounded to third. Someone has to check his bats for some rot or something.

[VanMan]

AFLAC answer:

Mike Brumley in 1987.

Sorry, Heather, you were wrong.

[VanMan]

Johnson strikes out looking. Looked like Z got a little back-door slide piece.

[diehardnorthsider]

Just got home and checked the score and I see that Z is pitching lousy again, so much for our "Ace".

[VanMan]

Renteria grounds to short for the second out.

[ryno4ever]

I got it from the 2007 Media Guide... but after reading it a little closer, they list the last 5 players for each number, then list the first player to wear that number. So, there have been 5 players (now with Pie) who have worn 17 since Gracie.... adn Warneke was the first one to wear 17

[VanMan]

Chipper with a hustle double to left. Floyd was able to cut the ball off before the ball reached the wall, but the throw to second was cut off.

[VanMan]

Andruw then grounds to third to end the inning with no damage. Maybe Z has settled down a bit. Let's see a bit of O now!

[ryno4ever]

This is so frustrating!

[VanMan]

Gotta wonder why the bats haven't shown themselves on the Cubs' team.

[VanMan]

Z's dealing it now. Just got Francoeur swinging on a slider. He's now even between the Ks and BBs.

[VanMan]

Spoke too soon. Thorman just striked one over the 400-foot sign. 5-2 Braves.

[VanMan]

Z strikes out the side, but the home run ruins an otherwise good inning.

End of 5, Braves 5, Cubs 2

[ryno4ever]

it seems as if Z has found his groove.... 80 pitches too late!

[VanMan]

Lee strokes a one-out double to the left-field corner. Let's see what ARam does.

[VanMan]

Just as I post that, ARam continues his hitting streak, sending one to the right-center field gap (finds a few khakis, a nice shirt, a pair of blue jeans) for an RBI double! It's now 5-3. Just need to chip away at that lead now.

[VanMan]

Floyd rolls one into right, Ramirez stops at third as Quade respects the arm of Francoeur. Runners on the corners, one out, and Bobby Cox coming out to pull Davies. Right-hander coming in to face Barrett.

[ryno4ever]

I hope that Quade holding Ram instead of sending him doesn't come back to haunt us later... I can't see the game, so I can't tell how close the play would have been, but Ron's reaction seemed as if he could have made it.

[VanMan]

Well, Barrett does hit the sac fly to score Ramirez, and then Jones gets an infield hit to keep the inning alive. Johnson had problems getting the ball out of his glove, so no play. First and second, two out.

[VanMan]

Eyre throwing in the pen, but Z's on deck.

[VanMan]

Izturis swings through a 98 mph fastball to end the inning, but some damage was done.

Middle 6th, Braves 5, Cubs 4

[VanMan]

Pete Orr PH for the Braves right now. Zambrano is still throwing on the hill.

[ARamfan]

Thanks for keeping us up to date, VanMan. I had to miss about 40 minutes of the game, so I appreciate it. :)

[ryno4ever]

A-Rod just homered again! Wow... from goat to hero for the Yankees!

Let's hope Z can get back into his groove with one out!

[VanMan]

Z gets Orr to foul tip an 89 mph two-seamer into Barretts glove for a fourth consecutive K.

[ryno4ever]

100th pitch

[ryno4ever]

throw a strike, Carlos!

[ryno4ever]

not that kind of strike!

[VanMan]

A-Rod just homered again! Wow... from goat to hero for the Yankees!
Just wait until later in the season. He can't hit clutch.

Johnson just doubled to right field with one out.

[VanMan]

Renteria popped to Lee in foul ground, now they're going to IBB Chipper to get to Andruw. I wonder about this strategy. Why not try to throw a few near the zone to see if Chipper chases, and then give the free pass.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, time to hold our collective breath.......

[ryno4ever]

whhheeeewwwwwww......

[VanMan]

Strategy worked. Andruw grounded to Izturis, went the short way for the FC out to end the inning on the first pitch of the AB.

End 6, Braves 5, Cubs 4

[VanMan]

I like that "Wake up the Rivalry" McDonald's commercial that just aired. Z did the ol' shaving cream in the sleeping guy's hand trick on A.J.

Theriot is up to PH for Z, and then grounds to short.

[ryno4ever]

I like that "Wake up the Rivalry" McDonald's commercial that just aired. Z did the ol' shaving cream in the sleeping guy's hand trick on A.J.

.

My son and I were rolling when we first saw that commercial!

[ryno4ever]

Do you realize that we have not had a come from behind win yet all season?

[VanMan]

Pie coaxes a walk to become the potential tying run at first. Let's see what he can do on the bases today.

[ryno4ever]

two of our guys have almost gotten hit by pitches..... haven't they ever heard of taking one for the team?

[ryno4ever]

come on DeRosa... another homer would be super sweet right now!

[VanMan]

DeRosa strikes out swinging on a foul tip. Two gone.

[ryno4ever]

grrrrrrrrrrrrrr...... strikeouts strikeouts strikeouts.

[ryno4ever]

go Pie! Game tied! Nice! NOW GET LEE IN!

[VanMan]

Lee hits one over Andruw's head, and Pie motors from first to the plate to tie the game! The throw gets away from the catcher, so Lee advanced to third! 5-5!!!!! Pie's got speed for weeks!

[ryno4ever]

All new ballgame guys and gals (I see Mara's on with us now! :))

[VanMan]

Hey, Heather! Ever think that you're going to be Ronnie to my Pat?

[VanMan]

Lee scores on a wild pitch! Z can win this one now!!!!

[ryno4ever]

WE ARE AHEAD! NICE NICE NICE! And should the Cubs keep the lead... Zambrano will get the win!

[VanMan]

Ramirez grounds to short to end the inning, but the damage has been done. How about keeping Pie on the big club, send down Cedeno and put Soriano in left, batting him second?

[ryno4ever]

Hey, Heather! Ever think that you're going to be Ronnie to my Pat?

LoL... that's kind of funny, if you go back and read the threads, it kinda sounds like their banters!

[ryno4ever]

However, my hair is real and hope it never catches on fire!

[ARamfan]

All new ballgame guys and gals (I see Mara's on with us now! :))

Yes, and I'm very happy right now. Actually my hands hurt from clapping! YAY! :D

[ryno4ever]

Come on Scott...it's time to buckle down and hold this lead. Our runs are far to come by anymore, so we really need to have him hold this down.

[VanMan]

LoL... that's kind of funny, if you go back and read the threads, it kinda sounds like their banters!
However, my hair is real and hope it never catches on fire!
LOL!!!! I certainly hope so!!!

[VanMan]

First two batters retired, including Francoeur frozen on a high fastball. He's incredulous! Eyre looking good so far.

[ryno4ever]

Lisa (CubsCrazy22) was on here for a bit, but seems to have disappeared!

[ryno4ever]

Oh man.... we were so close to being out of that inning.... buckle down and get the next one...

[VanMan]

Next batter walks after the defense thought that Eyre got another one. Diaz now batting for Langerhans.

[ryno4ever]

WHAT IN THE WORLD JUST HAPPENED?????

[ryno4ever]

The momentum is shifting folks...........

[VanMan]

Diaz beat out a grounder to Izturis. Banger on the replay! Could have gone either way, but Izturis may have been deliberate with the throw.

[ryno4ever]

I'm thinking this would be a good time for Barrett to go out and slow the game down a little....

[VanMan]

Woodward pinch hitting, 2-0 count, Barrett counselling Eyre.

[ryno4ever]

Wow, did I call that or what? Time called by Barrett

[VanMan]

Woodward fouls one off both Barrett's and the home plate ump's masks.

[ryno4ever]

oh jeez.... come on Eyre, you were almost out of it!

[ryno4ever]

Burhle has a no no going! Sorry... a no hitter going through 8.... I had to try to jinx it. (For the White Sox against the Rangers)

[VanMan]

On full count with the runners going, Woodward walks to load the bases.

[VanMan]

Lou's coming out to talk to Eyre. Len's making the observation that he makes more trips to the mound to not pull a pitcher than any other manager.

[VanMan]

Johnson grounds one past Theriot to score two! Braves now up again, 7-6. Damn!

[ryno4ever]

UN FREAKING BELIEVABLE!

[VanMan]

Renteria singles to center to score another run, 8-6 Braves, Lou's now coming to pull Eyre. Howry coming in to pitch now with runners on the corners and two out.

[ARamfan]

This is frustrating. :mad: I guess Scott "Ire" will hear it from Lou tonight.

[VanMan]

Murton's PH for Floyd, so you'd expect him to go into LF next inning. Worked a full count.

Burhle just completed the no-no!

Murton walked.

Sanjaya was voted off Idol.

[VanMan]

Barrett singled on the first pitch he sees, Murton chugs over to third. Runners on the corners, no one out.

[VanMan]

Jones chops to third, Murton holds between third and home, Jones out at first, Barrett moves up to second.

[ryno4ever]

Okay, I'm back... I had to watch the end of the White Sox game... Burhle did throw the no hitter.

[VanMan]

Off topic while were on break:

My brother just asked me to take him to ABC and complain about the fact that network is going to air "National Bingo Night"! LOL!

[VanMan]

Daryle Ward batting for Izturis against a guy with an 81.00 ERA.

Wild pitch, but Murton hesitated again at third! What is up with him?!

[ryno4ever]

ugh.... come on Cubbies,

[ryno4ever]

Walk em loaded...... Theriot is a good contact/clutch hitter.....

[ryno4ever]

He just needs to stay out of the DP.

[VanMan]

On 3-0, they decide to intentionally walk Ward to bring up Theriot. Cedeno will run for ward, so he'll come in to play SS.

[VanMan]

They turned it! Wasted opportunity! But what a dig at first!

[ryno4ever]

I think I just heard Ron Santo choke or something.... or put something over his mouth to cuss loudly!

[VanMan]

Does anyone know who that guy is that's pitching Dos Equis beer?

[ARamfan]

I think I just heard Ron Santo choke or something.... or put something over his mouth to cuss loudly!

I would bet that he covered his mouth and cussed loudly! :mad: And he's not the only one.

[VanMan]

What I don't understand why Murton didn't try to score, TWICE!

[VanMan]

Cotts just hit Andruw Jones to lead off the bottom of the 8th. Not a good way to start.

[ryno4ever]

I'm sorry, it's just even hard to get excited about a good double play.

[VanMan]

McCann hits into a huge double play, Theriot with a circus stop, over to Cedeno to Lee! Wow! It seems these infielders are playing can you top this!

[ryno4ever]

Last chance, Cubbies. Good job Cotts. Pull something off....PLEEEEEZEEEE!

[VanMan]

Pie with the catch to retire the side. He will lead off the ninth against Bob Wickmann. Pie, a pinch hitter (maybe Marquis, likely Blanco, but Soriano is available) and Lee due.

[VanMan]

Marquis is on deck behind Pie, so he will hit second this inning. Wickmann has a 0.00 ERA and 4/4 in save chances.

[VanMan]

26,837 paid attendance tonight at Turner Field

[VanMan]

Pie strikes out, McCann has to throw to first to retire him.

[ryno4ever]

Did I hear them, that Marquis is pinch hitting?

[VanMan]

Marquis runs the count full with Lee on deck.

[VanMan]

Yes, Marquis was PHing, and he flew to Diaz in left. Lee is the last chance for the Cubs.

[VanMan]

Lee runs it full, with Ramirez on deck.

[VanMan]

Lee lines to Chipper to end the game.

Final score, Braves 8, Cubs 6

W - Villareal
L - Eyre
S - Wickmann

[ryno4ever]

I hate this feeling!:(

[VanMan]

I hate this feeling!:(
The way the offense has been going tonight, you'd think we'll win a few of these, but the pitching has to click at the same time. Lou just needs to keep the pot a boiling, get the guys to play their best, and things will come around. Just have to clean up the mistakes, throw strikes on the mound, and play solid baseball. This team can do it. They just have to forget that they are "Cubs" and just play like a good team out there.