Chicago Cubs 2008 This Is the Year!!!

Kingpin · June 15, 2008 8:17AM

Let's here opinions on why or why not THIS IS THE YEAR

perkdog · June 15, 2008 8:40AM

I still say if the Red Sox can do it so can the Cubs. They need to go out and grab the best pitcher available as another starter or shore up that middle relief ( or add two for both ) If they seriously find themselves with a good shot to win the division they should do whatever it takes to make the team better. Now or never attitude!

megatron · June 15, 2008 8:56AM

I would mostly agree with Perkdog. Although I don't think we will go out and target middle relief (which has been good thus far), we will make a strong pitch for the best starting pitchers available. I think we may also target a left handed bat if available. Problem? Everyone else is also looking for these slots. However, the Cubs have a pretty good system to dig into to offer prospects.

However, we haven't done anything yet. We have a tough road ahead of us with many of our games coming on the road against top pitching staffs (TB and the White Sox (although at home) are next, for instance).

I am happy and feeling good, but there is lots of time left. Don't let the loser Wrigley fans try to convince you otherwise.

stevek · June 15, 2008 5:57PM

Phillies - Cubs would make a great NL pennant playoff. I won't even talk smack if that playoff series occurs - if the Phillies can't do it, it would be nice to see the Cubs in the World Series.

edmundfitzgerald · June 15, 2008 9:36PM

My only negative on the Cubs this year is that I think Pinella would be hard pressed to manage three winning series in a row.
If his club gives him 8-2 victories the whole time, then he won't be a factor. But if he has a say in the outcomes, then I think
another club wins. Lou had all those great Seattle teams in the late 90's and couldn't get them over the top. However, he did sweep
the heavily favored A's in the 1990 series with the Reds. The Reds were just on fire in the playoffs, and Lou just sat back and enjoyed.
I hope the Cubs get to the series. If they do, it may be the most watched series in the history of baseball. They certainly have the
club to get there. Good luck Cubbies.

Kingpin · June 16, 2008 6:19AM

I do think the Cubs have what is needed to win it all, even a little depth to overcome an occasional injury (Soriano). Edmonds has actually surprised me with his glove and to a lesser effect, his bat. Another SP would be nice, but not at the expense of numerous prospects. Felix Pie is one I would dangle to see who bites. I keep having images of Corey Patterson who never lived up to his advanced billing.

Blackborder · July 31, 2008 1:53AM

I thought they were going to melt down vs the Brewers. Now they're 4 games up. They may actually win the division at least.

Morgoth · July 31, 2008 3:49AM

Well about Lou, you can see a huge difference between him and Baker right? I think Lou is perfect for this team and town.

Has any one teams off season and in season moves been pitch perfect as the Cubs?

Bring in Fisheydome, regarded as Ichiro light at best, has awful spring training but starts off hot out of the gates and relieves pressure on Lee and Ramirez to produce.

Convert Dempster back to a starter. Guy has a sub 1.20 WHIP and a sub 3.00 ERA and is their number 3 starter!!!!!! Can't get much better than that.

Convert Wood to closer. Not as big a risk as was thought with Marmol #2. But Marmol struggled at points this year and that brings up.

Samardja- yeah we just happen to have a guy throwing 98 with a great off speed pitch, just waiting for a chance.

Trade for Hardin- Pitched lights out so far, even if he does get hurt it's not like they don't have prett good depth around him and they didn't give much up. If healthy in the playoffs they roll out Zambrano, Hardin and Dempster.

Trade for Gaudin- underrated and pitching great, saved their butts many times already. With him and Samardja coming to the pen already with Howry and Marmol, and Wood coming back (just a blister folks) you gotta say they have the best pen in MLB.

They also have had key contributions from their little guys like Derosa and Theriot. But with Soriano getting healthy I can see them going through weeks with him, Lee or Ramirez carrying the club so each doesn't feel like they have to do it all. Takes alot of pressure off. If they sweep and go 5 up I don't see how they lose it.

JeremyDie1 · July 31, 2008 4:00AM

I agree Morgoth. Don't forget about a all star catcher and a solid veteren like Jim Edmonds helping contribute too.

Morgoth · July 31, 2008 4:02AM

Yeah forgot best hitting catcher in the NL now. WTF cubs, give Ramirez back to the Pirates you owe us one.

DaBeef · July 31, 2008 5:19AM

Hear.

Ya just jinxed them!

Bosox1976 · July 31, 2008 12:56PM

Sweep of the Brewers was sweeeeeet

Connecticoin · July 31, 2008 11:49PM

Cubs are looking good. Let's hope Pinella will not sit on his ass if they start choking key playoff games away (I don't think he will).

Blackborder · August 1, 2008 11:12PM

They're still 4 up, even after the loss.

Bosox1976 · August 3, 2008 6:51AM

Train kept a'rollin ...

gumbyfan · August 3, 2008 10:32AM

<< <i>Sweep of the Brewers was sweeeeeet >>

It's still early.

Blackborder · August 4, 2008 1:09AM

5 up.

Blackborder · August 6, 2008 1:23AM

48 to go and still 5 up.

Blackborder · August 8, 2008 9:23PM

5 up and 46 to go.

Blackborder · August 14, 2008 7:04AM

Double header sweep. 4 up and 42 to go.

JeremyDie1 · August 14, 2008 7:09AM

We know the Cubs can win at home. Now they are proving they can win away from Wrigley.Since the all star break, they have gone 10-6 and have won seven in a row on the road.

Bosox1976 · August 15, 2008 11:38AM

Another big win tonight --- pinch hit 3 run HR in the 9th to win it.

9 in a row ON THE ROAD ???!!!

Go cubs Go!

Blackborder · August 18, 2008 1:41AM

5.5 up, 38 to go.

Blackborder · August 21, 2008 9:33PM

They're #1 in the SI power rankings.

Blackborder · August 26, 2008 2:06AM

5 up and 31 to go.

PROMETHIUS88 · August 26, 2008 12:28PM

My Cubs tatoo is starting to tingle the closer we get!

ripkenintheminors · August 26, 2008 12:54PM

Geovany Soto bailed out Ronny Cedeno tonight. Ronny has to know to push the bunt to third and not first with runners on first and second.

gumbyfan · August 26, 2008 1:11PM

Soto picked up my fantasy squad BIGTIME tonight. It doesn't hurt that Jimmy Rollins is having monster night for me, too. And John Lackey.

Blackborder · August 28, 2008 6:57AM

6 up and 29 to go. I think when they swept the Brewers series, it was the turning point. I'm not sure that even the Cubs could screw this up at this point.

JeremyDie1 · August 28, 2008 12:18PM

84-50.. WOW!

PROMETHIUS88 · August 28, 2008 12:49PM

Would make it even nicer if we didn't have to see post after post about Mets this and Phillies that. We got the best team in the NL and we still have to hear about these two friggin' pretenders. Please!
Go Cubs!

downtown · August 30, 2008 12:22AM

85-50

Best record in basball!

Blackborder · August 31, 2008 12:51AM

5.5 up and 26 to go. I'd love to see the Cubs win the WS exactly 100 years since the last one. Lame for sure, but poetic nonetheless.

WinPitcher · August 31, 2008 4:46AM

The Cubs winning the WS would be great for baseball.

Steve

stevek · September 1, 2008 1:56AM

If the Phillies don't do it, I hope the Cubs do.

WinPitcher · September 2, 2008 7:07AM

Don't worry the Phillies won't.

Steve

Blackborder · September 2, 2008 9:03PM

I shouldn't have underestimated the Cubs ability to lose. Dropped 4 straight. Luckily, the Brewers dropped 2 as well.

4.5 up and 23 to go.

You better win Cubbies, the fans can't take another 100 years of losing.

thenarcissus01 · September 4, 2008 4:43AM

Right now they just need to get healthy. Carlos Zambrano has right rotator cuff tendinitis and inflammation.

stown · September 4, 2008 6:54AM

Who's your daddy?

Blackborder · September 5, 2008 1:19AM

Thanks to the Brewers imploding as well, the Cubs are still 5 up with 22 to go.

thenarcissus01 · September 5, 2008 2:14AM

As long as they don't turn into the 07 mets, I think they will be alright.

Blackborder · September 10, 2008 1:29AM

The Cubs are doing their best to hand this to the Brewers, they just won't take it. 4.5 up and 18 to go.

Blackborder · September 15, 2008 2:00AM

No hitter last night. 7.5 up and 15 to go. The Brewers only have 12 to go but 6 are against the Cubs. They'd pretty much have to win all of them to win the division.

I think the Cubs have this locked up at this point.

ripkenintheminors · September 15, 2008 4:43AM

On top of all of this the Brewers have just fired their Manager. The only way this can get any better for me is if the Cubs can knock the Brewers out of the playoffs for good.

JeremyDie1 · September 15, 2008 6:04AM

Cubs gave up one hit in two games. The offense was just as good. Bring on Milwaukee.

IrishMike · September 15, 2008 6:07AM

Why fire Yost now?

JeremyDie1 · September 15, 2008 6:19AM

I can only guess but it sounds like they are worried of a possible repeat of last year? Looking for a spark or anything to get the team going.

IrishMike · September 15, 2008 6:41AM

Here's a quote from Melvin, sounds like chickenbleep to me.

"Ned gave us 95% of the schedule with a chance to (make the playoffs). We'll leave it up to Dale to see if he can figure it out the rest of the way. Ned admitted he didn't know why this is happening. I don't think he was totally shocked.

"That's the part that's difficult for me. Ned's never quit on me, never quit on his players, never quit on his coaches. I feel like I'm quitting a little bit on Ned by not giving him a chance (to finish the season) but he said he understands."

ripkenintheminors · September 16, 2008 12:12PM

white flag time

Magic #: 4

Blackborder · September 17, 2008 1:29AM

The Brewers are done. They may not even make the wildcard.

The Cubs are the best National League team, maybe MLB. At this point, hopefully they won't choke in the playoffs.

ripkenintheminors · September 18, 2008 1:05PM

4 runs with 2 outs in the 9th and the Cubs win it in extras.

Magic #=2

Chicago Cubs 2008 This Is the Year!!!

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