The Falcons walk through the beaten and bruised sign that withstood the tornado for warm-ups.
A constant rythmn is used to keep warm-ups going and on beat.
Coach Thomas commands his team from a distance, having complete control and trust in his team.
Coach Thomas and the Falcons hit the field moments before their game against St. Ansgar.
(Photo Courtesy http://www.nytimes.com/)
ED THOMAS
Ed Thomas has led the Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons to the playoffs 18 times and has played in six state championships with the Falcons coming out on top in two. But his 19th trip, the 2008 football season was different from all other trips.
On May 25, 2008 an EF5 tornado ravaged through the town of Parkersburg. Six Parkersburg residents died during the storm.
The entire south part of town was gone, City Hall destroyed, the building that was the high school lay in shambles.
When the town needed someone to lift them up, Ed Thomas was there with the Aplington-Parkersburg Falcons football team right by his side. For the citizens of Parkersburg, and the community of A-P football gives them the chance to get away from their daily lives. Football is the pride of their town.
When it came time to pick up the pieces and start over it wasn’t a surprise what was the first priority. Cleaning up and restoring the football field made its way to the top of the list.
“I didn’t look for anybody to turn to me, but that is just my nature to step up and get going,” Thomas said.
“I always tell the players and parents that if the only thing they learn in our program is how to play football then we have failed as coaches,” Thomas said. “To me it is about all the intangibles that will help make them successful in life to be better dads, husbands and members of their church and community.”
He teaches his players about commitment, dedication, work ethic and putting individual egos aside. For Thomas, this all begins with the seniors.
He doesn’t have team captains but instead uses a system of senior leaders. Each year after the winter season sports end, Thomas begins talking to the juniors who will be seniors and guides them through a six week leadership program.
It is within this program that Thomas instills his beliefs of putting others ahead of yourself and making a sacrifice for the sake of the team.
Every January Thomas gets his next class of seniors-to-be together and begins talking to them about their goals and being accountable for everything they do. Each senior selects a group of the returning players that they are held accountable for. Thomas puts the team in his seniors’ hands and asks them to lead by example. The end goal is to make these men more than just football players. It is to help them develop a servant mentality and have them come together as a family.
And in the backdrop of disaster, the family showed up for the one who taught them what they knew.
Below is a video of A-P's first home game since the tornado and includes a very emotional pregame speech from Coach Ed Thomas.
What is wrong with baseball today? I think it is the lack of parity in the sport compared to football and basketball.
In any sport you play, either team can win on a given day, but in baseball you are more apt to find uneven teams playing each other on a regular basis. Where as in football and basketball the teams are on a more level playing field on a more consistent basis.
So what would make baseball more competitive? Have the owners and players stop their arguing and finally agree on a salary cap.
The Yankees this past week offered C.C. Sabathia a contract worth $140 million. The Marlins total team payroll for 2008 was just over $21 million. Now how can a team like the Marlins compete for free agents and the top talent with teams like the Yankees when the large market teams offer players such large amounts of money.
A salary cap would level the playing field and give the small market teams a chance to sign quality athletes. It would make every game of the 162 game schedule count. It would give reason to why the season is so long. No longer would you have the Kansas City Royals being the joke of the league. They would have the same chance at the talent every other team would.
We would no longer be shocked to see a team like the Tampa Bay Rays make it to the World Series and the Yankees wouldn't be paying $3 million more in luxury tax than the Marlins did in payroll.
Level the cap, level the playing field, better the game.
At least that's what I think, what about you?
Breaking away from the Cubs for a bit here I recently placed a call to my best friend from back home to "remember the good old days".
Patrick and I grew up always playing sports together. He was a year older than me so his senior year was a bittersweet moment for both of us because it was the last time we would be competing on the same field together.
Talking to him brought up so many memories of football, basketball and track that it made both of us realize just how much we miss it. Having been obsessed with the movie Top Gun, Pat nicknamed us Maverick and Goose due to our friendship.
We were always known by parents and friends as the two guys on the team that never quit no matter the score. Pat and I both look back on that now as what made us such good friends.
"I don't really know how we got along so well when you were are darn Hawkeye fan," Pat said.
It's true, we were so different that we worked so well together, on and off the field. We always would challenge each other to be better no matter if it was on the football field, the track or the hardwood.
We would always give each other a hard time for mistakes we made and pushed each other constantly.
"Yeah, you remember when you dropped that sure pick 6 against Guthrie?"
Yeah, I remember it well, but Pat doesn't let me ever attempt to even try and forget it.
No matter what the score was we were always playing to the final whistle and never gave up. It's what made our bond so strong. We both knew we would never let up and let the other one down.
"That's something my mom always would say," Pat said. "She always said that by the end of games you and I seemed to be the only ones still trying, even when we were losing by 40."
Basketball and track were full of moments Pat and I could talk about forever, but the memory that stands out the most was our final football game of his senior year.
We weren't the best team by any means that year. Actually we had a lot of problems! Our starting quarterback got hurt the second game of the year and left us playing an experienced and much less talented quarterback. For most of the year, it was Pat and I continuing to work and never giving up as we suffered devastating loss after loss.
We finally got our quarterback back for the finally three games and were able to put things together on both sides of the ball for the first time all year. Heading into Pat's senior night we were 2-7 and knew this would be the final football game we would ever play together.
We were playing against are biggest rival, the Earlham Cardinals and the game had so much emotion involved in it. We weren't fighting for the playoffs or anything but there was a lot at stake against are rivals and it being the end to our season.
I remember standing there with Pat before we headed down for special teams, "One last time kid".
Pat and I both will always remember this game because our team came out differently than we had all year. We had a different level of emotion that surrounded our team. All the details of the game elude both of our memories to be exactly correct. But we both ended with interceptions against the Earlham quarterback, who ironically became one our good friends now in college.
The one moment that stands out to both of us is that our last football game together, we won. No matter what had happened that year, all of the tough losses and all the sweat and tears that went into trying to get better, it all ended with a W.
I will forever remember the moment in the locker room following the game when Pat didn't want to leave, didn't want to give up the jersey. It was an odd feeling to have as I knew I would have another year to play football. My time wasn't up yet but it seemed as if it was. No longer would I be on the same field as my "wing man". It was almost like it was over for me as well because everything would be different from that point on. The guy who always pushed me every day in practice would no longer be there.
As I was picking up my things and getting ready to head home, I gave Pat a hug and thanked him for all we had done together in football. Our time playing football was up but the memories we had together would live on forever. And so for one last time we were the final people to exit our locker room after the game, not quite wanting it to end so quickly.
3:05 PM - Game is just about to get underway in about ten minutes. Big news for the start of this game is "Big Ben" Roethlisberger is said to be making the start.
The explosive offense of the Colts will have a tremendous task in front of them going up against the Steel Curtain defense of the Steelers. Should be a good game.
3:15 PM - Game starts with the Colts kicking off. Gang tackled at the 22. Roethlisberger takes the field.
1st Quarter
14:00 - Colts defensive seems completely different with Bob Sanders in the game. Much more physical.
Willie Parker is out with an injury today.
11:00 - 23 yard catch by Holmes gets the Steelers into the red zone
10:07 - Big Ben looks sharp to start out. Steelers now first and goal.
9:07 - TOUCHDOWN STEELERS! They made it look way too easy there. The Colts defense needs to figure out how to make a stop soon or it could be a long day. Steelers up 7-0
Drive Summary - 10 plays, 62 yards in 5:53 and Roethlisberger went 4-4 for 48 yards.
7:41 - TOUCHDOWN COLTS! 65 yard pass, tipped then caught by Reggie Wayne, he did the rest. Colts tie it up.
Not how they draw it up in practice but it still counts. Big play for the Colts to come back and answer right back.
Drive Summary - 77 yards on 4 plays, 1:26 TOP
6:15 - Steelers go 3 and out. Finally the Colts got some pressure on Roethlisberger. Colts set to take the field again.
You know, having to watch some of these commercial it makes me respect soccer that much more. What would football be like if they just played straight through without all of these television time outs? I want to watch the game not learn about Viagra!
5:24 - Iowa alum Dallas Clark with a big 3rd down conversion. First down Colts.
3:20 - Manning goes down for the first sack in 119 dropbacks.
End of 1st Quarter - very hard hitting game thus far.
2nd Quarter
13:53 - Flea-flicker! Leads to another Steelers score. TOUCHDOWN STEELERS!
11:49 - Steelers defense holds again. Colts still haven't got much going offensively.
8:46 - The Steelers defense is blanketing the Colts right now. Manning is having to try and thread needles to complete anything. Colts are going to have to figure things out quickly to get anything going against the solid defense of the Steelers.
4:35 - The Colts defense has spent the better part of the first half on the field. Manning and the offense have only been on the field for a little over 8 minutes so far.
Side note - Maybe it's just because I still am way too excited about the Hawks winning yesterday, but looking at the Steelers and Colts uniforms, they look oddly similar to that of Iowa's and Penn St's respectively.
4:15 - FIELD GOAL STEELERS! 17-7 Steelers.
2:55 - Marvin Harrison hauls in a catch to extend his consecutive games with a catch streak to 184....next play...drops a sure touchdown.
2 MINTUE WARNING - Colts need to get some points here heading into the break to have a chance in the second half.
1:52 - When they needed it the most the Colts couldn't get anything going. First time they had the ball in Steeler territory and come away with nothing to show for it. Steeler defense is just simply outplaying the Colts right now.
1:24 - INTERCEPTION COLTS! They have second life now, let's see what they can do with it.
:28 - Big penalty on the Steelers. Bad time to have your first penalty of the game. Sets up a first and goal for the Colts.
:06 - TOUCHDOWN COLTS! DALLAS CLARK! Big score for the Colts. Now they will get the ball to start the second half down only 3.
End of 1st Half - Steelers had everything going their way. but Roethlisberger threw one bad pass and let the Colts right back into the game. Should lead to a good second half.
2nd Half Keys For the Colts - They need to find a way to sustain more drives and give their defense a chance to rest. Manning has had mutiple balls tipped by the Steeler defense. If he isn't careful it could cost him in the 2nd half.
2nd Half Keys For the Steelers - They just need to keep doing what they are doing. A dominating performance by the defense thus far although the score doesn't show that. One score was on a tipped ball that landed just right for the Colts and the other came off of Roethlisberger's poor throwing decision and allowed the Colts to get back into the game.
Start of 2nd Half
3rd Quarter
Colts to get the ball first. See if they made some adjustments to steady the offense some.
12:30 - Colts seem to be moving the ball much better here to start the 2nd half. I like how smart the Colts' receivers are to avoid taking the big hit and just getting the yards they can.
8:18 - Marvin Harrison drops another catchable ball and the Colts will have to settle for a field goal attempt.
8:14 - FIELD GOAL COLTS! 17-17
4:40 - The Colts have a chance here to do something on this drive. Big moment in the game if the Colts can take the lead.
3:07 - Reggie Wayne obviously went to church this past week as the good Lord has blessed him with another tipped catch. 1st and 10 Colts.
1:51 - Tyrone Carter delivers a huge hit on Anthony Gonzalez. Forces the Colts to punt.
End of 3rd Quarter -It was tough going for both sides in the 3rd. Should make for quite the final 15 minutes. Colts have played better in the 2nd half.
4th Quarter
10:54 - Steelers are putting together a very good drive here. First and goal at the 5.
8:40 - HUGE stop by the Colts with their backs against the endzone. Forces the Steelers to settle for a field goal attempt.
7:57 - FIELD GOAL STEELERS! That drive lasted 8:27! 20-17
The Colts are going to need to put a drive over their own together and match the Steelers here.
6:13 - Big stop by the Steelers. Question now is how much time will Manning have left to orchestrate a comeback and how much will he be down at that point?
4:44 - INTERCEPTION COLTS! Tim Jennings comes up big for the Colts. Gives Manning and the Colts offense another life.
3:04 - TOUCHDOWN COLTS! You can't keep giving Manning more chances. Sooner or later it is going to turn around and bite you. Finally for the Steelers it bit them.
24-20 Colts
Roethlisberger has just under 3 minutes left to lead his team back. 1st and 10 from their own 27
:48 - First down Steelers. But they need a touchdown right now!
:43 - Big holding call. Leads to a 1st and 20.
:35 - Roethlisberger goes down! Timeout Steelers. They are almost out of chances here.
A final desperation throw by Roethlisberger is intercepted by the Colts as time expires. Colts pull off a big one on the road.
COLTS WIN 24-20 in a very physical contest
POST GAME THOUGHTS - The Colts overcame a sluggish 1st half to win a very important road game. With the Titans pulling away as division leaders, the Colts needed to start a winning streak here to keep fighting for a wild card spot. When they needed a big play the most, the Colts were able to come up with it Sunday evening. Roethlisberger performed well considering concerns over his shoulder. It is a tough loss for the Steelers to face, but it was a battle from start to finish and the ball just didn't bounce their way in the end.
So I was going to wait until this coming week to put together my off-season predictions for the Cubs, but obviously even Jim Hendry is antsy to put 2008 behind him and get ready for 2009.
As a Cubs fan I can't imagine a better way to wake up the last couple of days then to see reports that the Cubs are going after Jake Peavy, are leading contenders for Jake Peavy and now apparently are quite likely going to land Jake Peavy from all indications.
The thing for me right now is, how much will we have to give up for Peavy? Names that have been thrown around include: Felix Pie, Rich Hill, Sean Marshall, Ronny Cedeno, Mike Fontenot and Donald Veal.
Recent reports have also included the possibility of Jeff Samardzija being included as well.
However, today, Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald states that neither Samardzija nor Fontenot have been included yet. He also mentions a few other prospects within the Cubs organization that the great Jim Hendry could possibly include as well.
There are some minor rumors that feel that the Cubs may be including another team in the deal to get enough prospects together to get Peavy, but I think the Cubs have enough in-house guys to get the job done.
Unfortunately, acquiring Peavy may limit the rest of the moves the Cubs can make this off-season, but I think it is a necessary move to make. As long as they don't have to give up the entire system I think you take whatever deal you can get. After that you do whatever else you can. One thing I know this does though is prove that Jim Hendry doesn't give up on anything and more often than not gets his man.
Plus how good would a Big Z, Peavy, Harden, Dempster and Lilly rotation look if everything works out well this off-season?
That's right sports fans, DePaul University has done the impossible.
Course number ISP 102-709: Chicago Cubs, taught by professor Blair Banwart and assisted by Ed Pniak.
The syllabus includes a look at the history of the club since the 1870s and its effect on the surrounding community.
Class field trips to Cubs games and a daily conversation about what it means to be a Cubs fan.
By now you must be thinking the same thing as me...can this be real?
But there are papers and projects, like any other class. Each student must write a recap of their Cubs game experience and, for a final paper, a study of how the Cubs mix with society, such as club charities.
It has become one of the most popular classes at DePaul...only question now is what will it take for it to make its way to the University of Iowa?
So it's rather obvious that the Cubs need some pitching help. Mainly in the middle relief.
Rumors have the Cubs in the lead for Japanese pitcher Junichi Tazawa. Tazawa throws a mid-90s fastball, a 12-6 overhand curveball and a split-finger fastball as part of his repertoire.
My personal opinion is get rid of Marquis and sign Tazawa. The guy has darn good stuff and is worth the risk. Plus it wouldn't hurt for the Cubs to have a fellow Japanese player on the roster for Fukudome.
With the Phillies victory in game 5, the 2008 season officially ended and the rumors started circulating.
First things first, players can file for free agency.
The Cubs have had 8 players decide to test the market this off season: Ryan Dempster, Kerry Wood, Jim Edmonds, Bob Howry, Henry Blanco, Daryle Ward, Jon Lieber and Chad Fox.
My thoughts:
Blanco's option was decline, more than likely so the Cubs can resign him for a lower figure and free up some money to spend this winter.
Dempster and Wood have to be the key guys to get back. Some say Wood is expendable because we have Marmol as a closer in the wings, but with Wood the Cubs have dominate pitching for the 8th and 9th secured...Hendry needs to and has these two at the top of his winter wish list.
Howry, Lieber and Fox are gone. Lieber is getting to be old and spent much of the '08 season injured. Fox was never able to find a spot in the bullpen and will look for work elsewhere. Bobby Howry spent most of the season in Lou's dog house as he couldn't produce with any consistency. I doubt the Cubs resign him and look to other places for help in the bullpen.
The wild card is Jim Edmonds. He has told his agent he wants to play in '09 so what do the Cubs do. Edmonds was a key part to what the Cubs did in '08 and I would be tempted to see what he could do in '09 for the Cubs as well. The Cubs need left handed bats...that's Edmonds. They need outfield help....that's Edmonds. They need proven winners...that's Edmonds. At worst keep him as an insurance policy that Fukudome and Johnson don't go into huge slumps and gives the Cubs another outfield arm for Lou to use.
(Photo Courtesy of www.mlb.com) Small little tidbit of info here that I found on the Cubs website. It appears as if before the season started Hollywood contacted the Cubs to film the 2008 season.
Here is the link to the story: Upcoming film to focus on 2008 Cubs
One would think this documentary was ruined with the October collapse of the Cubs, but directors of the piece say, "Winning the World Series would've been icing on the cake for us".
The film will include the normal figureheads of the Chicago Cubs, but also include unexpected appearances from those such as Playboy executive Hugh Hefner.
This all should make for an interesting film considering the directors are saying it was more about the passion and tradition of the Cubs and Cubs fans.
As the last line in the article states, maybe there might be a sequel next year when the Cubs win it all.
Hey, one can only believe right!
Personally, I think a good sports film beats out some of the best drama and action movies. The pure emotion that fuels sports films is on a level of its own.
Here is my list of the top 10 sports movies to date. Feel free to comment if you disagree.
10. For the Love of the Game - Not a movie that everyone knows of, but being a huge baseball fan this movie had to make it into my top ten. Kevin Costner plays a washed up veteran pitcher who has flashbacks through his career. I think it is a must see for any baseball fanatic.
9. Friday Night Lights - For me it's a perfect example of football in a small town. It leaves out the fluff and partying that you see in Varsity Blues and sticks to the pure passion of football in Texas.
8. Rudy - It is the ultimate example of the average joe making a difference and making his dream come true. Rudy is the first sports movie I remember watching a will always rank highly with me.
7. Major League - A true classic baseball film. Maybe it's just that at a young age I was amazed by a closer coming out to the song Wild Thing or the phrase, "Throw them the heat Rick".
6. Remember the Titans - Thie movie just gives me goosebumps at a number of spots. How pure hatred turns into a united team is amazing. The coming together the whites athletes and black athletes is a truly moving story.
5. Rocky IV - I could easily have included the first four Rocky movies individually in my top ten but I decided to just stick with one. I know many people would pick the original Rocky, but for some reason Rocky IV sticks with me. It must be because I like the suspense and dramtic endings in sports and you can't get much better than Rocky knocking out the best of the USSR in Moscow during the Cold War.
4. Bull Durham - An oldie but a good one. Just a great baseball film. Since I can't really explain why, just take a look at this speech given by Kevin Costner. (Excuse some of the language in the speech)
3. Field of Dreams - Maybe it is just Kevin Costner's baseball films I like, but this is the 3rd one in my top ten and is the best baseball movie there is. It goes back into the history of baseball and leaves me in awe every time I watch it. It pretty much ends the arguement of what America's pasttime is...it is baseball.
2. Hoosiers - Small town Indiana basketball. This movies shows how it doesn't take the best athletes to win, just a team coming together for one common goal. It's old school, small gym basketball at it's finest and will go down as not only one of my top sports movies of all time but should be included on everyone's list.
1. Miracle - Alone this is an epic moment in the history of sports and Disney did not disappoint with their movie. Much like Rocky IV, it pits the Soviets vs. the Americans. The passion that surrounded this moment in time is the epitome of sports I feel and shows the true American spirit.
The final seconds should give just about everyone goosebumps...
DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!!!
Mark Grace was a teammate in every sense of the word. He spent eleven years with the Chicago Cubs as a dependable first baseman.
Okay so I apologize to everyone who may be looking for my latest Cubs blog to be posted here, but I came across something that as an avid hater of the Iowa State Cyclones I couldn't pass up sharing with everyone.
Now I am sorry, but this made me fall over laughing the first time I saw it. One would think they should worry more about their on the field play instead of having to make such a dramatic entrance.
Apologies for deviating from the Cubs, but I saw this as a must share piece.
The Cubs inked Jim Hendry to a four-year extension, making him the Cubs Gm through the 2012 season.
As a Cubs fan, one has to have a sense of humor to survive after disappointing post season defeats like this year.
Check out this Saturday Night Live bit featuring Cubs fan Bill Murray.
Even for the most extreme of Cubs fans, this bit brings out at least a small laugh. But the look on Bill Murray's face throughout is absolutely priceless!
(Photo Courtesy baseballistic.wordpress.com)
Photo courtsey of www.dailyillini.com The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Rich Harden will not need surgery on his right shoulder, and the Cubs exercised the $7 million club option on the right-hander for 2009.
The Daily Herald reported that the Cubs will bring back the entire coaching staff for 2009.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Cubs will be players again this coming off-season for Brian Roberts and for CC Sabathia.
MLB Trade Rumors reported a number of rooms surrounding the Cubs for this coming off-season including going after Rafael Furcal and a left-handed bat.
(Photo courtesy of www.baseballhalloffame.org)So Cub nation is going to have to wait another year before possibly ending their World Series drought after being swept by the Dodgers in the NLDS.
The Cubs pitching staff was unable to keep the Dodgers off the scoreboard and the Cubs bats were about as silent as they had been all season long. For the first time all year overall team defense was as questionable as ever.
Consulting a sleep doctor to obtain proper sleep for the team and a blessing by a priest couldn't even help this team get over the hump.
I don't have any answers for what went wrong, because just about everything did go wrong. But I am one Cubs fan who is going to try and look to the bright future ahead instead of looking at what went wrong in the past.
Best of luck to the Dodgers, they are a very strong team. Their pitching is clutch and their order top to bottom is as dangerous if not more so then any other team remaining in the playoffs.
With the season now over for the Cubs, I will now look to the off season and look into what the Cubs should do to improve for next season as well as analyze any moves the Cubs do make.
So tonight's Game 1 performance by the Cubs was less then desirable. After DeRosa's two run homer the team was unable to string together anything against Lowe and the Dodger bullpen.
Dempster's performance - Dempster had the least amount of control over his pitches that I have seen so far this season. He was able to work his way out of early troubles but ended up getting bit by his lack of control in the 5th inning.
Defense - I was pleasantly surprised with the outfield work of Soriano tonight. His running catch into the ivy showed me that he is improving as an outfielder. Earlier in the season he would have slowed up and fielded it off of the wall. Our defense was very good tonight, especially Fukudome's play in foul territory.
Offense - DeRosa's home run was about all the Cubs could put together off of the Dodgers tonight. In order to win the series the Cubs bats are going to have to come alive and help support the pitching staff.
Prediction for Game 2 - I have faith in Big Z to come out and put the Cubs on his back and lead them to a Game 2 victory to tie the series at 1-1.
(Photo courtesy of www.boysofspring.com)
(Photo courtesy of www.cubbienation.com)
For the Cubs this postseason, I think that the man who will become a star is Ryan Dempster.
Let me explain myself.
Why not Z?
Zambrano is a horse, no doubt about that there. Without him on the Cubs, there would be no way we would be in the position we are in. However, I feel he is more like what Curt Schilling was for Boston back in 2004.
Now he won’t have a bloody sock or anything but Big Z is the backbone of the Cubs rotation. I just see him doing what he does best though during the playoffs.
His recent struggles have me worried to call him the star for the Cubs right now.
Rich Harden made me think a little on this one.
Granted he hasn’t had the deepest of outings since joining the Cubs, but in the postseason pitch counts don’t matter only winning does. Harden is 5-1 with the Cubs this season and carries a dominant 1.77 ERA.
Only problem with calling Harden the star is that his dominance has only lasted an average of just under 6 innings a start. So many of his games are left up to the bullpen to decide and that is why Harden has ended up with 6 no decisions as well with the Cubs.
Harden’s stuff is filthy and he has shown his dominance to the National League since joining the Cubs but he comes in a close second to the star in waiting…Dempster.
When I first thought about my response to this question, Ryan Dempster was the first name to come to mind. His move from closer to starter might have been one of the best off-season moves made for the Cubs. His spot in the rotation has been incredibility important in the success of the Cubs.
He has compiled a 17-6 record in his first year back from the bullpen. His previous best was 15 wins in 2001.
Some people may be worried about his endurance to continue pitching so well in his first season starting again, but I think people underestimate Dempster’s conditioning. He worked extremely hard in the off-season to prepare himself for this season and that work has obviously paid off.
Against the 4 other teams in the playoff picture right now Dempster is 5-0 in 7 starts. That stat alone is very promising. Z is 2-2 in 8 starts and Harden is 2-0 in 5 starts.
To me Dempster has been the steady hand all year long for the Cubs. If Lou didn’t feel the same way there is no way he would be starting Game 1 of the NLDS.
He doesn’t have to do anything special, just keep doing what he has done all year. He consistently keeps the Cubs in ballgames and I think it will all pay off come the postseason.
All of this talk about the Cubs resting some of their regulars as the playoffs draw near is starting to bother me.
Watching the Cubs/Brewers game today on Fox, Sweet Lou was asked about resting his team and it seemed that he was getting rather tired of talking about it as well.
I am tired of hearing that just because we play some of our reserves we aren't trying to compete. I think the Brew Crew and Ben Sheets found out today that even our reserves compete too.
No matter who Lou puts out on to the field those nine guys are going to compete. They are not just going to roll over and give up! A number of them are still fighting for a roster spot in the playoffs!
Yes, the Cubs have been able to rest some of their regulars, but they have put a team out there that has stood toe to toe against the two teams left trying to win the Wild Card.
I don't know how the rest of you feel but I don't think the Cubs are trying to screw over the Brewers or the Mets and are playing these games fairly. Lou has done the same thing against the Brewers that he did with the series in New York.
Honestly, I have a feeling that the Brewers and Mets will end up playing a playoff on Monday to decide the Wild Card...which is the way I feel it should be anyways!
Feel free to let me know how you feel though!
Frank Chance got his nickname "The Peerless Leader" after he led the Chicago Cubs to four pennants in five years (1906-1910).
So everyone knows that the Cubs have faced 100 years of heartbreak and losing seasons since their last World Series, but some great players have come through Chicago during that time as well.
A new feature on this blog will include a feature honoring the great Cubs of the past with a weekly profile of the player.
Look for the first great Cub profile to be posted soon!
Everybody knew that yesterday's game against the Cardinals was going to include a lot of bench players and September call-ups since the Cubs had clinched the Central on Saturday. It was interesting listening to Len and Bob call the game on t.v. because it seemed they had to let the audience know who some of these guys were, almost like a spring training game all over again.
However, don't think for a second that this was just a throw away game for the Cubs. The players who took the field may not be fighting for a starting role, but they are fighting for consideration within the Cubs organization.
For the pitchers in the bullpen...this last week is an audition for a spot in the playoffs.
Chad Gaudin made his come back from back problems.
Jeff Samardzija is trying to solidify his role in the middle innings.
Bob Howry is trying to right his arm and get it ready for the playoffs.
Even little known Randy Wells is making an impression on management.
I feel that the Cubs bullpen will be an important part of the Cubs having a successful postseason and at least 2 if not 3 of the names mentioned above will figure into that scenario.
Yesterday's game I feel is a perfect example of the Cubs team this year. No matter what inning it is, the Cubs are not out of it. The Cubs have proved time and time again that you can never count them out.
Examples of the never say die Cubs:
April 23 - Ryan Theriot's two-out, RBI single in the 10th inning.
May 28 - Soto ties it in the 9th, Soriano wins it in the 10th.
May 30 - DeRosa caps improbable 8 run comeback against Rockies.
August 8 - Blanco comes through in the 11th.
August 15 - Ward's pitch-hit blast wins it for the Cubs.
September 18 - Soto's 3-run 9th inning blast sends game into extras, Lee ends it in the 12th.
When the pitching isn't perfect and there is a minor let down by the bullpen the Cubs offense seems to find a way to keep the Cubs in most ballgames.
The Cubs/Astros series showed me a lot as to what type of a team the 2008 Chicago Cubs are.
The pitching performances by Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly were simply amazing.
I found myself in awe at what Lilly was able to do not even 24 hours after Zambrano's dominant performance. Zambrano had an overpowering arm on Sunday night, but Lilly did it differently. Lilly used all of his pitches to fool hitters and keep them off balance.
I personally felt that Lilly's performance was even more dominant then Zambrano's because he doesn't have the overpowering fastball that Big Z does. Lilly's ability to throw his curveball for a strike and place his fastball on both sides of the plate was truly a work of art.
The dominance of Z and Lilly though wasn't left alone. The bats also came alive against the Astros.
Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Edmonds and Soto all had a big series and have helped the Cubs trim that all important magic number down to 6.
The next three days could close out the division for the Cubs.
Here is a look at the Cubs/Brewers Series.
After worries in recent weeks about the health of the Cubs pitching staff, Harden and Zambrano put all those worries to rest.
Harden used his extra rest the Cubs gave him to pitch 6 strong innings against the Cardinals to earn his 5th "W" for the Cubs, a much needed one at that.
However, the big story comes from Big Z. Coming off of shoulder tendinitis and stating that his arm was tired, he pitches a no-hitter against the Astros in his first start back.
Some may question Lou Piniella's decision to let Big Z throw over 100 pitches considering his arm issues, but I think it was the right decision. It was exactly what the Cubs needed as they head into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Without Harden and Zambrano, the Cubs looked vulnerable the past couple of weeks, but now with a strong Harden and Zambrano the Cubs have that swagger back that Lou Piniella knew they had in them.
If these two can stay healthy, the 1-2-3 punch in the post season of Z, Harden, and Dempster is one I feel will be hard to beat.
Side note: With the Cubs victory and two losses on Sunday by the Brew Crew the Cubs now have a magic number of 7.
Here is my top ten list. Feel free to agree or disagree.
10) 2006 Rose Bowl - Vince Young leads Texas past the heavily favored USC Trojans in epic fashion to win the National Championship.
9) Lance Armstrong - He won 7 consecutive Tour de France titles after defeating cancer.
8) Michael Jordan wins 6th NBA Championship - Arguably the best player to ever play the game, Michael Jordan, hit one of the most memorable shots in the closing seconds to defeat the Utah Jazz and win his 6th NBA Championship with the Bulls.
7) Boston Winning the 2004 World Series - Overcoming being down 3 games in the ALCS against the Yankees and then going on to win the World Series, ending an 86-year drought.
6) McGwire/Sosa Home Run Race - The race to break the home run record captivated fans for an entire summer and saved the game. It brought back fans to the game after the strike had lost so many fans.
5) Boise St. wins 2007 Fiesta Bowl - After losing an 18 point lead in the 2nd half and falling behind by a touchdown with only a minute left in regulation, a series of trick plays helps Boise St. send the game into overtime and eventually defeat Oklahoma to win the Fiesta Bowl.
4) Bartman. I think that one name is too well known among Cubs fans as it is a moment that will forever live in the hearts of the Cubs' faithful.
3) Tiger Woods wins the 2008 US Open - Playing on only one good leg, Tiger played four rounds of gutsy, agonizing golf to force an 18-hole playoff against Rocco Mediate. Walking with a noticeable limp, Tiger won the championship on the first hole of sudden death.
2) Giants Super Bowl Win - Eli Manning led the Giants to the Super Bowl victory over the Patriots to deny them of their perfect season.
1) 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics - The first Olympic Games held in China that included so many story lines and memorable moments like Phelps record winning gold medal count and Usain Bolt's domination in the 100m and 200m will forever be a memorable Olympics for many reasons.
The Cubs looked to be breaking out of their slump in the early innings on Tuesday night against Kyle Lohse and the Cardinals, but fell in the ninth.
I saw everything I thought I would see in this game. I saw the Cubs coming out and being aggressive at the plate which allowed them to build an early 3-0 lead. I saw another good outing by Ryan Dempster who was able to give the Cubs 7 strong innings. If it were not for one mistake pitch to Pujols maybe Cubs fans might be feeling differently today.
However, after that game one man did let everyone know how he felt. Lou Pinella appeared to have had enough with the way his team was playing baseball currently. He sounded off to reporters stating that he didn't think his players were playing to win, but instead waiting to get beat. I took his post game comments as Lou laying down a challenge to his players to get that swagger back that he knows they have in them.
Will it come out tonight? Hopefully it does because the Cubs can rely on the Brewers slumping along with the Cubs much longer.
The past week hasn't been the best week if you have been a Cubs fan, but the only upside is that it wasn't much better for Brewers fans. Although the Cubs have struggled against the likes of the Astros and Reds I look for them to rebound this week. An off day today along with a three game set against your biggest rival is a nice way to refocus a team.
Tuesday - Dempster v. Lohse
Dempster has come up big for the Cubs time and time again this year since moving into the starting rotation from the closer role. Dempster has gone 5-2 since the All-Star break and is coming off of a quality start his last outing against the Astros. He will by vying for his 16th win of the season against Kyle Lohse. He has been a workhorse for the Cubs, one that they have relied on a lot. I look for him to not disappoint and to have another quality start.
Wednesday - Lilly v. Looper
Lilly will head into Wednesday's game coming off of his shortest outing on the season, two innings where he gave up five runs on four hits and three walks. Facing the Cardinals for the fourth time this year, he already has one win against the Redbirds and I look for him to bounce back well after his poor showing against the Reds in Cincinnati.
Thursday - Harden v Wellemeyer
I'm not sure what to expect out of Harden as he makes his first start since Aug. 29th. There have been concerns that he may be experiencing some discomfort lately, but the Cubs have said they just wanted to give him some extra rest. Harden went 3-0 in August with a 1.82 ERA. He has looked dominant in his outings thus far in the National League, but has been hampered by not being able to go very deep in games, putting the game in the hands of the bullpen. Hopefully the extra rest will benefit him and he will continue to overpower the NL. I look for another strong start from a very fresh Harden who I bet is eager to take the mound and turn things around for the Cubs.
Side Note: I am not one to worry much about "magic numbers" until they get to around five games, but for Cubs fans who want to know where we are at, they can visit this site that keeps track of the current "magic number" for the Cubs.
Cubs Magic Number
First I have to knock on wood before I begin this post in hopes that I am not putting a jinx on my dear Cubs by looking ahead to the playoffs already!
The question of who I would most like to see the Cubs face in the Divisional Series is an intriguing one with the latest struggles of the Cubs this past week. But I think the Cubs are going to turn this thing back around and head into the playoffs strong.
Worst Possible Opponent: Arizona Diamondbacks
Facing Webb/Haren/Johnson in a five game series would be extremely tough. Webb is one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors and has amazing stuff that can shut down an entire lineup 1-9. Randy Johnson pretty much owns the Cubs going 13-0 in 14 starts against the Cubs.
Difficult Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets
-Dodgers-
Both teams feature a lot of power in their lineups and it may come down to which lineup shows up healthy. The Dodgers are currently without veterans Furcal and Kent which hurt the lineup overall and I personally don't think you can count on the youth of Kemp, Either, DeWitt and Loney when they are all in the lineup together.
Plus a bullpen that has been shaky at best throughout the season with a current bullpen ERA of over 4.0. However, with Lowe, Billingsley and Kuroda in a best of five game series alongside the potential offense the Dodgers could produce is a scary idea.
-Mets-
One name...Carlos Delgado. He has been unstoppable for the Mets as of late and having him surrounded by hitters like Wright, Beltran and Reyes may prove to be a tough task. Losing Wagner as their closer may end up creating some holes in their bullpen. I'm also not sold on their starting rotation past Santana. The power they can produce, much like the Dodgers, has me worried here as well.
The Winner Is...: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies lineup worries me, but not nearly as much as the other three. One thing I have come to realize about the playoffs is that not always the best team wins, but the team that is hot at that given time. A lineup featuring Rollins, Utley, Howard, Victorino and Werth is one that could be hard to overcome if the Cubs' bats were to go silent during the series. However, I think top to bottom the Cubs feature a more powerful lineup with Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, DeRosa and Soto. The Phillies just don't have the same threat offensively, batter after batter that the Mets and Dodgers seem to have.
I think the Cubs have a true edge against the Phillies' pitching staff. The Phillies staff doesn't have an overpowering arm that stands out to be like there is for the D-Backs and Mets and in a five game set Hammels/Blanton/Moyer are all very hittable pitchers. Also, besides Lidge, who has been a very dominant closer this year, I don't see a bullpen that can shut down an opposing team on any given night.
Both lineups feature talented hitters, but the Cubs seem to have a more balanced lineup and a pitching staff that is much better then the Phillies. In the post-season you can't put a price on pitching and I think the Cubs have a clear edge here both in the rotation and in the bullpen.
For many Cubs fans the previous five games have not gone as planned. The timely hitting that Cubs fans had become accustomed to a few weeks back is now lost somewhere in the ivy covered walls of Wrigley Field.
At a time when the bats disappear, a ball club needs their pitching staff to pick them up and carry them. However, recently a few Chicago Cubs pitchers have been as clutch as they have needed to be.
Carlos Zambrano
Zambrano left Tuesday night's game against the Astros early, stating that he wasn't feeling good. This coming after his scheduled start on Sunday was pushed back to give him a few more days to rest. In his last five starts, Zambrano has a 1-1 record and 7.43 ERA. The remainder of the season for Zambrano is now one huge question mark and is one of concern for Cubs fans.
Rich Harden
Also on Tuesday the Cubs announced that they would skip Harden's next turn in the rotation to give him extra rest. He is now scheduled to start during next week's series in St. Louis. There is nothing said to be wrong with Harden. The Cubs' management had determined already to give him extra rest when they acquired him from Oakland.
What Happens Now
As a result of what has happened with Zambrano and Harden the Cubs are now relying on the back end of their rotation to carry them through the last month of the regular season. A rotation that seemed overpowering a few short weeks ago that featured Big Z - Dempster - Harden - Lilly - Marquis now seems to have a few cracks in it with question marks surrounding #1 and #3.
With 16 of the Cubs' final 22 games being on the road now is not the time to rest and jog home. The Cubs have six games remaining with both the Cardinals and the Brewers. A let down now could mean for a long September.
However, for the Cubs, Thursday's off day could not have come at a better time. The day off will allow the Cubs to head into their weekend series in Cincinnati against the depleted Reds with much needed rest as they begin the final push to October.
What will happen with Zambrano? Is Harden injured and we don't know? Both are good questions, but the Cubs have shown time and time again that they can come back from any deficit so I won't be one to count them out!
September call ups came at the right time for the Cubs, but they must remember with the Brew Crew lurking on the Cubs' heels, now is not the time for a letdown
