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Oh, the humanity!

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* The Flubs have sucked so badly this season that I haven’t bothered to engage much in one of my favorite pastimes of messing with their fans. I mean, 13.5 games out of 1st? An 18-1 loss to Milwaukee which included a franchise record 26 hits given up?

Look, I know that the White Sox lead in their division may not hold up. We’re only just one game ahead of the Twins. But we are beating the absolute snot out of Detroit today, so I thought I’d chime in with an afternoon question…

What the heck has happened to the Cubs this year?

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:01 pm

Comments

Same thing that happens ever year, they lose.

Comment by Tom B. Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:03 pm
Um, down south in Cardinal Country, we’d say it’s just the Cubs being the Cubs.

Comment by Ray del Camino Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:04 pm
Lou

Comment by Another Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:04 pm
No pitching, no hitting, no winning.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:06 pm
Lousy contracts. Long term deals given to Soriano, Zambrano and Fukodome meant the club had little financial flexibility.

Soriano’s deal was way above what he would have received from anyone else. Sure he could hit, but he’s a lousy fielder. Supposedly it was to make a statement — but that’s a poor reason to sign a player to a big salary because it ends up getting you in trouble (e.g. Brian Campbell, B’hawks).

Zambrano was out of shape and a head case when they offered him a big money deal. Cubs should have dealt him for a pile of prospects.

Fukodome was an unknown quantity because he had not played in the US. Of all the big $ deals, probably the least objectionable contract of the 3 based on his record and lack of red flags.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:09 pm
The cubs have one of the all time greatest streaks in all of professional sports. This year they are doing their best to keep that streak alive. It’s really been an enjoyable thing to watch over the years. I hope it continues forever.

Comment by FirstAmmendment Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:10 pm
They quit trying the day after the season started.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:10 pm
They brought back essentially the same team as last year and expected a different result. Pathetic. During that Milwaukee game they had two outs and two strikes on the batter and gave up 11 straight hits. Major League record. Just when you thought you’d seen it all.

Comment by And I Approved This Message Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:10 pm
Since Rod has been busy with the trial he can’t offer line-up advice this year.

Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:14 pm
Money can not buy everything. The Cubs are not the golden.

Comment by downdemo Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:14 pm
New Owner…Same Result

You are now witnessing rebuilding project number 102

Comment by BIG R.PH. Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:14 pm
Oh, the jokes that could be made. In my baseball opinion, they were troubled heading into the season with a bullpen that was built on more or less an inferior band-aid. Their three sluggers (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano) were all a year older and on the wrong side of 30 and getting slower. Starter pitchers were surprisingly bad. Lou looks like he checked out the second week of April. And they had 4 second basemen. Oh, and the Day Game debate continues. Year 1!

Comment by Davey Boy Smithe Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:15 pm
You said it already… the Flubs suck. Go Sox!

Comment by Wondering... Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:15 pm
Watch it, Tom B.

Comment by Aviva G. Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:16 pm
I am not sure what went wrong, but I will blame Bartman.

Comment by Reggie P Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:17 pm
Ha! Tom may be sleeping on the couch tonight.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:17 pm
Same GM, Same Manager, Same result. The Cubs won the Division a couple times for two reasons: The Cardinals were transitioning from veteran team to a younger team, and the rest of the division didn’t improve. Now the Cardinals’ talent is a little more experienced, the Reds have improved with Walt Jocketty as their GM, and the Cubs…remained the same, only older.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:20 pm
The season started…..nuff said!

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:21 pm
Maybe it was the local alien visits… http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/thepulse/2547684,3_1_EL30_PULSE_S1-100730.article

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:24 pm
As a Cards fan, I love to see the Cubs in this situation. That said, I have a non-emotional perspective.

I think they have an $18 million starting pitcher that has been relegated to the ‘pen and even dismissed from the team this year.
The middle of their lineup grossly underperformed most od this season (Ramirez is better as of late)
I would guess chemistry is a big issue - but not sure

They have had pleasant suprises w/Bryd and Silva so I’m not sure.

I think they are who we thought they were … A middle of the road team in the pathetic NL Central

Comment by Cards fan Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:24 pm
The cubs arejust in their 70th year of rebuilding. phase 2 is a couple years off….

Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:25 pm
Take Me Out To A Cubs Game

Take me out to a Cubs game,
I don’t mind getting plowed.
Buy me some wine and some cheap warm beer,
Whatever it takes to forget that I’m here,
I take a swig when the other team scores,
So by the second inning, I’m bombed.
If you can remember the last time they won,
You’re probably embalmed.

Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:27 pm
Yes Dear.

Comment by Tom B. Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:29 pm
Bad contracts to Soriano, Fukudome, Ramriez, and crazy nutjobs Zambrano and Bradley. I know Bradley turned into Silva but there was a reason the Mariners traded him for Bradley-his bad contract. All of these made them have a bullpen of 4-A players on the constant shuttle from Iowa to Wrigley save for Marmol and Marshall.

Comment by ourMagician Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:29 pm
Obamacare. It gets blamed for everything else.

Comment by adolfo Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:29 pm
Sarah Palin is a Cubs fan.

Can the Cubs win this year?

Looks at hand: “You betcha?”

Comment by IrishPirate Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:32 pm
The 2010 team is simply doing its part for the second consecutive Century of Failure.

Comment by Boone Logan Square Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:32 pm
OK Cards fan…”non-emotional perspective” even though you admit you “love to see the Cubs in this situation.” All rightee then…

Lou has checked out this year, but he did guide the team to 3 straight seasons of winning baseball and two straight trips to the playoffs. I’m guessing the Ricketts family (I wish my dad would buy me a MLB team!) told Hendry and Lou this spring to do the best you can, but don’t expect any help (additional payroll) at the deadline. We just bought the thing, so we’re going to test it this season. This signal was received loud and clear, and the players and Lou checked in enough to pick up their checks.
The bullpen was a question in March, and obviously has been an issue all season–not just this week, although the record-setting is putting it out in the daytime sun.
They are hamstrung by the large deals Hendry signed–who was given an extension a few weeks ago. Silva was addition by subtraction, and Byrd was a decent signing. Being far removed from Chicago I don’t have a true sense of the chemistry, but I’m guessing Lee is distracted by his family (as evidenced by his nixing a trade to the LA Angels even though he’s building a home there and is a free agent after this season anyway), Soto is finally starting to realize that 2008 was just the beginning of hard work–not the end, Ramirez got into an early funk but is regaining his spot as a clutch RBI guy, Soriano is being Soriano and Fukudome just hasn’t turned into the next Ichiro–only about 2,700 hits short.
It would be nice if they could keep the streak of winning seasons going, but they’ve already mailed it in for this year.
Either that or they are all lamenting the trials and tribulations of our former governor. It’s not been easy on them!

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:37 pm
“What the heck has happened to the Cubs this year?”

Rich, you ask that question like it is an unusual thing for the Cubs to suck.

Comment by Ghost of John Brown Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:39 pm
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

- Albert Einstein

Comment by Cincinnatus Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:42 pm
I knew they were in trouble when Ernie Banks was touting “come to Wrigley Field enjoy the park and the weather and there will also be a ball game”.

The park is a 41,000 seat beer garden!!

Comment by South of I-80 Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:42 pm
The Ricketts family can’t possibly be stupid enough to bring back Jim Hendry. Clown has signed some awful contracts (Zambrano, Fukudome, Soriano) and throttled the farm system.

Lou Piniella-guy is still living off the 1990 World Series. Terrible manager, didn’t seem like he wanted to come back in 2010, but he did anyhow and now he’s already quit on the team.

Comment by Ravenswood RW/White Sox fan Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:53 pm
Cubs suck….had to state the overwhelming truth.

Comment by A.B. Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:05 pm
Tom B
I could not have said it better … GO SOX

Comment by Smiling Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:08 pm
- Ray del Camino - Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 2:04 pm:

Um, down south in Cardinal Country, we’d say it’s just the Cubs being the Cubs.

As a hard-core Cubs fan who has been feeling this pain for more than 50 years, I REALLY hate having to agree with a Cardinals fan about anything, but…

Comment by Draznnl (Rhymes with orange) Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:14 pm
I lay almost all of the blame at Jim Hendry’s feet. We’ve needed a centerfielder/leadoff hitter since Kenny Lofton left in 2003. We’ve needed a closer for the past 3-4 years. Has he done anything about these two glaring holes? Nada. Zero. Zip.

But he’s an Omaha guy like the Ricketts family. As crazy as it sounds, they’ll probably keep him around. I only wish he’d find a way to get Zambrano to the White Sox. At least then I’d have schadenfreude on my side.

The Cubs break my heart. Again. You’d think I’d be used to it. You’d be wrong. It’s a sickness.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:15 pm
The real Chicago Cubs National League Ball Club were captured by an Alien UFO and are being held for ransom by Ozzie Guien in a Galaxie far far away. They will be returned when Latino’s get interpreters. Look alike alien imposters were left behind and are reaking havoc at Wigley Field.

Comment by Dan S, a taxpayer and a Cubs Fan Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:21 pm
47th, Ozzie claims he could control Zambrano. Doubtful.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:22 pm
I’ll bet he could. They’re a lot alike.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:28 pm
As a life long Cubs fan this year has been especially frustrating. I mean, how many games are you going to win by scoring 1, or just maybe 2 whole runs? I hate to say it but I think it’s time to say goodbye to Wrigley field. Maybe move to Indianapolis where they support (and expect) winners.

Comment by casual observer Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:31 pm
I, for one, would love to see Ozzie try to straighten-out his fellow Venezuelan. As long as it happens on the South Side, or better yet, South Florida. Zambrano has worn out his welcome in Wrigleyville.

Now if only we could find a taker for Soriano…

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:31 pm
Hey! The Cubs are not out of it yet. I see a comeback of historic proportions! Hickup….

Comment by RobRoy Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:35 pm
Clearly the Cubs thought the 24 Furlough Day memo was meant for them.

Comment by What planent is from again? Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:41 pm
Does everyone here know what a catch 22 is?

That’s what happens when they hit 100 fly balls to the Cubs.

Comment by DRB Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:44 pm
I blame Bush.

Comment by LL Cool J Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:57 pm
They’re old, they’re fragile, and they’re not very good.

And unfortunately, they’re going to be mostly the same next year.

Thanks for taking us away from depressing state news for a day, and rewarding us with depressing Cubs thoughts. Thanks a bunch.

Comment by Just a Reader Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:59 pm
Downstate where I was raised, I was simply taught that the Cubs weren’t supposed to win. That’s just the way it was. The White Sox were allowed to win cuz they were AL, but the Cards were the ones that won in the NL. Wrigley Field was the only reason to go to a Cubs game…sort of like going to one of the other Chicago museums.

Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:59 pm
You just had to revisit this thread on the exact day that Obama renamed a post office in honor of Steve Goodman, didn’t you, Rich? : ) Mike Quigley’s bill.

I don’t respect your treatment of Cubbiedom, but I do respect your ability to twist the knife, just so.

Comment by ZC Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:00 pm
Why don’t you just go all the way and post to “Dying Cub Fan’s Last Request” while you’re at it? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xBxZGQ1dJk

Comment by ZC Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:04 pm
>>Clearly the Cubs thought the 24 Furlough Day memo was meant for them.

Comment by God's Country Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:04 pm
Division titles under Bush: 3; Under Obama: 0. The Cubs haven’t won a division title under a Democrat President since Roosevelt. Cubs fans who voted for Obama have only themselves to blame.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:05 pm
Maybe someday the little cubs will become fully grown bears. And given the City’s recent football past, they will still lose.

Comment by Jake from Elwood Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:17 pm
Well, since I’m one for timing and became a Cub fan in the summer of 1969, I have to admit that this was not their year. It started with a cold spring, a hot summer, and maybe a cool fall to come that is/was their demise. Regardless, I bet the Cubs are still destroying the Sox in the attendence game! You gotta admit Rich, first place and empty seats says something…the Cubs could be dead last and still sell out Wrigley! (Smiles uncomfortably knowing that his point is as weak as a Keyensian economist at a GOP convention…)

Comment by Captain Illini Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:21 pm
=== What the heck has happened to the Cubs this year ===

It’s called “Opening Day.”

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:21 pm
Anon 4:05, yeah, but the seeds for the Cubs’ current destruction were sown during the Bush administration. Just like the economy! lol

Comment by ZC Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:25 pm
Captain illini, I’ve been by Wrigley many a time when the Cubs have been out of it, and there were more empty seats than filled ones. The tickets may be sold, but that doesn’t mean the butts are in the seats.

Comment by Anon Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:27 pm
Or, Anon @ 4:05pm, think of it this way, going beyond the partisan divide: the Cubs will win their next World Series when we once again have a President who will be carved onto Mount Rushmore.

Comment by cover Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:29 pm
Yeah, the eternal defense by Ricketts fans. We’re better than you because we’re more popular. It may have worked in high school, but this here is grownup world.

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:34 pm
CUBS - Completely Useless by Summer

Comment by John Bambenek Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:49 pm
Okay, I admit it…if Blago can be convicted for “Pay to Play” the Cubs should all be doing 25 to life!

Comment by Captain Illini Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:51 pm
As a cubs fan, I would like to say that they suck. Knock wrigley down. Stop blaming bartman and goats. Blow that place up. Everything else has changed since their last WS. I like the place, but c’mon cubs fans. Knock it down and start over.

By the way, I’ve had 6 beers. Feeling good and loving summer.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:52 pm
why invest in a good team, they get the same idiots to fill the park all the time.

Comment by foster brooks Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 4:59 pm
Blago–Pay to Play
Cubs–Pay and they still don’t Play!
Let’s hear the TeaBaggers go after Obama for naming the Post Office after Steve Goodman!! Happy Birthday!

Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 5:19 pm
The old saying goes that “cubs” stands for Completely useless by September. Perhaps they could change their name to the “Cubans” Completely Useless between April and September.

Comment by Moving to Oklahoma Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 5:46 pm
Nothing happened.They akways suck.

Comment by Bill Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 5:52 pm
== Anonymous - Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:22 pm:
47th, Ozzie claims he could control Zambrano. Doubtful.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 3:28 pm:
I’ll bet he could. They’re a lot alike. =

Please Rich, don’t say that. Not even in jest. Zambrano is the reincarnation of Juachin Anduhar. Whitey Herzog recognized that lack of emotional control in 1985 and dumped him just in time. No Zambrano, please.

Anyway, the Cubs aren’t in last place, and they still have their ’sports bar’ atmosphere. Ricketts wanted them enough to buy the team in its current iteration…hopefully he’ll be able to turn it into a major league team in a few. In the meantime, we’ve got the best story in baseball…the turnaround of the Sox.

Comment by Park Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 6:30 pm
I thought with the Sox winning in ‘05 and the Cardinals in ‘06 it would give the Cubs team and brass extra incentive to get it done…but, like “Reform and Renewal” it was all a pipe dream.

Yeah, Park…Joaquin Andujar pitched mighty fine in 1985 game seven…the game AFTER the Denkinger call (which St. Louisians claim cost them the title, but like Bartman its more complicated).

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 6:45 pm
South of I-80

Thanks! Been saying that for years. I don’t root for the Cubs, Sox, Cardinals, Reds, Royals, Brewers, Twins … so no interest here. Ever notice most people say “Going to see the Sox” or “Cards” or “Brewers” … but with the Cubs its “Going to Wrigley” ??? As long as they play in that beer garden, they’ll never win.

Comment by Smitty Irving Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 7:34 pm
If they continue to suck then perhaps the people on the season ticket waiting list ahead of me will drop off and I’ll get season tickets before I’m too old to get to the park.

Comment by Just the Facts Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 9:50 pm
At least the Cubs aren’t the only teams giving up 18 runs in a game…

Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Aug 3, 10 @ 10:36 pm
New owner, but the same general manager.

Somebody please shout at the Ricketts that we need to lose Hendry!

Comment by Barton Lorimor Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 5:58 am
The Trib signed a lot of long-term contracts to try to buy the Series in 2007 to boost the sale price. They didn’t care; they weren’t going to have to pay them.

Coupled with the Tribs sinister dealings with Blago on a state Wrigley bailout — also part of a sales strategy — and it’s bad karma all around.

It’s not Lou’s fault. Despite what Ozzie will tell you, even a bad manager can cost you only about five games a year. Pitch, catch, hit, throw, run. That’s it.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 6:11 am
It’s the “Blago Curse” forget about the Billy Goat.

Comment by Northside Bunker Wednesday, Aug 4, 10 @ 6:50 am