RedFlash2

I would put the Cardinals above the Brewers by this much >< but only because Carpenter/Wainwright has produce at a high level longer then the Brewers trio. But on the flip side, depending on how well they do jumping from the AL to the NL, Marcum and Grienke should close that gap or even overtake the Cards as best pitching staff in the Central not to mention could even make a case for being the best pitching staff in the NL. Yeah I said it, and yeah I am a fan of a rival of the Brewers.

I really like the Jimmy Nelson pick forn you guys. As a Crimson Tide fan, there are only four pitchers on our roster that was worth a darn: Nelson, Morgan, Smith and Kilcrease. Nelson comparasion to Suppan, I thought was stupid. Nelson doesn't have the stuff ike most high upside guys, but Suppan has neither the stuff or the competitiveness that Nelson has. The young man competes hard, and he is a bulldog, much like like Tommy Hunter of the Rangers, who is also an alum of Alabama. Congrats on Nelson.

I agree there are a lot of Cubs fans I am embarrassed to say they are Cubs fans, but Brewers fans are Wrigley is just as bad, if not worse then Cubs fans at Miller. (Eh, prolly the same level of obxiousness).

No offense, but most Cubs fans I know are hoping that one day in the future, Mr. Craptastic President of Baseball will wise up and return the Brewers BACK to the AL, where long-time rivalries with the Sox, Royals, Tigers and Indians and Twins would be re-started.

I know this will not be a popular thing to say, in fact I am pretty sure most people will find it offensive to a degree, but the more people on this board say they don't want to sound like Cubs fans the more you do sound like Cubs I know this is popular, but I've read enough Game threads on both NSBB and BF.net to know that BF.net during game threads are eerily similar to game threads on NSBB. I don't mean it as an insult, but as a matter of perspective.

No, but he's a complete jerk.Based on what? Trying to keep his team sharp, both physiucally and mentally? You're right. Otherwise, you're the jerk for basing this post on how a manager manages a game.

You guys are welcome................

Yeah, it is....But what the Cubs do have going for them is the fact that the Cubs have beat and/or more the held their own against a comparable superstar lefty like CC, so facing Johan Santana while a challenge, just not as daunting.as it would have been if CC had beaten the Cubs... So don't write off the Cubs helping you guys out tonight....As the late great Bernie Mac said via Mr. 3000 just, "Do you thing" and if the Brewers do that, then everything will work out. Oh.....ELCaballo45, since you said if on NSBB, I will return the favor...... GO BREWERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If that is the case, then you can expect Lou to put out a forfeit lineup against the Stros, cause Lou won't risk his "playoff roster" in a game that would be meaningless for the Cubs. So, if I was the Brewers take care of business. Cause believe it or not, there are alot of Cubs fans--including myself---that actually wants the Brewers to make the playoffs.

Nah, he won't go 0-12, just like Prince Fielder won't pass up a McDonald's. It's that improbable.

C'mon. The banner you get to hang in your park. Bragging rights. The historic FACT that you took the division instead of some cheesey best-of-the-rest distinction. And if we lose, which is every bit as likely if not more likely, there's your second devastating kick straight to the crotch. Stupid Braves, thanks for nothing. Yeah well, we were kinda hoping for the Reds/Nationals/ or Padres do what you guys were hoping the Braves would do........So neither team will get their wish. As a Cubbie, all I can say is...........the Brewers needs to take care of their business, and the Cubs will take care of there business....

He was arguing with Joe West---I believe---about the stadium lights..............

I am not here to bust balls, so to speak, but I am here to apologize. I've read both game threads of the series, and I am dishearten and pissed about how some "Cub fans" have acted like idiots at Miller Park. Please believe me when I say, don't let those idiots represent the good Cubs fans who do have class and respect for the Brewers and you guys. Believe me, there are Cubs fans that are classy towards you guys, and I hope you understand. Look I love a good trash-talking as the next guy, but please don't generalize the actions of some drunken fools (and believe the Cubs are not the only fanbase that has those type of idiots. Cards fans when drunk are the worst, I've experience) as what all Cubs fans are supposed to be. All I am asking for is trash the person who is asking for it, but as for the Cubs fanbase as a hole, there are alot of good Cub fans who don't look down at Milwaukee. We may poke fun, but we don't look down at anybody simply because we are smart enough to realize we don't have any reason to look down at anybody. So, I hope you accept my apology on behalf of hte idiots that make your experience during this series unbearable. Here's to, 2 more gut-wrenching hard fought games between the Top 2 teams in the NL.....

Harden was pull about right where the Cubs wanted to pull him. Harden was out about 79 pitchers through 5 today, which averages out to nearly 16 pitches per inning. And if he didn't run into a little trouble in the 5th, he would have made it throught 6 strong innings. So, considering his history, and at the time of the game (up 7-0), to pull him when they did, was the correct call. With an arm like Harden you don't risk it in July. In September or October, sure, but July no. He wasn't pull because he felt anything soreness, or whatnot, he was pulled, because the Cubs felt the game was in checked.

At one point, Marmol was on paced for 100 APPEARANCES. Piniella has already said Marmol isn't pitching on Sunday and the earliest he would pitch again would be Friday, which would be 5 days rest. Remember this young man, is still trying to figure out how to be a pitcher. If memory serves me correct, Marmol has been a pitcher for less then 4 yrs. He was a former catcher turn pitcher. I think he's struggles will benefit him very much. For the past couple of yrs, he has gotten by on his stuff alone, now that major league hitters have adjusted to him, it's is Marmol's turn to adjust to hitters. I suspect he will spend the week with Rothschild, and perhaps even Blanco and they will go over tapes of him, and figure something out. If everything goes to plan, Marmol will be back to being stud shortly. But if he struggles out the gates of then 2nd half, I expect two things to happen: 1. Marmol could see DL time, on a flimsy excuse and 2. I would expect the Cubs to jump into the market for a set-up man, like Fuentes, Mahay, Beatencourt, or even Marte. The Cubs could/should still do #2 (no dirty jokes, plz) even before Marmol struggles, but could intensify if Marmol doesn't come out firing BB's. Just my POV.

And if it was a team like Tampa, or another low-revenus team, I would agree the risk would not be worth the reward. But the Cubs can survine, if Harden goes down with an injury. The Cubs still have good trading chips to make another trade, if need be. So, for the Cubs, this move is worth the risk, but for a team like Tampa or KC, or even Milwaukee, who have to be smart with their money, the risk isn't worth it. But risks are part of the game. If you are afraid to take the risks, you'll never win. And Hendry is definately a risk-taker, and something tells me, Harden is going to be remarkably healthy for the 2nd half.

First: The A's doctor, trained the Cubs current orthopod, Dr. Yokum, and are said to be friends. So, if Yokum signed off the deal, then I believe Harden will have a good chance at remaining healthy. now obviously, the Cubs will have to be careful, but seeing as for the first time since I believe 2005, he has made 13 straight starts, I think Harden is showing he can remain healthy. He is always going to have the injury concerns, just like Sheets, but I am 95% sure Harden will be healthy for the stretch run. Second: For those who think Beane traded Harden with a 1.5 yrs remaining is a "red-flag" situation, don't. It's bad business if one team trades a damaged player to the other team, without informing the second team. Plus the fact that Cubs spent more time going over Harden's medical records, then the Cards with Mulder, leads me to believe, the Cubs are going to be careful with Harden. I firmly believe, Harden will be on a 6IP or 95-100 PC for the Cubs. Third: The Cubs did NOT clear out their "top prospects" for Harden. Patterson was made available, due to Mike Fontenot, and Tony Thomas (High A ball 2b). Matt Murton was made available by Felix Pie (he will be a good major leaguer) and Tyler Colvin. Josh Donaldson---while talented---was made available by Wellington Castillo and Geovany Soto behind the plate, and Josh Vitters at 3rd. The Cubs gave up some good young players, just not their best prospects. Fourth: The Cubs are rumored, to have been in contact with Seattle about Erik Bedard (even AFTER acquiring Harden). Now I know Bedard is on the DL till the 21st, but the Cubs are still interested in bedard. And the feeling amongst Cubs fans, is that they believe the Cubs COULD acquire another starter to replace Jason Marquis. I'm not here to gloat, taunt, etc, etc. I'm here to give you one Cub fan POV. I like what Milwaukee did with CC Sabathia, I think Milwaukee soldified a postseason spot with that acquisition. But we both have a common enemy, and that is St. Louis. It's going to be an interesting 3 weeks to the deadline, and in the 2nd half, to say the least.