Bruiser Chong

Thank god this is just a two-game series. Whereas the Cards / Cubs games are always emotionally draining, they're fun to watch. The Cubs are Astros games are usually just frustrating, even when the Cubs manage a win. I think it's just because the Stros have always rubbed me the wrong way. And Derrek Lee can feel free to pick things up any time, now. It's almost June and he's still not coming through most of the time. With Sosa gone and Ramirez missing more than hitting, he's gotta pick up the pace. Pettitte's injury was apparently just a forearm strain and he's listed as day-to-day.

And Pettitte just left the game with an elbow injury.

Cubs score their first run in 20 innings and had them at the corners with only one out. Of course, when you've got Ramon Martinez in the pitcher due up, you can forget about it. Martinez is batting a slick .213 now. That's inexcusable for a position player who's not a catcher, I don't care how good you are with the leather. And to be quite frank, Ramon ain't exactly Ozzie Smith over there at shortstop.

Someone care to remind me why signing Maddux was a good idea? I think everyone's accepted the fact that he's not what he used to be, but a lot of people were actually defending the transaction. I've yet to really see any positives come out of this. Just a lot of wasted money that could've gone to an area that needed attention.

I wasn't justifying it, just pointing out the obvious. I agree with you, actually.

I think it's been made quite clear that people don't give two shits about anything on the site that's not wrestling related.

Unless I missed something, all Mik said was that the Marlins were going to sweep the Reds. Not exactly what I'd call talking shit or anything. And people are doubting the Reds still since it's still May, the Cubs haven't been fully healthy all season and the Reds' shortcomings are going to become all too obvious soon enough.

Steve Stone is about the only thing making this game worth watching. I don't see how anyone can hate him; he's such a subtle smartass. Not sure how you couldn't endear that. His latest gem just came as he was recalling a story about facing Astros pitching coach, Burt Hooten many years ago. Steve finished his story, so they put the camera on Hooten, who decided that was the best time to go wrist deep up his nose for an uncomfortably long time. *long pause* Stone: The secret to Hooten's success was always being able to pick the right pitch. *long pause, as both announcers try to stifle laughter* Stone: You can say something any time, pally. Oswalt's just on tonight, but I think he's done for the night. Regardless, a little too late for the Cubs, me thinks.

Well, I would hope that a guy they pay that much for would hit.

Is it just more or is walking Casey to get to Griffey NOT ever working? I don't care how hot a hitter is, you don't walk him to get to a guy like Griffey. And Zambrano just doesn't have it tonight, but has managed to only give up one run. Unfortunately, Oswalt is pitching pretty well, so that may be enough.

Those are usually price drops, not re-releases. While Cheers looks tempting this week, I'm going to hold off for next week, as there are quite a few titles being released that I want to pick up.

What's wrong with what Al said? Just because he's not prasing the Reds like everyone else and is point out facts doesn't warrant any hate. The Reds are playing good ball, but I still think they'll level out eventually. For the record, while you can't take injuries to anyone lightly, I don't think there's much of a comparison here. The Cubs have lost arguably their top three players, not to mention their everyday shortstop, not to mention one of their two lefty relievers. And yet, they're still contending. I think the only major injury Cincy has suffered was that of Kearns and he's already back. Let's see what happens if two or three of their major stars goes down for any period of time.

The Angels are running into the same problems that took them out of contention last season and I've got to believe that the same is going to happen again this year, if some of these guys don't get back. Seeing as how a lot of these injuries are serious, that may not be possible. And bone scans of Kerry Wood's arm came back negative, so he should be back within the next three weeks.

They haven't had any injury problems...yet. When they do, and considering the problems they've had in recent years, I've gotta believe it can't be far off, things will settle down. Until then, as long as they're sweeping the Astros, I've got no complaints.

Damn right it's not. A .237 average doesn't exactly put you up there in the MVP race.

Scott Rolen. So far this season, there's been no one better with RISP. Hard to say if it'll hold up, but he's posting some very impressive numbers, leading the majors in RBIs and basically being the one who can usually get that hit to drive in a run. Pujols will come around, even though he's "slumping" right now.

Awesome win for the Cubs tonight, despite Morris turning it up after the first inning and the Cards slowly climbing back into the game.

Since they're in the same division as the Yankees, they wind up being on the short end of the stick more times than not, which tends to give off a loser vibe after a while.

I would've figured that anyone who saw him during his time with the Cubs would've figured out he's not a guy you go to when anything's on the line.

Man, no kidding. This has been one of the most inconsistent series I've seen in a while, with the two teams taking turns blowing each other out. The White Sox' offense can be downright ridiculous at times.

Wouldn't the fact that you're about to DIE affect your appetite at all? I can't be the only one who'd not be all that hungry if my life were about the end...can I?

I used to tape almost everything I watched on TV. Actually, my mom did, since this was back when I was still pretty young, but just about anytime I showed interest in a show, she'd tape it. The end result's still in my basement in the form of dozens of tapes with the likes of Salute Your Shorts, Hey Dude, Clarissa Explains it All, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, TMNT and many classic shows that used to run on Nick-At-Nite, on them. Good stuff.

There you go.

Schools around here get back to class in late August and are done June 4 this year, if I'm not mistaken. My college started after Labor Day and got out in late April, with the three week winter break and one week spring break tossed in there. Overall, college schedules are a lot more reasonable than high school. During your senior year, it becomes painfully obvious that they're just watching you every day until you graduate, sliding some busy work your way to pass the time every now and again.

It's the SI Curse. Although, all things considered, it could be much worse right now, as they've almost got him up to 70 pitches, have had base runners in each inning, but have only scored four runs. Griffey striking out twice in RBI situations haven't helped things. But still, go Reds!