Chicago @ Arizona GameThread, Jul 23, 2008 9:40 PM EDT

Gameday Thread, #101: 7/23 vs. Cubs

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 4:39 PM EDT

Chicago @ Arizona

Ted Lilly
LHP, 9-6, 4.49

Doug Davis
LHP, 3-4, 4.14

Baseball-Reference.com preview [opens in new window]

Some things never lose their comedic appeal. The Parrot Sketch is as fresh now as it was thirty years ago; Who's on First? is still comedy gold. And does any baseball fan - well, any fan whose team has won a World Series in the past 99 years - ever tire of seeing this?

No matter what may happen in the rest of Lilly's career - and he has actually been pretty good against Arizona - he will forever be remembered as a petulant Little Leaguer, throwing a temper tantrum. Wah! Wah! It just never fails to amuse.

Snark aside, Lilly actually did pretty well facing us last time [when I am pretty sure we posted the same pic] - he allowed one run in seven innings of work, and got the win. Not much track record against him for most of the team - Burke and Clark are the only ones with more than six at-bats. Clark will, I assume, get the start at first since it's a left-handed pitcher, even if his OBP against Lilly is a poor .238 [5-for-21, with no walks]. The most recent of those was back in 2004, however.

Doug Davis goes for Arizona, and we need a much better showing than we got last time out, where he lasted only three innings, though escaped with a no decision. We need him to go back to giving us quality starts, though the task is likely going to be made more difficult, with the scheduled return of Alfonso Soriano, who is only hitting .377/.403/.787 against lefties this year. That will be an undeniable boost to an offense batting .212 with an OPS of .610 in the five games since the break. More of that would be fine: the series is already in the bag, and we have another chance to put together our best winning streak in more than two months. That would be "three."

If Al can call Chase "Bank Holding Company Field", then I think we need to come up with an alternative name for Wrigley. That's especially since the naming rights will likely soon be sold - and wouldn't it be funny if they were bought by a bank? So, how should we start referring to Wrigley?
Futility Field
The House That Bartman Built
Wanna Buy The Team? Park
Century of Suckitude Stadium.
Where Pennant Hopes Go to Die
This Space for Rent Field
The Theater oif Screams
Anyone got any more? And I have little doubt Al and his members will be able to come up with some more of their own for Chase!

Getting this one up very early - the Dodgers-Rockies game is already under way, since we'll be following that here as well. Colorado are 5-3 up in the fifth, so we hope for that to continue. I was actually offered tickets to this evening's game, but had to decline - I really need to get caught up at home tonight! Should be about to comment though, and hang out in the SnakePit Chatroom too.

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Comments

The Urinal

Knock off the hippie crap, strap on a helmet, and start shooting. This is baseball, Diamondbacks, I want you to storm that beach like it's Normandy!

by soco on Jul 23, 2008 4:56 PM EDT 0 recs

Perfect!

Will Hope Prevail?

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 23, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up 0 recs

Wrigley?

Howzabout simply “Chewing Gum Field”? That goes with his theme, anyway.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 4:59 PM EDT 0 recs

Alcohol Poison Ivy Field @ Yuppie Choketoberfest

by Diamondhacks on Jul 23, 2008 5:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ahh.

So that’s where Bartman’s Bitches play?

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 6:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

TBA Field?

Actually, that just makes me think of Arrested Development now.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 5:20 PM EDT 0 recs

Aw, man

Bases loaded for the Rockies, two outs, and I find myself in the strange position of cheering for Tulo. He thanks me by striking out to end the inning. Bah.

Rockies had 38 hits in the first two games of the series, and another 10 so far today. Wow.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 5:34 PM EDT 0 recs

Yeah, I was following that too.

0-for-4 today, so he’s back below the Uecker line.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 5:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

Money well spent.

Not that we can really point fingers.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up 0 recs

And...

Speaking of which, the Walrus just struck out with men on second and third and one out…

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up 0 recs

Were they

the eggmen?

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 5:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

+1

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 23, 2008 6:51 PM EDT up 0 recs

For your pre-game entertainment

I recommend this thread at BCB, mainly the part where the fans start complaining that Chase is such a pitcher’s park.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 6:08 PM EDT 0 recs

Yeah. Chase is so easy on pitchers.

That’s why it’s third in park factor so far this year. (Above Coors!! Of course, that could also be becuz the Rockies suck at home AND on the road this season)

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

yeah I read that and giggled a bit

man no one can hit in Chase it’s ridiculous

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 6:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

I guess everything’s a pitcher’s park compared to Wrigley. I’d love to hear the dismay if they ended up playing in Tropicana (#29) in the World Series.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 6:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

they better not make it there

personally I’m rooting for the Brewers

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

Over the Dbacks?

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

no in the central

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 7:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

I responded.

Cautiously, I think.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 7:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well done

And I like how no one’s bothered to respond.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 8:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

Cub fans love to whne and make excuses

I only browse through threads over there for fear of pulling a Gas Lamp incident again.

Will Hope Prevail?

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 23, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

Game over in Colorado

Rockies win, so we’re 1.5 up before tonight’s game. Guaranteed to finish the homestand in first, and a victory would put us two clear.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 6:11 PM EDT 0 recs

Good news!

Lets just go and make it 2 games up

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 23, 2008 6:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

For a multitude of reasons

I can’t believe we haven’t won three in a row for over two months, and are still in first place. However, we’re hitting .270 in the past ten games and scoring more than five runs per game – and those figures will likely increase tonight, as Game #91, a three-hit shutout by Washington, will drop off that sample. To sweep the team with the best record in the National League – at least for now! – would be serious evidence that the team has turned the corner.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 6:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well, I also think we're hitting the Cubs

during a particularly bad stretch for them. Just as we were hitting the skids when we went to Wrigley, and they were pretty hot.

Difference is, we STILL had a chance to win two of the three games in Chicago. The Cubs didn’t really come close last night, (well…. 5-2 before Hart came in) and got shutout Monday night. Let’s see what happens tonight, with Double D pitching and Sori back.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

The Cubs

Really need a win tonight. Sabathia is going for the Brewers in St. Louis, so if Chicago don’t win, in all likelihood, they won’t be alone in first for the first time since May… Sound familiar? :-)

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sidenote

Where do you see the wildcard coming from? the East or the Central

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 23, 2008 6:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'd say the Central

I think Milwaukee’s looking dangerous.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 6:58 PM EDT up 0 recs

I was looking at that

The other day: it’s surprisingly close. According to coolstandings.com, they give the Central a 76.7% chance, and it’s hard to argue with that.

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 7:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'll agree with you for now

But until this week the Mets really did look like they might make it interesting. That division is down to a 2 horse race though, can’t see Florida or the Braves doing it

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 23, 2008 7:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

I think the Marlins

might stick around a bit longer. That division is as nearly dysfunctional as ours

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 7:17 PM EDT up 0 recs

perhaps

It’s amazing how much your pre season hopes can go up in flames though, the Braves banked on Smoltz and GLavine to push them over the top and it failed spectacularly, and Francour has been down right ugly, they need to ship Tex out now and to be honest trading Chipper Jones wouldn’t be a bad move

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 23, 2008 7:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well, not the Cubs, but...

People in San Francisco call our park Phone Company Park, mostly. Also Three Letter Acronym Park.

by snakecharmer on Jul 23, 2008 6:21 PM EDT 0 recs

I don't like "phone company park",

When referring to Vimpelcom Park, I prefer to use a different telecom company name each time post.

For example: instead of calling it its real name of Sistema-Shyam Telelink Yard, I would refer to it in a mocking tone as Telefonos de Mexico Park.

by dahlian on Jul 23, 2008 8:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

Amusingly

Even Al has posted the Lilly pic in his Gameday Thread. :-)

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 6:37 PM EDT 0 recs

Classic!

:-P

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 6:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

Why isn't that up in the list of top Dback moments??

I would sooo vote for that…

by snakecharmer on Jul 23, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

+1

So...time for another drink then?

by Wimb on Jul 23, 2008 6:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

I never get tired of the Lilly clip. I’ve probably seen it 70-80 times in the last few minutes and I don’t even care. It’s hypnotic…like a lava lamp.

Where have you gone Mike Fetters?

by NewJackCity on Jul 23, 2008 6:42 PM EDT up 0 recs

From one BCB poster:

I met Chris Young at a customer event in November of 2007 and the first question I asked him was about the Ted Lilly and Rich Hill HR’s in the NLDS. (very nice guy, BTW)

I asked him if he was looking for certain pitch when hit those HR’s and he replied, "Not at all, I was going up there swinging no matter what they were throwing"

So I guess that would be my scouting report for the Cubs on CY, avoid throwing the belt high fastballs…. ;)

“I was going up there swinging no matter what they were throwing”..... yup, that sounds like CY.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 7:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

not recently

he has CoJack syndrome recently

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 7:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

well CoJack is our best hitter

so thats not such a bad thing

You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The first is never get involved in a land war in Asia. The second, only slightly less well known, is this: never go up against a Sicilian when death is on the line! Ha ha ha ha ha ha --

by utahdbacksfan on Jul 23, 2008 7:13 PM EDT up 0 recs

Exactly.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 7:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm speaking of CoJack v. 1.0

where he refused to swing at a first pitch strike or anything that would closely resemble a ball

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 7:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

from another

He really does look like…
a 16-year-old girl throwing her purse after finding out someone else wore the same dress to the prom
Pluto will always be a planet to me!

by DaBard on Jul 23, 2008 3:59 PM MST up reply actions 0 recs
____________

Good one there, LOL!

Will Hope Prevail?

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 23, 2008 7:57 PM EDT up 0 recs

Al at BCB

and Bickley are one in the same

Will Hope Prevail?

by unnamedDBacksfan on Jul 23, 2008 7:17 PM EDT 0 recs

you know what sucks?

24 hour down period before I can post on BCB

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 7:19 PM EDT 0 recs

Ah.

I joined last year. :-D

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 7:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

It’s actually a pretty good idea. Especially with a fanbase that’s as apparently volatile as their’s…

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 7:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

i know it is but that doesn't mean it doesn't suck

formerly Seton Hall Snake Pit. The newer simpler version.

by AJforAZ on Jul 23, 2008 7:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

Shoulda

planned ahead, buddyboy.

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 7:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hi ^^

I knew all the rules, but the rules did not know me...

by Muu on Jul 23, 2008 8:01 PM EDT 0 recs

Evening

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

If anyone's interested

in some pregame thought, I direct you over to my fanpost regarding Mark Reynolds’ birthday.
Readysetgo.

:-)

Maybe the Diamondbacks should just sign me...

by emilylovesthedbacks on Jul 23, 2008 8:14 PM EDT 0 recs

Hey all.

Kinda busy with some things that need to be taken care of around the house, so I won’t be here in the GDT all that much tonight. I will be watching the game though, and I should have a new prospect article up by the end of the night. This week I’ll be doing an Outfield Prospect Smackdown: Pete Clifford vs Evan Frey.

Dear Josh Byrnes: Please DFA Chris Burke. Give D'antona a chance. Trade for someone that actually knows how to hit.

by Zephon on Jul 23, 2008 8:31 PM EDT 0 recs

Off home

We have to stop by The Sets, so I may be a little late. Hope to be home by 7pm or so though. Keep the Cubbies beaten down for me, and save us a few homers! :-)

by Jim McLennan on Jul 23, 2008 8:37 PM EDT 0 recs

Like Zephon,

I’ll be leaving momentarily, so I won’t be in the GDT tonight, nor, probably, any other night for awhile. But I’ll try to check in the ‘Pit as often as is possible, and I’ll give you updates on how many hundreds of sharks I’ve killed. Back for sure on the 4th, and maybe even the 3rd. You all had better make the Dbacks go 13-0 from now until then. Will miss you all!

.....

Except soco. Because he’s the root of all evil.

....

But I WILL miss mrssoco. Enjoy Mark’s bday party!!

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 8:37 PM EDT 0 recs

/tearful goodbye

Mark Reynolds: back to turning me gay.

by DbacksSkins on Jul 23, 2008 8:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

o/

=~(

Wikipedia is accurate. (citation needed)

by Muu on Jul 23, 2008 8:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

Have a good trip!

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."

by kishi on Jul 23, 2008 8:41 PM EDT up 0 recs