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Cards-Cubs split first series
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By Jeff
Mayfield
[MAY 4, 2004]
LDN staffers were on hand for
two of the four games in beautiful Busch Memorial Stadium, one of
the best old parks around. Ironically, LDN staffers were at both Cub
victories (remind me never to assign any staffers to this series
again). I thought it would be good to get some gleanings from this
first big series of the year…
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What we learned:
That the Cubs are pretty good.
That they and the 'Stros will
definitely be a two-team race.
That they could've swept the
series.
Cards might've won three but
could not have swept; were lucky to win two.
Cubs pitching is better than
some of the moaners have cried about so far and should get better
when Prior returns.
The Cubs' everyday lineup is
much better than advertised.
The Cubs stole Derek Lee from
the Marlins.
Greg Maddux will still win
12-16 games and may put this team over the hump.
Cards pitching has been better
than anyone thought over the last two weeks.
But where is the hitting?
I hope we're not going to go
through another season where we have one for two weeks and then the
other but neither at the same time. That is aggravating.
More small ball would help.
Both teams have shown it a little but seem to be reluctant to go
with it consistently. I'll bet Whitey Herzog is spinnin' in his bass
boat!
Hitting behind the runners is a
lost art on these two teams.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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Baseball has lost a lot of
fans.
It was reported that these two
contenders did not sell out the series.
Remember when neither team was
any good?… You couldn't get a ticket.
What is up with both teams'
bullpens?
Why do they not come into a
game and do what they've been called on to do?
I mean if you can hum in a fast
ball at 98 mph, why are you dinkin' around with curves and walking
people? And vice versa?
I know that if I could bring
the gas, I would bring the gas.
Overpowering pitchers are hard
to hit.
No one is scared of guys who
can't throw strikes.
And what's up with the umpires?
It's to the point that you
can't even have a conversation with them.
A strong commissioner would fix
that.
Best value at any ballpark? The
Bird feeder: a dog, chips, drink and cookie for $3.25!
Heck, that's making me hungry
for another series… but keep one eye on the White Sox. They might be
the most exciting team in the Midwest this summer…
Have
a great week, everybody!
[Jeff Mayfield]
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