Deficit not insurmountable

Well I hope your right mark, I still believe in u guys. Oh and big props 2 Soto for his homer. “Beat the cubs”……I hate Arizona fans they’re rude, we'll show them what real fans are like, real fans get behind their team instead of wasting their time insulting the opposing team. At least we have the next game at our house as well as a day off to rest and re energize, and I trust u guys and hope we win. maybe saturday will be our huge turnaround, you know if other teams have turned around and won we can too. I know u guys can do it.

We're still rooting for you!
A change of scenery might turn things around.

Get some rest. We got to the post season for the first time in years. Let's try and enjoy being there. Good Luck and Go Cubs!

I was at the game tonight (game 2). Yeah, those d-back fans are something else... it's "funny" how they're were nearly as many when you guys came to town in August. I guess they have some fair-weather fans down here.

You say that Cub fans have stuck by you. That is a fact, given the millions of Cubs fans that have supported you guys over the years, both at home and on the road. What bugs me is that you guys have not shown the same type of appreciation for us...as indicated by your propensity for losing big games for the last 100 years. What are you and your overpaid teamates going to do about THAT DeRo? Given your current form, I'd say that the answer is clearly 'nothing'! Thx for nothing man...again! If you think that we're satisfied with a division crown from a poor gaggle of teams you are seriously wrong...also again.

Its wild to imagine what it woud be like to stand in the box waiting for a fast ball and being able to make contact. I've often thought that should be an amusement ride like opportunity where every fan could approach the experience at least once in a lifetime. What goes through your head at such a moment? I believe.

I'm so happy you guys are finally coming back to Wrigley. I believe in you guys and i hope that you can overcome this deficit. I was getting so sick of the Arizona fans...cant wait to see the thousands of Cubs fans back at Wrigley. Have a good off day and good luck on Saturday. GO CUBS!

I still believe!!!! I think things will turn around in Chicago. I've been a Cubs fan all of my life, and I will always believe. Go Cubs Go!

I still believe we can win this thing. You guys have been away from home for awhile since you ended the season with a road trip. You just need some good Chicago lovin' to get back on track. Let's root, root, root for the CUBBIES!

We, the faithful, always believe..that's what make Cubs fans the best in MLB!
Geovany's HR was a great boost, he's definitely a keeper, the cheers were still loud as you came up to bat..wonder if that distracted you at all??

Hoping and praying the Friendly Confines help us out...

GO CUBBIES!!

I Still believe!!!! It can happe!!! I don't want to wait until next year!!!
Karen

Stating we're the best fans in baseball versus being told were the best fans in baseball are two very different things.

Mark Grace was quoted as stating that Cub fans love the Cubs, yet it waivers a bit when the stakes are high. Does that make us, as fans, a little two-faced? It's likely a common human reaciton, yet if we are to live up to the title of "best fans in baseball" I think we should hold ourselves to a higher standard.

I love the Cubs. I am very pleased that we are one of only 8 teams that made the post-season. That, right there, is quite an accomplishment.

Would I like to see more, of course. Do I feel the players are playing there hearts out? Yes. I think it's apparent by their actions on the field. They're showing emotion, just like the fans do.

I realize DeRosa mentioned the players don't need a "rah-rah" statement, yet I'd like to at least state my thoughts on the matter.

To the players; know this Cub fan is behind you and I am proud of what you have already accomplished for this team. There's plenty left on the table for us to grab.

Go get 'em!

It's not to late to sing "Go Cubs Go"! Keep your chins up guys. The CubNation is still alive and we still believe!

I understand the faith these other fans have in the team but for 30years plus I've been dealing with this disappoinment, I don't know if I can be a fan. You guys aren't showing any fire in the belly. Maybe you do need a pep talk.

I consider that this Cubs team is only FAIRLY paid, considering the value of the intellectual and emotional charge that you have provided to millions of fans in this wonderful season. (and it's not over!)
The joy and good energy this Cubs team has generated is truly priceless.

Welcome home.

We have nothing to fear, Wrigley and it's fans are to the beloved team as Nitro is to a muscle car, as sunlight is to superman, as homeland soil is to a returning soldier. We, the team, the fans, the Cubs nation will be victorious! Americas team will Return, Rejuvenate, & ravage the opposition!! I know you guys can do this.

I love my Cubbies. I am die hard fan and I BELIEVE IN THEM! We are not done yet. We have comeback from many deficits and have been victorious. I have all the faith in the world that my Cubbies will advance to the next round.

The regular season was fun to watch and exciting. Cub fans have to be happy about that.
Like Mark said, they have to take it one game at a time. That goes for the manager too. You can't plan for a game that might not take place. You have to do everything in your power to win the game you are playing. Take care of business on Saturday and when that is done, then worry about the next game.

Here's hoping that there is a game after Saturday....hopefully the deja vu feeling of the '98 playoffs goes away.

It's just about waving that white flag with the blue "W" and finding a way to get it done

That's what I'm talking about!!

KEEP THE FAITH!

Don't get swept! Win at least 1 game...will you please?!

Hey the suspension fun...Cubbies take 2 at Wrigley...go back and take game five...I still believe and always will...Good luck!...and have fun

First of all, I want to say this is not the place for nasty comments- take that business elsewhere.

As for the Cubs, DeRo- we haven't given up on you guys at all. Gotta keep the faith and keep believing. We can't question decisions or act like we are all managers- because we aren't. Just hang in there guys, take a day of rest mentally and physically and just relax.

see you saturday!

One game left...just one game left. The offense needs to produce, especially ur big hitters in Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez.

Here's the thing, I don't beieve in curses. What I believe in is the team u guys have.

What you need to do now is go after the Dbacks, particularly Livan Hernandez. He and the rest of the DBacks are forcing u guys to elimination.

I DON"T WANT THAT!!! All I'm asking for is for u and the rest of the team to fight back and hit where it hurts...the scoreboard.

Mark,

Man is it hard being a cubs fan. They say this kind of thing builds character. I think I have enough "character" already. Lets get those bats going, stop swinging at garbage! Be more selective. Geez, already.

Are the white sox even a MLB team anymore? They should be sent down to AAA, they might do a little better.

Cubs don't deserve to go to the playoffs? Please 5-1 this year with ease. White Sox offense is so bad it's not even funny the best avg on the team was what 270? ahaha sad, not only that the pitching ***** and the bullpen ***** besides jenks. White sox should just trade their whole team, maybe they'll do better next year

A true Cubs fan weeps with the defeats, grins and yells with the wins...but loves the Cubs anyway. I am one of those and my flag is flying proudly at my house in Charlotte, NC. It will come down when the last game is played at Wrigley for the season OR we will the big one! Love the Cubs...and, I still believe.

I have been a Chicago Cubs fan all my life and I hope you guys win at Wrigley tomorrow. I know you have the potential to win and that you can put the numbers up on the board, it's just a matter of getting those numbers at the right time. You haven't been able to the past few nights, but hopefully at Wrigley things will change and the tides will turn. I wish you all luck in the game tomorrow. Let's take it one game at a time. I'm not going to ever stop believing that the Cubs will someday win the World Series. I think maybe it could happen this year! :) But first we have to win tomorrow. I was so sad last night when I watched the Cubs lose, but I've still got hope for tomorrow. A real Cubs fan never gives up and I'm not giving up on you! :) Let's get some runs (and wins) at Wrigley where the greatest fans root for the greatest team in the world! :) Don't stop believing and go CUBS! :)

Love,

Shanna

Mark,

You know we'll stick by you and the guys through thick & thin. Hopefully bringing it home is what you need. Knowing that every single person in that crowd is there for YOU. We're pulling for you guys 100%. We're not giving up hope.

Tomorrow night after the game Cubs fans around the world will be screaming the lyrics to GO CUBS GO!!!!! I know we will. YOU GOTTA BELIEVE!

DeRo, you guys hang in there!! It takes 27 outs to complete a ball game and on any given day anything can happen, that's why they play the game. My son and I were lucky enough to watch you win in STL on 9-16 and in baseball heaven on 9-23. Can't wait to fly our white flag with the big blue W on it Saturday. GO CUBS GO, were behind you guys 100% and no matter what thanks for a GREAT season that's far from over yet.

First and foremost I want to say that I eat, sleep and breathe Cubs' baseball. I've been a fan since I was 4 years old, and I'll love the team no matter what. However, I am hearing a lot of people during this postseason say that the big 3 are looking pretty lethargic. I gotta say that I agree. I mean it is sort of making me sick to see them up there whiffing so much. I know they are better than that. What's the deal?

But no matter what, you guys have my support as always. I would defend the Cubs in any bar brawl.

Mark, you guys are killing me. I don't want to wait til next year again. Lets just come back and shock the D-Backs this year. Go Cubs!

Man, you guys continue to break my heart. Us Cub fans put so much emotion into these stupid games just to get crushed. Good luck in Chicago! Here's a tip: I know it's usually good to watch the first pitch, but almost every batter has had the first pitch go straight down the middle. Smack it out next time! And tell Sorriano he better run when he hits the ball. There's no excuse for not making it to 2nd when the ball hits the outfield wall!

LET'S GET SOME RUNS!

Mark,

I went to both games in Arizona as that is where I live. I have been a lifelong Cubs fan all my life. I figured if we were gonna take this thing this year, it wouldn't be easy... ****, it hasn't been all year for the Cubs. But I still have faith in this team, take it one day at a time and who knows what will happen.

GO CUBS GO

In Hoc Brother,

Mike

This will not be a pep talk Mark, becuase you guys know what has to be done, so get it done!
Don't let so-called Cub fans such as "Aludrah and pcjr42", get to you. Their only purpose in life is to find problems with others because they are not happy with themselves. They are the problem or "The anti - Cub" fan, and have no value to the team or the true Cub fan, and they need to be discarded. Heck they probably didn't know the baseball was round in shape until they seen it on TV., and probably still doubted that. Now when the playoff picture actually revolves around them then I am sure that someone more prominate than I, from the Cubs organization will tell them to shut their trap. People like them are the only disappointment from this season. Your job is to play baseball and figure out how to correct the mistakes, our job as fans is not to hold the team accountable but to support you no matter what! The best quote I have seen is from a Sign I saw at Wrigley just after the Zambrano boo fest.

TRUE CUB FANS DON'T BOO!

so with that said

Thank You Mark, Thank You 2007 Chicago Cubs, for giving us real fans the oppertunity to enjoy October. I wish you all the best the rest of the way, I will be there with ya good or bad.

For Aludrah

GO CUBS GO!!!

Hey! Chicago what do ya say the Cubs are going to win today,

GO Cubs GO!!!

Hey lets get some runs Cubs! I know we can come back and win the whole thing. Lets all just stay positive and I think everything will turn out alright.

P.S. Can I get Sam Fuld's number?

Just kidding.

No, but really.

OK - I wanna echo all the positive outlook and true Cubbies fans - it is one game at a time - Arizona did what was easier to do at home and we just couldn't do the harder thing of winning away - -but now we go home and Wrigley and fans kick in - - Our Cubs team can win Saturday, and Sunday and take that energy back to get the hard thing done this time in AZ - - GO CUBS - I like to hear the fans who realize energy in supporting your own team is where it is at, not wasting time dissing the opponents - - Let's Go Cubs ! And thanks again Mark D for talking to the fans - it is encouraging to hear and hope our thoughts bring good encouragement to you and the team! We STILL Believe - -that's a Cubs fan!!

Mark,

Please do not take all these nasty comments to heart. These people are not true Cub fans. Yes, while we maybe disappointed, nasty comments never solved a thing.

I am still a fan and I will always be a fan. I know you guys can take the 2 games at home. We will worry about game 5 when we get there.

Good luck and tell the rest of the team true Cub fans are pulling for you.

EVERY CUBS FAN NEEDS TO READ THIS!

In 2004, Boston did what no team had ever done before. They came back from a 0-3 deficit to the Yankees to win Games 4 thru 7 and clinch the AL pennant. History suggests that miracles tend to favor those most deserving.

Boston had not won the World Series since 1918. All the talk of curses and the long championship drought surrounded them as it does today for the Cubs. If Boston were to win it all, something extraordinary had to happen. They pulled off the near-impossible, winning 4 in a row.

My point being: It seems to break the curse (if ever one existed), or for history to be re-written, something quite remarkable needs to happen. Open your mind, and imagine that some THING, or some higher being or force is requiring one **** of a comeback to get to the coveted glorious prize.

The Cubs remain the team in all of sports with the longest championship drought. It seems only fitting that, if the Cubs are to win it all, they must do the unthinkable - something equally as special and extraordinary as Boston’s 4 game comeback. No NL team has ever come back to win a division series after losing Games 1 and 2. Yes, we are down 0-2. But doesn’t that put us in a position to do something no NL team has ever done before??? It would be a remarkable, miraculous achievement, now wouldn’t it???

I appreciate your optimism Mark. Cubs Nation is behind all of you. This is the year the Cubs not only dig out of a two game deficit, it is also the year that the Cubs climb out of the "haven't won the World Series since 1908" hole.

THIS WILL BE A HISTORIC YEAR!

Just remember what the '04 Red Sox did...they came back from three games back to win four in a row against the Yankees. It'll be Home Sweet Home for you guys this weekend...keep the faith! Cubs Nation is behind you guys!

Last night after going down 0-2, I just sat on my bed and looked at the TV with a blank stare for an hour. Thinking how I've watched all 162 games with anticipation of you guys making the playoffs.

I still believe, because I remember in early June when Lou "snapped" at the 3rd base umpire, you guys became the hottest team in baseball.

I already bought the tickets for the NLCS.

Please make my prediction right...

First, hard as this may be to be to explain my faith is still very strong 75-100%. However, after last nights loss I really and truly hope the fans that see the game at Wrigley, (where I am forced to see the game on the TV) as well as the players especially get their acts together and come back and win the next two games. Then go to Mesa and finish it off. Meantime I hope Manager Lou has some serious tricks up his sleeve to pull it off. Again! I have not lost faith!

remember one pitch, one at bat, one hit, one day at a time. you just have to go out there and play, yes its the playoffs, yes we are down 0-2 but look Boston did a couple years back they were down and out but they came back to win it all.So Don't worry and relax and go out there an play like you have all year, curses, records don't matter. One day at a time!! Good luck and Go Cubbies!!

There is no doubt in my mind that you guys can get this done. You're home now - that will make a big difference. Looking forward to the weekend, one game at a time!

I really hope you guys can pull this off. We will be there on Saturday and Sunday cheering you on! GO get them!!

http://www.wrigleyexpansion.com

Mark DeRosa is a class act. i really appreciate you doing this DeRo. The dissapointment was ubearable last night. the dbacks starting lineup is awful. AUGIE OJEDA, stephen drew blows too, all luck. give me a break. I agree that something crazy needs to happen. they need to relax. they really have nothing to lose now, just go out and have fun. U THE MAN MARK!!!!!!

as for aldurah, you are not a class act. sweet, you won two years ago cuz ur ignorant catcher ran to first after a strikeout like the idiot he is. Why dont you go write on the sox playoff blog....o wait there isnt one cuz ur old men were second worst int he league. thers a joke for you. GO CUBS. GO DEROSA.

Mark: We r so happy that u r here. Be positive and know that the dream is still possible...only 3 games away!
We r the best fans in the world...and the Cubs are the best always and 4ever!

I know you guys can turn things around and pull this off. I think having this day off benefits you so much, and takes a lot out of Arizona's momentum. Most importantly, going back to Wrigley is going to be one huge boost for you.

I live in Tempe, AZ and I could honestly say that I rarely saw a D-Back hat before they clinched the NL West. Now, since 80% of the people at the games saw that they were in the postseason on their evening news last week, I see D-Back hats everywhere and it really gets to me. The "fans" do not deserve what they're seeing. So as my plea to you, do the unthinkable and give a gift to true fans and show these "D-Back" fans the meaning of a true baseball city.

Unfortunately, I won't be able to watch the game on Saturday because I'll be at work. But I will be wearing my Cubbie blue and supporting the team I truly believe in because I have faith in you guys. You guys can turn this around and do something incredible, I know it.

I hope you guys go back to Wrigley and show these guys how it's done! We've made mistakes, but we've been a rollercoaster ride all season. Let's take two and head back to the desert!

I am a fan very similar to Ron Santo (as I am sure most of the 'die hard' Cubs fans are)...meaning I've taken these two losses pretty hard. On the other hand, I still LOVE every one of you guys. Granted, I'd be a happier fan if you would have won, but I still love the whole team.
Good Luck Saturday!!!!

IT'S GONNA HAPPEN!!! I am so proud of the Cubbies for coming this far. I live in New Jersey and fly out every year to see them play. We as fans have to trust them and them as players have to believe in themselves. So like Mark D said you just have to dig down deep and play the game you love. We Believe in you. Just do your best, thats all we can ask for. My flag is flying proud for those CUBBIES!!!!!!!

Did Soriano learn to play October baseball from A-Rod? Why in the world can our best 3 hitters not to a **** thing? The least they could do is muster a fluke gapper. Being at the last two games ******. Diamondback fans are terrible and the cubs didn't do anything to help. JUST WIN! No more excuses.

I think this is our time to shine. Being at the game last night was heartbreaking, but I have faith for this weekend! GO CUBS!!!!!

I have been a fan for 60+years I have seen the college of coaches the wreck of 1969 and all the short comings since. The one thing that continues is swinging for the fences and trying to do to much. If everyone plays within their game this can be turned around if they can't hopefully I will still be able to wait for next year. Relaxe, play ball and have fun doing it and this can be turned around. For all the newer fans these aren't the "Cubbies" these are the Chicago Cubs they aren't cute little stuffed animals they are grown men playing a game that they enjoy. They just need to play the way they can and all will be well

Mark, I deeply appreciate your allowing us to read your thoughts as the series progresses. You are a class act. I know that there is no lack of effort or desire on your part or your teammates. It's best three out of five, and the series isn't over yet. Cub fans are so happy to have you all home, and they will be out in force. Loud, opinionated, yet fiercely loyal. Always.

jqcvc1,

Sir....

Amen to that!

Very well said

been a fan for only forty years.

I'm absolutely befuddled that you fools can say nice things about this ball club. They spend hundreds of millions on these guys. They won a poor division with only 85 victories. They're 0-2 down in a series against a lowly regarded team. It's been 100 years since we've won a World Series. The Cubs play a crummy brand of ball. They don't hustle, move runners along or hit the cut-off man...to mention a few. And you folks say nice things to these guys? Shame on you! I'm beginning to wonder if we Cub fans are very loyal or just stupid. I know I'm the former. Most of you seem to be that latter. Let's do the right thing, and let these guys hear how lousy they are!

First, let me second the sentiments in the previous post. You are a class act, Mark DeRosa!

I just want to say to all of those who felt the need to post nasty comments - get a life! I just picked up my local newspaper and read that one of my son's classmates was killed in a car accident over the weekend. Seventeen years old with her whole life in front of her and now she's gone. I'm as big a fan as anyone out there, but this sure puts things into perspective. If the Cubs win, that's great; if they don't, it's not the end of the world.

Best of luck this weekend, Cubbies. I'll be rooting for you.

pcjr42--

I get what your saying, and i'm frusterated as well as how bad the Cubs played these two games. There not play small ball, there not doing the things right.

The way alfonso doesnt even run plsses me off so much.

But think of it this way, the Cubs did what they HAD to do to get to the playoffs. It doesn't matter how you get there, they got there. Records don't mean anything after you get to the playoffs, besides maybe home field advantage.

What's the point at booing them? That doesn't do anyone good, we can still do this thing, I have a feeling we can win at home, but the most difficult task would be to beat Webb in Arizona if we get back there.

Thanks for your thoughts Mark! I am a huge fan in Texas and we drove up to Arizona for the games. Disappointed? Yes! Giving up? No! Thank you for the encouragement, thank you for letting you know where you stand. Regardless of the recor this team has given us something to cheer for this year! We are behind you whether it is from the stands, a bar stool or a couch down here in Texas! 3 in a row! Do it to it! GO CUBBIES!

As a loyal Cubs fan I am very frustrated, but it is not like this team is going out there and playing like this on purpose. I don't think any one of us thinks that there is a better manager for the team than Lou....or that Aramis, D Lee, Soriano can't hit the cover off the ball. I agree, I am not happy with the last 2 games, but no matter how much they are paid, they are still human after all. Having the fans jump on them now is NOT going to help.

I'm watching baseball at 1 in the morning thinking we STILL HAVE A CHANCE with two outs and down by 4...The only crazy part about that is that it was 1 in the morning!

Here's what I really want to know from the you, Mark, and the guys in the dugout. Does it make a difference that you are playing baseball in the middle of the night?

And from the guys who schedule the series, what's up with the obvious West Coast favor?

Why do the Cubs games have to start SO late? Why not 5pm Arizona time? Or even 6pm?

Hey Mamtoo, you should not lecture your betters about the state of the world. I have traveled to nearly 50 countries. And, as a several time decorated serviceman, I've seen horror first-hand, while most of you folks sat back in the States, feeding your faces, and criticizing us. So please don't lecture someone who already thinks you're clueless. That doesn't accomplish much. And you still read newspapers? What century do you live in?

Speaking of the state of the world: I'm disturbed about you Cub fans attitudes toward mediocrity. These guys are sorry, overpaid losers who barely backed into the playoffs in a terrible division. Now, they're down 0-2 in the playoff series and you want to cheer them on? What planet to you folks live on?

But I will back down on the booing. OK, Buski no booing, unless they really, really deserve it. That doesn't accomplish much either. They won't listen anyways. In fact, they're probably laughing all the way to the bank as we speak.

Still, I agree that DeRo appears to be a class act. Thx for 'facing the music' during a difficult time, and allowing me to express my views. Many folks, who never lifted a finger defending our freedoms, would probably delete this.

I sit here with all of you in Cubdom, hoping, clinging, wishing for any sort of resemblence to a championship run , and all I see is a whole team pulling an A-Rod

LoL, I'm with you bels. Well said! While I'm pulling for the Cubs with all of my might I expect them to screw up. Its just the way things are. Ah, but what can you do when you're always dealt a lousy hand?

Mark-- I live in South Dakota and went to 7 games this year and have the past 5 years or so.. Its what we do for vacation! I come from a long line of Cubbie fans dating back to my grandpa in the 30's. Sure I get frustrated, but not by effort, because of wanting the cubbies to win so bad.. So as I sit here tonight thinking about the fun I've had watching you all, I am not ready to switch to Football yet this year so I wish you guys the best of luck, and win or lose we will still be the BIGGEST cubbie fans in South Dakota

Mark your right. One game at a time, one out at a time, and one pitch at a time. Have fun and play your game. I'm confident you and the cubbies will turn this thing around for us. I'm looking forward to singing at the end of Saturday a lil bit of "go cubs go"

THIS IS A FIVE GAME SERIES. WE ARE DORKS IF WE ACT LIKE DOOMY GLOOMY SOX FANS..

Amen Poloski!

We don't need to evaluate salaries, politics, who's smarter, or any of that junk. We were pretty much the worst team last year and started off slow this year.

But we kept getting up after each knockdown and then after shipping "Rocky" off to Diego, We started knocking other teams around.

Sure I'm disappointed and could pick apart every at bat and every pitch, but why bother.

We gotta hang on. At our best we have plenty to win it all. No need to stretch or use smoke and mirrors. This is a good team that needs to play to potential tommorrow.

That IS a peptalk for all the supposedly loyal Cubbie Fans. If you want to turn on our boys, get an empty popcan for admission and roll down to the blighted neighborhood on the other side of town. You'll find plenty of bitter people to complain to.

Lets demonstrate why we are fans.

Funny how a whole season becomes just a few games when you get to the playoffs

Take comfort knowing this is pressure you earned. You guys belong there. You want to win so badly because you know you can.

Hey Mark,
Just wanted to say thanks for keeping up the playoff blog and letting us in on the team's perspective and your personal feelings. I've found it insightful and interesting to read.

I also wanted to say to all of the alleged loyal Cub fans out there making the negative and somewhat nasty comments on the blog that those are the last things that the players need to see or hear right now. And for those criticizing the real loyal fans.....would you rather the Cubs just have fair weather fans like other teams? I'm referring to D'Backs fans or even White Sox fans for that matter. I moved to AZ two years ago and until the D'Backs made it into the playoffs, you rarely saw people wearing D'Backs apparel and they weren't selling out games like the Cubs regularly do....they're lucky if they can fill half the ballpark on a daily basis. I personally would rather be a true Cub fan through the good or the bad, obviously we would prefer the good, but even in the bad true fans aren't going to turn their backs on the Cubs for not winning. I find it very frustrating to see the negativity posted here when we should be showing support for our Cubs! There are still 3 more games!! Stay positive! I do understand being disappointed in the way things have started, but there is still a long way to go.....take it one game at a time as Derosa and previous bloggers have already stated.

I will be watching on TV tomorrow, continuing to cheer my favorite Cub Mark Derosa and the Cub team on to victory!

GO CUBS GO!!!!

Man, do we need to all stop, take a breath and relax! This is a five game series, NOT two out of three! It ain't over 'til it's over and it ain't over yet! Anyone remember 1984??? We were on the wrong side of that one but we will be on the right side of it this year! The universe seeks balance, people! This year it's our turn to come back! Mark, thanks for the blog, my brother! Keep the positive attitude you've had all year and help bring us to the promised land! You guys can do it!!!! GO CUBS GO!!!!

Mark believe me ,
Cub fans know a two game lead does NOT mean the other team's out of it, even with the stakes higher... i.e. Padres,Marlins

(oooow that hurts to write)

I think Lou needs to shake things up a bit;

So when will it be?

theroit

derosa

soriano

ramirez

lee

floyd/murton

jones

perez/kendall

pitcher

walks then run

the homers will come

and at least a fly-out

may still mean a run

When the Cubs get over this big bump in the road, we're going all the way!

GO CUBS

Mark,
I love you and all the 2007 members of the chicago cubs.

You have been an important member of this team and I personally think you have a great career after baseball as a sports commentator as you are very well spoken and knowledgeable about the sport.

But I want to say something, no pep talk here either. I have been a cubs fan for almost 40 years,this is a job for you, one you are very talented at.

When you retire, get traded, or just decide to move on, I will still be here with the thousands and thousands of other cubbie "Faithful" hoping against all hope that this team will become a yearly contender instead of an almost 100 year deficit between world series championships.

I have spent this season praying for you guys, crying for you, and cheering myself hoarse for you when you win. But I do not understand something, the cubs have historically played poorly against the diamondbacks, just as they have played poorly against the Marlins. Do you guys look at these historical numbers and just believe that that is the way things have to be?

I wish all of the players on this team would realize that history does not have to repeat itself. You, DLee, Rammy, and Soriano have to look deep within yourselves and say, we are going to change the course of history for this team, and we will not go down without a fight!

I saw no fight in game 1 or game 2, I saw a bunch of guys who looked scared! Scared against a bunch of kids who play for a team where no one has big outstanding numbers and only pays their players half the salary you guys earn, and has to make their ballpark so full of neon lights and noise and people waving pom poms to try and distract their competition!

Well if it means putting earplugs in, and wearing sunglasses then so be it. Do whatever it takes, because you guys are so much more talented than how you have played these last two games!

For all of you that say that this team got in the back door in a crappy division, uumm do any of you remember the cardinals last season? 84 wins and they won it all! Crappy division? we have one more team in the central than the other two divisions, we are not going to have the same amount of wins as the east or west because of that.

I thank you for letting me sound off about my frustrations and I hope you see this! We are great fans, we take alot of **** from fans of other teams for our loyalty to this team.

We have made the Tribune co. rich just in support of this team. It is time that the loyalty is returned back to us, the fans.

I will continue to pray, I will continue to cheer and I will continue to cry, long after you retire Mark. But while you are here, will you make sure that every day you come out to the field, every time you pick up a bat, that you will give the best youve got? Dont get me wrong, I love ya, but sometimes you got to tell it like it is my friend!

DE-RO is our HERO!
My daughter and I are the biggest Cubs fans ever (a trait passed down from my mother) and we love this team. REGARDLESS of what happens in the rest of the playoffs, Cubs are still the NL CENTRAL CHAMPS!! which no one predicted or expected. I just love the heart and chemistry of this current group of players.

I've never heard anything sillier than the post where someone berates you all for the last 100 years! As if anyone on this current team had anything to do with all those other teams of players.

We love your interviews and willingness to be candid and your friendly and positive attitude towards the fans. Here's to the Cubs and our favorite Cubs player!!

We live near ATL so knew you as a Brave as well and were thrilled when you came to the Cubs.

CHICAGO CUBS NL CENTRAL DIVISION WINNERS.... and hopefully, with more on the way!

Thanks Mark! i saw my first live cubs game with my late Dad at wrigley on Father's Day, 1971. It wasa bus trip up from Fort Wayne, IN.
Win or lose, I appreciate and enjoy Cubs baseball, and I also appreciate your taking the time to write this blog.

Whatever has happened in the past, this team has nothing to do with:

Just relax and have a fun time playing ball, buddy.

And thanks for what you have personally accomplished in helping the team and entertaining us this season sir.

Hey Mark,
I love the cubs unconditionally. I have been a fan since the youngest age. Coming home from school and turning the t.v. on and watching the cubs down here in south texas was the best. I am 31 years old and the cubs are my passion. I have been loyal all these years and seen my cubbies go down in flames. I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I still believe in you guys. I have driven to houston every year to see you guys, and I have brought up my kids to love the cubbies. The only thing I ask of you guys is to go out and play with heart. forget all the people that talk about the curse and that the cubs will never win. I truly love this team,and I know that you all can do it. Believe in yourselves and go out and shock the world.Leave it all on the field, and I will still love you guys win or lose. I know my email is probably insignificant and you may not read it, but know that I am a real cub fan that still beleives that dreams do come true. Good luck and God Bless.

Hector Hernandez

South Texas

raiderguy11@hotmail.com

Hi Mark,
You're right about "one at a time". The team can't think about tomorrow, or yesterday. It's all about today, nothing else. I played MSBL and Roy Hobbs mens baseball for 17 years and understand your comments. Ya, we played for free (actually paid to play), but the pride and intensity was there. You go out believing you can win every game, no matter who the opponent is. This is the best team I've seen in many years and I look for "the team" to leave it all on the field every game, win, or lose. You guys could have folded early on and didn't. Changing so many players in the off season creates a different chemistry and it takes time to gel. That "junk" about saleries means nothing to me. Good players cost money, period. I don't care what anybody says. I'm proud of this teams accomplishments and look for it to get better. Lots of teams are sitting on the couch watching right now, wishing they were there! I'm proud of this team. Go get 'em!

Wow, 82 posts here. Been a Cub fan since, well, forever. I'm one of those who were born to two major Cub fans, and the beat goes on and on, lol.

In the event you just might read my post, I just want to say...Mark, you are an extremely talented multi-faceted player, and I just wanted to take this opportunity to say 'thank-you' for giving 110 percent each and every day. It doesn't go unnoticed.

I'm sure looking forward to seeing some big smiles on this team's faces after the game tonight. :)

Today is a brand new day :)
Good luck tonight Mark and

Good luck Cubbies, we're rooting for you!

M.V.P

Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago whataya say? The Cubs are gonna win today! And if ya don't I'll love ya anyway! Have fun guys and let the magic of Wriggly bring us a win today! Thanks Mark for the blog I know you guys can do it! You've been doing it all year. Go Cubs Go!... (By the way all you "freedom of speech" hate spewing posters. You're not fans you're sad little unhappy people who need to see the brighter picture. I'm sure you were'nt happy when we finished in last place in 2006. Now we're in the playoffs and down but not out. Can you find one thing to be happy about? Go Cubs Go!

No matter what I will always be a cubs fan!!! But after watching or listening to pretty much 162 games this year and feeling the butterflies in my stomach with every close game will have still been worth it, however I believe there is no reason that this can not get done and I will be watching tonight with great anticipation of a win, I'd wish you luck but you don't need luck, you just need to do what you have done all season, get it done when it counts!!! Go CUBS Win!!!

Well said, Mark. Look... there's no curse, folks. It's just 99 years of poor managerial decisions, untimely hitting and a lack of quality pitching that has been the root cause of Cubs misery to this point. This team is capable of ending that. The bottom line is the Cubs are facing a young team right now that is pitching well and hitting on all cylinders at the moment while our team seems to be stuck in neutral. But that could all change in a hurry -- which it better if Cubs Nation is going to have anything to cheer about next week! If Cubs hitters are more selective and patient at the plate this weekend by forcing D-backs pitchers to throw "hitter's pitches" the Cubs will win two at Wrigley and head back to the desert for a Game 5. If this happens my money is on the Cubs to pull it out! I will say one thing: I don't like the idea of using Big Z on short rest in Game 4. If the Cubs win Game 3 Piniella should save Zambrano for a possible Game 5 and go with Marquis on Sunday in Game 4. He has pitched well against Arizona and would be more effective than a 75% Zambrano. GO CUBS, GO!!!

Ernie Banks signed an autograph for me that reads - "Rick, Be Positive - Ernie Banks, Mr Cub."

Thanks to all who are - to all who aren't, there are other teams you can root for - Cub Nation does not need your negatism so move on.

Mark,
Thanks for the opportunity to post here on your blog. Go out there today and have fun. I support you guys no matter what. That is what it means to be a true diehard Cub fan. Anyone who is not cannot understand our loyalty and that's okay because I really don't care what they think. I love the game of baseball and I have only one team, the Cubs. Cherigrace64 thanks for your great post and as you said, the Cubs are the NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL CHAMPS! Be proud!

Barb

Mark,

I know you guys don't need any pep talk, but I recommend you visit the Diamondbacks web site.

They've got an article today about that annoying dance their closer does when he gets the final out.

Please don't let that jerk taunt us on our home field, make him do it in Arizona.

Thanks. Good luck, God Bless, Shalom, May the Force Be With You, Peace Holmes, etc., etc.

Your right on the money Mark, it is what it is. With that said you guys can come home knowing the best fans in baseball are right here with you. There is nothing quite like the post-season atmosphere in Wrigleyville. we'll be out in force. Good luck and GO CUBS!!.

I have watched, as many have. I see the Cubs at times too agressive at the plate. Making the opposing pitcher work harder and deeper into the count, especially late in the game, makes him have to make better pitches. Swinging at the first pitch you see is not necessarily the best option.

I am looking for the Cubs to rebound today and Sunday will take care of itself. The Cubs win today and some level of doubt will creep into the DiamonBacks.

I have not waited as long as many, but as a fan since 1952, I'm ready as there is more sand in the bottom of MY hourglass.

A win today and a quick lead out of the box on Sunday will get the Cubs back on track.

I've watched every game this year...even if it ment begging my mom to get me out of study hall at 3....I just wanna say I BELIEVE in you guys!! All the stuff you've had to go through this year....the ups and downs....
Good luck tonight....and please bring a W!!

Thank you so much for the great year and keep it up!!! : )

This has been great season (bouncing back from 66 win season) until the playoffs. Right when we need the big guys .. they go quite. Only runs we get is from some random infield hit and a Homerun from a rookie.. Come on We are more capable of crushing this ARizona.. And please get the job tonight ... All i want is That W Waving... Please DeRo FOR THE CUBS FANS!!!!!!

Man I love being a Cubs Fan. I just read all the good and bad in all of these posts and I still believe. The critics are right, we need production. The Cubs' bats have gone dormant several times during this long, hard fought season. There is no reason that they can't come back to life today. I live in AZ and agree that D-back fans are very fair weather, I haven't heard a thing from anyone all season...until they won game one. Scream when they win...cry when they lose...it's all a part of the Cubs Nation. Man I love being a Cubs Fan.

I have been a Cub fan forever! I have faith that each and every Cub will go out and do their very best tonight. That's all we can ask of anybody. Whatever happens, the ride has been fun. These Cubs did not give up even when the beginning was so tough. They show strong character and will. Thanks, DeRo, for the blog. And thanks to all the Cubs and Coaches for never giving up! We'll never give up either!

Mark,
It's back to Wrigley to even the score. I really appreciate your style of play and contribution !!! Rock on...

Mark,
tell everyone but mostlyAlfonso to TAKE SOME PITCHES! Please!

I love the Cubbies; I have my entire life. And as a Cub fan I can tell you what is frustrating; on paper, we should be able to win a series against anyone, but we don't especially against winning ball clubs. And in the post season, it's even worst, it seems as if the pressure of playing in Chicago (in the post season) is something that Cubbies can't handle, which is something that us Cub fans are expecting you guys (the Cubbies) to be able to handle.

We support you guys and have all year, but please give us something to cheer about in this post season.

You may not need a peptalk but since I have been a fan for 40 years and watch the games, there are times when what we, the fans, have to say need to be listened to. I do believe in the Cubs. Sometimes it seems like fundamentals are not perfected enough. For instance, protecting the plate. Ramirez, in the second inning looked like he was afraid to swing at pitches that were to close to take, then swings at **** way outside. You guys get frustrated well so do the fans. You also still get paid and we get to say "next year". Well, I'm tired of waiting until next year. This year the Cubs have a great chance. How bad does the Cub team want to win???? Play ball and pay attention to fundamentals. Thanks for letting me vent. Cathy

Ball 4, DeRosa. Loaded bases. BALL FOUR!!!

Still, the game's not over. And I suppose I can't blame you. You've played like a champ. I'm not mad, just incredibly, incredibly dissapointed.

At least Prior gave us 22 outs before crushing our hearts.

-Revan

Mark,

Thanks for a great seasons!!!

Way to choke DeRo! Now, we can call you DP DeRo. Kind of catchy, wouldn't you say?

And tell some of those pathetic foreign team-mates of yours to go back to the pathetic dirt patch where they came from...and never come back! What a bunch of cry-babies and losers!

I'm so shocked. Talk about disappointing, I'm sure you guys are and you can just see it on all the fans faces. You guys are good players and you handed the dreadful D-Backs these 3 games. However, thanks for the good season. We all had something to celebrate this year. CENTRAL DIVISION CHAMPS!!!! I'm sure you guys can put it all together and come back in the Spring ready to win again! Your fans will be back next year -- we love the Cubs. This team is solid and Piniella brought the Cubs along way. THE CUBS IN 2008--I CAN HARDLY WAIT!!! Thanks Guys.

Hey you guys made Division Champs and theres a lot to be said for that! There's always next year for World Series! Thanks for an exciting season and good luck next year Cubbies!

Mark,

As a huge Cubs fan, I've never been more disappointed than the this past week. I think you're a great guy and good ball player, but come on..3-1 count with 1 out. What are you swinging a