Tip your cap
You put the magnitude of what this series means to the people of Chicago, and what it means to us, and you've worked so hard to get to this point, you can't help but be a little nervous. But once I saw Brandon Webb's first pitch, the nerves went away. I don't want to say it goes back to being simple, because this game is far from that. You have to make it just baseball and not get caught up in everything that's going on in the crowd, in the dugout, all the hype that's part of the postseason.
All the credit goes to their starter. Brandon Webb won the Cy Young last year. He won 18 games this year. Webb has one of the best sinkers in the history of the game. He's nasty. I don't think TV does him justice.
I felt good at the plate, and I saw the ball well off him. My game plan was to take pitches and make him work and not try to get myself out. I think I was successful; I was on base three times. He's a tough guy to put a rally together, hit after hit, because he continues to throw that power sinker and continues to get guys to put the ball on the ground. It's tough for the ball to find holes on a consistent basis.
You come into the game with him on the mound, and you're hoping somebody can pop one in a big situation and get you three runs on the board. The way he was throwing the ball, you knew it would come down to one swing.
I'd give the ball to Carlos Marmol tomorrow. It's the playoffs -- stuff that you don't think will happen, happens. Baseball's a funny game. Carlos has been, I think, our team MVP all year. No one doubts his ability to get hitters out after tonight. He's a very confident guy.
You go through 162 games and dominate the way Carlos Marmol has dominated, I don't think you let one pitch determine who you are and how your teammates are supposed to feel about you. He knows we believe in him, and I think he believes in himself.
Mr. DeRosa,
Good game tonight. I was sorry it turned out the way it did, but there's a reason they play 5 in this series instead of only one, isn't there?
All you can do is go back out there tomorrow and get 'em.
Why am I telling you this? You're a pro, you know more about this than I ever could!
Good luck to you, the Cubs, and the city of Chicago (so long as you're not playing the Angels!)
-Sid McHenry
http://thecaliforniateam.mlblogs.com/
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Hey, ya win some, ya lose some. No big deal. I have so much confidence in you guys, you'll do fine.
Marmol just had a bad day... I truly do believe he is the MVP of relief pitchers. He's incredible and I have no doubts he will prove it.
You got todays game. I will be sure to be sportin my DeRo shirt at the bar tonight. Livin on the south side can get me in trouble sometimes with my love for the Cubs. ;)
I'm sure you remember me, wearing my custom made tank top when I was at the game not too long ago.. your comment about it being a Todd Walker shirt.. I had to show you the back to prove it wasn't..
I'll be sure to rub my lucky tattoo on my Cubs tattoo tonight for you guys. I even got the #7 inked on me. I got the luck for ya.. don't worry. Talk about superstitions huh.. ;)
You guys will do great. Can't wait to have ya home Saturday!!
Ashley
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Look Mark, you guys played a great game tonight, Webb has just got good stuff! So go out there tomorrow, put tonight behind you, and show them the stuff that got you into the postseason! Carlos may not have been on tonight, but no one in their right mind is going to fault him for that. After all, he has had one amazing year, just as the rest of you have! This team has surpassed everything that has been thrown in its path, and I "believe" we can do it again! Good luck boys, and thanks for a wonderful season!!
~Lori
From Freeport-Home of the Little Cubs Field
PS: You have my vote for MVP!
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I think the worst thing about this was seeing all the fairweathers come out for the Diamondbacks. I had to be in the only bar in Chicago with someone cheering for them. A "fan" who said the diamondbacks were her "second favorite" team. What an insult. When our fans can pretty much go to any park in America and outnumber your fans any day of the week - sad. Real fans stick around no matter what happens. Real fans have one team - THEIR team. Not some "second favorite". Go get em tonight. A split's not bad and you know Wrigley is waiting to welcome the team back and show Arizona what real fans are like.
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Hey Mark
Its ok! Win today and win two at home ! Webb was good. So go get em today!
Nikki
P.S. Your the cutest cub
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That was an incredible game, but Webb wasn't as great as he seemed. I can't be certain, but it definitely looked like he was loading his pitches, there was a dark smear on his hat, and whenever he adjusted his hat, he touched that smear
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Hang in there..you know the Cubbie nation is behind you guys!! Let's string together some of those 2 out rallies if we have too!
Carlos Marmol has been great all season, unfortunate to start off your post-season with a HR like that..but no biggie..you guys are pros and pros move on to the next challenge..
LET'S GET SOME RUNS!!!
we Cub fans in California are praying for a big W!!
Eden
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Hey Mark, sorry about the loss last night but you guys still have plenty of games to take the series back so just go out there play ball and have fun and the rest will take care of itself.
You know that the fans have your backs and will continue to love you regardless if you win or not, and THAT is what a true fan is all about. But I don't have to tell you about Cubs fans as you've witnessed first hand that we don't give up on you even if your down a few runs. You guys have proven time and again that you have what it takes to be champions.
Good luck on tonight's game Mark, and thanks for a wonderful year. GO CUBS GO!!!
Lisa
Die Hard Cubs fan from Toledo, Illinois
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Hey, Webb had his stuff and one of the Drew brothers CAN hit a baseball - go figure! I believe, as I'm sure many other people believe, that the great Doug Davis will get the beat down he so richly deserves.
Like last night, my cubs helmet will be on top of the tv and my cubs jersey will be hanging from the bar. However, tonight my "W" flag will be hanging outside my house at around 12:30am Atlanta time. Go get 'em boys!
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You're a class act Mr. DeRosa. I enjoy listening to your perspective because you are straight up and no frills. Keep playing your game! Good Luck to you and the whole team tonight. Give Marmol a "go get 'em" for me.
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Mark,
Thank you very much for your candid thoughts during this playoff run.
Last name game was one for the baseball purists.
Two great pitchers showing their stuff.
Big Z blowing it by batters and that nasty sinker by Webb.
Your a class act and so are the Cubs management.
Fact-
The cubs in 2003 lost both road opener Games 1 but went on to win the series in ATL and you know the rest.
Much love in DC, Go Cubs GO!
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Mark,
I know that you guys gave it your best shot last night. Just go out there tonight and bring home a win. I wish that I could be at Wrigley on Saturday because it will be unbelievable there. To all the Cub fans that will be there on Saturday, have fun and cheer loud for our guys! I support you guys no matter what. Have fun!
Barb
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Mark,
You and all the guys did a great job last night. Things just went "more right" for the Diamondbacks. I know you guys can come back and win this thing.
You are all great players and I hope you do not let this get you too down. Just show Arizona how good you guys really are tonight.
Good luck to all of you and GO CUBS!!!
Rebel
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Hi Mark,
Last night's game was a very well played game that just didn't go our way. Webb and Zambrano were both on their game, you put some good at-bats together, and the D-Backs got some timely home runs. I agree with putting Marmol back out there tonight. He's done a remarkable job this year and playoff baseball isn't going to change that. In fact, you all have done well, and I know you guys are going to win this thing!
I still see the Cubs taking this series in four. Go get em'! We're praying for you and cheering you on...even in St. Louis!
-- Aaron
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I have you taking the series in 4 for the MLB Fantasy series. Glad you got the loss out of the way :D
I would imagine the time change had something to do with you guys being out of sync. I know it is doing it to me, having to stay up to 1am to watch the game. Shake it off ...
On the watching the game note, can you tell TBS to get their act together? They were constantly talking down about the Cubs and talking highly of the Dbacks! They also had about a dozen video drops during the game! Pretty frustrating ...
When you guys are in the game tonight, just imagine that they are the Cincinnati Reds and crush 'em!
Chris
Dayton, OH
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Atta boy against a possible back-to-back Cy Young winner, DeRo.
I'm sure we'll be heavily right-handed 2nite, so rub on Matty Murton's head for some extra fire and pound Doug Davis pitch-for-pitch and get him off that bump.
Nobody has lost belief after Webb showed incredible stuff.
Aric Lee
Decatur, IL.
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De-Ro! You made Top Plays with that sweet stop up the middle on Salazar. Well done!
I was happy to see the team play well... A respectable effort against a very dominant pitcher. A tough loss, yes, but I saw a lot of good that can take the Cubs far this postseason. We're behind you! Go Cubs!
S
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DeRo--Thanks for all of your effort...and the team's effort. Everyone played well, which is all a fan can ask for. I have been a Cubs fan for 30 years, and plan on being one for 30 more. Go get 'em tonight!!
On another note...did your hear that the D'Backs manager was so upset they were playing the Cubs because of the fans they have everywhere, that he got a thing going in Arizona to make sure the D'Backs fans drown out the Cubs fans whenever they cheer at the game? Cubs fans that will be there tonight--make yourselves heard for all of us!!
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First of all, I liked your patience at the plate. Yes, Webb is nasty with that sinker, and it must be almost impossible not to chase it. I thought this was a game that could go either way with the pitching matchup. You have to tip your cap to the D-Backs for getting the big hits. I still like the Cubs chances the next three days. I wouldn't be surprised if you won the next three. Keep up the good work, and I'm looking forward to the effort tonight.
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Hey DRo,
I'm really upset that I didn't get to actually watch the game on T.V although I love hearing Pat & Ron, and i'm sure you do to. Tough game tonight, you guys played well, it was just those timely hits weren't coming.
Against Arizona a team that you will not get many runs off of, you need to be able to move guys over in scoring position, third base etc, late in games. Couple times we had a lead off guy on second base and we didn't cash in that run. They also played a fantastic defensive game, besides that one error.
It's frusterating to see that but I know you guys know what you're doing and Doug Davis is not nearly as good nor consistant as Webb, so I have a good feeling about tonight. Just watch out for all his junk pitches and make him pitch in the strike zone and we have this one.
And in my little bracket thing I had the Cubs to win in 5 games, but i'm still hoping you guys win the rest.
Nathan;)
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Hey Mark,
Good Luck tonight and best wishes throughout the playoffs. I can't wait for you guys to get back to Wrigley and hopefully will be trying to win the NLDS on Sunday! Whatever happens, you are awesome and I'm so glad that you are a Chicago Cub!
Sincerely,
Dave
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Mr. D - -
Good job on blog and game, and sure appreciate your attitude about the game. I've loved the Cubbies all my life and think you are THE team. Hope you and the team and Lou hear our cheers and confidence in you guys. Big Z was great and Lou has confidence in the team. Now that you all saw some 'live pitching' again last night, you are ready to remind all how you win games. GO CUBS. One loss in AZ means two wins in front of the fans at home, so go get 'em tonight!!
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Hi Mark,
I'm a huge Cubs fan (even though I live just north of Denver in Rockies country). Am hoping to see the Cubs and Rockies in the next round. I'll be there, in my Cubbies blue, of course. I agree - Carlos Marmol is awesome (can't dispute his numbers); he'll get 'em tonight. Best of luck to you and the rest of the team. I'll see you in Colorado!
P.S. You get my vote for MVP -what a season!
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DeRo, thanks for blogging, sir. I'm digging the insider look.
Last night hurt, yeah. You guys ran into a buzzsaw. But if I've learned anything about this team, this year especially, is that we can bounce back. I agree, Marmol's still a stud, and will be great in his next game.
And for what it's worth, as far as I'm concerned YOU are the team MVP, bud. No lie. So go out there and do what you do, and all will be well.
Still proud of my Cubs down here in Texas,
Dave
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Mark,
After sitting in my office and doing nothing but hitting refresh in an attempt to buy NLCS tickets, I've come to a realization: I need to think ONLY about tonight's game.
Carlos Marmol was unquestionably the right call last night by Lou (Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Suntimes is crazy). Can't you see what could have happened had Lou left in Zambrano? If Big Z threw 110+ pitches AND we lost, everyone would have been screaming "Where's Marmol? Isn't he the best set up man in baseball?"
Sometimes, you just can't please everyone. I have a really good feeling about tonight. Also, absolutely incredible play at 2nd last night Mark. Wowza!
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Mark, Great Job last night. That sinker was nasty, I watched it all night. Webb was getting ANYTHING near the plate. But most of them tailed back over the back corner.
I can't think of the exact inning and at bat, but WE loved that backhand catch and flip to Lee for the out.
I agree, Let's not throw Marmol under the bus. 1 bad inning doesn't cancel out his whole body of work.
My ONLY 2nd guess for Lou last night isn't that he pulled Z. But why hit him with the bases juiced and Webb on his heels. I know Z is a Big personality and a good hitter, but a good single from Ward or Murton gives US a two run lead there, and knocks Webb out an inning earlier.
Let's get into these guys tonight! Pick up Lilly, get marmol out there again so he can settle in. We need all you guys.
GO CUBS!!!
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I know you guys will bounce back tonight. Living in St. Louis is tough on a Cubs fan. Keep the faith and silence the D-Back fans. I'm stuck in the virtual waiting room for NLCS tickets. Good luck and I will be glued to the TV at 2100 CDT again.
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Hey DeRo,
It was only one game, you guys will bounce back and win tonight and then come home to Wrigley, I wish you guys could know how excited everyone is to see you! We will be there in the stands and on the streets in Wrigleyville. Go Cubs Go!!!
P.s. you had a great game on both sides you had that **** of a play where you backhanded that grounder into the gap and threw it to D. Lee for the out, you made it look easy
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You are a great writer! Do something with this, there is more real life in whats happening here than you'll ever imagine. My respect for you has quadrupled. Tell us a joke, the Cubs have a great history for that too. Oh yeah, have a good game.
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Hope the bats come alive tonight and we beat them by 3 or more runs so that it deflates their bubble. Good Luck!
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Mark,
Really proud of what you guys have done this season. Get the guys fired up in the dugout tonight and I know you guys can do it. Nice job last night; very nice Web Gem! Good luck the rest of the way!
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DeRo-
You guys did what you could last night, but Webb definitely brought his A game. I have faith you guys will take these next three games and win this series back at Wrigley!! I SO wish I could be there to see it happen. I cant wait to be back there this summer for some games and to celebrate my 21st at Wrigley! Go get 'em tonight. Because after all.. "It's gonna happen"
GO CUBS GO!
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Hey, DeRosa, shake it off. You guys will cream this guy today! Let's even this series up 1-1 and go back to Chicago all tied up and beat their butts into the ground! Webb is their ace, shake it off and let's get a win today. Go Cubs! Chicago's rootin for ya!
-Dan
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Hey Mark,
Good game last night, despite the result. I wrote on the board in my classroom this morning, "Have no fear Cubs fans." You guys probably feel the same way. I know you guys feel the same way. Even though you probably try to stay away from these comments and the media this time of year, many have accused Lou of looking ahead in this series and not focusing on the game at hand. I know you only play them one at a time, but just like everything else in life, don't you have to think about the big picture just a little?
Great blog man. You're my favorite Cub in recent memory, so don't do something silly like leave after this year. Go get 'em tonight, and get a hit for me will ya?
Kyle, big time fan in Kankakee, IL
"Can you really love the Cubs too much?"
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Mark: You looked good at the plate and in the field last night.
To show you how confident I am that the Cubs will still beat the Diamondbacks, I'm going to ask you for a favor. The championship series tickets all sold out this morning... so Mark, could you arrange some tickets for me?
This 350 Year Old Lifetime Cubs Fan would really appreciate it !!! (Cub fan years count like dog years, right?) GO CUBS ... THIS IS THE YEAR!
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Hey DeRo,
I am so glad you are on the Cubs! You looked good last night and your blog shows your class!
I know the Cubbies will come back and win! That is why the playoffs are more than one game in baseball!
Good luck tonight! Go Cubs!
Samantha
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I'll be rooting for you guys tonight. Can't wait until you clinch on Sunday! I'll be in section 239 screaming!!!. You guys were all great last night. Just got to wake up the bats. Fonz needs a lead off homer to send a spark. Stay just as patient at the plate as you've been! I'll be hoping to use those upper deck box seats for game 6 of the NLCS that I got today!
Karen
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Hey Mark-
I was glad to see you are doing this blog. Brandon Webb was tough last night...but I think tonight is the Cubs night. You all have played your heart out and I know you all will continue to do so. Good Luck tonight...I'll be rooting for you as I always do!
Karlene
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let's get a 'W' tonight. on the plane ride home, you can look forward to the scene at Wrigley on Saturday afternoon. It will be electric up there for you guys.
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Stay solid like you guys have been. I have faith in all of you.
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Hi Mark,
First of all good luck tonight. I've been a Cub fan for 39 years and don't plan on stopping. I drove to Cincy on Saturday to watch you guys. I had a feeling that the first team to score last night would come out on top. Both starters were on their game last night and as seems to be the norm, the bats are slow to come about after a day or two off. I was honestly surprised when Lou took out Big Z. I thought he would leave him in another inning, not that it would have made a difference in the outcome. I'd put the ball in Marmol's hand in any situation. He's been that consistent all season. As fans, we may not always be happy with the outcome of a game, but in the end we are still Chicago Cub fans...GOOD LUCK CUBBIES!!!
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Hey Mark! This whole season has been one big roller-coaster ride & last night was no exception. This is why we love baseball, isn't it??? Go get 'em tonight & quiet down all those nay-sayers. We'll hold on tight until the Cubbies win it all!!! Love you guys!!!!! GO CUBS!!!!!
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Hey Mark, I thought we had some opportunities that if they had come against anyone but Webb, or someone of his calibur we wouldve taken advantage of. Having Z hit that lead off double and he comes back to strike out the side. I was thinking heres our chance and he slams the door on Alfonso and Jacque and then to get Lee to chase one like that. I watch almost all the games and i have more fingers than times I've seen him strike out on a pitch down like that. You must be right saying that T.V. doesnt do Webb justice and on T.V. that sinker has alot of action. You looked like you had a really nice approach last night. Staying on him and going the other way. Got a little concerned when you got plunked though. Great play on that ball Salazar hit to your right. You made it look easy. Lets give Lilly some runs tonight and head back home even! We're pulling for you in Vincennes, IN. GO CUBS GO!!!
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Thank you and every member of the Cubs team for a great season! I am so thrilled to get to watch you in the playoffs and love to root you on for every game. We love you, Cubbies!
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No big deal, it's only one game! Go out there and beat them tonight! We still believe in you! GOOOO CUBS!
Much love,
Heather from Indiana
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Mark,
I'm a Cubs fan from the Big Island in Hawaii. I've been a Cubbies fan my whole life, and this season has been a great year to be a fan.
You guys hit the ball hard all game, but unfortunately, most of them went right to the defenders. That's baseball....
I know the team will do well in the upcoming games, as long as you guys continue what you've done all season.
So, from the land of Paradise and Pineapples......GO CUBS!!!
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Hey, cannot say how fun it has been to watch you guys play all season long. Nice to see a team of guys having fun and winning at the same time.
You guys gotta get this one for poor santo up in the booth, don't know how many more he can take :)
Shake this one off, it is hard to beat a good team twice...
Go Cubs...
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Mark,
First of all I want to say that I am so glad that you are a part of this team. You are a strong player and a stand-up guy. I saw you at the hotel in Cincinnati, taking all the time to sign autographs for everyone in the lobby - that was so great of you!
Second of all - yesterday's game, it's in the past - go get 'em tonight!!!
Good luck - can't wait till the Cubs come home to Wrigley!
Go Cubs . . .
Kristi :-)
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GO CUBS GO! Go play good sound,fundamental baseball. Go swing for the fences! And Win it for all the great Cub fan everywhere. We Love are Cubbies!!! Pekin, Illinois
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hey mark!
you did an amazing job last night, too bad webb was so good! i have all the faith in the world you guys will be able to win this series. i've been a cubs fan for all 17 years of my life. and there is no way that is going to change
good luck tonight! i will be praying for a win :o)
-emily
p.s.- youve got my vote for mvp too!
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Hey Mark awesome game lastnight sweet play at 2nd base there bud ), have been a longtime cubs fan for 20+yrs and proud of it ! Only question I have about lastnights game is, why aren't we bunting runners over? Had lead off batter on 2nd a few times and never did advance them, then a long fly ball and we score ..just curious =). Either way Lets go get em tonight then bring it home to Wrigley and finish them off!
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Mr. DeRosa:
Yesterday's game was a tough one. It was a typical showdown between aces and both Brandon Webb and Carlos Zambrano did they're job. No one says that we cant beat 'em three in a row, right? Well go get 'em today and I'll be praying for the best possible outcome.
P.S.
How does it feel to be the league's best utility player?
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You guys are the best. Thank god you are playing for the cubs, not the Braves
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Mark-
You couldn't have said it better. I'm working in Las Vegas this week and there was more support for the CUBS last night then the D-Backs. I kept telling people you guys will do it in 4 so that you can be at home to celebrate with the fans... I'm off now to go watch the game with a bunch of new friends and CUB fans that I met last night.... GO CUBS GO!!!!!!
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Mark,
I'll stand by my view that YOU are the Cubs MVP this year given your defensive domination at how many bases(???) paired with your bat.
I don't get the sense Carlos cares if he loses 10-1 or doesn't even lose in a loss but he had more poise out there than I expected.
Stick it to them tonight!!
You all look so loose out there--ready to win. I didn't see that in '03 as much. Nobody could really have beaten Webb last night. Nobody.
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Just a clarification: I meant it doesn't matter to Carlos how he loses if the team loses because he's such a competitor.
I'd never down the big Z. He's the man and a threat at the plate like no other pitcher I know.
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Hey Mark,
Just wanted to say you played a great game last night! I look forward to seeing you again tonight and cheering the team on to victory! As others have mentioned, you most definitely have my vote for MVP!!! You are awesome! Have a great game!
Dana, loyal Cubs fan in AZ
GO CUBS GO!!!!
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You and Your Cub Teammates can certainly do it tonight Mark! Go get them!! Certainly would like to see that Cubs vs. Red Sox Dream World Series. Therefore, go and get these NL Games, one at a time, beginning tonight!!! FAM Sends
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My buddy (the D'backs fan) says that if you all get by them, you are going to definitely make some noise. I say there's no "if" about it. He thinks God is on his side, just because he's a pastor. I say the Lord helps those who help themselves. Make Davis get the ball up, then knock it in the hot tub.
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Well, Mark, you surely have a backup career as a sportswriter...thanks for this blog. I just put up my new Cubs flag this morning, in Charlotte, NC, where they don't know anything about baseball. Born & raised in Chicago, spent my youth and teenage years at Wrigley Field, so, my heart is still there and with the team.
Just as a note, I am watching the playoff game on TBS (was really groggy at work today being on the East coast) and am giving the play-by-play via google talk to friends in China. So, they may have the "prize" for being the most long-range fans! :)
This is the year! I believe!
GO CUBS GO!!
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Hey De-Ro,
I'm a huge fan of yours and I'd just like to say good luck tomorrow. :) I believe you guys can make it all the way. Just keep on playing your hardest! My family is rooting for you. None of us has had the privilege of seeing a Cubs World Series and I hope that you can bring that to us this year. :) Good luck against the D-backs. Have a good rest on your day off and go CUBS! :)
Next year is here! :)
Go, CUBS, GO! :)
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Hi DeRo,
Good luck in tonight's game.
Trust me,you guys have won three in a row before.
P.S. im your #1 fan
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Mark, feel better soon, and please please listen to what the doctors say! Don't do that "I'm a superman" thing, ok?
Happy Birthday ( a little early)
Valerie from Columbus
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Happy Birthday Mark! Although you are probably not spending it the way you had hoped to. Whatever treatment is prescribed, I hope that you have a quick recovery because the Cubs need YOU. Not someone from the O's
See you in Mesa in a couple of weeks.
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