Here is the rundown for this weekend's NFL Action:

Saturday

Cardinals @ Saints 2:30p CT on FOX

This will be a good game, and I am calling for an upset by the Cardinals, they win 24-21.

Ravens @ Colts 7:15p CT on CBS

I am partial to the Colts, being a Hoosier, and I think they will win a close one. The key will be to stop the running game of Baltimore. Colts win 28-20.

Sunday

Cowboys @ Vikings 12p on FOX

In the most anticipated game in a long, long time, I say that the Cowboys beat the Vikings by a slim margin. Romo has a big game, and Favre struggles. Cowboys win 24-17.

Jets @ Chargers 3:40p CT on CBS

I am afraid that the Jets run will come to a halt here. The Chargers are just too powerful for the Jets, and I don't think Sanchez or the Jets running game can generate enough offense. Chargers win 31-17.

Discuss.

I know that the Cubs aren't sitting very well with anyone (including me right now). As most people could guess from this FanPost that I am an optimist by nature. And do I still have a slight hope? I do, even though it is dwindling by the second. But that is not what this is about. I know that the last thing some of you want to do right now is watch baseball, but please think forward to the middle of winter when you are yearning for anything baseball related. If at all possible, I think it would be a good idea to atleast try to enjoy the rest of the baseball season. And who knows? The Cubs may pull off a miracle and make it to the postseason. Even if they don't, just take in baseball while you can. It's tough, but I think it would be good for all of us. Keep the faith. Eamus Catuli.

This is meant to be an encouraging fanpost for those who are struggling in believing in the Cubs right now. Come here, post your thoughts on why the Cubs will (or have a shot to) make the postseason. If you don't think they will, please don't post. This is not to vent-there are plenty of other threads for that. Post encouraging things about the Cubs.

Why the Cubs will make the postseason in 2009:

• I believe that the lineup will start producing the way we know it can very soon.
• We have more games at home then on the road
• We play sub .500 teams a majority of that time.
• Things must turn around at some point. I think that this team has atleast 1 more run of 7 of 8 or so.
• We play the Cardinals 3 more times.

Like I said, if you don't have anything to add that involves the subject of this post, please do not comment. I am hoping this will be therapy of some sort for those who are down right now. Look, am I saying that the Cubs will make the playoffs? No. However, I am giving optimistic reasons why they have a chance. Keep the faith.

UPDATED TO REFLECT THREE GAME SERIES INSTEAD OF FOUR    

This is an interesting stretch of games for the Central Division. This weekend, the Cards played the Reds (the Crads took 2 of 3) and the Cubs played the Brewers (Cubs winning 3 of 4). As it stands right now, the Cardinals are in first, the Brewers are 1 game back, the Cubs 2.5, and the Reds 3 (also, don't forget about Houston who is lurking). This week, the Brewers play what should be an interetsing series against...guess who...the Cardinals. So, what is the best outcome for the series? Keep in mind that the Cubs play the Cardinals next weekend for 4 games, so they can add to or offset whatever happens this week. Still, it would be interesting to hear people's thoughts.

Of course, all that REALLY matters is that the Cubs take care of bussiness versus the Braves!

     We are all, for the most part, Cubs fans, and have been such for quite a long time. I am wondering why we have so many ledge jumpers. The Cubs did not exactly look great in the first part of 2007, and yet they came back and won the division. In 2007 at this point in the year, the Cubs were one game under .500 and 7.5 back. After today's game, the Cubs are two games under and a mere 3.5 games out of first place.

     The players are simply not producing, that is something that is obvious. However, the fact that the players are under performing (some players to a major extent), and the Cubs are missing their starting 3rd baseman and the Cubs are only 3.5 back is something that is a positive. At some point, the players will (probably) get up to their career averages. The Cubs can rattle off 8 of 10 (starting tomorrow versus Pittsburgh) and, with this division, find themselves at or near the top of the Central. I'm frustrated, and every has a right to be. Put please, realize that this season is not over. Yes, things are looking dull, but it will turn around. Keep the faith-it isn't over.

I went to a White Sox game this afternoon (I know, minus major BCB points for me-trust me I'll be cheering for the boys in blue tomorrow!). Anyway, a friend of mine commented on the noise and entertainment going on at the Cell and said, "This isn't just a ballgame, it's a happening. I definitely agree with what they said-you don't have any of the in between innings tshirt tosses, hula dances (yes, there was a hula dance), and loud rock and roll music. Please understand that I am not saying it is just the Cell, I am sure it is almost every ballpark. However, all you have at Wrigley is the organ music and the fans.

     Which do you like better-the entertainment somewhat taking away from the game itself, or just the game without all the extra "stuff"? Keep in mind that at Wrigley you do not have as "nice" of stuff-your basic hot dog and beer (not the fancy stuff that modern parks have. There are pros and cons to both. However, I think that I like the Wrigley atmosphere-simply a ballgame. Another thought is that I noticed the fans were much more engaged in the game itself at Wrigley, where as people at the Cell were more distracted (by the extras maybe?). Anyway, I was just interested to see what BCBer's thoughts were.

Let's hope the Cubs turn it around this weekend at the Cell!

I recently got a Cubs "W" flag. Having a Cubs "W" flag is not something to be taken lightly, and is a privelege. Therefore, I need to know how to fly my W flag, and I have several questions....

• When do I take it down after they win before the next game? An hour before, or six hours? Do I even take it down or just hope they win the next game? :)
• What about off days?
  
• Any other rules that I forgot to mention?
• Does Ted Lilly fly a W flag?

Should be some fun before the game tonight.....let's hope the Cubs continue their winning ways!

     I was at my local library the other day browsing the baseball books, and I saw "Juiced" by Jose Canseco, and I decided to pick it up. I read it, and I was shocked by the way the Conseco treated his use of steroids. He njot only said that he took them, he said that he didn''t regret doing it. In fact, he seemed happy that he used PED's. He talked about how he wanted to be the best athlete in the world, no matter what it took. He said that he injected people with steroids, and was "The Chemist", educating people about how to take steroids, and doing it himself. Maybe I am overreacting (I realize that no one is perfect), I am simply surprised that Canseco treated his steroid use the way he did. I want to hear other people's opinions-is Jose right in what he says and is it just me that disagrees with what he says, or do others think that he went too far?

He also talked about how Latin American players were treated worse than white players (he compared himself to Mark McGwire, the "All-American boy"). What are people's opinions of this? Is this true, or was Jose just overreacting to get people on his side?

Just some thoughts to start a discussion...

I am hopefully going to get an iPod touch on Sunday, and am doing some "research" (if you want to call it that) on some of the apps that are out there. I was wondering if anyone had any definite suggestions on good baseball apps. I am definitely planning on getting MLB At Bat, but I was wondering if there were any other baseball apps that were good. Also, suggestions on apps or even the iPod touch (8g) would be appreciated.

Also, does the MLB At Bat require WiFi to work, or does it work independently?

Hello,

I am desparately trying to organize a fantasy baseball league, as the one I planned to use did not work out. The group I have together is pretty amateur, and so I am not so sure about doing a live draft. What other options there (more specifically, what do these different drafts mean?). There arte so many sites out there-MLB, CBS, FOX, etc. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to which site to use. As you can see, I am new to this, and thought that I would give it a shot this season.

Thanks for any input

Today is the first day (that I know of) that a Cubs game is on both TV and radio. I got a SportSync Radio for Christmas this year, and was wondering if anyone knew what I should should set the dial at to get the radio in sync with the tv. I have Dish Network, if this makes any difference. I am just looking for the delay for WGN and also CSN if anyone has it. Thanks!

UPDATE: Use this thread for the two Sunday games, Baltimore/Miami (noon CT), Philadelphia/Minnesota (3:00 CT)

For those interested, here is a thread for the two NFL games this evening. I have no idea how much traffic this will get, but it is here for those interested.

Game 1: Atlanta Falcons @ Arizona Cardinals-3:00 CT

Prediction: Falcons squeak by with a win

Game 2: Indianapolis Colts @ San Diego Chargers

Prediction: This will be a great game, but I think the Colts will win in the end.

Both games are on NBC-have at it!

This is not Cubs related at all, but it is something to do on a a slow day...

The NFL postseason is upon us, and I thought it would be cool to see what people's predictions were. I will post a bracket, so you can see the matchups. For my predictions...

AFC

Indy beating the Chargers

ravens beating Miami

Indy beating Titans

Steelers beating Ravens

Indy beating Steelers-Indy represents AFC in Super Bowl

NFC

Falcons beating the Cardinals

Eagles beating the Vikings

Eagles beat Panthers

Giants beating the Eagles-NY represents NFC in Super Bowl

I see Peyton beating his brother Eli in the "Manning bowl"

Here is a bracket- I am sure there are plenty more out there:

CBS Bracket

Have at it!

This is more of a confirmation then anything, but I have a question...

My family is considering getting Dish Network, and I was wondering if I would get CSN (and if I did, would I get Cubs games?). I live in Indianapolis, and have heard that Cubs games are blacked out. I am assuming that I would get WGN, but if I am wrong in that assumption, please correct me. Basically, if anyone could just give me a basic summary of what getting Dish would give me (in terms of the Cubs) I would GREATLY appreciate it.

Thanks!

This is slightly OT, but I figured someone would have an answer to my question...

I have Brighthouse Cable. I get WGN, but not Comcast. I was wondering if by ordering MLB Extra Innings, I would get Comcast. Or is there some other way to get Comcast? If there isn't a way, then I'll just either go without or get MLB.TV, but I would like to be able to get Comcast. Thanks for any help, and Go Cubs!

This is short and sweet- I am asking the question WILL Santo be elected into the HOF, or not. I am not asking SHOULD he, but WILL he. Also, if you say no, do you think he ever will? Feel free to post any other comments about his chances.

10 finalists courtesy of mlb.com

Here are the 10 finalists for the post-1942 ballot:

• Allen, a third baseman and first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox and Oakland A's from 1963-77, was named the National League's Rookie of the Year in '64 and later earned the '72 American League MVP Award.

• Hodges was the first baseman on the great Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers teams that won seven pennants and two World Series titles from 1947-59. His 18-year career began in '43 and ended in '63 with the New York Mets. His 14 career grand slams were once an NL record, and he was an eight-time All-Star.

• Kaat, a left-hander who pitched 25 seasons from 1959-83 for the original Washington Senators, Minnesota Twins, White Sox, Phillies, New York Yankees and Cardinals, posted a 283-237 record and won 16 consecutive Gold Glove Awards from '62-77.

• Oliva, a right fielder and designated hitter, who played 15 seasons with the Twins from 1962-76, won three AL batting titles. The first two came in his first two full seasons -- '64 (.323) and '65 (.321) -- and he added another in '71 (.337).

• Oliver, an outfielder and first baseman, who played 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, Montreal Expos, San Francisco Giants, Phillies and Dodgers, had two 200-hit seasons and 11 seasons hitting .300 or better, including nine in a row from 1976-84.

• Pinson, a center fielder, who played 18 seasons from 1958-75 for the Cincinnati Reds, Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, California Angels and Kansas City Royals, had 2,757 hits and was selected to play in four All-Star games.

• Santo, a third baseman, who played the first 14 of his 15 seasons with the Chicago Cubs, was a nine-time All-Star and earned five consecutive Gold Glove Awards (1964-68).

• Tiant, who pitched 19 years from 1964-82 for the Indians, Twins, Boston Red Sox, Yankees, Pirates and Angels, was a three-time All-Star and compiled a 229-172 record, leading the AL in shutouts three times.

• Torre, a catcher, first baseman and third baseman during his 18-year career from 1960-77, played for the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, the Cardinals and the Mets. A .297 lifetime hitter, he was a nine-time All-Star and the 1971 NL MVP for the Cardinals, although his 28-year managerial career could influence the vote. Now with the Dodgers, Torre has taken teams to the playoffs 13 years in a row, and won four World Series titles with the Yankees.

• Wills, a shortstop, played 14 seasons from 1959-72 with the Dodgers, Pirates and Montreal Expos. In 1962, Wills became the first player to steal 100 bases when his 104 led the Majors and shattered Ty Cobb's record of 96 set in '15. Henderson now holds the single-season record with 130 in '82.

Here are the 10 finalists for the pre-1943 ballot:

• Dahlen was a shortstop for the Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants and Boston Braves from 1891-1911, and had 2,457 hits and 547 stolen bases.

• Ferrell, a right-handed pitcher and brother of Hall of Famer Rick Ferrell, recorded a 193-128 during his 15-year career with the Indians, Boston Red Sox, Senators, Yankees, Dodgers and Braves from 1927-41.

• Gordon played 11 seasons as a second baseman with the Yankees and Indians from 1938-43 and '46-50, winning the AL MVP Award in '42.

• Magee, a left fielder, played from 1904-19 with the Phillies, Braves and Reds and won the batting title in '10 with the Phillies with a .331 average.

• Mays, a right-handed pitcher, who was 207-126 from 1915-29 for the Red Sox, Yankees, Reds and Giants, was best known for having thrown the only pitch in baseball history that killed a player, when as a member of the Yankees he beaned Indians shortstop Ray Chapman in '20.

• Reynolds, a right-handed pitcher, was 182-107 over 13 years from 1942-54 with the Indians and Yankees, and threw two no-hitters for the Yankees during the '51 season.

• Stephens, another shortstop, played 15 seasons from 1941-55 with the St. Louis Browns, Red Sox, Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles, and was an eight-time All-Star and led the AL in RBIs three times.

• Vernon, a first baseman, who played 21 seasons from 1939-43 and '46-60 with the Senators, Indians, Red Sox, Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates, was named to seven All-Star teams and won two AL batting titles, both for the Senators.

• Walters, a right-handed pitcher, was 198-160 during his 16-year career for the Phillies, Reds and Braves, and won the 1939 NL MVP Award en route to earning the pitching Triple Crown, leading the league in wins (27), ERA (2.29) and strikeouts (137).• White was the last of the barehanded catchers. He played 20 seasons before the turn of the 20th century (1871-90) for teams in the National Association, NL and Players League. He led his leagues in batting twice (.367 in '75 and .387 in '77).

White was the last of the barehanded catchers. He played 20 seasons before the turn of the 20th century (1871-90) for teams in the National Association, NL and Players League. He led his leagues in batting twice (.367 in '75 and .387 in '77).

Yes, I know that Al already wrote a post about this book, but I thought that since it was a while ago, it would be good for those who did not read his post.

Anyway, I picked this up at Barnes and Noble a few weeks ago. At first, I was a little leary, but those feelings quickly went away. It was very well written. Shea started at the very beginning of the Cubs history, detailing the purchase of the land on which Wrigley now stands. It details changes made throughout the years. It also goes through the change of owner from Weeghman to Wrigley (then later from Wrigley to the Tribune Co). It also exposes many of the myths about Wrigley Field. I could go on and on about what the book details, but it would be better for you just to read the book. 

Enjoy!

You know what has to be done. It has been speculated many times over for the past 2 days. Now it is time to get it done. Rich Harden needs to have a good game, and the Cubs need to score some runs. Here is my gameplan: JUST WIN!

Go Cubs....

Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Dodger Stadium

Rich Harden

Huroki Kuroda

JUST WIN, BABY!

GO CUBS GO CUBS GO CUBS GO CUBS GO CUBS GO CUBS