Quad-Cities Online

Posted 5/7/2009, 12:31AM, by Matt Veto

Rich Harden dug dirt out of his fingernails as he sat between Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano.

“Hey, guys?” he said like a kid about to ask where babies come from. “What… what’s the eighth inning like?”

Dempster drew a long sigh, and smiled.

“It’s like being at the gate of heaven,” Dempster said. “A little further, and you’re there. But there’s always a chance Kevin Gregg is waiting to pull the trap door from under you.”

Zambrano simply rubbed his head and chewed his bubble gum.

Rich Harden, my friend. Welcome to the eighth inning.

OK, thought I’d start it off with a little drama, only to bring things back to reality and note Harden didn’t actually record an out in the eighth, but he was there having thrown only 100 pitches. Impressive outing, and Carlos Marmol and Gregg (who had a nice outing, I’ll admit) did well to make it hold up.

I don’t like to question Lou, ‘cus he gets it enough, but I’m not sure I would have put Harden back out there. Harden had never pitched in the eighth inning in a Cubs uniform until last night. He even batted in the top of the inning. But, as they say, all’s well that ends well. (They say a lot.)

Harden last pitched eight innings June 26 of last season when he was still with the A’s. He’s thrown two complete games in his life — both in 2005.

So, to get to the eighth was a nice surprise, and it was a quality game overall. I like to see Reed Johnson and his beard get things started. I also liked the uneventful 9th from Gregg. His slider looked good.

I thought it was hilarious how few people were in the stands in the eighth. My buddy Jeff and I drove to Houston once for a four-game series at “Enron.” I was absolutely amazed at the crowd. If the ‘Stros were losing after the third out in the seventh, it was just mass exodus. They sang their “Deep in the Heart of Texas” and got the “H” outta there.

Well, good game. Seems that this question game has been enjoyable, so let’s keep it going. What’s the most ridiculous jersey you’ve seen someone wearing? I once heard of a guy wearing the jersey of a bullpen catcher. But I think the funniest one I’ve seen in somewhat recent times is a Mike Harkey jersey.

Go Cubs!

Comments

Do any of us really trust Gregg? I hope he works out for us, but it may be awhile before we trust him.

I have trouble with the Cub - Edmonds jersey. He did well for us, but that is just wrong.

Posted by DLReynolds on 5/7/2009, at 11:26 am

Ha!! I did like Edmonds, but I do think it’s funny how quickly people fall for guys.

Posted by Matt Veto on 5/7/2009, at 11:30 am

Any jersey that someone wears with a real number, but their own name.

For instance, a number 23 jersey that says “Veto”. If you have such a jersey, I apologize.

Posted by Corey on 5/7/2009, at 1:11 pm

Thankfully, I do not.

I’m partial to the nameless jersey myself. You never know how long a guy is going to be there anymore. I own a blue Cubs jersey, and used to own a home pins jersey, but neither had names on the back.

I will say, I’ll indulge in a vintage jersey if they are of that team only. I have a Gayle Sayers and Walter Payton jersey. I have a Jeremy Roenick jersey, but that was given to me.

Posted by Matt Veto on 5/7/2009, at 2:15 pm

It was called Minute Maid when we were there, it was Post Enron and post whatever they called it after Enron. We should go again sometime.

Most ridiculous jersey I’ve seen was a guy wearing a Ben Christiansen Cubs jersey at a game. People in the QC ought to know him for what he did to Anthony Molina.

Posted by Jeff on 5/7/2009, at 5:34 pm

Post a Comment

All posts must first be reviewed before they will appear here.