We’re not going to win 162. Maybe 161
If you had a good Spring Training, you want to continue on that roll once the season starts but you are starting all over again. Getting that first one out of the way is always the toughest — getting that first win, getting that first hit. For the power guys, getting that first home run to kind of get things rolling. It didn’t take Sori very long or Ramy very long. Hopefully, those guys get in a groove early. We’re going to need those guys to be playing well to help this team win games. D-Lee as well. You can see, even though D-Lee has one hit in the two games before tonight, he’s been swinging the bat well. He’s really close.
When you first get to Spring Training, you struggle and you’re not taking good at-bats just because you haven’t swung the bat in four months. D-Lee is swinging the bat well and just missed a ball to left to get his first home run out of the way. Once we get those guys clicking, I think we’ll be tough to stop.
It’s good to get the real thing started, and good to get all the Opening Days over with, too. You’ve got the ceremonies, and things of that nature, and it’s nice for the players and the fans as well but it’s good to get down to the grind of playing. Opening Day is a good atmosphere and it reminds you a little bit of a playoff atmosphere where the fans view it almost like a do or die situation. It leaks into both clubhouses as well. You feel the intensity on Opening Day to win a ballgame and get off to a good start.
Lou talked to us Sunday, and he was saying how he wants everybody to have good years. The veteran group that we have in this clubhouse, everybody’s smart enough to know that if our team has a good year, there’s a good chance guys will have a good year individually, offensively and defensively. I think that was the message he was trying to portray. We’re going to go through ups and downs throughout the season. Obviously, we’re not going to win 162 games this year. We could win 161. That’s probably not going to happen. In a season, we’ll go through peaks and valleys. It’s a question of whether we can control the downward slide and take care of business so we don’t get too low in those valleys and stay consistent the whole year. I think we have the right position players intact and the right pitchers intact to have a consistent year.
Font’s got three hits going into tonight. He gets upset with me sometimes when I make comments about his size. If I was 6-3, I wouldn’t be making those comments. I’m 5-10. I’m still taller than him and I’ll always be taller than him. That’s one thing I’ve got going for me. I’m sure he won’t mind if I call him out every week and he gets three hits every other day. In his situation, he’s a guy who slowed down at the end of Spring Training and wasn’t swinging the bat really well and then the season starts and your season starts all over again and you’re off to a great start. It shows how Spring Training can mean something to some people and other people struggle through it and the bell rings and they find their swing. He’s one of those guys who it looks like he’s starting to swing the bat well. Good for him.
— Reed
Reed Between the Lines 
It’s good to be watching “real” baseball again! Good game for you yesterday and looks like Fontenot is having a great game tonight. Can’t wait to see you guys at Wrigley Field next week…go Cubs!
I think we were all glad when the real games begin. Good luck this season.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
I think we were all glad when the real games begin. Good luck this season.
Julia
http://werbiefitz.mlblogs.com/
Looks like the offense finally caught up with the pitching staff! Any insight on Geo’s injury? Nice work tonight Cubbies!
mlb
http://bleedingcubbieblue.mlblogs.com/
You were totally safe that time! I hate it when they get those calls wrong. I love how much you hustle no matter what, you keep the defense on their toes for sure! Give our congrats to Little Mikey for the 3 run homer! I think you should call him out more often if this is the result. Go kick some Brewer Butt!
I agree Reed, and Len and Bob both commented on you being safe, but it was bang bang, and I think we got even in the 9th with Miles getting his toe on 3rd (or did he?). Good first series. A couple broken bats from a sweep. You should have some favorable matchups in Milwaukee. Enjoy and a day off and lets bury the brewers!!! Love the blog, keep it up!!! Oh, I think “Shaggy” (Font) can hit a first ball, fast ball!!!
I agree Reed, and Len and Bob both commented on you being safe, but it was bang bang, and I think we got even in the 9th with Miles getting his toe on 3rd (or did he?). Good first series. A couple broken bats from a sweep. You should have some favorable matchups in Milwaukee. Enjoy and a day off and lets bury the brewers!!! Love the blog, keep it up!!! Oh, I think “Shaggy” (Font) can hit a first ball, fast ball!!!
Reed, thanks for doing this blog! I’m glad you picked it up from DeRosa and look forward to lots of insight and entertainment throughout the season!
It’s great to see Kosuke hitting tonight; but it’s a little bittersweet as most fans also want you in the lineup, and believe you deserve it whether a lefty or righty is on the mound. Nevertheless, it’s a long season and the way you play the game, I imagine you’d be the first to be happy for Kosuke’s production tonight. You’re a true team player, which reminds everyone, fans and players alike, what this game is really all about. Thanks for your honesty, energy, and heart! I think I speak for all Cub fans when I say we are grateful you are a Cub. Let’s have a great season!
PS — How about Little Lord Fontleroy tonight? What to go Font!
See you Opening Day!!
Did anyone hear back if Reed reads the replies? Just curious. I think I’ve found a new addiction. I may need a 12-step program! Nice win last night Cubbies!
Anyone else totally excited about Angel Guzman’s performance thus far? The kid looks like he’s back and better than ever! The future of our bullpen is glowing BRIGHTER THAN EVER with The Shark, Guzman, and Marmol!!!
http://bleedingcubbieblue.mlblogs.com/
I’m so glad baseball season is finally here! Although times are tough for many of us, the game brings us hope. We saw you in spring training and now looking forward to this weekend in Milwaukee and opening day at Wrigley. Best of luck this season!!!
Hey Reed! Great job against Houston! WOW! Was last night exciting. I just wish my full time job was to be a Cub fan…this work stuff really gets in the way. Thanks for keeping us up to date!
See you April 25 in St. Louis.
Jeano
33
Hey Reed! Great job against Houston! WOW! Was last night exciting. I just wish my full time job was to be a Cub fan…this work stuff really gets in the way. Thanks for keeping us up to date!
See you April 25 in St. Louis.
Jeano
33
Hi Reed. We finally got Direct TV, so we can record the games, come home from work and school, kick back and watch you play. Bri and I got scared when you slid into first, we thought he was going to get his cleats tangled up in your beard thingy that you got going on there… lol. We’re proud of you, you’re really exciting to watch!
Call me crazy but the little guy Font starts games doesnt he?? He is behind a subpar, below average japanese player?? Though I do think you should be starting Reed!!
Reed you were safe by a mile on that call. You were robbed! Last nights game against Houston was so exciting. I love it when you all keep the line moving at the plate. Fukudome was excellent and Fonte’s homer had me yelling with joy. lol I am so happy that baseball is finally back. Winters are pure torture. Keep up the good work guys! 😀
Fun, Fun, Fun that is what last night was. Great start, keep things stirred up in the club house, Reed. When the guys are having a good time, the wins just keep coming. Even Mark Newman knows a true Cub fan when he contacts one, enjoyed his quoting me on this mlb.com piece. Now go get the Brewers!!!!
Reed I met you at Munster Community’s Grand Opening February 8th and we made a bet. I beat cancer…you get me to a World Series. Remember? We shook hands on it and you said, “I’d have to find you”. I FOUND YOU! On April, 3rd I got the news… I’M CANCER FREE, IN REMISSION FOR THE SECOND TIME. Although my cancer will never go away… I’m here and READY FOR THAT WORLD SERIES. I think the Cubbies will do better than then what most expect them to do. I think the Cubs and my battle are similar…we fight to keep up our spirits and depend on our fans to keep us focused. With gods help and us as fans for the Cubs… I think you will be keeping your word from a World Series dugout. Keep up the good work and remember… WE ARE CUBS AND CUBS NEVER QUIT!
P.S. Reed I’ll be at the May 1st and 15th games with a sign that says, “Ok Reed. I did my part. Get me to a World Series”. This year IS our year… I just know it!
P.S. Reed I’ll be at the May 1st and 15th games with a sign that says, “Ok Reed. I did my part. Get me to a World Series”. This year IS our year… I just know it!
P.S. Reed I’ll be at the May 1st and 15th games. Section 216 then section 228 with a sign that says, “Ok Reed. I didn my part. Get me to a World Series”. Go Cubs!
Glad the season is well under way….glad the little guy is doing so great and you acknowledged him….glad you are blogging this year…
I hated there was no game yesterday! I have the fever!
Reed,
Great slide into first base the other day. Hope you have a great year.
http://baseballintheattic.mlblogs.com/
Reed,
Great slide into first base the other day. Hope you have a great year.
http://baseballintheattic.mlblogs.com/
dear vanosgirl… with so much stuff going on not only in baseball, but in the world, It was really nice to ‘reed’ your comment. My husband dealt with cancer too, and during all his treatments, I truly came to understand why you all are called survivors. Glad to hear that you are in remission and will pray that it stays that way for you. I’ll be looking for you in the stands at the May games too. Then… I’ll look for you and that same sign during the World Series finals when the cubs win! ;oD
Take good care
Hey Reed,
Just wanted to say that I love REEDing your blog and GREAT hit in the 9th tonight in Milwaukee to start the rally! Keep it up buddy!
Hey Reed,
Just wanted to say that I love REEDing your blog and GREAT hit in the 9th tonight in Milwaukee to start the rally! Keep it up buddy!
THANK YOU REED! for your part in our win tonight. I always feel confident when I see you walking to the plate in those situations, and I know it’s not easy at all, even though you make it look easy. It’s players like you, Theriot, and Fontenot that are the sparks for this offense. You guys make things possible – we can’t get “W” ‘s without you. Thanks again! — Natalie
THANK YOU REED! for your part in our win tonight. I always feel confident when I see you walking to the plate in those situations, and I know it’s not easy at all, even though you make it look easy. It’s players like you, Theriot, and Fontenot that are the sparks for this offense. You guys make things possible – we can’t get “W” ‘s without you. Thanks again! — Natalie
you look good out there bro, keep the good work ,we are rooting for ya. go cubs
Awesome catch yesterday Reed!! Even Prince Fielder had to tip his cap at you! Thanks for taking time to do the blog. It’s a great way to see things from the guys’ perspective in the dugout. The Fontenot jokes are hilarious too.
Reed you are an awesome player!!! The catch the other night was totally amazing. I can’t wait for the upcoming awesome plays you and the others will make.