Amy Nelson

  (1:02 PM)

Apologies to those who haven't had lunch, or those on the West Coast who have gone without breakfast, but I just finished a grilled chicken/brie/green apple lettuce wrap and I've got enough fuel to last me through this chat. Already we have a ton of responses so let's get it started...

Johnny (LA, CA)

Love your work Amy. Any idiot could have turned on CNN and saw the dire reports about the hurricane. Even the best case scenario wouldn't have had the Cubs able to fly into Houston on the day of the hurricane, flights get delayed by a drizzle. The Astros owner took a big risk and it seemed like it blew up in his team's face except for the fact that they weren't beating Big Z on a little league field. Only two balls left the infield!

Amy Nelson

  (1:03 PM)

Johnny, Agreed, it seems as though Drayton Mclane was either in denial, or just an optimist that he could get in at least a game in Houston...didn't work out that way.

Brett (Charlotte, NC)

Last night, Zambrano was dominant. They could've played that game in Houston and he would've been just as dominant. He may not have thrown a no-hitter, but he definitely would have owned the Astros regardless of the venue.

John (Louisville, KY)

Do you honestly believe that had the game been played anywhere else, even in the south for that matter, that more Astros fans would show up than Cubs? I was at a game in Cincinnati last week and saw more Cubs than Reds fans in THEIR ballpark. Get over it already!

Doug Bagley (Florence, KY)

The only way there would've been more Astros fans is if the game was played in Houston. Cubs fans are everywhere therefore, they travel well. Seems like Houston was already making excuses before they lost. They could have played the game in Phoenix, Atlanta, Cincinnait, Tampa or even Arlington and there still would have been more Cubs fans.

Amy Nelson

  (1:04 PM)

A lot of people writing in about this. While I don't disagree, that doesn't mean that just because there will likely be more Cubs fans anywhere you go, you go to the one place that is closest to them! Agree?

Bob (DC)

Can you give me a little more insight as to why ?There was no other choice?. There several stadiums closer to Houston that didn?t have games over the weekend.

Amy Nelson

  (1:05 PM)

Bob, I just emailed MLB spokesman asking why, havent heard back yet and will let fans know if I do. From what I've gleaned, McLane was holding out hope as late as Saturday night, and therefore the logistics could not be pulled together that quickly to go elsewhere. It doesn't answer the question why MLB just didnt step in on Thursday, say, and tell the Astros that they'll have to pick somewhere else.

Justin Texas

I find it amazing that Mclane tried "everywhere" for a neutral site. I'm not sure if anyone noticed but the Rangers were out of town this weekend! The Ballpark in Arlington would have a great site for the Astros! If we are going to give the Cubs a great site when it is our home game the only choice should have been right here in Texas at the Ballpark! A doubleheader on Sunday would have worked out just fine!

Dan: Arlington Hts, IL

Had it not been for McLane being unrealistic about the possiblity of playing the games in Houston on Sunday (He had held out hope till Saturday) they could have came up with an alternative before then. Problem was that McClane didnt give permission to play anywhere else until it was too late, and Houston was obviously not an option.. Which it never really would have been. Blame McClane!

Amy Nelson

  (1:07 PM)

I can't blame the man for wanting to have his games played at home ... this is what he told the Chronicle a few days ago.

Amy Nelson

  (1:07 PM)

"This could be the biggest series in the history of this season," McLane told the Houston Chronicle. "And the fans would be a tremendously inspirational force for our players. And I didn't want our players to be away from their families. "We're standing up for our fans and for our players. It's just not right to have them leave their families to play at another site like Atlanta or Cincinnati. I said that to (Commissioner Bud Selig) several times (Thursday) and I said it again (Friday)."

Mike (Phoenix)

How come no to Arlington? The Rangers were on the road until today...

Amy Nelson

  (1:07 PM)

Great question, don't know the answer. Was there a concert there over the weekend? I heard Jessica Simpson was at the DBacks field, maybe she was making the rounds in her homestate, too??

Bill CO

I have been a Cub fan for all my life and I agree that Miller Park should not been used as a neutral site. I want the Cubs to win as much as any other Cub fan but I say earn it. Should of waited to the end of the year and seen if the games where even needed to play. I agree 100% with the astros on this one!

Jeff (Milwaukee)

The Reds aren't in a playoff race. The Astros are in the thick of things in the NL Wild Card. There are plenty of Astros fans in Texas who would have traveled to Arlington to see them play.

Adam (Milwaukee)

Even when the Cubs play the brewers at Miller its a pro cubs fanbase. There's a reason why the call it Wrigley north.

Derek (San Francisco, CA)

Why was Miller Park chosen in the first place? I mean, the Giants weren't at home either and that could be a neutral site as well. what was the decision behind choosing Miller Park? and wasn't there another 'neutral' game last year as well played in the same stadium?

Amy Nelson

  (1:09 PM)

Yes, the Indians played there last year after they were snowed out.

Dominick, Chicago

I'm a big Cubs fan and we did have a big advantage. But the decision had to be what's best for all baseball. Holding the series after the season ended would have been a nightmare. The Cubs owe it to their fans to rest their star players as they certainly wouldn't have anything to play for. Would that have been fair to any team the Astros were competeing with? No. While this stinks for the Astros, it was the best decision based on their own actions to delay the neutral site decision. They can blame themselves.

Chad, Amarillo, Texas

Why not play the games at the end of September? This would not have been a bad option because it was a natural disaster and there are playoff implications.

Amy Nelson

  (1:10 PM)

I think they wanted to avoid that scenario as much as possible. It would have been impossible to make up all three within a two-day span, when Tuesday the day before the playoffs start.

Ralph (Boston)

It makes perfectly good sense to me for McClane to try his best to keep the games in Houston. You can't blame him there. Storms like this can be very unpredictable. But he definitely should have been working with MLB on a back-up plan instead of leaving the final decision entirely up to them.

Thomas, Little Rock

I'm an Astros fan, I truly believe that Houston was royally shafted. There are many other parks in the country and I cannot believe that Milwaukee was the only option. Why not just postpone the series until the end of the season? That would have been the most fair decision. MLB messed this one up.

Amy Nelson

  (1:10 PM)

I agree with Ralph, I think there should have been a contingency plan put in place days before this, so it wasn't an 11th hour decision.

Wayne, KC

it had to be a dome stadium open on Sunday and Monday...SF is not a domed stadium.

Jeff (Evansville, IN)

I'm not sure what other choice MLB had. I really don't like the argument that I have heard of moving all three games to the end of the year because you can't ask two playoff contenders to play three games in two days, and then start the playoffs the following day. Was Milwaukee the best choice? Who knows. What we do know is that if that game was played anywhere but Houston, Cubs fans would have outnumbered the Astros fans by a large number. Also, keep in mind that the location of an MLB game fails in comparison to the damage done by the hurricane

Alex (St. Louis MO)

It was a No Hitter regardless or where it was played I believe Carlos would have pitched a gem regardless give the performance a little credit

Amy Nelson

  (1:11 PM)

My man Skip Bayless thinks an asterisk should be next to it, I gotta disagree wtih Skip there. What Zambrano did should stand on its own.

Mike Toler (Ventura, CA)

I am a Cubs fan, but I gotta say that Houston gets screwed on this one. Miller park being "Wrigley North" is not just a rumor...It was actually part of the Brewers marketing program in 2003. Here is the link: http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2003/10/13/story5.html This being said - If the Astros managed to win this game last night, this chat with Amy Nelson doesn't happen

Amy Nelson

  (1:12 PM)

good point, likely not, Mike.

Blake: (Houston, TX)

It is ridiculous that Miller Park be considered a neutral site, but in the defense of the Cubs v. Astros, even when the games are held here, at Minute Maid Park, the Cubs fans are well supported, sometimes more so than the Astros fans. Should it have been played in Houston, Chicago or even Milwaukee?...no. Was it fair that the team showed up just hours before the game from a destroyed major city?...no. But what else should be done? Instead of giving so many complaints, how about someone figure out a solution to such a unique situation.

Amy Nelson

  (1:13 PM)

Blake, You know I kept thinking about the decision to allow the Astros and their players ride out the storm. Hunter Pence was on First Take this morning, basically admitting it was difficult to completely concentrate when so many players had to leave their families behind. And Doug Brocail in Buster's blog this mornign descibed the same thing. Not great management with this entire scenario.

Robbie (Lubbock, Tx)

Plenty of Houston fans would have loved to drive somewhere in Texas to watch the game yesterday, considering nobody has power, and schools and businesses are closed.

Tim (Ardmore, PA)

I'm curious to see who gets the gate receipts from this 'netural' site game. Will they go to the Astros or do they benefit Milwaukee?

Amy Nelson

  (1:14 PM)

I believe Astros get the bulk of the gate, not sure about concessions.

James-Houston

Why is everybody talking about how dominant Carlos Zambrano was. He was facing a group of guys who were forced to leave their families and communities without power. A no hitter is a no hitter no matter which way you slice it. However, to not even note that the astros were not in the best state of mind to fly to Milwaukee and play a game is just ludricous.

Patrick (Durham, NH)

There's no two ways to look about it. The Astors got a raw deal. The Cubbies effectively played an extra home game. Home games can be so crucial at this point in the year, as keeping home cooking going towards a playoff push is imperative. I just hope this isn't the beginning of the end of the Astros amazing run.

Brian : Ames Iowa

They dont call Miller Park Wrigley North for nothing. I'm sure the Astros knew this going into the game. That being said Big Z was in the zone. I dont think anyone could have stopped him yesterday. Complete dominance from the Cubs #1. This should bode well going into the post season.

Dean (Milford, CT)

I'm an AL fan, but Houston got hosed here. It was clearly closer to a Chicago home game instead of "neutral" and it certainly helped cool down a team chasing the 'impartial' commisioner's former team for the wild card.

Amy Nelson

  (1:16 PM)

i understand that, but it' still hard for me to blame Bud on bias. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I'm guessing he was trying to agree on the closest site with ample room on the sked for Sunday and Monday games. If we hear back from MLB then we'll have a better idea why this was decided and how and when.

Dave (Dallas)

As an Astros fan, I think this situation is a complete travesty should the Astros finish one or two games out of the wild card. Anyone just glancing at the highlights of the game could see that both sides of the lower deck were filled to capacity with Cubs fans. Sure Zambrano pitched a great game, but could he have done that in Houston without the extra adrenaline the Cubs fans gave him throughout the late innings? MLB completely blew it here.. I'm pretty sure if something had happened to Wrigley that forced games to move, Cubs fans would be up in arms over the games being played somewhere in Texas... the schedule states that these are supposed to be Astros home games and they are literally being played as road games with each negative thing the Astros do being cheered

Amy Nelson

  (1:17 PM)

Dave, I think that's a very valid, fair point. Clearly the Astros were upset; they dressed in the "road" uniforms when they got on the bus Sunday. Clearly they knew this wouldn't be a home game for them.

Jeff (MO)

im not buying the whole "selig didnt have a say" crap. when the indians and angels game got relocated, they played in Milwaukee. bud just wants to show off miller park and it disgusts me that he is allowed to make these decisions. heres what they should do to further avoid these types of situations. the home team should have a list of available ballparks (major or minor league) and the 2 teams should decide which one to play in. y did the astros have to travel farther than the cubs to play a "home" game?

Amy Nelson

  (1:18 PM)

I didn't say he didn't have a say, but I'm not sure why he couldn't have forced McLane into making a decsion earlier, or a backup plan earlier, as some here have suggested.

Chad, Amarillo, Texas

The astros played a "home" game where they got booed when they took the field. Would this have happened in any other stadium other than Wrigley?

Amy Nelson

  (1:19 PM)

Chad, I'm not sure, it's easy to speculate. Many fans feel Cubs would have had homefield pretty much anywhere.

Max (St. Louis)

As a Cards fan it's tough to admit, but the crowd doesn't actually have much impact on the outcome of a game. The Cubs would have won anywhere against such a lousy team. The only advantage for the home team is batting last.

Amy Nelson

  (1:20 PM)

The Astros are not a lousy team. Think what you may of them as a whole, but they're still two games out of the wild card and certainly have been the hottest in the bigs the last 10 days or so. Until this, of course...

Monty, Iraq

The Astros brought this on themselves by refusing to plan ahead for the storm and insisting the games could be help in Houston. McLane wanted the $$ from the gate, long after it was obvious everyone in Houston had other issues than baseball on their mind. So, MLB stepped in, and did what they could to solve the issue. In the end, they need to quit crying (Cooper) and get what their greedy owner helped them earn.

John (Houston,Tx)

I have got to be the biggest Astros fan there is, but honestly right now who cares about the Astros or the Cubs or Miller Park or baseball period for that matter. We've got people whos houses are under water. I finally get my power on long enough to check out the home team and I'm reading about this. The Astros were going to be a break from reality and now everyone has made them just another problem. Let's keep this in perspective everyone...People first....baseball a distant second.

Amy Nelson

  (1:21 PM)

John, Excellent perspective. As someone whose brother lives in New Orleans, I couldn't agree more in that respect. But I believe Astros fans still have a right to be upset about this, if they so choose...

Steve (Texas)

Look I'm an Astros fan, but let's face the facts we were going to be outnumbered by Cubs fans anywhere other than a Texas stadium. I hate that the game was played in "Wrigley North" but we got no hit plain and simple. We hit 2 balls out of the infield, lets stop trying to use excuses.

Tim (Bedford, TX)

Drayton McLane is the one to blame here, although I agree that the Astros got shafted. He could have agreed to a more neutral site earlier in the week. The Rangers have a home game today, so that is one reason the games couldn't have been moved there.

Rob (Chicago)

Postponing the series until the end of the season is not an option. I think it is clear that the Cubs would have nothing to play for at that point. If the Astros are still in the Wild Card race, they would have played three games against the Cubs minor league system. Is that fair to the Brewers or the Philles?

Amy Nelson

  (1:23 PM)

Well I wouldn't necessarily agree with that. I think recent history has shown that even when a team has clinched a division, they always say the owe it to the other wild card-contending teams to play their best lineup...

Hassan: (Urbana, IL)

Honestly, I don't see the big deal! Yes, Milwaukee is a great side for Cubs fans but end of the day each team plays 81 games on the road so what's why such a big fuss over these two games? The way both the teams played yesterday, you have got to be fooling yourselves if you honestly believe Astros would've beaten the Cubs on a field! Furthermore, on the whole, I think this whole situation is helping the Astros as, for the time being, they only have to play two games instead of three against the best team in NL and even if they end up playing one at the end of the season, they wouldn't be facing any of the top Cub pitchers and probably a second string offense!

David (Winston-Salem, NC)

I believe MLB wanted these games to be played in a domed stadium to prevent any other weather problems. So that rules out Arlington and Atlanta. Tampa and Phoenix were not good choices because the Rays and Diamondbacks have home games today. Was there any other domed stadiums available (Minnesota or Toronto)? Do you think that the lack of a replay system ruled out non-MLB stadiums?

Amy Nelson

  (1:24 PM)

David, Intersting question, one I hadn't even thought of. I would think any minor league stadium would have been completely ruled out. The conditions, the gate (for the Astros, for example) would not suffice. More so than the lack of replay...

Gary Dallas

I apologize if someone has already brought this up, but a large contigency of people from Houston are in Dallas waiting out the storm. I believe that MLB should have had the Cubs in Dallas waiting to see how the weather developed. The forecasters had already said that we might get some rain, but that it would most likely go east of here. It turned out that Arlington got some rain, but nothing that would have prevented a game from being played on Saturday and yesterday was a beautiful day and a double dip would have been a nice diversion for those being uprooted.

Amy Nelson

  (1:25 PM)

Gary, I don't believe anyone has brought that up. Intersting point...

Amy Nelson

  (1:26 PM)

I just heard back from an MLB spokesman and he said "the issue was that the weather forecasts were not good anywhere on Saturday for outdoor ballparks (St. Louis, Atlanta) that could host Sunday and Monday games and domed stadiums like Minnesota and Tampa had scheduling conflicts. Milwaukee having a roof meant a guarantee the games could be played and it was available."

Jonathan (Houston, TX)

It's not just about the fans and who had more at the stadium. It's about the condition of the players. It's also about the city of Houston trying to recoup from the storm. Baseball is a great outlet for us to relax and take our minds off what is all around us. Playing the games at the end of the season, while maybe not "fair" to MLB and TV rights, would have been nice for the City of Houston as a whole.

Amy Nelson

  (1:27 PM)

Jonathan, It would have but the players would not have been able to play three games in two days to decide the playoffs. I don't see how that would be fair, do you?

Steve Peters (Chicago)

I buy the part about the fans and their potential impact, but the family bit is a huge stretch meant to garner support and likely has very little to do with the issue at hand. If you were so worried about the families, why not pick up the check for them to travel with the team? There was a hurricane coming though, they had to evacuate anyway, why not send them to Milwaukee to support their spouses/fathers?

Amy Nelson

  (1:29 PM)

Steve, An answer I do not have, but that would have required a seperate charter, and a sepearate bus. I don't even know if that was entertained as a possibility, but the Astros are on the road until next Sunday. Where are the families supposed to go after Monday? Then there's the issue of hotels rooms, luggage and the families flying back to Houston, which still could very much be out of power. Just doesn't seem to be logical, though I understand why you brought it up.

Bazzy (Knoxville, TN)

Isn't there still a domed stadium in Montreal? I'm pretty sure it wasn't being used this weekend...

Amy Nelson

  (1:29 PM)

Ha! Nice. Bazzy...

Betty (Los Angeles, CA)

Playing 3 games at the end of the season would have put the Cubs and or Astros at a disadvantage over the other playoff teams!!!

JT (Round Rock, TX)

I have been a die hard Cubs fan my whole life. I have to agree with Astros fans here and their disappointment. However, Mclane should be held accountable. He has continually made questionable judgements throughout the season in the front office and he is the one to blame. As far as the no hitter goes, no asterisk is needed for that. I am sure every baseball fan who has played the game understands how tough it is to throw a shut out, much less a no hitter.

Jason (Lompoc, California)

It didn't matter where they played that game. They could have came out to Los Angeles and played that game at Dodger stadium. The Cubs draw more fans than most opponents stadiums they visit. I'm a lifelong Cubs fan living in California, and I've gone to numerous Cubs games in Los Angeles, and it never ceases to amaze me the amount of Cubs fans across the country. It's probably the only game you can go to there and cheer for the opposing team, and make it out of there alive, due to the fact that the stadium is half-and half! Props to Big Z for showinng everyone how tired that arm really isn't.

Jonny (Reading, Pa)

Since the Astros get the bulk of gate receipts, it was BETTER for them to play in Milwaukee, otherwise the game would've had Florid-esque attendance figures. If the Astros can't play in a hostile environment in the play-off hunt they don't deserve to win anyways.

Amy Nelson

  (1:30 PM)

Not a bad point, Jonny. Though Cub fans will bring a gate almost anywhere, which would enhance some people's views that it'd be pro-Cubs wherever they had the games.

Josh (Daegu, South Korea)

Honestly the venue does make a difference. I am a Cubs fan and like everyone else, know that home field advantage would be taken away in staking a 'neutral' venue at Miller (especially with the fan advantage the Astros have over the Cubs when they play in Houston). The decision was made and that was that. If there were other options obviously they were explored, so this is what we have. Bottom line the important thing is worrying and hoping best for the people affected by Ike in Houston and surrounding areas. Astros fans can gripe all they want, but it is what it is, and it's not going to change now. Go Cubs!

Alex Corpus Christi

I love these Cubs fans who keep saying the Cubs would have dominated the Astros. They seem to have short memories about what happened to them the last couple of times they've played the Astros or they've failed to look at the season series. Last night was an anomaly as the Astros were focused on their families. Tonight, the Astros will do what they always do and own the Cubs, Miller Park or not.

Michael (College Park, Md.)

Even as a Cubs fan, I'll admit the Astros can't catch a break. Why was Miller Park chosen when 3 other domed stadiums are available (Safeco, HHH Dome, and Rogers Centre)? Those three would be much more "neutral," but did MLB even consider it?

Amy Nelson

  (1:32 PM)

I believe they did, but the problem was that they needed to play TODAY, too. And many teams (a la the Rays) have home games today.

Ben (Omaha)

Amy, thx for the chat. Any idea if MLB has ever considered a minor league stadium for this type of circumstance, say Rosenblatt where the CWS is held. Still would have likely been a huge Cubs contingency, but a little further to travel.

Amy Nelson

  (1:32 PM)

ben i didn't ask, but i serously doubt it, for some of the reasons I listed above. The gate being the biggest...

Kenton (Indianapolis, IN)

If the Astros had played better baseball earlier in the season this wouldn't even be an argument. You can't start playing well in August and then get mad when your team is fighting for a playoff spot in mid-September. The Cubs have played great all season and have built a substantial lead in the division. If the Astros had played well all year then maybe this series wouldn't be life or death to them. Stop complaining.

Amy Nelson

  (1:33 PM)

Kenton, I was wondering when someone would bring this point up. A very, very fair one. If they had played better earlier, perhaps this wouldn't even be as much of an issue...

Mike (Atlanta)

I think Big Z is a great pitcher and was dominant last night pitching a no-hitter. However, as a result of the personal situation that occurred last weekend, the Astros last night were not in mental capacity to be considered MLB -maybe an asterick should be included by his no-hitter. Isn't that the current trend - astericks. As an Astros fan, too, I totally agree with Dave from Dallas.

Amy Nelson

  (1:34 PM)

Sorry, Mike, I just think that's ridiculous. I do feel for the players, but I think most of them will tell you that really in the end, they can't make excuses, They still have to go out and play. That doesn't mean it wasn't difficult for them, though.

Frank (Philadelphia)

I think one mild, silent form of protest from the Astros - and maybe most did not notice - the Astros were wearing road jersies, not home jersies. I have not seen anyone write that as of yet.

Ryan (Milwaukee)

First of all, 2003 is a little out of date reference. Second, do you think some of thought from Major League baseball was trying to slavage some revenue? Last year when the Indians and Angels played in Miller they average around 20,000 fans. Maybe the thought process was having it in Milwaukee would be the most profitable solution. I saw tickets were also about double the price as they are at a Brewer game.

Amy Nelson

  (1:35 PM)

is that true Ryan? Was anyone there yesterday who can verify that?

Jeff (Cedar Rapids, IA)

The key here is that MLB was not going to risk any more postponements to this series, which is why they sought out a domed stadium. Hence no Arlington, Cincinnati, San Fran, etc. Milwaukee must have been the only domed stadium available, otherwise I'm sure MLB would have picked another city. They're not idiots. They realize the proximity gives the Cubs an advantage. Also, playing the games at the end of the season is totally unacceptable. As a Cubs fan, given we will have clinched by then I would rather forfeit the games than play them right before starting the playoffs.

Tommy (Brandon, MS)

I strongly disagree that the Astros could not beat the Cubs at a real "neutral" field. They are the hottest team in baseball, and they just swept the "best team in baseball" a few days ago, at Wrigley Field no less. The Astros obviously were not themselves, but certainly were not having to play in front of a bunch of booing Cubs fans, while worrying about thier families back home.

Randy

Alex, remember what you have just said, when the cubs win today then it will be another excuse of some sort! here are the facts, until the last 3 weeks the astros have been completely out of the playoff picture, now they are in the hunt for the playoffs and due to an unforseen circumstance(IKE) things has to be rearranged, well if they had played well enough all year to have had themselves in a better situation then this would not be such a bug deal!

Adam (Syracuse,ny)

Amy, Tampa fans are outnumbered at EVERY stadium, yet they haven't had a problem winning ANYWHERE this season.

Amy Nelson

  (1:36 PM)

fenway park and yankee stadium come to mind ... also i believe they have the best home record in the majors...

Mark, Austin Texas

Not only should the games not have been played in Miller Park, but there was a total lack of class on the part of the Cubs fans who did attend. Throughout the game cubs fans harassed and taunted the Astros players, guys who were playing on few hours of sleep after being rushed away from their families after Ike hit. While the Astros were forced to pack their bags in the dark and make a quick exodus, the Cubs players were able to relax at home and enjoy a short drive to their other home park. The whole situation is a shame, and as a huge Astros fan I feel shafted and wronged by MLB. Hearing the cubs fans boo the Astros the entire game after what they had been through made me sick to my stomach.

Amy Nelson

  (1:37 PM)

Mark, I wasn't there so I can't attest to that behavior, but I would expect most of the fans were just beeing fans: rooting their team on like they would any other time of the year. No?

John, (Indy, IN)

As a life-long Astros fan, I'd like to thank the MLB for giving the Cubs this venue at this time of the year, especially since it gives Cubs fans everywhere optimism. They'll fall that much harder once their team chokes in October.

Nick (Wisconsin)

My understanding that receipts for a neutral sight game are split between the stadium and the "home team." I understand Miller was chosen because of our roof to guarantee the game happened, but was there no other dome available?

Amy Nelson

  (1:39 PM)

Nick, I think you may be right. From what I'm being told, there wasn't. But that didn't preclude them from planning this earlier, and perhaps finding a better alternative, if there was one.

Doug (Austin, TX)

In my opinion the real question isn't necessarily where the game was played, but rather the scheduling. Zambrano didn't throw a no-hitter because there were more Cubs fans in the stands than Astros fans. What is objectionable is the travel schedule the Astros were forced to deal with relative to what the Cubs had to go through. I heard the Astros didn't get to Miller Field until ~2 1/2 hours prior to game time and this is after they had to deal with a hurricane that most likely kept them awake all Friday night with their families and homes. Why couldn't the game have been played in Austin which is the Astros Triple A affiliate and has facilities superior to at least a handful of MLB teams. Bottom line is that Drayton failed to properly plan and he (and Astros fans) has paid the price.

Tim Keller, TX

I don't understand why the Ballpark in Arlington could not have been used. It was empty all weekend, as the Rangers are on a West Coast roadie and no other events were planned for it. The weather here in the DFW are never got that bad on Saturday and Sunday would have been a great weather day for a double header. Plus there are enough Astros fans here in Dallas to at least ensure a truly neutral crowd., but Selig has his little money grubbing heart set on the cubbies making the World Series. Follow the $$$ to figure out why this game was played in Mil.

Amy Nelson

  (1:40 PM)

Tim, In fairness, the Rangers are home tonight so that rules out Arlington. I have a hard time believing this was a total conspiracy, it just seems like it was more poor advance planning.

Brad: (Chicago, IL)

Amy, A grilled chicken/brie/green apple lettuce wrap? I'm guessing that's not on the Micky D's value menu!

Amy Nelson

  (1:41 PM)

nope! homemade, and good at that! I take after my colleague Keith Law; big fan of cooking at home. Though keith and I disagree about Cook's Illustrated, I really enjoy it.

Jeff, Ingleside, IL

Ryan is right about the ticket prices. An average Brewers game has bleacher seats for $10-15, whereas yesterday and today, the cheapest seat available was $25.

Rob (Chicago)

Just a quick reply. While there maybe something to your response, the difference is that these games would be right before the playoffs. Teams alter their rotations at the end of the season to line up their starters for the playoffs, rest their starters, etc. Why wouldn't the Cubs have the right, by already clinching their spot, to do the same as any other team?

Amy Nelson

  (1:42 PM)

They would, but I know in the past, teams have still tried to field a very comptetive team (because it wouldn't be fair to the Brewers or Phillies or Mets, for instance, if the Cubs didn't do that). Of course, that's enitrely an internal decision but managers generally try and do what they would want done for them. Not always, of course...

Kirk (Houston, TX)

Why not play in Arlington before or after the Rangers game?? That would basically be like a double-header wouldn't it??

Amy Nelson

  (1:43 PM)

Kirk, Now my head is spinning! I don't think that would be feasible at all, with four different teams occupying the same ballpark on the same day.

Rich (South Side Chi-town,IL)

It didn't seem to bother the Astros last week when they swept the Cubs in Wrigley "Proper" in front of 40,000 screaming Cubs fans. I believe Saints fans had more of a complaint having to play a "home" game in NY against the Giants after Katrina hit.

Chris Williams Elberta Alabama

All I can say is that the reason the game was played at Miller Park was because of money. Both teams would've lost a lot a revenue if the game had been played some were else. Let's face it the owners are in this game to make money.

Mitch, IL

How come no mention of the state of emergency in Cook County, IL (where Cubs players and their families reside) where record rainfall has caused tons of damage. This is not a hurricane but certainly has impact on the fragile state of mind that Astros fans are using as blame for the no-hitter. Also, given all of the accepted comments above, home-field in regards to fan support isn't the issue as Cubs fans would outnumber Astros everywhere but Houston...the real advantage is home-cooked meals and sleeping in their own beds.

Craig Princeton WV

I understand the concern the Astro players would have for their families left in Houston, but this is their job. They get paid millions of dollars to play these games. How many other people had to return to work and do their jobs with the weight of the effects of the hurricane on their mind. That being said I do not see how you could place an asterick on Z's pithing performance.

Oliver (Merrill, WI)

As a loyal cubs fan, I should be overjoyed with this decision. As a sportsman, however, I am appalled. This decision clearly favored the Brewers given the loyalty of Cubs fans and Milwaukee's proximity to Chicago. bud Selig is NOT an impartial commissioner and needs to be replaced for a number of reasons (such as using the All-Star game as the decider of home field advantage for the World Series).

Stan, Chicago

As a White Sox fan I think this is another case of "everyone loves the Cubs". What about all the viewers who would have watched the Sox last night but instead decided to watch the Cubs who magically decided to schedule a conflicting game with a national game? It's typical Cubs bologna to cry there way into getting whatever they want.

Amy Nelson

  (1:46 PM)

Well that wasn't their fault. They had to have it at night so the Astros could get to Miller Park from Houston.

Justin (Philadelphia)

These guys are millionaires. They could, and should, have moved their families out of the area before the storm hit. Any damage to their homes can be fixed. It's an unfortunate situation but not an excuse as to why the games should not have been played.

Amy Nelson

  (1:48 PM)

Justin, I believe they didn't have time. They had to wait on what their owener told them what to do. For instance, I know Andy Pettitte had trouble getting his family out and they just made it out. He had more leeway than the Astros players did. They eventually shut down the airspace and I know players were trying to arrange for private jets but couldn't because the airspace was shut down. They had to stick it out.

Brad (Chicago)

My understanding is MLB wanted (1) a dome that was (2) available both Sunday and Monday. Unless I'm missing something, that leaves MIN, TOR, SEA, and MIL. I believe that international travel (even to Canada) requires some advance preparation with visas, etc., with all of the int'l players on every team, so TOR is probably impossible last minute. And sending two Central time zone teams to the west coast doesn't make much sense, so I doubt SEA was seriously considered. That would leave MIL and MIN. Maybe something was going on in Minnesota? Hard to say, but when you really examine it I don't buy the conspiracy angle.

Jessica (Iowa City, IA)

I know we could NOT get the Cubs game over here in Iowa, I'm guessing it was only viewable in market.

Amy Nelson

  (1:49 PM)

It was because our network has national TV rights on Sunday nights.

Jeff, Ingleside, IL

As terrible as the situation is, baseball is just a game. Crying about wins and losses doesn't do any justice. IKE didn't surprise anyone, so the Astros should admit that the Cubs played better.

SS (Fort Worth, TX)

This seems very similar to 2005 after Katrina when the Saints played a "home game" in Giant stadium. I am huge Astros fan and I was very disappointed at what happened. Having said that, a match up between Randy Wolf and Carlos Zambrano is a tough match up for the Astros under the most favorable conditions. The Astros put themselves in the hole that they are in now because of their less than stellar early season performance. We should not single out this game as the reason why the Astros may not win the Wild Card.

Amy Nelson

  (1:50 PM)

I think that's a very fair, reasoned thought...

Rob (Chicago)

Brad, while the Twins were out of town, the Vikings were playing at the Metrodome yesterday, so that is ruled out too.

Amy Nelson

  (1:51 PM)

good call...

The Suits (Bristol)

Way to go, Amy. Way to plug the Worldwide Leader and our Sunday night baseball. We will reward you for this!

Amy Nelson

  (1:51 PM)

excellent! I look forward to it...

Tommy (Brandon MS)

Justin, read the story about how hard it was for the PLAYERS to get to Milwaukee. They had to talk Continental into finding a plane in NJ and get into Houston to take the players. Only because of the Astros strong relationship with the airline did this happen. No way they would have gotten another one to fly the families.

Mike (Chicago)

Maybe the Cards can protest too. Lilly did take out Molina, and that left the cards short handed. Fact is Houston SWEPT THE CUBS IN WRIGLEY THE OTHER WEEK. If they're as good as advertised then Miller Park shouldn't have been an issue.

Steve (IL)

Did Miller Park really give the Cubs that much of an advantage over the Astros? If I'm not mistaken, the Astros went into Wrigley Field two weeks ago, and SWEPT the best team in baseball on their home field...Logistically, there was no way to delay all 3 games until the end of the season, due to the # of available days, and other potential tie-breaking scenarios. The Texans were smart enough to tentatively move their game until Monday night well in advance, why couldn't the Astros realize there was no way games were going to happen on the weekend??

Amy Nelson

  (1:52 PM)

The burning question...I think mcLane just was really hopeful it could work out.

Jimmy (Hong Kong, China)

I lived in Houston back in the 90's and have been an Astros's Fan since then. On this issue, of course it seems to be a disadvantange to the 'stros becaise they are supposed to play at home; however, being a good ball club with good ball players, they should perform either at home or away (they have to play 81 games away from MM Park anyway).... so let's just treat this a road loss, regroup and start up another run again... Go Astros!!

Shawn (Houston, TX)

As an Astros fan, it is true the venue is no excuse for the loss, and the Astros obviously played worse. But, that is a moot point! The game should have been played elsewhere. Period.

Rob (Chicago)

Amy, what do you think the best solutions was? And, going back to last week, would it have been clear that this was the best solution?

Amy Nelson

  (1:57 PM)

Rob, I think the best solution -- as some people on this chat have suggested -- would have been to have a little more foresight. If McLane wanted to hold out hope, I supposed that's his right. But MLB, the Cubs and Astros should have had a contingency plan together by Thursday night (and, really, I think the players and families should have left the city so they could travel elsewhere at a moment's notice, including going back to Houston). Obviously that didn't happen, and here we are. I think it's really just about better planning, for the future.

Corey(Mitchell, South Dakota)

Major League Baseball made the decision to play at Miller Park because they own the Brewers and the Brewers play at Miller Park.

Amy Nelson

  (1:59 PM)

Just to clarify, they DO NOT own the Brewers. That would be Mark Attanasio.

George (Houston,TX)

I just got power back at my house and had to see what everyone was saying about this shameful event in Milwaukee. How anyone can see this as anything but a raw deal is beyond me. The fans that harrassed the Astros should be ashamed of themselves. Over the last three days I have seen complete strangers helping each other, free meals from local business owners, and the most heartwarming outpouring of brotherhood I have ever experienced. We don't practice rain and complain around here... we support each other... it would be nice to see MLB support one of their teams in a similar manner.

Amy Nelson

  (2:00 PM)

George, Good to hear that. On that note, we'll wrap up the chat. Thanks to all for all of your thoughts, and let's remember what's most important: that the city of Houston is able to rebuild itself. Enjoy today's game, which will start in just a few minutes.