Before yesterday's game I wrote that the Cubs may have been too tired after the eleven inning debacle Sunday. Apparently, I was correct.
What bothers me most is that the Cubs were shut out by over-the-hill, right-hander Byung-Hyun Kim. He carried a 7.00+ ERA into the game and looked terrible in the first inning. Still, our boys were too tired to swing effectively, sqandering another decent starting pitching performance, this time by Sean Marshall.
What worries me is that by the time the Cubs start hitting effectively, the starting pitching will start to fall apart. People may get hurt, etc. Getting a team to run like a machine is hard. Keeping it running is even harder.
The Cubs face the weak Florida Marlins twice more this week. Can they turn things around?
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Little League
My father was never a baseball fan or a sports fan. He never missed an opportunity to put down my beloved Cubs. He didn't like Fergie Jenkins or Ron Santo. I admit he never made fun of my hero, Billy Williams. Then again, Billy was not as outspoken as Fergie or Ron.
My father often listened to WGN-AM in Chicago. That is where he picked up most of his information about what the fellows were doing. Maybe some of his friends talked about them as well.
When the Cubs were not playing well, he liked to say they were playing "little league". I do not know if he thought of that on his own or heard someone else say it, but it always made me angry. This was a professional sports team, not a little league team. Sure, they are going to make mistakes and lose sometimes, but why beat them up.
I was reminded of all of this late yesterday afternoon, watching the Cubs lose in the eleventh inning in Los Angeles. There were fine pitching performances lost (again) in that game. Rich Hill is back on track after a couple of rough outings. Michael Wuertz and Bobby Howry pitched okay after recent meltdowns.
Scott Eyre allowed a pinch-hit home run to future star Andre Ethier to tie the game at one. I could be upset about that but it pales in comparison to the later meltdown.
Angel Guzman had pitched two perfect innings. He allowed no hits are baserunners. The Cubs had squandered scoring opportunities again, but he was rolling along fine. Then he walks pinch-hitter Ramon Martinez to start the inning. Manager Lou Piniella could have pulled him there, but that is the sound of a back-seat driver. Piniella is trying to instill confidence in his young pitcher. He left him in to face pinch-hitter and back up infielder Wilson Betemit. Betemit walks. Ball four was no where near the strike zone.
After another terrible pitch to Rafael Furcal, Piniella finally lifts him for Carlos Marmol. Marmol comes in and intentionally walks Furcal to face former Cub Juan Pierre.
Three straight walks to load the bases and a weak hitter at the plate. Marmol hits Pierre with a pitch. The winning run scores. If that cannot be described as a little league inning, what can?
Do you blame Guzman for the walks? Do you blame Piniella for not pulling Guzman faster? Do you blame Marmol who has been effective, but wild in the times we have seen him pitch?
Maybe this is not going to be the great year for the Cubs we all hoped for when the pocket book was opened this winter. Maybe the bullpen is going to allow the season to drift away. Maybe Piniella is going to experiment away the season.
After a long, frustrating day yesterday, the Cubs return home for an afternoon game today. Do you think they will be tired? I will always love this team, but I am not expecting much today.
My father often listened to WGN-AM in Chicago. That is where he picked up most of his information about what the fellows were doing. Maybe some of his friends talked about them as well.
When the Cubs were not playing well, he liked to say they were playing "little league". I do not know if he thought of that on his own or heard someone else say it, but it always made me angry. This was a professional sports team, not a little league team. Sure, they are going to make mistakes and lose sometimes, but why beat them up.
I was reminded of all of this late yesterday afternoon, watching the Cubs lose in the eleventh inning in Los Angeles. There were fine pitching performances lost (again) in that game. Rich Hill is back on track after a couple of rough outings. Michael Wuertz and Bobby Howry pitched okay after recent meltdowns.
Scott Eyre allowed a pinch-hit home run to future star Andre Ethier to tie the game at one. I could be upset about that but it pales in comparison to the later meltdown.
Angel Guzman had pitched two perfect innings. He allowed no hits are baserunners. The Cubs had squandered scoring opportunities again, but he was rolling along fine. Then he walks pinch-hitter Ramon Martinez to start the inning. Manager Lou Piniella could have pulled him there, but that is the sound of a back-seat driver. Piniella is trying to instill confidence in his young pitcher. He left him in to face pinch-hitter and back up infielder Wilson Betemit. Betemit walks. Ball four was no where near the strike zone.
After another terrible pitch to Rafael Furcal, Piniella finally lifts him for Carlos Marmol. Marmol comes in and intentionally walks Furcal to face former Cub Juan Pierre.
Three straight walks to load the bases and a weak hitter at the plate. Marmol hits Pierre with a pitch. The winning run scores. If that cannot be described as a little league inning, what can?
Do you blame Guzman for the walks? Do you blame Piniella for not pulling Guzman faster? Do you blame Marmol who has been effective, but wild in the times we have seen him pitch?
Maybe this is not going to be the great year for the Cubs we all hoped for when the pocket book was opened this winter. Maybe the bullpen is going to allow the season to drift away. Maybe Piniella is going to experiment away the season.
After a long, frustrating day yesterday, the Cubs return home for an afternoon game today. Do you think they will be tired? I will always love this team, but I am not expecting much today.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Rudy Seanez
Rudy Seanez is a 38-year-old right handed pitcher who has somehow cobbled together a nearly twenty-year career between the major and minor leagues. He has pitched for nine different major league teams, including the San Diego Padres and three occasions.
In nineteen years in the big leagues he has gathered five official at-bats. He struck out five times. He earned one walk and scored one run while with the Atlanta Braves in 1999.
In nineteen years, he has pitched in 448 games. That is an average of less than twenty-four games per year. In that time he has a 32-23 record and a 4.14 ERA. His two best years were likely 1999 with the Braves where he won six and lost only one. He earned three saves in eight opportunities. He pitched in 56 games that year, only eclipsed by his other best year, 2005. That year he pitched in 57 games for the Padres, winning seven and losing only one.
This year he has been used by the Los Angeles Dodgers sparingly, but effectively. He has two wins against no losses and a 2.70 ERA.
Did I mention that he pitched for the Cubs in Iowa from August to October of 2003?
The reason I bring all this up is the Seanez got the win last night in the game with the Cubs. The “never-say-die” Cubs fought back from a 5-0 deficit to lead 8-5, only to allow Bob Howry, Wil Ohman and Angel Guzman to squander the lead. Howry faced three men and loaded the bases, Ohman allow one to score without gaining an out. Angel allowed all of his inherited runners to pass over home plate.
You could blame the usually fine starter Ted Lilly for digging the hole at the beginning. You cannot blame the offense for not doing their job. The loss rests squarely on the bullpen.
Early this month, I believed our pen to be solid. Today, I find it officially bankrupt of talent.
Maybe we can get Rudy Seanez?
In nineteen years in the big leagues he has gathered five official at-bats. He struck out five times. He earned one walk and scored one run while with the Atlanta Braves in 1999.
In nineteen years, he has pitched in 448 games. That is an average of less than twenty-four games per year. In that time he has a 32-23 record and a 4.14 ERA. His two best years were likely 1999 with the Braves where he won six and lost only one. He earned three saves in eight opportunities. He pitched in 56 games that year, only eclipsed by his other best year, 2005. That year he pitched in 57 games for the Padres, winning seven and losing only one.
This year he has been used by the Los Angeles Dodgers sparingly, but effectively. He has two wins against no losses and a 2.70 ERA.
Did I mention that he pitched for the Cubs in Iowa from August to October of 2003?
The reason I bring all this up is the Seanez got the win last night in the game with the Cubs. The “never-say-die” Cubs fought back from a 5-0 deficit to lead 8-5, only to allow Bob Howry, Wil Ohman and Angel Guzman to squander the lead. Howry faced three men and loaded the bases, Ohman allow one to score without gaining an out. Angel allowed all of his inherited runners to pass over home plate.
You could blame the usually fine starter Ted Lilly for digging the hole at the beginning. You cannot blame the offense for not doing their job. The loss rests squarely on the bullpen.
Early this month, I believed our pen to be solid. Today, I find it officially bankrupt of talent.
Maybe we can get Rudy Seanez?
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Offensive Offense
Baseball is my favorite sport. Unfortunately, there are very few times I get to watch an entire game from start to finish. Last night I came close, showing up to watch the Cubs and Padres in about the second inning.
Sean Marshall started for the first time this year. I was convinced the Cubs would pull out a victory, even when things looked bleak. Two out in the ninth and second baseman Mark DeRosa slams a triple. There is the tying run on third base. It was certain. The Cubs would tie the game and win in extra innings.
Of course, if you are reading this, you know it did not work out that way. It seems like the fiftieth time this year that the Cubs waste and outstanding pitching performance. Usually Ted Lilly is left with the no-decision or the loss. This time, it was young Sean Marshall.
Marshall’s excellent start last night allows us to stop worrying over the starting rotation. Carlos Zambrano, Lilly, Jason Marquis, Rich Hill and Marshall make up a find rotation. Unless someone gets hurt, leave them alone and think about the bullpen.
Better yet, think about the offense. The offense continues to squander prime scoring opportunities.
Some things I can excuse. Matt Murton got caught off second base on a hit and run. No problem. Aggressive play sometimes works against you.
The double play that Cesar Izturis hit into with two on and nobody out was a huge disappointment. I know we cannot send this guy to Iowa, nor can we simply release him from his contract, but couldn’t we package him up with Jones and send him away? Theriot could take over at short. We could bring Mike Fontenot back as a utility man (no, not Cedeno).
When General Manager Jim Hendry signed Mark DeRosa to play second base, I was confused. With guys like Izturis, Cedeno and Theriot, I did not understand why we needed this guy. Now, I get it. DeRosa provides some nice thump in the order. He makes a nice utility guy on this team.
Right now, the Cubs are tied at one in the sixth. I will head down and catch the rest of this one. Hopefully, we will see the reverse of last night and a little spark from the offense.
Sean Marshall started for the first time this year. I was convinced the Cubs would pull out a victory, even when things looked bleak. Two out in the ninth and second baseman Mark DeRosa slams a triple. There is the tying run on third base. It was certain. The Cubs would tie the game and win in extra innings.
Of course, if you are reading this, you know it did not work out that way. It seems like the fiftieth time this year that the Cubs waste and outstanding pitching performance. Usually Ted Lilly is left with the no-decision or the loss. This time, it was young Sean Marshall.
Marshall’s excellent start last night allows us to stop worrying over the starting rotation. Carlos Zambrano, Lilly, Jason Marquis, Rich Hill and Marshall make up a find rotation. Unless someone gets hurt, leave them alone and think about the bullpen.
Better yet, think about the offense. The offense continues to squander prime scoring opportunities.
Some things I can excuse. Matt Murton got caught off second base on a hit and run. No problem. Aggressive play sometimes works against you.
The double play that Cesar Izturis hit into with two on and nobody out was a huge disappointment. I know we cannot send this guy to Iowa, nor can we simply release him from his contract, but couldn’t we package him up with Jones and send him away? Theriot could take over at short. We could bring Mike Fontenot back as a utility man (no, not Cedeno).
When General Manager Jim Hendry signed Mark DeRosa to play second base, I was confused. With guys like Izturis, Cedeno and Theriot, I did not understand why we needed this guy. Now, I get it. DeRosa provides some nice thump in the order. He makes a nice utility guy on this team.
Right now, the Cubs are tied at one in the sixth. I will head down and catch the rest of this one. Hopefully, we will see the reverse of last night and a little spark from the offense.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Sean Marshall
Last night the Cubs offense ran into the buzz saw that was Jake Peavy. Tonight they meet the butter tub that is David Wells.
The good news is that they have a secret weapon: Sean Marshall.
Marshall was the great rookie wonder of 2006. Of course, like all the expectations of 2006, he crashed and burned by early September.
Now he is under the new leadership skills of Lou Piniella. He does not have Greg Maddux around for tutelage, but he can probably learn a few things from Ted Lilly.
Marshall looked great early in the year last year, but tired out under the strong arm of Dusty Baker. Piniella appears to have a better understanding of pitching and what true expectations should be.
I may not always agree with how Lou manages, but I cannot fault his knowledge of the game. Sending Neal Cotts to Iowa speaks volumes. So does moving Angel Guzman back to the bullpen.
Game two of an important west coast series is under way. Marshall and company are due. Is the butter tub up to the challenge?
The good news is that they have a secret weapon: Sean Marshall.
Marshall was the great rookie wonder of 2006. Of course, like all the expectations of 2006, he crashed and burned by early September.
Now he is under the new leadership skills of Lou Piniella. He does not have Greg Maddux around for tutelage, but he can probably learn a few things from Ted Lilly.
Marshall looked great early in the year last year, but tired out under the strong arm of Dusty Baker. Piniella appears to have a better understanding of pitching and what true expectations should be.
I may not always agree with how Lou manages, but I cannot fault his knowledge of the game. Sending Neal Cotts to Iowa speaks volumes. So does moving Angel Guzman back to the bullpen.
Game two of an important west coast series is under way. Marshall and company are due. Is the butter tub up to the challenge?
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Closer and closer
Last night I complained a bit about Cubs Manager Lou Piniella. In the posting I stated that I did not feel he was acting like someone leading a team to the post season, but instead was acting like a mad scientist in his dugout laboratory.
Truthfully, I did not say it in those words. If you go back and look, you will be disappointed. Nevertheless, Mr. Piniella and his machinations are bothersome and it may not be long before they are tiresome.
Ryan Dempster has not pitched poorly as the Cubs closer. The Cubs have no one, besides Bob Howry and Scott Eyre, who have major league experience as a closer. Rocky Cherry and Clay Rapada have minor league experience, but neither are ready for this jump.
Why move an established closer to a fifth position starting role without a suitable replacement when you have several people chomping at the bit for a starting position? Sean Marshall is 3-0 in five minor league starts. Wade Miller is done with rehab. Neal Cotts… never mind.
Then it hit me. The Cubs are getting ready to trade for a new closer. Piniella may have let the cat out too soon by offering the starting job to Dempster, but that could be what is rolling around in the hearts and minds of the front office.
We know we have too many outfielders. Alfonzo Soriano and Cliff Floyd are untouchable and Felix Pie and Matt Murton should be. That leaves Jacque Jones and Angel Pagan.
Remember last week when Piniella stated that Pagan could be the starting centerfielder? Maybe it will not happen on this club, but somewhere else?
Maybe a little package of Jones, Pagan and Michael Wuertz (Cotts isn’t tradeable) could be enough to lure a closer in the last year of his contract.
If it happens, and it could, remember you read about it here first!
Truthfully, I did not say it in those words. If you go back and look, you will be disappointed. Nevertheless, Mr. Piniella and his machinations are bothersome and it may not be long before they are tiresome.
Ryan Dempster has not pitched poorly as the Cubs closer. The Cubs have no one, besides Bob Howry and Scott Eyre, who have major league experience as a closer. Rocky Cherry and Clay Rapada have minor league experience, but neither are ready for this jump.
Why move an established closer to a fifth position starting role without a suitable replacement when you have several people chomping at the bit for a starting position? Sean Marshall is 3-0 in five minor league starts. Wade Miller is done with rehab. Neal Cotts… never mind.
Then it hit me. The Cubs are getting ready to trade for a new closer. Piniella may have let the cat out too soon by offering the starting job to Dempster, but that could be what is rolling around in the hearts and minds of the front office.
We know we have too many outfielders. Alfonzo Soriano and Cliff Floyd are untouchable and Felix Pie and Matt Murton should be. That leaves Jacque Jones and Angel Pagan.
Remember last week when Piniella stated that Pagan could be the starting centerfielder? Maybe it will not happen on this club, but somewhere else?
Maybe a little package of Jones, Pagan and Michael Wuertz (Cotts isn’t tradeable) could be enough to lure a closer in the last year of his contract.
If it happens, and it could, remember you read about it here first!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Lou Piniella
During the off-season the Cubs parted ways with the formerly beloved skipper Dusty Baker and began a search for a new manager. The administration wanted someone who could lead this new, expensive, version of the Cubs to the post-season.
Many fans wanted the newly available, former Cubs catcher, Joe Girardi, but the officials at Cub headquarters did not think he had the experience necessary to guide this team to victory. They wanted experience. They wanted someone who had already earned a ring as a player and a manager.
They went for Lou Piniella.
The Lou Piniella who guided the Cincinnati Reds to victory after George Steinbrenner tossed him from the beloved New York Yankees. The Lou Piniella who could not quite take a Seattle team all the way with players like Ken Griffey, Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Randy Johnson. The Lou Piniella who went to Tampa Bay to “finish off his managing career” near his home.
We thought the Tampa Bay experience did finish off his managing career. Apparently not.
Lou Piniella decided he needed one more shot with a real team. The Cubs showed him they were serious. The brought in a multi-million dollar outfielder and a couple of decent starting pitchers. They let him hand-pick his coaches, including allowing him to retain Larry Rothschild. You remember Larry Rothschild? The pitching coach who went through pitchers like water last year. That’s the guy.
During the offseason, General Manager Jim Hendry made it clear he wanted a winner in Chicago now. He spent the money because he wanted results.
Soooo, now what? The Cubs are just a couple games below .500. It is still May. There is no reason to panic.
So why is Piniella acting like he’s tossing in the towel? He does not have the injury problems that Baker had. Prior, Wood and Miller. So what?
Why is he talking about Dempster being a starter again? Why is he talking about Angel Guzman being a closer? Why is he saying that Angel Pagan could be the starting center fielder? Why did he keep Ronnie Cedeno in Chicago for so long?
While we are asking questions, why is Jacque Jones still in Chicago?
It feels like Piniella is experimenting. Maybe that’s okay. I would rather experiment in May than in August.
It is getting late for coy talk and goofy staff changes. He better find a winning formula and find it quick. If not, he may find his way back to Tampa before his contract runs out.
Many fans wanted the newly available, former Cubs catcher, Joe Girardi, but the officials at Cub headquarters did not think he had the experience necessary to guide this team to victory. They wanted experience. They wanted someone who had already earned a ring as a player and a manager.
They went for Lou Piniella.
The Lou Piniella who guided the Cincinnati Reds to victory after George Steinbrenner tossed him from the beloved New York Yankees. The Lou Piniella who could not quite take a Seattle team all the way with players like Ken Griffey, Jr., Alex Rodriguez and Randy Johnson. The Lou Piniella who went to Tampa Bay to “finish off his managing career” near his home.
We thought the Tampa Bay experience did finish off his managing career. Apparently not.
Lou Piniella decided he needed one more shot with a real team. The Cubs showed him they were serious. The brought in a multi-million dollar outfielder and a couple of decent starting pitchers. They let him hand-pick his coaches, including allowing him to retain Larry Rothschild. You remember Larry Rothschild? The pitching coach who went through pitchers like water last year. That’s the guy.
During the offseason, General Manager Jim Hendry made it clear he wanted a winner in Chicago now. He spent the money because he wanted results.
Soooo, now what? The Cubs are just a couple games below .500. It is still May. There is no reason to panic.
So why is Piniella acting like he’s tossing in the towel? He does not have the injury problems that Baker had. Prior, Wood and Miller. So what?
Why is he talking about Dempster being a starter again? Why is he talking about Angel Guzman being a closer? Why is he saying that Angel Pagan could be the starting center fielder? Why did he keep Ronnie Cedeno in Chicago for so long?
While we are asking questions, why is Jacque Jones still in Chicago?
It feels like Piniella is experimenting. Maybe that’s okay. I would rather experiment in May than in August.
It is getting late for coy talk and goofy staff changes. He better find a winning formula and find it quick. If not, he may find his way back to Tampa before his contract runs out.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Cubs & Sox, Round Three
This weekend’s Chicago cross-town rivalry had all the fun you would expect. The two teams battled and neither laid down during any of the three games.
The question of “who made the better deal” between the Cubs and the Sox when it came to last year’s Cotts/Aardsma trade became clear today. Neal Cotts pitched against his former teammates for the first time, giving up the big blow, a grand slam to catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
Aardsma fared no better for the second day in a row against his former teammates. This time, he gave up a three run banger to Aramis Ramirez. Luckily for Aardsman, the four runs he allowed today did not cause manager Ozzie Guillen to break a sweat. The game was already gone by then.
Still, you cannot blame the Cubs for doing their best to fight back. Ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano just dug to big a hold for the offense to climb out from.
The search for the best twenty-five men goes on today. Earlier this weekend, Cubs manager Lou Piniella hinted of a big announcement to be made Monday. Then he hinted that Angel Guzman would be returning to the bullpen, but not who would be filling the fifth spot in the rotation.
Possibilities include Carlos Marmol, who pitched two clean innings the last two days; Ryan Dempster, the closer; and Sean Marshall, last year’s rookie sensation. In my opinion, the obvious choice is Marshall. If Dempster goes back to the rotation who becomes the closer? There is no clear choice for that spot.
Marshall pitched will last year and is pitching well in Triple-A Iowa. He’s ready for a return to the show.
The other possibility for a big announcement is a trade of Jacque Jones. Rumors abound and if he can bring a quality bullpen arm to the club, the time is now. With Pagan, Murton and Floyd, the outfield no longer needs the free-swinging Jones.
Tomorrow is an off-day, but somehow I do not believe it will be without news. I know my ears will be open wide.
The question of “who made the better deal” between the Cubs and the Sox when it came to last year’s Cotts/Aardsma trade became clear today. Neal Cotts pitched against his former teammates for the first time, giving up the big blow, a grand slam to catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
Aardsma fared no better for the second day in a row against his former teammates. This time, he gave up a three run banger to Aramis Ramirez. Luckily for Aardsman, the four runs he allowed today did not cause manager Ozzie Guillen to break a sweat. The game was already gone by then.
Still, you cannot blame the Cubs for doing their best to fight back. Ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano just dug to big a hold for the offense to climb out from.
The search for the best twenty-five men goes on today. Earlier this weekend, Cubs manager Lou Piniella hinted of a big announcement to be made Monday. Then he hinted that Angel Guzman would be returning to the bullpen, but not who would be filling the fifth spot in the rotation.
Possibilities include Carlos Marmol, who pitched two clean innings the last two days; Ryan Dempster, the closer; and Sean Marshall, last year’s rookie sensation. In my opinion, the obvious choice is Marshall. If Dempster goes back to the rotation who becomes the closer? There is no clear choice for that spot.
Marshall pitched will last year and is pitching well in Triple-A Iowa. He’s ready for a return to the show.
The other possibility for a big announcement is a trade of Jacque Jones. Rumors abound and if he can bring a quality bullpen arm to the club, the time is now. With Pagan, Murton and Floyd, the outfield no longer needs the free-swinging Jones.
Tomorrow is an off-day, but somehow I do not believe it will be without news. I know my ears will be open wide.
Cubs & Sox, Round Two
Derrek Lee was the big star in game two of the first series of games between the cross-town rivals. Piniella said that Lee would not be available until Tuesday of next week. Then off the bench pops the secret weapon.
The question begs, which is more important to Chicago baseball teams and fans; The World Series or the Cross-town Series.
Yesterday was played like game seven of the World Series. The wounded star comes to the plate in a pressure situation and delivers the way you would expect him.
Pitching was not a strong point yesterday. Marquis kept the team in the game with both his arm and his bat. Michael Wuertz got to be a hero and erase some of the damage from the previous week.
We got an unimpressive peek at Carlos Marmol. Sure he set the side down in order, but pitches were flying everywhere.
The Sox have not looked great in this series, but they have not been mailing it in either. Joe Crede and Paul Konerko smacked home runs. There have been some great plays and some impressive pitching (at times).
The first two games have given fans everything they could hope for in a cross-town series. Today the Cubs go for the sweep. The Sox will not make it easy. It will be fun to watch.
The question begs, which is more important to Chicago baseball teams and fans; The World Series or the Cross-town Series.
Yesterday was played like game seven of the World Series. The wounded star comes to the plate in a pressure situation and delivers the way you would expect him.
Pitching was not a strong point yesterday. Marquis kept the team in the game with both his arm and his bat. Michael Wuertz got to be a hero and erase some of the damage from the previous week.
We got an unimpressive peek at Carlos Marmol. Sure he set the side down in order, but pitches were flying everywhere.
The Sox have not looked great in this series, but they have not been mailing it in either. Joe Crede and Paul Konerko smacked home runs. There have been some great plays and some impressive pitching (at times).
The first two games have given fans everything they could hope for in a cross-town series. Today the Cubs go for the sweep. The Sox will not make it easy. It will be fun to watch.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Cubs & Sox, Round One
What a great game yesterday. It was exactly what a Cubs/Sox game should be.
Each team threw their most consistent pitchers. The Sox came in with Mark Buehrle, who is no doubt their ace. The Cubs countered with Ted Lilly. Lilly has been the most consistent Cubs starter this year. Jason Marquis, who is pitching today, Carlos Zambrano, who is supposed to be the ace, and Rich Hill have all pitched well and had glimpses of brilliance, but each have had off days. Lilly has yet to have an off day.
There were home runs and great plays. There were miscues and poor choices. In the end, the Cubs wound up with a big six to three win.
Today should be a fun one again. Carlos Vasquez is starting for the Sox with Marquis going for the Cubs. I will be watching off and on, but I have no doubt that it will be something to see.
Each team threw their most consistent pitchers. The Sox came in with Mark Buehrle, who is no doubt their ace. The Cubs countered with Ted Lilly. Lilly has been the most consistent Cubs starter this year. Jason Marquis, who is pitching today, Carlos Zambrano, who is supposed to be the ace, and Rich Hill have all pitched well and had glimpses of brilliance, but each have had off days. Lilly has yet to have an off day.
There were home runs and great plays. There were miscues and poor choices. In the end, the Cubs wound up with a big six to three win.
Today should be a fun one again. Carlos Vasquez is starting for the Sox with Marquis going for the Cubs. I will be watching off and on, but I have no doubt that it will be something to see.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Tired Ballplayers
Last night the fellows from the north side fought long and hard into the early hours of the day with reckless, and fruitless, abandon. After super-closer Ryan Dempster allowed the score to be tied in the top of the ninth, the two teams battled to a near standstill before a sacrifice fly in the top of the fifteenth carried the day.
Tonight, both teams must have been exhausted. The Cubs used only one pitcher, Jason Marquis. He threw a no-hit game into the sixth inning and finished with a three-hitter. It was the best performance by any pitcher yet this season. It is time for those who were upset about Marquis’ signing to eat a little crow.
The Pirates allowed eight hits, but only the first one hurt. Alfonzo Soriano led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run. It was the only run to be scored all evening and provided the Cubs with their sixteenth win of the season.
Derrek Lee got a base hit to extend his hitting streak. Michael Barrett rapped a couple of doubles on a night when there was no wind for help or hindrance. The most frustrated Cub in Wrigley Field had to be Jacque Jones who not only went 0 for 4 at bats, but left nine runners on base, including six in scoring position.
Until the Cubs move Jones later this year to clear a spot for Felix Pie, tonight’s line-up should be the one manager Lou Piniella sticks with for the remainder of the season. Cliff Floyd and Cesar Izturis will get their playing time, but this is the best lineup the Cubs have.
Of course, considering the fact they only scored one run on one swing that is not saying much. Still, the Cubs won. It makes a fan smile.
Tonight, both teams must have been exhausted. The Cubs used only one pitcher, Jason Marquis. He threw a no-hit game into the sixth inning and finished with a three-hitter. It was the best performance by any pitcher yet this season. It is time for those who were upset about Marquis’ signing to eat a little crow.
The Pirates allowed eight hits, but only the first one hurt. Alfonzo Soriano led off the bottom of the first inning with a home run. It was the only run to be scored all evening and provided the Cubs with their sixteenth win of the season.
Derrek Lee got a base hit to extend his hitting streak. Michael Barrett rapped a couple of doubles on a night when there was no wind for help or hindrance. The most frustrated Cub in Wrigley Field had to be Jacque Jones who not only went 0 for 4 at bats, but left nine runners on base, including six in scoring position.
Until the Cubs move Jones later this year to clear a spot for Felix Pie, tonight’s line-up should be the one manager Lou Piniella sticks with for the remainder of the season. Cliff Floyd and Cesar Izturis will get their playing time, but this is the best lineup the Cubs have.
Of course, considering the fact they only scored one run on one swing that is not saying much. Still, the Cubs won. It makes a fan smile.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Close Wins and Losses
Recently, the Cubs have been winning the close ones. It feels so good to be on a winning streak and winning by big margins and small margins. I love pulling out a “come from behind” win.
Losing a close game really brings you down. Tonight, Ryan Dempster blew his first save attempt of the year. It probably will not be his last, but maybe just one of the few in 2007.
The game is not over yet, although the momentum is slipping. We had Theriot on second base with nobody out and Matt Murton just hit into an inning ending double play. On to the eleventh inning.
Still, we cannot give up hope. There is still time for the Cubs to pull out a win. Rookie Rocky Cherry, the only pitcher not to pitch Sunday, is in the game. If he can knock down the Pirates, the Cubs could nail it down in the bottom half.
Then we can be all smiles again, right?
Losing a close game really brings you down. Tonight, Ryan Dempster blew his first save attempt of the year. It probably will not be his last, but maybe just one of the few in 2007.
The game is not over yet, although the momentum is slipping. We had Theriot on second base with nobody out and Matt Murton just hit into an inning ending double play. On to the eleventh inning.
Still, we cannot give up hope. There is still time for the Cubs to pull out a win. Rookie Rocky Cherry, the only pitcher not to pitch Sunday, is in the game. If he can knock down the Pirates, the Cubs could nail it down in the bottom half.
Then we can be all smiles again, right?
Monday, May 7, 2007
Angel Guzman and Daryle Ward
It was a great weekend. The weather was a little cool in Illinois, but that’s expected in May. Lots of wind. The Cubs are over the .500 mark and the White Sox fought yesterday to stay at .500.
The biggest question of the weekend was whether Manager Lou Piniella and General Manager Jim Hendry were fools to expect Angel Guzman to start the game yesterday. The jury may still be out, but Guzman did not embarrass himself.
Two hits and two walks in five innings were good. Only one run was allowed. He gathered three strikeouts. He kept the Cubs in the game, leaving with a lead. Overall, everyone should be happy.
The bullpen tried to give the game away, and did manage to allow Guzman’s first victory as a Cub to disappear. After pitching a good sixth inning, Eyre walked a batter in the seventh. Michael Wuertz did the same and Bobby Howry allowed them to score, thanks to a single by Dimitri Young.
This month’s version of the 2007 Cubs had fire. They were not going to let this game slip away. A run in the ninth tied the score. Then Matt Murton doubled and scored on a short fly ball by Daryle Ward in the tenth.
The best part was the excitement by the team at the end of the game.
Let’s face it. The Washington Nationals are the worst team in the National League. The Cubs have won eight of the last nine games. If they had lost yesterday, it would have been no big deal, but these boys were playing as if it were the seventh game of the World Series.
I love a team that fights. The White Sox fought yesterday too and won in the tenth. It was a good weekend. Bring on the week!
The biggest question of the weekend was whether Manager Lou Piniella and General Manager Jim Hendry were fools to expect Angel Guzman to start the game yesterday. The jury may still be out, but Guzman did not embarrass himself.
Two hits and two walks in five innings were good. Only one run was allowed. He gathered three strikeouts. He kept the Cubs in the game, leaving with a lead. Overall, everyone should be happy.
The bullpen tried to give the game away, and did manage to allow Guzman’s first victory as a Cub to disappear. After pitching a good sixth inning, Eyre walked a batter in the seventh. Michael Wuertz did the same and Bobby Howry allowed them to score, thanks to a single by Dimitri Young.
This month’s version of the 2007 Cubs had fire. They were not going to let this game slip away. A run in the ninth tied the score. Then Matt Murton doubled and scored on a short fly ball by Daryle Ward in the tenth.
The best part was the excitement by the team at the end of the game.
Let’s face it. The Washington Nationals are the worst team in the National League. The Cubs have won eight of the last nine games. If they had lost yesterday, it would have been no big deal, but these boys were playing as if it were the seventh game of the World Series.
I love a team that fights. The White Sox fought yesterday too and won in the tenth. It was a good weekend. Bring on the week!
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Bullpen
With six wins in their last seven games, the Cubs are on a roll. With two more games against the cellar-dwelling Washington Nationals, the team has a great shot at being an above-.500 team by Monday morning.
There are those who pointed at the bullpen for the team’s early failures. I wanted to take a moment and study the Cubs bullpen to see what can be done.
Ryan Dempster – Closer
Dempster has earned six saves in six save opportunities. The guy has returned to 2005 form after a lackluster 2006. His poor showing last year may have been attributed to a lack of interest since the Cubs hardly competed. This year he is carrying a 2.40 ERA and with seventeen strikeouts (in fifteen innings). Teams are hitting .140 against him. Manager Lou Piniella is not using him exclusively in the ninth inning, occasionally having him pitch in the eighth, and making him a more useful component of the bullpen. Dempster is our 2007 closer.
Bobby Howry – Set up man/Right hander
Two losses and a blown save opportunity show that Howry has had his off days. He has still been very effective in the seventh and eighth innings this year. He carries a 3.00 ERA and is getting the job done as a workhorse this spring. Howry is our righthanded set-up man.
Scott Eyre – Set up man/Left hander
One loss and two blown save opportunities sound even with Howry, but Eyre has had a tougher time. His ERA is a sky-high 12.27 although he has earned twelve strikeouts in seven and a third innings pitched. When he is on, Eyre is a fierce competitor. Piniella has learned to use a quick hook if necessary. Entering his eleventh year in the bigs, Eyre will settle down into the pitcher we expect. Eyre is our lefthanded set-up man.
Wil Ohman – Specialist/Left hander
That Ohman has only a single loss to his credit is surprising. Listening to fans, it seems that Ohman should have taken credit for most of the Cubs early losses. His ERA is 4.50, which is larger than you like, but not embarrassing. He has only allowed four runs and six hits in twelve outings. Hitters are only hitting .200 off of him. Piniella uses a quick hook on this one too, keeping him out of real trouble. He is no longer considered a long man, coming in to pitch to one or two left-handed hitters at a time. If he misses, he’s out in favor of Wuertz or Howry. Some fans are ready to let go, but he has not proven himself a goat just yet. Ohman is our lefthanded specialist.
Rocky Cherry – Specialist/Right hander
Rookie Rocky could be the closer of the future on this club. Piniella is bringing him along slowly, letting him finish blow-outs and facing a tough right-handed hitter or two. He earned a loss in his first appearance as a Cub, but has settled down and pitch well since, even earning his first win. Watch this fellow to stay in Cubbie blue for a long time. For now, Cherry is our righthanded specialist.
Neal Cotts – Long man/Left hander
People worried over Cotts during spring training. A long-shot for the fifth starter role, Cotts buried himself early. As a long man from the pen this year, he has allowed no earned runs, no unearned runs, and struck out eight in nine innings pitched. Piniella has used him carefully, but Cotts has delivered when called upon. Neal Cotts is our lefthanded long man.
Michael Wuertz – Long man/Right hander
There were those, including myself, who had doubts that Wuertz would make the team out of spring training. Keeping him with the team has been a good call. Along with Howry, Wuertz has been a workhorse, throwing fourteen and two-thirds innings this year in fourteen appearances. That means, he has appeared in over half of the games so far. His ERA is a barely perceptible 1.23. Opposing teams are only hitting .218 against him. If a starter blows up, Wuertz and Cotts are able to keep the Cubs in the game. Wuertz is our righthanded long man.
Angel Guzman gets a special mention having thrown especially well in four games. He impressed the team enough he is getting a shot at the fifth starting job. He has been planned for three starts this May, even though his three starts in Iowa were miserable. Time will tell if he has what it takes.
As it is, the Cubs have a strong bullpen. There will be bad days and melt-downs, but overall, this is a balanced, effective pen. This will be a fun season to watch.
There are those who pointed at the bullpen for the team’s early failures. I wanted to take a moment and study the Cubs bullpen to see what can be done.
Ryan Dempster – Closer
Dempster has earned six saves in six save opportunities. The guy has returned to 2005 form after a lackluster 2006. His poor showing last year may have been attributed to a lack of interest since the Cubs hardly competed. This year he is carrying a 2.40 ERA and with seventeen strikeouts (in fifteen innings). Teams are hitting .140 against him. Manager Lou Piniella is not using him exclusively in the ninth inning, occasionally having him pitch in the eighth, and making him a more useful component of the bullpen. Dempster is our 2007 closer.
Bobby Howry – Set up man/Right hander
Two losses and a blown save opportunity show that Howry has had his off days. He has still been very effective in the seventh and eighth innings this year. He carries a 3.00 ERA and is getting the job done as a workhorse this spring. Howry is our righthanded set-up man.
Scott Eyre – Set up man/Left hander
One loss and two blown save opportunities sound even with Howry, but Eyre has had a tougher time. His ERA is a sky-high 12.27 although he has earned twelve strikeouts in seven and a third innings pitched. When he is on, Eyre is a fierce competitor. Piniella has learned to use a quick hook if necessary. Entering his eleventh year in the bigs, Eyre will settle down into the pitcher we expect. Eyre is our lefthanded set-up man.
Wil Ohman – Specialist/Left hander
That Ohman has only a single loss to his credit is surprising. Listening to fans, it seems that Ohman should have taken credit for most of the Cubs early losses. His ERA is 4.50, which is larger than you like, but not embarrassing. He has only allowed four runs and six hits in twelve outings. Hitters are only hitting .200 off of him. Piniella uses a quick hook on this one too, keeping him out of real trouble. He is no longer considered a long man, coming in to pitch to one or two left-handed hitters at a time. If he misses, he’s out in favor of Wuertz or Howry. Some fans are ready to let go, but he has not proven himself a goat just yet. Ohman is our lefthanded specialist.
Rocky Cherry – Specialist/Right hander
Rookie Rocky could be the closer of the future on this club. Piniella is bringing him along slowly, letting him finish blow-outs and facing a tough right-handed hitter or two. He earned a loss in his first appearance as a Cub, but has settled down and pitch well since, even earning his first win. Watch this fellow to stay in Cubbie blue for a long time. For now, Cherry is our righthanded specialist.
Neal Cotts – Long man/Left hander
People worried over Cotts during spring training. A long-shot for the fifth starter role, Cotts buried himself early. As a long man from the pen this year, he has allowed no earned runs, no unearned runs, and struck out eight in nine innings pitched. Piniella has used him carefully, but Cotts has delivered when called upon. Neal Cotts is our lefthanded long man.
Michael Wuertz – Long man/Right hander
There were those, including myself, who had doubts that Wuertz would make the team out of spring training. Keeping him with the team has been a good call. Along with Howry, Wuertz has been a workhorse, throwing fourteen and two-thirds innings this year in fourteen appearances. That means, he has appeared in over half of the games so far. His ERA is a barely perceptible 1.23. Opposing teams are only hitting .218 against him. If a starter blows up, Wuertz and Cotts are able to keep the Cubs in the game. Wuertz is our righthanded long man.
Angel Guzman gets a special mention having thrown especially well in four games. He impressed the team enough he is getting a shot at the fifth starting job. He has been planned for three starts this May, even though his three starts in Iowa were miserable. Time will tell if he has what it takes.
As it is, the Cubs have a strong bullpen. There will be bad days and melt-downs, but overall, this is a balanced, effective pen. This will be a fun season to watch.
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Let's Win Two Today!
What a day! What a couple days!
Last night, the Cubs got an assist from Mother Nature. The team was down 5 to 2 going into the seventh inning. The good guys rung up four runs in the top of the inning to take a one-run lead.
Then, after Bob Howry threw four pitches in the Pirate half of the seventh, the skies opened and the play ended.
Under the rules of previous years, the score would have reverted to what it was at the end of the sixth and the game would have been considered an official loss for the Cubs. In the off-season this past winter, the MLB officials made a rule change that would have allowed the game to end at that point and become official if the home team was ahead. In this case, the Cubs were in Pittsburgh, so the rule was to suspend the game to allow Pittsburgh a chance to complete the bottom of the seventh, and eventually the entire game.
I can’t believe I am saying this, but thanks to a rule change by the MLB, and thanks to Mother Nature, the Cubs one last night’s game today! Whew! Maybe the luck is changing in the Cubs favor!
There were a lot of other positive things that happened last night/this afternoon.
Alfonzo Soriano lead off the game last night with his first home run as a Cub.
Rocky Cherry earned his first win as a major league player.
Derrek Lee hit three doubles to extend his league leadership in that category.
Ryan Dempster earned his fifth save.
Jason Marquis picked up his fourth win of the season.
Soriano hit another solo home run in the second game today.
D-Lee raised his league leading batting average to .415.
The bad news is that former gold glove shortstop Cesar Izturis had an error in each of the two games.
This is a good team and it is only two games below the .500 mark. Thursday will be a day of rest. Then the northsiders take on the Washington Nationals. This could be the weekend the Cubs move ahead of the league.
On the south side of town, things are a little tougher. The Sox were shut out by the Mariners in Seattle and have lost four straight. The pitching performance by John Danks wasn’t too bad, but the offense is truly missing Jim Thome since he went on the disabled list. Hopefully his return will not take long.
The Palehose are just a game below .500. It they can beat the Angels twice in three tries this weekend, and handle the Twins the same way, they can be ready for a long, fun homestand, including a visit to Wrigley.
Let’s hope for two winning teams meeting on May 18th!
Last night, the Cubs got an assist from Mother Nature. The team was down 5 to 2 going into the seventh inning. The good guys rung up four runs in the top of the inning to take a one-run lead.
Then, after Bob Howry threw four pitches in the Pirate half of the seventh, the skies opened and the play ended.
Under the rules of previous years, the score would have reverted to what it was at the end of the sixth and the game would have been considered an official loss for the Cubs. In the off-season this past winter, the MLB officials made a rule change that would have allowed the game to end at that point and become official if the home team was ahead. In this case, the Cubs were in Pittsburgh, so the rule was to suspend the game to allow Pittsburgh a chance to complete the bottom of the seventh, and eventually the entire game.
I can’t believe I am saying this, but thanks to a rule change by the MLB, and thanks to Mother Nature, the Cubs one last night’s game today! Whew! Maybe the luck is changing in the Cubs favor!
There were a lot of other positive things that happened last night/this afternoon.
Alfonzo Soriano lead off the game last night with his first home run as a Cub.
Rocky Cherry earned his first win as a major league player.
Derrek Lee hit three doubles to extend his league leadership in that category.
Ryan Dempster earned his fifth save.
Jason Marquis picked up his fourth win of the season.
Soriano hit another solo home run in the second game today.
D-Lee raised his league leading batting average to .415.
The bad news is that former gold glove shortstop Cesar Izturis had an error in each of the two games.
This is a good team and it is only two games below the .500 mark. Thursday will be a day of rest. Then the northsiders take on the Washington Nationals. This could be the weekend the Cubs move ahead of the league.
On the south side of town, things are a little tougher. The Sox were shut out by the Mariners in Seattle and have lost four straight. The pitching performance by John Danks wasn’t too bad, but the offense is truly missing Jim Thome since he went on the disabled list. Hopefully his return will not take long.
The Palehose are just a game below .500. It they can beat the Angels twice in three tries this weekend, and handle the Twins the same way, they can be ready for a long, fun homestand, including a visit to Wrigley.
Let’s hope for two winning teams meeting on May 18th!
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