Yarbage Cub Review

Cubs need some help

2009-06-15T20:35:00.001-05:00

I know haven't posted much, but I'm still around, but spending a little time over at with the guys at GROTA.

In the next couple days the Cubs are in a spot where they could make or break the season. On one hand, they're 2.5 games back, but they are still in 4th place.

Stay tuned for more.

Baseball has been out of mind

2009-01-05T19:18:00.000-06:00

I've had a tough time since our 2008 season, but I'm ready to get started back up. The Cubs have been up a few moves the last few weeks, and I will start to go over them in depth later on.

I will be back soon.

Game 1: Over and done with

2008-10-02T11:49:00.002-05:00

Last night just plain sucked. There isn't anyway around it. Scott Lange, of the Northside Lounge, and I watch the game together. There wasn't much talking after the James Loney's 5th inning Grand Slam.

So, do we panic yet? It sucks to lose, but I'm not ready to panic, because these Cubs have found a way all year. The worst part of the loss is having to sit here all day and think about it. I'm teaching To Kill a Mockingbird, and it is just hard to get into Scout jumping in front of the lynch mob three times in a day with the thoughts of Manny Ramirez golfing a home run out in my mind, but I soldier on.

We still have eight and half hours before Dick Stockton(who is just a step away from death) and crew start calling Game 2, but thankfully I have the XM for Pat and Ron.

The biggest surprise to me was the lack of engery from the crowd. I don't know if MLB took have the tickets, but the crowd just never got into it, even for Mark DeRosa's HR.

Well, we are still the better team, and we can just pray that Good Zambrano shows up for the game tonight.

Marquis?

2008-09-23T09:18:00.002-05:00

This week I made an agreement with Mrs. Yarbs that I wouldn't watch the Cubs, because I've basically seen every game since July (Take away maybe 3 games). So, we watched some 24 (trying to catch her up before the new season starts), but after Terri and Kim finally got rescused, I turned the game for a minute. With two runners on in the fourth, Ryan Theriot singled to left to load the bases, then Jason Marquis hammered a pitch over the wall for a Grand Slam to give the Cubs a 6-2 lead. What an amazing sight. There is something about this season, and I can't wait for next week.

I'm in Heaven

2008-09-22T12:18:00.002-05:00

There aren't a lot of things that get me excited, but the Cubs making the playoffs is always one of them. I know it has been a little while since I've posted over here at the Yarbage Cub Review, but that's because I've been moonlighting at another blog. I will go into more details a little later, but back to the Cubs.

Since we swept the Brewers back in July, I really haven't been worried about making the playoffs. I wish we would have played better to start the month, but you can't ask for much more than clinching with over a week to play.

I will try and break down the postseason rosters a little before the playoffs start, but I have a few ideas about the rotation.

If Big Z can come out on Wednesday and throw well, he should go Game 1. If not, just slide everbody up 1.

Game 1: Zambrano vs. (Santana/Hamels/Lowe/Webb)
Game 2: Dempster vs. (Pelfry/Myers/Billingslea/Haren)
Game 3: Harden vs. (Martinez/Moyer/Kudora/Johnson)
Game 4: Lilly vs. (??????)

I think we should really go with the four-man rotation throughout to keep everybody healthy. Big Z has already shown that he can't pitch coming off a plane flight, so quick rest probably isn't a great answer, and Lilly has been really solid in September.

Enjoy the rest of the week, and go Cubs.

Post trade thoughts

2008-07-08T19:19:00.002-05:00

That was fast Jim, and I have to say I love this deal. There are a few reasons for this feeling, including the fact that you upstage C.C. Sabitha's (Sorry CC, now) first start for the Brewers.

Now onto the deal, first for the Athletics:

Matt Murton: For whatever reason, whether it be his right-handed at bat or his red hair, Murton was never going to play for Lou or the Cubs it seemed. He put up decent numbers over his career (.296/.362/.810), but was off to a slow start this year with no power.

I would've liked to see Murton get time last year, but the powers that be didn't feel the same. So, there really isn't much loss here, since he wasn't going to play.

Sean Gallagher: Sean went 3-4 with a 4.45 ERA this season. He was bounced back and forth between Iowa and Chicago, but was a luxury for a team that is going for it. When healthy Harden is going to be more valuable, but that is a big "if". I would rather have Gallagher than Jason Marquis, but in the end he was younger and cheaper.

Eric Patterson: Patterson is probably the most valuable player the Cubs are giving up, but he is a somebody that can be replaced. The Cubs already have Theriot, Cedeno, Fonenot and DeRosa that can play in the middle infield. Plus, we know that Patterson is no outfielder.

John Donaldson: We already have have Geovanny Soto. Not to mention, John is a former Auburn Tiger, and we don't need any of his kind (Editors note: I'm a Alabama Grad, so that statement might be a little slanted).

As for the Cubs:

Chad Gaudin: In a deal like this, you usually don't get another player in the deal. Well, I guess Rich Harden's injury troubles allowed Jim Hendry to add another quality arm in bullpen or to spot start.

This year Gaudin is 5-3 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Also, he's only 25 and he doesn't walk many.

Rich Harden: Obviously, Harden was the centerpiece of the deal. Granted, he has an injury field past, but was probably the best player available in all of Major League Baseball.

This season, Harden is 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts. He spent a month of the year on the DL, but since then as been great. Does he stay that way? Only time will tell. Harden is only 26 and will resemble Prior's injury history. I heard somewhere that Harden has a cheap option for next year, so that is a plus if he is healthy.

Overall, I'm real happy with the deal. It is the exact thing that the Cubs needed to match the Brewers. Now we just need to go out and win some games.

Rich come on down...

2008-07-08T17:59:00.002-05:00

The Cubs just landed Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin for Eric Patterson, Matt Murton, Sean Gallagher and John Donaldson. I have to say this is a great move for Jim Hendry. More on the deal later.

Live Game Log: Post Soriano

2008-06-12T13:05:00.006-05:00

Hello, everybody. It's been some time, since I have posted. Since the last post, school has ended. The Cubs have been on fire, and oh yeah....I got married.

Stay tuned for a running log of today's game. Not sure if I'm going to watch the WGN broadcast in SD, or th Braves broadcast in HDTV, I guess we will see.

Pregame: I'm all for gimics, but the whole black and white thing is a little odd. I might have to watch a little of the Braves broadcast today to get through the first few innings, and I just hate watching in SD.

Top 1: The question of the day is anybody going to get hit? I say no, unless there is a blowout.

Ok, the camera angles and no replays on the WGN broadcast. I understand this is a throwback to WGN, but no replays is a little rough. Big Z. got two quick outs, but Chipper Jones gets an infield hit. You have to get a few of those to hit .400 and that was a gift as Derosa, Lee and Zambrano all went for the ball. Stil. Z gets out of it and game is 0-0

Bottom 1: Two quick outs, but Derrek Lee is battling with a 2-2 count. He has fouled off like 5 or so pitches. Doesn't pay off in this inning, but it might down the road. 0-0 after 1.

Top 2: Zambrano gets ahead of Francour, but he hits it up the bleachers in left to give the Braves a 2-0 lead after 1 and a half.

Bottom 2: Braves already have four hits on Z, including a hit by Tim Hudson.

Your Killing Me Smalls

2008-05-14T22:49:00.001-05:00

Jim Edmonds is a Cub. Enough said.

Working on something

2008-05-13T20:20:00.004-05:00

Trying to get a photo hosted to upload my new team logo for my Fantasy Baseball team.

Slideshow

2008-05-13T18:02:00.004-05:00

Cubs Win and Trade Rumors

2008-05-06T22:47:00.002-05:00

The Cubs got a much-needed solid outing from Carlos Zambrano on Tuesday. He went 8 strong innings to improve to 5-1, but more importantly it gave me something to feel good about after a walking out of my Grad School Final. I now have 31 hours that are now finished. That leaves two classes this summer and I will have my masters.

Also, there is a lot of talk that Lou wants to add a Left-Hand hitting OF that can protect Ramirez and Lee. Hmm, let me think.....

I'm going out on a limb here, but I think I have an answer. But first lets look at some of the canidates of some other teams. I will look at teams that are either not going to contend, teams that off to rough starts or players that are close to end of the contract.

Player A: .317/.407/.495 (902 OPS) 3 HR 14 RBI
Player B: .300/.347/.531 (878 OPS) 6 HR 33 RBI
Player C: .235/.313/.378 (692 OPS) 4 HR 15 RBI
Player D: .222/.376/.414 (790 OPS) 5 HR 15 RBI
Player E: .269/.402/.433 (834 OPS) 3 HR 14 RBI
Player F: .270/.372/.435 (807 OPS) 3 HR 15 RBI
Player G: .257/.310/.317 (627 OPS) 0 HR 11 RBI

Ok, so who are these guys?

A. Milton Bradley - a guy the Cubs looked at two years ago, but passed to let Cliff Floyd and Matt Murton play in outfield. Bradley is doing what he does early on at any stop, play well until times get hard. He does have the highest OPS out of anybody on this list, but also is most likely to tear an ACL barking at a fan in the on deck circle.

B. Josh Hamilton - no way the Rangers trade him, but we had him two years ago and passed him for cash. So, do you think Hendry would still do that today?

C. Ken Griffy Jr. - Junior will play somewhere else this year, but it won't be in Chicago and this point, I'm not sure he helps the team, because we lose a little on defense.

D. Adam Dunn - the second Red on the list, but Dunn is your all or nothing hitter. He does three things well: hits home runs, strikes out and walks. Dunn will stay in Cinnci for at least a little longer, but he could be moved if the Reds can't find a taker for Griffey.

E. Brad Hawpe - Here is an interesting thought. A younger player that Colorado can't hang on to if they expect to resign Matt Holliday. That may or may not happen, but he has a lot of upside and we have a some arms that could pry him away.

F. Brian Giles - Giles is older, but he still gets on base at a good clip. Giles is the kind of guy that isn't flashy and his numbers might improve heading away from PETCO.

G. Randy Winn - Winn's numbers pretty bad, except against LHP, but we don't needas much help this year.

I left out one player. Would you want these numbers:

.276/.480/.565 1.045

Who is this?

Barry Lamar Bonds.

I hate to say it, but the Cubs want a Left-hand hitting OF that can hit in the middle of the lineup. Well, I have to say that it doesn't get much better than Bonds. Soriano could move to Right and Barry could play left on most days. Imagine Ramirez getting pitched to with all those fast balls and Soto behind Bonds. I really want this to happen. I think one-year of Barry is worth a championship and it would cost a single prospect. Just think about it.

Oh What a Night

2008-04-21T23:57:00.003-05:00

The Cubs are winning, I'm close to finishing grad school and I'm getting married in a month, what could be better? Well, maybe a million dollars, but I tell you the Cubs winning early and often sure makes me feel good.

I sat down tonight(while grading a bunch of research notebooks) and enjoyed a full game for the first time in about a week, because of various school functions. Like tomorrow, I will miss most the game since it starts while I'm in school and I've got grad school, at night, but I digress.

The Cubs have been on fire in the early going thanks to timely hitting (Pie, Cedeno tonight) and quality pitching (Big Z, and dare I say Dempster). Usually in a Cub game, you can since the impending doom that is coming, but I never felt that tonight. When Soto made a dump play, Z picked up him and got Reyes to ground into a double play.

In the 8th, the Cubs looked like they bust the game open, only to have Heilman get DeRosa and Soto out, setting up the heroics by Cedeno and Pie. Ronny is really staring to impress me at the plate and maybe he is starting to show that promise of AAA at the plate. Regardless, there really isn't a place to play him while Theriot and DeRosa are playing well, but Lou might be able to find him 2 starts a week.

For now, Go Cubbies.

Opening Day - LIVE GAME LOG!!!!!

2008-03-31T13:50:00.020-05:00

Well, the start of the 2008 baseball season is finally here, after a hour delay because of rain. Billy Williams and Ernie Banks are walking out and lets hope that this season gets off to a great start. Check back for updates throughout the game with my thoughts and feelings of the game.

Top of the First: It's time for baseball, finally. Enough talk of 100 years, curses and everything else. Lets go out and get the season started. Carlos hasn't pitched well on opening day, but maybe he will have the Brewers number. A few opening thoughts, I hope this batting the pitcher in the 8th spot comes back and bites the Brewers.

Zambrano starts the year with a strike and is quickly up 0-2. What a fitting start to the year with a 3-pitch K of Richie Weeks. Now, 26 more of those and we are cruising into 1st Place.

Well, damn. No no-hitter for Carlos after Ramirez can't handle a grounder to third. Here are situations where Carlos would come a little rattled in the past. The shift costs the Cubs a Double play, which means Carlos will have to face Ryan Braun. No harm, as Braun pops out to Soto. 0-0 heading to the bottom half.

Bottom 1: Well, after a few internet problems (I'm at the beach today on Spring Break), Ryan Theriot and Alfanso Soriano both flew out to Corey Hart. Sheets looking sharp so far, and I have a feeling this might be a pitchers duel. Lee strike out and it is 0-0 after one.

Top 2nd: Bill Hall back to third base this year, with Ryan Bruan moving to left. This will be interesting, because Braun was so bad at third last year. Hey, Hey, another 3-pitch K to start the 2nd. Wow, Hart hit a ball that just kept carrying, but Flex The "Pie" Maker makes the grab to retire the internal thorn in our side.

J.J. Hardy, who hit 20 something HR's a year ago, dropped to the 7th spot in the order this year. Carlos got ahead of Hardy and was able to pop him up to end the Brewers' 2nd.

Bottom 2nd: After Ramirez, Fukudome is welcomed to Chicago with a thunderous roar. He greats the Cubs faithful with a lined double over Tony Gwynn Jr. What a way to start, and I am quickly ordering my Fukudome jersey as I type this.

With the wind blowing in, DeRosa missed a home run, but Fukudome moves to third on the tag. It's up to Soto to bring in Fukudome. I wonder if Ben Sheets will work around Soto to get to Pie, and that is what happens. I love seeing the 2-out walk. Now, Pie needs to come through. Damn, Pie strikes out and the Cubs fail to score. 0-0 after 2.

Top 3: Ben Sheets, who is batting 8th, quickly strikes out, and then Big Z walks Jason Kendall. Big Z has to limit his walks if he wants to go deep into games. Z battles back as he pops out Richie Weeks. What a grab by DeRosa to end the top of the third.

Bottom 3: The rain is starting to pick up. I hope we are able to get his game in today, with no major delays.

Z's first at bat ends in a strikeout, but nobody was on, so no big deal.

Bad News, the rain is here and it looks like we are heading for a delay.

The rain delay is almost over, thank goodness. It looks like Big Z will be come back and pitch as will Ben Sheets. A 50 minute delay, lets up that it really hurts Sheets' command. Here we go and Sheets throws a strike

Theriot looks ugly on a strikeout as Sheets gets the second out. Sheets showing little rust after the 50 minute delay as he K's Soriano as well.

Top 4: "Anything you can do, I can do better," says Z, as he K's Fielder to start the fourth.

What a pick by Derrek Lee on a tough hop from Theriot's throw. 2 quick outs from Z and then he gets Bill Hall on one pitch to retire the Brewers in the 4th, still 0-0.

Bottom 4: D-Lee and Ramirez both are retired quickly, but Fukudome is still perfect after drawing a 2-out walk. I already feel the bases being clogged up, much to Dusty's demise.

Oh my, DeRosa almost hit a 2-run home run, but Tony Gwynn Jr. tracks it and keeps the game at 0-0 after 4.

Top 5: Z continues to roll. This is by far his best opening day start. I just hope it continues into the late part of the game.

Bottom 5: Another lackluster offensive showing in the 5th, still 0-0.

Top 6: Z is just dealing right now. He gets Kendall to pop out to right and Weeks to strikeout, but Gwynn drops a ball into left for his second of the day.

This is a key situation with Fielder up with two outs. Z battles and got jammed Fielder to end the inning.

Bottom 6: Sheets is just as nasty as he keeps mowing down the Cubs, 0-0 after 6.

Top 7: Ok, Bad News Bears moment of 08, but Z is able to make a catch and avoid a major accident from D-Lee.

Z's in his first jam after Bill Hall doubled off the bottom of the basket. Wow, what a play by Z. He picks off Bill Hall with a snap throw to 2nd. Come on....we didn't need Z going out because of an injury. I just hope it is nothing major. Carlos Marmol comes and promptly strikes out Hart to end the 7th.

Bottom 7: FUKUDOME = On Base Machine, after his second hit of the day. Sheets is out and here comes Salomon Torres. Maybe this will be a big inning for the Cubs and we can see the Cubs to an opening day victory.

Well, DeRosa didn't get a hit, but he gets hit to put runners on 1st and 2nd. Here comes a big spot for Soto. He could win over the Wrigley faithful right here.

Fukudome isn't perfect as he makes a base-running mistake. That brings up Felix Pie once again. Pie could be the hero if he can find a gap, but instead he grounds to 2nd to end the inning.

Top 8: Both pens will have to take it the rest of the way. The "Other" Carlos makes J.J. Hardy look terrible with a nice tight slider for the first out of the 8th.

A Gross K, and a Kendall pop out takes us to the bottom of the 8th all tied.

Bottom 8: Theriot hasn't had a good day in the leadoff spot today. That makes it an 0-for-4 day for him. Moto mows down the Cubs and the game is still tied 0-0.

Top 9: Not the way the Cubs wanted to start the 9th by plunking Richie Weeks.

First questionable move of the day has Kerry Wood Walking Prince Fielder to face Ryan Braun. With a base open, why not see Fielder gets himself out. And it haunts us as Braun singles up the middle to give the Brewers a 1-0 lead.

Well, it comes from bad to worse after Hart triples to right field. The Brewers up 3-0 heading to the bottom of the 9th.

Bottom 9: HOlY COW!!! FUKUDOME IS THE BEST PLAYER EVER. The only thing that would've been better is that the blast would've won the game. Instead, we get extra innings on opening day.

Top 10: You have to be kidding me, we come all the way back and Bob Howry gives up a double to Craig Counsell. It would be a shame to lose this game now. Howry isn't really a strikeout pitcher, so this is oging to be a tough order to get two outs without a K.

Oops, Weeks hit again to put runners at the corners, but the problem is that there is speed all over the bases. Damn, SAC Fly to put the Brewers back up 4-3. No other damage, but the Cubs trail once again.

Bottom 10:

What's in Store for 2008?

2008-03-30T16:46:00.002-05:00

Lets look at a few predictions for the 2008 baseball season.

Division Winners:

AL East: Boston Red Sox
AL Central: Cleveland Indians
AL West: Seattle Mariners

NL East: Ny Mets
NL Central: Chicago Cubs
NL West: Arizona Diamondbacks

AL Wildcard: Detroit Tigers
NL Wildcard: Colorado Rockies

There will be no predictions for the World Series.

NL Cy Young: Johan Santana
AL Cy Young: Eric Bedard

NL ROY: Geovanny Soto
AL ROY: Billy Butler

NL Manager: Bobby Cox
AL Manager: Joe Madden

As for personal quests:

Wedding: May 24
Ballpark 19: Oakland May 28
Ballpark 20: San Francisco May 29

162 Games to go

2008-03-30T10:37:00.002-05:00

The start of the season is almost here, and I can't wait for tomorrow. Until then, I will sit back and enjoy basketball and the Braves game tonight. Join me tomorrow for my annual opening day live game log coming from the beach this year, while I'm on Spring Break.

Enjoy the rest of the day and Go Cubs!.

Good Start, but talk to me in a month

2008-02-28T20:19:00.003-06:00

The Cubs started off the 2008 Baseball season with a victory over the Class AA San Fransico Giants. I hope this continues, but I will reserve judgment until a later date.

On the to the Highlights:

Ryan Theriot - The "Riot" turns in a 3-for-3 day and scores three times. If he does that lets say to the clip of a .300 average, we will be just fine.

Kusake Fukudome - The Dome's a perfect 1-for-1, NL MVP here we come....

Felix Pie - The "Pie Maker" is off to a 2-for-2 start with a HR. IF he comes close his potential, we are in very good shape.

Well, we will see what the next day brings.

From Jones to Fukudome

2007-12-12T01:47:00.000-06:00

For the past few weeks all we have heard about was Jim Hendry's quest to the Far East to find a prize, not to be confused with a new Indiana Jones flick or anything, but a quest.

The expedition has landed Kosuke Fukudome, which is the greatest name in the history of the Cubs. Hee-Seop Choi doens't even come close to Fukudome.

Of course, will Fukudome hit? That is hard to say. Jacque put up two years of hitting .285, but his power numbers dropped from 27 HR in 06 to just 5 this season. Jacque had basically became a singles hitter that struck out too much. Jones' slugging dropped from .499 to .400, which gave him a .735 OPS this last season, which is something you can't have out of your starting RF, even though Jones played Center most of the second half of the season.

Our other OF, Matt Murton, posted a .791 OPS this season and it just doesn't look like the Cubs are going to him a chance to show he can hit on a regular basis. If anything, Murton might provide insurance if Felix Pie or Sam Fuld can't cut it as regulars in CF, or in a trade for another bat or pitcher.

Fukudome isn't without baggage to start. He is coming off elbow surgery and players from Japan aren't always a sure thing.

Akinori Iwamura, of the Tampa Bay Rays, posted a .780 OPS last season. Which isn't bad, but he posted a .933 OPS in his last season in Japan with 32 HR (He only hit 7 with the Rays).

As for our guy, Fukudome posted a .963 OPS in limited duty last year and 1.091 in 2006. His numbers will come back to earth, but if his career .397 OBP comes across the Pacific Ocean, the Cubs get an on base player that they have lacked for years.

For good measure, Hideki Matsui actually hit 50 HR in his last season in Japan, but only hit 16 in his first season in New York. Since then, he has become a 25 HR hitter with a high OBP.

For Fukudome, I say he hits 23 HR and posts a .385 OBP in his first season. If his OPS lands around the .859 mark, it would be a good. It probably will be closer to .800, but remember Jones was .700 this year. Of course, Fukudome can improve our defense and speed, which don't always translate into stats.

Lets take a look at the new lineup as of Dec. 12:

1. Soriano - LF R
2. Derosa - 2B R
3. Lee - 1B R
4. Fukudome - RF L
5. Ramirez - 3B R
6. Soto - C R
7. Pie - CF L
8. Theriot - SS R

The lineup isn't striking fear in anybody, but it is much improved with Fukudome in it. If Soto and Pie produce, this has a chance to be a very productive hitting team. The lineup still is very Right Hand heavy, but at least we don't have Kaz Matsui playing second.

The Bench:
1. Matt Murton - OF R
2. Daryle Ward - OF/1B L
3. Ronny Cendeno - INF R
4. Henry Blanco - C R
5. Sam Fuld - OF L
6. Mike Fontenot - 2B L

This will probably change, because I bet the Cubs get another Utility type guy, unless they trade for a Brian Roberts and DeRosa becomes our first guy off the bench.

Pitchers:

1. Zambrano
2. Lilly
3. Hill
4. Marquis
5. Dempster/Marshall/Hart/Prior/

The Cubs really could use another starter at the top of the rotation, but I think that might be tough to do. Somebody will get dealt or non-tendered (Prior). The First three are pretty good, the last five need some work.

Bullpen
Closer - Kerry Wood
Setup - Bob Howry
7th Inning - Carlos Marmol
RH - Michael Wuertz
LF - Scott Eyre

The Rest?

Those five guys will be in the Pen, who will be the other six or seven to join them is the question. Carmen Pignatiello and Neal Cotts are lefties that have a chance. Then, Kevin Hart and Sean Gallagar will probably make the team. Rule 5 Tim Lahey will have a chance, along with Jose Ascanio, who was acquired in a trade.

Well, until another big move that is it for now.

The Cubs are moving....slowly

2007-12-04T20:37:00.000-06:00

After a few more moves the cubs still look about the same...minus Jones, Ohman.

But I'm waiting for the Fukudome to drop. I'm starting to like the thought of the Fukudome playing. So much so, I want a Fukudome Jersey.

A Trade, Lets look at the Lineup so far

2007-11-12T19:35:00.000-06:00

After Today's trade, it is time to look how the lineup would look today if the Cubs didn't make another move.

First the starters by possible spot in the lineup.

1. A. Soriano - LF

He needs to stay healthy and will still bat leadoff, even with better options. We knew that coming in and we know he wants to bat there.

2. M. Murton - RF

I know Matt won't end up No. 2, but we can dream. Murton will most likely play against Lefties, unless he is dealt this offseason.

3. D. Lee - 1B

Enough said. Would love to see the power increase.

4. A. Ramirez - 3B

Aram was clutch all season, but not in the playoffs. Which wasn't the case in 2003. Lets hope he improves in 08.

5. G. Soto - C

I like the fact the the Cubs would open the year with a young Catcher. It will be interested to see how quick they will make a move, if he struggles.

6. M. DeRosa - 2B

Ok, DeRosa was just great in 08. Hopefully, his numbers will continue, because i love the way he plays the game.

7. F. Pie - CF

With Jones getting dealt it means Felix is ready for his shot. The kid has all the tools and the speed. If he puts it together, it won't be long until Pie hits at the top of the lineup.

8. R. Theriot - SS

Theriot really struggled down the stretch. He wore down a little and we have probably seen the best he can do.

Bench

H. Blanco - C
O. Infante - 2B/SS/OF
D. Ward - 1B/OF/PH
M. Fontenot 2B
A. Pagan - OF
S. Fuld - OF
E. Patterson - 2B
R. Cedeno - SS/INF

It looks like Blanco will be the backup for Soto to start. I wouldn't be shocked if Cedeno gets a look at short, if Theriot gets off to a slow start. If the Cubs keep Infante, Fontenot will be let go or sent to Iowa. Fuld is playing well in Arizona, but I can't see the Cubs giving him a chance this year.

Now for the pitching....

Rotation

1. C. Zambrano

Big. Z gets big money and now we need Big results.

2. T. Lilly

Our best pitcher last year, but we can aspect a decline this year.

3. R. Hill

A full year and some real ups and downs. Hopefully, the year did him really well and he is ready to break out.

4. J. Marquis

Well, he was really up and down. We will get the same next year.

5. S. Marshall

Great start, slow finish. My guess is that he or Marquis gets dealt this offseason.

6. R. Dempster

Odd move, but maybe he can be more steady that Marquis

7. M. Prior

The Wild Card. I hope the Cubs don't give up on him, but I think they will.

Bullpen

C. Marmol

B. Howry

K. Hart

W. Ohman

S. Eyre

K. Wood

It will be interesting to see what the Cubs do with the pen. I see Wood being the closer and everybody else slotting in.

I sure this will change as the season goes on.

Offseason

2007-11-07T15:21:00.000-06:00

Well after a lackluster postseason, I suspect that we will see a lack luster postseason.

The Cubs will one outfielder....
probably a Lefty.

I would love to see another starter, but I bet we see Ryan Dempster back in the rotation.

Closer......

Kerry Wood.

Catcher......

Soto

More later....

Now or never....Live action 9-19

2007-09-19T19:18:00.000-05:00

It is getting old to say, but tonight is the biggest game of the year....Well, it may not be, but it is pretty big.

Bottom 1st:
Just as I start to blog, Alfonso Soraino takes a ball to the bleachers to gives the Cubs a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Which is important after Ted Lilly got out of a major jam in the first inning.

Too bad the Cubs can't do any more damage against Tom Shearn. After 1, Cubs 1-0. Astros-Brewers 0-0.

Top 2:

I could not see Edwin "Don't call me Juan" the rest of the year as he tied the game 1-1 in the Top of the 2nd. The key for Lilly is to limit the damage.

In Houston, Brewer go 1-2-3 to end the top of the second. WOW!! Aramis Ramirez might not get a gold glove, but he has played really well this year and after that catch against Joey VOtto, he should get a web gem tonight on ESPN.

Lilly settles and it is 1-1 after 1 1/2.

Bottom 2:

After a Ramirez grounder, Mark DeRosa gets a walk that might have been a gift. Maybe it can lead to something. Right on cue, Jones doubles down the right field line.

Big AB for Soto here with Lilly on deck, and Soto strikes out on a looping curve. Lilly does the same and the game is still 1-1 after 2. In Houston, it remains 0-0 after 2.

Top 3:

Brewers do nothing in the top of the third, and Lilly sets down Shearn to start the Reds' third.

Damn, Norris Hopper doubles to left-center. I can't wait not to see him either. The same goes for Jeff Keppinger, but Lilly gets him. That leaves only Cub-Killer Ken Griffy Jr.

In Houston, Round Rock goes down 1-2-3 against Milwaukee. Opps, my bad, I meant the Astros.

Wow, Lilly goes high and strikes out Griffy to keep it 1-1 after 2 1/2. 0-0 in Houston after three.

Bottom 3:

Wouldn't you know, Prince just went yard for the Brewers to make it 1-0 in the top of the fourth. Make it 2-0 after a sac fly.

Ryan Theriot singles, but Derrek Lee continues to struggle a little. Cliff Floyd flies out and it remains 1-1 after 3.

Top 4:

DUNN HR and the Cubs trail 2-1 after 3 1/2.

Bottom 4:

The bad news is the Cubs trail, but the Astros cut the lead to 2-1 after a Carlos Lee HR.

Double play and the Cubs are out of the inning.

Bottom 6:

Soto baby. Way to get us back tied.

Top 6:

Ted comes back and really shuts down the Reds. Now let get the offense in gear.

Bottom 6:

Key inning here and Lee gets a leadoff walk, but Floyd pops to second for the first out. ARam seems to find a way to come through in these situations and we need a big hit. Instead, we hit into another double play to end the inning. 2-2 after six.

Top 7:

Lilly gets squeezed and Dunn walks. Terrible way to start the inning. Big-time pitching for Lilly as he strikes out Edwin. Now lets get a double play and call it an inning. Damn, a single instead as Lee can't come up with a ground ball. Big spot here for Lilly and the Cubs.

HUGE strikeout for Lilly, two down with a pinch hitter coming up with two down.

In Houston, Corey Hart just robbed Berkman of a double and maybe a triple and the Brewers still lead 2-1 after six.

Back to Chicago, Alex Gonzalez (no, not that one) is up. A sigh of relief as Gonzalez slices a ball foul. 0-2...............................................................................and he just gets a piece. GOT HIM!!!!!!! What a game from our ace.

Bottom 7:

As much as Jones has helped this team the last two months, that was an awful bunt attempt. No reason to give up outs at that point. Soto can't be the hero twice and he lines out to left. Well, it is up to Craig Monroe now, but he waves a fastball to end the inning.

Top 8: Up to the bullpen now and the Cubs need a quick, clean inning.

In Houston, Dave Borkowski got Ryan Braun to get out of a jam in the top of the 7th to keep it 2-1 Brewers.

Howry in for the Cubs and DeRosa commits a costly error to allow Hopper to reach. That might come back and haunt us. Unlike the Cubs, Keppinger puts down his sac-bunt to move Hopper to second.

Big strikeout for Bob right there to get the second out. One more out to get. 1-2 to Phillips.........Come on Bob.......................WOW what a play by Alfonso to gun Hopper out at the plate to keep the game tied at 2-2.

Ninth Inning Magic

2007-09-17T23:08:00.000-05:00

What can I say, but I was on the phone with Scott Lange, of the Northside Lounge. Scott, who is now in Law School, needed some play by play, because his internet is always behind my MLB Extra Innings feed. I'm not sure he understood a word except CUBS WIN!!! (Of course does he really need to hear anything else?)

Well, the Cubs keep 1 game up of the Brewers with 11 games left (Magic #12). Big Z is coming off three days rest tomorrow, so lets hope his arm is ready against Aaron Harang, and the Astros find a way to win 1 game.

Also lets check out the elimination numbers of the NL CENTRAL.

1. CUBS N/A
2. Brewers 12
3. Cardinals 5
4. Reds 2
5. Pittsburgh Already Done
6. Astros Already Done

Back in first

2007-09-10T21:06:00.000-05:00

The Cubs needed a big win and got one today against the suddenly less HGH'D Cardinals. The Cubs, on the other hand, finally brought the big sticks to the tune of 12 runs.

The really good news.....the Brewers got slammed by the Pirates. So, the Cubs and Brewers are tied again with 19 games left. I'm heading to Cincinnati for the final weekend of the year, and I hope it means something.

Next up...Cubs vs. Astros for 3, Brewers vs. Pirates for 2 (Mil. off on Thursday).

Labor Day Updates

2007-09-03T13:21:00.000-05:00

I could think of no better way to spend the day than keeping a look at all the games today. So, throughout the day I will comment on the Brewers, Cubs and Cardinals.

The Cubs have a 1.5 game lead over the Brewers and a 2 game lead over the Cards. The Magic Number stands at 27 entering today.

2:25 p.m.: Pirates take an early 1-0 lead. How great it would be to have the Brewers and Cards lose before we start?

3:07 p.m.: Well, things are off to a good start. The Cards are down to 4-0 to the Pirates. The Brewers trail 3-0 with their "Ace" Sheets on the mound. So far, so good.

3:54 p.m.:
The Cards have chosen to fold today and give up as the Pirates have taken a 10-0 lead in the fourth inning. In the other game of interest, the Brewers have cut into the Astro lead and it is 3-2 now in the bottom of the sixth inning.

4:16 p.m.: The Cards are still down 11-0, but the Brewers have tied the game against the Astros. Not a good sign for them, but Big Z sits down the Dodgers in the first. So, the Cubs have a chance to at least gain on the Cards today.

4:20 p.m.: Just as the Cubs start, the Brewers take a 5-3 lead on the Astros. But to take away the sting, Alfonso Soriano homers to start the day. Cubs 1-0, Brewers 5-3, Pirates 11-0.

5:06 p.m.: What started as a very promising day has changed a little bit. The Brewers are about to finish off the Astros 7-4. The Cards are still going to lose, but Big Z continues to struggle with his command.

Well, back to second place

2007-08-04T14:55:00.000-05:00

Nothing better than waking up and finding out that Joe Buck and Tim McCarver are calling today's game.

Top of the 1st: Ted Lilly back on the mound today and the Cubs need him to go deep in the game after our starters have thrown about 12 innings in the past three games.

Here we go and a strike for Lilly. A key today will continue to keep Jose Reyes off the bases, but that is pretty standard to each team you face.

Ok, is anybody else sick of hearing about the fight and Lou's tirade? I know I am, because it might have helped the first week ago, but now the Cubs are just playing well.

Lilly got screwed, because he had Wright struck out. That is the second day in a row that David Wright should have been retired on strikes, but the ump didn't see it. Then, Carlos Delgado cued a ball to the left side of the infield. Lilly gets out of it after freezing Moises Alou with a curve ball.

Bottom of the 1st: Well, not a great start for the home team after a quick 1-2-3 to end the first against John Maine.

Top 2: Lilly bounces back in the second inning with a quick 1-2-3 inning.

Bottom 2: Damn, Aramis is robbed at the wall after Damian Easly crashes into the ivy to make the catch. The Cubs don't do any real damage and Maine cruises again. 0-0 after two.

Top 3: Ok, one record down. Good i don't have to hear about A-Rod for the next three weeks. As for the Cubs, Mark DeRosa saves the day with a great grab to keep the game 0-0.

Bottom 3: Jones breaks up Maine's no-no with a double to right to start the third. As much as i've been down on Jones this year, of late, he has played well. Wow, Maine doesn't do him any favors by walking Jason Kendall to put twon with no outs.

Here comes a bunt, but Lilly bunts it too hard and Jones is retired at third.

"The Riot" beats out an infield single to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Maine wants no piece of D-Lee and the bases are loaded. Uh-Oh...Maine walks Ramirez to make it 2-0. Wow, Maine is coming unglued after hitting Cliff Floyd to make it 3-0. DeRosa comes through with a single to left and the Cubs lead 5-0. Make it 6-0 after Jones gets his second hit of the inning. Exit stage left Mr. Maine.

AT&T: A great commercial with Roger Clemons. Check it out if you get a chance.

The Cubs don't score again, but lead 6-0 after three.

Top 4: Alouoooooo.....homers to make it 6-1. Lilly still looks strong and the Cubs are rolling.

Bottom 4: Cubs go 1-2-3.....That's fine if Lilly comes out and does it himself.

Top 5: Lilly catches a break after Aaaron Sele bunts a ball foul for a strikeout. This is a key inning for Lilly. Right now the Cubs are up five, but a couple of hits and the Mets are right back in this game.

That being said, Reyes pops a ball up to second. Louis Castillo bloops a ball to center, but David Wright grounds out to first and the Cubs still lead 6-1.

Bottom 5: A-Ram fights off a breaking ball for a double. The more I look at things, the more i think that Ramirez is really our best hitter. No runs for the Cubs...still 6-0.

Top 6: Ok, Ted...time to start throwing something different to Alou next time. Alou just cranked his second homer of the day to cut the lead to 6-2. The mets don't do any more damage and it is 6-2 after 5 1/2.

Bottom 6: Cubs waste a chance to score. Not a great sign, when the other team has shown a nack for scoring late.

Top 7: Lilly is owning the inside part of the plate. He struck out Gotay and Milledge with the same pitch. Lilly gets Reyes and it is almost time for Wood to make his return to the Cubs.

Bottom 7: Derek Lee reaches after Milledge whifs on a ball hit to center. Wow, Ramirez strikes out on a close pitch. Cubs can't cash in on the error and it remains a 6-2 lead.

Top 8: Alfonso Soriano gives a moment of doubt, but makes a big catch to retire Castillo for the first out. Damn, Lilly walks his first batter of the day with a walk to David Wright.

Delgado will probably be the last batter that Ted faces with Alou on deck. Ted gets a big cheer after 7 2/3 innings of strong baseball. In next? Carlos Marmol to face Alou. The Mets have two on with two out after Marmol gets squeezed.

Marmol comes up big with a strikeout to end the New York threat.

Bottom 8: The Cubs go quietly in the 8th. Only three outs to go.

Top 9: Looks like no Kerry Wood, but Bobby Howry. Harmless fly ball for out No.1. Howry paints the corner for strike three and the Cubs are one-out away from another win.

CUBS WIN!!! and are back to seven games over .500.

First on the line........Live Game Log 7-20-07

2007-07-30T18:05:00.001-05:00

By now, everyone knows what is at stake tonight as the Phillies come to town. The Cubs are 1.5 games back and are already 1 game ahead in the loss column. With a win tonight, the Cubs would be in first place.

What a night for a baseball game. Now it is a time for a live game log of tonight's first place game.

Pregame: Chase Utley thinks he will be back in three weeks. Good for us, bad for the Phillies.

Top of the First: Good start for the Cubs after Shane Victorino chased ball four and a quick flyout.

Odd as Lilly throws behind Jimmy Rollins. I wonder if somebody said something the last time these teams played? Well, Rollins thought he had a home run, but it just missed. Now, big hitting Ryan Howard up and it will be interested to see how Lilly goes after him. Going after Howard, and Lilly just got squeezed. Doesn't matter, Lilly strikes him out and the Cubs come up tied 0-0.

Bottom of the First: Two outs one two groundballs to short. We might try and hit it somewhere else. The Cubs go quietly in the first. Not much news to talk about, but i hate quick innings.

Top of the second:So, lets take a look at couple of the deals from baseball that happened today.

Atlanta:I love the deals for the Braves. They pick up Octavio Dotel, Mark Texiera and Ron Mahay. This gives them two solid bullpen arms and a All-star 1B, a place they really needed. They are doing their best job to catch the Mets.
While I like the move, they still need one starter. The Braves have a pretty good lineup, but are still 4.5 games back in the NL East and 2.5 games back in the Wild Card.

I will check on the other teams throughout tonight's game.

While gushing about the Braves, Lilly is in a little trouble after a walk to Wes Helms to put runner's on first and second.

I really hate watching games on ESPN, because they repeat a lot of their news all game. That is the second time they have reported on Chase Utley's hand.

Lilly is going to have trouble it can't find the curveball tonight, but he is able to work out of the jam.

Bottom of the second: Nothing like getting a hit coming off a break. Aramis Ramirez knocks a solid single to left.

Wow, more hard hitting journalism about the Cubs attitude being better. Nothing better than fluff pieces about a team that is winning. Nasty pitch by Hamels to strike out Mark DeRosa.

I wish our lefties had an out pitch like that. "Thunder" Matt Murton finally getting a start and gets lucky as a ball drifts foul. Ouch, 9-15 against lefties and Murton doesn't help with a strikeout. The Cubs do nothing and we're still tied 0-0 after two.

Top of the third: This is a big inning for Lilly, because he has struggled with command a little and the top of the lineup up in the third.

The Phillies picked up Tadihito Iguchi two days ago. Pretty good move with the Utley being out for almost a month. This is the type of move Jim Hendry failed to do last year when Derek Lee went down. Go figure, Iguchi walks and does something good.

Lilly and not afford giving up walks in front of Rollins and Howard. Wow, Lee just makes a great play to retire Rollins, that's our gold-glover.

Can't believe that Iguchi didn't goo home on a mashed double to right and Lilly is living dangerously again. Well wouldn't you know, Aaron Rowand blasts a three-run home run to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.
Lilly just find the curve and it is hurting him tonight. He gets out of the inning, but the Cubs trail 3-0.

Bottom of the third: First place is not looking good tonight as Hamels cruises through the third. Phillies 3-0.

Top of the fourth: After giving up three runs in the third, it is never a good sign to walk the pitcher. Wow, but gets a double play to end the inning. Phillies 3-0.

Bottom of the fourth: "The Riot" hits a ball off Hamels for a hit. Maybe it will disrupt his pitching, but Lee can't follow with a hit.

Theriot gets a steal, but Ramirez is behind 0-2 in the count. The Cubs can't do anything and still are behind 3-0.

Top of the fifth: Iguchi digs the hole a little bigger with a leadoff home run to put the Phillies up 4-0. Not looking good. Lilly gets through five, but the Cubs trail 4-0.

Bottom of the fifth: Hey, Hey....Murton draws a leadoff walk. It can't hurt, maybe the Cubs can get a big inning. It will be interesting to see if Lou pinch hits for Lilly if Kendall walks here.

Lou does pinch hit and it is Ronny Cedeno. Ronny has been hot in AAA, but he hasn't been facing Cole Hamels. Cole just walks two hitters, but Ronny hack at the first pitch and pops it up to first. I miss Daryle Ward.

Ooch, Michael Bourne fell over the bullpen mound and really turned his ankle. It is amazing that he stays in the game.

The Cubs can't do anything with Hamels after two walks and still trail 4-0.

Top of the sixth: Good inning by Wuertz, but the Cubs need some offense.

Bottom of the sixth: The Riot cuts the lead to 4-1, but I'm still a little worried.

Top of the seventh: Wuertz gets lucky and then gets Howard and Rowand to keep it a three-run game. Time for the bottom of the lineup to come up big against Hamels.

Bottom of the seventh: Terrible.

Top 8: Rocky Cherry good.
Bottom 8: Cubs' bats bad.
Top 9: Ryan Dempster gets out of the jam and provides the Web gem with his blocking of home plate, but the Cubs are still down three heading to the bottom of the ninth.

Bottom 9: Lee flies out to right to start. Damn, when you are down three you have to get the leadoff runner on. Wow, did anybody notice Ramirez is hitting .321? He is sneaky good, but ops up to center. Well, it looks like 1 game behind the Brewers and 1.5 out of the wildcard.

I've got one thought for Jim: we need another RH batter to face lefties in the post-season.

Bottom 9:

Up next

2007-07-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

The Cubs missed a golden chance last night to get within a game of the Brewers, but all is not lost. The Cubs stay two back of the Brewers and are a game back of the Diamondbacks.

The Cubs need to take 2-of-3 this weekend.

Live Game Blog----Cubs try for another series

2007-07-22T12:45:00.001-05:00

I haven't done a game log is a quite some time, but with the Cubs on HD and the Brewers on the other channel in HD on Directv, there is no better time. Check back later for the the start.

I looked back at a post on June 25 (The Rockie 9th inning victory) and we were 7.5 games back (7 in the loss column). Now, almost a month later and the Cubs are 2.5 games back, but only two back in the loss column. Things are getting tight and today has a special feel to it.

Lets take a look at the different contenders as today's games get started.

NL Central W-L GB
Milwaukee (54-43) --
Chicago (51-45) 2.5

NL Wildcard W-L GB
San Diego (53-43) --
Chicago (51-45) 2
Atlanta (52-46) 2
Arizona (51-48) 3.5
Philadelphia (49-48) 4.5

The Padres are playing the Phillies. The Braves have the St. Louis Cardinals, or the Memphis Redbirds with the way they are playing. The Cubs have a great chance to gain a little ground.

2:00 p.m.: The Brewers get ready to face the Giants start. No Barry Bonds today, but it doesn't worry me. Barry Zito is about to play well. I have a good feeling about this.

Vargas (7-2) vs. Zito today as the Giants go for the sweep.

I know this has been touched upon a little, but the Giants really are old. They need to rebuild more than any team I know, other than the Astros. We find out that Bill Hall is due to be back in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

The Giants go quietly in the first. 0-0 after the top half of the first.

2:14 p.m.: Why Does Zito sign with the Giants? Is it money? There can't be another reason, because he had to look at this team and think they were headed nowhere. Maybe, he just wanted to stay in the Bay Area.

Ned Yost changes the lineup and Rickie Weeks doubles to start the game. Wow, Rickie Weeks is gunned down at third after a great play by Omar Vizquell. When things are going bad, they really go bad.

Ok, Why can't the Cubs have rookies like Ryan Braun. As soon as I say that, he just belted a two-run home run to put the Brewers up 2-0.

2:22 p.m.: Time for the Cubs to start. The Cubs are 3-1 without D-Lee in the lineup and could go 8-2 on the homestand. This is quality baseball if you can win 8 of 10.

As Chris Young grounds out it makes me feel good. I love nothing more than getting the leadoff batter. It just makes everything feel a little bit better. Sean Marshall falls behind Orlando Hudson 3-0, but gets the 2B to fly to center for the second out of the inning. Damn, Eric Byrnes singles up the middle right after Len says that he has struggled against lefties.

Might be just keeping pace today, because the Brew Crew is up 4-0 after the first inning. Looks like it is Bad Zito today.

Marshall in trouble after Byrnes stole second and walked Conner Jackson on a couple close pitches. Marshall is not getting the inside corner today and that might come back and haunt him. It does, because Mark Reynolds singles in a run. Then, both runners advance because Soriano throws a ball past home plate. Cubs get out of the inning, but the damage is done 1-0 Dbacks.

2:45 p.m.: Soriano up to start the game. Is it just me or has he been a little cold? It has gone a little unnoticed, because the Cubs have been so hot. I would like to see him go about 3-for-4 with a 2HR. Ok, there is the one out for him all day.

Mike Fontenot singles with two-outs to bring up Aramis Ramirez, but the Cubs can't get any runs. DBacks 1-0 after one.

2:58: Quick check of the Brewers game, finds the Brew Crew up 4-0 after two.

One pitch, one out for Marshall in the second. After a one-out single. Marshall continues to battle on the mound. This doesn't look like a long outing for the lanky left-hander. Marshall gets out of it and the Cubs still trail 1-0.

Bottom 2:Update for the north in Milwaukee. Corey Hart dives for a ball, but misses it, which allows the Giants to score a run to make it 4-1 and two and a half.

Good to see Cliff Floyd back in the lineup, but I figure if the Cubs add anything it might be another OF, just in case Floyd goes down again. Well, not a great inning as the Cubs go down 1-2-3 and still trail 1-0 after two.

Top 3: Zito has settled down after the four-run first inning as the Giants still trail 4-1 after three innings.

Marshall finally gets a quick inning and keeps the game 1-0.

Bottom 3:
Jason Kendall is still looking for his first hit as a Cubs after popping out to first. Soriano almost hit a homerun, but it just hooked and hit off the outfield wall. "The Riot" has chance to tie the game up with a base hit. Damn, Theriot hit a line-drive up the middle, but it hit Petite and the Cubs are still down 1-0 after three.

Top 4:Quick check of the Brew Crew and in the Top of the Fifth it is still 4-1.

Ok, after a rough start, Marshall has really settled into a groove, but the Cubs still are behind 1-0.

Bottom 4: The Giants cut into the Brewer lead with a two-out RBI single by Dave Roberts. 4-2 in the top of the fifth.

Fontenot up for the Cubs. It is time for a big inning, but Mike flies to center to start the inning. Petit makes the Cubs look silly with another 1-2-3 in the fourth. Cubs still trail 1-0.

Top 5: While I was watching the Cubs, the Giants cut into the lead again and made it 4-3 after the top of the fifth. Marshall gets two easy outs, but Chris Young gets an infield hit. It will be interesting to see how Marshall deals with this.

The Cubs have to do a better job of holding runners on, but Young ends up at second with a stolen base. Now, Marshall falls behind Orlando Hudson 3-0 and walks him with the fourth pitch. I suspect Larry is about to come out and talk to Sean. Right on que, Larry comes out.

Update,Zito sits the Brewers down in the fifth to keep it 4-3 Milwaukee.

Marshall gets out of the jam with a fly ball to left.

Bottom 5:

A check check of the other game and the Brewers sit down the Giants 1-2-3 in the sixth.

Ok, Petit has really shut down the Cubs, but there is still plenty time left in the game. After two quick outs, Kendall picks up first hit as a Cubs with a single up the middle.

This does two things. One-it allows the lineup to turnover, regardless of what Marshall does. Two-it gives Kendall a little confidence. Well, Marshall strikes out, but brings up Soriano in the sixth inning.

Top 6:Zito in trouble in the sixth inning. The Brewers have two on with one out in the bottom of the sixth. Bases loaded now with Richie Weeks up. Zito out as the Giants go to the pen.

The news keep getting worse, as Conner Jackson doubles to start the sixth. {Que the Baseball tonight music} J.J. Hardy singles in two runs to give the Brewers a 6-3 lead, but Marshall works around a leadoff double to keep it 1-0 Diamondbacks.

Bottom 6: Make it 7-3 now and the Cubs really need to win to keep it 2.5 back in the Central.

Well, not a great AB by Soriano as he pops the first pitch he sees to first. Why is it always the no name starters that shut us down? Petit has just dominated us.

Wow, another 1-2-3 inning and the Cubs are in trouble down 1-0 after six.

Top 7: Pedro Feliz homers to start the 7th, but the Giants still are behind 7-4.

Marshall's day is done and Carlos Marmol is on. Grr...Chris Synder homers to put the Dbacks up 2-0. The good news is that Petit is out of the game.

A picture tells the story

2007-06-27T12:29:00.000-05:00

The Cubs pounded out eight more runs last night, and they went on to their fifth straight win. The Cubs go for the sweep today if the weather holds off.

NOTES:

• Cliff Floyd needs to play. He is having a solid season and I say lets ride him as long as he is healthy.

* Felix Pie looked great a couple weeks ago, but he has cooled off now. The infield hit late last night, hopefully will help me get going again.

• Ted Lilly continues to be a little shaky, but got the win in the end. But right now, Lilly and Jason Marquis are bascially our 4 and 5 starters. Not bad, but they need to be a little more more consistent.

• Saw the lineups today and Mark Derosa gets the day off. I guess everybody needs a rest, but Mark has been great the last couple of days.

Manic Monday for the Cubs

2007-06-25T23:34:00.000-05:00

I'm sure many of you were just as sick as me when the Top of the 9th inning ended.

This photo tells the story.....

AP Photo

Look at Bob Howry. I mean that is a man that is hurting....Well, things change fast don't they.

That is a team that just gave up six runs in the top of the 9th, only to comeback and score two runs in the bottom half. Now that is celebration that cost 136 Million Dollars, but it is worth every penny tonight. The Cubs have won four straight and are inching closer to .500. Lets hope that Ted Lilly is ready to go.

Other Items

•Mike Fontenot: Wow. 5-for-5 with a tough lefty on the mound. To make it even better, I grabbed him in one my fantasy leagues tonight.

•Trade Talk: For all the talk about Jones getting traded, if he does go at least it ended on a happy note with him scoring the tying run.

•Angel Pagan: The speedy outfielder really got lucky on a change in the first inning and looked lost the rest of the night at the plate.

•Scott Eyre: I have to call Lou out on this one. I mean, come on. Who didn't think Eyre was going to get knocked around in the 9th? Wait, there is someone in the back raising their hands.....Lou and Scott you can't take part in this. Now, anybody else? That's what I thought. I thought it was a blessing he got through 1 1/3 without giving up a run.

•Koyie Hill: He might not get to play a lot this season, but his AB in the 9th was a thing of beauty. He screwed on a 1-1 pitch that was a ball, but he fought through and got the hit.

•Cubs are 7.5 back now (7 in the loss column) with the Brewers coming into town on Friday. This is the turning point of the season.

Make or break

2007-06-04T19:10:00.000-05:00

I thought it might be fitting to do a live game log of tonight's make or break game against the Brewers. Why make or break? The Cubs are 7 games back with about 100 games left. It is time to win or retool for 2008.

The Cubs go with Jason Marquis, while the Brew Crew counter with David Bush.

8:05: Good start for the Cubs as Alfonso Soriano and Felix Pie single to start the game. I've got a good feeling that yesterday's good hitting will carry over to tonight's contest. Well, D-Lee couldn't come through. We need a big hit from Ramirez. Nice!!!!!! Cubs take a 1-0 lead with a Double to left. That is what I like to see.

QUICK RANT
Why is Jones batting fifth? You mean we don't have anybody else? Maybe he can come through.....just as soon as that happens, Jones taps a ball back to the mound, Pie is out at the plate. Great lineup Trammell.
END RANT

Barrett up to bat, you see his lip for the first time....Carlos did a job on him. Barrett strikes out. At least we got a run, but we strand a couple.

Bottom first: I'm watching the game on the Milwaukee Fox Sports Net, but I pulled the XM radio out to listen to Bob Uecker, which I've been meaning to do for quite some time. I always liked Uecker during his TV stints on NBC, so this should be fun. Uecker gives me the update on Marquis' season. So far, it is like listning to a toned down versin of Uecker's Harry Doyle character from Major League.

The Cubs are 3-3 against the Brew Crew....see I'm telling you make or break. First out for Marquis. I can't remember the last time we 1-2-3 when i watched a game.

Can anybody say HGH for Hardy, he has 16 HRs. Quick check of this stat's last season and we find out that 14 during his first two seasons. Just as quickly, Hardy singles to left. No luck for the 1-2-3. Now, Ryan Braun, who is a prized prospect, singles up the middle, and Marquis is in trouble.

Uecker tells me that Prince Fielder, who is up to bat, is the NL's player of the month and Ben Sheets is the pitcher of the month. Which is all nice, but the Brewers couldn't run away with the sad-sad NL Central. Not a good sign for Milwaukee. Fielder has new life after Barrett couldn't find a pop fly, and Marquis walks him to load the bases. Just what we needed....oh good grief, here comes Larry "I have pictures of Hendry doing something" Rothschild to talk to Marquis. Larry gets lucky, because Marquis gets a groundball to end the inning. Cubs 1-0 after 1.

Top of the second:

I'm trying to pull double duty and write a story for my actual job, but I really want to see this game tonight, because I games that we can actuall care about are coming to a close.

Mark DeRosa is up. He hits a grand slam yesterday, but bats behind Jones. I just don't get it. Jones hasn't hit a ball hard in about two years. Mark strikes out on a high fastball. too bad, because it could've really proved my point. Ceaser getting a start tonight, yippie. Actually, I checked yesterday's box score and Jones had two hits, but still I hate to see him in pressure situations. Granted, Ryan Theriot is hitting .182 the last couple weeks. Ceaser pops out and Marquis flys to center to end the inning.

Bottom of the second:

Uecker talks about some good third baseman's. So, I thought this would be a good time to bring up that I got to interview Brooks Robinson last week. It was the coolest thing I've done since becoming a sports writer three years ago.

Well, Marquis strikes out Jenkins, but it got by Barrett, allowing him to reach. Barrett wanted the ball high, but Michael tried to throw down to first, but hit Jenkins running up the line. Just another example why the Cubs aren't a championship or playoff team for that matter.

Well, Bill Hall doubles over Jones' head in right and the Brewers are in business. Looked like Jones had chance, but the ball kept carrying. Light-hitting Craig Counsell up to bat, Marquis could really use a strike out with the pitcher on deck. Why don't the Brewers get another OF, so they could move Hall to second. It would seem to make sense, with Richie Weeks out of the lineup. Never a good sign when you walk a No. 8 hitter batting .238. Here comes Larry Legend back out. Last time the Cubs got a double play. Lets see if he has a little more magic.

Wow, Larry has the mojo working. Bush bounced to Maquis, who threw to home. Then, Barrett was able to complete the double play by throwing to first. Brewers still have second and third with two outs. Wow, the Cubs flashing the leather, Ramirez makes a diving stop to end the inning. After two, Cubs 1-0.

Top of third:

Nothing doing...still 1-0..

Bottom of the third:

Marquis gets Hardy out....J.J. must have missed the latest dose of HGH. I guess he could be getting it all together, but until they find a test for it, I suspect everyone and trust nobody. Ramirez continues his quality defense at third base. Aramis gets a gad wrap about his defense. Damn, Prince Fielder just went oppo to tie the game at 1-1. Man's he is good.

Well, Chicago Cubs meet the Bad News bears. After Fielder's smash, the Cubs let a pop up bounce on the pitcher's mound. It there is a shapshot of the season that is it. Ha, Uecker just says the same thing. The Cubs get out of it without any runs, but still....I hate my life.

Top of the fourth: No offense....Really, come on guys, just a few hits.

Bottom of the fourth: Bill Hall gets a hit up the middle, another chance at a 1-2-3 inning over. Marquis needs to get Counsell without letting Hall get to second, because Bush is on deck. Wow, another error on the Cubs. Mark DeRosa just dropped the throw from Ramirez. Now, Bush will bunt. Geez....Marquis almost didn't get Bush at first. This is just U-G-L-Y. Now, the Brewers have second and third with Corey Hart up to bat, and the Brewers take the lead on Hart's infield hit.

Sorry....trying to work at the same time....Nothing for the Cubs in the fifth or sixth inning. Not looking too good.

Cubs come back:

Sorry, Work and bunch of phone calls get in the way, but the Cubs score five runs on a odd turn of events. It was clear that Dave Bush was out of gas after he walked Barrett. Then, Barrett, who probably hadn't stole a base since the first Bush was in office, stole second with great ease. Then, instead of bunting with DeRosa to move the trying run to third, Mark lines a ball to left. Then, Ceaser hits a RBI single to righ-center. Wait, Ceaser came through with a RBI? Wow, the world is coming to an end or the Cubs might be breaking out of this funk.

The Brewers pitch to Cliff Floyd and he lined a ball through the hole a short to make it 3-2. There has been a lot of talk that Soriano's RBI total has been low. I credit that more to the fact nobody is on base when he comes up to the plate. He has always played on teams that are good hitting clubs, which is something that Cubs aren't. But, tonight, he got a chance to show what he could do and smashed a ball into the seats in left to give the Cubs a 6-2 lead.

Now, the Bullpen has to come through.

The Cubs couldn't add to the total in the 8th. You never feel good with Howry and Eyre in the pen.

Late innings:

Cubs Win!!! Cubs WIn!!!....two in a row, and the Cubs are 6.5 games back. Good start to the make or break series.

A look back

2007-05-06T17:00:00.000-05:00

Let me start with saying the Cubs today 4-3 victory would've never happened last season. Why? Because Sweet Lou was thinking about winning in the 9th.
Dusty Baker would've let Ceaser hit for himself and the light-hitting shortstop would've gotten out. It was a gamble that paid off (Lets face it, it was a big gamble.) The Cubs are starting to prove that they want to win, which is something we never saw last year. Everybody did something, including Matt Murton, who had another questionable baserunning play in the 10th.

Regardless, it is a fifth straight win and the Cubs are in second place with the Pirates coming to town starting on Tuesday. Most of us probably won't see it because it is WCIU.

Well, enjoy the rest of the day. Cubs WIN!

King of the Hill

2007-04-20T07:29:00.000-05:00

I was lucky enough to see Rich Hill in person last night with my blogger in crime, Scott Lange of the Northside Lounge. We are looking at a guy that is really learning to pitch.

If Hill can continue to throw his curve for strikes, it will be a very good year for him. Of course it wasn't all fun and games. Hill had a scary moment late in the game after he tumbled from the mound on a pitch. I'm just glad he got up and finished the inning.

I thought the key at bat was getting Chipper after giving up a double to Kelly Johnson. Hill never lose his calm and it was the best pitching I've seen since Johan Santana last year.

Finally some offense

2007-04-17T07:45:00.000-05:00

Many of you know that I am a sports writer by trade. Only reason I say that is I rarely get to see a night game live. Well, last night was one of those nights.

I caught the action starting in the second inning after the Cubs were up 2-0 and I was pretty happy with the way it turned out. The Cubs finally put some run on the board in a 12-4 win over the Padres.

That was the good news along with a better lineup for the time being with Aramis out of the lineup. What was up with Murton playing right? Could that mean Mr. Jones might be heading out of town? Probably not, but something interesting to consider.

Pitching: The Cubs starting pitching has been real solid to start the season, other than Big Z blowing up in the fifth inning on Friday. Wade Miller probably makes his case to stay in the lineup tonight against Maddux. I think it is really unfair on a guy not to get regular work in the early going. So I can't blame Miller for a rocky start.

The bad: Alfonso Soraino. I love spending over 130 million dollars on a guy, only to see him taken out for injury. Of course the offense was actually sparked when he was out of the lineup. I think somebody needs to convince Alfonso to hit in the two hole in the lineup and let Ryan Theriot leadoff, wait Derosa is our everyday second baseman.

I head to Atlanta on Thursday to watch Rich Hill take on the Braves. So look for a report then.

New Year, New Team, New Owner....Opening day live blog!!!!

2007-04-02T08:55:00.000-05:00

Starting things early today as word has come the Chicago Cubs will be sold at some point after the season, according to reports coming from different wire reports. Should be an interesting day and hopefully the Cubs get off to a nice start.

Back more a bit later.

1:17 p.m.: Still got some time before first pitch. So, I check over and catch a little D-rays/Yankees, just in time to see the Cubs next SS Alex Rodriguez miss a pop up. The Yankee fans start the boos. I say bring them on and A-Rod, welcome to Chicago.

1:30 p.m.: Lead off man starts, A-rod strikes out? I think things are looking good for 2007.

2:02 p.m.: The new day is here. The year the Cubs finally W....Well, we just wait about that. Big Z takes the mound and the new look Cubs are about to take the field. Scott L. of the Northside Lounge, have been talking all morning and we feel pretty good about the season.

2:13 p.m.: Here we go, Cubs fans, the first pitch and Alfonso swings and misses. Just like old times. Alfonso is just going to save up some hits for later. Damn, Matt Murton gets a shot a No. 2 and strikes out. D-Lee walks and then gets thrown out trying to steal. What a way to start the season, this is our year.

2:22 p.m.: Big Z is about to get a new deal and promptly walks Ryan Freel. What a start. Dunn just rocketed one out the park, not a great start for our championship dreams. Zambrano settles down and gets out of the inning, but the Cubs are down 2-0.

2:33 p.m.: Two innings and no hits. I miss Dusty! Ok, I am not that crazy, yet.

2:44 p.m.: Big Z. blows through the bottom third of the Reds lineup. Sign him fast, Jim. I mean fast.

2:49 p.m.: Mark DeRosa earns a little bit of that paycheck. Not bad for a guy who's never started an opening day. Okay, Lou's got to let Ceaser bunt with no outs in the eight hole. Soriano's earns about a 100K with that solid basehit. Here is where the Cubs need Murton to step up. We called for Matt to bat No. 2 all last year, and now he has a chance. Ouch, that's not too good. Murton strikes out for the second time.

3:01 p.m.: After the craziest out, I have seen all year, Big. Z gives up another home run to Dunn. One problem that has always plagued Zambrano is walks and they are starting to add up with his fourth of the day to Ken Griffy Jr. Regardless, Zambrano gets out of the inning, but is down 3-0.

3:10 p.m.: I love all this talk about Josh Hamilton. Steve Phillips just said they should make a movie, what if Hamilton never starts in the bigs and is washed up in an year? He made a roster, nice story, but not quite moving just yet. The bases are loaded for the first time all year and who is up? Izturis. The we got for Greg Maddux and he pops it up on the first pitch.

3:30 p.m.: Not much going on for the Reds and we are still down 3-0.

3:39 p.m.: Cubs get a run on an odd play. Freel throws the ball into the dugout and the Cubs get a run. So there is hope. All because Murton gets on base.

3:45 p.m.: Zambrano is in trouble after walking Dunn and hitting Phillips. He has to show more control. A bloop hit loads the bases and the Cubs are now in even more trouble. Aram makes a nice play to get Dunn at the plate and the Cubs are one groundball away from getting out the jam. Walks hurt and Z. might be getting a paycut in the new contract. That didn't work, Z walks a run in and the Cubs are down 5-1. I don't think we are heading to an opening day win.

3:56 p.m.: In typical Cubs fashion, the inning ends quickly.

4:06 p.m.: Neal Cotts debut survives a double and the Cubs still trail 5-1.

4:11 p.m.: Things are getting worse. 1-2-3 and the Cubs are done in the 7th.

4:18 p.m.: Cotts doesn't look bad in his 1.2 innings of work. Now, if Michael Wuretz can get the last out. He does, but walks a guy in the process. Not seeing a lot of change here.

4:35 p.m.: Kirk Saarloos comes in for Harrang. Maybe the Cubs can finally get something going. You bet the Murton doesn't get to bat No. 2 tomorrow after his third K. Lee gets a single that hit the RF wall. He missed a HR by about five feet, but the Cubs don't score. Still down 5-1.

4:40 p.m.: Murton robs Hamilton of his first MLB hit. Too bad, I'm sure the hit will come, but not today. Will Ohman makes Dunn strikeout for the first time, what is sure to be the first of many.

4:47 p.m.: The Cubs have one last chance to make our opening day nice. David Weathers comes in to close for the Reds. Wasn't he washed up a couple years ago? well, he gets Barrett to flyout for the first out. Still need four, with only two outs to get them. Cliff Floyd pops up in his first at bat, two down. Doesn't look too good. Our final hope? Izturis, oh boy, oh wait, he just singled to keep the inning alive. Okay, just about five more of those. Theriot up, and out. Cubs lose. Well, at least we're tied with the Cards.

A few notes

2007-03-13T09:55:00.000-05:00

I got a chance to catch yesterday's game against the Giants, which was nice. Not only because the Cubs won, but it was my first game of the season to see on TV.

•You have to feel bad for Matt Morrs. Ok, sorry I can't feel bad for Morris, who wasn't helped out on defense at all. The Cubs really shouldn't have scored in the first inning. Even Alfonso Soriano's hit could've been a ruled an error.

• Barry Bonds had quite an adventure in left field. I know it can't be easy with the Arizona sun, but it was quite a site to see Bonds miss two fly balls. He looked like he could've played for the Bad News Bears.

• New rule: No stretching triples for Carlos Zambrano any more during spring training. I about lost my mind seeing Big Z hit the ground and the Cubs are lucky he didn't hurt himself.

• Big Z looked sharp for the most part. He got into a little trouble, but I liked to see him going after hitters. I didn't see many sliders, just mainly fastballs.

• Cliff Floyd hit a couple balls really hard, but I really want to see Matt Murton get his AB's. It will be interesting to see how it shakes up. Of course, if Floyd plays well Jones could be shipped out of town.

• Injuries: Henry Blanco and Derrek Lee both had some issues. While the Cubs could get by without Blanco, losing Lee again would be terrible.

• Jeff Samardzija looked sharp in his couple of innings striking out five. He still needs at least a year in the minors.

• Things I want to see: I wanted to see Soriano get a couple more balls in center field. Also, I want to see a little more of Jake Fox.

Just a couple more weeks and it is time to start the season. I can't wait.

In the future....April

2007-01-09T23:28:00.000-06:00

The Cubs win on opening day as Carlos Zambrano, and his new 200 million dollar contrat, throws a complete game shutout. Cubs everywhere rejoice at the future of the franchise. But was it really that important that Big. Z throw 140 pitches in game one with the Cubs up 7-0? I am just saying it looks like something we have seen before.

Jacque Jones move to center field was great with a little reluctance to start the year, but his .320 start with 7 HR has the bleacher fans in an uproar. The Cubs start off with 10-2 start and have a 3 game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers.

April 20
Mark Prior never left Spring Training. The Cubs training staff says he had an accident getting out of bed one morning and his leg was hurt, but a spy reports that Prior can't lift his right arm. The Cubs keep saying that he will be back soon, but we aren't holding our breath. Meanwhile, the Cubs start losing a little big and now stand at 12-7. Zambrano is 3-0 and Hill is 2-0, but Jason Marquis' ERA is at a robost 6.78, but he is hitting .415 and has three pinch hits already. Thanks Tony LaRussa.

End of April
The month comes and goes with no major injuries, other than Prior, who still hasn't graced the club with a single pitch. Reports are flying around that he is pitchin in May, but nobody really thinks it will happen.
The Cubs finish the month on a three game win streak as Ted Lilly has dominated the National League. After getting rocked in his first start, the crafty left finished the month 4-1 with a 2.76 ERA. The Cubs finish 18-7 during the first month and still remain in first place. Alfonso Soriano already has 15 stolen bases and has thrown out six runners from the outfield.

What have we learned? Zambrano wll win the CY Young, 5-0 with a 1.76 ERA. He has 45 K's in 38 innings of work. D-Lee is a monster when healthy, the righty is hitting .355 with 8 HR. Aramis Ramirez is a much faster starter with a manager that makes him work. A-Ram is off to a .291 start with 18 RBI. Matt Murton can flat just hit, after Cliff Floyd broke down in week one, the red headed Murton has hit a team best .366.

Will is last? check back later for May's outlook.

How time files

2007-01-08T18:23:00.000-06:00

Seems like yesterday we were all complaining about Dusty Baker and his ways. Now, four months later we are closing in on Spring Training 2007.

Dusty is gone and thanks to a stroke of luck, Neifi Perez can't bat in the No. 2 hole this season. But the question remains, are the Cubs any better off than last year? I think the answer is yes, but I don't know if we are good enough to actually compete. There are a lot of people that throw numbers at you, but what numbers don't tell you are what breaks you might actually get.

Now it is time to look in the future about the upcoming 2007 season. Will it be a good one? Check out the end to see.

Feb.

The month doesn't start great as pitchers and catchers report, but Mark Prior is nowhere to be found. The Cubs hold a press confernce saying that his flight was delayed out of California and he would be back later this week. Jim Hendry asures everyone that he has been throwing just fine. In other news, free agent signings Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis have taken to Larry Rothschild's pitching program, which can't be a good sign. They say they haven't felt stronger. Maybe they are ready for big years?

Mark Prior shows up to Spring Training a week late and reports start to circulate that his shoulder is once again a problem. Prior says it really was a flight delay out of L.A., but we aren't buying it.

March

Spring training is in full swing and Alfonso Soriano looks amazing. He has 15 home runs during spring training and 15 stolen bases. He proclaims that he is going 50/50 this year and how are we doubt him?

Mark Prior has yet to pitch, instead opting to pitch in the pool. He says it will save his arm for the season. Does that plane story seem likely now? I didn't think so either.

The Cubs haven't lost a spring training game and things are looking up.

Check back for April tomorrow.....

Where are they now?

2006-12-05T07:17:00.000-06:00

Often times we forget about players that either retire or never make it to the big leagues. My job actually allowed me a chance to find one of those players recently. David Kelton was drafted with so much promise for the Cubs as a 3B, but never was given a chance and eventually had to change positions.
After a year in the Braves system, Kelton decided to call an end to his playing days. At work the other day, I got a call from a school in our area annoucning the hiring of a new coach. Kelton graduated from a local high school in LaGrange, GA. and I just happen to be a new sports writer at the LaGrange Daily News. Now if Mike Cameron would become a Cub, then I would be set (Mike graduated from LaGrange High).
That new coach was Kelton. Here is the press release from the School that hired the former Cub:

David Kelton was named Head Varsity Baseball Coach for the Springwood Wildcats on November 17, 2006. David recently retired from the Atlanta Braves organization after spending the 2006 season in Richmond.
David graduated from Troup High School in 1998 and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. He spent 8 years with the Cubs. The last 3 of those years were in Triple A in Iowa. While in the Cubs organization, David spent 3 months in the big leagues. David was a 3rd baseman for the first 5 years, and an outfielder for the remainder of his career.
David is married to the former Meredith Hawkins of Lanett, a 2000 graduate of Springwood. Springwood School welcomes David and Meredith back to the community and David to his new position. Springwood looks forward to the 2007 Baseball Season under the leadership of David Kelton.

The offseason report

2006-10-31T11:35:00.000-06:00

I had an good talk with a fellow Cub's fan the other day and we differ on a few things.
First off, he thinks the Cubs are closer to winning than I do. It is not that I don't think the Cubs can win, but I think our holes are greater than our strengths.

Now Aramis Ramirez opted out of his contract. Here are somethings that I think the Cubs most do before we can win.

1. Resign Aramis. It is a must, because without him there is another hole that the Cubs must fill.
2. Find a bat: I would love a new SS or OF bat, but my guess is that we add on OF, that hopefully can play CF.
3. Find about three starting pitchers. One has to be a frontline starter. Then, another would need to be about a No. 3 type guy. Plus an added insurance type guy.

Until there is news, there is not much talk about.

The Demons are gone......thanks to drinking.

2006-10-02T22:41:00.000-05:00

Well, we all know that McFail and Dusty "we don't trusty" are gone and Scott Lange and I would like to take credit.
We decided that being sober for the new Cubs' HBO special would not work. So, we started drinking and never stopped. The Drinking game was a great success. There were shots and many beers that were consumed. Here are a couple proofs for you:

1. Before the drinking game, the Cubs were losing to the Rockies. After, the Cubs beat the Rockies.

2. Before the drinking game, Andy McPhail was still president. After, he leaves the team. I am telling we should all drink more.

3. Before Dusty is Manger, after he is leaving the Windy City. Never to double switch Neifi ever again.

4. Before Wood and Prior are hurt,.......after Well the game is not a miracle worker.

My suggestion to all of you is create a game to get messed up and who knows, maybe the Cubs will have it going in 2007.

New Job.....less time

2006-09-09T19:30:00.000-05:00

Wow, it had been sometime since I was able to update the blog here. I have been so busy moving from Arkansas to Georgia, but it has been worth it. I took a new job with the LaGrange Daily News, which is in LaGrange, Ga about 55 miles south of Atlanta. I get to miss this year's weekend series with the Braves because of work, but maybe next year.

Not much to say about the Cubs, but we are terrible.....of course you already knew that.

Go Cubs in 2007.

Extra Innings

2006-08-16T01:26:00.000-05:00

I was quite surprised when I walked through the door past midnight to see the Cubs still playing. It was just in time to see Matt Murton drive in a couple runs and Rich Hill close the door on the Astros.
HIll actually looked pretty good in the 18th as he sat the Astros down in order. So the Cubs played terrible against the Rockies and now take the first two games in this series. Man, I hate this team.

Over the past week, I have been covering the 16-year-old Senior Babe Ruth World Series and I have to say it has been quite fun. So, that is what I am doing for at least the next couple of days.

Just think, 2007 is right around the corner. Maybe this will all be a bad dream.

Top Reasons To Hate The Cubs

2006-08-11T01:12:00.000-05:00

I actually sat down to watch Thursday's game and I get left with such a terrible feeling watching this team. I know we are bad, but I can't turn away. It is like a bad wreck or something, but it is the truth. The only good thing is that I have to cover the 16-year-old Babe Ruth World Series this weekend, so I can't watch this team.
I am not a Top 10 kind of person, but here are 17 reasons (After my favorite player Mark Grace) to dislike this team:

17. We fans keep showing up even with loads of losing.

16. The Cubs are owned by the main media that follows them. Can we say conflict of interest? I can.

15. We tend to give contracts to guys like the great Neifi Perez. Only in the Northside can a guy who can't hit get a two-year 5 million dollar contract.

14. When all the evidence says OBP is key, the Cubs laugh in the face of the effects. How can't you value a player that gets on base? Just ask big Jim, I suppose he thinks guys that hit .250 with no power will finally end a streak.

13. The Cubs have added more seats and more advertising, but yet have not improved the product on the field. Again I blame Jim and Andy.

12. Andy MacPhail. This main has had a job since 1994. In that time he has been GM/CEO of the Cubs and has led the team to one Wild Card and one division title. The Trib looks the other way and why not? MacPhail has made a lot of money. But really, an idiot could make money with this team.

11. Mark Prior. He was supposed the savior of this team. Now he is about effective as a broken toaster. His fastball is gone and so are our only hope for a World Series title.

10. Wasting Carlos Zambrano. I mean come on, Carlos is in the prime of his career and the Cubs are wasting a great talent with guys like Neifi Perez.

9. Rookie of the Year. There were a rush of baseball kids movies in the 90's and the Cubs get a broken down Gary Busey and some kid with an injury that can throw over 100 MPH. The Chicago Cubs needed a miracle... They got Henry Rowengartner. How sick is that. To top it all off Home Alone's Daniel Stern directed it.

8. Player's come and go. The Cubs have a great track record of letting great players walk ( i.e: Greg Maddux) and picking up players at the wrong time (i.e.: Mike Remlinger, Jeff Blauser, Howard Johnson to name a few).

7. 2003. I loved 2003. I never had so much fun as a Cub fan. I had a chance to see the Cubs win their first Playoff series in my lifetime in Atlanta. News friends were made quickly and even Scott Lange took a road trip with me to Florida. Now 2003 is just a horrible joke. We all had such high hopes for that year and now it just hurts. I hate you Alex. I really, really hate you; Gold Glove my ass.

6. Directv. I got directv years ago, because i wanted to see every Cub game. Thinking we might be winning a bunch. Now I am just throwing 100's of dollars away on this team. Not only do i have to suffer to watch, but I am paying to do it.

5. Dusty and Don and every other manager. I don't need to rant here, we all know that Dusty sucks.

4. Curses. I mean give me a break with the curses. Okay, we haven't won a title in a while, but it is not because of some goat. We suck because we our players are A). not good or B.) haven't played well when they had to.

3. Bartman. Only a team of excuses can blame something that any of us could have done. It was 50/50 that Alou would have caught the ball. Don't forget Dusty and more importantly Alex G. I mean I hate that guy.

2. Fans. How quickly we turn. I remember liking Sammy Sosa, but quickly we turned on him. Not to mention all the booing. We are just as much to blame as the team. Even when the Cubs suck, we watch and flock to the ballpark.

1. Me. When it comes down to it, I chose to love this team.

Even after all of that I still die with this team and will continue to die with them. I can only hope that one day this team will give me some love back.

Trade Mad Dog, get blown out

2006-08-01T08:07:00.000-05:00

There are already enough comments on the Cubs trade of Greg Maddux around Cub Blog Army. Sure, I would have loved to get more, but folks let me tell you "We are run by idiots."
Did anybody really thing we would make a good move? At this point I knew that something like this would happen. Is Cesar Izturis going to lead the Cubs to the promise land? Ha, we know that he is Alex Gonzalez Part 2. The Cubs problems are so big that any trade this deadline would not help us. Jim Hendry wants to win now and he couldn't take more prospects, so he thought he might sure up the defense.
The biggest problem for the Cubs now is the pitching rotation and not the lineup. The Cubs have only one pitcher they count. We might as well count of the kid from "Rookie of the Year." The Cubs have a broken down Mark Prior, two erratic rookies in Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol and a host of other guys. So I don't see the logic in bringing a glove guy on a team that has no pitching.
It is hard to really think about it. Two years ago, pitching was the face of the Cubs. Now flash forward and the Cubs have less pitching than the Devil Rays.

Where do we go from here?

2006-07-24T00:16:00.000-05:00

The question is in front of Jim Hendry right now. Where do the Cubs go from here? The talks say the firesale will not happen, but I guess that Todd Walker is keeping a travel bag ready for the call any time now.
The Cubs do have some real pieces in place, but the likes of Mark Prior will hold the Cubs back. It is time to start looking at new pitching for the 2007. The Cubs need at least two starters, but I think three starters would be even better. The only stable starter we have is Carlos Zambrano. After that it is all up in the air. Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol still need some major work. Rich Hill is the proof that a AAAA pitcher does actually exist.

I was reading Phil Rogers today and he suggets that the Cubs could go after Alex Rodriguez. I find it hard to believe, but you never know. I think a player like A-Rod is far from our major problem, but the lack of focus at the plate up and down the lineup. We shall see in the end.

Hopefully I will have more to talk about soon.

Round 2: The Dark Ages are here

2006-07-13T02:04:00.000-05:00

So, what do we know about this season so far? Well, for one the Cubs are not very good. I know that is not breaking news, but still the truth is sometimes the best.
I have been on vacation, but I couldn't escape this team even then. THere is no end in sight and it doesn't look like Jim Hendry is going to do anything to help this team. If Dusty Baker must remain the manager, then Big Jim must take away Dusty's toys.

Dusty is like a child, if temptation is there he can't help but give in. There is no other reason for Neifi Perez to be playing, I just can't understand that. Hey, why dwell on that, when we can go ahead and think about things in 2007. Time for some fun and look in the future for the Cubs moves.

Next week - Jim Hendry finally is able to deal Todd Walker for some second rate prospect. Then, Greg Maddux decides to head to a contender and enjoys one last run in the sun. The net on the two trades are three low level prospects that are out of baseball by 2009.

Trade deadline - The Yankees come calling for Mr. Jones and Jim thinks he can save face by getting rid of the contract. Again, another prospect that does not pan out. Jim now will make a big run after Carlos Lee and this gives him the excuse. In a last ditch move, Jim trades Jaun Pierre and people start callling for Felix Pie to be called up.

August - After four deals and 20 loses the Cubs are in last place, but Dusty blames the bad play on the lack of horses again. Mark Prior makes another trip to the DL, this time the Cubs actually release what happens and it is revealed that his elbow is shot and will miss 2007.
A day later, it is said that Dusty Baker will come back in 2007 for one last go round. He will get a two-year extension and we will all be thanking our lucky stars that years ago we became Chicago Cub fans.

September/October - The Cubs finish last and the Detriot Tigers enjoy a World Series.

Off Season - Kerry Wood is brought back with a two year deal that pays him 13 million over the next two years. Hendry says it is to reward his loyality and the mistreatment the Cubs have put him through. All the talk is that Carlos Lee is coming to the Cubs, but he wises up and signs with the Yankees. He gets word that Neifi Perez might actually share time with him, because of his speed.
Hendry ends up signing Matt Lawton out of retirement, but Lawton is caught cheating three months later. The Cubs bring up Eric Patterson to play second, but Dusty says his lake of range will lead to the Cubs going with Perez.

2007 - After losing 100 games again the Cubs finally get wise and fire Hendry and Baker. In a rare move, the Cubs go with Bozo the Clown to run the team. Bozo brings life back into Wrigely for 2008 and the Cubs try and win for the first time in 100 years.

Sorry for the dark outlook, but things are not well.

Game 2, We still suck

2006-06-25T01:29:00.000-05:00

I did forget to bring up the fact that the Cubs are staying at the same hotel as me. Now that I am a writer, even at a small paper, I do hate to bother people during dinners and such. So, I didn't, but plenty of other people did.

This is the second time that I have stayed in the same hotel and this group seems to be a little better dealing with fans. The sightings started off slow on Friday as I only ran into Andy McPhail. I didn't have anything good to say at all, so why bother.

Saturday things picked up. When I went to the lobby on the way to the Mall of America I ran in Larry Rothschild on his way to the gym.

After the game, while sitting in the hotel lobby the players were coming and going in droves. I saw Dempster, Nevin, Marshall, Zambrano, Murton, Blanco and Prior.

All the Cubs singed stuff in the lobby, but nobody was bothered more than Todd Walker. He sat and ate with some friends at the bar, which I was at as well. At least 10 groups came up for pictures and autographs. He never said no, just smiled and did his part. Todd Walker continues to climb up on my list, but it is too bad he is probably gone this year. I would love to sit down and just chat with some of them. On a side note if some asked me was Walker a beer or wine man, I would have said beer. It could have just been the night, but he was a wine man on this night.

As for the game, I am now more positive more than ever that Dusty Baker is a main problem, but Jim Hendry and Andy McPhail should get equal blame. The more I think about it, how the hell gives Neifi Perez a 2-year 5 million dollar contract? His agent must have had to hold back the laughter after this offer.

When Womack went down with injury I was like okay, Walker will be brought in. Wrong, he lets Perez come in, give me a break. Also we are still doing stupid things on the basepaths. Like what was Bynum doing trying to steal third with Aramis up to bat?

At least we only have about three months left, then we can start to hope that 2007 is much better than 2006.

I might get a chance to post after Game 3, but we will see. Hell, who even cares anymore.

Game 1 Thoughts

2006-06-23T23:29:00.000-05:00

So it has been two years since I saw the Cubs live and it looks like I should have waited a little longer after Friday night's 7-2 loss to the Twins.
Here are some random things going through my mind after tonight's game, which was my #17 Franchise to see in action on its home field.

1. Carlos Marmol is not ready for the majors. He has flashes of real good pitching, then things like the second and third innings. Some time in AAA will do him some real good.

2. Phil Nevin hit the ball hard in each of his at bats. I am pretty sure he and Told Walker will be the first out the door in the next few weeks. And yes after his home run, I let myself think we might win.

3. For the first time in quite some time I was actually 99.99999999% sure we would lose the game and I was right. I knew the 1 run would not be enough. Johan Santana is the real deal, he didn't have to strike many out, because Cubs hitters swing so early in the count.

4. That brings me to my Dusty bashing post. Why lord why is Neifi Perez #2. Ok you want to play him, but good lord our top two hitters were .250 and .220. Why not bat Walker No. 2? There is no question who is a better hitter, hell it might even give Juan Pierre more pitches to see. Neifi has to be black mailing the man, because he is the worst hitter I have ever seen. Got on a base in the 8th on an error and that is it. I could write a ton more, but we already know, but it still hurts.

5. The Metrodome is pretty bad, just like everybody said. It is not the worst place, but you can tell it is out of date. We sat directly behind home plate in the upper deck and I could see everything fine. Now I have pretty good eyes, but I could see somebody with bad eyes might struggle. Things feel too far away for a baseball game. It is the same feeling I get going to Shea, which is still the worst place I have caught a game that is still around, but the Dome is just one spot in front. With Pro Player rounding out the top 3.

6. Torri Hunter knows how to play Centerfield. I know everybody knows that, but Nevin's smash didn't put Hunter in a jog. While his bat is not the best anymore, his defense is unreal. That play would have given Juan Pierre fits, and why does Pierre play so shallow? He was almost burnt once and even with a good effort he was behind on the home run ball.

7. Back to Dusty bashing No. 2. Ok Marmol gets out of the fifth inning with around 100 pitches, I think it was exactly 97. Instead of going with a reliever to start the inning, he leaves the rook out there who has labored. Gets two quick outs and then it finally catches up with. Dusty goes to Ohman with runners and quickly ends the Cub's chances of winning. I knew after 2003 Dusty had no clue to manage pitchers, but it grows more evident now, because he doesn't have guys who can fight through days without their best stuff.

8. Raise your hand if thought Aramis was striking out with runners on? That is why Santana is one of the best pitchers of the game. He picked up strike two on a nasty 81 MPH pitch that Aramis has still not seen. Then he came back with high heat and Ramirez was still stunned he didn't hit it.

9. Hopefully things get better tomorrow. This is probably the 5th time I have seen Prior pitch in person, and maybe he will be better in game 2.

Off to Minnesota

2006-06-23T08:04:00.000-05:00

"I made Minnesota my home tonight. It is not not the like the picture in my mind"
This is the first line of the song Minnesota. Do you know the band? First one to answer in the comments section correctly will get their name in lights, well at least in bold.

Well, I am actually leaving for Minnesota for in about three hours to catch the weekend series. You might ask yourself why this series? Who would watch this team?
My brother and I made the trip back in April, when things look better. Still I support the team, even I don't agree with them.

This also my marks my first game in two years after taking the job I have now. It is funny that I became a sports writer and no longer see the teams I care about.

This is also ball park No. 17 on my quest to attend a game in every major league park. It is the first new park since Game Four of the 2003 NLCS in Florida.

I count the organization and not the stadium. If I didn't I might never complete the whole thing. Gmaes with (*) are games i saw the Cubs play against the team. The names are actually the ones when I attended, because I can't keep up with all the changes. Here is the rundown:

1. Wrigley Field - Cubs *
2. Fulton County, Ted Turner - Braves *
3. Old Busch - Cardinals *
4. Bank One - Diamondbacks *
5. Three Rivers - Pirates
6. Veterans Stadium - Phillies
7. Comisky Field - White Sox
8. Safeco Field - Mariners *
9. Skydome - Blue Jays *
10. Camden Yards - Orioles
11. Yankee Stadium - Yankees
12. Shea Stadium - Mets
13. Fenway Park - Red Sox
14. Minute Maid - Astros *
15. Ballpark in Arlington - Rangers
16. Pro Player - Marlins *

Only 14 more to see, well 13 after tonight. Johan Santana is on the mound tonight and he is really the highlight of the whole trip. The Cubs are coming off a series where they beat another team that looks like it gave up. Maybe for a weekend they will play well and this trip won't hurt so much.

I will try and post on the trip with thoughts of the Metrodome. This is actually the first baseball game I have seen in a true dome. I have been to Arizona, Houston and Seattle, but they both can be outdoor parks. So, I am not sure what to think.

"I feel alright, it is a Minnesota night."

Go Cubs

A Poem of Rusch

2006-06-17T04:11:00.000-05:00

While I wait for the U.S. to take on Italy today, I thought I might try something new. While this isn't quite A Sad Lexicon it is meant to showcase my terrible poetry. I am sorry you are reading this.

Rusch to Judgment

When things are going bad
You don't have to be so sad
Even when you are in a Rusch
Even when your fastball is mush

Just remember a few things
Even the Royals will sing
When he takes the mound
All the people hear the sound

The people boo and hiss
Even when hitters miss
Rusch comes and goes
But everything he throws goes

0-2, 2-0 it doesn't matter
It is all the same to the batter
Rusch can work with lead
But trust me it will leave

There are 5 million reasons
To end this season
When will the madness end
Hopefully with a win

Till that days comes to pass
All we can do is look to the past
How do we start this thing over
A guy named Rusch must move over

98 years have come and go
Maybe we need a summer snow
A world series win
That would be a fitting end

Who didn't expect this?

2006-06-03T19:02:00.000-05:00

Chicago Cubs' Aramis Ramirez follows through on his grand slam in the forth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in their baseball game Saturday, June 3, 2006, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Bill Boyce)

I asked in the headline who didn't expect this? Well, I think I figured out why I hate this team so much. Last week we were the worst team in baseball hands down. All of the sudden, the Cubs take 2 of 3 from the Reds and have a chance to sweep the Cardinals for the second time this year.
I just don't understand this and this can only bring more trouble.
I was talking to Scott Lange, fellow Cubs blogger, and memtioned now is about time for Jim Hendry to annouce Dusty Bakers brand new two year contract. I can feel it now, just a kick in the guy to go along with this already down year. We had a true chance to get rid of a manager that we all hate, but it looks like we are stuck with Dusty.

As for today's game I did not get to see it. I hate Fox's coverage of Saturday baseball, it makes no sense and I am shocked they get away with it. Well, here is hoping the Cubs keep winning or lose enough to fire Dusty, but nowhere in the middle.

Lame Title Here.......

2006-05-26T05:09:00.000-05:00

My life is offically in the dumps now. Our Sports Award Banquet was last night and the only thing I have to do now is watch this terrible team we all care about.
I say this because I care so much, but our team will give us nothing in return. I here all this stuff about the team not preforming because this or that, but it does not change the fact the Cubs are the worst team in baseball.
During Dusty Baker's three year term the team has actually gotten worse and not better. Each year the team seems to hit less and less and that is a direct reflection of the coaching staff.
The Cubs the past couple of years had to win games with the long ball and now they can't even do that. At this point, I almost don't care what we do. Obviously, the Cub fans are not going to stop coming to the ball park. This will always hurt us as the Tribune Company sees the Cubs as a cash cow and that will not change. They have spent money, but it takes more than money. It takes that drive to win and that one voice saying we have to win.

Until that day, Keep Hope Alive and maybe they will fire Dusty tomorrow.

Coaching changes

2006-05-23T18:15:00.000-05:00

There were some coaching changes annouced today. An old manager is comging out of retirement. Ah.....I got you, didn't I? The statement above is true, but it has to deal with a local baseball coach here in Southern Arkansas.
I am actually really excited about it, because Coach Long is a big Cub Fan like myself and we have a good time talking about the Cubs.
Now I get to see him in action on the field. I have heard great stories about his coaching, so next year should be fun.
Now if our Cubs could make a move it would make things would be great. It is sad when the best baseball news I can get comes at the high school level.

Maybe we should march or something?

For the love of baseball make it stop

2006-05-16T01:45:00.000-05:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Ok, who I am kidding? It is the worst of times without a doubt. The Cubs are in September form in mid-May and things are looking terrible. This team is no fun to watch and it doesn’t look like it will get any better.
I have been busy, so I haven’t been able to see many games and thank goodness for that. I mean it just does not get much worse.
Now what kind of good news can come of this? Well, first it means Dusty might gets canned. Think Houston Astros under Phil Garner, but the Cubs have never been a forward thinking bunch like that.
I throw this question out to you, who would you like to be the next manager?
Here is a list of candidates right now:

Bobby Valentine – This name is probably more if the Cubs go the interim root if they get rid of Dusty. He had some good teams in New York and even went to World Series, something that we can’t seem to do.

Bob Brenley – The last time big Bob came out of the booth, the Diamondbacks became the World Champions. The only problem is that Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling lead the way. They were healthy for an entire year and that is something Kerry Wood and Mark Prior can’t seem to do.

Lou Piniella – Not a name that I am too high on at this point. He had some good teams in Seattle, but never could get over the hump. Then, he took a bad job in Tampa Bay. The one thing that might be good is the fact the Sweet Lou can get angry. This team lacks fire and he could give the Cubs a kick in the pants.

Davey Johnson – Johnson has been out of baseball since getting fired in L.A. in 2000. He does seem to win quite a bit. I am not hot on Johnson either, but at this point I am willing to try anything.

I am sure more names will pop up, but it is time to make a change. Dusty must go, sooner rather than later. I can’t stress that enough DUSTY MUST GO. NOW, DON”T WAIT NOW!!!!

Heart Break

2006-05-07T10:19:00.000-05:00

For once I am not talking about the Cubs, but the Cubs have sure given plenty of heart break this week. After a nice solid the start the Cubs have started playing like I thought they would. It may not be the players, but actually Dusty finally showing his true stuff again this week.
Now to my main reason for posting today. As many of you know, I am a sports writer for a small daily paper in the Southern Arkansas. Well, last night I was covering the Class AAAAA State Baseball Tournament and the game ended on a 2-run walk off home run in the bottom of the 7th inning.
The hardest story of the year is writing the one that ends the season.
It was a good game, not great, because there were mistakes on both sides. The heart break comes into play, because I had gotten to know the players this year and to see them lose like that was tough. I am supposed to detached and I am, but you can't help but to feel something. I think too many times journalists shut off feelings.
Last night I knew there was nothing gained from talking to the players or coaches after the loss, because in the large scheme of things it was better to just let them deal with what just happened.
You would think after years of watching the Cubs it would get easier to deal with disappointment. But it never does and that is why we keep coming back to this great game.

The Storm is Brewing

2006-04-29T07:59:00.000-05:00

Sorry, but I could not resist the headline, because it is about to rain cats and dogs here in Arkansas. I say bring it on, I am supposed to cover the State Soccer Tournament Today, but I would much rather watch the Cubs. Well, unless Glendon is going to let the Brew Crew create their own storm of runs.

I have actually been able to see 19 of the 21 games to date (or watch via tape delay on the Tivo). Which brings me to a point of thanks. So far no one as ruined my experience of watching a game late. I thank everyone for that; it just makes it more enjoyable if I don't know what is going on.

I caught the first 7.5 innings yesterday on TV and the last inning on the XM. Clearly Greg Maddux did not have his best stuff yesterday, but all the solid hits did not split any gaps, thus limiting the damage. Maddux was also benefited from a nifty 6-4-3 double play in the fifth inning. Cedeno really put something on his throw and Neifi made a solid throw.

While the Cubs are scoring runs, it feels like we are holding this thing together with smoke and mirrors. I was looking at some early trends of Dusty's madness. I think he might just put some names in hats and pull them out.

1. Juan Pierre has been as advertised. He puts the ball for the most part, even though he has 10 K's on the season already. And true to his past numbers, he doesn't walk. In the past he shown a little more patience at the plate, but right now his .297 OBP tells the story. Grade (B-), of course if we graded on a curve, he might get a (A-) for the fact he is so much better than anybody last year.

2. Ronnie Cedeno is actually playing better than I thought. Granted his throwing has been erratic at best at times, but he seems to be getting it. Right now Cedeno is putting up a solid .892 OPS, which is good for second on the team. The problem is Ronnie is a rookie and the league will catch up a little. It is how he deals with the teams that start to see him more often that will tell the story. Grade (A)

3. Todd Walker is playing like a guy that has something to prove. Prove away my boy. I have always liked Walker from day one. Dusty and Jim jerked him around all spring and thank god the rest of the league did not take them up on an offer. Walker just flat out hits. Now that Lee is out, Walker's .947 OPS leads the team. Granted his bat is of more value at second base, but right now we don't have a choice. Grade (A+)

4. Aramis Ramirez is getting close to breaking out. I hope. He struggled early, but it was not his eye that struggled as evident in his OBP. Ramirez has already drawn 12 walks and is getting on base at a .342 clip. Which is .047 points more than our leadoff man. That makes me believe he is just an inch or two away from crushing baseballs. Now that Lee is out, he probably will not get as much to hit, but if he continues to draw walks it will help the team, because of the two guys behind him. Grade (C-) Even though I like the walks, he is still hitting .212.

5. Matt Murton could be a very special player. He just gets it and it is evident in his early year numbers. Murton is second on the team in RBI (16) and he only has two HR. He has struck out 12 times, but I think that will improve as he gets more at bats, but he has walked nine times. I think years to come, we will look back and say it was steal we got Murton in that Nomar deal. Grade (A).

6. Michael Barrett is a key for the next 8-10 weeks while Lee is on the mend. His bat has been outstanding so far and he leads the team in RBI (18). He is probably the best hitting catcher in the NL right now and maybe only Victor Martinez is a better hitter in the entire league. Barrett has worked on the defense and he has worked cut out with him with two rookies now. Not to mention Glendon "Walk" Rusch. Grade (A)

7. Jacque Jones has to get better. It looks like he is starting to get better looks at the plate. Jones raised his average to .231 yesterday after three hits. He has also provided a couple big home runs already and played a solid right field. I said coming in if Jones hit .275 and gave us 80 RBI it would be just great. The problem is he still is getting starts against LHP. He is actually hitting .279 vs. Righties and a big .000 against lefties. Jim he is a platoon player. Grade (D).

8. Neifi Perez was a surprise last year, when he played out of his mind for about two months. Guess What? Those days are done and injuries have once again forced the weakest hitter in the league back into service. How has he responded? How about a .176 average in 34 at bats. If that gets you 2.5 million, then I am in the wrong business. Dusty has to see that Hairston is a better option. His defense is fine and his bat runs circles around Neifi, but that is the downfall of Dusty as a manager. Grade (D), but only for defense.

Also when our bench has guys like Freddie Bynum, we need to improve the bench now. There are rumors of Carlos Pena coming in to play 1B. I suppose that will happen in about a week, but the Cubs need a guy to hit LHP. Walker only has one hit and four walks against LHP.

There you have it four A's, one B, one C and two D's in the lineup. The pitching breakdown will come later. You can expect that a couple will fall off and a couple will rise, which might give the Cubs a chance to hang close if they get good enough pitching.

Maddux and more

2006-04-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

Well we all felt losing Derrick Lee would crush the positive outlook on the Cubs 2006 season, but with Greg Maddux pitching the way he is, he is keeping Cubs fans exuberant about our hopes. I don't know about ya'll but I can not hear enough about his game Sunday versus the cardinals. I've probably watched Sportscenter, Baseball Tonight, and ESPN news a dozen times just to hear them talk about Maddux.
To learn that in his 20 year Hall of Fame career this is the first time he has started 4-0 in his first four starts is amazing. I know many fans are thrilled with his start to the season but believe that he can't keep pitching even remotely close to this pace. I'm not saying that he is going to keep pitching lights out like his 4-0, 0.99 ERA start, but if he can keep locating like he is, it is going to be an amazing season.
I also believe that with Maddux pitching the way he is, the rest of the team will step up their play . I really hate saying this, but the one good thing that comes out of Derrick Lee's injury is the fact that Dusty Baker can not justify sitting Todd Walker often. The way he hits, he should never be questioned whether or not he should play. He is a good 2nd baseman and one of the better hitters in the league. Also with Lee's injury Aramis Ramirez is once again the big bat in the lineup. Maybe with this spotlight he will get his bat going and help carry the offense.
Well tonight is a big night for Zambrano, he is pitching against a 5-11 Marlins team. Hopefully tonight Zambrano will be back to his dominant form and start pitching like many people thought he would this year. Well I got distracted during this article because Sportscenter started talking about Maddux again, would apologize but if you are a Cubs fan you understand. Go CUBBIES!!!!!!!

The Dark Days are Here

2006-04-21T12:13:00.000-05:00

You all know the knews by now. Now that our leader Derrek Lee has fallen victim to a freak run in with Furcal, it is time the ralley the troops.
While, this is not the end of the world, it will be tougher for the Cubs to put accross runs at this point. My posting will slow down a lot over the next three weeks.
As many of you know, I am a sports writer for a small paper and it is about time for High School Baseball Tournament Season. The district tournament starts on Saturday. That means wall-to-wall baseball for me and little time for the Cubs.
Of course I will check in from time-to-time, but Mike will have to lead the charge without me around. Also, my brother might actually come back and post something.
Just found out that I am heading to Minnesota for the weekend series in June. Any of you guys want to meet up there and talk Cub baseball? Well, we will talk about that closer to time. That trip will make my 17th ball park I have seen a major league game.

A Couple Nights In Peoria...

2006-04-16T10:38:00.000-05:00

When the Cubs announced their re-affiliation with the Peoria Chiefs prior to the 2005 season, I was pumped. I love minor league baseball as well as the Cubs, and given that I only live about an hour from Peoria, I figured I'd go to tons of Chiefs games. I did, probably 20 or so in total last year. With the Chiefs kicking off their 2006 home slate Thursday night, I figured it would be a good chance to head over there and catch a game. I had such a good time, I went again on Saturday night. The following are some notes from the 2 games.

*The Chiefs stadium is really nice, especially for a Low-A team. They've done some nice improvements over the offseason as well.
*It was some really nice weather this weekend. Both games started at 630 PM so we got 3 innings of good sunshine, 3 innings of dusk, and 3 innings under the lights. Perfect if you ask me.
*The Cubbies dont really have any what you would call "Premium" prospects in Peoria right now, unlike last year where Angel Guzman, Eric Patterson, Sean Gallagher, and Ryan Harvey all spent time in town. Our best prospect in Peoria right now is probably Don Veal (Link - http://www.peoriachiefs.com/team/?id=2174). He's looked shaky early on this season.
*2005 3rd round pick Mike Billek (Link - http://www.peoriachiefs.com/team/?id=1060) started the Thursday game and got roughed up (Link - http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/app/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=g_box&gid=2006_04_13_qcsafx_peoafx_1). He only managed to go 4 2/3 before getting pulled. The bullpen didnt fare much better.
*Saturday's starting pitcher was Mitch Atkins (Link - http://www.peoriachiefs.com/team/?id=2171). He was a 7th round pick out of HS in 2004. He looked pretty good last night, going 5 innings, allowing 4 hits and posting a 6/1 K/BB rate. He didnt throw all that many pitches before being lifted, so I have to assume he's on a pitch count. He didnt allow a run, but the next guy in, Roberto Sotolongo, did...allowing the 2 runs that led to the Chiefs 2-1 loss. I wasnt impressed at all with the bullpen in either game.
*As far as hitting goes, there's not a whole lot in Peoria. 1B Ryan Norwood (Link - http://www.peoriachiefs.com/team/?id=768) looks impressive at the plate, but didnt have a ton of results while I was there. 2004 3rd round pick Mark Reed (http://www.peoriachiefs.com/team/?id=765) started Thursday nights game and had a ringing double that had some pop to it, as well as a single on a surprise drag bunt. You read that right, a catcher getting on via the drag bunt. Reed looked pretty good behind the plate as well.
* The CF'er for the Chiefs is a kid named Davy Gregg (http://www.peoriachiefs.com/team/?id=2182). He did misplay a ball on Thursday night, but all in all he looked pretty good in the field. All I've heard of him is that he won't hit enough to advance through the minors, which is probably true, but he has a 6-game hitting streak and looks the part of a ballplayer. He led off last night.

All in all, good times at the Chiefs games, enjoying the atmosphere, soaking up the good weather, and watching baseball. I will be going to quite a few games I imagine and I'll try to do some recaps.

Tax Day Game Log

2006-04-15T18:04:00.000-05:00

Well, that dreaded day is here (no I don't mean Jerome Williams' first start), but Tax Day is here. To celebrate the day, I will be doing one of my famous game logs. While everybody gets to see today's game, I am bored at the house and you never know what will happen.

Remember you can send your memberships tot he Matt Murton fan clut to mattmurtonfanclub at gmail.com. I feel another big day from Red.

Ok, we are about to start. The Cubs need to score early to get to Zach Duke.

6:05 p.m. - Duke dominated the Cubs last year in his starts, but we should have a better approach this year. Ouch, Ramirez is really hitting .154, time for that come up today with a 2-for-3 day with 2 HR. Well, Juan Pierre is frozen on a nasty breaking pitch. Well, we are lucky Neifi does not get the start, but I would have rather seen Murton get a chance to bat second when Walker is not in the lineup, but Dusty is not a very free thinker. Derrek Lee with a nice piece of two-out hitting. Why is Ramirez booed? He did not leave on his own, his idiot GM gave him away for a basically nothing. Michael Wuertz is no longer with the big league club and that means Roberto Nova is back with his lively arm. Duke has yet to give up any damage, but he is throwing a lot of pitches, just as soon as I say that, Aramis goes down on strikes and the game is tied 0-0.

6:19 p.m. - I really want to see Jerome sit down the Pirates early. He needs confidence early. Len wants 7 innings, but I would happy to get six strong innings. So far so good with Jerome. He is throwing strikes, which is important. Just as I say that, now Jerome falls behind 3-1 and he walks him. Is there anything worse than a two-out walk? Also today is Jackie Robinson day, does Big Bud not want the people to think about taxes. Jerome should have seen last year how to retire Burnitz. Just a little high cheese and lets go to the second. Just as good, a nice pop up on the infield. Good start from Williams and we really need a decent start.

6:26 p.m. - Angel Pagan is showing that he should play against lefties more and more. He does not have lot of ab's, but he is showing some stuff right now. Well that ended fast after Pagan was cut down trying to steal second. Arggh, nothing worse than a double right behind a guy getting thrown out on the bases. No runs after Cedeno lines out to second.

6:33 p.m. - The storm clouds are brewing to start the Pirate second, a lead-off walk is never a good sign. Michael Barrett might be hitting everything, but he is not throwing guys out. Williams gets a MASSIVE strikeout of Joe Randa for the first out. Damn, just when the Cubs were going to get out of the inning the Cubs give them a run after the bad throw by Cedeno. Ronny still has some major work on his defense this year. Then, Williams gets Duke to the end the inning, but the Pirates get the run.

6:44 p.m. - Not a bad Idea by Pierre, but Duke makes a good play for the second out. Is it me, or do you feel Duke is gaining confidence each inning. Well, regardless Duke is starting to really well. Cubs go down 1-2-3 and still trail 1-0.

6:53 p.m. - Jerome plays with fire again, but what is new. Williams got the first two batters and then hit Bay with a 0-2 pitch. Then, Bay moves to second on a terrible throw by Williams. This is a key at bat now, he can down on himself. The hits just keep on coming, Burnitz gets an infield hit to put runners on first and third. These are situations where Williams and Cubs pitching has not preformed well. Williams is ahead 1-3 on Wilson, who is no longer showing off a Mullet. How I miss the dayss of the mullet and he strikes out looking. Good job Jerome. Time for the offense to wake up.

6:59 p.m. - Well, so much for my Ramirez 2-for-3 day. The Cubs are being retired left and right now. Damn, Barrett gave the ball a ride, but I guess he did not pay the total price after Duffy ran it down in deep left-center.

7:05 p.m. Danger Will Robinson, Danger! Randa places a ball for a double and then Jerome got a little squeezed for a walk. Hey, Hey! A nice little double play ball to get two. That brings up the "The Duke" How cool would it be to have a nickname like that. I know his last name is Duke, but if I was Zach I would have everybody refer to me as "The Duke." What if John Wayne was a baseball player. Imagine his look on the mound. Scarey. "The Duke" lines out to end the inning, time to start hitting.

7:16 p.m. WIth a short bench the last thing you want is another player going down. Well, the Cubs are one player short with Pagan hurting his leg somehow, while he running down the first base line. Jones is still out, John Maybry is hurt, not much let after that. Great at bat by Murton after he walks with one-out. Time for Ronny to make up for the error. Instead, Ronny beats out a double play. How about a Jerome Williams home run? I doubt it and I was right, but the lineup is turned over for the next at bat.

7:22 p.m. - Okay, how does Cedeno make that tough play, but boots the routine one. It all comes down to making solid plays. Ha, Len makes my point for me. Here comes Jason Bay, Williams has walked him and hit him. So, lets see if he can't retire him once. Williams just wants no piece of Bay today. He pitched around him once again. Which is okay if you can get Old Man Burnitz and he does. Cubs still trail 1-0 after five innings.

7:30 p.m. - If the Pirates continue to retire Pierre, I have a feeling the Cubs will not win. It looks like Zach Duke is back to his old ways or the Cubs just make pitching look too good. It is up to Derrek Lee to get something going with two-outs. Randa stops a liner and the Cubs still have no runs on only three hits.

7:39 p.m. - Do you think the people of Garden Claw Gold might want a new commercial. I mean the add has not changed since the Claw was first introduced. It is bad when I know the enitire commercial. Wilson triples to start after he misses a home run by inches. On a day when you have not scored, giving up more runs is not an option. Decent throw by Bynum, but Wilson scored on the sacrifice fly. Bucs lead 2-0. Nice play by Barrett as nabs Castillo on a busted hit and run for the second out. The Cubs get out of the inning and I have to say Jerome has pitched really well, but our offense is about a threat as a gold fish against a shark at this point.

7:47 p.m. - Ramirez doubles to start the second, but he really thought he had a home run. He walked for like three step before he realized that ball may not get out. This a real good chance for the Cubs. Barrett flys weakly to right and our heros have one-out. Not a great time for Freddie Bynum coming up, he is looking like more like Josa Macias every day and he goes down swinging for strike three. Terrible and I mean terrible. Come on Red, time for another big hit. Yes sir, a nice RBI single. My man-crush on Matt Murton continues to grow and another base hit. Walker has to pinch hit again against a Lefty. I would like to see walker say in and move Hairston to right field, to have a better hitter left for the 8th or 9th if it gets down that far again, but first how about a RBI single for Todd. Duke not looking as confindent now. Nice play by Craig Wilson to end the inning. Cubs get one back and now trail 2-1.

7:54 p.m. - The Cubs only have Niefi and Blanco left to pinch hit, not the great thought heading to the last couple of innings, but the Cubs probably don't need a pinch hitter until the 9th, so it might be okay. One the milloinare relievers is now on for the Cubs. Scott Eyre has looked good so far, but he needs to sit down the Bucs right here. Duke's day is done as Freddy Sanchez is now pinch hitting. Damn, Eyre walks a light hitting lefy, no excuse as this point. Nice play by Ramirez to double off Duffy, but I think he might have beaten the play back to first, but I will take. Come on it is time for the Cubs to score some more runs.

8:03 p.m. - The Pirates are going to run people in and out of the pen now I think. Pierre fails to reach base and that is not a good sign. I have said it before, but the Cubs have to get him on base at least once a game. OH MAN, Hairston just misses a home run, damn, damn, dman. Nice piece a hitting puts a runner on in front of D-Lee. Time for the Sliver Slugger to mash one out of the park. Lee has never had a hit off the Roberto Hernandez, so he is very due. Full count, come on baby.......a walk to Lee. It is time for big Aramis. Cue the music.......damn Aramis just missed the ball and he popped out to center. Okay, Barrett has smoke the ball this season, so I feel another big at bat. No way I give Michael a ball to hit with Bynum on deck, but I am not the Pirates. Hernandez struck out Barrett. I've got a bad feeling about this.

8:18 p.m. - There are only a few certain things in life. Death, taxes and the Cubs ripping my heart out. Looks like we might be heading to third thing again. Come on, can't we not walk Jason Bay. I know he is a good hitter, but make him try at least. Cubs catch another break wtih a double play. The Cubs have a chance, come on just one run, okay maybe two....well I am greedy I want four.

8:29 p.m. The Cubs need one run to tie the game. Bynum, Murton and Cedeno are due up. With the pitchers spot up fourth, that means Bynum will have to hit for himself most likely. Nevermind, Niefi pinch hits and he is out on one pitch. Terrible approach by Perez. Murton, Murton, Murton, come on Matt give me a tie. Damn Matt gets robbed by Joe Randa. Cubs lose on four pitches. See ya tomorrow.

How Sweep it is

2006-04-09T23:09:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Cubs pulled off their first big moment of the 2006 season after a 3-game sweep over the St. Louis Cardinals. I only hope that it not one of those why can't we play like "insert good moment here" all of the time.

The Cubs scored seven of their eight runs via the home run. Jacque Jones finally got his first hit as a Cub and it came on a 3-run bomb. Then, with Cubs trailing 4-3 in the eigth, the Cardinals pitchers walked Todd Walker, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez. For the second straight day, Michael Barret came up huge. This time with a grand slam to right field that left the park.

The Cubs added another run on a Cardinal wild pitch and Ryan Dempster slammed the door in the 9th to give the Cubs an 8-4 victory.

A few observations of the week:
1. Cub pitching: Take away the first two games against the Reds and the Cubs starting pitching was pretty good in week one. Greg Maddux and Carlos Zambrano pitched very well in their starts this weekend. Sean Marshall was solid in first start. He made one big mistake against Scott Rolen and probably was squeezed behind the plate.

2. Tood Walker: Hopefully Dusty Baker has seen all he needs about who should start at 2B. He went 6 for 14 with three RBI. Walker's D has not been terrible and he really brings the offense some much needed OPS.

3. Bullpen: So far Jim Hendry's moves have paid off. Scott Eyre and Bob Howry have been solid, but it is too early to give the final verdict.

So, the Cubs are off to a 4-1 start and that is good. We all know better and should be very careful before we buy into the Cubs winning ways. The worst thing that could happen is for us to sweep the Cardinals and then go and get swept by the Reds.

Enjoy the win today and the Cubs have the another day off, so it will be sweet for two days. Enjoy your Monday.

Guarded Optimism

2006-04-09T05:20:00.000-05:00

The Cubs win 3-2 yesterday. It was the first game that I have missed all year, mainly because I drove back to Alabama last night right behind all of kinds of storms.
When I arrived home, I found out that my parents were without power and they are still without power as I sit to write this.
I was forced to watch the game on my phone because I was running around doing things and I left my XM radio receiver back in Arkansas.
Looks like the defense was less than stellar and it led to two runs for the Cards.
The Cubs get all their offense via the home run. A 2-run shot by Michael Barrett and a solo by Derrek Lee.
The Cubs take a series from the Cardinals with one game to go. That is the good news.
Are we better than I thought? Our defense says no. Can we still compete with this group? Well, if Maddux is that sharp all year, then we just got a guy that could win 18-20 games, but you have to think he will not be that sharp each time out.
The Cubs improve to 3-1 on the season and have a chance to sweep St. Louis on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball. That sounds all well and good, but the Cubs are running a guy that has not pitched about AA. Sean Marshall will toe the rubber against Accused felon Sidney Ponson.
I have a cautious optimism right now. Sure, I love winning as much as the next guy. We have to remember a couple things. First, Dusty “Double Switch” Baker is still running the team. He is a move away each game to sending us to a blue flag day.
Second, the Cubs still have major holes. Jacque Jones has not at all so far and the rotation is very, very, very suspect. Geldon Rusch and Jerome Williams are in the rotation. Then, we have a rookie that has not pitched above AA. Did I say that already? Yes, but I thought it deserved another mention.
Third, the Cubs were 10-6 against the Cardinals last year. The Cardinals were the best team in the National League last season, but somehow our band of misfits was able to take 10 from them. The problem was we could not beat the teams that we should have beaten.
Fourth, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood are another injury away from really leaving us in a big hole. If we get the DL Twins back, they need to be able to say on the roster. That means no more trips to the DL for a back spasm or Marcus Giles running over a pitcher. The Cubs can’t rush these two back and see them make two or three more trips to the rehab clinic down the street.
Fifth, Dusty Baker is still the manager right now. I know I already said this as the first point, but come on he really deserves two. Yesterday the Cubs get lucky and Neifi “Bloop single” Perez gets three hits. This will only encourage Dusty even more and might even make the Cubs deal a better play in Walker. God I hope not, but anything can happen.
That being said, enjoy this moment right now. We are 3-1 and I did not see that coming.
Spring always brings new hope and right now there is plenty to go around.

Home Opener Game Log

2006-04-07T12:38:00.000-05:00

After so much fun of the Opening Day Game Log, I have rallied the troops for another one for the home opener. If the news I have heard is correct, I am already not feeling good. First Neifi Perez is playing second. If that is not bad enough, he is batting second. Nothing like a move that makes no sense to start the day for us as fans.
Well, check back soon as the game gets started.
I just saw the slogan of the WGN pregame special, "Next Year is here." It is true that we have a new season, but I can't imagine that the Cubs will win a World Series with the misfits running the team.

Is anyone else scared about the wind? I know I am, Maddux + wind = Pujals' home runs.

1:02 p.m. The lineups are introduced and my nightmare was true. Neifi is batting second. Why GOD Why? It just makes no sense.

1:07 p.m. Another solid performance by P.A. announcer Wayne Messmer. Good to see he is in midseason form.

1:21 p.m. TOP 1: Well, here we go and Greg Maddux delivers a strike. Hey, Hey, Nice play by Jones tracking down a fly ball by David Eckstein. Okay, this is a little nice to see. Two nice defensive plays to start the game. Now if we can only get this Pujols guy. We get another great stat; Maddux was 10-5 on the road and 3-10 on the road. Yet, Dusty goes with Greg at home, when he could have pitched him on the road. Pujols makes contact, my heart races, whew....just a lazy fly to Pierre to end the inning.

1:25 p.m. BOTTOM 1: A weak at bat by Pierre to start the Cubs half of the first. While he will make contact, he needs to be like Willie Mays Hayes and start legging them out. We get a piece of info I did not need, Perez is wearing four layers today. That will slow him down just enough for Neifi to go 0-for-4. Dusty will say that was the reason for the poor day and not the fact he just can't hit. Big surprise Neifi is retired. One more thing, Len just said he wanted Neifi in the game for defense. That is fine, but why bat him No. 2 then? Woo Hoo; Derrek Lee just mashed a ball over the fence. Just think if the Cubs had somebody that could get on base. Aramis quickly grounds out. Cubs lead 1-0.

1:34 p.m. TOP 2: Ah, nothing like retiring Jim Edmonds on a cue shot to Maddux. Looks like Scott Rolen is all they way back as he doubles down the line in left. So Taguchi is just So Taguchi, sorry could not help my self. Taguchi retired and Rolen moves to third. Now, here is where the Cubs have had trouble in the past. Last year it seemed we gave up too many hits with two outs. Maddux falls behind the catcher 3-0. Greg is able to work the count full and he got him with a strikeout on the corner. A little bit of emotion by Maddux, nice to see. Cubs still lead 1-0.

1:44 p.m. B2: Jones still hitless as a Cub. That was a great pickup by Jim Hendry and he is getting a contract extension. My new favorite Cub Matt Murton is up. After two quick outs by Barrett and Jones, Murton takes a pitch. At-a-boy. I might just have to run over to an online shop and pick up a No. 19 jersey. My love my Murton continues, that is two two-out walks he has drawn this year. I didn't think anybody on our team knew what a two-out walk was. The other rookie, Ronny Cedeno triples to right and now Ronny is my second favorite Cub. Just goes to show you what a good approach can do you at the plate. Cubs lead 2-0.

1:52 p.m. T3: Madduz retires the Cards 1-2-3 in the third. Maddux looks much better so far. A key for him is keeping the ball down and he is doing that. I am sure he can't match his numbers from his prime, but if he can get closer to a 4.00 ERA, he might win 15 games or so.

1:57 p.m. B3: A key inning here for the Cubs, the top of the order is up. Pierre just bounced to Rolen. The WGN scoreboard is brought to us by 24. What a great show. I wonder how Jack is going to save us again this year. Jeez, Perez just dumps a single into center. All of our runs have come with two-outs. Suppan looks like he wants no piece of Lee the second time around as he falls behind 3-0. Lee walks and brings up Aramis. On a side note, I just lost Aramis for two weeks on my diamond mind league team. That is going to hurt, but he can make up for it with a 3-run bomb. Wow, a rare mistake by Eckstein as he threw the ball into centerfield. Now Larussa walks a guy that is 0-for-7 on the year to load the bases. Another reason I don't like Tony. Jones has not smelled a hit and you give him a free pass. Barrett just missed a haning pitch and now is behind 1-2. Barrett makes Tony pay with a single up the middle. Cubs lead 4-0 and the bases are still loaded with one-out. Here comes my favorite Cub and if he hits a grand slam I will start the Official Matt Murton fan club. Damn, he bounces into a double play. Still, he drew a two-out walk and I can't stay mad at him.

2:12 p.m. T4: Cedeno gets lucky and does not get charged wtih an error. Does anybody believe Pujols is really 26? He might be, but damn he is already so good, it just is not fair. Pujols just missed a double and I mean just missed. Maddux gets Pujols to lift a ball in the air and he is retired for a second time. Wow. the wind knocks a ball down that looked like a 2-run home run, and then Matt Murton makes a great throw to double off Juan Encarnacion. Okay, you can send off your Murton fan club entires to 121 Kimberly Cir Apt #126, El Dorado, AR 71730. I just got off the phone with fellow Cub's blogger Scott Lange and he will be the Vice-President of the Murton fan club. Things are starting well. We still need more officers and you can apply in the comments.

2:21 p.m. B4: The wind is playing havoc with players. Cedeno picks up a double and now is a home run and a single shy of the cycle. Damn, Pierre almost lays down the squeeze. The Cards had no chacne to get Ronny, but the bunt goes foul. Instead, Pierre ropes a ball into to right witht he infield in and picks up his first RBI of the season. Cubs lead 5-0. Dusty is the luckiest player in the world. He has two hits and both are as weak of hits I have ever seen. Another scored update by Jack Bauer as Lee walks to the plate. Did anybody see the twist coming on Monday at the end? I did not, if you don't know what I am talking about, then go watch 24 right after the game. Lee bounces into a double play, but the Cubs extend the lead.

2:27 p.m. T5: Len just said that Jason Isringhausen is the most underrated close in the game. Well, that might be true in real life, but I scored six runs off Izzy last night to beat my rival and friend Jay McPhillips in our diamond mind league. I scored 9 runs in the final two innings. Maddux has been spotted a five run lead, so this inning is very key for the Cubs. Rolen draws a lead off walk. Well, kill that rally by the Cards, as that double play was So Taguchi. Cue the laugh track. Maddux with another quick inning and already looks better than anytime last season.

2:34 p.m. B5: Ramirez ropes a ball to right for a single. Jones is still hitless after his strikes out on three pitches. Jones has to be moved in the order until he starts hitting. The Cubs leave Murton on deck after a double play off the bat of Barrett. Cubs still lead 5-0.

2:43 p.m. T6: Maddux gets Aaron Miles to bounce to short. John Rodriguez comes in as Jeff Supan's day is over. Maddux gets some help from the wind as it is blowing in. With two-outs, Eckstein is up and he lifts a ball into right for a two-out hit. Looks like Maddux might have tweaked sometihng on the mound. That is all we need is another pitcher that goes down. Barrett came out to talk, but no trainers. I think Maddux may be done as he gets Encarnacion to pop out. Cubs 5, Cards 0.

2:52 p.m. B6: Murton up. How about a home run to kick off the Fan Club. Others way to join, send emails to mattmurtonfanclub at gmail.com. Well, Murton grounds out, but the kid looks strong. Another update by Jack Bauer. Anybody think there might be another mole in CTU/Homeland now? I think so. Maddux ends the inning with a groundout and he still looks odd.

2:58 p.m. T7: Another netscape internet commerical and I already hate them. Who is still going to pay for dial up? Maddux makes his way back to the mound. Bob Howry up in the pen. Pujols pops up for the third time. Finally the Cards get on the board after Edmonds hammers a ball into the right field bleachers. Maddux does not have an answer for Rolen today, 2B and two walks. Maddux's day is done and Howry is coming on. Taguchi gets ahead 2-0 and then pops a ball to second. Jones makes up for his bad day at the plate with a great catch in right to end the 7th.

3:13 p.m. B7: The Cubs have not really put together a good offensive inning since the fourth. This has been a proble with the Cubs in the past few years. Perez gets to second after a gift hop that makes the ball bounce over Pujols. Neifi gets credit for a double. A three-hit day for Perez, is the world about to end? This means he might get more starts over Walker. I am sure Dusty will say, "We love the way Neifi hits. He brings so much to our club." Cubs fail to score again, but still lead 5-1.

3:20 p.m. T8: Dusty leaves Howry out to start the 8th and rings up Miles to start the inning. Scott Spiezio up for the Cards and he leaves on strikes. Well, we spent enough on Howry, so we need to get our money's worth. Great inning by Howry and the Cub pen already looks better than 2005. Cubs still lead 5-1.

3:30 p.m. B8: Jones gets a gift when Encarnacion dropped the ball, but gets thrown out tyring to reach second. Jones is now 0-for-9 with a base running mistake and one good catch. Murton fan club memberships still stand at two, but we welcome more members. Don't forget mattmurtonfanclub at gmail.com. More info will be sent out soon. Damn, he grounds out, but still Cubs lead 5-1 to the 9th.

3:33 p.n. T9: WGN shows up some more highlights of 24. Really people, run don't walk and pick up the first four seasons of 24. Then, find a way to see this season's stuff. You will love it, trust me. Ryan Dempster is on to close the game out. He will face Encarnacion, Pujols and Edmonds. A little Bud Light fan cam time with the Bud Light daredevil guy making a cameo. Pujols up now, 0-for-3 on the day. Any day you keep Pujols off the bases is a good day. Ryan gives Albert a little chin music and then Aramis makes a nice stab to give Albert a nice 0-for-4 day. Come on Ryan, lets finish this thing off. Dempster looks great as he strikes out Edmonds.

Maddux is the winning pitcher and all is good in Chicago for at least one more day. I have to run and cover my own game, but look for more this weekend.

Opening Day Game Log

2006-04-03T12:54:00.000-05:00

What a great day for Opening Day Baseball. Hope is alive and well for all teams at this point. I will have a running log of today's action as the Cubs take on the Reds. Ok, more in a few minutes.

First Pitch- The Cubs and Reds get to see President Bush throw out the first pitch. Bush shows the Reds love with wearing a team jacket. Come on, you want my vote, then at least go neutral. His pitch makes it across the pitch, but it is wide and outside.

It is about time......Lets get 2006 Started

1:31 p.m.: Aaron Harang's first pitch is right down the middle for a strike to start the season. How about that, Juan Pierre triples to start the season. Todd Walker follows that with a double. Eat your heart out Jim and Dusty. This is the reason Walker needs to play everyday. Walker has a 0-2 count and slaps the ball down the left field line. Cubs 1-0 with no outs. Derrek Lee walks and still no outs for the Cubs. This is something I could get used to. Aramis dumps a single into left and the bases are loaded. Jones steps up and we are about to see if another off-season move pays off for the Cubs. He quickly is down 0-1 after swinging at a ball. Jones slaps the ball to left and Dunn drops the ball for an error. Cubs 2-0 and still no outs. Reds catch a break as they double off Barrett and Ramirez. Holy Cow, Matt Murton just hit a 2-out 3-run home run. Cubs up 5-0, what a start to 2006. Ronny Cedeno pops out to end the inning, but still Cubs 5-0.

1:45 p.m.: Carlos Zambrano on the mound and he opens the game with a walk to Cub Killer Tony Womack. Not a great start after your team spots you five runs. Lopez follows the walk with a single to right. As soon as we get our hopes up, the Cubs bring us back to earth. Wow, a walk to Ken Griffey Jr. and now the bases are loaded with no outs. Adam Dunn and his all or nothing swing steps to the plate. Pierre's bad arm allows all runners to tag and advance on Dunn's sac fly. Pierre's arm might be a little of a problem this year. Zambrano gets a big strikeout with runners at second and third. One more out and Carlos gets out of a major jam. Scott Hatteberg draws a walk to load the bases again. Again, I am worried this year might be the year Carlos finally breaks down. How he has not done so yet, is beyond me, the way Dusty and Larry abuse pitchers. Austin Kearns up as Zambrano is at 28 pitches and counting. We are reminded that Carlos could not get out of Opening Day last year with a big lead. That is probably going to be the case today as he rakes up more pitches. Matt Murton is now my favorite Cub after his leaping grab to save at least two runs and get the Cubs out of the first inning. Cubs 5-1.

1:54 p.m.: After the great start, the Cubs go down in order in the second. This is more like the Cubs I know.

2:02 p.m.: Pierre makes a nifty catch to start the Red's half of the second. Harang goes down swinging, nice to see Carlos bounce back. Terrible defense by Jones allows Womack to double with two-outs. This is a key at bat for Big Z. Felipe Lopez led all short stops with home runs last year. Lopez gets a swinging bunt and Barrett retires him to end the inning. Well, so far so good, but I would like to see about two more runs in the top of the third for the Cubs.

2:05 p.m.: After some nice at bats early, the Cubs have really failed to put together much since the first. Looks like Baseball Tonight could just have Web Gems from this game. Dunn makes a nice grab to rob Jones of extra bases.

2:12 p.m. Griffey grounds out and then Dunn busts a bat for a single. If there is one guy you can say that is not on steroids it has to be Dunn. I man, he is huge, but it looks all natural. Carlos getting in more trouble after another walk to put two runners on with one out. That is four walks and the Reds finally make the Cubs pay. Hatteberg hammers a ball to right for a 3-run home run. Cubs 5-4 with one out and so it begins. Carlos comes back strong to strikeout Kearns. You get the feeling this is going to be a 10-9 type of game.

2:25 p.m. Barrett gets the fourth inning started with a double. It would be nice for the Cubs to respond here. Murton's day can't be perfect as he bounces back to the pitcher. Well, the leadoff double does nothing and the Cubs still lead 5-4. The dark cloud is starting to hang over us.

2:35 p.m. Womack finally is retire in the game. The Cubs turn a nifty double play to end the inning

2:45 p.m. Pierre almost reaches on a bunt, but gets thrown out on a nice play. Todd Walk doubles for the second time today. Cough*Dusty play Todd all the time*cough. Oh sorry I had something stuck. I doubt Lee gets much to hit here. Cubs leave two more on base, but still hold a 5-4 lead.

2:50 p.m. Dunn leaves the yard in a hurry to tie the game. Dusty makes a crazy double switch in fifth inning. How do you burn your starting RF in the fifth? Only Dusty knows. Second year in a row that Carlos has been staked a big lead and will not get the win.

3:28 p.m. The Cubs are scoring runs in bunches now and Todd Walker is showing all that he is the second baseman. Five straight hits for the Cubs and they are up 9-5. Lee doubles off the wall to score another run. Even Neifi Perez getting into the action now with a RBI single. The Cubs are up 11-5. The Cubs have the bases loaded and not outs yet recorded. The Cubs have batted around in the sixth. Barrett bounces into a double play, but another run scores. I love Murton, up 12-5 and he takes a walk.

3:40 p.m. Oh good god. Dusty is killing me. First off, he doubles switches again and pulls Walker out of the game. Then, Scott Williamson comes on and loads the bases. Scott Eyre comes in and earns his millions today as he only gives up one run with the bases loaded. Not a bad first outing.

3:54 p.m. So, all three secondbasemen get a hit today. Dusty looks smart to some, but we all know better. Lee draws a third walk and looks to be in midseason form with his eye at the plate. Cubs fail to score, but still lead 12-6 heading to the bottom of the 7th inning.

4:09 p.m. Bottom of the 7th: After the great start by Eyre, he walks the leadoff guy. That is eight walks too many for the Cubs. Great diving play by Ramirez, but he can't Kearns. The Reds have something brewing with two on and no out. Wow, a ball dropped ball by Derrek Lee and the Cubs only get one out. The Error leads to a walk to Ryan Freel and now the bases are loaded. It looks like the other high priced reliever Bob Howry might be called on, but Dusty stays with Eyre. A sac fly cuts the lead to 12-7 with two outs. Wow, a late called strike three gets the Cubs out of the 7th inning.

4:20 p.m. Adam Dunn gets some load cheers as he finally tracks down a fly ball in left. Okay, Murton takes a pitch the other way with two strikes. I am buying my Murton jersey later this week. John Maybry makes his Cubs debut and is retire. Cubs lead 12-7.

4:29 p.m. Howry comes in and gives up a single to Griffey to start the 8th. Ok, Dusty gets lucky as Hairston snags a ball off the bat of Dunn. Howry settles down and gets the final two batters. To the 9th and the good guys still lead 12-7.

4:40 p.m. Cubs load the bases in the 9th after an error allows Hairston to reach first on a sac bunt. Lee just misses a grand slam, but picks up a RBI on the sac fly. Cubs up 13-7. Niefi up and he could really get off to a good start with a hit, but he bounces into a fielder's choice. Score another run 14-7. Ok, I would love to stay for the final out, but I have to head to my game. I will post my comments and thoughts on day one later. Go Cubs get three more outs.

Opening Day Is Here!

2006-04-03T06:23:00.000-05:00

And not a moment too soon. Last Friday night's trade that netted us 25th man Freddie Bynum has officially set the roster. For one last time, let's look at the group the Cubs are gonna throw out there, broken down by group...

Starting Lineup
CF Juan Pierre
2B Todd Walker
1B Derrek Lee
3B Aramis Ramirez
RF Jacque Jones
C Mike Barrett
LF Matt Murton
SS Ronny Cedeno

The Bench
C Hank White
1B/OF John Mabry
2B/OF Jerry Hairston
IF Neifi Perez
OF Angel Pagan
UT Freddie Bynum

Starting Rotation
#1 Carlos Zambrano
#2 Glendon Rusch
#3 Greg Maddux
#4 Sean Marshall
#5 TBD

Bullpen
CL Ryan Dempster
SU Bobby Howry
SU Scott Eyre
MR Scott Williamson
MR Will Ohman
MR Michael Wuertz
MR Jerome Williams

AAA Guys who could see action soon
SP Jae-Kuk Ryu
SP Rich Hill
SP Angel Guzman
MR David Aardsma
OF Michael Restovich
IF Ryan Theriot
1B Brandon Sing

DL
SP Mark Prior
SP Kerry Wood
SP Wade Miller

We'll see where this group takes us. I'm so ready for the games to begin!

Go CUBS!

2006 Quick Look

2006-04-01T18:01:00.000-06:00

We are only a day away for the start of the 2006 Major League Baseball season. Usually the excitement is boiling over as I wait for opening day, but that is not quite the case in 2006.
We all know the Cubs problems and everybody has beaten them to death. The good news over the past week is that one Dusty player (Grissom) has retired. So, that means Matt Murton should get plenty of at bats to show what he can do.
As it is every year the Cubs success will be in large part to the health of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Like every year, our best pitchers are heading to the DL. Just once I would like to be healthy heading into the season, but I guess that is the lot of a Cub fan.
So, onto the predictions.
AL EAST
1. Toronto
2. New York
3. Boston
4. Baltimore
5. Tampa Bay

I think the Blue Jays are much better and they spent enough money to be better. I think the Yankees are a couple injuries from serious trouble. The Red Sox are not as good as the past few years. The O's and Rays could surprise people this year.

AL CENTRAL
1. Cleveland
2. Chicago
3. Minnesota
4. Detroit
5. Kansas City

It is hard to pick against the World Champs, but I really think the Indians are ready to rule this division. They have youth everywhere and quality pitching. I think this might be the best two teams in the AL. Minnesota still has the best pitcher in the game and some young hitters. Detroit might be the surprise team this year. Kansas City, well it might be a long year.

AL WEST
1. Los Angeles
2. Oakland
3. Seattle
4. Texas

This is a wide-open race. My picks could be totally wrong. I could see Texas win this thing just as easy as the Angels. I just think the Angels have the best combination of pitching and offense.

NL EAST
1. Atlanta
2. New York
3. Philadelphia
4. Washington
5. Florida

Until the Braves lose, I will never pick against them again.

NL CENTRAL
1. St. Louis
2. Milwaukee
3. Chicago
4. Houston
5. Cincinnati
6. Pittsburgh

How I would love to pick the Cubs, but I just don't see it. The Cardinals still have enough offense and pitching to win. I may just become a Brewers fan. The reason is they should be so fun to watch. The Cubs could contend, but until we get rid of Dusty and his band of idiot men, it will not happen.

NL WEST
1. San Diego
2. Los Angeles
3. San Francisco
4. Arizona
5. Colorado

Who really knows how this division is going to turn out. It looked like the winner of this division was going to have a losing record, but it did not turn out that way. The Dodges are improved, but I think the Padres are ready to repeat.

AL Wild Card: White Sox
NL Wild Card: Mets

AL Winner: Cleveland
NL Winner: Mets

World Series Champions: Cleveland

NL Central Preview

2006-04-01T13:42:00.000-06:00

The 2006 Baseball season gets underway tomorrow night, and for Cubs fans, the action gets underway Monday afternoon when Carlos Zambrano will take the mound in Cincinnati against Aaron Harang. The off-season moves have been beaten to death by Cub fans and media alike, and I’m just ready to get to some games that mean something. Rather than continue to do that, I thought I’d run down the way I view the teams in the NL Central and make my best guess as to how the teams will finish.

*Cubs – I’m not sure what I can add here that hasn’t been beaten to death ad nauseum before. The Cubs have some hitting talent with Pierre at the top of the order and Lee/Ramirez in the middle. What we get out of Murton and the 4-man middle IF monster of Neifi/Cedeno/Walker/Hairston will determine if we’re a good offense or just an average one. On the flip side, what we get out of Prior/Wood will determine whether we have one of the better rotations in the league, or one of the worst. We start the season with one of the worst..sorry to say. Also the bullpen has to be better. Can Howry/Eyre help that, or will they the be 2 more in the line of Cubs’ FA signing busts?

*Reds – I’ve always had sort of a soft spot in my heart for Cincinnati, but they’re not good at all. Sure, Adam Dunn is a big league hitter, but after that it’s quite murky. Can Griffey and Kearns stay healthy? Can Ryan Freel rebound off his awful spring? Why in god’s name are they starting Hatteberg? I do like their young 3B Encarnacion… but he’s not going to be enough. Their pitching is even worse. Aaron Harang is about the only pitcher on the staff who I think would make the Cubs pitching better, and that’s saying something. Arroyo? Yuck. Claussen? No thanks. Paul Wilson/Eric Milton? Puke. Their bullpen is a disaster too..with Cubs rejects such as David Weathers and Kent Mercker being counted on to provide quality innings. Don’t hold your breath Reds fans, and for God sakes, look out below.

*Astros – Will Roger Clemens come back to the team? If the answer is no, I just don’t see them being all that good. Sure they still have Oswalt and Pettitte at the front of the rotation, but the back 3 are Brandon Backe, Wandy Rodriguez, and Ezequiel Astacio. That’s a 5th starter, and 2 raw arms who didn’t exactly impress in spot duty last season. The bullpen should be pretty solid with Backe, Qualls, and Wheeler finishing out games. Jeff Bagwell is all but gone, and Craig Biggio might be in his final season. The killer B’s are just about at the end of the line. Of course there’s a new Killer B in Lance Berkman who leads the offense. For them to be successful, he has to stay healthy. Morgan Ensberg will need to duplicate his 2005 success for the Astros to go far.

*Brewers – The Brew Crew is definitely the youngest team in the division. ¾ of their Infield are under the age of 25, with Cecil’s boy getting the nod at 1B this year, with 2nd year guys JJ Hardy and Rickie Weeks up the middle. All have the potential to be regular all-stars. The corner OF spots are manned by 2 former All-Stars in Carlos Lee and Geoff Jenkins. Jenkins was one of the best hitters in the NL in the 2nd half of the year last year. I really like their offense. If Ben Sheets can get past his latest shoulder setback (expected to keep him on the shelf until mid-April), then their rotation will be pretty good as well. Sheets joins 2005 surprises Doug Davis and Chris Capuano in the rote along with one of the hottest pitchers of the spring, former Blue Jay Dave Bush. If Derrick Turnbow closes games even remotely well as he did last year, Milwaukee could have something.

*Pirates – This offseason the Pirates made a conscious decision to go with youth in regards to their pitching staff, and I think it was a good idea. Youngsters Paul Maholm and Ian Snell will join 2nd year man Zach Duke and the enigmatic Oliver Perez in the Pirates rotation. Closing games for Pittsburgh will be hard throwing lefty Mike Gonzalez. I like him a lot, and think he has some serious potential. Pittsburgh decided there was no point in paying for retread pitchers when their kids could do just as well or better for a heck of a lot less money. However, Pittsburgh did not apply this strategy to their offense. Signed to a 5M/1yr contract was Jeromy Burnitz. Beernuts isn’t anything special anymore, as his 2005 Cubs campaign proved, and he’s getting paid a heck of a lot more than Craig Wilson when both could likely have produced about the same. It looked like Pittsburgh was finally going to give Big Brad Eldred a chance this year. Sure he strikes out a lot, but man does that guy have power. Instead, they decided to send Dave Williams (a serviceable pitcher for sure) to Cincy for Sean Casey and his bloated contract. So now Eldred is blocked, and small market Pittsburgh is paying Casey 8 million dollars this year for him to hit .280 with no power. But he’s a character guy! I don’t wanna hear it when they cry poor after making moves like that one.

*Cardinals – Oh, the Cards. They got Rolen back for a full season (they hope), so that’s an upgrade. They’re replacing Matt Morris in the rotation with Sidney Ponson. That’s not an upgrade. They added Braden Looper to the pen. He’s an upgrade. They replaced Reggie Sanders and Larry Walker with Larry Bigbie and Juan Encarnacion. That’s not an upgrade. They replaced Grudz at 2B with Junior Spivey. That’s not an upgrade. I don’t think this year’s team is as good as last years at all. But they still have phat Albert, Edmonds, Rolen, Carpenter, Mulder, Izzy, and LaRussa. That will probably be enough.

Projected order of finish…

1. Cards
2. Brewers
3. Cubs
4. Astros
5. Pirates
6. Reds

Flip flop the Brewers and Cubs if we get more than 50 combined starts out of Wood and Prior. If we get less than 25..flip flop the Cubs and Astros. The Cardinals are ripe for the taking this year, I just don’t think any other team in the division has the talent to do it. No WC out of this division this season either.

Preview coming

2006-03-20T15:40:00.000-06:00

Now that four of the greatest days in sports is past us, it is time to start thinking about the start of the 2006 season. Over the next week or so, we here at the YCR will be giving you our 2006 season previews of not only the Cubs, but the entire major league season. From awards to flops, we will try and predict the future.

Stay tuned, first up will be the AL East.

Dogs and Cats.........

2006-03-14T09:53:00.000-06:00

I always loved Ghostbusters and there was one line that has always taken my fancy.

"Dogs and cats living together mass hysteria." Bill Murray

Why do I bring this up?

That is because the Cubs are in a state of mass hysteria. The Cubs and Todd Walker are going back and forth at each other.
I just can't believe all this mess. We have not played a game and there is too much of this going down.
First Mark Prior and his arm and now this.

Maybe things will improve, but I think "We might have made a big mistake."

SEC Tournament Day 1

2006-03-09T13:01:00.000-06:00

Day one has just started here in Nashville, Tenn. and South Carolina is of fto an early 32-25 lead against Mississippi State. I will try and provide updates throughout the day. Kentucky and Ole Miss are up next.

More later.....

Tournament Madness

2006-03-05T15:43:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lack of new content, but thanks to Mike, at least we have something here to offer you. It has been real busy at work with the High School Basketball Tournament season. I traveled almost 1,000 miles this week visiting four different State Tournaments here in Arkansas and in all truth there has not been much good to write about the Cubs.
We have the same song and dance as we have seen before and i choose to let it pass right as I have other things taking up my time.
Actually this week I will be covering the Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Tournament. It is my first big assignment since I have been at newspaper, so I am pretty jacked about it. For you basketball fans, I will try and post some during the event. Until last year, I had been to the last five SEC Tournaments, so it is nice to finally start the streak over.
I will be meeting up with old friends during the week and there is nothing like getting the time to catch up and tell some stories. Well, the YCR will be soon posting their thoughts on the roster and our predictions for the upcoming 2006 season. I am sure there will be some humor among other things.
Take care and get ready to fill out those brackets.

The Sporting News Says...

2006-02-25T10:31:00.000-06:00

Picked up my annual copy of the Sporting News baseball preview mag yesterday (I think it’s the best written preview magazine available, year in and year out), and when reading what they had to say about the Cubs, I came across a few interesting tidbits. Thought I’d take a look at some things they wrote and offer my insight on it.

*From the “Scouts View” Section: “If their starters are healthy, this is the best team in the division.. – I don’t buy that at all. First of all, it’s asking a lot for our starters to be healthy. They haven’t been able to do it the past 3 seasons, and I think it’s a stretch to even halfway assume that this year. Something will come up. It always does. But even if everyone were to stay healthy, I still think that the Cardinals have a better squad than us. They have more pop in the lineup, better overall defense, and pretty damn good pitching themselves. We’ll see. I still think that ALL the chips have to fall in the right places for us to contend with St. Louis this year.

*Also from the “Scouts View” Section: “Matt Murton should give them good power.. – Wha? Good power? From the guy who hit 7 HR last year, albeit in only a 1/3 of a season’s worth of AB? From the guy who really has never shown above-average power in the minors? Every scouting report I’ve read on Murton says the same things..good plate discipline, controls the bat well, makes good contact, smart hitter, can become above average OF’er. Never has there been a mention of above-average power. When I think above-average power, I think 25 HR. Murton won’t hit 25 HR. In their write-up of Murton in the main preview section it says “Murton has power potential and will have a chance to show it.” I don’t buy it.

*From Todd Walker’s write-up under defense: “Is not a good defensive second baseman.” – Just goes to show ya..if you get stuck with a label, true or not, it’s tough to shake said label. Walker is a quite passable 2nd baseman. He positions himself well, and his glove is better than advertised. It’s crap like this that people use as justification as to why Neifi or Hairston deserve to start ahead of Walk. Todd should be our everyday 2B, case closed.

*From the “Dugout Dirt” section: “Clubhouse Clown: Ryan Dempster. You never know what to expect. He once wore a blond wig during BP, calling it the result of “fast-acting” hair plugs.” – Dempster’s a great guy. I’ve been lucky enough to meet him in person a couple times, and he’s come off as very approachable, and quite personable. Add in stories like this and the clip of him doing fake broadcasting in a Busch bullpen last year, and you’ve got yourself a winner. I’m rooting hard for Dempster to keep on saving games for us this year.

*From Ronny Cedeno’s write-up: “Extremely aggressive at the plate, excellent runner, live-bodied IF’er with quick feet, soft hands, excellent agility, plus range, plays under control, charges ball well, quick release, accurate on throws, BIG upgrade for Cubs defense, and will contribute offensively too.” – Wow. That’s a lot of praise there. I really think we’ve found our SS for the next 8-10 years. Kudos to the Cubs brass for sticking with Ronny when his bat was lagging. Now that it seems to have come around, we really have something.

*From Greg Maddux’s write-up: “..Might be the most intelligent pitcher of all-time.” - That’s big praise, and it’s probably not far from the truth. The Mad Dog will go down as one of the all-time greats. They’re not real high on his production from here on out, though.

*From Michael Wuertz’s write-up: “(He) has an elite slider, but he relies on it too much. He leaves his fastball up too much and it doesn’t have great movement.” – Quite true. Wuertz’s breaking ball has great bite on it, but for him to make the next step in his career, he has got to keep his fastball down and work on a change. Otherwise hitters can sit on the slider and high fastballs, much like what happened last season.

That’s about it. I’d recommend picking up the Sporting News mag if you have 7 spare bucks, it has tons of great stuff in it, and it’ll get you even more pumped for opening day. Go Cubs!

Need Design Work?

2006-02-18T10:07:00.000-06:00

I have been toying with a design overhaul here at the YCR. The problem is my job has kept me from really doing anything about it.
I want to move the site to entirely different domain, because we can get some more freedom that way. Is there anybody out ther that would like to design a site. I can pay for the job. If you would like to talk about leave some comments, or email at yarbage @ gmail.com. I can't pay a ton, but I am sure we can agree on something. Just let me know.

Time for a nap, and then off to work for a basketball tournament.

My First Post!

2006-02-13T17:40:00.000-06:00

Before I get going on my first column here, I’d like to take a second (a few lines actually) to introduce myself. My name is Mike Wilkinson, and I’m a Cubs fan. Sounds kind of like someone standing up at an AA Meeting doesn’t it? That’s a fairly accurate assessment for me as it pertains to the Cubs. I’m addicted, and I can’t get enough. No matter what has happened, I’ve always been a fan of the Northsiders, through thick and thin. Baseball is one of my true passions in life, and another is writing. I’ve never been particularly great at writing though, so I steered away from English as a major in college. Oh college...Those days were great. I plan on writing a column once a week, hopefully more frequently during the season. I plan on shying away from the day-to-day recaps (you can get those other places, and I guarantee they’ll be done better than I could do them), and focus more on opinion and retrospective. I also plan on sprinkling in a minor league report once a month or so. I did this at my old blog, “Out in the Bleachers”, and it went over fairly well. I know Chris liked it. He also liked ripping on Lenny Harris, and while he’s safely out of our lives now, I’ll see what I can do about tossing in some of that as well. I’m really interested in comments and feedback, and you can leave that for me at the end of the article. Enough of the intro crap, it’s onto the feature.

I’m not going to beat on the dead horse that was last year, but we all know that the Cubs circa 2005 weren’t good. We didn’t even play .500 ball. Logic dictates that in order for us to be contenders this year, we have to have improvements over last year’s performances. This has to come from either young players maturing and playing at a higher level, obtaining players who can play at a higher level than last year’s crew did, or luck. Or some combination of the 3. Luck is the hardest to quantify, but I can say with some assurance that we weren’t terribly lucky or unlucky last season. Sure, we had some injuries, but we also had some performances that were better than expected (Lee, Murton and Cedeno’s late season emergence, Dempster as a closer). Where have the Cubs attempted to upgrade for this season? Common logic dictates that we’re in store for a full season of Cedeno at SS and Murton in LF. Some people think that both will come in this season and perform at the levels they established in their short time last season. I don’t think that will be the case. I think one of the 2 will fall well short of expectations while the other thrives.

Other changes are in store in RF and CF as well. While the defense Jones will provide in right will be a step up over Burnitz’s, the offense won’t. Pierre is a significant upgrade over Patterson in center…that much we all know. The Cubs really struggled with taking a walk last season, as well as getting the runners over. While having Pierre at the top of the order will be nice, neither he, nor Jones, nor Cedeno will take walks often enough. I think the offense has improved some, but not by much. The pitching staff features tons of question marks. Can Mark Prior stay healthy for a whole year? Can Kerry Wood make it back from shoulder surgery? Can he be effective? Will Dempster be effective as a closer all season long? Is Maddux done? Can Glendon Rusch rebound to his 2004 form as a starter? Whats the story with Jerome Williams? Was signing Bobby Howry and Scott Eyre enough to patch the bullpen? I wish I had the answers to these questions. My gut feeling says that the pen will still be ineffective, and that we’re going to have injuries in the rotation again.

Best case scenario has Cedeno and Murton exploding on the scene, Prior winning 18 plus games, Kerry returning to the rotation and being Kerry by June, and the bullpen holding up. Worst case scenario sees injuries, ineffectiveness, lots of Neifi, Derrek Lee returning to Earth, Dempster imploding, the bullpen being leaky as ever, and Aramis’s groin causing problems. As is always the case, the truth lies in between. I see the Cubs being a little bit better than last year, but not winning more than 85 games. Call it 83-79, in 3rd place behind the Cardinals and the Brewers. I hope I’m pleasantly surprised though!

A Blast from the Past

2006-02-09T19:32:00.000-06:00

Every now and then it is good to hear from somebody in the past. The Yarbage Cub Review would like to welcome back Mike Wilkenson to the Cub Blogger Community. You may remember Mike wrote hear for a short while and had his own blog (Out the Bleachers).
We had fun bashing the old Lenny Harris days.

Be sure to look our for Mike's first post in the next couple of days.

Still Waiting

2006-02-04T17:55:00.000-06:00

I teased some of you with an announcement, but nothing is final. I have told some of you what is going on.
Hopefully everything will finalize soon and I can announce it.

In the meantime, pitchers and catchers are getting much closer. As for the Super Bowl, Shaun Alexander leads Seattle to a 21-17 win over the Steelers.

More later...

Prior Planning

2006-01-30T08:02:00.000-06:00

Mark Prior signed a 3.65 million dollar 1 year extension with the Cubs on Friday. Is this a smart move for the Cubs, Prior, or both? It seems like both parties think they made the smartest move, but things could backfire for either side.

For the Cubs

Smart Thinking - The Cubs feel that prior needs a solid injury free season to prove he is worthy of a long term contract. That makes sense. If they were to offer him a long term contract now and he gets injured and cannot live up to his potential, the Cubs would get burned.

Backfire - If Prior does have a Cy Young caliber year, the long term contract will be much more expensive next season while the number of other teams ready to offer high multi-year deals for him will increase exponetially. He will definately be harder to keep and the Cubs could loose him.

My Opinion - Cubs made the right choice. While I think Prior is worth a long term high dollar contract, it is nice that he has to work for it. We all know what it is like to pay a premium salary for a player that thinks he just deserves it and does not perform (rhymes with SO SO). Worst case, we get a Cy Young performance out of him this year and loose him. At least we got a Cy Young pitcher for one year.

For Mark Prior

Smart Thinking - Prior knows what he can do and knows he fell on bad luck last season. If he accepted a long term contract now, he could end up out performing the $10 million plus pitchers while earning less than half of their salaries. Then you become unhappy and it would effect your performance. With a good year, Prior can name his price, and he would deserve it.

Backfire - God forbid, Prior could have another injury filled season and I hate to say it, be another Kerry Wood. I love Wood, but to have so much potential and have your team trying to figure out where to use you and who can replace you when you go down is dissapointing. If Prior cannot prove his worth, he would be looking at another one year deal with the Cubs or even another team for less money.

My Opinion - Prior made the right choice. Mark is an old school work horse. He is not wanting anything handed to him. He knows he will have a good year as long as he has no freak injuries. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball right now and he just has to let everyone else see that. I predict a Cy Young season out of him, and I hope the Cubs will reward him properly with a LONG term, HIGH dollar contract. He is the Cubs future.

Wouldn't it be nice if all players in baseball had to work for their salaries?

Big news coming...........

2006-01-30T02:54:00.000-06:00

No, this is not a post about Barry Zito being traded for this week, but some news I hope to share with some of you.

As it is now there are two things going on and they could lead to something big. I hope to know sometime this week about it, so stay tuned.

No baseball, but Jack's Back

2006-01-20T01:14:00.000-06:00

Not much on the Cub front the last couple of days. My good buddy Mike Eady is still rejoicing over the Corey Patterson deal. With little news it is time to mention a couple of things in the entertainment world.
I am a TV junkie. Now I hate reality TV, but give me a good comedy or Drama and I am feeling pretty good.
This past week "24" has hit the air again. They started season five with a bang and I for one can't wait to see how this season will pan out.
Also back from a few months lay off is the great "Scrubs." It still puzzles me how people stay away from smart TV and go for the mindless stuff. Scrubs is the perfect mix of comedy and drama.
Now my major gripe with networks has to be FOX. Arrested Development is the funniest thing on TV. I guess people don't get how funny it really is.
On the movie front I just saw Glory Road. Nothing special, but I was entertained. It will not crack my Top 10 sports movies.
Which brings me to my next question. What are your favorite shows and sports movies? I mean we should all like Bull Durham or Field of Dreams, but how about lesser known movies.
Leave a list in the comments sections if you like.
Until spring training keep the faith that the Cubs might play over their heads in 2006.

Just when we thought it could not get worse.....

2006-01-12T04:43:00.000-06:00

Again sorry about the lack of posts, but bad news just gets me down. We sign a guy who can't hit lefties. We trade away a guy that used to be the answer to who was the best player in the system. Then we are going to trade our best left-handed bat or not use him. What makes things worse is another guy that should not have been brought back is going to platoon at second base.
And we wonder how we have not won a World Series since 1908. I am always positive when the season starts and I suppose that if our pitching holds up things will be better, but really can we except that?
Now there is talk of signing our GM that continues to put pieces in the hand of manager that is reading "Manager for Dummies." If he gets his extension, then I am sure our worst nightmare since Don Baylor will get another extension. Why couldn't the Dodgers brought him home?
Not to mention that our GM is reading baseball cards to sign players. Maybe we can put good players in his hand. You think that might work? He is only buying decks with sub par players. That has to be it.
I may sound a little down, but overall life is going well. Job is good, I won a World Championship in my simulation league and life is pretty good. It is just these stingy Chicago Cubs and their moves that keep me up at night.
Ok, sports fans that is it for now, but hopefully better days are ahead of us.

New Year, Same Old Story

2006-01-02T04:59:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been away, but I was on vacation back to Alabama over the Holidays. Then, Christmas basketball tournaments started. I hope to have some time to post over the next few weeks and I am working on the next part of the Wrigley Tales series. Hopefully, I am not putting too much of a negative spin on things.
It is just the signings of Jacque Jones and the handful of relievers do not stir my emotions in a good way. There is also the problem that Jones can't hit left handed pitching. Also, Corey Patterson is a still a Cub. I am not totally against this, but my buddy is up in arms that he is still in the club house. We have three 2B on the roster. There are still concerns with the health of our pitching.
I remember after the NLCS loss in 03 that things were set up to dominate. What a pipe dream that was. Be ready folks, our time is slipping and it scares me. I really thought rebuilding was a thing of the past, but things could crumble at any moment.
Lets look at some of what we may suspect in 2006.
SP - Maddux, Wood, Prior, Zambrano, Rusch-Williams
If Wood and Prior make 30 starts then it is an improvement. If not, we could be in serious trouble. Maddux will probably turn in a worse season. Zambrano's arm might fall off. We might deal Prior and who knows about Rusch and Williams.
Prediction - Starters improve
RP - Dempster, Howery, Eyre, Ohman, Novao, Wurtz, ?????
On paper the pen looks better, but on paper we looked better in 2004 when we signed LaTroy Hawkins. We spent quite a bit on money on the pen. Dempster is another year removed from surgery, so he might be better. Howery and Eyre are coming off big contract years.
Prediction - Pen improves slightly
1B - Lee
Monster 2005, no way he puts up those great numbers.
Prediction - decrease
2B - Walker, Hairston, Perez
Walker is the best with the bat. Perez is better with the glove and Hairston is happy medium. My guy says Walker is dealt before the Cubs break camp and then Hairston becomes the starter at 2B.
Prediction - About the same
SS - Cedeno, Perez
It looks like Dusty will have to play Cedeno for at least a month. My nightmare is that he gets hurt and Neifi is our starting SS for the year. I really want to see how Cedeno does in a full season.
Prediction - With all the injuries a year ago, Cedeno actually produces more
3B - Ramirez
If he is healthy, he is on the better 3B in the game. If the leg problems continue, it is a good chance that John Mabry or Neifi gets more playing time
Prediction - Ramirez puts up slightly better numbers.
LF - Murton
The Cubs rushed Murton along and he has yet to show much power. If he only hits 10 HR and walks a ton, then I am happy. I am glad to see a guy in Cub uniform that actually takes a walk. A line of .295/.360 would be real nice. Add a little slugging and we have a great find. Lets just hope Hairston or Mabry do not make it into Dusty's good graces.
Prediction - Better production
CF - Pierre
Here is one place that there is improvement that can be seen. Pierre fills the leadoff hole the Cubs have had for years. As long as he plays a decent CF and gets on base it is an improvement.
Perdiction - Better production
RF - Jones
Before the O's signed Burnitz this was the worst deal of the off season. Jones had two good seasons in Minnesota and if by some miracle returns to that form, then the Cubs have made a steal. Too bad this is not going to happen. He probably will produce about the same as Burnitz (man what were the O's thinking). Still this was a bad deal, three years and he can't hit left handed pitching.
Prediction - same, maybe worse, praying for better.

There is a quick breakdown, but it looks like no joy in Mudville this season and the 100 year mark draws even closer. Happy New Year and at least we are tied for first right now.

Winter Meetings?

2005-12-09T06:19:00.000-06:00

Sorry that It has been so long since I have contributed, but it has been a while since I have had anything worthy of a post. Wait a minute, have the Cubs done anything this offseason worthy of writing about? Well maybe... Juan Pierre is a good addition, as long as we can get rid of Corey Patterson. Pierre will take over center field and I think Murton should be given every oppertunity to play left field every day. So that means that with Cedeno playing short, the Cubs will have two rookies in the line up, OH NO! So what! Hopefully they will have two good rookies in the lineup. Better than no rookies and a bunch of old has beens that give good "Clubhouse presence." While that is a good thing, I think their on field performance is a lot more important.

The additions of Howry and Eyre serve to make the bullpen better, but nowhere near exceptional. Can Dempster repeat last year's somewhat solid performance now that the pressure is on? Good question. I believe the performance of the starters and the rest of the team will shape the bullpen. If they never get the ball with the lead, they will grow discouraged and it will show. If you give them a chance to play in a win every day, they should rise to the occasion.

The addition of John Maybry, well, ho hum. Another utility bench player to replace Macias. I think the swap out will be of little or no impact. Sorry John, need to show us more before we think we snagged a steal.

So where do we stand for 2006? Still got some work to do at the meetings.

We definately need to find ourselves a right fielder. Without giving up the farm, litterally. We have had some strong talent in the minors for the past couple of years. I beleive all of the talent has not come out partially due to poor coaching and managing, but we won't go there. Anyway, a big stick like Abreu or Aubry Huff might help our support Lee and Ramierez, but we would have to pay for players like that.

Cedeno may be the future at shortstop, but if we cannot land a big stick from the right field position, we might need to sit Cedeno for a while and grab up an unhappy Tejada from the Orioles or something like that.

I still think there is a lot of play in Todd Walker. He is a solid fielder and has had flashes of power. I think he could be our everyday guy at second if he knows he has the chance to earn it. But if the Cubs keep dangling him out there as trade bait, someone will definately bite. And I am certain that we will all be dissapointed at what we get in return. My guess is the front office will give up too many prospects and "throw in" Todd Walker to get some over 30 starter who is recovering from sholder surgery and had a medicocre 8 - 11 season last year.

So, do we need another starter? Well we gave away Mitre who had the potential to be our 5th. So we are in a bind cause Borowski is no longer with us to eat innings. So we can pray that we have Zambrano and Maddux to eat innings and hold the team together, a full season from Prior (who could prove to be Cy Young material when it clicks) and a flashback season from Kerry Wood. Then I think Jerome Williams can easily fill the #5 spot. If the cubs could land a better #5 guy without giving up anything more than a second rate prospect and Corey Patterson, then by all means DO IT!

My last note.....

If no one picks up Nomar and the Cubs have another shot, I think if he will accept less money, he is still a darn good player and should be given a shot to be a Cub super star. He can still do it folks. He can still pick it at short and is not a bad 3rd base fill in either. If we have the chance, it might not be a bad idea. Nothing could be worse than to have him go elsewhere, have an MVP year and come back and beat us. Think about it... If it does not work out, Cedeno is ready to pounce on the job. If it does work, we could have another 30+ HR bat in the lineup.

OK, so lets see how the rest of the off season plays out. My guess is that no Cubs fan will actually be excited about our lineup going into Spring Training. DEJA VU?

Now Playing at a Blog near you

2005-12-09T04:56:00.000-06:00

You are about to enter a land that is unknown. This land has been off limits to us for almost 100 years, but due to some technology it is now possible to show the public.
It is chance to explore a world of darkness and shadows and maybe in time we can light to this situation.
The names have not been changed to protect the innocent. All must be held accountable for the dark times. There have been few moments along the way, but for there is no end in sight of this dark plague that bears down upon us.
This my friends are the “Wrigley Tales.”
In all seriousness now, I have decided to write small scenes about the inner-workings of the Chicago Cubs. They will be similar to this post: Larry's K Machines
I will start a scene a week and I hope you enjoy the humor in our desperation as Cub fans.
Without further interruption, I bring you the “Wrigley Tales.”
In addition to our familiar cast of characters there will be some fictional ones to help bring light of the situation.

Wrigley Tales – Part 1- “The Perez Situation”

Scene 1 starts in a living room as the 2005 World Series is going on.

The final out is recorded and the man in shadow gets up to shut off the TV.
Man: Well, that is just great. First the Red Sox and now of all the teams the White Sox go and win.

The light switches on and it is revealed the man in darkness is none other than Jim Hendry. Hendry is the GM of the Cubs.

Still talking to himself
Jim: I thought our fans were bad last year. Now the Southside has a title and I still have no offense, no bench and questionably no coach. Man, I missed the boat on Dusty. I guess the Giants new what they were doing letting him go. Now, my job stands with a man that could not coach our company softball team.

Hendry walks down a hall and thinks a new season starts tomorrow.

Jim: There is much work to do in the next few weeks.

Scene 2 takes place in an office with Dusty Baker, Hendry, Andy McPhail and Hendry’s assistant Addison Clark. The four are discussing things that must go on for the Cubs to have a chance to win in 2006.

Jim: Ok, guys this meeting will lay the groundwork for our next couple weeks and months. First lets list the things that went right and things we can improve on.

Dusty: D-Lee was absolute machine. I credit the work I made with him in the start of Spring Training. Also we were in the race until September.

Clark: Give me a break Dusty. Yes, Lee had a monster year that was wasted on this team. Your other suggestion that we were in the race was only because the teams were so mediocre.

Andy: Now, Clark just calm down a little. We had a very successful year.

Clark: Yeah, extorting the pockets of the fans for every dime you can. Now there are new bleachers going up and that will give the team even greater resources to turn a profit.

Jim: Guys! Guys! Let us stay on point.

Clark: I will show you on point. First off we need to improve our pitchers health. Without Prior and Wood making more than 15 starts the Cubs have no chance. Next a leadoff hitter that is not named Patterson or Perez would be great. At least we don’t have to see Neifi anymore. There are so many useful guys out on the market that could help the team.

Jim: That is not entirely true.

Clark: What, there aren’t more useful guys out there? We already have Ronnie Cendeno, Jerry Hairston Jr. and Todd Walker since you picked up his option today.

Jim: No. Perez is coming back.

Clark: Oh good lord, what are you smoking Jim. Sure, he had to play last year, but we had a chance to let him leave. Now we have to deal with him getting 90 starts from Dusty.

Dusty[very offended]: He was very solid for us.

Clark[sarcastic]: Sorry I offended you, but Jim there is no need for another infielder for one year.

Jim: That is not entirely true either.

Clark: You didn’t? Not a two-year deal, oh please say I am on Candid Camera or Ashton Kutcher is right through that wall and I am being Punked. What did he sign a 2-year 2 million dollar deal?

Andy: I get the reference to Candid Camera, but what is punked? Is it somebody that goes around hurting people.

Clark: Oh please, it is a show that plays practical jokes....oh why do I bother. Now, Jim what is it 2.5, 3 or 3.5 million?

Jim: He wanted a little more, so I gave him a 2-year 5 million dollar contract.

Andy: We are very loyal to our players here in Chicago.

Clark: We are still the same organization that ran off the top pitcher in the 90’s.

Dusty: We brought him back.

Clark: Oh forgive me; we wasted Cy Young’s so we could bring back a guy that gives up home runs every other at bat. Granted, I like Greg as much as everybody else, but don’t give me that song and dance.

Jim: We felt that Neifi gives us much needed flexibility.

Clark: Flexibility! Flexibility! (With a little more anger) Do you guys not know we are need of a major offensive overhaul? Don’t answer that Dusty! I meant it as a rhetorical question. Wait, did you say five million?

Jim: Yes.

Clark: Five million dollars. You guys know that Cardinals are only spending like 300,000 on their second baseman? We have major holes at SS, relief pitching, starting pitching and an entire outfield to sign and you spent 5 million on our utility man.

Andy: We are not the Cardinals.

Clark: Of course not. We have not been to a World Series and a NLCS in back-to-back years.

Andy: We once won back-to-back World Series.

Clark: I give up. [Throwing his notebook off the table]

Jim: I think this was a very productive day. Tomorrow our new season starts.

Join us next time for Part 2 of Wrigley Tales – “In Need of Relief”

Jose it was fun; Well, maybe not fun.......

2005-12-08T01:30:00.000-06:00

Rotoworld had this to say:

Cubs designated infielder-outfielder Jose Macias for assignment.
Definitely one of the game's most overdue transactions. Macias, 34, is a career .256/.298/.371 hitter. He hit .254/.274/.316 in 177 AB for the Cubs last season. Dec. 8 - 1:52 am et

With John Mabry signing yesterday it only made sense for Macias to be cut. Finally a move this off season that I have no problem with or any other Cub fan.

Leading off.........

2005-12-07T05:18:00.000-06:00

It looks like Jim Hendry has made the first move to fix the offense. I have looked around at a bunch of different sites and the reviews are mixed. I tend to agree three arms are a lot to give up for a one year rental possibly. Anyone else notice that Hendry deals with like only four teams. Dodgers, Pirates, Marlins and Red Sox are on his speed dial. There are still some conflicting info about if there are two or three pitchers. I am sure that will be finalized today.

The Marlins have tentatively agreed on a deal to send Juan Pierre to the Cubs for pitchers Sergio Mitre, Ricky Nolasco and Renyel Pinto, according to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.
Not a bad deal for the Cubs. Mitre wasn't in the team's plans for 2006, and Pinto's stock has fallen quite a bit. Nolasco is the pitcher here they're most likely to regret parting with, though he's probably not ready yet. Mitre should move right into Florida's rotation. Pierre will likely start in center field and bat leadoff for the Cubs. The team still could go after Milton Bradley to play right field

One thing is Pierre gives the Cubs one guy they can slot No. 1 in the lineup. This will limit Dusty Baker using Niefi Perez or Corey Patterson at that spot.

Pierre is still young, 28, and still has decent speed. The only problem is the drop in production from 2003-2004 to his 2005 numbers. His batting average dropped 50 points in one year and thus all of his other numbers suffered.

The opening day lineup looks like this right now.

1. Pierre CF
2. Walker 2B
3. Lee 1B
4. Ramirez 3B
5. Barrett C
6. Murton LF
7. Cedeno SS
8. Patterson RF

I can't see the Cubs going into the season with an OF of Pierre, Murton and Patterson. Just not a fearful lineup. If the reports are right, then the head gamer Milton Bradley might be headed to the Cubs.
I know he is not known for his team play, but this is the thing Dusty is supposed to be good at. Getting the most of players like Bradley. If the Cubs get Bradley he would slide in at probably No. 5 in the lineup. That would slide everybody down. While, not a great lineup an addition of Bradley would be better than last season. Bradley is a quality defender and would help protect Ramirez in the lineup.

I would not be surprised if Bradley is a Cub by Wednesday night. Of course, there are many other things that could happen, but with the market like it is Bradley is probably cheaper than going after somebody else.

Cubs look to Pierre

2005-11-23T21:28:00.000-06:00

A couple days ago we heard Juan Pierre might be traded to the Cubs

WSCR 670 in Chicago is reporting that the Cubs are close to acquiring Juan Pierre from the Marlins for three prospects.
One would be left-hander Renyel Pinto. According to the report, center fielder Felix Pie wouldn't be involved. Another expendable reliever probably would be. Roberto Novoa or Jermaine Van Buren could help the Marlin

Another work on Howry. It is offical as he makes slighty more than Eyre got. The pen is pretty set. I also forgot to leave out Scott Williamson in the previous post. There are probably more moves in the bullpen to come.

Now, back to Pierre. I looked at this deal a couple days ago and there has to be some more moves to follow.

Here is the potential lineup with who the Cubs have and with Pierre here:

1. Pierre OF
2. Walker 2B
3. Lee 1B
4. Ramirez 3B
5. Barrett C
6. Murton OF
7. Patterson OF
8. Cedeno SS

On the bench the Cubs would have Neifi and that scares everybody. Also Jerry Hairston would be back and could slide into an OF spot if the Cubs move Patterson and fail to bring in somebody else. There are still some big problems with this lineup, but it is getting better. Patterson will likely be dealt and with good cause, but the Cubs have to have a better OF option than Hairston or somebody else. It would really help if the Cubs got a bat to protect Ramirez and then shift Barrett and company down a little.
Right now, this is the lineup in some part, but I am sure it will change. The Bullpen is pretty much set and that is a good thing.

The Bullpen, We can Rebuild it......Well you get it

2005-11-22T03:40:00.000-06:00

Jim Hendry has had no problem adding bullpens arms to this point. If this story is correct Bobby Howry will be the next FA to sign with the Cubs.

According to the Neward Star-Ledger, the Cubs and Bobby Howry are nearing an agreement on a three-year deal.
The Cubs must have very little faith in the pitchers they've been developing over the last few years. Howry will probably get even more than the $11 million that Scott Eyre is set to earn over the next three years.

So if he gets more money than Eyre, how will we actually get FA that really help us. If we go with seven guys the pen will look something like this I guess:

1. R. Dempster
2. B. Howry
3. S. Eyre
4. R. Novoa
5. W. Ohman
6. M. Wuertz
7. J. Williams/G. Rusch?????

We could have actually spent a little more and landed B.J. Ryan, but Hendry looks like he is looking for quantity.
While, on paper this pen looks better, but for how long? Eyre and Howry are both over 30.
Hendry has yet to address the biggest problem. That would be the offense. So far he has signed Neifi Perez and picked up an option for Toddy Walker. Well, still no leadoff hitter. Still no outfield to speak of. Well, we do have one thing....our bullpen's payroll might rival the Florida Marlin's entire payroll this year.

Unless, they can get on before Lee, I don't give a damn at this point.

Wake me when the offense starts to show up.

Running and pitching

2005-11-18T06:49:00.000-06:00

So, Scott Eyre is the first domino to drop. All I have to say is he is no B.J. Ryan and the deal is a lot like we have seen in the past. Will he help? I lean towards yes, but now Eyre, Glendon Rusch and Neifi Perez have been inked to deals. How about some real impact players like a SS or a leadoff hitter. Maybe a new centerfielder or a right fielder that hits over .250. So far we are in the same boat and even worse if Neifi is a full time player in 2006.

During the story I read this quote jumped out at me:

"[Rothschild is] not big on making us run 30 laps before you pitch," Eyre said. "He said if you're ready to pitch every day, you can do whatever you want."

Give me a break. "Whatever you want"!!!! Oh lord and we wonder why our pitchers having arm problems. We might be waiting to 2007 if Larry keeps this going on. Here is my Scrubs fantasy moment (if you don't catch the reference, then go buy Scrubs Season 1 and 2 right now)

Fade In on Cubs spring training 2006:

Larry Rothschild is sitting in a chair with a drink and an umbrella over his head.

Larry: Guys this is going to be our year. Carlos keep throwing until you hit your spots.
Zambrano: Coach, my arm is starting to hurt.
Larry: Really, how many pitches have you thrown?
Z: I thought was your job to count.
Larry: They don't pay me by the pitch, but how many guys you strikeout.
Z: That is nice, but my arm?
Larry: Really, Z just keep throwing. Remember I don't make you run. All you have to do is pitch and keep those K's coming.

Carlos thinks to himself that maybe a meeting with Dr. Andrews is coming.

Mark Prior: Larry, so how am I going to avoid arm problems this year.
Larry: Well, I think not running will help. I am sure that it was your legs that hurt you.
Prior: That does not sound right. Doesn't Roger work out a lot to build leg drive and stay healthy?
Larry: We can't all be freaks now. I am sure he is doing something that is unnatural. He is like a Sith Lord.
Prior: Sith Lord? You know Star Wars is fake right?
Larry: You would think so, but there is something about that force thing.

Prior thinks to himself that he might have already won a Cy Young if the Twins would have taken him instead of Joe Mauer.

Kerry Wood: Larry what's going on?
Larry: Nothing much, just going to pick up my check from last year.
Wood: Check from last year, why would you get that now?
Larry: This is for all the strikeouts from a year ago. A little lower because of that Maddux guy.
Wood: He has been saying that there is more to pitching than just striking guys out.
Larry: He is a cancer and does not like the fact he is not thought of as the best pitcher in the game.
Wood: Maybe, but he stays off the DL. I can't stay off of it and I know that there is something I can try.
Larry: Just you keep firing that ball in there and racking up those K's. That is your game.

Wood thinks to himself it might have been good if he never struck out 20 guys in a year.

Larry walks away as he counts his money.
Larry: Damn we were down almost 100 K's from 2004. Have to find a way to patch that Wood kid up for one more year. If we can get 1,400 K's this year then I can buy a ranch before they find out I have no clue what I am doing.

The new season starts now

2005-11-15T04:44:00.000-06:00

The free agency period has started and there are many Cub rumors out there.
This morning I read that Juan Pierre is close to becoming a Cub for two minor league players. The only thing I worry about is whom we give up in such a deal. Pierre is an upgrade to Corey Patterson, but he is total answer. We still need another quality OF to go with Matt Murton (and that is if the Cubs go in that direction).
If I had to guess right the lineup would look like this heading into 2006:
1. Pierre
2. Walker
3. Lee
4. A. Ramirez
5. FA OF
6. Barrett
7. Murton
8. Cedeno

That is assuming that we don't get another shortstop in FA. I am still not sure we will land Rafael Furcal. If we land Furcal then things chance quite a bit. Probably something like this.

1. Pierre
2. Furcal
3. Lee
4. Ramirez
5. FA OF
6. Barrett
7. Murton
8. Cedeno

In this situation Todd Walker is traded to pick up another OF from somebody. Of course our biggest fear at this point would be Neifi Perez getting to start at SS in either situation. Injuries are one thing, but not at least bringing a starter is out of the question. We also still have Jerry Hairston in the mix, so there are still many things that could happen. After the first domino falls things will start to get clearer.

The pitching situation is really up in the air also. It seems like Jim Hendry is going to stockpile arms. If I had to guess these five pitchers would make up our opening day rotation.

1. Zambrano
2. Prior
3. Wood
4. Maddux
5. Rusch

That leaves Jerome Williams, Rich Hill and host of others guy on the outside. Rusch looks better as a starter, but Williams looked good down the stretch for the most part. I would rather this problem, and then not have enough pitching. The main thing is Kerry Wood going to be healthy? If he is our staff gets a boost right there. Also I am worried every year that Zambrano is heading to arm problems, but maybe he can take the work.

The bullpen is just a cloudy as the FA period begins. The Cubs for the most part have gone with 12 pitchers the last couple of years. So that means we need seven relievers. Right now Ryan Dempster is the only sure thing.

1. Dempster
2. Novoa
3. Ohman
4. Wuertz

Those four guys will be back and that leaves three spots left. Scott Williamson had his option picked up, and hopefully after some rest he will be the Williamson of old. That would be a huge lift to the pen. Before his arm went out in Boston in 2005 he had a 1.26 ERA. He also did not five up an earned run in his last eight chances. Jermaine Van Buren is another option. He only had six innings for a team that was heading nowhere. I would have loved to see him get a couple of more chances. You have to figure that either Rusch or Williams will be in the pen if they are not starting. Todd Wellemeyer's has to get some control after a season with a +6 ERA. The Cubs could really upgrade the pen by adding an arm like B.J. Ryan. That would really allow the Cubs to slide everybody down one spot.

Anything can happen, but I have to say right now we could go either way. Once the first move happens that will give us a much better idea of the rest of the off-season. Until keep the faith and Cubs in 2006!!!

Oh God Make it Stop

2005-11-08T01:53:00.000-06:00

The Cubs are bringing back Neifi Perez. Let the gagging start and now we can start complaining. Jim Hendry is out of his freaking mind to give Dusty Baker such a player.
Sure Jim has made some good moves, but these moves are starting to overshadow the good. Bringing back Glendon Rusch and now Perez could really come back to hurt us. This also could mean the end of Todd Walker, who is a much better hitter than Perez.

Please lets start cleaning house.

What a terrible start to the birthday week

2005-10-16T22:52:00.000-05:00

My birthday is Tuesday and let me say this is shaping up like a bad one. It was already bad enough when I knew that the Astros or Cardinals were going to the World Series. Now to make it worse, the Southsiders have gone and won the ALCS. Just plain sick if you ask me.
I am sure I will watch a few innings here and there, but I am so happy the high school team I cover for work is actually winning, so it keeps my mind on other things.
The only birght spot is the Alabama Crimson Tide is now No. 5 in the nation.

Roll Tide!!!!

Who to root for?

2005-10-10T06:23:00.000-05:00

Raise your hand if you have nobody to root for in the playoffs. I am in that group. I watched most of the Braves/Astros marathon today and I really could have cared less who won. I hate the Braves and there is no love for the Astros. Then we have the Cardinals, no need to explain that. On the American League side it is not much better.
At least we will not have the repeat of the 98 World Series with the Padres and Yankees. That may have been the worst ever. I guess the only team I don't have something against is the Angles of Anaheim or whatever they are called. Then again, they did win a World Series recently and that is not fair if they win again.
Just a quick post about nothing, but please just don't let the Yankees win the title.

To my friend

2005-10-04T05:05:00.000-05:00

The Benda, aka Ben Ladner, was not a Cubs fan. He was a true a sports fan and talking sports with Ben was always fun. He was there for games six and seven in 2003. Not to rub it in about some damn curse, but rather with a nice bourbon to help drink away the bad memories. Ben understood what it meant to be a fan and why I can never forgive Alex Gonzalez.
I had many adventures with him over the years. From Boston to Miami and all over the Southeast we found ways to enjoy losing or get in trouble. He wrecked my parents’ car and never let it show he was worried. For the record, I thought the world was ending, but it did not.
There were epic battles on playstation that went on for years. Year after year new games were bought and new rivalries were born. Whether it be in the SEC or the Sun Belt, each game always was for bragging rights.
Then there were college classes together. I took Music Appreciation and Chemistry with him because he had not been a student for quite some time. In the end he helped my grades in Chemistry. He forced me to study, because he wanted to make sure he was ready for the tests. He even outscored on one test and I was never more proud of him. Even though he did not like school he still worked hard.
Our labs were always done before everybody else. That was because he let me just do it and get the answer. Later we would go over the reasoning, but the quicker we got done the faster we could fire up the playstation and leave school.
In our music class we were supposed to attend concerts and review them, but because of my music background I found stuff I could review without attending. Then I passed on some points to Ben, so he could write his review. Of course allowing more time for drinking or playing playstation.
I will miss my friend Ben. He always brought a smile to my face or a drink to my hand. He knew how to live life and I thank him for that.
Until that time I will let my problems go and drink my bourbon nice and slow.
Thanks for the memories Ben.

This is Cubs baseball

2005-09-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of fresh content from me in the past two weeks, but it is been crazy. I hope to annouce some exciting news in the next couple of days, but we will see if it happens. I was back in Alabama during Labor Day with my brother and we saw a few games.
I want to go on record and say it is important that we finish .500 or better. I just cannot take losing and it would be nice to have three years of above .500 baseball. There are no delusions of playoffs, but just solid baseball from Matt Murton and company would be nice and to pick up Greg Maddux's 15th win.
Until tomorrow enjoy today's win.

What a Rusch

2005-09-07T10:32:00.000-05:00

Glendon Rush had a perfect game going into the 7th inning, before David Eckstein lead off the 7th with a single up the middle. My inital reaction to his performance was very highly rated. To pitch the way he did against a super offensive charged Cardinals team is phenomenal. He hit his spots consistantly during the perfect game run.

After thinking after the game was finally over about Rusch's performance, I begin to think "What happens next?" Will Glendon be back next season? And if so, what will his role be?

My inital thinking is that Glendon will be back with the Cubs next season, as the long reliever/spot starter. I think its the only role for Rusch on this team. He couldnt do it as a middle reliever, and hasn't been as good as last season in the rotation, although he did start off well. It will be an interesting off-season to say the least.

Cub Fans - You Sicken Me

2005-09-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

Did my title catch your attention? I hope so. The "great and loyal" Cub fans have really pissed me off as of late. I'm almost glad that their season has turned out so bad, because now all of the bandwagon fans and blogs have started to disappear, and the Cubs can finalyl see who their loyal fans are.

Over the past week, I have started seeing some of my favorite blogs having new stories every day. Its funny, I thought the Cubs last game was on October 2nd.

I guess I can understand to a certain point with the Cubs being for the most part out of the playoff race, even though technically a small glimer of hope is still present as its not official that they are out of the race, they just have to win every game for the rest of the year. Now I know that wont happen, and they are out of the race, but that doesn't mean I have to stop watching, or reading about the Cubs. I dont give up when my team isnt going to be playing into October after the regular season is over. Everyone else has just threw in their towl and will wait til the season is actually over before getting either moving to a new team in the offseason, or they will start re-pledging their "love" for the Cubs.

Don't be fooled Chicago Cubs. They are all phonies. I am still here for you though. And I always will be, even if you go 0-162.

A Day To Remember; Sandberg Style

2005-08-29T11:26:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a fantastic for true Cub fans. Not only did the Cubs pound the Marlins, but Ryne Sandberg was forever solidified as one of the Cubs all-time greats.

The number 23 will never be worn by another member of the Chicago Cubs. Ryno joins the ranks of Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo as the only 4 Cubs to have their numbers retired.

Sandberg was my hero growing up, and is still my favorite player of all-time. He truely played for the love of the game, and gave 100% every time he was out on that field. He may not have the kinds of numbers that players today have, but his defense and his hardwork will be forever remembered, at least by me.

A few weeks ago while on vacation, my brothers and I had a debate about which Cub will be the next to have his number retired. My initial thought would be Greg Maddux (#31), but after I thought about it, I remember that Fergie Jenkins also wore that number before Mad Dog's time. Fergie is a Hall of Famer, just like Maddux will be. If the Cubs do retire Maddux's number, does that give disrespect to Fergie? my 2nd thought was Sammy Sosa (#21). During the "golden years" as I like to call of Sosa's career (1993-2003), it would be hard not to give Sosa the respect that he deserves for what he accomplished on this team. But it could very well be that his last year here could remain a sour taste on the North Side, but we'll have to see how that plays out.

For now, I think it will be some time before another number is retired. I do think that there have been some players that were well overlooked and should have their numbers retired, ie Hack Wilson. I'm not in charge though. But if I was...well I guess thats a whole nother post for a different time.

It's not over till the fat lady sings!!

2005-08-26T10:10:00.000-05:00

Okay, so the season is coming close to the end. The Cubs haven't played as well as we would have liked them to so far. We are 19.5 games out of our division and 7.5 games out of the wild card. Now some people are already giving up on the season. I know 7.5 games are hard to overcome, but we have 35 games left this year. Now we can't do it all by ourselves this year, we do need a little help from other teams. There are 6 teams ahead of us in the wildcard. The Cubs have 3 games coming up with Florida, 7 games left with Houston, and 3 games with the Brewers. But you say even if the Cubs do play well in those 3 series there are 3 other teams ahead of us. The Phillies hae 6 games with Florida, 3 with Houston, 6 with the Mets, and 6 with the Nationals. The Mets also have 6 games with Florida and 6 more with the Nationals. The Nationals along with the series against the Phils and Mets, have 7 games against Florida. Houston also has 4 games with Florida and 6 with Milwaukee(along with the 7 against the Cubs and 3 w/ Phils.). (Also look at bottom of article for games left among teams). Now looking at this I really believe the Cubs are still in it. Some of these teams are going to beat up on each other and help the Cubs cause. The Cubs are still going to have to play good ball and put a lot of W's on the board, but I Know they have it in them. It would be all that much sweeter to see the Cubs come from behind and make it to the playoffs while watching it, then giving up on them now and hearing about their comeback from other people. So Cubs fans keep your gear out and keep up the cheering cause the Cubs are going to make the stretch run.

Games left:

Cubs- 3 w/ Fla. 7 w/ Houston. 3 w/ Brewers
Houston- 7 w/ Cubs. 3 w/ Phils. 4 w/ Fla. 6 w/ Mil.
Milwaukee- 3 w/ Cubs. 6 w/ Houston
Philly- 6 w/ Fla. 3 w/ Houston. 6 w/ Mets. 6 w/ Washington.
Florida- 3 w/ Cubs. 6 w/ Mets. 7 w/ Wash. 6 w/ Phil. 4 w/ Houston.
Mets- 6 w/ Phils. 6 w/ Fla. 6 w/ Wash.
Washington- 6 w/ Phils. 7 w/ Fla. 6 w/ Mets.