Dormant bats awoken, fans cheered heroes of old, and the bullpen showed again why they're among the best in the business, as the Cubs came back from eight-run deficit -- 8-0 and 9-1 -- to beat the Colorado Rockies 10-9.
The story today was definitely the home runs; seven in all. The Rockies hit a pair to set the tone early on. First, Todd Helton's three-run homer in the 1st, and then a two-run shot by Chris Iannetta in the 3rd. Really, Ted Lilly had nothing today, lasting only three before mercifully being yanked for Jon Lieber. Sadly, Jon was no better, giving up three more runs in 3 2/3 innings. The Cubs picked up a run in the 4th on a DeRosa sacrifice fly, but going into the 6th, the Cubs were down 9-1. And admit it. You thought they were done. I certainly did.
And then the bats just came alive. Micah Hoffpauir, who entered the game at the top of the inning with Henry Blanco, got things started with a ground-rule double to left. Then Kosuke Fukudome and Jim Edmonds -- yes, the old and broken one -- went yard in consecutive at-bats, and made this a ballgame.
Things really got interesting though in the 7th, when the Cubs scored six runs to take the lead. After a Soriano groundout to start the inning, and with Mike Fontenot on second, Henry Blanco goes yard to left. Micah then singled to center, chasing Aaron Cook, and bringing on Manny Corpas. Kosuke singles to center, and Jim Edmonds -- yep, him again -- hit a two-run double to clear the bases. And bring the Cubs to within one. And then. Well, and then something special. Mark DeRosa hit a home run to drive in Jim Edmonds, and give the Cubs the lead for good.
Credit the bullpen for locking down this game. Carlos Marmol was absolutely light-out in the 8th, striking out the side. And Kerry Wood as well in the 9th, who got an extremely fortunate double-play on a line-drive to second. It was just that kind of day.
I know there won't always be days like this. Or winning streaks, for that matter. And before it's all over, there will be some ugly streaks along the way. But there's something special happening with this team. And it's pretty nice to be along for the ride.
I'm out of exclamations. I've used many to describe the 2008 Cubs team, and I'm fresh out for the moment. Shame too, as they again found a way to win last night, with Alfonso Soriano hitting a game-winning single to left, giving the Cubs a 2-1 win in 10 innings.
I don't think I've personally watched or seen a better pitching performance than last night since Weaver vs. MIllwood back in April. The Derek Lowe vs. Carlos Zambrano matchup was fantastic. Both pitchers were on last night, and with the cooler air to boot, each could have probably gone nine, if the situation allowed. Zambrano did have a touch of wildness early on, allowing a pair of two-out singles, and a HBP to load the bases in the 3rd. Then walking in the only Dodgers run with a free pass to Blake Dewitt, before retiring Chin-lung Hu to end the inning. And that looked like all the runs the Dodgers would need, as Lowe gave way to Jonathan Broxton in the 8th inning, who easily struck out the side.
But the late innings were once again where the Cubs did their best work. In the 9th, an extremely patient Cubs team let Dodgers closer Takashi Saito suffer through some fairly extreme wildness, with Ryan Theriot and Aramis Ramirez drawing walks. Then, after a Fukudome singles loads the bases, Geovany Soto hit a game-tying sacrifice fly to right. Sadly, they couldn't get more then, but they came back in the 10th. After Mike Fontenot reached on a sharp double to left-center, Alfonso Soriano -- yes, that please don't boo me guy himself -- hit the game-winning single to left.
This win now leaves the Cubs with their second sweep of an NL West foe, and tied for the best record in baseball. I think the argument about how competitive the NL Central would be this season can be put to rest. And as for the new argument that I've been hearing; "It's only May, and Lou's managing like it's the playoffs", well, I say get over it. This team has a long, long history of losing. And in many of those seasons, early-season woes have doomed them from the onset, regardless of the talent level. Lou Piniella said repeatedly during the off-season that his major goal was to get the team out of the gate with a good start, and build on that. He's done it. Frankly, this team needed to be dragged kick and screaming out of a century-long doldrum, and into a winning state of mind. Some of the moves I don't particularly agree with, and I don't think a major-league manager would typically do. But this is Chicago, and this isn't a typical franchise. So, let's close our eyes for a bit, and pretend it's October.
It doesn't seem to matter what the condition, situation, team, or even how they do. Get the Cubs at Wrigley Field, and they are just going to find a way to beat you. Known for offensive explosions at home early on, they won again 3-1 last night in front of 39,854.
Maybe I'm just not living right. Last night was probably my 7th game at Wrigley this season, and it was frigid. Again. The wind chill game time was in the mid-30s, the wind was howling in, and this looked like another game that everyone wanted finished quickly. Personally, I'd like to actually see a game before August that didn't require my wearing a parka and gloves, but the good news was that pretty much everything was going to be a long, wind-blown fly last night. So if you could get to it, it was going to be an out.
Good thing too, as Sean Gallagher had loads of trouble getting his breaking ball over for strikes early on, and that was even before the ball hit off his pitching hand in the first. But his fastball was really on last night, hitting mid-90s with regularity. That, coupled with him having more luck finding his release point as the game progressed, kept the Dodgers off-balance for much of the game. Sean went seven big innings, allowing one earned run. Big, considering that this performance probably allowed Lou Piniella to properly reset his bullpen -- taxed way too hard in Pittsburgh -- back to their normal alignment. This kid just keeps looking better and better, and is looking more confident by the start. Even from when I last saw him against the Diamondbacks, he looked more confident, especially with his off-speed pitches, which still look like a work in progress.
But the big star of the night was Kosuke Fukudome, who was supposedly very excited about the matchup against Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda. First, he made a number of fantastic defensive plays; playing an Andre Ethier hit off the wall -- with a great throw to second -- to keep him to a single, then robbing him altogether with a sliding catch in the 6th. In the 7th inning, he keyed the three-run inning with a double to give the Cubs the 3-1 win. Let me set it up. With Ryan Theriot reaching on a fielders choice, Alfonso Soriano singles to left, sending Theriot to third. Blake DeWitt then bobbles the Mike Fontenot ball, allowing Theriot to score. With Dodgers Jonathan Broxton on in relief, Derrek Lee hits a sacrifice fly, sending Soriano to third. Then the Cubs come up with a big pair of two-out hits; an Aramis Ramirez single to score Soriano, then the Fukudome double to plate Fontenot. If the Japanese media was looking for theater last night, they got it. Kuroda looks like a legit major leaguer, and Fukudome was gold.
Now let me a share a couple of thoughts about who wasn't, and why. Jim Edmonds, it's over. Another 0-4 night, Jim again looked frustrated constantly at the plate, and to be frank, has no bat speed left. I've scouted the Padres games from earlier this season, and I've seen plenty of his at-bats in person now. It's not there. Maybe he can latch on with someone as a defensive replacement; perhaps a 5th outfielder somewhere. But thinking he can slug for you is silly, and the sample size is large enough to make a decision. Let him go.
Ronny Cedeno, there's a reason you're stuck on the bench. You've no head for the game, and you proved it again last night. First, your inability to move the runner over in the third, which likely cost the Cubs a run. Then your misguided error in the 7th. And finally, your inexplicable inability to get down the bunt in the 8th. Bad play all around, which I suspect speaks volumes about why you can't get off the bench. It's bad baseball, and this team won't have it.
On to today. And hopefully the sweep.
Fairly quick, exciting, and a win. It's the best Memorial Day present Cubs fans could have gotten today, as the Cubs "outdueled" the Dodgers to win 3-1.
You know what I mean. If you just looked at the line, you'd think this was just a great pitching matchup; and there were some very big spots throughout this game. But man, these teams were through. And they looked it. Even the umpires looked worn out, calling everything even remotely close a strike, and looking like they really wanted to wrap this up quickly. The Dodgers, after finishing off an extra-inning game yesterday, probably made it to the hotel here in Chicago by 1:00 this morning. If they were lucky. And the Cubs -- with their weekend full of extra innings -- couldn't have been much better, with both teams likely at the ballpark by 10:00 this morning. So with the bench thin, the bullpen worn out, and both teams in need of a win, it was up to stars to be stars. And they came through.
First with Ryan Dempster gutting out a seven inning performance, giving up only one run, on seven hits. He cruised for the most part, running into trouble only in the 5th, in which he gave up the only run on a Juan Pierre infield hit. The theme of the day seemed to be lead-off baserunners, who he allowed on in the in the 1st, 4th, 5th, and 6th. However, you have to give him credit for settling down each time, and getting out of the innings for the most part unscathed.
Next with Derrek Lee, who clobbered his 12th home run of the season -- and 250th of his career -- in the 1st, which proved to be the winning run.
Then with Aramis Ramirez, who hit a home run to deep left to give the Cubs a much needed insurance run, and allow those of us who breathlessly watched Bobby Howry get out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the inning, to exhale a bit.
And to Kerry Wood, who came on in the 9th to fire missiles, and quietly retire the Dodgers.
With most of the National League being off - including the Cardinals -- the Cubs take a half-game lead in the division into tomorrow night's game against the Dodgers. It's Kuroda vs. Gallagher in what I'm expecting to be a big night offensively. I'll be there. I hope you'll be too. In the meantime, enjoy Memorial Day.
You've seen it -- or at least heard about it -- a few times by now. Two out, bottom of the 9th, and a routine fly ball hit to Alfonso Soriano. It should have won the game. It should have won the series. And Soriano inexplicably drops it. Brian Bixler comes around to score and tie the game. And the Pirates come back to win it 5-4 in the 10th on a Jason Bay single. Sound familiar?
This game was chocked full of bobblehead moments by the Cubs though. Consider in addition to the Soriano blunder:
A fly ball hit to left in the 1st inning by Luis Rivas that goes for a home run. In reality, not only was it catchable by Soriano, but it actually bounced off the top of the wall, and back into play, making it no more than a double.
Adam LaRoche hits a fly to right that drops for a hit in the 6th. Kosuke Fukudome plays it perfectly, guns it to second, and Ryan Theriot misplays the ball completely on what should have been an easy out.Later in the inning, Reed Johnson makes a great throw to the plate that should have gunned down LaRoche. Henry Blanco misplays it, allowing the run to score.
Hell, even the Pirates got in on the act. Jason Bay casually fields a Derrek Lee hit to left, allowing him to reach second in the 8th.
Bottom line, it was a bad ballgame. Shaky pitching from the start, with Ted Lilly up and wild for all of his six innings. Lack of timely hitting. And most definitely a lack of defense and execution. And numerous failed opportunities to put this game away, with blunders each time.
Even the normally patient announce team had seen enough. I think Bob Brenly said it best when he commented "You can throw a dart at that first base dugout, and find a better defender than (Alfonso) Soriano". Let me make a suggestion. Sit his ass down. Play Jim Edmonds if left for a game or two during the upcoming Dodger series, and maybe kill three birds with one stone. It tells Soriano that his play is uninspired, and we won't stand for it. It allows you to give Edmonds a few more at-bats -- not that I don't think he should be cut tomorrow -- before making a decision. And it would probably help to let him rest his legs for a few days, and get some extended treatment. Bottom line, we're going to need Fonzie before it’s all said and done. Get right, get well, and Lou; make the needed adjustments and considerations until he does.
The good news? The as equally inept Chris Duncan had his own fielding foibles in L.A., allowing the winning run on in the 9th, and sending the Cardinals to a 4-3 loss. We're still in 1st place, with what looks like a worn out Dodgers team on the way to town. Welcome back guys. Let's get back to work.
After going 14 innings last night in a 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, you, I, and the Cubs team are likely ready to put this game down, and move on. There's a 12:35 getaway game this afternoon to boot, so I hope no one spent too much time dwelling on this loss. But it did have a little bit of everything to offer.
The Good
Marquis cobbling together something that resembled an effective start, going 5.1 innings, with three runs allowed.The bullpen pitching eight innings of two-run ball. Kosuke Fukudome going 2-4, with two BB. And the Cubs coming back from behind in typical 2008 form with three runs in the 8th, to take a 4-3 lead.
The Bad
Cub 1-4 hitters going 5-24 for the night. Reed Johnson 0-5. Every reliever save Ascanio made an appearance. Another caught stealing by Ryan Theriot, who is proving by the day that he's a much more appropriate 8th hitter than lead-off type.
The Ugly
Kerry Wood, botching his 4th save attempt of the season. I'm starting to wonder if he doesn't need to start warming up at the top of the 8th if the team is even sniffing a save situation. He hit Doug Mientkiewicz to start the inning, and then allowed a Nady single before settling down. This has happened often, where it appears that he's needed more time to warm up, come into a game shaky, and finally settle down after 10 more pitches or so. It will be interesting to see shakes this as the season wears on, but right now, it's just maddening.
Anyway, I've said enough. On to this afternoon, and hopefully another series win.
The other day I mentioned what a different look and feel the Cubs lineup has with Reed Johnson and/or Felix Pie in it. Perhaps it's the rally-killing tendencies of Jim Edmonds. Or maybe it's the productivity at the bottom of the lineup. Or maybe it's that Lou seems to put the offense in motion more on those days. I don't know. Whatever the reason, it was proven again last night, as the Cubs pounded out 19 hits -- including a three-run HR by Johnson -- and beat the Pirates 12-3. And it was a fantastic Cubs win all around.
Personally, I'm having a hard time deciding whether the star of the night was Carlos Zambrano, or the bottom-half of the Cubs lineup. Well actually, maybe not. Carlos was masterful; going seven strong innings, and 4-5 at the plate. With two RBI, no less. In addition to his 7-1 record, 2.47 ERA, and 1.17 WHIP this season, he's now sporting an absolutely gaudy .343/.343/.486 batting line. And make no mistake, Zambrano still looked fresh enough in the seventh to go another inning or two, if the situation hadn't dictated taking him out.
But the bottom half of the Cubs lineup was incredible. With Kosuke Fukudome getting the night off, Geovany Soto was moved to fifth in the lineup, with Ronny Cedeno playing 2B, and Mark DeRosa getting a start in right, and hitting sixth. That proved to be a formidable combination for the Cubs, as 5-9 hitters went 11-18, with a walk, and that Johnson home run in the 5th.
And they got to Pirates starters Zach Duke both early and often. The Cubs opened the game with probably the oddest first inning you'll see this year. Alfonso Soriano leads off with a double to right that appeared to be in slow motion all the way around. Xavier Nady sails to what looked like a catchable ball, allowing it to hit off the wall. Soriano legs out the double, practically dragging his left leg to the base, barely beating the throw. After a short flyout to right by Theriot, in which Alfonso doesn't even tag up, trainer Mark O'Neal comes out, only to be shooed away initially. On the next ball hit to right, another incredibly catchable ball - which should have easily doubled off Soriano, who was streaking around 3rd base at the time -- Nady drops it, allowing the first run to score.
From then on the Cubs cruised, scoring at least one run in each of the next four innings. Those runs were partially due to good hitting, and partially due to a Pirates defense that couldn't get out of its own way. Whether it was the botched double-play attempts in the 2nd and 3rd, or the mishandled play on the Theriot bunt in the 4th, they just did not look ready to compete. Frankly, I'm looking forward to seeing this series end. The Cubs don't see the Pirates again until August, and I'm glad. You can get a false sense of where a team is when you play an opponent so frequently during a stretch, and tend to beat them so handily. I'm looking forward to the next homestand, if only to see what the Cubs do against a much more competitive Dodgers team. Until then I guess, keep beating those Pirates lefties.
Yeah, that was my first reaction watching the Cubs game last night, as they were handily beaten 5-3 by the Houston Astros.
I mean, with an opportunity to cement himself on the major-league roster last night, Sean Gallagher drops a dud in his third start of the season. After the Cubs spotted him a three-run, 1st inning lead off Shawn Chacon, Houston quickly came back in the 3rd to grab the lead with a big four-run inning. After a very quick run scored by Michael Bourn to start the inning -- who I'm really starting to think is the fastest man in baseball -- Cubs killer Carlos Lee comes up and smacks a three-run homer, clearing the bases of Kaz Matsui and Miguel Tejada. It proved to be enough, as Shawn Chacon has settled down by then, allowing only two Cubs hits after the 1st inning.
Fact is though, Gallagher never looked all that sharp. Quite a few hanging breaking balls, fastball up -- often --, and never looking especially comfortable. But in reality, giving up five runs, and for that matter four the night before, to a prolific offense doesn't bother me. What does is that this offense looks a lot less dynamic with Jim Edmonds in it. Now I won't rail, because I do realize that these things take time, and players can come around. And perhaps it might help if Piniella would quit batting him in the middle of the lineup, allowing him not only to bat in a less stressful 8th spot, but also to keep the rest of the starters at their normal slots. Ultimately though, this team looks a lot less productive and dynamic without guys like Felix Pie and Reed Johnson in the lineup. With lefties expected all weekend in Pittsburgh -- yeah, I know; there again -- look for Reed Johnson to start, and I suspect for the Cubs offense to get back on track in a big way. Bottom line, you're not going to win many games scoring two or three runs, no matter how good your pitcher is, and that's going to have to be fixed.
While the Cubs weren't, Micah Hoffpauir -- making his 1st ML start in place of a resting Alfonso Soriano -- was very impressive, going 2-4, and swinging a very big bat. That was nice to see. I can't see him playing much of a role this year, but if can give some quality at-bats for a few weeks, and this allows enough of a showcase to get someone to look at him in trade, I say let him get a couple of more starts next week.
Well, 'nough said. Onward to Pittsburgh.
I don't have much to say about last night's 4-2 loss to the Astros. Chris Sampson was effective, and for the most part so was Ryan Dempster. But walks kill; especially for a pitcher like Ryan. After walking two in the 4th -- with an Edmonds throwing error mixed in -- he gave up a grand slam to Hunter Pence to give the Astros the lead, and the game. So, I'll just tip my cap, say nicely done, and try to realize it was just one of those games that you lose.
Couple of quick thoughts. It was nice to see Derrek Lee breaking out of his slump; going 3-4, after a 2-4 outing Monday. I know there was media rumor of Lee getting the day off today -- so as two give him a few days rest, with the off day tomorrow -- but I hope Lou reconsiders that. I hate to sit a guy down for basically three days just as he's finding a groove. And not to put too fine a point on it, but the Edmonds experiment gets uglier by day. 0-3, with a K and a DP. And a throwing error to boot. Someone please stop the madness.
Now go take this series.
Ah. A quiet moment. As I’d mentioned last week, I’ve been in Philadelphia for some time now on assignment. Well, it’s settled down, so I have to moment to clear out the notebook, and bring you the latest version of 10 things I Think I Think. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get started.
All-Star voting is in full swing, and after six weeks of play, I think it’s a good time to make some picks. As you know, MLB allows up to 25 ballots, so traditionally I’ve done half in May, then the remainder toward the end of the voting in June. That way, anyone with serious merit will at least get some votes from me. That said, my votes are:All-star selections:
1B Berkman2B UtleySS Furcal3B C. JonesLF SorianoCF McLouthRF LudwickC Soto
Now, I’ve give you a moment to stop your hissing about the Cardinal selection. I certainly felt dirty doing it. Most of the picks were no-brainers though. Find someone player better than Berkman, McLouth, or Chipper, and well..you won’t. There are some very interesting races though, particularly in right field, and shortstop. I think you could go with any one of the Tejada/Furcal/Rollins/Ramirez group and be justified. However, defense wins game too, and no one amongst them has done it better in the field this season than Rafeal.
In right field, Ryan Church is proving to be everything that Cub fans thought he’d be, and really has really given New York a nice lift this year. And I really, really want to vote Fukudome in. But guys like Ludwick with plus 1.00 OPS are just too hard to ignore.
Word out of Iowa is that Rich Hill is being placed on the minor-league DL, reported due to back discomfort. However when asked about it, Lou Piniella commented ''is probably more of a mental break than anything else. That might be the best tonic.'' Oh man. Make yourself comfortable in Des Moines son. You’re going to be there for awhile.
Also in that report is news that Chad Fox has also been placed on the DL – major league – with ulnar neuritis. Can’t we just say nerve inflammation? Jose Ascanio has been called up to replace him. To which I say good. I’m very interested to see what a hopefully settled Ascanio can do against major-league hitting. But I think we have been a touch too hard on Fox. I’ve seen the flaming in other forums, and all that I can say is that every team has a 12th man on the staff. Any they are usually middling long-men, with hittable pitches and ballooning ERAs. There’s a Fox on every staff. Well, and that he wouldn’t even be here if our younger, “better” options had worked out. That means you Carmen, Kevin, and Sean.
And speaking of which, does this mean that the final haul for Jacque Jones and cash was Ascanio? Because I have to say, for a guy that helped us get to the playoffs last year to boot, that’s not a terrible haul. Especially when you consider that we were going to eat 98% of his salary and get back a bag of balls for him about this time last year.
Jim Edmonds? Meh. I wouldn’t have bothered myself, but I understand the logic of why the Cubs tried. So on that I’m indifferent. But on optioning Pie to the minor – his last, by the way – I have to say I find it dumb. It’s yet another prospect whose value is diminished by the manner in which the Cubs handles their transition to the majors. Here’s an idea guys. Commit fully to these guys, or trade them for veterans. You’re killing your own farm system.
I’m totally prepared to say I was wrong about Ryan Dempster. Going into tonight, he’s sporting a 5-1 record, with 2.35 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Excellent. It will be very interesting to see what happens as he enters the 150-200 innings stretch. If he can endure, I think he’s set himself up for a major, major contract. After watching Lilly, Meche, and Silva signings over the last few seasons, think he’ll have trouble seeing 4/44? Yeah, me neither.
"Some of these contracts have been ridiculous, but that's the reality," Alderson said. "Given the age of [Soriano], the length of the contract and the magnitude of the dollars, that one is unique. . . . But there are a lot of teams who are resisting this trend, and who won't be bullied into perpetuating it." Sigh. I normally don’t condone bullying, but as the Padres seep further into baseball’s basement, perhaps you might reconsider that stance on large deals Sandy. Get a little sand kicked in your face. It's character building. Oh, and move those fences in a bit.
And Manny high-fiving a fan in the stands before gunning the flyball out to 1st for the DP? LOVED IT!!! There are a handful of people that can do that in baseball and get away with it. Lastings, you are not on that list.
Till next time.
Well, he may have not been out for the love of a beautiful woman, but our resident fat boy -- and I mean that in all jest -- was out for a something of a rarity last night, as Geovany Soto hit a three-run inside-the-park homer, highlighting a 7-2 win over the Houston Astros.
Monday night baseball is always fun. I've come to enjoy the combo of Herchiser, Thorn, and Phillips significantly more that than, well, the other ESPN baseball broadcast team. One of the more prescient comments was on how the lights coming into Minute Maid were playing havoc with the hitters, and that when the sun set, it was probably going to be on. And they were right. Both Ted Lilly and Brian Moehler seemed to overpower hitters for the first three, but when the sun set around the 4th inning, both teams put crooked numbers up on the board. Quickly. With Ramirez and Kosuke Fukudome on-board, Soto launched a hard line drive against the left field wall that appeared to clear the line home-run line. However, the ball was ruled in play, and CF Michael Bourn lost the sight of it as it trickled back toward the infield. Both runners on base scored, and Geovany Soto -- who runs much better than I would have given him credit for -- takes off, sensing more than a double was there. Actually, he scored standing up. Manager Cecil Cooper actually came out to question the call, for reasons that I still don't understand. It was either a home run that cleared the line, or was still in play. Either way, it was three runs on the board, so I'm not sure what there was to talk about.
The Astros were able to get back in the game, with runs off of Ted Lilly in each of the next two innings. Lilly was not the most effective that we've seen him this year, but he did an excellent job of containing the meat of the Astros lineup, keep the triple-headed monster of Tejada/Berkman/Lee to 3-12, with no RBI.
The Cubs were able to put the game away late though by doing what they seem to do best this year; grinding away at sub-par middle relievers. Derrek Lee -- breaking out of an 0-for in a big way, hits a RBI single in the 8th to give the Cubs an insurance run. Ryan Theriot then adds on with an RBI double in the 8th. And Aramis Ramirez put a big exclamation point on the nationally-televised game with a two-run shot in the 9th, to give the Cubs a big 7-2 win.
On the Jim Edmonds front, he did start last night's game; going 1-5, and making one the best over-the-back baskets catches that I've seen since...well, the last time he made a great over-the-back basket catch. Up the center field hill no less. Great stuff, especially if you forget that he misplayed the ball over the wrong shoulder to start with. The Astros staff is not especially overpowering, and his tardy swings on Moehler's inside pitches makes me pause. I understand that Lou is interested in seeing what Jim can do, so I'd expect that he'll play often this week. Certainly at least again on Wednesday, with Shawn Chacon scheduled to pitch. But I won't be surprised if this experiment ends this week. Reed Johnson is hitting .266/.327/.380 this season vs. RHP, which seems a whole lot better than the .300/.300/.300 stats we've seen from Edmonds so far, especially with few signs that this might improve. No crime in playing Reed everyday for a month or two, and seeing what develops at the trading deadline. We'll see.
On a much happier note, Alfonso Soriano was named NL Player of the Week. Congratulations, and I can't think of anyone more deserving. Well, actually Lance Berkman, but we'll take it. And a big shout-out to Jon Lester, who fired the latest no-hitter in baseball history. We hear all the time about comeback and feel good stories. But a cancer patient coming back to reach a pinnacle in professional sport is truly one of them. I'm watching the game on MLB.tv today. I hope you get a chance to do the same.
Yes, it's a two for one deal, as a LONG 24-hour shift in Philly kept me from my daily post yesterday. The Cubs lost a 7-6 thriller on Saturday, but came back nicely to win 4-3 Sunday. I'll let you in on a secret. As a fan, I enjoyed the loss more. But more on that later.
Marquis. Marquis. Marquis. Clearly he has made a sacrifice to the baseball gods since his last start, because he just wasn't very good,today, but picked up the win. I know. The box score will show that he went six, giving up only two earned runs. However wind and luck played a bigger role than velocity and location today. He was hit hard; from the Sanchez double in the 1st to start the game, and the Adam LaRoche home run that followed, to the by my count 4 long fly balls that on most days would have been well into the bleachers, to base runners in each inning except the 5th. I'm ecstatic that he was able to give a quality start and pick up the win, but I hope that today doesn't fool anyone into thinking that he's righted the ship. We'll see, I guess.
His counterpart though, Phil Dumatrait had the opposite problem; he wouldn't give the Cubs anything to hit. Walking seven in 4 2/3 innings, it was a given that this was not going to be a Pirates win. The gods are fickle; you just don't walk that many batters in a game, and win. They just won't let you. Interestingly, Pirate relievers were able to hold the Cubs hitless -- and walkless -- over the rest of the game. Cubs relievers fortunately were almost just a good, holding the Pirate to a run in relief, with Kerry Wood picking up his 10th save.
There was another interesting moment in the game that I'm sure Cubs fans will appreciate. Daryle Ward was officially placed on the 15-day DL with back pain. To replace him -- as most expected -- was Micah Hoffpauir, who after eight seasons in the minors made his major-league debut today. I'm hoping it was just jitters that caused him to strikeout against Grabow in one of the worst at-bats I've seen in some time. Either way, you're living the dream man. Enjoy the moment, however brief it may be.
And as for the 7-6 loss to the Pirates on Saturday, what can I say? I loved it. It was thrilling to the end, and the reason that I watch and go to games. The Carlos' -- Zambrano and Marmol -- proved to be human after all. The only issue that I had was that Lee looked rough. And after watching the game today, I think some rest should come sooner rather than later. Hoffpauir is on board, and you spell him with DeRosa for a game or two. It would be a good way to get Cedeno some at-bats as well, who I'm curious to find out if his bat is still hot. Just a thought.
I'd mentioned a last week that this was going to be a good time for the Cubs to get well, with a stretch of 9 of 13 games against teams under .500. They've finished an excellent homestand, having won eight of ten, and getting back on track in a very big way. Nicely done. It's off to the Astros, who've suddenly become one of the hottest teams in baseball, and the Pirates for three. Again. Sigh. MLB scheduling. Like the two trip to Colorado wasn't bad enough. Anyway..tll tomorrow.
An assignment in Philly this weekend precludes me from writing a longer post. I'll recap the Pirates games a bit more thoroughly over the next few days, but I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about yesterday's game.
If you hadn't heard, the Cubs won yesterday 4-0, and did so quite handily. Maddux did a nice job getting out of a few early jams, but really got pounded, giving up 11 hits in 4 1/3 innings. There is talk that this may be his last season, and if so I'll consider my photos of him from Tuesday night a treasure. Either way, he's looking alot like he's at the end of his baseball journey. Our own new warrior past his prime, Jim Edmonds, looked equally as rough. 1-4, with seven LOB. Not the most encouraging start, but do what you can to embrace him. He's like the crazy uncle that drools at the dinner table. At the end of the day, he's still part of the family.
Take care
If today's game -- a 7-4 win over the Pirates -- doesn't convince even the most cynical of Cubs fans to come off of the ledge, I don't think that anything will. But here, let me help. I'll give you a hand. Alfonso Soriano did what Soriano does; get's hot, hits everything in sight, and carries the team for days, if not weeks. When he's not on a streak where he strikes out every other at-bat, at least. He led off with yet another home run today, and followed that with a just-barely-basket-clearing, two-run shot in the second. The Cubs in all scored six runs in the first two innings, survived a bit of Bob Howry homerphobia in the 8th, and pretty much cruised to victory.
Still need help off that ledge? Sean Gallagher looked great in six innings of work, allowing only one run on four hits. This is his second good starting outing, and I suspect it may have been enough to officially keep him in the rotation for awhile. Two things immediately struck me today about him though. First, that minus a shaky 5th inning vs. the D'Backs -- and yes, it may have been more the fault of Chad Fox than his -- he's been very solid so far as a starter. Second, that after seeing his pitches and composure up close a few times now, I'm really perplexed about the idea that both he and Sean Marshall may have been offered in a package to Baltimore for Brian Roberts, and they didn't take it. Sean looks like a legitimate middle-of-the-rotation starter, and I'm not sure how you pass that up for an aging second baseman. Well, it may have been for the best, as Gallagher may provide some much need stability at the back end of the rotation. Either way, congratulations on your first major league win Sean. Here's to many more.
What, you're not off yet? Okay, how about that it's the middle of May, and the Cubs are in first, 2.5 games up, and clearly looking like the class of the division. St. Louis lost 3-1 to the Rays tonight, leaving Houston alone in second place in the Central. The Cardinals are looking like who we thought they'd be -- a .500 team at best -- and Houston has much to prove pitching wise before being considered a contender. It's a very good position to be in.
Okay fine. I'll bring out the trump card. On the Cubs broadcast this afternoon, it was mentioned that Lou confirmed that the Cubs are indeed seeking and using expanded advanced scouting reports, to include...wait for it...more data on opposing pitchers. To which I say "Thank You"!!! I don't agree with a number of moves that Lou has made -- *cough, *Jim Edmonds*, *cough*, -- but he clearly has them operating more efficiently and professionally that I've seen the franchise ran since the Dallas Green days.
And let me leave you with one last thing. Mark Prior has suffered a tear in his surgically-repaired shoulder, which could be a major setup in his recovery. I wish Mark well, and future success, I really do. I just can't help but feel like the old badly managed, unlucky franchise would have capitulated to his agent's wishes, if only in the name of marketing, instead of parting ways last off-season. Watching him take his towel drills someplace else this summer tells me that perhaps this team may have a little good karma on its side.
I hear -- frequently, mind you -- that the Cubs starters are awful. That they're a nice team, adequate starting staff, but once you're past Zambrano, there simply isn't enough talent to win a playoff series against other teams aces. Those naysayers may be right, and hopefully I'll have to wait till October to find out. Late October, preferably. What I do know now is that Ted Lilly went a solid six last night, striking out 11, and outdueling reigning Cy Young award winner Jake Peavy for a 8-5 win at Wrigley. This is now the third time in 10 days that they've gone against an "Ace" and won.
This was another of the typical games that we've been seeing this year, especially at Wrigley. Nothing too exciting; a run here and there, and the next thing you know, the Cubs have won handily. Alfonso Soriano hit another lead-off home run to give the Cubs a lead early. And Geovany Soto matched him with a two-run shot in the 5th. Both each had three RBI to lead the Cubs. But the big news was Lilly. Striking out 11, while walking one, he dazzled in the early innings, striking out the side in the 1st and 4th innings. The Padres were able to score three runs in the 5th, on a string of singles and a wild pitch.
One of the more interesting moves that I've seen this season was Bud Black pulling Peavy for a PH in that inning. I can't decide whether it was a smart move, or telling of just how inept Padres hitters are this year. I'm siding toward the latter. Great win, and here's to finishing them off this afternoon. Greg Maddux is probably my favorite ex-Cub, but I hope they knock him silly today.
And the Edmonds signing is official. The only thing good that I can say about it is that there is talk of moving Fukudome to 2nd in the batting order, a move that I've always thought best for their long-term success. Well that, and that this move suggests to me that every effort is being made to win. This year. Piniella's short hooks and intolerance of rookies tells me he's laser-focused on our success now, which on some level I have to respect. Sigh.