Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. Marlins - 04/26/06

Game Twenty: Cubs (12-7) vs. Marlins (5-13)
Game Time - 1:20 pm C.T. on WGN TV, WGN Radio, XM Radio Channel 185
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Angel Guzman (0-0, -.--) vs. Scott Olsen (1-1, 1,50)

Can you say pressure? This afternoon is the much-anticipated debut of Angel Guzman in a Chicago Cubs uniform, the Cubs Faithful have been looking forward to this day for what seems like a long time. Guzman's progress to the Major Leagues has been slowed over the past few years due to injury and the promise that such a talent, as Angel Guzman, can give the Cubs has added to the pressure on the 24-year old right hander.

If it were not for the spring that Sean Marshall had, Guzman probably would have made the club out of Mesa. The injuries to Mark Prior and Kerry Wood have given the Cubs a chance to look at the likes of Marshall and now Guzman to see if they can perform at the Major League level. Marshall has had 4 very good starts.... and is now 2-0 on the season and the Cubs have won every game he has started; now it is time for Angel Guzman to show what he can do.

The offense has yet to have a break out game and the weather on Tuesday night did not help get the bats going. Aramis Ramirez was 0-2 with a walk on Tuesday and his average is now way below the Mendoza Line at .180....Jacque Jones is not too far behind him at an even .200 after an 0-2 night on Tuesday.

Everyday the Cubs are getting contributions from different players. Other than Todd Walker and Ronny Cedeno, the Cubs have not gotten consistent offensive play from anyone else in the everyday lineup. The Cubs are getting clutch hits with runners in scoring position and Dusty's "Combination Ball" is putting up wins on the Northside of Chicago.

The Cubs are 5 games over .500 and will try to get the sweep this afternoon against the Marlins and have their first 4-game winning streak of the season. Cubs' teams of the past have had trouble closing out a series like this....get the sweep and don't let history repeat itself.

Let's Talk Cubbies Baseball....

Jason B. from AZ

Damn you, Sweaty Joe...damn you!

Can't blame this one on Lee guys...too many walks, and Williamson blew it.

Good to see Aramis hitting, though...

Anthony

As I said, walks will kill you EVERY time. We have walked 7 men today. Do me a favor and take a look and see when the next time the Cubs batters walk 7 times in a game. You'll be waiting an awfully long time.

Trevor

Ughh. Mabry did not look good there, but the runners should not have been there to begin with. Walks indeed will kill you.

Maybe the Cubs can break out the lumber again in the 8th.

AJ

I walked away for a moment and come back to a tied game - Awesome.

Anthony

Walks are going to kill you everytime. Let's settle down, close the door, and get some runs !!

Anthony

Okay, anyone who is watching the game, I need your input. I have always said that numbers don't tell the true story. While the numbers have looked good, how is Guzman really pitching? How about his composure, location, etc ? Please let me know your honest opinion, both good and bad points. (just as I type this, he walked the leadoff man of the inning...ugh)

Jason B. from AZ

My guy (Aramis) just hit a HR!!!

I have both these pitchers in my fantasy league (because they are cheap options).

Also in my fantasy lineup are:

Aramis

Cedeno

Murton

I have had, but since removed:

Lee (due to injury)

Marshall (will pick him up again before his next start)

Williams (retching...)

I should have picked up Maddux...he has the highest point totals of all the pitchers in the whole league!

A good Guzman game is the end of Glooroo!