Spring Training Game Four: Cubs (1-2) vs. Giants (1-3)
Game Time - 2:05pm C.T. - TV: Comcast SportsNet, MLBTV - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Channel 179
Location - HoHoKam Park, Mesa
Ted Lilly (0-0, -.--) vs. Matt Cain (0-0, -.--)
A relatively non-eventful Spring Training, with the obvious exception of Mark DeRosa, changed on Saturday with statements by Jason Marquis following the Cubs loss in Tempe to the Angels. Marquis apparently would rather be traded then to go to the bullpen according to a report in the Chicago Tribune. Marquis' comments angered Lou Piniella and he would not let them go after Saturday's game. A quote in the Tribune summed up Piniella's thoughts: "Well, if that's the case he can go somewhere else."
The Tribune stated the Cubs are still interested in Coco Crisp and former Cubs' scout Keith Champion, now with the Red Sox was at Saturday's game. Several reports have indicated the Cubs are still interested in Brian Roberts....the rumor that will not got away.
The Red Sox are looking to add pitching and are even contemplating signing Freddy Garcia. At this point of the spring, the Cubs have depth at the pitching position they could deal a Jason Marquis, among others, to add a position player....or two.
Now to the exhibition game....
Ted Lilly is slated to make his first start of the spring today. The last image most have of Lilly is his glove throwing incident in Arizona last fall. Lilly is penciled in as Lou Piniella's number two starter behind Carlos Zambrano and it would be good to see Lilly have a strong outing today.
Kosuke Fukudome is expected back in the starting lineup after taking Saturday off. Fukudome is on a play two and take one off schedule. Today will mark Fukudome's first televised appearance in a Cubs' uniform.
Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, Chad Fox and Michael Wuertz are the only pitchers left, other than Jon Lieber who is scheduled to start on Monday, that have yet to pitch in a game this spring.
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
Jim,
In the 3 games I've seen, Andres Blanco...Andy White.
Today's lineup
Soriano-LF
Theriot-SS
Fukudome-RF
Lee-1B
Soto-C
Patterson-2B
Figueroa-3B
Pie-CF
Lilly-P
Ramirez was on the field and in uniform during warmups
Soriano was scratched from today's lineup with a fractured finger. Expected to miss 3-5 days
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that the Red Sox had some ancient pitchers (Schilling, Timlin, Wakefield and Tavarez totalling over 120 years of age) and some serious minor league talent plus a likely to be angry Crisp. So I think YES! when Neil mentions that the Red Sox are looking for pitching for "a position player or two". Crisp + for Marquis + seems more likely if we don't get Roberts (and thus feel pressed to get another reliable table setter).
But each team could really help the other balance their pipelines of talent. Back then and now, it's worth noting that the young Red Sox, Lars Anderson age 20 (1b), Oscar Tejeda age 19 (ss) and Michael Bowden 22 (rsp) would help us. B. America now ranks them 3, 7, and 9 on the Sox top 10 list. We could add some combination of Colvin or Murton, Petrick or Hart and Papelbon with Marquis on our side. Anderson is likely a Mark Grace with 25-30 HR power, and he and Vitters should eventually be all star caliber replacements for Lee and Rameriz. Just like our corner outfielders seem in place for a several years meaning Colvin could be traded, Youklis is the Red Sox first baseman for several years meaning Anderson could be traded. The sox need relievers and a starter, and we have players to spare. Go JH!!!
What happened to Bob Brenly? I have no problem with replacing him just as long as its not Dan Plesac(sp)
What??When did that happened to Soriano?
Augustin:
The game is on comcast sports and Len y Dan were interviewing Hendry and he mentioned that Soriano injured the finger during OF drils and he s/b on the field in 3 or 4 days. By the way, Neal Cotts looks terrible. I would rather see Neil Finnel on the mound.
The Crisp trade seems like a horrible idea. Not sure why there's any interest.
His batting average and on base percentage are anemic for someone who we would expect to be in the lead off spot. '07 stats: .268/.330. '06 stats: .264/.317.
Furthermore, he has expressed displeasure and asked for a trade about not being the every day starter with the emergence of rookie Jacoby Ellesbury.
So what's the difference between how the Red Sox view Ellesbury and how the Cubs view Felix Pie? Seems like a very similar situation. So if he's not happy in Boston he's not going to be happy in Chicago.
Nothing about him, other than above average speed, suggests he is a good fit for the Cubs.
Please Jim don't do this one.