Game Seventy-Nine - Cubs 4 Orioles 11
WP - Radhames Liz (2-0) LP - Jason Marquis (6-4) Save - None
Lou Piniella's crew became the last team in the majors to record their 30th loss of the season following just their third series defeat at home of the year. The Orioles became only the second team to walk into Wrigley Field this year and leave after taking two of three from the Chicago Cubs.
After a good month and posting a 4-0 record in 4 starts, Jason Marquis was simply horrible. Marquis did not pitch with the same confidence he had in his previous outings and he left after allowing 7 runs, all earned, on 7 hits in 4 innings. The Orioles put the game out of reach in the 3rd inning when they scored 5 times, all with 2 outs. Marquis walked 3, one intentional, and the Orioles managed only 3 hits, but all 3 of the free passes scored.
The Orioles plated 2 more in the 4th and kept tacking on until they built an 11-0 lead in the 6th inning. Aubrey Huff hit 3 doubles, went 4-for-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Brian Roberts added 2 more hits, scored 2 more runs and recorded 7 hits in the 3-game series. Jay Payton picked up where he left off on Wednesday night and drove in 3 more runs on 2 hits in 5 trips to the plate. Four different Orioles had at least two RBI's on the afternoon.
The Cubs ended the shutout bid in the bottom of the 6th after Piniella pulled a majority of his starters. Ronny Cedeno scored the Cubs first run after a lead off walk. Daryle Ward, Henry Blanco and Eric Patterson drove in the Cubs three runs.
The Cubs finished their 6-game homestand with a 4-2 record....a little disappointing after winning the first three games. For one of the few times this season the Cubs were beaten in every phase of the game.
One of the concerns Lou Piniella brought up time after time during the off-season was his concern over lack of depth on the roster. With Alfonso Soriano, Reed Johnson and Carlos Zambrano on the DL, along with Kosuke Fukudome being day-to-day, the Cubs must receive contributions from players they were not depending on....and a side from a game here or a game there, the bench has not stepped up the way it needs to. The big names have been doing their job for the most part, but when injuries happen players must fill in and find ways to keep winning games....for a good example, see the other team in the majors that resides in the National League with a bird as their nickname.
The Orioles, for lack of a better description, took batting practice off of the Cubs pitching staff. Baltimore pounded out 13 hits with 5 doubles and scored 11 times without the benefit of a home run....9 of the Orioles' 11 runs scored with 2 outs.
Unfortunately Jason Marquis was not the only problem. Once Piniella lifted Marquis, Jon Lieber allowed another run after a lead off double by Aubrey Huff and then the Orioles lit up Scott Eyre and Michael Wuertz in the 6th and 7th innings.
Scott Eyre was replaced by Wuertz after giving up a 1-out walk and a single to center by Kevin Millar with an injury. There was not announcement made during the game, but Eyre received a visit from Larry Rothschild and Mark O'Neal during Millar's at bat and Piniella replaced him after the single. Wuertz gave up a single to Huff that loaded the bases and then a single to left by Jay Payton.
With the bases still loaded, Adam Jones hit a sacrifice fly to left that plated Millar and the Orioles' back-up catcher, Guillermo Quiroz followed with a single to left....11-0 Orioles. Wuertz struck out the pitcher to end the inning. Michael Wuertz must start becoming a dependable and consistent option for Lou Piniella....and soon. While Wuertz retired the Orioles in order in the 7th, the 3 runs he allowed to score in the 6th put an end to the game.
Thursday was just one game, but one the Cubs must learn from.
Round two of the Crosstown Classic kicks off on the South Side on Friday afternoon. Ryan Dempster against Jose Contreras in game one.
I would think that after watching the Rays and Orioles series, and even the Sox...we've uncovered some major holes: 2 in the starting rotation (Lilly and Marquis are terrible this year), 3 in the pen (Wuertz, Cotts, Eyre are not getting it done), and bench help (replacing cast of Murton and Fontenot)
Some of these holes can be accomplished inside our organization, but most would have to come via trade
1) SP- Sabathia, Laffey, or Westbrook of the Indians; Harden; Greinke
2) RP- Marte or Grabow of the Pirates
3) bench help- I'd go all internal on this. Once Soriano comes back, you demote Fontenot in favor of Patterson, then you demote Murton in favor of Hoffpauir
I would rest Lee a TON in favor of Hoffpauir. With Pujols coming back and going 4 for 4, you have to figure that they'll be making a strong play for the division. We can't afford Lee's GIDP's anymore. He's scuffling badly, and there's no reason to believe that he's snapping out of this anytime soon. I'd also rest GIDP Jr.---DeRosa in favor of Cedeno or Patterson.
I know Fukodome and Soriano are out, and so is Zambrano, but except for Soriano, they were part of the horrible Rays series, and we still couldn't get it done.
I really don't know how to fix the problems....I'm just suggesting things, because something needs to change, especially in the bullpen and the back-end of the rotation. If we can't get one of those big name starters, then perhaps we need to consider promoting Veal....or to a lesser extent (because he hasn't earned it) Samardzija.
I'd have to believe that Pignatiello, Jake Fox, Colvin, Marshall, Hill, Pie, Fontenot, Patterson, Murton, Hoffpauir, Cotts, Petrick, Chad Fox, Hart, Wuertz, Marquis, Cedeno, Eyre, and Fuld, are all candidates to be DFA'd or traded in a package for starting pitching help, relief help, or bench help. In addition, you'd have to think Wellington Castillo, Samardzija, or Veal might be a part of those packages as well.
We can afford to lose Patterson, Cedeno, or Fontenot, as we have quite a few low level infield prospects doing fairly well, including recent draftees. Additionally, losing Murton wouldn't do much damage.
The players that'd really hurt would be Castillo, Samardzija, Veal, and Hoffpauir, as I believe they all have bright futures....but if we're really serious, we have to go for it...I just don't think Hendry has the balls to do any of it
After listening to the game today, I told myself not to come in this site today. Well...I did...I can't believe the negativity about a team that is 4-1/2 games ahead of its closest pursuer and has the best record in baseball. I know this game was a clunker, but every team has them every year. I still maintain we have the best 25-player roster and have the manager that knows how to manage them. I have faith in the team and the manager. I have enjoyed this first half immensely.
Yes...I am one of the guys drinking the juice...but that is the way I am. I would rather drink the juice than spew out the acid. Sure, I am an optimist and I want a World Series championship as much as the next guy. But I am not going to say dump these guys and get these guys or play these guys and bench these guys, because I have no control over that. All I can do is root the team on. I am a Cubs fan. GO CUBS!
Best record in baseball, 4.5 game lead in the division (third place team in the division would be leading either the East or West, by the way), and Aaron wants to blow the team up and start over like we're the freaking Seattle Mariners.
What a joke.
Gramps...you are the eternal optimist, and God bless you for that...I'm not going to criticize you for being that way
I was the eternal optimist for 25 years, and finally, the past 2 years, I started looking around the league...not because I was jealous (well, I was partly), but because I wanted to learn more about what made teams successful. I'd also been a stats nerd, but I'd never looked up stats in relation to other teams...That's what I do now...I also examine stats in the context.
For instance, because Wuertz has a sub 3 ERA, would you say he was a highly effective reliever? I mean, after all, wouldn't most teams take that in a heartbeat? Hell no, you wouldn't say he was effective....just as you wouldn't say Cotts or Eyre have been effective....same reason you wouldn't say Fontenot was effective, even though he has a .330+ OBP. Fact is, you have to have guys like Jenks, Podsednik, Eckstein, Ellsbury, Papelbon, Beckett, etc.---guys that you can count on with the game on the line.
I'd only want ARAM up with the game on the line...plain and simple...next, I'd take Soriano, then Fukodome (depending if a lefty was pitching), then Soto, then Edmonds, then Theriot, then Lee, then DeRosa...
maybe you guys would prefer others, but that's about the order we've had for guys coming through with the game on the line. If stats meant everything, then wouldn't Lee and DeRosa be at the top? Yet, I know, almost all of you would cringe if the Cubs were down one or two in the 9th with runners on first and second (or just first) and Lee or DeRosa came up. You'd probably be thinking, "GIDP to end the game", and chances are, you'd be right. You know how many near GIDP's Lee and DeRosa have had the last few games with RISP and the Cubs down, needing a clutch hit? I can count at least 7 times between the two of them in the last 6 games where they grounded out in those situations and nearly were doubled up, and that's not even counting the real GIDP's!!!!
Anyway, that's just my opinion
Aaron,
I think we would all like to have the best players at every position on our team, but it is not possible. C'mon, you must know that! It would be impossible to gather that type of team. Money is one factor. And other teams are not going to give us those guys unless we give them guys like Aram, Soriano, Lee, etc. All I am saying is that we have a team here...is it perfect? No way! But it is our team. And they are doing damn well! And when you say to start bringing up some of the guys in the minors, remember these guys are in the minors for a reason. Some to get experience, some because they are not good enough yet to play major league baseball. You are on the bandwagon for Dubois...remember he could not do it for us or the Indians a couple of years ago. Pie has better numbers than him in his minor league career and he has had trouble in the bigs. You could look at our current roster and I would say that everyone of them, at one time this year, played a part in at least one victory. We have a great starting lineup and you have 3 pitchers with 8+ victories at this time of year. Relax and enjoy it!
Show,
Okay, don't do anything, which is what you seem to be suggesting, and then see how far we get....hmmmmmmmmmm, probably not very far....probably not even in the playoffs.
In the previous post you loved to make a point of how I was wrong about them being 4 1/2 out and not 4 (which is a 4 game series sweep). I'm so sorry I forgot 1/2 a game...must've been a brain fart...I guess a 1/2 game is oh so much, isn't it?!?! geeze.
Anyhow...given our road record, if the Cards or Brewers go on an 8 game winning streak and we're on the road, it's a foregone conclusion that there is a HIGH likelihood we'd be out of first place, especially given the tear that the Brewers have been on.
I never once said "blow up the team" did I? hmmmmmmm....Did I ever say, "firesale", we're "totally not gonna make the playoffs"...hmmmmmm, nope...still not... So, Show, why then do you insist on saying these things about me?!?!?! All I did was say that we need some tweaking to make it to the World Series.
If you don't think we need another starter, some relief help, and another bat (either within or outside the organization), then I believe you're living in another world entirely, especially considering most on here agree that we need those things.
Perhaps you take issue with me entirely because I have well thought out posts that sometimes are long...I really don't know....but the fact is, if you're paying attention at all, you'd notice those things. However, if you're ultra optimistic, then you're probably very likely to think everything is perfect. If that is the case, then I guess you'd be classified as a fan who is okay with us simply making the playoffs...or, even worse....simply just a winning record.
All I've done is give suggestions...thinking it'd spark a debate about who we could add, but all you've managed to do is say ridiculous and untrue things about me wanting to blow this team up
Just the fact that you'd actually want David Eckstein on your team says all I need to know. He's a terrible major league baseball player. Anyone who thinks otherwise just listens to moronic broadcasters spew things about how he "hustles" or "loves the game."
Don't start spouting things about people only caring about stats when you don't know them. I know the game. I like stats, but I also like watching how the game is played. I agree with you about Wuertz and Fontenot. I also think your opinion of Eyre is absurd. Specialty relievers have a small margin of error. He's had two bad outings. Other than that he's been perfect. You can't be perfect all year. Look at Marmol. When you only pitch a few batters a night your good outings are lost in the shuffle and your bad outings are magnified.
I also agree that Murton sucks and I've been saying it to my friends for the past three years.
I agree again about Derrek hitting into DPs. Very annoying. Include Theriot there, too.
The bottom line, though, is that overreacting and acting like a team has serious holes when there are injury issues and the team still has a 4.5 game lead in the freaking NATIONAL LEAGUE is quite "doom and gloom" for my tastes.
You obviously don't read my posts. Marquis is horseshit and today I said to sell the farm for C.C.
I'm done replying to you until you pay attention, son.
Show, the only reason I mentioned Eckstein in any context was to show that even though I pay a lot of attention to stats, some don't matter...I mentioned his name because he came up big in the post-season, which is what you need once you get there....
It's all good man...I just took issue with the fact you were lying about me wanting to "blow up the team", because it was an absurd and ridiculous comment, all because you didn't agree with me.
As for your comment about Eyre, as I've said before, Lou didn't even use him much when he came back from injury, and he was NOT by any stretch a "specialist". Last year, and in years past, he's always been an inning or two type of reliever. Lou obviously noticed something we didn't----that he wasn't capable of that anymore, and he'd only let him face lefties or one or two batters (remember that when he came back)...Now he's back to what he was doing before, which renders him utterly useless in our pen, because Cotts can't get it done either.
Also, you claim to be all about the stats....Why don't you look up Eyre's career numbers? While I've never been a big fan of Howry's, I'd much rather have him than Eyre any day. If you don't want to take the time, I'll do it for you:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/e/eyresc01.shtml
http://www.baseball-reference.com/h/howrybo01.shtml
I don't think a trade for Westbrook is a good option, considered he is out for the season...
Lets not all get our panties in a bunch. we lost a series at Home. WOW big friggin deal. We also had 0 of our starting outfielders (including 2 All Stars), have lost our #1 SP for two weeks and it just so happened that Marmol decided to become human while all this was happening.
And we are still 4 up on the Cards. Have a little faith in this team. That may be tough to do for Cubs teams. But this team appears to be different. Out of spring training, Lou said this is one of the most talented teams he has ever coached. That says a lot coming from a man who managed the Mariners to the best regular season record ever and has a WS title. God forbid we give ANY deference to what Lou says and the decisions he makes.
Aaron-
The team is good and I think we will make the playoffs as is. That being said, there is room for some improvement in our pitching staff, and I felt that way long before today. I do have confidence that Jim Hendry will get it done though.
Needs:
-Another Starting pitcher via trade...period.
-An effective lefty in the pen
-Lower pitch counts for Dempster (I'm concerned about a dead arm in September)
-Marmol to throw a first pick strike to make em chase his slider.
-Wood to stay healthy.
I LOVE our offense when HEALTHY. I don't think we need to panic here. Fukudome's injury does not sound severe, Soriano is a quick healer, and Reed Johnson's back problems are nothing new for him. In fact I think he would still be going if Patterson did not have such a good series against the SUX.
Any regular to the site knows that Aaron is a passionate guy, and I'm not a bit suprised by his posts after a blow-out loss. At the same time, I agree with Gramps that these games happen, and lets remember this is a first place team here with the best record in baseball.
Jeff, thanks for that...I mean, i don't want you guys to think I'm a kill-joy or anything. When blow-outs like this happen, and series like the one in Tampa happen, then you begin to notice things that get exposed, where there weren't necessarily there before, because we weren't exactly playing great teams. Now, we find ourselves playing .500 or better teams, and our weaknesses are exposed. That's more or less what I've been pointing out.
Last year, I did the same thing, and sounded the alarm that we might make the playoffs if we were lucky, but we'd probably get swept if we did---which ended up happening....it was because of the holes that we had, and the lack of speed, continuity in CF and RF (which we've since found this year somewhat). Last year, our SP outside of Marquis was very good, and I thought the Trachsel deal was completely unnecessary. I definitely see improvement in the lineup this year, just not the rotation. Essentially, we've replaced Hill's effectiveness last year with Dempster, while Lilly has regressed, and Marquis is....well....Marquis. We have 2 holes in our rotation that could be filled by one quality starter which Jeff and others have mentioned....effective lefty reliever is a NECESSITY....we had that last year with Eyre...losing Clay Rapada in the trade really hurts, as he probably would've been able to help this year. But it is what it is...Like I said, Grabow sure would be nice...he's played on some awful Pirates teams, but I've seen his potential and think he'd be a good fit.
If we can't get Sabathia, I wonder what it'd take to get his teammate, Aaron Laffey? In one of my previous posts, I listed a ton of DFA/trade candidates, and I just don't know if any of them could net us anything decent in return.
Not to copy Brian but here are some of my ramblings.......
Marquis is a huge question mark and cannot be counted on.
Answer;package him in a trade for CC, Harden, Lincecum, Sheets etc...
Lee is not the All Star we have grown come to expect.
Answer: Move him down to 5th and if there is little to no improvement get Hoff in more regularly.
By the way are all of you aware that we have the best record in Baseball?? Just checking cause there is a lot of panic button push'n go'n on....
Wood has been superb!! Marmol has found it again....
We need two quality SPs for the second half or we all will be w/o fingernails!!
All you Theriot haters.... where are you??
Demp has been fantastic!! He will continue barring injury.....
Lou has so far managed this team perfectly since he walked through the doors!!! He is our "BIG Papi!!"
Let's get 2 of 3 on the Southside!! OBTW, they are a damn good team..... won't be as easy as last weekend....
EP has done well with his opportunities so far.... I'm happy for him.
Lee needs rest. Not physical but mental. I wrote about this in ST with his daughters medical issues.... It must be unbearable at times for him and his wife.
Answer: More playing time for Hoff!!!
CC Sabathia
Answer; GET HIM!!!
I miss Reed Johnson!! He made ESPNs Top 10 plays twice!!!!
Okay I am done.....
GO CUBBIES!! Kick that White Sox ASS!!!!
Calling All Unexpected Blessings' Counters:
Reviewing positions 1-9, what do we say/pray for Dempster, Wood, Marmol, Soto, Theriot, Johnson and Edmonds. We say/pray, "Thank you Big Cub in the Sky and Greyhound for bringing them to us and enabling them to perform with unexpected proficiency!! "We are truly blessed by these over achievers in a performance enviornment that is individually characterized, for all who would dare to enter the arena, by hitters who fail more often and not and pitchers whose best efforts are sometimes meet with failure.
Reviewing the Value of Team and Team Performance, We say/pray to the Big Cub in the Sky, "Thank you for giving us enough players playing unexpectedly well to enable our team's unexpectedly winning more often than any other major league team."
Calling All Expected Blessings' Counters:
We've cast our lot with our "Stars" investing about $90 million of our aggressive $120 million payroll in about 8 men of our 25 man roster. We expect you Stars to lead the way to team success 60% of the time with exceptional performances collectively. A brief bad stretch or an injury are part of the game, but your responsibility is to lead the way to team success.
Calling All Alarmists and Sunshine Patriots:
Feel the disappointment, emotional stirrings and occasional anger that we all feel when we observe poor and unprofessional performance of individual players and the Cubs' team. Point out, as we all are able to do, that one or more team members are hurting the team by either indifferent play (inexcusable anytime) or by repeatedly falling below expected performance standards. But try not to call 911 or demand change at any cost every time a player falls (in a performance sense) or the Cubs lose a couple of games. Recognize, at least in your mind, that we have no choice but to win with an imperfect team that (only) has to find ways to win 60% of the time. And, I might add in short series at season's end.
Recognize too that, while we all like our chances this year and can hope for improving them a little, we will have to be a lot lucky as well as good to get to and win the World Series--just like the other contending imperfect teams will have to be a lot lucky as well as good. So we can offer our help to JH and Lou as they do what they can to give us our best chance to win consistently, and then just have to play the games.
So far this year, just playing the games is working very well. Most of the alarms have been over done. There our team--warts and all!!