According to reports from the Chicago Tribune and on Cubs.com, Micah Hoffpauir will be recalled this weekend when the Cubs begin Interleague play in Toronto. Piniella said before Tuesday night's game that the Cubs will use Hoffpauir at 1st base and in left field "to give Derrek Lee and Alfonso Soriano opportunities to rest." Piniella plans on using both Lee and Soriano as designated hitters in the American League parks.
Piniella also stated Mark DeRosa will spell Aramis Ramirez at 3rd base during the Interleague games and Ramirez will receive time as the team's DH as well.
Daryle Ward will not be ready to return from the DL in time for Interleague play. Ward participated in batting practice on Tuesday and "will report to the Cubs' complex in Mesa on Wednesday." Ward will go on a minor league rehab stint at Iowa when he is ready before returning to the Cubs.
The report in the Tribune indicated Ward has lost "a considerable amount of weight since going on the DL last month."
Hopefully Carlos Zambrano will not mind missing a few at bats.
Stay Tuned....
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CC Sabathia update----in what could be an audition for the Cubs (or others) he threw a complete game 1-0 shutout against the Twins, striking out 5. It was his second CG Shutout of the year.
Memo to Hendry: BUY NOW
I would rather see Z pinch hit for one of our infielder whose bat cooled off amidst Canadian breeze.
Good job, Neil and CCO, for another quick draft review. I usually don't follow minor rookies (waiting 3-6 years until major-ready would test my patience), but in a winning season like this, I can't wait to see who's signed.
And he'll help the big club win. I guess I have the right to get greedy after so long a wait...
On www.mlbtraderumors it is posted that the CUBS are interested in Fuentes and it also says the Hendry said he will make a push for the best starting pitcher out there on the market come trade deadline
Who will go down then? Fontenot?
Jim, it will likely be Kevin Hart who was brought up to be the 13th picther when Hoffpauir was sent down.
We get a nice break tonight with Jeff Bennett subbing for Jagr Jurrjens, who sprained his ankle yesterday. Jagr has been pretty tough so far this year, and is an unknown to the Cubs.
With Bennett starting, we should see a lot of the Braves marginal (at best) relievers.
Jurrjens has been an effective groundballer. I watched his debut in Detroit last season, and he could blow heat. He's cool and smart, working his three average breaking pitches. If he gets his way, he can top a 95 miles fastball to snipe the batter.
But anyway, it's good to not see him tonight against us. We got some luck at home, for sure.