Few things...
That brawl in the Peoria game was embarrassing and I hope I never see Julio Castillo in a Cubs uniform. There's defending your teammates and then there's absolute madness. Hitting players in the head and throwing balls at the dugout is insane. Secondly, as excited as I am to see the Shark at the major league level I see no reason to start him on Saturday. If you want to push Harden back a day fine, but do it with a someone who has proven he can start at the big league level (Sean Marshall). It's obvious Marshall doesn't pitch well out of the pen and didn't deserve to be sent there in the first place. On the other hand a guy like Samardzija could be effective coming in and throwing hard for an inning. I just have a feeling he's not ready to throw 6 effective innings in the heart of a pennant race.

Does it seem to anyone a bit early for Samardzija to be called up? I remember reading about how one of the opinions on the Cubs and their treatment of Prior and Wood was that they rushed them to the bigs with too few innings at the minor league level. I don't know the numbers on Samardzija, like how many innings he's pitched in the minors, but I have a feeling those opinions were right (at least about Prior) and that the Cubs should be careful about such things in the future. But again, maybe this is typical timing for calling him up, I don't know, it just seems a bit rushed to me.

I agree with you Drew. I'd much rather see Marshall start on Saturday and use Samardzija outta the pen.

It doesn't appear that the Cubs have any better options to replace Wood. Wuertz anyone? Hart is struggling, Ascanio was too in the Bigs. The other uninjured pitchers on the 40 are Petrick, Harben, Samardzija and Pignatiello. The Shark is the only one pitching well enough of those four. However, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there is a spot open on the 40 with Guzman on the 60 DL. That opens the door for someone else to be added, Like Wells.

There was no excuse for Julio Castillo to throw a ball towards the oposing dugout. Well it hit a fan who is in the hospital now. He just threw his last pitch this year and wouldn't be surprised to see a lifetime ban. MLB will not put up with this. Delmon young tossed a bat (at a umppire) and was gone for over 50 games this is a guy who can throw a ball 90+. And he HIT A FAN!!!!.

I hope Harden gets pushed back to Sunday, I am going to that game. Would love to see the new guy in person. Samardzija might be a bit to early. I wasn't expecting him until the September call-ups or 09.

To learn how to spell Samardzija.

Sam
Sam~ard
Sam~ard~zija

easy. Now practice.

Eric, Samardzija has pitched quite well since being promoted to Iowa. I included his numbers in yesterday's article. With the fact he signed a Major League contract, it was inevitable he would be 'fast tracked'.

Eric,
I think Samardzija needs a taste of the bigs. The problems with Prior are actually due to poor mechanics rather than low number of innings in the minors...but I'm sure some would argue.
Looking forward to a second win in a row!

I would say that Castillo will get his unconditional release very soon. On M and M this morning, Greenberg said there was antoher angle that showed Castillo in the dugout with a bat yelling at some of the fans while being restrained. You can tell from the camera footage that he crossed the line because because the brawl stops for a moment while everybody involved is in shock. Still, I think the umps let it get too far without separating the managers. Gotta wonder if this would have happend if Sandberg had been there and not in Cooperstown.

With regard to "Shark", and thats what I'm going to call him since I can never remember how to spell his name without looking it up, being a reciever at ND means that he played in some pressure situations at least on par with MLB, so I think assuming he physically is pitching well, mentally should have no problems.

Thanks Neil and Stan -- I saw the numbers yesterday in the article, and I have to say I was heartened that he's improved as much as he has as he's move up through the minors.

And Neil (et. al.!), just wanted to say that I really enjoy the site. I've been reading regularly for a couple of years now (and posting every once in a while). I love the articles and the posts, and your reporting is top-notch. I relish that there is a forum that is so level-headed, responsible, and respectful of the game as the CCO. Great work all around!

Thanks Eric....

Today's lineup:

Soriano - LF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Fukudome - RF
Soto - C
Fontenot - 2B
Johnson - CF
Dempster - P

SOTO with NUMBER 17!!!

Yo everyone. Just in. Soto huh?

Thanks for the spelling lesson Jim. No serious. I need it!

7 k's in 4 innings...wow!

Way to get out of it Demp! Although 96 pitches after 5 makes me worry...the way are bully is depleted I was hoping for another 7+ inning performance outta him.

Why Quade would send Soriano there with ARam coming up is beyond me. It wasn't even close.

No kidding! That was in the same league of ole "wav'n" Wendle Kim. Stupid

Samardzija just got up the pen warming up, so I guess he won't pitch as a starter after all.

And good old Sori seems to be back to his form (or at least most of it)--seeing him running faster than two months ago and venturing for the home from second is a thing of beauty.

By the way, Len Kasper said something about Uggla beeing booed is not justified (and I've heard the FOX Florida analyst saying something similar, while ridiculing Cubs fan). "The 3 errors he made didn't even contribute to the winning run."

Well, the guy not only made 3 errors in the All-Stars, he made at least one defensive misplay every inning, including one which he could have gotten a double play and ended the inning but gave up a run instead got only one run thanks to a bobble on his glove. He also batted 3 K-s and 2 double plays.

Dan was truly "Uggly" that night.

I always preferred the name "Windmill" Kim, but good analigy.

I think they said in the leadoff man that Shark would pitch middle relief only.

Dorassaga - according to chicagocubs.com, Lou has stated that the Shark will be in the bullpen to 'get his feet wet'. So a possiblitly that he'll get jumped to the rotation for a possible spot start, but I think he'll keep him in the pen for now. We need someone in there we can rely on. Everyone else seems to give up a couple of hits before getting anyone out.

And Uggly just made another defensive misplay by not advancing to the bag for a double-play.

Thank you, we need it this time.
:-)

Hey Guys. Neil, I was wondering if you are somehow blocking posts that come from phones or is it that maybe there is something wrong with my phone. I have posted before from the phone but lately it takes me to the "Thank you for commenting" page.
Anyway we need some offense now!!!

Damn...

Shark giving up the tying run isn't improving my opinion of ND or its alumni. Shook off Soto twice on the tying double.

Wow, Samardzjia throws a 95-97mph with movement, sinker?... 98mph now!...and then 95 sinker K! that' gonna be a folklore, folks! His debut first PA and it's a K! He got control, too. He got unlucky with the two hits, along the foul-line.

This kid is amusing. He reminds me of my first witness of Carlos Marmol in Wrigley. He was taking over, a game when Marquis started. And Marmol was lightning fast! Nobody for that two days that I went were faster than Marmol. His slider was just as fast that day. I was so impressed by that kid.

And now, we have the "Shark."

Tony, I can't wait for him in the rotation. Good that I'm watching this game now!

What's gonna happen to Marquis, though? Taking alternative week starting? I doubt the factor X would pitch better in the bullpen... I just don't know...

Lee just can't get anything off the ground these days. Lucky that wasn't another DP.

On the contrary, somehow I'm worried for Dempster. He wasn't flicking his glove today. He was taking more time between pitches than ever before. He seemed tired.

I hope it's not fatigue. Because if it is, we still have two months and a week ahead of us, and we need Dempster to pitch another 10 starts at least. I don't know. I just hope he won't become that control problem like last season... Good luck, Rothschild!

Ryan,

Love ya, kid, but let's keep Notre Dame out of this. You are biased against them, I am biased for them, let's end it at that.

Go CUBS!!

The Shark is on deck.

Man this game is frustrating!

Holy Crap, Howry please proove me wrong and shut them down....DAMN that was a strike!

Why does Lou have such a fixation on Howry? Tied game...you never go to the guy who is guaranteed to give up a run.

Ive had enough of Howry...

And that's the ballgame. Screw You Bobby.

Somehow Im not surprised by that HR given up by Howry. He simply sucks.

It aint the ballgame yet.

Im bummed too. But weve got the heart of the lineup in the 9th.

i just dont get lous thinking on consistently bringing in howry in tight situations he gives up a freakin run everytime he comes in his era is era now near 6

Me neither JJ. I guess its time to move on and use him in less important innings. Wow another loud out!

I hope he can hold it just to 1 run and try to tie it or win it in the 9th

Agustin, I will look into the phone problem. I had a problem today as well.

Great play by Fukudome. It got lost in the Howry madness but huge play...thats twice today.

NOW would be a great time for Lee and Aramis to emerge from their slumps.

10 hits and 2 runs...horrible clutch hitting combined with bad basecoaching...recipe for disaster. Throw in the bullpen not getting it done and i'll head outside and take down my big blue W flag. This game SUCKED!!!

Thank Neil.

Something needs to be done with Howry giving up runs have been the norm with him and not the exception. This is sick. And where is our offense???
I expect Soriano,Lee and Ramirez to start doing their jobs soon. Oh well...see you guys tommorrow.

great now all the brewers have to do is beat the astros and home and were tied for first just like that

Sorry to say this, but they have to get their heads out of their buttcheeks or they'll end up just like the Mets of 2007. Late inning relief has been a problem for a month. Their offense is inconsistent and they can't beat teams above .500

JP

Worse off, we could be the Brewers of 2007...

Screw the Brew!

I had a long rant about this topic, right before Soriano came back.

I am sick of hearing how the "answer" is in our farm system.

We are in a tightly contested division race, and have not won a World Series in 100 years.

Now is NOT the time to bring up a guy that is better known for his receiving records in college than he is as a reliever.

Go get Fuentes or Huston Street (established relief pitchers). Don't hand the ball with a 1-run lead to an unproven farmhand.

What a joke.

Jason, with all due respect, the Cubs underperforming farm system will not be able to land them either of those two pitchers.

Sharon....welcome to the CCO!

Why is Bob Howry still in the bullpen. His ERA is in the 5's, he's given up 50+ hits in 45innings pitch, he has no strike out pitch, and can never put anyone away quickly. Len and Bob call him a "2-pitch pitcher," but he never threw his pathetic slider to Hermida. Maybe a 1.5 pitch pitcher is correct. He has struggled for a long time and needs to sit in the pen and be used in the mop-up role.

Neil,

If that is true, then Hendry and the gang have officially failed with scouting and development.
I think Hoffpauir, Marshall, Pie, the "Shark", Veal, Guzman, and even Rich Hill still have value, and we really have no need for them on our team (with the exception of Pie for a long-term CF option).

The A's value players that have potential, and are under financial control...they don't need proven/established mlb-level talent.

If the Cubs are honest with themselves, the next 2-3 years, they are already set at:

1B (lee)
3B (aramis)
C (Soto)
SS (theriot)
LF (Soriano)
RF (Fuku)

Only 2B and CF are longer-term question marks, although I can definitely live with DeRosa. Maybe Pie still works out in CF, or do you go with Reed Johnson for one full year next year to see how he does?

As far as the rotation, you are set with:
Zambrano, Harden, Lilly, and Marquis is still under contract.

You probably want to resign Dempster, and Hendry usually gets the hometown discount, so I think we retain Dempster. For 5th starter, you have Marshall, Hill, Marquis, and Guzman. Outside chances belong to "the Shark" or some other farmhand that impresses in the next Spring Training or two.

So your real openings on this team, the next 1-2 years, are at CF and the bullpen.

So unless you slide Fuku to CF, Hoffpauir needs to be shipped out so the Cubs can maximize his value. I think Hoffpauir could probably hit a few HRs in Coors Field. I think Marshall would thrive in Oakland, etc...