Game Ninety-Nine: Cubs (58-40) vs. Diamondbacks (48-50)
Game Time - 8:40pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187
Location - Chase Field, Phoenix
Rich Harden (5-1, 2.19/1.17 - 0-0, 0.00/1.50) vs. Randy Johnson (6-7, 5.23/1.41)
Lou Piniella's crew will make their last trip out west of the regular season tonight when they open a 3-game series with the Diamondbacks behind Rich Harden. The Diamondbacks are tied with the Dodgers atop of the NL West with a sub .500 record and will be looking to return the favor to the Cubs from earlier in the season. The Cubs swept the D'Backs at Wrigley in May when many thought Arizona was the best team in the league.
The Cubs are in the middle of a difficult stretch of games and this is a big series for an organization that has not won too may games in Phoenix over the last ten years. The Cubs need to win this series and finish the 6-game road trip on a positive note.
Alfonso Soriano began a rehab stint in Arizona earlier on Monday. Soriano participated in a rookie league game in Peoria (Spring Training complex of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners) about 45 minutes northwest of Phoenix and a report in the Tribune stated there was an outside possibility he could be activated in time for tonight's game....but Paul Sullivan said Soriano would more than likely be activated on Wednesday after he played in a game on Tuesday with the I-Cubs in Tucson.
Also, the blister on Kerry Wood's right hand may lead the Cubs' closer to be placed on the DL for the 12th time in his career. According to a report in the Tribune, if Wood is placed on the DL it would be retroactive until July 12th and he would be eligible to return on Sunday....and Carlos Marmol would be the closer in Arizona and for the first three games of the Marlins series.
Rich Harden will make his second start tonight for the Chicago Cubs after an impressive debut at Wrigley on July 12th. Harden threw 5 1/3 shutout innings, gave up only 5 hits, walked 3 and struck out 10. Harden displayed very good command and nasty stuff....exactly the pitcher the Cubs traded for. Harden needs to cut down on the walks tonight and complete at least 6 innings for the first time since June 26th.
Harden was 2-1 in 5 road starts with the A's with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.
Tonight will be Harden's first career start against the Diamondbacks.
- Tony Clark - 1-for-3 with a double
- Orlando Hudson - 2-for-8
The Cubs will face Randy Johnson for the first time this season....and maybe the last time in his Hall of Fame career. Johnson is still a dominating figure on the mound but at 44 years old, is not as consistent as in the past. Johnson is 10 wins short of 300 and picked up career victory number 290 in his last start against the Phillies on July 12th. The Big Unit gave up 4 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings with a walk and 3 strikeouts. In his previous start against the Padres, it was vintage Randy Johnson....1 run on 3 hits in 6 1/3 innings with 10 strikeouts and no walks.
Randy Johnson was scheduled to face Carlos Zambrano in the series finale at Wrigley back on May 11th but the questionable weather forced both Bob Melvin and Lou Piniella to go with Edgar Gonzalez and Sean Gallagher. The Cubs won the game 6-4 and swept the Diamondbacks.
Johnson is 4-3 in 9 home starts this season with a 6.43 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP while opponents have hit a robust .306 against him.
The Cubs have never beaten Randy Johnson and not only have they lost to him for the past 20 years, but they have been dominated by arguably the third best southpaw in the history of the game.
Johnson is 12-0 in 13 career starts against the Cubs with 3 complete games, including a complete game shutout, with a 1.98 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP.
- Henry Blanco - 4-for-14 with a home run
- Mark DeRosa - 1-for-10
- Jim Edmonds - 6-for-25 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and 4 walks
- Reed Johnson - 5-for-12 with a double
- Derrek Lee - 4-for-22 with 13 strikeouts
- Aramis Ramirez - 3-for-17 with a home run and 12 strikeouts
- Carlos Zambrano - 1-for-3
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
:Rooting for Zambrano to play right and hit second:
Im also rooting for Kenny Lofton to get picked up.
So, what's the consensus on whom we are rooting for between the Brewers and Cards in their 4 game series? I would like to see the Cards take 3 of 4. The Cubs have 6 at home with the Cards and they can take care of them later on. As far as I am concerned, the further the Brewers get pushed back, the better.
In that case, I'd like to see the Cards sweep the brew crew. In reality, it's a moot point cause the Cubs are going to sweep the d-backs.
How about Milwaukee and St Louis play 4 - 13 inning games.
A split between the Cards and Brewers would be good as long as the Cubs win 2 of 3 in my opinion
I'm going with the goddam Cards. (I will ALWAYS refer to them that way). Someone said it earlier-the brewers are playing like they want it, and the goddam Cards are the next team in their way who has the ability to pop their bubble.
According to a report on cubs.com, Soriano went 0-2 with a walk in his first rehab game. He flied out to right the first at-bat, then struck out in the second at-bat, and walked in the third one. He saw a total of 19 pitches...which is quite a lot, esp. for Soriano imo.
Let's get our first win against Johson! Go Cubbies!
Tonight's lineup:
Theriot - SS
Johnson - LF
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Soto - C
DeRosa - RF
Edmonds - CF
Cedeno - 2B
Harden - P
Also, WGN Radio reported Kerry Wood is not going to the DL but is not available tonight and at least Tuesday. They said the staff and the pen is well rested and the Cubs do not feel a move is necessary right now.
Wood saw a hand specialist in Arizona today (Monday)and there is not an infection in the finger, it is just a blister.
By the way everyone:
MLB Extra Innings is offering a free preview this week.
So if you have Directv, check it out.
This is good for me and everyone else who has mlb.tv because the internet service only offers the home team broadcast. EI gives you both. I'd prefer to watch Rich Harden and watch Len and Bob.
But yeh. Thought I'd pass this along!
How about that 'stache on Reed!! He looks like a cop or a 70's porn star!
Thanks Andy....I can hear the wah peddle in the background.
Aramis looked horible....0-for-the-second-half
They are being very agressive tonight against Johnson.
According to mlb Gameday, Harden's fastball is consistently showing in the lower 90's...is that what they are showing on TV as well?
I thought his fastball was supposed to be in the mid 90's.
They are hitting Johnson hard, just not finding green.
Duas, having been paying attention to the gun, just watching all the movement.
Yeh, Like last Saturday, Im sure Harden can throw a fireball if he wants to.
But the ball is just dropping right at the zone. He throws a pretty game.
Loving what L&B was saying about having no clue what he throws.
Can't watch the game (following on Gameday) but I am watching the Brewers and Cards game and both bullpens have blown it for them so far.
Let's go Cubs!!
Did I mention Harden is awesome! Let's get him some runs offense! Get the offense going Neil!!
Harden looks great tonight! Let's get him some run support!
Maybe A-Ram needs a night off. He looks really bad out there.
C'mon bats....time to wipe the sleep out of your eyes and score some runs.
That walk breaks up the perfect game
Evening boys....Harden is looking great tonight, but is it just me or is the strike zone REALLY inconsistent tonight???? Sheesh, can you imagine what his pitching line would look like if it was consistent?
First walk given up on a pitch that was an OBVIOUS strike.
LET'S GO OFFENSE, LET'S GO!!!
Wow. The similarities between Harden and a young Kerry Wood is ridiculously close. I'm still waiting for one of his pitches to get away and nail one of the d-backs. But it really doesn't matter what he throws, since nobody can hit anything he throws anyway. Changing speeds well too tonight.
How about 3 or 4 runs now!! Come on bats!!
How about 3 or 4 runs now!! Come on bats!!
That is the fourth time Young has taken a hit away from the Cubs....great range.
Anybody venture a guess on a pitch count for harden tonight?
Elliot, 73 pitches after 5.
Reed Johnson with a walk....the first in 2 games and only the 3rd of the second half.
The old guy just woke up, and I hope that gets the Cubs bats going. What a pitchers' dual. OK Blue, if you were waiting for me, score 3!
Thanks Neil. I was actually wondering if anybody knew if there was a limit as to how many pitches he'd be allowed to throw. Does this guy normally throw 120+ pitches, ie zambrano? Or you think the Cubs will hold him to about 90 pitches?
1-2 pitch with Randy on deck you've got to be kidding me!
Forgot to mention FIRST major league homer by that idiot...man i'm tired of hearing that
well, no better time than now to start scoring some runs..
Elliot, I have not heard or read a pitch count. He has been around 100 recently. Maybe one more inning.
Aramis needs to get going!
Let's go Cubs. Get the run back. 1 hit 1 run for them in 6 should get us going.
Harden's last 8 pitch totals
96
95
91
95
98
95
99
115
...Let's gooooo.
We have got to get Hardin the win tonight, he as pitched to damn good to not get it.
I'm OK on giving Harden one more hitter. Get Young, Rich.
Owings was supposed to start tomorrow. They are going with Petit instead.
So tomorrow's scheduled starter is now in for the Dbacks. Owings hasn't as good this year as expected. Now's our chance to pull this one out.
Good God!
So, will the Cubs be "tipping their cap" to some relic with an era over 5? Or were there "lots of hard hit ball at somebody?" Good thing Harden can't call "do over" on his trade.
man...this is painful...it's just like this team to pull this crap. Johnson's like 90 years old, and we make him look like Cy Young...Granted, we really stung the ball, but with Harden pitching as he did, you HAVE to win this game
Another great outing by Hardin and the best we can get him is a no decision.
WAKE UP OFFENSE, drink more coffee or red bull or something, but for the love of god WAKE UP!!
COME ON HOWRY!!!!
does anyone know when they banned greenies? Was it this year? or was it when they started steroids testing? I'm wondering if that's why we've struggled so badly
pathetic
well, maybe Drew's shot again will turn their season around so they can kick our ass yet again, like they did with his shot last year....anyone with a brain could've seen Howry giving up at least a run...I honestly thought it was a bomb
Aaron, I think last year was the first for "greenies".
does anyone know what "greenies" are really? Is it like a hyper-caffeine pill, or narcotic, or what? I guess it was to provide energy throughout a long season, but I have no real idea
Time for Gaudin to start getting more if an opportunity in close games. As for Howry I'm beginning to believe the guy is through.
Nice job Theriot!
Sadly, its been looking like Howry's skills have left the building. He knows he's hittable, tries to be too fine and gives up late inning runs. Someone else, maybe Gaudin, should get Howry's inning.
We've got our top half with one more chance tonight.
DLee is FU#KING KILLING ME!!!!
could've called that tragedy that was a Lee at bat. WORTHLESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS in the clutch...I hate him
Another double play for Lee....that's 20 on the year.
Great job aram! WE are not good right now and I am pissed and sick to my stomach!
Don't mean to me "negative", but how can we spin this one "positive" peeps,roalnd... the floor is yours.
I think it is time for Lou to have one of his "pep" talks to the guys tonight.
This is the type of game that I have no patience for.
And this is where I draw the line...
know what's funny....when Ward came up an inning earlier, I was like, "yes, he's hitting for Lee"...I mean, I'd never say that....granted, I lost track of who was coming up, but it's the thought....I never would've thought like that last year, but he's been TERRIBLE, and so has ARAM....I tell you what, we deserved to lose the game, and in fitting fashion, Harden did all he could, while the offense blew the game, and one little mistake, and they won...it was a Cubbie occurrence, and it's been happening too often lately.
good night all....i'm not even watching the rest of the series...they dominated us last year, and it's not even worth my time....see you in the next series gentlemen....Marquis...Lilly...=laughable, considering our second ace couldn't even win with a DAMN ONE FREAKIN" HITTER!!!!!!!!!
Hardin left with a 7-0 lead and got a no-dec, now he throughs a 1 hitter and loses. A the Cubby occurances are plentiful right now.
That was painful. The big unit was intimidating one more time. The pen let us down as did Lee with his 9th inning DP. We should have extra motivation tomorrow.
I'm jumping on the "D-lee out of the 3 hole" bandwagon. He is killing us. Tonight was just plain pathetic, no has mentioned Ramierz, he has not gotten a hit since before the allstar break. yikes. Soriano hurry up!!!
know what else sucks about all this....Sabathia is 3-0, and Harden is 0-1 with a no-decision. WOW!!
I think it is time or Ramirez to pull the pant legs down again, because to high socks sure the hell aint workin for him.
Hopefully Soriano is ready to go on Wednesday.
I'm not disagreeing with you JimK but we made a 60 year old throwing 90 tops look intimidating....the middle of our lineup SUCKS right now and Lou needs to light a fire undernieth those dudes cause right now their STEALING money.
I keep waiting for Aramis to be our Pujols or whatever your superstar of choice is and although he's good for a clutch walkoff every now and then he has WAY too many of these slumps...and Lee has just been frustrating since his wrist injury...VERY FRUSTRATING!
See ya all tomorrow night.
I'm so mad I spelled underneath...undernieth...COME ON!
........this performance also backs up the notion that a starting pitcher like Santana, Sabathia, Harden, Haren, etc....doesn't really matter unless you have the offense. the saying that "pitching and defense wins games" is such a cliche I'm so tired of hearing it. It's an entire team effort, and our offense plain SUCKS, and has for the last 2 months. Where's the big bat...we need one badly. all you have to do is look at Sabathia's stats as well...while he's pitched well, Harden's outpitched him, but CC has 2 complete games. If Harden could do that, we wouldn't have blown games by Howry and Marmol. But it games that are close, they have the power to swing the game in their favor....we've had some terrible luck sure, but a change is needed, and it starts with the offense, because clearly the pitching deals are not helping
Ok, I'll be the positive spin guy.
In a baseball season, 4 games in July mean very little. You can't evaluate anyone or any team based on that small a sample size. How many were really down on the team when we got swept by the Rays, only to be elated when we swept the Sox, only to be negative about the team again when we were swept at the Cell.
People wanted to annoint Fukudome as a superstar in
April, now they want to bench him. People back in April were proclaiming that D. Lee was back in 2005 MVP form, now the same folks say he sucks. Neither Lee nor Fukudome are as good as they appeared in April or as bad as they appear now.
Baseball is all about percentages and while I haven't made a study of it, I'd bet if you did, the Cubs still have the highest probability to win the division ... and it's not much different than it was last week ... yet the mindset of many fans has changed so much.
Be patient. Take a long term outlook on the season. Every team and every player has ups and downs during a 162 game season. We will probably be all right. We will probably win the division ... same place we were in before the last four games.
YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!! Harden throws a 1 freakin hitter and we can't give him 1 freakin run? Johnson is on his last legg, 12-0 vs. the Cubs over hell knows how many years! If I were Harden, I'd ask to go back to Oakland! We are supposed to be the BEST team in baseball? 2 god damn hits. Our 3,4, 5 and even 6 hitters were o-14!!HOW FREAKIN PATHETIC!
Houston was horrible, 2 runs in the 1st 2 games back after a long rest. Hell, 2 solo shots and 1 from our freakin pitcher! St. louis and Milwaukee on on our asses now. We're in trouble.... FUCK!
well said Mark....all the sports stations I'm flipping through out here in the last 15 minutes have ALL commented on Harden's performance, and how pathetic our offense is, considering Johnson's stats against the rest of the league....it's embarrassing is what it is, and you're right, if I were Harden, I'd be asking what the hell I got myself into....pathetic doesn't even describe losing 2 out of 3 to a terrible Houston team, and the first game against a reeling D'Backs team.
I watched the Brewers and Cards tonight. The contrast between a Brewers team on the road playing a good team and the Cubs on the road playing a bad team, was shocking. And what's their answer to gettin out of this downward spiral? Let's wait for Soriano? Good grief only loser pussies wait for someone else to do the job. The Cubs look like that pathtic bunch that embarassed themselves in the playoffs last year. Trouble is this team can't be shamed into doing better and tonight's performance was as shameful as it gets. They'll just tip their cap to the opposition so nobady has to feel bad about how much they suck. This team will never win it all without a team leader.
I've said it before but our middle of the order hitters have too many holes and maybe are slightly overrated there...Aram is hot and cold and when he is on the road or in a big games so far he is cold. Lee is a nice hitter but I think he should hit in the five or six spot as he did in Florida. Way too many double plays for the three spot. The road woes on offense can be pinned to the lack of toughness in the middle of the order. The team is still pretty good in a weak National League. However, the mo seems to have swung to Milwaukee and it would not be a shock if the Cubs come out of Milwaukee next week in second place.
I'm taking my negative ass out to the old ball game tomorrow, and I can only hope that I don't have to sit through a game like this. Does everyone realize that if we are not careful we could be in third place by the end of the week?
One more thing...Bobby Howry is far too dependent on the fastball. His slider is a prelude to a hard hit ball with a good chance to be in the gap or off or over the wall. He needs to stick with the fastball mostly and locate it, move it around but bring it. Otherwise, its time to find an alternative
to those of you that think aram is not clutch
R U KIDDING ME?
we would be in third pplace right now if it werent for him...hes had so many big hits its incredible...infact, thats probably why he made the dang all star team
and as for dlee, he might not be a albert pujols, but hes he leader on this team, hes the guy that everyone looks up too, and if it werent for his defense, we might be looking up at the brewers and cards by 5 games
yup....i'm negative too dammit....i've earned that right being a fan as long as I have.....
it's funny, because I was thinking about an analogy tonight.
being a Cubs fan is like marrying someone you love, and then they emotionally abuse you, or physically abuse you later on, and you keep telling yourself to stick it out, that they'll change, and finally pull through for you.....I question sometimes why the hell I even stick around. I just watched the Rockies get pounded tonight, yet, they kept coming back, and coming back, and if their relievers hadn't given up more runs after Kip Wells gave up 8 early on, it probably would've been a tie game. That is a team of scrappers, and I team I thoroughly enjoy watching on tv and in person. I just don't get it with the Cubs. They teased everybody early on, coming back when they were down. It was almost like, "Cubs down 8-0, second inning." and you'd be like, "okay, Cubs will chip away, and pull it out in the end. Well, that was early on, and I think they all let it get to their heads, and when Soriano went down, everyone tried being a hero, and sucked. He came back, we started winning, then went down again, and everyone blamed it on him being out, and it starts with management. If you can't be accountable, you AREN'T going to win, nor do you deserve to win if you make excuses.
It's pathetic, and I'm so tired of it, which, like I said, is why I'm not watching the last two games of this series, and I'll see what happens after that. I have too much going on anyway with my family coming into town....hopefully they pull through, but it's not looking good fellas
also...were still in the top 5 in nearly every offensive categorys despite this recent losing trend.
so to ay that our offense sucks is completely insane
Aaron...do you promise you will not be watching the last two games of the series??
Funny how you didnt post during the 9-0 W, being that was a positive game and a win. Take a break for a while.