Game One Hundred Thirty-Two: Cubs (81-50) vs. Pirates (57-74)
Game Time - 6:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: WGN - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 184
Location - PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Carlos Zambrano (13-5, 3.29/1.26) vs. Ian Snell (5-10, 5.60/1.83)
The Cubs will try to win their fourth game in a row tonight behind Carlos Zambrano....and pick up their 9th consecutive series win in the process. The last time the Cubs won nine consecutive series of two or more games was in 1907 when they won 10 in a row. In order to accomplish that feat they will have to beat Ian Snell who is coming off his best start of the season against the St. Louis Cardinals.
For more historical facts, the Cubs are 16-6 this month with 6 games remaining on the schedule. Lou Piniella's crew has won 15 games in each of the first 5 months for the first time since 1969.
Lou Piniella reminded the Faithful that his team still has plenty of work to do this season and the next step would be a win tonight against the Bucs while the Brewers and Cardinals are battling each other in St. Louis....
Carlos Zambrano is coming off his first win in the month of August since 2006. Zambrano once again struggled with his command and himself....but fought through his troubles and picked up his 13th win of the season. The Reds scored only 1 run on 6 hits in 7 innings against Big Z while he walked 4 and struck out 4. Zambrano did hit his 4th home run of the season.
While Zambrano may love hitting, the Cubs need him to do what he is paid to do....and that is pitch. Zambrano has not been very Zambrano-like since his start in Milwaukee on July 29th. And despite the performances by Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly, the Cubs must get their ace back on track.
Reportedly Zambrano is rushing his pitches and has altered his arm angle. Both Lou Piniella and Larry Rothschild know what is wrong and it is up to Big Z to fix it....
Every game is important from now to the end of the season but after next Wednesday the Cubs schedule becomes very difficult to say the least. After facing the Astros for 3 games at Wrigley (no cake walk there), they hit the road for 16 of their remaining 22 games. For the Cubs to finish the season strong and make it into the playoffs, Carlos Zambrano must be the pitcher he is capable of being....remember, this team goes as Zambrano goes and Big Z must start with a solid outing tonight in Pittsburgh.
Zambrano is 6-4 in 11 road starts this season with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Tonight will be his fourth start of the year against the Bucs and he is 1-0 in his first 3 with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP.
- Ryan Doumit - 4-for-12 with a double
- Andy LaRoche - 1-for-4 with a double
- Adam LaRoche - 6-for-25 with 2 doubles
- Nate McLouth - 5-for-17 with a double and a triple
- Nyjer Morgan - 1-for-6
- Brandon Moss - 1-for-2 with a home run
- Freddy Sanchez - 7-for-32 with a double
- Ian Snell - 0-for-2
- Jack Wilson - 8-for-41 with a double
The Cubs will get their third look of the season at Ian Snell tonight. The Pirates' Opening Day starter has had a rough season but is coming off his best start of the year against the Cardinals. Snell tossed 7 innings of shutout ball against Albert Pujols and company and allowed only 4 hits with a walk and 8 strikeouts. Snell said following the game that the performances by CC Sabathia since arriving in Milwaukee have inspired him to become a better pitcher. Whatever the case, it worked for at least one game.
Snell's start against the Cardinals has given the Pirates hope for next season and beyond for one of the top arms in their system. Snell is having his best month of the year. He is 1-2 in his last 4 games with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.61 WHIP.
Snell is 3-3 in 11 starts at home this season with a 3.92 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP....more than four runs less per 9 innings at PNC than on the road.
This year Snell is 0-1 in 2 starts against the Cubs with a 6.30 ERA and a 2.00 WHIP while the Cubs have hit a robust .356 against him....both games were at Wrigley. If the offense allows him to get comfortable and gain confidence, it could be a long aggravating night at the plate.
- Henry Blanco - 0-for-3
- Ronny Cedeno - 2-for-5
- Mark DeRosa - 4-for-8 with a double
- Jim Edmonds - 5-for-18 with 2 doubles and 2 home runs
- Kosuke Fukudome - 1-for-5 with a triple
- Reed Johnson - 2-for-3
- Derrek Lee - 6-for-23 with 3 doubles
- Aramis Ramirez - 8-for-25 with 4 doubles
- Alfonso Soriano - 7-for-15 with 3 home runs
- Geovany Soto - 3-for-4 with 2 doubles
- Ryan Theriot - 6-for-17 with a double and 2 triples
- Carlos Zambrano - 2-for-4 with a double
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
is it really fair to refer to zambrano as the ace? if we were to start the playoffs today i would say the rotation would be harden, dempster, and then zambrano.
I think that will never happen and is pure lunacy.
Z is our ace. Bottom line. He deserves it.
If I were Piniella, I would set the rotation just like you said jeremy... to Hell with all the ego-pampering just because he's got tenure. This is a team sport, and if Z is too self-absorbed to recognize that Harden is more dependable, then he needs a reality check.
I don't know what Piniella will do, though. At times, he's gone with the hot hand, and other times, seems to blindly put his faith in those who don't deserve it, and its come back to bite us. I'm not saying I don't have faith that Z would give us a quality start. I'm just saying I have MORE faith that Harden would. And probably Dempster too.
Insanity...
Tonight's lineup:
Soriano - LF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Edmonds - CF
DeRosa - 2B
Fukudome - RF
Soto - C
Zambrano - P
jeremy, eric:
You two are NUCKIN' FUTS.
If it isn't broken, I see NO need to change anything. And even if I were to humor you guys and say it was a good idea... Let me ask, what would such a switch do to Big Z's psychy?
Matt is a fan of Dickie Robert references.
Its a good omen. =D
Here are more opinions than anyone needs (from me at least) about ACES. Assuming Z, D and H pitch to form the rest of the way, we can call them all ACES. There's reason to breathe a sigh of joy tonight if Z "gets past his recent troubles" as Neil called them.
Having 3 ACES, Lou will likely go Z, D and H. A healthy Z is capable of 7 or 8 strong innings and an RBI or two. Z is at his emotional best when his ego is nurtured. He gives us a hitting advantage in game 1's of the NLCS.
If Z loses a tight game to someone like CC or Brandon Webb, we have two ACES left, and the other teams have one. Our third ACE (H) is a limited pitch count guy, and he likely doesn't come back well on short rest. Z is our best "strategic ACE" and therefore starts game 1's. Our other 2 ACES will have critical starts too, and it doesn't matter in which order they win 2 of 3 games, or preferably 3 of 3. Most of all we need to hope that we have 3 ACES (and a strong pen) when we get to the post season.
And then, there are the Four ACES. Gramps and I remember them in the 50's for such Cubs' appropriate hits as "Stranger in Paradise" and "A Time For Us." When we are all playing in October, some of you teeny boppers and rappers may want to learn the words and melody. You might want to google "words and melody" to get acquainted with what used to be important elements of music--just like pitching, hitting and defense are important elements of baseball. Here's hoping for a lot more fun tonight!!
No more 3rd person talk?
Thank you JimK,
I believe your argument is water-tight. I share the same opinion, however, was unable to put it into words as eloquently as you have.
Tradition Duas.
We can leave it to a vote. But Z's record has been impressive in the third person. Minus that LA meltdown.
In any case, Matt promises no more third person after this, tonight. Errands to attend too. So lucky haters. =)
Go Cubs and enjoy the game!
to*
Sorry, hate obvious typos
I think we're all forgetting that Lou might not have much of an option at "setting our rotation." Remember the last weekend of the season is in Milwaukee and what if we're playing for the division then. Would you rather have your "ace" throwing the clinching game or game 1 of the playoffs. The regular season ends on Sunday and playoffs start Tuesday. Regardless even if Lou can choose Z is the guy. One he's fearless and won't be intimidating by anyone. How you can make a case against the guy after his game 1 performance last year. Also, there's no way I would throw Harden because face it he's not going to go deep in the game. Say he throws 5 shutout innings but if we have to go to the bullpen after 5 or 6 we're hurting our chances later in the series.
In whatever person, Zambrano MUST get it together!
Trevor thinks not talking in 3rd person is very bad idea and will not entertain thoughts to the contrary. Trevor has your back Carlos, now reciprocate.
OK I am ready to kick the Pirates announcers in the face. They are making fun of us? when we just flat out kill them this year? Keep laughing Dork'os...
Neil hopes the offense can pick up Z
Agustin, can you elaborate?
They are making fun of Zambrano's temper and were saying saying that Soto's performance is not of an all star and that he probably not ready for a full year in the bigs. Neil, they are talking like if the Pirates had our W-L record...
I will give them Z's temper, but Soto....no way. He had a rough inning and should be the NL ROY.
Most announcers for other teams really do not like the Cubs and especially their fans.
Yeah...and now that I think of it if I were a Pirate fan I'd strongly dislike the Cubs. But the comments were a little out of line. Now they said that Z. is a good pitcher.
JimK sees serious evidence that Z is not past his recent troubles. JimK thinks we can come back, but Z is not right.
Z wants to know if the Pirate's announcers are laughing now?
hows that for the rookie eeeeh? pnc announcers?
Neil liked seeing Soto hit that double and Neil hopes Z's hit will calm him down. Neil agrees with JimK....
I know he's one of the main builing blocks of the Pirates, and the Cubs have a nice platoon in center, but I would give Neil's left nut to get McClouth in a Cub's uniform next year.
Lou wants Z to get through 5, but with Cubs' bats having regained the lead, Lou should pull Z as soon as 2 runners get on against Z.
Something is keeping Z from full extension on some throws (home and the one to second). Maybe a tendon in the arm or wrist or something in the groin area. Z seems to be paying more attention to Jr. and the twins than usual.
Soriano dove?
I am rubbing my eyes. Was that an actual dive by Soriano?
Yes Gary, Soriano dove....it was not a mirage.
Great throw by Kosuke!!!
2 hits and a Pirate base running blunder out against Z. Z's pitch speed is down tonight. Get Z out of there Lou. Now a walk. Get him out of there Lou. Lou heads back to the dug out--leaving Z in. I say a mistake. We'll see.
Regardless of the outcome. As I stated in the preview, Piniella and Rothschild MUST get Zambrano back on track.
Jim, you're exactly right. Z was only getting his fastball up to around 88, and was relying on a 78 changeup/slider. Either his mechanics are really off, or he has some health issues that are lingering again.
Hindsight is wonderful, but Lou really left Z in one batter too many. After the walk you could tell he was spent.
Well, we have a brand new ballgame. My money is on the Cubs in this one.
Z gives up a hit--letting Lou and the Cubs' world down. Samardzija gets an infield out but the tying run scores. Cubs should rate an edge in a tie game with the Pirates--but mo now favors the Bucs.
Here we go...
1.78 ERA in July and almost 7.00 in August!. Zambrano has not been right since he beat the Brewers on July 29th. They have to get him right with some rest, and at this point, the Cubs gain significantly in effectiveness by pitching Marshall over Zambrano.
Thank you GEO... He sure didn't make me wait long.
Nice shot!
SOTO!!!! #20....new rookie Cubs catcher record. First rookie since Billy Williams to hit 20 home runs in a single season....I think Williams hit 25.
Thank you Geo. Cubs lead by 1. Mo is back with us--and you hope that we now go for the win.
Yes, Billy Williams hit 25 in 1961...
Soriano DROPPED THE BALL AGAIN!!!
Brant Brown Part Two in this park. He hopped and then dropped.
Brewers up 2-0 after 4. Let's play and manage very well the rest of the way and not give up anything to the Brewers. Cotts gives up a hit. Soriano drops a pop fly--but not without his miserable hop. We don't want to win tonight guys and gals.
This is just ugly! Can't leave the Pirates hanging around.
Lets not dwell on the negatives tonight folks. There's plenty of baseball left to be played in this one. We need to win ugly games too.
This is the same group of relievers that the Nats pounded the holy hell out of. Next up, Gaudan for a 6 spot.
Lew...you are exactly right. There is a lot of ball left. Not tying to be negative here....just stating facts.
I am concerned about Zambrano and I do not like seeing Soriano drop a routine fly in left field.
Neil has the operative word. UGLY! Win or lose, we were UGLY! You wonder what the Cubs got into last night after the game. We know it was UGLY and we know it produced blurred vision tonight.
What a crappy bunt by Cedeno. I would have put Dempster in to sacrifice.
RC, after all these years, doesn't realize or know how to bunt to the 3rd base side.
Hey guys, Let's get this lead back and take this one.
If I wouldn't have know better I though Marquis was the starter tonight. Did Z have a bad August last year too?
Nice play by TheRiot.
That might be all the MO we need.
Great call Cary. Dempster leads the league in SF bunts by pitchers.
I think having runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs, and not scoring a run, is a bad omen.
Nice inning Marshall. Now come on Offense, lets not stop now.
Cary...GREAT point. Dempster would have been a very good call.
Nick....Z was 0-for-August last season. Worst month of the year, just horrible. Before he beat the Reds he had not won a game in August since 2006.
Maybe Soriano gets a chance to redeem his fielding with his bat. In the end, we can win even if we were terrible.
Thanks Neil.
Come on Soriano, make up for that dropped fly ball!!
That'll work, come TheRiot.
nice hit the other way.
No way they blow this opportunity.
Gotta have faith...
a dp will tie the game! go Lee!
Come on Ramirez, stick it to your old team!!
Let's go Rami...
very well done DLEE!!!
Thatta boy Rami. Just gotta keep being patient.
Good eye Rami, now how about a hit here Johnson.
Nice job REED!
There you go Reed!! Let's keep going now!
I don't know if we call it baseblunder or stinkball or basecrap, but we are ahead on 2 bases loaded walks. We just have to win this little league exhibition.
I doubt Neil takes or need suggestions on the recap. But this will do, Neil. "We won a game nobody is familiar with tonight. It was ugly, and you just had to be thre to understand." Be my guest, Neil, and take the rest of the night off. Otherwise, you might electrocute yourself on a faulty keyboard.
SOTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Neil...how about that for the non-deserving rookie??? WOW Soto!
I think the announcers shouldn't have said anything about Geo tonight. He's showcasing why he's an All-Star.
That's certainly worth an ATTA BOY
And Fontenot too! Damn.