Game Sixty-Three: Cubs (31-31) vs. Indians (29-39)
Game Time - 1:20pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast Sports Net - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 183
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago
Rich Harden (4-3, 4.53/1.35) vs. Cliff Lee (4-6, 2.88/1.33)
Weather permitting ...Can the Cubs win two in a row? The come from behind victory against the White Sox showed the Cubs could hit for a couple of innings ... and now it is time to post wins on consecutive days for the first time since June 7 and June 9.
While the Cubs just completed a rain-shortened "Crosstown Classic", the next three days will be focused on two players the Cubs parted ways with over the winter. The return of Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood to Wrigley Field will make all of the headlines ... and both players figure to have a huge impact on the next three games, especially Mark DeRosa.
Kerry Wood was synonymous with the Chicago Cubs for over a decade ... Derrek Lee recently called him the 'Mr. Cub' of this generation. Wood has been good for the Indians, especially of late (2-2 with a 4.63 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP, eight out of 10 in save opportunities ... no hits or runs in last six games, 5 1/3 innings, with two walks and six strikeouts) and he credits his recent success with the fact he is throwing his devastating breaking ball for strikes.
Mark DeRosa spent two seasons with the Cubs and was traded on New Year's Eve for three minor league pitchers. The 2009 version of the Chicago Cubs has missed DeRosa, no doubt, but he has become a legend in Chicago over the last six months. Many will be on hand to show support for Mark DeRosa today, but Jim Hendry will not be at Wrigley to hear the cheers (and likely standing ovation). Hendry is in Omaha this weekend at the College World Series.
After a horrible start to the year, DeRosa has been on fire of late and figures to finish the year in a different uniform. DeRosa has hit safely in his last seven games and is hitting .323/.380/.600 with five home runs and three doubles in his last 16 games ... for the year, .280/.348/.479/.827 with 12 doubles, 13 home runs and 48 RBI in 64 games.
The Indians won seven of 11 before being swept by the Brewers at home. The Tribe scored 25 runs in the three losses ... their offense is not the problem, it is Cleveland's bullpen and every starter not named Cliff Lee.
The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner is coming off a gem against the Cardinals last Sunday night. Cliff Lee took a no-hitter into the eighth and is on top of his game right now. Lee has dominated the National League in Interleague Play. He is 2-0 in his last five starts against the NL with a 1.72 ERA and is 12-2 in 20 career Interleague starts with a 3.18 ERA.
The Cubs offense must make Cliff Lee work and get into their bullpen. While it all starts with Rich Harden, another good game from Alfonso Soriano would go a long way toward a win. Soriano recorded his first multi-hit game on Thursday since May 17 ...
Rich Harden will make his second start since coming off the DL last Friday. Harden put together a very good start, especially for a day game, but received no support from his offense. The Cubs lost 2-0 and were shutout for the fifth time on the year.
Rich Harden accepted responsibility for giving up a couple of early runs that put his team in a hole ... but Harden, like the rest of Piniella's staff, did his job. Harden allowed the two runs (a solo home run by Jason Kubel in the second and a RBI single by Joe Mauer in the third) on five hits in six innings with nine strikeouts ... and only two walks.
The Cubs will need a similar outing from Rich Harden this afternoon.
Harden has struggled at home, especially during the day, this season. Harden has been consistent with his comments since his trade to the Cubs last summer that he prefers to pitch at night. Harden is 2-3 in six home starts this season with a 5.58 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP ... during the day, 1-3 in six starts with a 5.28 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP. For the record, Harden is 3-0 in his three starts at night with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP.
This afternoon will be Rich Harden's fifth career start against the Indians. In five career games, four starts, Harden is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP.
- Mark DeRosa - 0-for-1
- Ryan Garko - 1-for-1
- Travis Hafner - 2-for-4 with a double, a home run and 4 walks
- Victor Martinez - 1-for-5 with a walk
- Jhonny Peralta - 0-for-1
- Kelly Shoppach - 0-for-1
The Cubs will face the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner for only the second time ... and for the first time since June 20, 2006. Cliff Lee beat the Cubs 4-2 in Cleveland and he allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits in 6 2/3 innings with a walk and three strikeouts. Cliff Lee beat Greg Maddux and Aramis Ramirez hit a home run off Lee in the sixth.
Cliff Lee has pitched much better than his 4-6 record and the Cubs' offense will struggle once again today if they do not make him work. Lee is 2-0 in his last three starts with a miniscule 1.96 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP (four walks and 15 strikeouts in his last 23 innings).
The Indians have not had troubles of late scoring runs and Lee has been unbeatable. The Cubs offense must run up his pitch count and get him out of the game as soon as possible. The Tribe has a very bad bullpen that even the Cubs' offense could take advantage of if they can get Lee out of the game.
- Andres Blanco - 1-for-4
- Milton Bradley - 2-for-9 with a home run and 2 walks
- Ryan Freel - 6-for-11 with a triple and 2 walks
- Reed Johnson - 2-for-5 with 2 walks
- Aaron Miles - 1-for-3
- Alfonso Soriano - 3-for-8 with a home run
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
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Fox for DeRo!!!!!
I think the bigger question is "Will the Cubs play today?" And I'm pretty sure the answer is no, no they will not. I'm west of Chicago and I got almost black skies and loud thunder surrounding me, and I'm almost positive it's headed towards Chi-Town. So looks like Hendry won't be able to weasel his way out of DeRosa and Wood's return.
There's supposed to be a window this afternoon. My guess is that they're going to try and get it in.
I wrote a good post under community blog about Pedro Martinez and Jim Hendry/Trade Market.
Travis Hafner - 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, a home run and 4 walks
I'd be pissed if I hit two doubles and a HR and only got credit for 2 hits.
Ooops ... thanks for catching. Corrected.
Hearing Woody is throwing his curveball again makes me pissed off all over again. Still can't believe the Cubs didn't bring him back.
Starting Lineup:
Soriano LF
Theriot SS
Bradley RF
Dlee 1B
Fox 3B
Soto C
Reed CF
Blanco 2B
Harden P
Thank you for posting the lineup...
yep I think they will showcase Fox
That's a good point Waldo.
Now we get to see Fox at 3rd. Let's hope he takes advantage.
Hey Fox at third. Finally on a day when the game probaly won't get in. Perfect timing Lou.
I bet if they dont get the game in, Lou will find some excuse not to put Fox in the rest of the weekend.
I think this weather is the baseball gods upset at Wood coming back to Wrigley in a foreign uniform.
Nope, this game's getting in. The clouds almost completely dissipated about 45 minutes ago and it's almost pure blue skies right now. Very most this game will get is a 30 minute rain delay.
Please let Fox do some big things today.
Fox has been waiting forever...I;ll settle for a solid day...I hope he's not over anxious. With Freel coming off the DL in a few days...It's important to impress Lou.
LET'S GET A WIN TODAY!!!!
I see Fox getting his first big-league HR today.
I like your thinking Jim!
Bradley, Lee, Fox and Soto, dare we whisper Murderer's Row? LOL
I'm with you, BU, re Fox. I shared lunch yesterday with a coach at Cathedral H.S. (when Fox was there), and we'll both be pulling as hard as we can for him today. Jake is both a Fox and a Wolverine (U. of Michigan--so he has the lineage to be a standout Cub.
watching the DeRosa interview really shows you were the leadership this team needs went. He was the glue that held the team together and you can see he still wants to be a Cub.
I listened to Milton Bradley on the radio doing a pregame interview. He came across very well. I am going to start cutting this guy some slack.
I wish I was at wrigley. I'm positive the crowd will give him a standing O and I would kill to be there to enjoy the moment. He's class and we are in need of some class again in the clubhouse.
Same goes for Wood. Another leader this team is in desperate need of. Both guys are class acts and this team could really use both of them in the clubhouse as well as on the field.
I agree, just didn't include his name for whatever reason. Probably cause I can't be sure he'll be on the field today...but his standing o will probably out weigh dero's. thanks for catching that jim.
Looking at a 2:30 first pitch...
DeRosa was a leader in all aspects that you need leadership. He produced on the field, he held himself accountable, he filled all the roles demanded of him, and he kept the clubhouse relaxed. This year the cubs are all running around with tight bungholes trying to do everything right, which is causing failure.
I knew this weekend...would be tough with Woody and Dero in town...I find it curious that Hendry is out of town...no matter the reason.
This is just a taste of what it is like to be a Pirates fan...How do they maintain any fan base...constantly trading away favorite sons all the time?
Now looking at a 2:45pm first pitch
anyone else wathching the rain delay game. Can't beleive the difference in one season.
97 win seasons are something most teams and fans can hang their hat on......unless that team has not won a W.S. in over 100 years. After 2 winless post seasons, and time running out for Hendry, he had to roll the dice. He had to do so, with one hand tied behind his back.
Do you think they will get the game in today?
Re. DeRo, I hope we're in a position to give him something like a 2 year and $12 mil deal (or a little more) this winter. I'd take him now too in a trade if he and the Cubs could agree to an extension. But I don't think JH can do a new contract.
Here's a question that a dozen people here probably have the authoritative answer to. It has to do with the size of Soto's weight gain over the winter.
I looked everywhere, 6 weeks or so ago, for an indication of how fat Soto is. I found only one such source. It was a report by (I think) Miles or Levine in Mesa in which Lou said that Soto came back from the WBC having sat and gained about 5 pounds. Lou added that Soto needs to get back into playing shape. I found one story where a non-reporter blog guy said Soto had gained 25 pounds over the winter.
So who can cite an authoritative source that Soto had/has a serious weight problem. An additonal 20-25 lbs for on a stocky build to begin with is a serious problem. But, at least for the month or two, he doesn't look different to me from last year.
I don't think any weight statistics will be very accurate. I'd take a look at some pictures from last year and compare them to this year.
I personally feel that Soto would not have come to ST over-weight and I don't think he would have played in the WBC if Hank White was re-signed
Just out of curiosity, but where was DeRosa and Wood's great leadership in the playoffs the past couple years?
I am upset as anyone that they were traded and let go, but I have moved on. Maybe this weekend will supply a sense of closure for all of the fans still upset about it.
Why would you want to dismantle key pieces to a 97-win team?
Eh...both years we got swept by the hottest team at the time. Really not a lot you can do against teams on a streak. The moves made were an overreaction and are very likely the reason we aren't winning or scoring.
Funny how they were "un-hot" after the series against the Cubs though....
That has to be the worst excuse ever.
there will be no closure for this cubs fan. those two are gone and obviously, based on the results this season, they probably shouldn't be. I will miss them both and will route on any team that they play for....well, maybe not the team, but at least the players. If dero ends up with the cards (heaven forbid) and they win the ws (heaven forbid) then I'll be happy for dero. the same with woody. after all he's been through he needs a ws. class acts may leave but should never be forgotten.
and I refuse to simply move on as management continues to make worse and worse decisions just because they manage my favorite team.
Reed Johnson!
I have a question for you Cub fans,,,today you are sitting in the bleachers...DeRo hits a homer and you catch it.
Do you throw it back or keep it?
Just do what all the rest of them do and bring a cheap baseball in and throw the cheap baseball back.
I guess I'm stupid...sit in the bleachers a lot and never bring a ball.
Lee - 14 pitches 1rdt inning
how the hell wasnt that a strike
Oh well, 1 day of celebration and hope is better than no days.
WOW!!! Gotta get the bats going...
Bad start...
Now he's calling third strikes...
What is the deal with Harden? For a guy with lights-out stuff, he has been awfully mediocre this season.
I..ummm...need to go...somewhere..
My dog like...ate my homework...
Can't walk three and fall behind ... all three walks by Harden have scored.
Whatever it is...he doesn't have it today.
Later guys.
We need to get rid of Harden. He's soaking up $$$$ and wasting our time.
Today we're going to need a big, rally, similar to the game last season against Colorado....that DeRo topped off with a homer....
Oh yeah, none of us forgot that...
They forgot that DeRosa isn't the only guy on the team?
Looks like Lou is prepared to let Harden take his lumps. He looks as good as when I saw him at the game against Marlins. I am not holding out for a Theriot grand slam to save the day in this one though.
Harden gets the first hit off Lee...
Lee's 40th pitch on the single to Harden. Harden 62 pitches after three innings.
So um I believe that is 5 of the first 9 outs have been strikeouts for the Cubs.
yah ummm..someone tell Carrie Muskrat to write an article that the alive bats yesterday was just a mere oddity and that offensive help is needed.
It's back to reality for Soriano, as anyone with half a brain could have figured out.
Back to reality for the offense as well. Sorry Lou, those changes you've been contemplating for weeks still need to happen.
Whoever said Harden was a waste of money should go crawl in a large hole. He is making 7 mil this year, a huge bargain. Even if he makes 25 starts that is a steal. He'll come around and stop walking guys. Harden will always give up bombs, but solo shots are fine. His control has been off so far, but I think he will turn it around.
I hope you're right. His stuff is too good to have an ERA over 5.
He picked a bad day to have one of his worst starts as a Cub though, with the reigning Cy Young winner on the mound for the other team.
Wilson, unfortunately "waiting to turn things around" has been the theme of this season. Us older guys can more easily recognize that when it comes to this year's team, it's all wrong and it just ain't happenen this year.
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/stats/byteam?cat=Situational&cut_type=39&conference=MLB&year=season_2009&sort=722
Cubs are officially 1st at something -- team average with RISP .... 1st from the bottom ie. OFFICIALLY, THE LEAST CLUTCH batting lineup in baseball.
Once upon a time when the Cubs had a potent offense, they had the potential to give Cliff Lee a real battle, regardless of his superior abilities. He's far too good a pitcher for this brand of Cub "hitters" to handle. Yesterday was a glimmer of hope, but what's ailing the Cubs is of the terminal type of malady...this is not just a typical "slump" which all teams and players go thru for a short spell every summer; this is a full-blown failure of too many players for a LONG time and not ending in time to be a contender. Convince me I'm in error.
Charles, wish I could...but it doesn't look good. The one thing aout this game though...Cliff Lee is a true ace...as opposed to other games where the Cubs made average pitchers look like aces.
Hendry needs to make a couple of moves...but I don't think he has the financial wherewithal to get a difference maker or 2.
The other thing is...I no longer trust the guy to make the right move.
Our fearless GM isn't even at the game SuzyS ... opportune time for him to get out of dodge ... he saves himself from watching this beat-down, and he misses day one of the DeRosa/Wood lovefest ...
Derrek Lee with another home run...
blanco should be platooning at 2nd with fonenot and jake fox every day at 3rd...
aaron miles should be cut and bobby scales called up
Hidden in all this is a nice job by our rule 5 guy...Patton....2 innings...no runs. Not bad for a guy that never pitched above A ball before this season.
This guy has an 11.09 era...Think Fontenot can get on?
Oops, Koyle Hill pinch hitting.
ANDY WHITE!!!!
Sori !!!!!///Come on Riot!!!
And that is why I never get on Soriano's case.
Soriano with another big hit.
Unfortunately, this also means that we will see Kerry Wood if we don't get this done.
Win, Lose or draw...it is just good to see them getting some hits again.
Well Kerry a perfect setup for your return to Wrigley. Can we get to him? Lets hope. I see a fired up fastball from Woody. The adrenaline will be pumping.
Think he'll hit someone?
man i wanted to see that one by theriot drop so bad
come on marmol step up
I want Kerry to do well...but not here.
Heh, the most loved man in Chicago at moment vs. the most hated. So many different things wrong with this.
get wild kerry
YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
It is time to move DLee back to the 3hole
Derek Lee is making Jim K proud!
DLEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Come on FOX.
Baseball is certainly a funny game sometimes. The American pasttime indeed.
Jon | June 19, 2009 3:26 PM | Reply
We need to get rid of Harden. He's soaking up $$$$ and wasting our time.
Today we're going to need a big, rally, similar to the game last season against Colorado....that DeRo topped off with a homer....
Oh yeah, none of us forgot that...
DID I CALL IT???!!
DLEE!!!!!
Come on Gregg....Xtra innings...time for Z to start swinging the bat to loosen up.
Was hoping for a Jake Fox walk-off. THey need to score soon, rain is coming.
wow what a play
ughhhhhhh
the 2 guys who everyone was ripping on before the year (lee and gregg) have been huge latley
gregg getting 5 outs that inning
CUBS WIN!!!!!!!!!
What a great hop!
CUBS WINN
Things are starting to turn around!
HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN!!! 2 IN A ROW COME FROM BEHINDERS!!!
CUBS WIN !!!!!
UNBELIEVABLE.
JimK...this one's for you.!!!
They never gave up.
can't decide which comeback was better.. this one or the rockies game last year.. both were down by 7, but today i think the comeback started later and ended with a walkoff so i think this one might take it
awesome game.
Last year people thought we might be able to come back. Who thought that this year.
Last year you would almost expect them to come back.
The best part about last years was it was the backups who came back. Hank White and Hoffpauir among others. This years was awesome too. It was late in the game and off a former teammates.Idk you could choose either one.
I'm on the Blanco Band wagon.
Now THIS, this was a win. Down 7, but never stopping. The best part is that the players who show up to play day in and day out, those are the guys who picked this one up. This could be a turning point in the season if they keep scoring runs.
Neil mentioned in his comments before the game that the Cubs needed to get into the Indians' bullpen to really do some damage...exactly what happened. Luck plays a big part in baseball quite often, and it sure feels nice that the Cubs got their share for a change. Surely this team can learn some things from the last two days...hopefully!!
NATION REPRESENT!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!
I'll have the recap up later tonight ... someone have a couple for me. THIS WAS HUGE!
I will PAL!!
Aaron...the true positive is working! No pun intended.
What a win, DLee is seeing the ball better than he has in two years! That team face is changing because last two wins have taken all 25 guys to do it.
excluding A.Miles
What in the blue hell?
They won?
What?
With DLee playing, you're always in the game. LOL. Thank you Roland and Suzy.
I just wish a couple of the Sandbox Samauri (that's a joke, Sams) would have come out of the woodwork (so to speak) and said, "That was a great win!" They could also have said (with no criticism from the Happy Tent) that "This team is still in the woods."
When Woodie faced DLee, I held my poor-reception radio close to my hearing aid and shouted at my trophy wife, "I'm in the middle of an emotional trainwreck!!!" That confrontation and DLee's blast will be talked about for decades. I was trying to gnaw on a chicken leg in the kitchen (again holding the radio) when Sori and Riot added a couple more Moments To Remember. All together now Cubs' fans, "We will have these moments to remember."
If any of the younger set want to know, why the those words have moonlight meaning (too) for Gramps and me (and a couple of others), look up the song title.
OK, it's back to work at Wrigley tomorrow. "MO" should be in our favor--but, as Dandy Don said, "MO is fickle".
Kerry gave Derrek a meatball..
Shook off his catcher 2 times and gave Derrek a meatball.
And like you've been known to say, Matt, DLee hit it out with a toothpick.
I note that "Classy" said after the game, "It was a good fastball, up and in. I was jammed a little, but managed to get it up, and there was enough wind to take it out." (Or something close to that.)
Today's game was simply the best of the season. As Al McQuire used to say it was
"Seashells and Balloons".
Gramps is believing more and more each day! Just a great win, hoping we can look back at these 2 games and say this is where our season turned around. What else can anyone say about Lee? He shows his leadership on the field.
LOL to JimK re: Samurai Sams LOL
Stay classy people and GO CUBS!
I will admit I am eating a big crow sandwich on DLee