Game Seventy-Four: Cubs (36-37) vs. Pirates (35-41)
Game Time - 6:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet Plus - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 184
Location - PNC Park, Pittsburgh
Ted Lilly (7-5, 3.41/1.11) vs. Ross Ohlendorf (6-6, 4.75/1.29)
Updated - 4:00pm C.T. - Jeff Samardzija Recalled - Jose Ascanio Optioned
Can the Cubs make it two in a row on the road? In order to do so they will need a bounce-back performance from Ted Lilly ... as well as production from Kosuke Fukudome and Sam Fuld.
Milton Bradley is expected to get the next two days off against Ross Ohlendorf and Virgil Vasquez (both right-handers). Piniella wants Bradley to work with Von Joshua on his left-handed hitting. Kosuke Fukudome will play right and Sam Fuld is expected to start in center.
It might be a good time to get Alfonso Soriano a breathier as well. Soriano is still struggling and Micah Hoffpauir needs the playing time. With the speedy Fuld in center, he would help cover some ground and Ohlendorf struggles against lefties.
A quick show reminder...The CCO Radio will air live tonight at 7:00pm C.T. during the Cubs-Pirates game on Blog Talk Radio. To listen to the 60-minute call-in show live, click on this link and go to Blog Talk Radio. The podcast of the show will be available around 9:00pm C.T. and can be accessed through the player on the right side of the CCO or through Blog Talk Radio.
A variety of topics will be covered and the call-in number to discuss the Cubs with the CCO live is 347-237-4020.
From the history books ... Today marks the 100th Anniversary of the first Cubs-Pirates game at Forbes Field.
While the offense must build on Monday night's performance, all it takes is one win at a time ... and tonight it starts with Ted Lilly.
Ted Lilly is coming off his worst start of the year. Lilly completed just six innings and gave up six runs (a season high), all earned, on 10 hits (a season-high) with a walk and six strikeouts. Lilly also served up two more longballs to the Tigers and of his 16 home runs surrendered this season, four have come in his last two starts ... after a string of six starts and only three total home runs.
Ted Lilly, without a doubt, has been the Cubs most dependable starter this season and must keep the ball down tonight against the Bucs. Lilly has struggled in the past against the Pirates, despite never posting a loss (3-0 in nine career games, six starts, with a 4.60 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP ... a .321 batting average).
Tonight will be Lilly's first start of the year against the Pirates. He was 2-0 a season ago in four starts against the Pirates with a 5.09 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP ... at PNC, 1-0 in three starts with a bloated 6.48 ERA and a 1.74 WHIP (the Pirates hit .338 against him).
The Cubs will need 'The Bulldog' to bring his A-Game tonight, something he has struggled with on the road this season (3-4 in eight starts with a 4.96 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP).
- Eric Hinske - 1-for-6 with a double and a walk
- Andy LaRoche - 0-for-5 with a walk
- Adam LaRoche - 5-for-12 with 3 doubles and a home run
- Craig Monroe - 1-for-11
- Nyjer Morgan - 0-for-1
- Brandon Moss - 3-for-3 with a double, a home run and 3 walks
- Steve Pearce - 1-for-3
- Freddy Sanchez - 5-for-20 with 2 doubles
- Jack Wilson - 3-for-14 with a double
The Cubs will get their first look tonight at Ross Ohlendorf. The 26-year old right-hander was acquired from the Yankees last season in the Xavier Nady deal and has pitched rather well for the Pirates this year ... especially at home (4-2 in eight starts with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP). Ohlendorf struggled in five games for the Pirates after the trade last summer (0-3 in five starts with a 6.35 ERA and a 2.12 WHIP) but appears to be putting it together this season.
The Cubs must make Ohlendorf work. He has given up 90 hits in 89 this year to go along with 25 walks and just 44 strikeouts. Ohlendorf struggles against left-handed hitting to the tune of a .327 batting average, so Lou Piniella will be able to play his favorite game of lefty-righty match-ups ... right-handers have hit only .216 against him.
Ohlendorf is coming off a no-decision to the Indians. He allowed only two runs on five hits in seven innings with three walks and two strikeouts. And other than a start to the Rockies on June 19 (six runs on nine hits in five innings), Ohlendorf has been rather solid this month (1-1 in five starts with a 5.40 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP).
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
Starting Lineup:
Soriano LF
Fukudome CF
Lee 1B
Fox 3B
Hoffpauir RF
Soto C
Fontenot 2B (that sucks)
Theriot SS
Lilly P
Tonight's lineup:
Soriano - LF
Fukudome - CF
Lee - 1B
Fox - 3B
Hoffpauir - RF
Soto - C
Fontenot - 2B
Theriot - SS
Lilly - P
Also, Guzman is slated to start a rehab with Peoria on Tuesday.
Neil,
Can you please read my post in the community section, and give your honest assessment there?
Also, if you could look at my post with Samardzija's call-up...I was wondering your opinion of a pen like this:
Gaub, Ascanio, Hart, Samardzija, Cashner, Guzman, Marmol
Aaron, I will.
I like how Theriot and his .284 is hitting eighth while Soriano and Fukudome are sitting at .231 and .260 respectively.
I, for the most part, didn't mind Soriano hitting leadoff before. So maybe it was wasted production having him slam from the top of the order, but at least he had decent OBP and AVG.
Now he has to go. Hell, it would make sense to flop Theriot and Soriano but that's a bit extreme, I admit.
My point is that I'd like to see a Theriot/Kosuke/Lee/Fox start of the game.
Imagine stringing these guys back to back...
neil will aram be playing for the peoria cheifs? if so will he start tomarrow?
Friday - at Cane County for the Chiefs.
http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2009/06/ramirezs-rehab-stint-with-classa-peoria-begins-friday-in-kane-county.html
Kane County. Just a short trip down 90. About an hour and a half from the city.
Tomato - Tomahto
You say, I say. =)
Matt...thank you for posting. That is only 4 games, they can hit him leadoff and still get the number of at bats. Shooting for Monday, very interesting....
sweeet i mite b goin!! mabe ill get an auto!=)
What about the thought of going after Jimmy Rollins? He was just benched 4 games for his production so a change might do him well. He would be perfect at lead-off. The Phils are looking for pitching so we could offer Lily or Harden or Dempster and a replacement in Theriot and prospects. From what I read he is only signed until 2010 with a club option for 2011, not sure if a trade makes it a guaranteed year. He is still in his prime production wise and would be 32 when his contract is up. I think he would benefit from a change and the Cubs sure could use him.
Never happen. Right now he's in a total slump, but the Phillies will look at that and (rightfully) blame the WBC, and lack of a proper spring training because of it, for his problems hitting. I mean, take a look at all the strugglers in the majors: Rollins, Wright, Marmol, Dave Ortiz, Soto...all top-caliber players last year went into the WBC, may have played well, may not have, came to their teams, and started sucking. D-Lee skipped it for a reason: it put him in horrible shape for the '06 season and he paid for it.
Heck, the only people who weren't hurt by the WBC were Chipper Jones, Pudge Rodriguez, and Sydney Ponson...two of whom don't really need spring training anymore and the other who parlayed a great performance into an overpaid contract.
I do not mean to be a jerk or to rain on anyone's parade, but there is no way in this great world that the Phillies will be trading Jimmy Rollins any time soon. It would be great. It won't happen.
No problems...I know it was a long shot but I read an article that said the Phillies could dump him after next season instead of picking up his option for 2011 so I threw it out there.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090630_Bob_Ford__We_ll_see_if_Rollins_gets_the_message.html
I guess the "mo" on Soriano is he stays in the lineup NO MATTER WHAT and someday he just might get two hits in a game or maybe a homerun to lead off some game (even if it's in September!)...law of averages thing?
Look around the league. Jimmy Rollins slumping..gets benched. Magglio Ordonez shows no power...gets benched. Both guys making big money and they get shown the bench so they can fix there problems.
Soriano looks absolutely horrid at the plate and in the field. Why because his left knee hurts him with every move he makes. Watch him bat. You can see him wince after a bad swing, going for a ball in the outfield. Not being able to bend down low enough to get a ball rolling by him.
I have no idea why he has not gone onto the DL. Makes absolutely no sense what so ever.
i'm going to be at the cougar game friday. will be great to see him there. have 3rd base reserved seats
I wonder how many baseball fans know the name of their favorite club's head trainer.
I've felt like best friends with Mark O'Neil since 2003 while other teams' fans don't even know who their trainer is.
Crazy.
Thanks for the chuckle...sad but true.
Evening Cub fans.... I really like the line up tonight, hoping Theriot can help spark the lower part of the order, and of course the L/R punch of Fox and Hoff.
sweeet im goin to the game on friday hope aramis hits a home run!
As far as I am concerned, Bob Brenly has more than made me forget Steve Stone.
Like Santo's remark on Pirate pitcher thus far: "Looks like we're not picking him up right now." Cubs do nothing!!
Second four-pitch walk in as many innings for The Bulldog
Is this the Cubs doing their part in the effort to go "green". Man, where's the energy? What? They won their one road game of the series and now it's time to mail in the other 2?
Is it really that bad, I mean 0-0 seems they are still very much in this game.
It certainly seems that way to me so far, Gary. I guarantee the Pirates will gladly take this game and the one tomorrow also if the Cubs continue in an offensive stupor. Bet Lilly is already feeling the pressure to not allow a run or else.
Nice play Jake Fox. Seem like it took an act of Congress to get Piniella to play him at third...SO worried about his defense...no trust in the motivation of young guys like Fox. With help from Trammell, Fox has obviously made good progress. You have to give guys a chance and see what happens when regulars are hurt or not doing the job.
this does not look very good, yet again. It's like we can't get on a roll...EVER this season. Ohlendorf is NOT a good pitcher, and yet we just keep sucking it up. I honestly thought Fox's fly out early one was out of the park to be quite honest. He just caught it off the end of the bat. Look for Fox to get some good hacks in against this guy. Everyone else? well, it's going to be ugly. Can someone please tell Theriot that he got lucky this year, and he's NOT a power hitter
OK either Gamecast pitch location is WAYYYYYY off or the k zone is funky again. Why does that keep happening, I mean really...Letters to Knees over the plate, how hard is it????
Still liking Aaron's Sanchez deal he mentioned earlier today.
Really liking that Sanchez Deal ha ha ha.
There is only one Cub that deserves to be an All Star and he's pitching tonight.
Agreed
wow...1-0, bizarre play...GAME OVER!!!!! especially with how we suck swinging the bat. This season continues to get VERY bizarre. First the infield fly run scoring, now a dropped 3rd wild pitch scoring a run from 2nd...from 2nd!!! Our offense is abysmal, and I think the only chance we have at scoring is Jake Fox hitting one out to be quite honest with you...he's the only one that's even hit the ball hard against Ohlendorf
Add Hoff to that list.
Scratch that I mean Soto...stupid trying to type and work at the same time
Their guy, picks up that huge 2 out hit. Our 2 guys with a runner on 2nd? 2 strikeouts, both looking, and done in only 7 pitches. Prediction? Fox gets the one and only RBI of the game.
Okay...I have no idea where this guy got this, but on ickypeople.com someone has a link to THE list of the 103 guys who failed the steroids list back in '03. When you click on the link on HIS site, it takes you to rotoinfo.com, where it says "rumored list"...Don't know if someone is just spitballing with this, or if there's some insider info, or whatever. Seeing as how I've heard NOTHING about this anywhere else yet, I'm a little skeptical, but...well, see for yourself.
Fontenot....(sigh)....still don't know what Hendry is thinking having Fontenot, Blanco, Freel, and Miles on this roster at varying points this season in ARAM's absence. You simply have to acknowledge that he's nothing more than a bench player, and go out and get a starter at 2B.
The same thing happened in 2006, when Baker had to use Walker at 1B when Lee went down, thus exposing the weak links of Hairston and Neifi. So, instead of being fairly strong at 2B, we were then made weak at 2B AND 1B, because Nevin wasn't acquired until it was far too late. I don't think there's any excuse at this point to continue running Fontenot and Bradley out there until they prove they can swing the bat effectively (which hasn't happened for 3 months...if you can't figure it out in 3 months, you get into basic fundamental statistics which says it's nearly impossible for a player that sucks that bad for 3 months hovering around .220 to all of a sudden bring his average up to a respectable .270 or more. If it's less than that, they're not effective.
I mean, you look at our lineup, and when Lee, Theriot, and Fox are the ONLY ones with respectable averages (and Theriot is trying to hit like a power hitter right now), as an opposing team, NOBODY scares you.
Soriano-.232 avg
Fukudome-.260 avg
Lee-.284 avg
Fox-.347 avg
Hoffpauir-.257 avg
Soto-.224 avg
Fontenot-.219 avg
Theriot-.282 avg
***and that isn't even our true everyday lineup. Take out Hoffpauir and insert Bradley at .238 avg.
Now you begin to see how the statistics works. Unless you're lucky, with those averages, you have NO chance at a winning streak of any kind. It's just not feasible. And, as our record shows, we have been very lucky, facing the Indians at the right time, the Pirates earlier this season, the Astros (early on), and the Padres...I mean, had it not been for those teams, we'd be probably 10 games or more under .500 (I know you can say that about any team in the league that plays them, but seriously)...
It's gotten to the point where we're the laughing stock of the league, because prior to Fox being in our lineup, we had no less than 4 guys hitting under .240 at any given time this season (Bradley, Fontenot, Soto, and Miles/Freel). If you take away Fukudome's April, that makes 5 in our everyday lineup hitting under .240
You guys do understand how you simply CANNOT win with that, right? It's basic laws of statistics. And that's why you have games where the offense comes alive all of a sudden, and we get shutout the next game, then score 1, maybe 2 runs in 10 straight games...then you'll have a peak of 7 runs, then it's back down to shutout, or 1, maybe 2 runs....That's the cycle that we've gone through this year. So, if that's the case, then why the hell is Hendry still standing pat?!? ARAM can't hit for those 5 players...Throw him in the lineup, and you still have 4 hitting under .240 (Bradley, Fontenot, Soto, Soriano)...Is one player really going to make that much difference?!? Sorry, it showed early in the season that he was the ONLY one hitting then...and now he's coming back with a bum shoulder....prospects for this season don't look good, and it's high time we blow this thing up, otherwise it'll keep getting uglier.
Ohlen-freaking-dorf shutting us out...My goodness we suck ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Cy Ohlendorf, has left the game. He was the only one holding back that offensive juggernaut. I'm already singing Go Cubs Go.
Ohlendorf pitches his best (by far) game of his career, tonight. Who could have predicted that? Multiple 3 pitch strikeouts? Really? Inning after inning and game after game, this grind is really getting to me.
Why Soto why...
Just got back in to see that?!
Geesh..
if there was any doubt this team is going nowhere....all you have to see is Soto trying to take the 3rd base with 2 outs, down 2 runs, and the play in front of him...my goodness this team sucks in EVERY facet of the game but starting pitching...it's just beyond me.
wow...three hit shutout through 7. Our offense still blows!
ok 4 hits, but a dumb baserunning play with 2 outs.
Neil, what is favicon.ico that the CCO wants me to open and download every time I refresh?
The logo in the tab on IE versions 7 and up.
That list was denounced a fake, Mario.
Badly misplayed by Fukudome in center
Can we please get Sanchez...
I'd trade anyone short of Vitters (including Jackson) to get him..
LET'S GO OFFENSE! LET'S GO!!!!
you know...even with "FUNKO"Dome's suckiness at the plate, at least he plays the game right way in the field. In fact, he's the ONLY one of our fielders (even including Lee) that sets himself up after making a catch to immediately throw to a cut-off man, or make a play at a base. Soriano and Bradley are jokes in the OF, Theriot and Fontenot don't anticipate very well, and Hoff and Fox are new to their positions.
Like I said, the only thing I like about this team is the starting pitching. Our offense collectively sucks ass, as does our pen, and our fielding has been ugly (funny thing is...both Hoffpauir and Fox have done their jobs, and weren't they considered weak defensively....LOL...this team is ridiculous)
Let's hope Milton can take another step down the road to redemption.
I'll take it.
2nd and 3rd no one out...what do you think will happen?
Soriano strikes out...A ball for him
I am sooooooooo done with Sorry-ano
Gotta put the bat on the ball...
Not changing their approach with runners in scoring position.
0-2 on Fukudome
Kosuke ko's on 3 pitches...
Japanese little league for him
Speechless!?!?!?!?!
GOd bless 2 RISP 0 outs 2Ks
AWFUL!!!!!!!
Seriosuly Hendry are you enjoying yourself? Do you enjoy watching this junk, because I DON"T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lee grounds out but gets to stay at first for another year.
How come I felt this with runners at 2nd and 3rd with no one out?
Help us puhlese
Soriano strikes out in important situation and Santo exclaims, "I don't believe it, I don't believe it!!" Why not? We all believe it; it's certainly not difficult to believe it! Second and third, no out and NOTHING. It is ugly, ugly, ugly.
Milton is in center?
Speechless..
anyone still want to debate with me that this season is OVER?!?
LOL, 2nd and 3rd, no outs....LOL....I laugh my ass off now, because I'm so cynical about this team. I almost expect bad things to happen....I don't want them to, but I know they will happen. Shut out by Ohlendorf...My goodness we're bad.
Brenly and Kasper put it best...and they're telling it like it is, which I love. Brenly, "all you have to do right there (Soriano) is put the ball in play, and you more than likely get a run." Kasper, "doesn't get much more maddening than having the tying run come to the plate with no outs, and you can't even get a run in"
Lou is going to blow a gasket! The hammer is going to fall! Tomorrow!!!!! Soriano hits CLEANUP! AND THAT'S FINAL!
Now that's funny.
Well boys, need some excitment in my life...think I'll go watch the flowers grow in the dark...it's better than this.
Have a good evening.
They are in danger of being shutout for the third time on this trip
Where can I the post game press conference.
think this will change when ARAM gets back? Think again!
I actually think it'll be 10 times worse, because you'll have idiots on this team standing around, waiting for ARAM to do all the work...believe me....it'll get even more ugly
If Fukudome doesn't play vs. LHP, why would he be allowed to bat vs a LHP with the game on the line?
....and the Brewers are leading the Mets 5-2 with Santana pitching...LOL...he might've had a no-hitter against us, and they get to the other team's ace. We can't even get to the other team's #5 starter.
I told you guys the Brewers would be dangerous...and it looks like they're finally putting it together
I think I would feel better if Hendry just came out and said: "Sorry that my off-season moves did not work out. Since the sale did not go through, my hands are financially tied. There are no major changes coming, and what you see now, is the product that will essentially continue to be your 09 Chicago Cubs"
A little honesty from him would help alleviate some anxiety caused by that Cub's fan flaw, known as hope.
That would be something, Gary, but I don't think we'll hear a damn thing from Hendry (who should feel he's been a total failure but bet his ego will just let him rationalize about "bad breaks" or some other nonsense). Any HOPE Cubs fans are still harboring about this season is purely delusional!
My GF and I were supposed to travel to Pitt for this game... good thing we ended up not being able to go. It would've been a horrible long ride home.
Everything that happened tonight was an utter embarrassment. This team needs to be disbanded and completely restaffed. And Sox fans wonder why we boo our own players?
folks... this season is over. let's concentrate on "next year". I don't like talking about problems, I prefer to talk about solutions. Obviously JH will be gone. I think Lou will be gone as well. I hope Rothschild will follow. I predict a fire sale sometime between now and the winter meatings.
Here is the question - Who stays? Who do we build around?
Soto?
Fox?
Hoff?
Blanco?
Guzman?
Ascanio?
Wells?
Shark?
Also, how far off is Vitters? Is he for real? I'm tring to divert my attention away from this year's squad which makes me sick.
yes he is for real ive seen him play numorous time great bat shaky D tho
If there ever was any spirit and positive thinking among the members of this Cub team, I don't think there is a way any semblance of confidence is left now. It is embarrassing for them and surely they feel that. They have, indeed, come apart at the seams, to quote a poster recently. Not sure what will happen next, but a lost season seems imminent so CHANGE usually follows. Could it be any more disappointing? Not much.
disgusted...period.
This link says it all:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-01-morrissey-jul01,0,3182890.column
I find it interesting to read that from Morrrisey now. I agree with everything he said, BUT I distinctly remember him applauding the Dero / Bradley moves in the winter because the cubs clubhouse needed an "edge" to it after the 3 and out in LA last october. "they needed some fight to them" In other words, the cubs were too "nice" last year. And I remember thinking to myself at the time that that was dumbest thing I've ever read.
So getting rid of a great clubhouse guy like Dero (and very good player) and replacing him with a jackass like Bradley was going to fix our problems ?? what a complete idiot. well, how's that working ?
By the way, I am sooooo glad we got rid of Gerald Perry, he was obviously the main problem. LOL.
Every move that JH has made this year has been really strange. look at today's move. Am I the only person in the world who thought Ascanio was doing a real nice job and has some real potential ??What am I missing ? To me smardjiza is very overrated. Another highly touted prospect that will be a bust, and not too mention we are paying him milllions. what a shocker.
ugh. I agree with others, this season is over. This team will not win more than 80 games. If you think ARAM is going to save this team, you are dreaming.
and why is soriano still playing ????? Why isn't he on the DL resting his knee ? he is clearly not 100%. I just don't get it.