Game One Hundred-One: Cubs (54-46) vs. Marlins (53-49)
Game Time - 6:10pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 185
Location - Land Shark Stadium, Miami
Rich Harden (7-6, 4.55/1.33) vs. Chris Volstad (8-9, 4.44/1.27)
After an impressive 6-1 homestand, the first place Chicago Cubs begin a very difficult road trip tonight in Miami. The Cubs play their next 10 games on the road and will visit Cincinnati and Colorado before returning to Wrigley on August 11. The Cubs have only four more off days on the schedule and play 17 of the next 23 games on the road. This 10-game, three-city trip in 11 days will give a good indication of exactly where the Cubs stand ...
The Cubs will have two new players in uniform tonight with the addition of John Grabow on Thursday and the call-up of Sam Fuld from Triple-A. The Cubs are supposed to stick with Fuld throughout the road trip and like the defense Fuld provides in the large parks on this trip.
Geovany Soto is expected to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. The Cubs are hopeful he could rejoin the big league club in time for the opener next Friday in Colorado.
While the offense must do their job against Chris Volstad, it all begins with Rich Harden ... and one win at a time.
Rich Harden has been very, very good in his last three starts ... and Lou Piniella needs more of the same from him tonight. After a not-so-good first half (5-6 in 14 starts with a 5.47 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP), Harden is 2-0 in his last three starts with a 0.95 ERA and a 0.53 WHIP, teams have hit just .125 against him.
Harden has been throwing strikes and attacking hitters. In 19 innings since the break he has issued only two walks while striking out 21. Harden will face a free-swinging Marlins' lineup tonight that is capable of putting a bunch of runs on the board. The key to his success will be limiting the Marlins' longballs to solo shots.
Much has been made about Harden's success on the road this season. He is 4-1 in seven starts outside of Wrigley with a 2.03 WHIP ... at night, 5-1 in seven starts with a 2.23 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. The 'Good Rich Harden' will go a long way towards the Cubs beginning a long trip on a positive note.
The Marlins pummeled Rich Harden back on May 1 at Wrigley. Harden received a no decision and the Cubs won the game 8-6 but he allowed five runs on six hits with four walks and two strikeouts in 3 2/3 innings.
Rich Harden has no record in three career starts against the Fish with a 4.40 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP ... tonight is his first career game at Land Shark Stadium.
- John Baker - 1-for-4 with a double
- Emilo Bonifacio - 1-for-2 with a walk
- Jorge Cantu - 2-for-11 with a walk
- Ross Gload - 1-for-2
- Jeremy Hermida - 1-for-6 with a home run and 2 walks
- Hanley Ramirez - 2-for-4 with a double and 2 walks
- Cody Ross - 0-for-2
- Dan Uggla - 2-for-7 with a double and a home run
- Chris Volstad - 0-for-2
The Cubs will face Chris Volstad for the second time this season tonight. Volstad is one of the many good young arms in the Marlins' system. Volstad has been inconsistent this season but has won his last two starts.
Volstad is coming off a win against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. He allowed four runs on eight hits in 5 1/3 innings with four walks and two strikeouts. The Marlins simply outscored the Dodgers in the 8-6 win. The Cubs must make Volstad work tonight. While he typically throws a lot of strikes, in his last 12 1/3 innings Volstad has walked eight while striking out just four.
Chris Volstad has pitched much better on the road this year (5-3 in 11 starts with a 3.78 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP) than at home (3-6 in 10 starts with a 5.24 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP). Volstad held the Cubs to two runs on three hits in seven innings without any walks and five strikeouts back on April 30. The Cubs won the game 8-2 and must change their approach against Volstad tonight from the game plan they had in place three months ago.
Tonight will be Chris Volstad's third career start against the Cubs. He has received three no decisions but has dominated the Cubs ... just six runs on 15 hits in 19 innings with five walks and 14 strikeouts (2.84 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP).
- Jeff Baker - 0-for-1
- Milton Bradley - 1-for-3 with a home run
- Mike Fontenot - 4-for-8 with a double and a home run
- Kosuke Fukudome - 1-for-7 with a walk
- Rich Harden - 0-for-2
- Koyie Hill - 0-for-2
- Derrek Lee - 2-for-8 with a double and a walk
- Aramis Ramirez - 2-for-5 with a home run and a walk
- Alfonso Soriano - 0-for-9
- Ryan Theriot - 2-for-8
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
Jake Peavy to White for Aaron Poreda, Clayton Richard, Dexter Carter and Adam Russell--that ain't much. We coulda had him if we wanted to pay him.
Now that Hart is gone, we might need old Jake. lol
Tonight's lineup:
Fukudome - CF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Bradley - RF
Fox - LF
Fontenot - 2B
Hill - C
Harden - P
Soriano is fine, getting the night off. According to the Sun-Times, nothing on the Cubs' front before the end of the trading deadline.
Grabow was officially added to the 25-man roster and Fuld was officially brought up from Iowa.
Ain't we got someone better than Fontenot to play 2B?
I almost would be tempted to leave Fox in LF and slide Soriano into 2B....and PRAY for the best defensively...lol
If Soriano were at 2nd, Joe, how many double plays do you think we would have gotten yesterday??? CMON...2nd base is not where you want a prayer happening...
and Soriano at 2nd is just that.
good for Sox on Peavy ....they can have his overrated, expensive arse.
LOL
Mark my words, watch his ERA go up like Santo's blood pressure after he starts pitching in the Cell vs. the Grand Canyon (Petco).
Not too mention, pitching in AL vs. NL.
woohoo !!
Although I must admit, it doesn't look like they gave up a whole lot. I woder if they are going to pickup that ridiculous option at the end of the contract - $22M. Good luck with that.
No harm done.....you know Peavy wants to come to the Northside. He'll be a White Sox for about a month, and probably pitch for 2 weeks (2 starts if that.)
That is a lot of money to pay a pitcher.
We already our paying bank to Zambrano and to some degree Dempster. Bridgeport has a lot on money tied up in Mark "The Messiah" Buerle and now Jake Peavy. I don't think he will be nearly as dominant as he was in San Diego. Actually, he is a .500 pitcher away from Petco.
You gotta love Theo Epstein. He gets Victor Martinez for a package that doesn't include Clay Buckholz. Then he ships the bum Adam LaRoche off to the Braves for Kotchmann.
Now there's a very effective and smart GM.
Yep...and slick too.
But the GM I bow down to today is
Kenny Williams...just saved us Cubs fans
7 months of trying to revisit Peavy...
Which would have ultimately been a bad move for us...since he is another overpaid flyball pitcher...a good one,
no argument...but it would have been another albatross contract for us.
Thankyou Kenny.
that's exactly what I'm thinking....you want to see a championship folks?!? The next owner needs to pry Epstein away from the Red Sox, and we'll win the championship within 2 years of his arrival--you could bank on it
Aaron, I don't see us getting Epstein away from my second favorite team...but I do take much heart from the fact that Ricketts went to Boston for advice on the sale...and possibly will model the new management structure after Boston.
Effective indeed. He won't even stay in the same room with JHendry. He's afraid he might catch a germ and ruin himself if he did.
Theo is the BEST in the business!!
From SI today:
"In an era when young players under control are valued more and more, Philadelphia and Boston won the week because of they could draw on fertile farm systems without running them dry. It's a lesson for the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Mets of the world: player development is a key currency in the baseball realm."
And our "big moves" are two ???'s from the Pirates. Nice!
Re. Peavy....He makes $8 mil this year and then 15, 16, and 17 plus an option. The White Sox think they have a chance in the Central--so they go for it. But, I think they could try to trade him again this winter--because they just about have to let the old guard go and get younger. They could get more that they gave for Peavy.
As suggested by a bunch of us, Lou is moving Fox around the field to have his bat in the lineup. Go Jake and the Blue!!!!
JimK,
It's doubtful they flip him again unless they can get more, which they almost certainly cannot, given his ankle/foot injury this year. The Sox paid a steep price for him Poreda was considered to be untouchable before. I know little about Russell or Dexter Carter, but Richard was part of their rotation this year and was pretty effective. So, to trade a future cornerstone in their rotation, current member of the rotation, plus 2 other pitching prospects, for the remainder of Peavy's albatross of a contract and the fact reports say he's not pitching until September...all in the middle of a pennant race, almost seems like Hendry's move to get rid of Hart, our solid 5th starter/fill-in right in the middle of a pennant race.
I'll give Williams credit for making bold moves at least and selling high like he has to get Quentin, and now Peavy (something Hendry doesn't even know how to do)...but it still seems like a steep price for an injured player, doesn't it?
I know he's a free agent, but suppose Ben Sheets was win, say the Rangers, and Hendry traded away Jackson, Ascanio, and Hart for Sheets...imagine the outrage there, as Sheets isn't even expected back until September as well. Then, you'll see that the Sox just gave up a big part of their future for an injured pitcher when they could've signed Sheets outright for nothing this year....anyway, just my take. Perhaps Hendry traded away Hart knowing that Sheets, Mulder, and others are still out there. Who knows? I still think it was an idiotic trade though, don't you JimK...
I know you've been kind of like me, liking youth vs veterans, as you've advocated trades to get Wood/Rodriguez, Smith, and Bucholz. What's your take on Hendry's trade?
I need everybody to root extra hard for the good guys tonight. I am hoping to improve on my abysmal 1-9, "in person" record here in So Flo. Since the Marlins already have 2 W.S. rings under their belt, my kids just scratch their heads over my infatuation with the Cubs. I need to save face one of these centuries.
Tonight's your night Gary...Good Karma flowing your way!
yeah if we had epstein maybe we would have won more than a division title by now but I like the trade we needed another lefty in the pen. look at the phillies lineup alone 3 great lefty hitters and 2 great switch hitters. getting gorzlanny at the expense of Hart is almost a wash given his experience. I don't think we gave up alot either I think all the bickering is has more to do with Hart winning yesterday and us actually getting players that can help us down the stretch. I think gorzlany could be good filling in for Lilly and could even pitch himself into someones rotation next year. and if he sucks we'll just fill in with atkins or some other youngster. the hitter we gave up sounds like a 3B with speed not too popular in the majors. I think this trade helps us this year but not long term which is usually how deadline trades work anyways. I think the key is we didn't give up anyone great, maybe good and defineately serviceable but still winning this year is whats importat.
I know this is kind of beating a dead horse, but did you see the crappy return the Nats got for Beimel.
25 yr old Mattheus: 5.17 ERA in minor league career (3.81 ERA this year)
23 yr old Fabian: 5.64 ERA in minor league career (6.24 ERA this year)
Neither are anything special. No high K ratios, nothing....
Want to know what Beimels stats show?
The last 5 seasons, he's had the following ERA's:
2005-3.27 ERA
2006-2.96 ERA
2007-3.88 ERA
2008-2.02 ERA
2009-3.40 ERA
I don't even need to re-hash Grabow's horrible stats, other than to tell you this year and last year were his ONLY seasons under a 4.18 ERA...'nuff said
We made this deal for Grabow...NOT Gorzelanny, as Hendry said himself. They wanted a lefty reliever to help out Marshall in the pen. LOL...oh, and to compound matters, lefties are batting just .233 with a .288 OBP against Beimel this year versus .275 and .368 OBP versus Grabow....LMAO....what a douchebag Hendry is....what a complete and utter failure he is.
The Rockies gave up 2 marginal players that aren't even considered prospects while we gave up 2 highly touted guys, and 1 with MLB experience that if not for age, would've been considered a top prospect (Hart). NICE!!!!!!
Aaron,
The deal is done. We all know you hate Hendry more than anything else in the world. STOP BITCHING ABOUT IT!! Geez, I don't think I've EVER head you say one positive thing about this team. How about...
Hey, we're in first!!!! YAY!!!
Again, STOP BITCHING and for once, support your team.
actually, I have if you've read the comments at the end of the last few days buddy. I give credit where it's due...Hendry gets NONE
So, you wouldn't give Hendry any credit for getting...let's say...Kevin Gregg and Ted Lilly...hmmm, who would the credit then go to for these guys?? Or, do you hate them too?
Ted Lilly was a great great pick-up. He has done very well...now he is injured, and closing in on 34 yrs old. But he was an excellent signing nevertheless. He's actually FAR more reliable than Dempster ever was (which was another poor re-signing by Hendry given his career yr, and his career inconsistencies)
Kevin Gregg is a joke. As I've said before, and others have aptly pointed out, he's been the beneficiary of a lot of dumb luck recently. He still gives up far too many baserunners for a closer, and still lacks an "out" pitch, while his fastball is straight as an arrow and VERY hittable if he's not getting his breaking pitches over for strikes. The scouting report on him is if he's not getting his hanging breaking ball over for strikes, just sit on the fastball. Far too often this year (second half not included), he couldn't get his breaking stuff over for strikes, and he's been prone to give up the long ball all too often this year. I have absolutely no confidence in that guy to get the job done in a close game. I always hold my breath, and if you notice, a lot of his recent success has come with significant leads, so I wouldn't be patting yourself on the back just yet for calling it a good move. While Ceda is injured, he was throwing 100 mph, and those type of guys don't grow on trees post-steroids era. I'd take him anyday over a 91-94 mph, straight fastball throwing Gregg anyday, because I know that a 91-94 mph straight fastball is far and away more hittable than a 97-100 mph fastball.
I am one of the ones who tend to more times than not disagree with Aaron's take on here...and I too get frustrated with the doom and gloom of many fans on here...BUT you know what they are all entitled to their opinion and this site is not about personal attacks telling someone o quit bitching. There are ways to disagree with someone without making it an attack and driving people away from this site which Neil and many others work hard to make the best there is. In case you missed it the motto is stay CLASSY Cubs fans!!
Thanks Joe...
Also, I will send out the email you asked about Saturday. Long week...
Aaron, you're getting slow in your old age...I've been expecting THAT specific post from you for several hours now...
and I'm in my 50's....lol/lol/lol.
At this point if Hendry would have made the Peavy deal there would be some freaking out on what an idiot he is. Axelrod could not believe anyone would want to make a deal for him.
Really when you think about all the aspects of the trade it is very risky. But it could pay off.
Fontenot's gotta make that play, Brenly was dead on with his comment.
I have mentioned how much I hate MLB's blackout policies, right?
Anyone have any idea where Soto is going to rehab? I'm hoping Peoria because I'm going to the Chiefs game tomorrow night in South Bend.
With the Smokies on Monday
One week too late. XD
Thanks Neil, oh well the Chiefs game will still be fun :)
Offense is not very patient tonight, only 36 pitches for Volstad after three. Nearly 60 for Harden.
Hopefully the second time through the order.
Doesn't it seem like every Harden HR is given up on 3-1?
3-1 doesn't mean toss junk up there..
After the ab by Kosuke, Volstad's pitch count was at 45. In two at bats, Kosuke has seen 18 pitches ...
Aramis with the first hit!
My god, that was the first hit..
Geesh!
even when were going well we cant do the little things
Is it me? Or is Lou really drowsy?
He looks like he needs a nap. He's been falling asleep and tired on that bench...
I hope it's not a hungover or some drugs, Lou!
I hope Lou's not on that secret 2003 list!!
I'll be so happy when they tear down this dump..
It's ugly, causes the Cubs to be blacked out and it's always a struggle to get wins..
Rubbish..
Hey what was with the UK address on your email this morning? That was you right?
Indeed.
Haven't checked my mail yet but yeh, when I signed up for my new account they gave me a UK address. Kind of neat though, right?
I worked late into the night and so when I saw that it really through me....Im sending the invite now through CBSSPORTSLINE.COM
Harden's pitch count is high, 91 after the strikeout of Hanley. Tied a career high with his 11th of the night
LET'S GO OFFENSE! LET'S GO!!!
Homeplate umpire has two different strike zones tonight
24 runs in two days.....can't muster up something here?? C'mon Boys!!!
cubbiefan07, do u no any big prospects we the cubs have in peoria, because i may be going to the game too.
Brett Jackson, the Cubs first round pick from June's draft, got moved up to Peoria today. Also, Bob Brenly's son in a catcher for the Chiefs.
JAKE FOX!!!!! Gotta play him EVERYDAY!
Yes!! You're sooooo right Neil.
Absolutely agree!
FOX!!!!
That's OUR Boy!!!!!!!!!!
Jake Fox just might be my new favorite guy.
Sorry Ryan. I've found someone else, haha
Cue Wayne's World song, "Foxy"...that should play every time he's up...he's awesome, and I love his bat in our lineup. Now, if he could only play 2B....
So the next move for the Cubs should end up being recalling Aaron Miles and sending down of DFA'ing Jeff Baker.....
Umm..why did Lou just waste Hoffpauir in that PH switch? I know he has Soriano as another power bat off the bench but that seemed sort of...what's the word..stupid? am i wrong?
The question was why after he brought Hoffy in and forced the Fish to bring in a lefty pitcher...he stuck Baker in as the RH hitter instead of Soriano....thats what was confusing....
Agreed ...
Volstad was still on the mound at the time, it was the right call in my opinion. Forced Gonzalez to lift Volstad.
Oh hell...it's Heilman.....well at least it's to start an inning so maybe he stands a chance....
Good inning by Heilman. He should not come in with runners on for the rest of the year.
I can't believe it..there was no one on base and Heilman still managed to let the invisible runner score...unbelievable
Perhaps not with us but I'd like to see Heilman be given a chance to start..
He seemed so comfortable in the spring when he was starting and he's always talked about how he prefers starting.
Why teams throw him into the fire when he's admitted he can't do it boggles the mind..
I agree Matt, I think the Cubs put him right where he didn't want to be.
Marmol has not pitched in a while, want to say since the first game of the Houston series, I was concerned about this. Very wild ...
Yeah he is very schitzo, its no wonder he is not the closer. Fans can complain all they want about Gregg but Marmol just doesn't have it this year.
very risky from marmol...
Good play by Ramirez
Ugh...
He just walked Bradley and Fox is swinging at the first pitch?
Not smart baseball..
Not a good at bat by Fox, threw 4 straight out of the zone to Bradley then Fox swung at the first pitch. Little more patience needed there ...
I was hoping Rothschild had lately identified something that Marmol was or was not doing to help with his control. Guess that was very wishing thinking. With the very nasty stuff Marmol has, it's a crying shame a remedy to this lack of command can't seem to be found. Very disapppointing!
Missed most of the game...what a disappointment...How did Grabow
look?
Suzy, he did good. The one leadoff walk.
He looked fine. He walked the 1st batter then got the next three out in a row. All flyouts I think.
Thanks apurkey
Too bad Fox can't play second...judging by the last 2 days...He'd have almost 100
homers by now.