Game Seventy-Six: Cubs (37-38) vs. Brewers (42-36)
Game Time - 7:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet/MLB Network - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 183
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago
Ryan Dempster (4-5, 4.09/1.36) vs. Seth McClung (3-1, 3.55/1.47)
Updated 4:20pm C.T. - Cubs Acquired Jeff Baker from the Rockies on Thursday and designated Ryan Freel for Assignment
Seventy-six games into the 2009 season and the Brewers will play their first games of the year this weekend at Wrigley Field. The Cubs split the first six games of the season against the Brewers in Milwaukee with the last series taking place from May 8 - May 10 ... the weekend the Cubs lost Aramis Ramirez for two months.
The Cubs enter play tonight 3 1/2 games behind the Brewers, fourth place in the central ... 2 1/2 behind the Cardinals and just a half game behind the Reds.
The Cubs are a much different team at Wrigley (21-13, 16-25 on the road) and will play their final 11 games of the first half at home. Following the Brewers four-game set, the Braves are in for three and after a day off, the Cardinals invade Wrigley for four games in three days. Despite an underachieving first half, the Cubs are in the thick of the race but the next 11 games will have an impact on the remainder of the season.
Reports before and during Wednesday's game indicated Alfonso Soriano could be out of the starting lineup once again tonight. The Cubs need a healthy Alfonso Soriano in order to have a better second half of the season. Soriano is far from healthy right now and not producing at the plate. Lou Piniella must stick to his guns and give him the time he needs to get back on track.
The Brewers will be looking to return the favor from last July ... and for the Cubs, it all starts with Ryan Dempster.
Ryan Dempster is coming off another poor outing this season. Prior to his start against the Sox Dempster said he finally got some sleep after months of dealing with his personal issues. Dempster struggled throwing strikes again but maybe he can start his season a new tonight.
The Sox scored five runs against Dempster in five innings on eight hits with three walks and two strikeouts ... the second time in three starts Dempster walked more than he struck out.
Like all Major League pitchers Ryan Dempster must throw strikes in order to be successful and he has not done that this season. One of the big reasons for his 2008 season was the fact he walked only 76 batters in 206 2/3 innings. This season Dempster has issued 42 free passes in 99 innings ... and 13 in his last three starts with only 12 strikeouts.
Dempster has been very good at Wrigley this season, 3-1 in six starts with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP but has not picked up a win since May 30 against the Dodgers. The Cubs are 0-5 in Dempster's last five starts and a lot of that has to do with the amount of balls he has thrown (512 pitches in last five starts ... 302 for strikes).
Tonight will be Dempster's third start of the season against the Brewers ... and the Brewers' explosive offense has teed off on him. Dempster is 1-1 in two starts against the Brew Crew this year (April 12 and May 9 in Milwaukee) with a 5.83 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP (nine runs, eight earned, on 13 hits with six walks and 15 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings ... with three home runs allowed).
- Ryan Braun - 4-for-19 with 2 doubles, a home run and 2 walks
- Mike Cameron - 3-for-18 with 2 walks
- Frank Catalanotto - 2-for-4 with a double and a walk
- Craig Counsell - 6-for-19 with a home run and 4 walks
- Prince Fielder - 5-for-19 with a double, a home run and 3 walks
- Jody Gerut - 2-for-6 with a double and a walk
- Bill Hall - 3-for-18
- J.J. Hardy - 2-for-23 with a double and a walk
- Corey Hart - 2-for-20 with a home run and 3 walks
- Jason Kendall - 18-for-43 with 3 doubles and 5 walks
- Seth McClung - 0-for-1
- Casey McGehee - 1-for-1
The Cubs will get their first look tonight at Seth McClung the starter. McClung was put in the Brewers rotation when Dave Bush was placed on the DL with arm fatigue. McClung struggled in his first start of the year and made it just four innings against the Giants. San Francisco put up three runs against McClung in four innings on six hits. The Cubs must make him work, something that have not done in the past when he comes out of the pen.
Seth McClung has pitched extremely well against the Cubs as a reliever. In ten career games he is 1-0 with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP ... the Cubs have hit just .177 against him. The Cubs have traditionally been very aggressive against McClung, which works to his advantage. If the Cubs' offense can make him throw a lot of pitches early, they could get into the Brewers' questionable-at-best middle relief.
McClung is 2-1 in 15 relief appearances on the road this season with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP.
- Milton Bradley - 1-for-2 with 2 walks
- Ryan Dempster - 0-for-2
- Mike Fontenot - 1-for-5 with a walk
- Ryan Freel - 1-for-1
- Kosuke Fukudome - 4-for-6 with a double
- Koyie Hill - 1-for-3 with a home run
- Derrek Lee - 0-for-5
- Alfonso Soriano - 1-for-15 with a double
- Geovany Soto - 1-for-4 with a double
- Ryan Theriot - 2-for-9 with a double and 2 walks
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
Tonights Lineup:
Former President Jame Garfield-CF
The returning Neifi Perez-SS
Milton Bradley-RF
Resident Douchebag Millionaire Sam Zell-1B
Controversial Film Director Michael Moore-2B
Moore's Doppleganger John Kruk-3B
Sasquatch-LF
Former Cub Great Robert Machado-C
Ryan Dempster-P
In the pen...
Charles Manson
I only say that because the Cubs were playing the Dodgers that evening.
Boseph...Milton Bradley fits right in...doesn't he...actually...besides Dempster...I loved Kruk.
I just thought it'd feel weird with only one lineup posted, so I went ahead and gave Neil's lineup some company in advance.
This would be an excellent time to start
a 10 game winning streak!!! Dare I hope?
I apologize for getting off the subject at hand but I didn't want my reply to Aaron to get lost in the Baker Shuffle.
About Gordon. I suspect they resigned Gordon last year just to act as insurance/assistance for the rookie Rose. Now that Rose has proven to be the real deal, they have no need for Gordon especially at 55 million bucks.
I'm willing to bet that they'd rather have the ball in Rose's hands rather than Gordon.
And besides, I don't think the bulls are paying Deng a ton of money to ride the bench.
Also, Salmons can play. And he can play all over the court. I suspect that the Bulls may even be 3-5 wins better than last year givin a healthy Deng and a improved Rose.
I'll miss Gordon but Detroit WAAAAAAAAAY overpayed here.
right....and it means more looks for everyone, but still, whenever you needed a big shot....I mean, he was close to Bryant as the best in the league for clutch shots.
Deng's leg really concerns me, and I don't think he'll ever be the same. Salmons is awesome, and better than Gordon in a sense that he's taller and significantly better defensively. Still, the determination from Gordon, and stand-up professional he was will hurt the team.
So, now the Bulls roster looks like:
GUARDS:
PG-Hinrich, Rose
SG-Nelson, Roberson, Salmons
FORWARDS:
Deng, Tim Thomas, Tyrus Thomas, James Johnson, Linton Johnson (probably won't be back), Taj Gibson
CENTERS:
Miller, Noah, Gray (probably won't be back)
Deng actually plays more like a guard than a forward, so we could create some match-up problems, but we still need that perimeter shooter, and with just Tim Thomas, Hinrich, and Salmons representing anything close to an outside threat...wouldn't it have been better to select an Ellington than a Taj Gibson? I have to think there's a trade in the works (perhaps for Chris Bosh), otherwise it makes no sense to have a roster full of forwards, and only one true center (Miller).
I know this sounds like a wet dream, but I thinking (probably hoping more than thinking) that the Bulls are becoming a little more salary conscious, awaiting D-Wade's free agency.
He was on Waddle and Silvy last summer and he said everything BUT he wanted to be a Bull.
I'd kill to see Rose and Wade team up in Chicago.
I heard the same thing last summer, but I don't know....I mean, athletes like Wade are so politically correct. They don't want to offend anyone, so they choose their words wisely. I just don't think he wants to come to Chicago. He even said if the Bulls were smart, they'd re-sign Gordon. I think that's pretty telling right there. Because if he feels that way, they wouldn't have enough for him under the cap...I don't know, maybe I'm reading too much into it.
But we need a shooting guard this year, that's for sure....and a faster center (I love Brad Miller to death, but my Grandma can run faster than him)
Agreed on all counts.
The pieces are here. We just need that final piece.
I too feel one more trade coming.
The banter on all topics has been needed relief from our long-suffering over the on-field disappointments. Yes there are a couple of shreds of hope--but it is time for a stretch of excellent baseball--in all regards. It started last night and now it's time for one of Neil's favorite lines--TACK ON CUBS!!
Tonight's lineup:
Fuld - LF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Bradley - RF
Fox - 3B
Fukudome - CF
Soto - C
Fontenot - 2B
Dempster - P
Reed Johnson is also beginning a rehab assignment tonight with Peoria
sweet and will he be playing for peoria tomarrow to? as in kane county?
Quote of the day:
"I don't care where I bat when I come back, so long as I'm in the order"
-Soriano according to the Sun Times tonight...(Fuld is leading off again
according to the article).
Good, sixth sounds about right.
What about this lineup?
1 Bradley RF
2 Theriot SS
3 Lee 1B
4 Ramirez 3B
5 Soriano LF
6 Fukudome CF
7 Soto 2B
8 Fontenot 2b
PITCHER
Let's face it, Fuld, Fox and Hoffpauir aren't going to get the playing time that we would like to see, so we are stuck with the usual suspects.
Hey guys, the game between San Diego and Houston was halted when a swarm of bees
landed on the third base side. They cleared the field and halted the game
with the Astro's leading 6-1.
Bees!!! The Wrigley groundskeepers should keep that in mind...next time we need it!!!
The killer Bees....lol! Funny that should happen to Houston.
Love seeing Soriano finally getting some bench time. Like what Fuld brings at the leadoff spot. Speed and a guy who will hustle.
As far as streams are concerned. A TVAnts download is still a must.
http://www.myp2pforum.eu/mlb-baseball/40237-baseball-today-thursday-july-2nd-streaming.html
You'll find your best luck there with a TVA stream.
If a flash stream become availiable, I'll let you know.
Under the same breath, MLB.TV is 50 bucks right now. Unbeatable price. The service has been sketchy at times this year but it's still the best and only legit way to watch games on your PC.
The Cubs WILL turn out of this funk soon and will make the .TV purchase more than worth your while.
Glad to see Fuld back in there. Here's to hoping he and Theriot can play twin sparkplugs tonight!
Now, if we could just substitute Hoffpauir for Bradley, this would be our ideal lineup until ARAM gets back...and after we get done playing Milwaukee, Soriano goes to LF, Fuld to CF, and Fukudome to the bench (because Fukudome crushes Milwaukee pitching for whatever reason)
Fuko was 2 for 4 last night with a double and Homer
Good to see I got two of the guys in the lineup right :P
I hope we get to see Baker tonight. Anyone else get excited when we make an acquisition? you just kinda want to see what they look like, how they'll do. I hope he does well with us...we need it badly
man JJ Hardy is so exposed with his swing. He sticks the bat out, brings it in, then out, so all you have to do is bust him inside. If you hit the outside part of the plate, he'll drive it. Man, I should be an advanced scout
Braun, on the other hand, has what you would call a "quiet stance", almost like Pujols. Those type of guys are a lot more difficult to get out, unless you make them get themselves out like Dempster did, rising up the ladder, which was a beautiful approach, and good call by Soto. That's often how Pujols is pitched. You throw sliders outside to them to start with, bust them in, and hope they chase the high one, popping it up, or striking out....That's really the only way you can pitch them and have success.
Now that's what a leadoff man is supposed to do....make the pitcher work a bit and let the other hitters see some pitches. Then, even better, a base on balls. Way to go, Sam Fuld!
That can't be right, a lead off man who works counts, walks, and gets on base. No way thats going to work with Lou, time for Fuld to go back down.
hell yes!!!! D LEEEEEEEEEEE
DLEE!!!!!!!!!!
that's what we've been missing.....a table setter
DLEE !!!! 2 nites in a row
Nobody out and 3 runs in!!!!
I'm must be dreaming!!!!
And Bradley makes the first out of the inning.
No big surprise there, right, Jim?
Fox I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! MAN CRUSH ALERT
FOX For the 4th run!!!! Yes!
Hmmm...take Bradley's K out, that's a perfect start to the game!
and that's what it's all about...it starts at the top...sets the tone. When we had a free swinger at the top, Bradley, and a Fontenot/Miles/Blanco in the lineup....it made it VERY difficult to score.
I don't think it's any coincidence that we won last night, and have put a 4 spot on the board with the likes of Fuld, Theriot, Lee, and Fox near the top of the order
I take it I missed a lot in my fifteen minutes away?
Scoring update anyone? What happened?
Fuld walked on a 9 pitch AB (Very good), Theriot dumped a blooper into left. Lee hit a BOMB to LF, 3-0, then Bradley weakly grounded out (as usual...why is he in batting LH anyway?). Fox followed with a BOMB to LF (neither Lee nor Fox got cheated...I mean, they were BOMBS), then Fukudome weakly grounded out, and Soto flied out to RF
Well...it's already changed but...
Fuld...8 pitch walk
Theriot single
Lee... homer
3-0 Cubs
Bradley ko
Fox...homer
Fuko & soto...outs
Cubs up
4-0
Trammell needs to work with Fontenot and Theriot on how to actually WAIT for the balls either from the OF or especially when Soto throws down. Brenly and Kasper brought it up the other night too....Fontenot waits...they most likely get Fielder...I just don't get their strategy with trying to meet up with the ball ahead of time
McClung on a pitch count tonight...only
allowed 90 or so pitches.
39 pitches in the first inning.
wow....this is just great...just like the other night...our offense comes awake, and our pitching falls asleep
We always seem to have issues with the "shut down" inning. After we do finally score, we can't seem to shut down the other team the next half an inning.
Thanks guys, I'm loving it!
I think the second was Dempster's one bad inning. I hope we've got it from here.
Sam Effin Fuld!
Great start to his 2009!
SAM FULD!!!!!!!!!!!
Fuld keeps this up...Soriano's going to
be an 18 million dfa
Matt, is the "free" TVants download as safe for the computer as the ones that charge a bit? Thanks for the work you do on this!!
I'm a huge fan of TV ants.
It's safe. I'm a huge fan of Kosuke's Japanese club -- the Dragons. If not for TVAnts I'd miss about half of their games.
So in short, I use TVA multiple times a week and this computer works just fine.
When you click the game link, don't close the new tab TVA opens.
McClung allowed 90 pitctes tonight.
At 56 after 2
Gotta keep scoring runs!
can we please just sit Soriano and Bradley for an extended period of time ,and see how we do. I bet we do FAR better than we are now
Geez, does Bradley suck feces.
Aaron...I agree 110%.
Batting Bradley 4th...for real. He looks lost at the plate.
Bradley is lost at the plate, and his mental makeup is so fragile that he's not a good candidate to snap right out of it anytime soon.....the soapopera continues with this guy, one that is tough to stomach!
Sadly, when ARAM and Johnson come back, that most likely means Fuld and Blanco go down. I won't miss Blanco much, but with FUNKODOME, Soriano, and Bradley being so awful, and Johnson not being a lead-off hitter, we have to have someone like Fuld on the roster that can play all 3 OF positions. Perhaps Hendry can pull a Miles phantom DL stint on Bradley or Soriano...Who knows?
If we are lucky...if Fuld keeps it up...
they might feel comfortable giving Soriano the 15 days on the DL both he and WE so desperately need.
McClung 75 pitches after 3
Supposedly on 90 pitch count.
well....I think it's safe to say Demp is going to give this one away...1st and 2nd, 1 out....unlike the Cubs, they KNOW how to score...I hope not...but we'll see
YES...I EAT CROW...WOOHOO
SOTO!!!!
GEO!!!
SOTO!!!
GEO!!!
SOTO!!!
This is the Soto from last year. Hitting around .275-.285. 20 HR pop and consistently calling a good game and tossing runners out.
Soto coming alive...and even Fontenot gets wood on te ball!!!!
FULD...3 opportunities...3 times on base...
Soriano sits tomorrow I hope.
So refreshing to see a guy bust his tail to get on base.
I WANT PICTURES OF THERIOT AND THE BLUE!!!!!!
PLEAASSSEEEE!!! ANYONE!?!?
D LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OUT ONTO WAVELAND!!!!!!
DERREK LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As soon as the count went 2-0 I saw that one coming.
Are we watching, dare I say it, the Derrek Lee game?
D. LEEEEEEEE!!!!!!@!1
Man he CRUSHED that one
Bradley is clueless at a plate.
Play Fuld and bench Bradley
GRAND SLAM!!! DLEE!!!
No way in hell should Soriano bat leadoff while Fuld's in the starting lineup.
I hope to God that Lou learns...
DLEE is locked in! If we could put Hoffpauir in place of Bradley...we could be ready to roll! Please tell me this is the start of good things to come!
This is the DLee we've been looking for
for a few years now.
If we put Soriamo and Bradley on the DL
fo awhile...I like our chances.
Hate to be negative, but c'mon Dempster ... a 4-pitch walk to a reliever that has to hit!?!?!?!?!
Good recovery by Dempster!
Gotta give Dempster credit. He's cleaning up his messes.
According to Muskat...Soriano will be back in the lineup leading off tomorrow.
BOOOOOOOOO!!!!
AND...Neil Cotts had Tommy John surgery today.
I'm so shocked--and delighted--that Pinella actually bench Sorry-oh-no for Fuld. I actually think that that raised the morale of the team. Now if L-O-U has the guts to bench Bradley, maybe we can score some runs on a daily basis and get going again.
Freel: he wasn't much, but I thought he was better than Blanco, and I KNOW he was better than Aaron Miles! DFA MILES!!!
It really not rocket science at all. Bradley and Soriano are not producing so they should stay on the bench in favor of guys who are getting the job done. If those guys flounder, then give Milton and Alfonso another chance to see if they can earn their salaries. If not then.......Now what's so difficult about this? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING and I would defy Piniella, Hendry, or anyone else to make a rational argument to the contrary.
Okay guys: comment on Freel. He had no real power, but he could run. And he could make a bone-head play with the best of them. Still, I'd have kept him over Miles. What is your opinion?
Player for player...you are right...BUT
it's a salary thing...2mil plus this season and next for Miles. 800K for just this season for Freel.
I think they have to package Miles in a trade.
Hahah!!! the Comcast camera guys are such horndogs... they rarely pan out to the fat guy in the crowd
Did you get on Charles?
Fontenot...unbelievable...inning should've been over
Aaron, I think you mentioned this earlier but that play by Fontenot, coupled with the fact he is not hitting could have just bought him a ticket to Iowa.
Thoughts?
Neil...does Fontenot still have options?
He has one left but if I understand correctly he would have to approve the demotion.
Its a win-win demoting him. If you refuses it hes almost certainly out of here, and if he accepts it then he can go down and work and we can trade for a decent 2nd or SS.
I think that is what he needs.
I should hope so...I'd hope that's why they acquired Baker, otherwise with Fox on the team, it doesn't make sense to have Fontenot's piss poor offensive approach this year, and average glove...I mean, not knocking on short dudes, but there was plenty of plays early on at both 3B and 2B where if Fontenot was replaced by someone like Scales or even Blanco, they would've made the play...he's just too short. And when you have 2 of them on your team (Miles), then it makes it even worse.
But I agree, with Blanco's glove, he'd be the better choice over a poor hitter with an average glove that has hit better than Blanco (in the past)...but that's the key....we're in the NOW...not the past. NOBODY should be getting a pass this year on performance
Aaron, how bad do you think it affected Fontenot to have to play third? In fairness...the Cubs did 2 things to screw the guy up.
1)Count on him for everyday 2nd baseman.
2)Bounced him between 2nd and third...he is a better hitter than he has shown...going down for a bit might straigten him out.
Well, I think it affected him a little bit. It's got to be tough to replace a bat like ARAM, which is essentially what the Cubs were counting on him to do, and he failed miserably...and to compound matters, Miles replaced Fontenot at 2B, and sucked even worse.
HOWEVER...I said this before with Theriot, though the guy has really surprised me the last 2 years (I think it's mostly due to the fact about 4 or 5 years ago, he finally gave up switch hitting, which the Cubs forced him into in the first place)...but both he and Fontenot had average stats in the minors to begin with. Fontenot had one good minor league season in 2003 in AA, where in 126 games, he had this line:
.325 avg, .399 OBP, 12 hr, 66 RBI, otherwise he was about a .280 hitter, .360 OBP, 8 hr, 50 RBI, and averaged about 100 K's vs 50 walks....that doesn't really translate to big league success.
Now, while Fuld doesn't have that spectacular of minor league stats, he still was at a .287 avg, .370 OBP, and rarely struck out, and usually he walked more than he struck out....Now, THAT translates well to the big leagues. That means that with 2 strikes, he shortens up his swing, and makes good contact, which is different than Fontenot, who tries to be a power hitter at 5'6", and it's just not happening. It was fine last year, but the league catches up to you in a hurry. Notice the steady diet of breaking balls. I noticed Fuld making adjustments in the middle of his AB when he saw breaking balls...Fontenot changes NOTHING...NOTHING!!!!!!!! Neither does Bradley, and neither does Fukudome....and Soriano certainly doesn't....This is the type of player we need on the team.
Now, I'm going to go on a limb...because I even hate this thought....but if Piniella and Hendry don't have the balls to DL Soriano or Bradley, or trade anyone....then I'd almost prefer Fuld over Hoffpauir....and I hate to say it, because I think if Hoff played everyday, his stats would absolutely obliterate Bradley's (actually, aside from OBP, he already has)....but Fuld adds the dimension we've been missing, and a few weeks ago, I was calling for him to be called up...turns out, I was right.
He can sub at all OF spots, make good contact, has good speed, great defense, and most of all, can lead off.
Honestly, given Soriano's history, I actually think he'd do well in the 6th, 7th, or 8th (I know it'll never happen, but still) in the lineup based on his historicals outside of lead-off.
But one thing is clear...this offense seems to get on a roll whenever the lead-off man gets on base. I wish I had the stats on it, but even when the guy getting on base was Soriano, I think we've had a good record. But when you're hitting a paltry .230 avg, with a .296 OBP, and we're now in the 4th month of the season, then something's got to give....and Piniella is a MORON if he doesn't notice this....So is Hendry.
Which...brings me back to my trade suggestion: Wells, Rios, and Ryan for Soriano, Fukudome, and Bradley....it would make our team sooooooooooooo much better. Even if we kept Rios, it'd be awesome having an athletic OF with Wells, Fuld, and Rios. I so hope Hendry can make a trade, relieving us of an albatross contract....bad contract for bad contract...I could care less...just break up the OF we have now. It was clear tonight that just taking out one of the 3-headed monster helped TREMENDOUSLY. Now, think if we could eliminate Fukudome and Bradley as well. Trust me, this team would TAKE OFF!!!
Awesome job by Marshall to Fielder!
Excellent job by Marshall...
Nice KO by Marshall...big out.
Matt, I had to leave my computer for a while to have dinner. When I returned, I went ahead with the download of TVants as you suggested. Then I clicked on that website you had earlier on the blog- MYP2P then clicked on the BREWCREW which pulled up a screen with buffering but no picture as of yet. I'm not very good with thie "stuff" so maybe I've not followed instructions or done something wrong. Any further help appreciated.
Charles...did you download the tvants first? I tried this for the first time...It does work but make sure you do the download first.
Freakin' Heilman...get his ass out! What a waste of money!
Getting too close for...Okay...What Len just said.
Why can't we have just one easy win....
Question; how do we not play Fox when Rami comes back?
BTW AAron I saw Fox first!
The Cubs could very well give this game away with the likes of Heilman and his other shaky bullpen mates. Santo sounds disgusted which speaks for me and probably for you too.
Lesson learned by today's game:
Cubs that have been in the organization the past few years=GOOD
Everyone Hendry has picked up this year=BAD
It's gotten to the point where saying anything similar is far too cliche, but true.
We HAVE to finish this game!
Neil,
I doubt Fontenot goes to Iowa, just like I doubt Miles goes anywhere. Myself I'd rather have Fontenot than Blanco or Miles. Fontenot needs to return to being a parttime player where he prospered.
Fontenot over Aaron Miles in a HEARTBEAT....
Neil, I can't believe you're in favor of retaining Miles over Fontenot -- Miles is a BUM
Baron, I think the choice is between Blanco and Fontenot...I suspect Miles
is going to rot on the DL for awhile.
Let him rot!
Not picking Miles over Fontenot. Miles is on the DL. I am thinking Blanco over Fontenot and let him go down and straighten himself out.
Just thinking (or typing) out loud
Neil,
I like that idea...not to hurt Fontenot but to help him out.
We have ARAM, Johnson, and Guzman all coming back next week....with Baker on board...they are going to want to give him playing time...at second...I would imagine...with ARAM back. Blanco makes a good defensive player.
Fox has earned a spot on the club...and
so has Fuld...in 2 games he's brought an energy that just wasn't there before.
I would really like to see them DL Soriano or Bradley...or both...to straighten themselves out before Fuld/Fox
Blanco go down.
WHEW !!!
We really would like to take 4 from the Brew crew this series. It would put us back into contention. If we split or less, we're in huge trouble.
Cards won again. Wellmeyer pitching like he can tonight: 7.1 IP, 2 ER.
Reds won, too. We need this game badly.
You just know Lou is going to put FULD in CF, bench Funko, and let Sorry-oh-no play in LF. Look for Bradley to stay in RF, too.
Lou, if you are going to do this, at least bat Bradley #2 so he can get on base via the walk. Haven't you figured it out by now that Bradley can't drive in a run to save his neck? He's got 16 RBI in half a season, Lou!
Marshall did his job as a situational lefty tonight.
Nice catch by Fuld ... took charge like a centerfielder
I definitely don't want to see Soriano and Bradley in the lineup at the same time. One of the has to sit. I think when ARAM comes back that Fox/Hoffpauir could platoon in right and we would be just fine.
Bradley needs some time at the insane asylum.
I don't see how you can possibly sit Fuld. Fuld, Fox, Hoffpauir, and Wells have come to the bigs to play ball. I think all of them have to stay no matter what.
I whole-heartedly agree. The question is whether or not the manager/GM will play the performers, or the high-dollar-mail-it-in "stars."
Marmol: 13 pitches, 6 strikes.
NATION REPRESENT!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!
BIG WIN!!! Start singing...
BIG WIN! Now we need the next three from these guys to get back into contention.
CUBS WIN!!! CUBS WIN !!!
(Second of 11 Straight!!!)
Wow!! Great win!! And DLee even surprised me!! Can anyone say, TACK ON, TACK ON, TACK ON BLUE!!!
Just saw the standings...where the hell did the Astros come from all of a sudden?
Also, you have to think Heilman's days as a Cub are also numbered. He's horrendous, and it's not like he hasn't had opportunities to turn it around. Marmol and Gregg have taken advantage of their opportunities to turn it around while Heilman still regresses.
So...decisions looming.
ARAM-3B
Johnson-LF
Guzman-P
Our roster right now:
IF-Blanco, Fontenot, Theriot, Fox, Lee, Baker
OF-Soriano, Fukudome, Bradley, Fuld, Hoffpauir
relief- Samardzija, Hart, Patton, Marshall, Heilman, Marmol, Gregg
ARAM will probably replace Blanco in all likelihood, though Neil and I would prefer otherwise with Blanco being a late inning replacement, and Baker playing everyday at 2B.
Johnson, unfortunately replaces Fuld, and I think that'd be our biggest mistake right there. I mean, Soriano sucks so bad as a lead-off hitter, and what they should be (table-setter) that it absolutely sets a negative tone for the offense from the outset. Last year we could handle it, mostly because guys weren't free swinging...and we didn't have Sucky Mc Suck Face (Bradley) on the team either, chewing up outs in the middle of the order.
I think the prudent thing to do, might be disabling either Soriano or Bradley until they find their groove...better yet, I hope for a trade where one of the 3-headed monster gets traded: I'd love this lineup:
Fuld-CF
Theriot-SS
Lee-1B
ARAM-3B
Hoffpauir-RF
Soriano-LF
Soto-C
Baker/Fontenot-2B
tomorrow, what I'd like to see is:
Fuld-CF
Theriot-SS
Lee-1B
Hoffpauir-RF
Fox-3B
Soriano-LF
Soto-C
Baker-2B
bench: K Hill, Fontenot, Fukudome, Bradley (DL), Fox , Johnson
Or, you could go with 11 pitchers, since Patton is never used, and keep them all. To me, if you're struggling with offense, that's almost a move you HAVE to make
Agreed on all points...Question...has Fuld played Center before? I know he was playing LF in Iowa.
Second...Muskat, before the game today...said Soriano would be back in the leadoff spot tomorrow...Let's hope Lou has a change of heart...I really, really never want to see him there again.
Suzy, Fuld won the Arizona Fall League MVP award playing center back in 2007. Competed with Pie last spring (2008) for the job but was not healthy enough to push Fuld.
I have seen him play center in Spring Training (at the park, just not on TV), he's plays a very good center. That is the reason I made the comment tonight about him 'taking charge like a centerfielder.'
Thanks for the insight Neil...This is a strange season...I really don't want to see any of the Iowa Cubs sent down in favor of our stars...they are all productive and the stars are not.
Never saw anything quite like it.
Aaron...I like your lineup. I really don't want to see Bradley in the lineup period. He's really turned in to an overpayed bench player that Lou won't leave there. I think Fuld has provided the spark we have needed to get this offense going. We just can't have Soriano or Bradley anywhere near the top of the order if they are playing (which they shouldn't be playing anyways). If ARAM can come back and get his timing back, we really could have a nice lineup again.
Did something happen to Samardzija. I thought I heard on the post game Lou was sad to hear about him getting hurt.
Lou was referring to Neal Cotts ... Tommy John Surgery today, done for the season.
Thank you. Never want hear someone have to go through that.
Must have been Cotts they were talking about.
Suzy, I know you did not ask me but I think Fontenot playing third has had a big impact on his offense.
Agreed...I feel we might be turning the corner...and feel bad the numbers...(bodys and statistics) are starting to stack up against him.
its amzing how different the team looks with fuld
When Aramis returns, Fontenot has to go down. Blanco is hitting better and is just a better fielder overall. As for Reed, I really don't want Fuld to go down. He's the absolute perfect lead off hitter for this team. This is really rash of me, but if a team wants Fukudome, i would trade him right now. Fuld and Johnson are a good platoon. However, there is the risk of having one of them injured and then you're left with basically nothing in the minors. I hope Fuld stays. As for Guzman, he should replace Patton. That's not going to happen though because Cubs management just loves keeping him on the roster even though he doesn't deserve to be here. He'll probably replace Kevin Hart. Good win today boys. Suppan is on the mound tomorrow, let's just tear him to shreds.
Blanco has to stay because he's the back-up shortstop
The key thing here is to find a daily spot for Fox... this guy HAS to HAS to be in the lineup everyday.....
They need to start teaching him to play one of the corner outfield spots.. between LF, RF and 3B we should be able to spot everyone a day each week....
Right...but the ONLY way that can happen is if other moves are made.
Miles is still on this team, like it or not...I think EVERYONE dislikes this fact. So, when he's off the DL, who goes down?
If it were me, I'd also choose Fuld over Johnson...as Johnson keeps hurting his back, is 33 yrs old (I believe), and is NOT a lead-off type anymore.
It's the 4th month of the season already....I think we know what we're going to get from the players we have. That being said, you simply HAVE to have Fuld, Fox, and Hoffpauir on the roster if you hope to have any chance of winning this year. That means that you HAVE to get rid of a veteran player like Soriano, Bradley, or Fukudome. I sure hope Hendry is looking at moving one of them, because if we don't...we're absolutely SCREWED. I mean, think about it for a minute...Bradley hits a ball hard about once every 10 games....Jake Fox hits the ball hard about every DAMN at bat. That's pathetic that Bradley is paid $10 million for that garbage.
Furthermore, with FUNKODOME's wail and bail act, we're VERY vulnerable late in the season. He's done nothing to disprove the fact that he's Mr. April, and NOTHING more, as he batted something like .170 in June, and last year was about the same. It's scary to think we have this guy for 2 more years. I'd much rather have Fuld, who is 5 years younger than Fukudome in there, along with his speed, defense, and short, compact swing...and ability to lead-off.
But Hendry has hand-cuffed us with immovable salaries to the point that we simply cannot play the deserving players and win this year. This season is lost, unless Hendry can unload Soriano, Bradley, or Fukudome...and that's the damn truth
For the moment...putting any of those 3
on the DL is the answer...everything I'm reading about the trade market suggests
big money players are next to impossible to move...and JH will need approval of the new owner to absorb contract portions in any deal.
Since Soriano seems to have Lou's ear...
Crane Kenny and Jom Hendry have to both step in and send Soriano to the DL...it might actually revive him for the second half.
Bradley's a lost cause...dfa him and let him get himself together with the Schaumberg Flyers. If Detroit can do it...so can we.
Fukodome may have use as a bench player...good defense and should still hit .270 or so.