Game Seventy-Nine: Cubs (39-39) vs. Brewers (43-38)
Game Time - 1:20pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet/TBS - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago
Ted Lilly (7-6, 3.35/1.13) vs. Mike Burns (1-1, 3.31/1.29)
Despite being blown out on Saturday, the Cubs have a chance to post a series win with a victory this afternoon. After today the Cubs will not face the Brewers again this season until September 14 (the Cubs play a four-game series at Wrigley and a three game series in Miller Park in the final three weeks of the season) and a win would go a long way toward a successful end to a disappointing first half.
Aramis Ramirez was 1-for-2 with a RBI in Saturday's rehab assignment with the Peoria Chiefs. Both Ramirez and Reed Johnson (a walk in his only plate appearance Saturday) are expected to be activated on Monday from the DL ... with Angel Guzman re-joining the Cubs on Tuesday. The Cubs could go with an 11-man pitching staff for the remainder of the first half with Carlos Zambrano pitching out of the pen next weekend against the Cardinals (Zambrano is slated to start the series finale against the Braves on Wednesday). With 11 pitchers, the Cubs could keep an extra position player.
According to the Daily Herald, Jeff Baker and Andres Blanco "are going to stay" while Mike Fontenot, Jake Fox, Micah Hoffpauir and Sam Fuld are the candidates to be sent down to Triple-A. It appears Kevin Hart and/or Jeff Samardzija will return to Iowa when Angel Guzman is activated from the DL ... the better move might be to place Alfonso Soriano on the DL for the remainder of the first half.
With the Cubs facing the Braves (2-for-11 in two games with a home run) and the Cardinals (7-for-36 in nine games with two double, a home run, four walks and 16 strikeouts) before the break, teams that Soriano has struggled against this season, it might give him time to rest and prepare for the second half instead of continuing to struggle at the plate. Alfonso Soriano is not the Cubs' only problem but they must figure out a way to get him right for the second half.
While the offense must do their job today against a former teammate in Mike Burns, it all starts with Ted Lilly ... and one win at a time.
Ted Lilly is coming off back-to-back losses, one that he pitched poorly in and one that he received no run support. Lilly has been the Cubs most reliable starter this season and has earned the right to represent the Cubs in the All-Star game.
While Lilly has not posted a win since June 9, the Cubs are 2-2 in his four starts since and Lilly has allowed a total of 13 earned runs ... six in one start in Detroit. 'The Bulldog' posted a 1-2 record in six June starts with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.
At home this season, Ted Lilly has been just short of unbeatable. In seven starts he has posted a 4-1 record with a tremendous 1.85 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP. The Cubs will need Lilly to be on top of his game this afternoon against a very dangerous Brewers' lineup.
Today will be Lilly's first start of the year against Milwaukee. He is 2-2 in seven career appearances, six starts, against the Brewers with a 4.72 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.
- Ryan Braun - 6-for-13 with 2 doubles, 2 home runs and a walk
- Mike Cameron - 7-for-27 with a double, a home run and a walk
- Craig Counsell - 0-for-1
- Prince Fielder - 6-for-15 with a double and a walk
- Jody Gerut - 3-for-8 with a double and a walk
- Bill Hall - 2-for-14 with 2 walks
- J.J. Hardy - 3-for-16 with a home run
- Corey Hart - 4-for-15 with 3 doubles, a home run and a walk
- Jason Kendall - 4-for-16 with 2 doubles and 2 walks
Mike Burns will make his first career start against the Cubs todayafter spending the 2008 season with the Iowa Cubs. Burns replaced Manny Parra in the Brewers rotation after the talented southpaw had a horrible start to the year. Burns will make just his third start of the season and fourth appearance since being called up from Triple-A Nashville.
Burns is coming off a solid outing and a win (the first of his big league career) against the New York Mets. He allowed only two runs on five hits in 6 2/3 innings with a walk and two strikeouts. In a small sample size, Burns has walked (6) almost as many batters this season as he's struck out (9) and could post a big challenge for the Cubs.
The Brewers' righty threw a ton of first pitch strikes to the Mets overly aggressive offense (16). They managed only one walk and sat down ten batters on very short at bats of three pitches or less.
The Cubs are not familiar with Mike Burns ... Derrek Lee has the most career at bats as any Cub on the active roster. If the offense does not make him work early on, it could be another long afternoon. And they could end up making another mediocre, at best, pitcher look like a Cy Young award winner.
Patience will be a virtue today.
- Derrek Lee - 2-for-2 with 2 doubles
- Alfonso Soriano - 0-for-1
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
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Lineup:
Fukudome - CF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Bradley - RF
Fox - 3B
Soriano - LF
Soto - C
Fontenot - 2B
Harden - P
Somebody tell me why Fuld isn't leading off? Lou, you need to get your head outta your ass.
Harden wants to pitch again? lol
haha whoops
Today's lineup;
Fukudome - CF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Bradley - RF
Fox - 3B
Soriano - LF
Soto - C
Fontenot - 2B
Lilly - P
Same as posted above ... only pitcher's spot is different from Saturday.
I do like this lineup. 2B is going to be the weak spot. I wouldn't mind seeing Theriot and Fukudome flipped.
We'll find out if Ted Lilly is an All Star in about 20 minutes...
Very doubtful. Since the Cubs will only have one representative, and since Lilly is barely in the top ten as far as quality pitchers in the NL (combining W-L records with ERA...he's about 7 or 8), that's just not enough. If Soriano doesn't get voted in, Charlie Manuel will just choose a representative himself, and chances are he'll pick a bat...meaning it'll either be Lee or (if he's senile) Soriano.
Who do you think will represent the Cubs then? In my mind it's gotta be Lilly or Lee.
Boseph, Rosenbloom picked Theriot as
our representative.
Fact is we have no one deserving to be an allstar this season.
Randy Wells won't be an all-star but he should be.
I hope the Cubs go to 11 pitchers. If Fox or Hoffpauir is sent down that's just ridiculous.
I'm with Neil...I vote Soriano to the
DL on Monday...ala Contreras for the Sox.
I think the first moves back to Iowa will be Fontenot and Fuld.
Speaking of Iowa, Burns had 14 IP against them earlier. He gave up 14 hits but only 4 runs. Last season,Burns had a losing record for Iowa and a 4.57 ERA.
It seems he is a hittable and,if Lilly can hold the Brewers to three runs in 7 IP, we can win. That assumes our best hitters aren't/weren't in Iowa. LOL
Ted Lilly was named to the NL pitching staff
Sure enough, Lily is our All-Star. Lee had no chance since he wasn't going to surpass anyone, though Soriano may still make it in as a vote-in alternate, since Beltran's not going to make it.
If Soriano makes it...it's absurd.
I have no problem with keeping Blanco over Fontenot right now. There is very little difference in their averages, however Blanco's glove is very good.
I agree, no way Blanco or Fox gets sent down. I would also hate to see Hoffpauir get sent down due to his lefty bat, ability to play the corner spots of the outfield and raw power. I just LOVE blanco's leather, and he is not better or worse than Fonetnot with the bat.
Who is annoucing with Chip?
XM Radio and former catcher and MLB manager, Buck Martinez
Buck Martinez is Chip's co-announcer
D LEE
DLEE!!!!!!
Question, could it be that DLEE has his 05' Uni on?
Dude is Smokinnnnn'
Let's hope so...
Every since I assured DLee his bashers here were suffering from green apple quick step, he's been a little more than OK. LOL
I liked my crow smoked with BBQ sauce. I will admit to no matter what is happening D is a consumate professional.
The error by Cameron was changed to a base hit for Soriano
why did Soriano want the ball? Len and Bob didn't know initially. I think Bob said because he was in a funk or something. Was it a milestone hit?
Also, RE: roster moves...I almost think you have to go with 11 pitchers...here's why:
1) our offense sucks anyhow
2) ARAM said when he comes back, he'll have to take like 2 days off/week, so you have to have an extra bat
3) Patton isn't used in the pen...so we've been playing essentially with 11 pitchers all year. What's the difference
If that's the case, I think you have to trade/offer back Patton, and you option Samardzija. I think Samardzija will be better as a starter, and Hart has already proven once (2007) that he can handle the relief role for us. Plus, he has better command of his pitches than Samardzija. With both him, Marshall, and Heilman on the roster, you have 3 long relievers/spot starters if you need them. So, the roster moves I'd make would be:
-trade/release Patton
-option Samardzija
-option Fontenot
Normally, I'd say option Blanco, but his glove is far superior to Fontenot's, and everyone is right....he's no worse than Fontenot at the plate right now, save for less power
I hate TBS announcers
except Chip
Offense has gotta get back on track against Burns ... too many early swings. He is beginning to settle in like he did against the Mets.
Whew....Still up 2-1. Come on bats, "TACK ON!!"
Nice AB by Bradley
Good job by Soto getting that run in.
Bradley with a good ab to start the inning and Fox keeps on hitting
Excellent job by Fontenot ... shocked the Brewers pitched to him
Hey everyone.
Great ABs by the Whole Effin Show and Mikey!
Except Soriano...2 pitches and out.
Try the eight spot...Lou...and when that doesn't work...maybe you might either sit or DL him.
Whole Effin Show is my nickname for Fox. =)
When he was tearing up AAA some friends and I said we'd go to Iowa to watch. But it wouldn't be for the I-Cubs, but rather the only show - Fox!
So, I didn't mean the whole bunch. I agree about Sori. He needs an extended breather.
Lilly is dealing!
Fox has got to keep playing when Aramis comes off tomorrow.
Soriano should really consider that DL stint. It's like you said Neil, couple it with the ASG break and Soriano will have all the time to put back the pieces.
Meanwhile, Fox should just keep on hitting.
It never hurts to ask. LOL Bradley "wimps" on. Jake rakes. Soto gets the sac fly and Mikey singles on a mistake. Lead up to 3. Hold 'em Ted.
You know, they havn't used Hoffy that much...he might be the odd man out...in their thinking.
Keep on tackin' Blue.
I like that play with Theriot at the dish.
How many things have gone perfectly our way like that.
And yet, that play was executed flawlessly.
I love it!
Taking 3-of-4 would be HUGE!
Excellent job on the hit & run by Theriot ... just went out and blooped the ball.
Derrek Lee!!!
Let's knock Burnsy out now.
Can anyone say RAKE!!!
Out onto WAVELAND FOR JAKE FOX!!!!!
He calls his bat the 'Bam-Bam Club'
WHOLE EFFIN SHOW!
WHOLE EFFIN SHOW!
WHOLE EFFIN SHOW!
Play him in LF everyday. I don't give a rat's tooty how.
Uncle Milty does the KO look.
JAKE JUST BAKES !!!!
I thought that was Soto who did the "baking".
Soriano's cloud-headedness nearly bit him the ass.
OK guys...how do we keep Fox's bat in the lineup once ARAM comes back?
Ramirez and Johnson are both 1-for-1 already today
I'm thinking Jake caught Burns at AA and AAA. Jake is using his understanding today. I too want Fox playing somehere. It could be he gets a couple of games in LF to "rest" (not DL) Sori. I do like the DL idea.
Bradley has a long way to go to be helpful (not counting Jim C's suggestion of to Detroit). One step is swinging at pitches that are too close to take. That shortcoming just wears me out.
Jim, They said ARAM would bat fourth.
Would you consider Uncle Milty in front of ARAM...to get MIlty going?
Meaning the ultra hot Lee goes where?
Suzy...my two cents. I would bat Milton second right now. Leave Lee third and Aramis fourth. I do not think Milton is a good fit second but maybe a few games could get him going. That would give Lee and Ramirez chances with runners on.
Great job by Fukudome. he has put together on of his better games this afternoon.
Anyway ... just my thoughts. As for Fox, use him in left, right and third and I think Hoffpauir will be sent down.
Milty at second spot?...interesting concept....He does try to walk a lot.
I was thinking leave him in the 4 hole with ARAM behind him to get him going.
Reality is you are probably right about Hoffy...but too bad...they didn't give him enough AB's.
Tomorrow's moves will be critical...and there is a lot of ways they might go.
Question...can Baker back up Theriot?
He's going to need some time off so he doesn't fade in the second half like he has the last 2 seasons.
please don't put in marmol.
You want Heilman instead?
Great job by The Bulldog!
Double for Fontenot...he doesn't want to
make it easy for them to send him down.
It's another WHEW for Lilly against some dangerous bats. Good job Ted!!
Fontenot says, "Don't call me a weak spot, you COO jive turkey!! Keep it up "turkey". You are inspiring the young man!
mickey mouse would be better than either of them.
Good Job Fuko
nice to see Fukudome driving some balls. He's really been crushing the ball his last few AB's...and against a lefty is even more welcoming. nice AB...also nice AB's by Fontenot.
The next two series are super-critical for the Cubs for two reasons. The second one is that the Cards next seven games are against the Brewers and the Cubs.
I love hearing Chip reference to the Ozzy song!
Vin Scully? Priceless, haha
Great turn by Blanco!
Andy White is such a gamer.
Great defense and clutch hitting.
People cite his stats (both offensively and defensively) and agree that he's below average.
But man, he goes above and beyond when it's a clutch situation.
Wish Heilman would quit nibbling
I have the rehab starts for Johnson and Ramirez whick they played today under community blog.
Today's Lilly's 0 walks and 9 SO's trumped the 9 hits he gave up. That's a veteran good job.
Today, Soriano revealed that he can get two hits in the six hole. I would still "rest" him to play Fox until Fox goes hitless in two successive games. It could be that Aram will be every other day for a couple of games too.
NATION REPRESENT!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!
CUBS WIN!!! CUBS WIN!!!
3/4 AGAINST THE BREW CREW.
THIS BRATS FOR YOU!!!!
Nice win for the Cubs took 3 out or 4
We beat up on Milwaukee at home.
God's in his Heaven and all is right in the world.
Well, we showed up today. Go Blue.
Solid win and beat a medicore pitcher the way they should.
It was nice to see everyone contribute today...scoring in several innings,,,in different ways...a true team win.
Probably anticipating tomorrow a little too much...not just because of ARAM's
return...but to see which moves they make.
I like this team much better without Soriano leading off.
well played game....However, I wish to ammend my previous statement about Blanco...after watching him hit, it's clear he's actually worse than Neifi at bat. We just cannot have an automatic out on this team offensively, no matter how useful his glove may be.
If you play by that game, we'd have the following infielders when ARAM is back:
ARAM, Lee, Baker, Blanco, Fontenot, Theriot, Fox.
Baker can play 3B, 1B, and 2B, while Fontenot has seen time at 3B, 2B, and SS. Theriot has played 2B and SS. Fox has played 3B and 1B. Blanco plays 2B and SS, and we have 2 other guys that can do that, and another that can play 2B.
I know he's a great glove, but trust me, "glove guys" are a dime a dozen. I lamented about this when we had Izzy, and a lot of people came down on me about that. Remember that Neil? And lo and behold, everyone jumped on the "abandon Izzy experiment" late in the year. They were tired of the all glove, no hit. Do we really need a replay of that crap?!? He's made some spectacular plays, that's for certain, but he's also come up empty in several key situations with runners on base, grounding out like a Little Leaguer, and looking VERY ugly on some swings----even worse than Soriano with a slider in the dirt.
I was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but with Fontenot picking it up a bit, and watching Blanco's crappy AB today, I'm no longer convinced.
This year, more than any in recent memory (tied with 2006, I guess) is all about offense...sorry for those ESPY-loving fans out there...but Blanco will lose more games with his bat than save with his glove...that's a FACT this year.
If the Cubs option Fox, I don't know if I can support this team anymore. I'd rather option Hoffpauir...and even then I'm not so sure I'd like that...meaning your only options left are Fuld and Fontenot (and I just went over Fontenot).
Choices are: Fox, Fuld, Hoffpauir, and Fontenot. With Reed coming back, that makes Fuld more expendable. But with what I've seen so far from Baker (limited, I know) and Blanco offensively, I have to say Blanco's gotta go.
Pitching wise, Patton should clearly go...He really sucks guys...I don't know why Hendry's keeping him, other than to try to make up for his Hamilton Rule 5 blunder, and make himself look like a genius here....which he's clearly NOT. Rule 5 picks are fine if you have a deficiency in a specific area, and you don't want to give up prospects in a trade...or if you're out of contention (Pirates) and can afford to "hide" a Veal on your roster, barely getting him playing time to help your future....we are neither lacking pitching, nor do we have a roster spot available to "audition" anyone.
Blanco and Patton go, and the final demotion goes to Samardzija, or Fuld
nice job by Marmol to go 1-2-3 in the 9th after some piss poor umping behind the plate led to 3-2 counts. Also, Fox continues to prove he belongs....and putting Soriano on the DL makes even more sense now to keep his bat in the lineup
Aaron, I do remember you not caring for the Izturis move. I will stick to the fact if he played the way he did with the Cardinals last year, it would have been a good move. He vanished once he put on a Cubs' uniform ... like so many do.
As for Blanco, I disagree. He has come through, offensively, with the bat and he provides the only true backup to Theriot on the Cubs 40-man roster.
For instance, Blanco is hitting .267 with a .421 OBP with RISP and 2 outs. Granted it is a small sample size but 4-for-15 with a double and 5 RBI go along way with me. From the 7th inning on: .333/.333 with a .381 average on balls in play (8-for-24 with three doubles)
With as deep as the starters are being asked to go every time out, a poor defensive team will do more harm than good.
And in the late innings, as you mentioned Kevin Gregg does not have the 'stuff' to make up for errors and defensive mistakes. In other words, it will be hard for Gregg to get four to five outs in an inning without blowing the save.
For comparison, Mike Fontenot is hitting .148 with a .303 OBP with RISP and 2 outs, 4-for-27 with a double, a home run and 6 RBI. From the 7th inning on: .203/.282 14-for-69 with 3 doubles and a home run.
I like Fontenot and I think he is a good player, in a backup role. But with the way Jake Fox is hitting he cannot be sent down in my opinion.
As I mentioned in the game preview, Soriano should be placed on the DL. Give his body time to heal and him a break from the mental grind. He has never struggled this way during a season, there have always been fourth and fifth starters, as well as middle relievers for him to knock around.
Aaron, excellent analysis...but we'll see how it flies...And I basically
agree...BUT...The JH/Pinella braintrust this year has been confounding.
So we will see.
I'm not sure I can agree with Aaron's one at-bat demotion of Blanco. LOL. I see the arguments about our need for offense and Blanco being iffy there. I think the case can be made that the offense is getting better, and that most of our guys are not stalwarts on defense.
Defense could take on more importance with Aram back and Fox in LF. Aram won't be diving for balls, and the Riot can shade toward the hole with Blanco at second. That applies with Fox at 3rd too.
With some defenders not getting to "outs" (that become hits), one or two stellar defensive plays become more important in games. Then there's the whole argument of defensive replacements late in games.
The good news is that guys like Blanco (and Fontenot--I think) can be up and down frequently. I'd lean toward Blanco being with the Cubs in the Cardinal series. Those are likely to be low scoring games (and I know that sounds counter-intuitive). But those are the games when pitching and defense are often the difference makers, and it's up to a couple of guys in the first six spots to produce the runs.
I think WGN radio has the best solution.
Put Soriano on waivers and hope somebody accidently checks the box...thereby getting Sori and his salary.LOL
Isn't that a great idea, Suzy! I think Soriano's slump has gotten to be a big mental albotross around his neck as well as whatever physical problems he's having with his swing, timing, etc. The Cubs would be so much better off right now without his lack of hitting and defensive handicaps BUT the management just does not have the guts to take him out of the lineup...what a shame.