Game One Hundred-Eight: Cubs (57-50) vs. Rockies (60-49)
Game Time - 7:10pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet/MLB Network - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187
Location - Coors Field, Denver
Ryan Dempster (5-5, 4.09/1.38) vs. Jason Marquis (12-7, 3.49/1.25)
Updated - 3:00pm - Carlos Zambrano placed on 15-day DL - Jeff Stevens Recalled
Updated 6:52pm C.T. - During his pre-game show on WGN Radio, Lou Piniella said Jeff Samardzija would get the ball on Wednesday and make the start against the Phillies ... taking Carlos Zambrano's turn in the rotation.
The Cubs very important seven-game stretch began on a negative note Friday night and it will be up to Ryan Dempster to right the ship tonight. Lou Piniella questioned Carlos Zambrano's injury on Friday night. Piniella, and Randy Bush on Saturday morning, could not understand why Zambrano did not mention his injury sooner than fifteen minutes before game time.
Carlos Zambrano threw three warm up pitches then indicated he could not start. The Cubs said he threw his side sessions during the week and everything pointed to him being okay, ready for Friday night. Zambrano received no treatment for his back after leaving last Saturday night in Miami.
Randy Bush told Bruce Levine that if they would have known he was hurt they could have moved up Ryan Dempster and adjusted the rotation. The Cubs did not see this coming and the team can only go by what the player tells them. This is obviously a huge concern for the club. Carlos Zambrano traveled back to Chicago on Saturday to have a MRI on his back. Bush said, "it looks like a DL stint" for the Cubs' number one pitcher.
Tonight's game, as well as at least the next week, depends on the right arm of Ryan Dempster. The Cubs' offense must do their job as well, because two runs will not cut it against the Rockies at Coors. Dempster must give this team a calming influence on the field and turn Friday night's negative into a positive ... and it will not be easy for Dempster in Denver. He has never posted a win at Coors in seven games (three starts) and owns an unbelievable 15.23 career ERA in the thin air.
The Cubs will be without Jeff Samardzija and Sean Marshall tonight ... and should make a roster move and bring up Mitch Atkins (has not pitched since August 3) in order to give them a fresh arm that can give them innings out of the pen.
The Cubs will face a familiar face in Jason Marquis. The 2009 All-Star has been very, very good for the Rockies but is coming off a bad outing. Marquis was in cruise control against the Reds until he hit former teammate Scott Rolen in the head. Marquis surrendered the game tying three-run homer to Laynce Nix two batters later. Marquis' second half woes is one of the reasons the Cubs traded him in the off-season. In order to beat him tonight, they must not allow him to get comfortable on the mound ... and regain his confidence.
Jason Marquis stuck it to the Cubs back in April and will be fired up again once tonight.
While the offense must do their job against Jason Marquis, it all begins with Ryan Dempster ... and one win at a time.
Ryan Dempster will make his third start tonight since coming back from the DL on July 28. Dempster put together an excellent outing against the Marlins last Sunday but came away with a no decision after the Cubs' pen blew the game. Dempster tossed six innings of three-hit ball with four walks and four strikeouts. Dempster's outing was very reminiscent of several of his performances from a year ago.
Dempster has posted only one win in 11 road starts this season. He is 1-4 with a 3.71 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP. His teammates need a good start tonight from one of their clubhouse leaders.
Tonight will be Dempster's first start of the year against the Rockies. In his career, Dempster is 4-3 in 15 games, eight starts, versus Colorado with a 6.89 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP ... at Coors Field, 0-2 in seven career games, three starts, with a 15.23 ERA and a 2.31 WHIP. To say Dempster has struggled at Coors Field would be an understatement.
- Garrett Atkins - 0-for-3
- Brad Hawpe - 0-for-1
- Todd Helton - 7-for-18 with a double, 3 home runs and 5 walks
- Chris Iannetta - 0-for-2
- Omar Quintanilla - 1-for-3 with a home run
- Seth Smith - 0-for-3
- Ian Stewart - 0-for-3
- Troy Tulowitzki - 0-for-1
Jason Marquis has put together an excellent season for the Colorado Rockies ... after being dealt there in the off-season by the Cubs for Luis Vizcaino. Marquis has posted 12 wins and one of them came at the expense of the Cubs back on April 15 at Wrigley. Marquis shutdown his former team and allowed only one run on five hits in seven innings with two walks and three strikeouts.
After inconsistent seasons in Atlanta, St. Louis and Chicago, Marquis appears to have found a home in Colorado. He is a solid 5-3 in nine starts at Coors Field this season with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP.
Marquis was 2-2 in four starts in July and while the record is not impressive, his stat line is from last month. Marquis posted a 1.93 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in four games (28 innings) and allowed just seven runs, six earned, on 26 hits with five walks and 13 strikeouts. Marquis is keeping the ball down and is not serving up the longballs the way he did with the Cubs. In 144 1/3 innings, teams have gone deep on Marquis just ten times.
The former Cub is coming off a no decision to the Reds. He allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings ... the most earned runs he's allowed since July 11 against the Braves.
Jason Marquis is 4-5 in 12 career games, 11 starts, versus the Cubs with a 4.14 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP.
- Jeff Baker - 0-for-3
- Milton Bradley - 0-for-6
- Mike Fontenot - 0-for-2 with a walk
- Kosuke Fukudome - 0-for-2 with a walk
- Derrek Lee - 16-for-33 with 2 doubles, 4 home runs and 3 walks
- Aaron Miles - 6-for-16 with a double
- Aramis Ramirez - 9-for-21 with a double, a triple, 2 home runs and 2 walks
- Alfonso Soriano - 3-for-9 with a double and 2 walks
- Geovany Soto - 0-for-3
- Ryan Theriot - 0-for-3
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Boy....wouldn't Marquis look very nice right about now in the blue pinstripes.
I'm glad to see his success after all the beatings he always took on this site. He wasn't great--but he was reliable and did exactly what a number 5 pitcher needed to do.
I just hope he doesnt stick it to us tonight...
We need a big game from Demp....
Did anyone hear Brenly's comment last night about Soriano after not hustling on that bloop single?
Kasper said something like, "I don't think Soriano was running out of the box and he never really turned it on."
And Brenly said, "Are you surprised?"
Brenly is officially my favorite manager to replace Lou after the "left handed lineup regime" comes to an end.
Not only does he have a ring on his finger, but he has some balls. He has to take the same plane flight with these guys and stay in the same hotel. Yet, he still has no problem saying what he wants to say. It sounds like he would have the balls to tell the pre-Madonnas on this team exactly where they can shove their egos.
I did, and he is right.
I agree. Brenly reminds me of Steve Stone in alot of ways. Brenly has no problem stating the obvious about Soriano's defense. I respect him for that. Like you said...he has to travel with the team. Yet nobody seems to be in his face about it. Although I suspect, ol Bob would not have a problem scrappin with someone who opened their mouth.
All it will take is one player being up in arms about Bob's comments about them and he'll be gone as quickly as Stone was let go for the same thing. Because I can all but guarantee that this same front office that let Steve Stone go for going after Kent friggin' Mercker will do the same for Bob Brenley going after any of the guys on this team that just made the playoffs two years running.
i have always wanted brenly evn wen lou was first brought in i wanted brenly hes gonna leaave us soon and win a world series ill bet cha
Neil do you like the lineup with Milton batting second? I think its genius!
Oh and their calling it back spasms, right? Is it just the what there calling it before the MRI? And are they expecting him back by the 17th since teh back dated it?
Phil, Zambrano would be eligible to return on Augut 17 after they retro'd the DL stint to August 2. Zambrano was scheduled to have a MRI this morning but with needing the spot, just called it back spasms.
It could be Samardzija to the rotation but it depends on how long Dempster is able to go tonight.
Phil, with the way Milton has performed this season I like him hitting second. I have been saying that for some time now. I do not care for Kosuke hitting down in the order. He has thrived in the leadoff spot.
I really think Jake Fox, I did not mention in the game preview due to all of the Zambrano stuff, must be in there everyday. Shuffle him around.
This is another questionable lineup ... any time Miles and Bradley are in the starting eight it will be questionable.
Mr. Fox should be playing tonight...
we need the big "O".
On a side note...Mark Mulder will be throwing for teams in a week to 10 days.
Considerign "Z" is straining tuff at his lower backside...think we might be interested...in a nother oldie?
Lineup according to fox sports:
1. R Theriot, SS
2. M Bradley, RF
3. D Lee, 1B
4. A Ramirez, 3B
5. K Fukudome, CF
6. A Soriano, LF
7. G Soto, C
8. A Miles, 2B
9. R Dempster, P
Thank you for posting the lineup ...
ha thats funny
Tonight's lineup:
Theriot - SS
Bradley - RF
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Fukudome - CF
Soriano - LF
Soto - C
Miles - 2B
Dempster - P
Sorry about posting the lineup Neil...didn't mean to step on your toes.
I appreciate and welcome it, thank you. By no means did you 'step' on any toes.
Good deal...you're a good dude, Neil.
I haven't been posting here that long, but I truly enjoy the site. My only regret is it took me this long to find it. Keep up the good work!
Thank you.
Lou is trying to ensure that the Cubs are two back after tonight. You want proof? Look at Miles at 2B, Funko at #5, no Fox, Soto catching, the same dull lineup that has put us in a hole all year.
Funko has done well in the leadoff. Let's move him down to an RBI position where he has racked up a massive 37 all year long.
Bradley did alright last night at #2: one hit, two walks. I actually like him there if you have to play a $30 million bust.
Miles: Hendry, put him on waivers and see if anybody is dumb enough to take him.
Rip, looks like great minds think alike!
Another horsesh!t lineup....thanks Lou!! I think Lou is ready to call it a season, so to ensure we don't see postseason play, he is putting these crap lineups out there. Where are Fox and Fonte? I would MUCH rather see them out there.
Lou is really making it tough to be a fan this year!!!
I can understand a minor change or two but the leadoff situation I can't comprehend...why screw with what was working? And I'd like to see Baker get at least 3 starts in a row to see what he can offer. I can't believe Miles is even starting...frustrating to say the least.
Yes, Baker at least can occasionally nail a double or HR. Miles, if he makes solid contact (for him), hits a ground ball double play to SS. He's AWFUL.
You have to play the hot hand if you want to win a tight division. Wake up out of your coma, L-O-U.
Piniella just said in his pre-game show that Samardzija would start on Wednesday against the Phillies.
Gag and barf! Better call up a whole staff of arms from Iowa because the bullpen will be completely shot once the Phils get through with Szmarjiza.
Definately not an ideal matchup. Jeff has already given up 4 long balls and the Phillies lead the league in homers. It is concerning, but on the other hand it gives Jeff a chance to step up and show us what he can do.
Rios of the Blue Jays was claimed off of waivers. He's got a great big pile of cash coming over the next three years, and he's slightly better than Bradley. Okay, he's a lot better than Bradley, but worse than anybody in the White Sox outfield. Not sure why they claimed him, unless Kenny Eugene Williams wanted to sink his own boat. If it works for the Jays, let's try it with Sorry-oh-no, Bradley, Z and any other head cases that Hendry has brought in here.
Rip...we've been advocating that for
Sori and Bradley for awhile now.
"Z" still has trade value...so no waivers on him.
At the beginning of the year I projected Z to get 14 wins. Forgetaboutit. He'll have to hurry to catch 10 now. Dumpster: 14 wins. Forgetaboutit. He'll be lucky to make 10. Marshall to be 6-8. He's 3-7 so far. Lilly to get 17 wins . . . he might make 15. Hardin to get 10-12 wins. He seems to be on course. And of course Wells was not in the picture. I hope he wins 15 games! If he does he will fill the shoes of Jason Marquis, who won 15 games his first year with the Cubs, and 10 the next year.
NOTE: Marquis has walked only 12 in 144 IP this year. That's super!
To be fair to "Z" he should have another 4 or 5 wins the bullpen peed away.
Milton with a nice double ... also it is a good sign that both balls hit so far have been fly balls off of Marquis
Soriano with a well hit double, then Soto was robbed. Maybe a bad read by Soriano but Marquis is not fooling any one yet.
I know cashner is young and inexperienced but he has a great fastball and has pitched pretty well since the call up. Do you think he will get a september call-up?
The Cubs are hitting the ball hard and Dempster appears to be on. The vibe for tonight's game is already ten times better than last night's.
I know cashner is young and inexperienced but he has a great fastball and has pitched pretty well since the call up. Do you think he will get a September call-up?
Samardzija to start on wednesday vs Philadelphia? Oh, that is comforting.
Just tuning in...I have to echo the befuddlement over moving Dome out of the leadoff - where he has hit .350, I believe, since given the role. Completely ludicrous, and you know why he did it, right? Of course you do, now that they will try Bradley in the 2 hole (which I also think is a good move) they HAVE to have a left handed bat in the middle of order...so...the only guy to act like a real lead-off hitter the Cubs have had since...Bob Dernier?...get's bumped to the 5 hole. Ugh.
And YES on Brenly all the way. I love him. Have since his dart board comment about Soriano two years ago.
Poor call on the 3-0 pitch to Lee, that could have been a make-up call on the check swing ... yep it was
Kosuke with a big double!
Upon his return, Aramis started out well, but now he looks out of sorts. Got to have him hitting in order to have a chance.
I view Mile's spot in the order like the pitcher's. At least it's out of the way.
Miles with a good ab, flipped the order.
Dempster with a RBI ... Theriot MUST be patient.
During Marquis' second half collapses, he was always good for about 5 runs in 6 innings. I am looking for the same tonight.
Not a good at bat by Theriot, why swing at the second pitch?
That is exactly why I don't like Theriot leading off.
I've missed a good bit the past couple of days it seems...
It would be nice to come back with a win.
No big loss for Zambrano as long as he TRULY misses the minimum. He hates this month..
Maybe I should go...
Feels like Game 2 last year.
U-G-L-Y
Horrible defense, cannot blame Dempster on this one.
What the hell...
Theriot has never been great defensively, yet seriously, Fox should fit in a club like this. LOL
I don't want to hear a second word on Fox or Hoffpauir not having the glove. Our regular shortstop(occasionally), rightfield have been brutal to the guys on mound.
Nothing more can hurt, yeah?
Speechless?!?!?!
Ok...it could've been much worse...we're only down 2...we can do this.
How much worse can it get than giving up a 2 out, 2 RBI hit to .171 hitter?
Not cool by Demp to throw that ball so hard to Lee. First Z now Demp...I'd be pissed if I was Lee...it wasn't his fault.
is this game only being broadcast on the MLB network? cause I would love to hear Brenly's take on that half inning.
Len and Bob are on Comcast SportsNet
Derrek Lee!!!!
DLEE!!!! In spite of everything...I smell
"Nation Represent" tonight!!!
This is really great to see from Derrek. I couldn't be happier for him. Great comeback year.
Quintanilla is playing baseball, no doubt. He is getting the opportunity because Clint Barmes has been struggling.
The Cubs need players that want to play ball.
We need to get young and hungry.
Agreed, more than I can say on the Internet.
Double-play for the Cubs defense!
Suzy ... and dumb (but it a good way if you get what I am saying)
Fox is in, Aramis out
is ramirez hurt?
Yes, no official word yet
Sore left shoulder for Ramirez
Miles?//Miles?// How did that happen?
He owes a .600 ba after the first half.
Theriot with a big 2-out bloop single
Theriot!!! and Mr. Miles High (Five)!!!
Milton with a RBI!
See?...I had a good reeling about tonight...in spite of themselves.
That was way to close to not getting the go ahead run.
Milt is looking much better in the 2 hole. I think the protection is benefitting him greatly.
Good shut-down inning by Demp...time to tack on!
The quote of the night courtesy of Bob Brenly, "Why can't we run hard?"
wut happened to aram i missed part of the game
Just announced...ARAM....sore left shoulder...not good.
Yep, sore shoulder
Kooosuke!
KOSUKE!!!!!
I don't care where Fuk hits now. He can hit 9th, but he is cool.
Fuku with a much needed tac on.
How good has he looked lately
Neil...don't know if you caught it.
WDN Radio reporting ARAM has a SORE LEFT SHOULDER.
We're probably going to nee eight tonight
for the W.
Barmes is quite a Factor X for the Roc. Though his glove is a double plus to Eckstein back in his days...
I wonder if Gregg is taking over for ol'Demp?
Guzman's eyepiece deceived me...
Cmon Guzman!!!
Ron is off tonight, so Dave (Otto) is filling in. Even he was just lamenting the lack of hustle, in his congenial way:
"you know what i would like to see, guys hustle right out of the box, you make contact and run hard, then you locate the ball...but you have to hustle out of the box.."
Sometimes I'm glad I can't watch many games.
Did Miles just blow that DP? Sounded like a bang bang play on the call.
His throw was wide...should have just stuck it in his back pocket...no harm though.
We need Andres Blanco back...
To bad he is "hurt"
Soto still looks lost. It's sad when Miles is taking better swings.
Surprise us Carlos...no walks!!!
Carlos had his stuff working tonight. Now only if Gregg can surprise us.
Marmols dealing tonight!!!
dl soto release miles bring up hoff and put andreas on the team
and how sore is sore? for aram
I would guess at least a day off.
Atta boy Carlos
Milty likes the 2-hole
intent walk for D-Lee...make 'em pay Fox!
Make it hurt Jake, just a single ... home run not needed
i think i like Milton in the 2 hole.
I mean, I do like him hitting in that spot...but I could actually start to accept him if he continues to hit, walk and sacrifice in that spot.
I think I might go upstairs for 10 minutes and check back.
fasten those seatbelts! Viewer discretion advised...
C'mon Gregg.........
Soriano out for defensive replacement? Amazing!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!
CUBS INDEED WIN!!!
GREGG!!! Whadyaknow does it!!!!
All the Drama, worth the Palma.
W.
Solid win and a nice bounce back from Friday night
I hope Milty keeps it going.
Great job by the pen.
NATION REPRESENT!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!
I've been looking for that, Jim.
Cubs Win!!!!! Cubs Win!!!!!!
2 things brenly future anager sandberg bench coach and i think ron santo is gonna leave us soon hes bn out a lot and that will b a sad day wen it happens...
Grant, this break for Santo was planned. He is pacing himself and was on the pre-game show via the phone for the third game in a row. He said on Tuesday night he was feeling okay but with the long 10-game trip he planned to only do half of it.
Just a FYI...