Game Ten - Cubs (ss) 11 Reds 4
WP - Mike Parisi (1-0) LP - Jon Adkins (0-1) Save - None
Game Eleven - Cubs (ss) 8 White Sox (ss) 7
WP - John Gaub (1-0) LP - Jeffrey Marquez (0-1, BS 1) Save - Justin Berg (1)
The Cubs got their work in on Saturday in Mesa and Las Vegas ... with some solid performances but with a little injury in Mesa.
Lou Piniella's crew beat the Reds in Mesa by a lopsided 11-4 score. Sean Marshall put together a good start. He allowed only one run in three innings, a solo home run by Juan Francisco. The Cubs managed only one run off of Homer Bailey in his three innings of work ... his first start of the spring. After the Reds built a 4-1 lead, the Cubs offense scored 10 times in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.
Bryan LaHair (2-for-4 with a double, a home run, two runs scored and three RBI) tied the game with a three-run homer in the fifth ... and Hak-Ju Lee added a two-run double in the sixth. Tyler Colvin (3-for-5 with a run scored) and Darwin Barney (2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and a RBI) had good days at the plate.
Aramis Ramirez left the game against the Reds in the third inning with right triceps soreness. Ramirez is listed as day-to-day and the Cubs downplayed the injury.
Alan Trammell managed the Cubs to a two-game sweep of the White Sox in Las Vegas. For the second time in less than 24 hours, Josh Vitters drove in the game winner against the South Side. Vitters grounded into a fielder's choice in the eighth that broke a 6-6 tie.
Ryan Dempster was solid once again. The White Sox managed one unearned on one hit against Dempster in three innings of work. Dempster did not walk a batter and stuck out a pair.
With the wins on Saturday, the Cubs improved to 7-4 in Cactus League play ...
Cubs vs. Reds at HoHoKam Park - Final Score, Cubs 11 Reds 4
Sean Marshall began the game by retiring the Reds in order. Juan Francisco gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the top of the second. Francisco launched a 3-2 pitch from Marshall over the wall in right center.
After Wladimir Balentien reached on an infield single to Aramis Ramirez (Ramirez took his time throwing to first), Darwin Barney robbed Yonder Alonso of a base hit to center. Barney flipped to Starlin Castro for the second out in the inning. Ryan Hanigan popped out to Barney to end the second.
Sean Marshall retired the Reds in order in the third. Marshall's line for Saturday: one run on two hits with no walks and two strikeouts in three innings.
Casey Coleman struggled in relief of Marshall. He gave up a pair of home runs, a two-run shot to Juan Francisco and a solo homer to Paul Janish. Coleman also walked a couple of batters in his two innings against the Reds.
The Cubs' pen shutdown the Reds offense after Coleman left the game. Mike Parisi was impressive in his two innings of work. Parisi did not allow a baserunner and struck out one. Jeff Stevens and Esmailin Caridad finished the game.
James Adduci continued to impress on Saturday. Adduci finished the game 3-for-4 with a RBI and two runs scored. Adduci started the rally in the fifth with a one-out single to center.
Starlin Castro advanced Adduci to third with a groundout to second. Darwin Barney (2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and a RBI) worked a two-out walk against Micah Owings. Bryan LaHair ripped Owings first pitch over the wall in right ... LaHair's three-run shot tied the game at four.
Tyler Colvin blooped a single into left but was thrown out by Chris Dickerson trying to stretch it into a double. At the end of five, game was tied at four.
Chad Tracy led off the sixth with a single to left center. Alfonso Soriano followed with a double to left but Tracy ran through the stop sign at third, and could not get back. Tracy was thrown out at the plate. Bobby Scales doubled in Soriano for the Cubs' fifth run.
Koyie Hill blooped a single into right, Scales held at third. After James Adduci struck out, Hak-Ju Lee made his spring debut.
Another one of the Cubs' top prospects delivered, Hak-Ju Lee doubled to left. Scales and Hill both scored ... 7-4 Cubs after six.
The Cubs scored four more times in the seventh. Bryan LaHair led off with a double and advanced to third on a single by Tyler Colvin. After Dusty Baker brought in Pedro Viola for Jon Adkins, Chad Tracy struck out.
Ty Wright, up from minor league camp, singled to left to plate LaHair ... 8-4 Cubs. Chris Robinson just missed a home run, settled for a double off the top of the wall and drove in Scales and Colvin. James Adduci plated Robinson with a single to center, 11-4 Cubs.
Cubs vs. White Sox at Cashman Field - Final Score, Cubs 8 White Sox 7
Ryan Dempster quietly went about his business again on Saturday. Dempster got his work in, threw strikes and if not for errors by Ryan Theriot and Jeff Baker, the White Sox would not have scored any runs with Dempster on the mound.
Brent Lillibridge reached on a fielding error by Theriot. Juan Pierre then reached on a throwing error by Jeff Baker. Lillibridge scored and Pierre advanced to second. Dempster retired C.J. Retherford and Paul Konerko to end the inning ... and his outing.
The Cubs jumped out to an early lead against Lucas Harrell. After going quietly in the first, Kevin Millar led off the second with a single. Geovany Soto walked. Following a strikeout by Mike Fontenot, Jeff Baker ripped a double into the right field corner. Millar and Soto scored the first two runs of the game.
Robinson Chirinos doubled in Baker with the Cubs' third run.
The White Sox took a 5-3 lead in the fifth off of J.R. Mathes. Mathes struggled with his command again. He gave up four runs on four hits with four walks in his two innings of work. Mathes should be in the first round of cuts, along with Jeff Kennard.
The Cubs started chipping away at the White Sox lead in the fifth. Robinson Chirinos led off the inning with a walk. Sam Fuld hit into a 6-4 fielder's choice but advanced to third on a single by D.J. LeMahieu. Kyler Burke drove in Fuld with a sacrifice fly to left ... at the end of five, 5-4 White Sox.
The Sox built a 6-4 lead against the Cubs after Jeff Kennard gave up another run in the seventh.
After John Gaub retired the Sox in order in the eighth, the Cubs' offense woke up in the bottom half of the inning. Brett Jackson worked a one-out walk and scored on a double to right by Micah Hoffpauir. Jackson showed off his speed by scoring from first on a double to right.
Brad Snyder reached on a broken bat blooper to center. With runners on first and third with one out, Ryan Flaherty singled to right. Hoffpauir scored and tied the game at six.
Ozzie Guillen went to his pen and brought in Justin Cassel to face Josh Vitters.
Josh Vitters hit a slow chopper to short. Flaherty was forced but Vitters beat the throw to first. Snyder scored to give the Cubs the lead. Welington Castillo followed with a double to left. With runners on second and third with two outs, Matt Camp walked. D.J. LeMahieu then reached on a throwing error by Lillibridge at short that allowed Vitters to score the Cubs' eighth run.
Justin Berg worked around an error by Matt Camp in left in the top of the ninth to pick up the save.
The Cubs won three of the four split squad games. The highlights of the last four games ... the top prospects in the organization playing with the big leaguers.
Lou Piniella's crew will be reunited on Sunday ... just one game. The Cubs face the Angels in Tempe, Randy Wells against Joel Pineiro.
Beginning on Sunday, all of the Cubs' Cactus League games will start an hour later with the time change ... 3:05 pm CDT.
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ARam's fragility rears it's ugly head. Darn good thing we have all these kids. I am actually getting excited, not for this year but a couple years down the road when kids like Castro, Colvin and Vitters start reaching their prime. This could be a dynasty in the making.
OK! OK! I can dream can't I?
John...can you imagine a lineup of:
Castro SS
Colvin OF
Ramirez 1B
Vitters 3B
Aducci OF
Jackson/Fuld OF
HJ Lee 2B
Soto C
Speed, defense, athleticism
That's why (a) it's all about the development of the farm system and (b) teams need to refrain from long-term, excessive contracts with athletes in their decline.
More and more it's a youngs mans game.
Does anybody know what causes sore
triceps in baseball? It's a curious malady....????
The muscle is used to straighten the arm out. So it is used in hitting with authority. Curious indeed. The Cubs are not telling us everything.
The tricep muscle is used to throw the ball---a sore tricep is pretty normal in spring training as players are trying to get their arms in shape. Nothing to be alarmed about.
Carmelo and Rip - Thankyou.
I'm just wondering aloud...but from what I've seen thus far in Spring Training, Flaherty, LeMahieu, Burke, and Vitters,could all put on some weight/muscle. If they did, that would be VERY scary for opponents. We already see what it did for Colvin. Flaherty and Vitters, especially, could use some muscle weight. I hope the Cubs make it mandatory for them.
This could get VERY interesting folks. If this veteran team fails this year and/or gets swept in the playoffs again, I think it's highly likely that we might see the likes of LaHair, Snyder, Castro, Burke, B Jackson, and either Flaherty or LeMahieu come September, provided they all hit as well as they did last year, and this spring thus far. If we're out of contention, expect guys like Lee, Byrd, Fontenot, Fukudome (if they can get him to waive the no-trade), Nady, and maybe even ARAM (as he said he won't play on a non-contender, making it likely he'll opt out), and even Theriot to be traded at the deadline, or in August (more likely...unless we're so far out of it prior to that).
I know it's kind of sad to think that way, but I honestly think the Ricketts family would prefer that scenario, because then they'd be able to shed some of the horrible contracts passed onto them by Hendry and the Tribune. Additionally, I know they're very fond of Sandberg and Maddux. It would allow them to have reason to clean house with Hendry, Kenney (though, he's behind the scenes, so he might stay), Piniella, etc., and it might pave the way to have Sandberg as manager and Maddux as GM or pitching coach, which, in that case, Rothschild would go too.
Basically, the only guys that would stay would be Z (contract, and no-trade), Soriano (contract and no-trade), Soto, Dempster (contract and no-trade), Wells, Gorzelanny, Caridad, Marmol, Colvin, and possibly Baker. They would also likely take whoever is left in the pen like Berg, Marshall (if he's not already traded), Stevens, Gaub, Russell, and possibly Gray.
I realize that is NOT a popular opinion in Cubs Nation, but I firmly believe that is secretly what the Ricketts family might want to happen (they obviously hope to win, but I think they're being realistic about their chances), and I firmly believe it is the best thing for the organization, as it'd give the club the chance to purge themselves of horrible contracts approved by the previous regime, and thus hand-cuffing our future with the likes of Colvin, B. Jackson, Burke, Hak Ju Lee and Castro (though, with short-term deals such as Theriot, Fontenot, and Baker, they're not really blocked), Vitters, Flaherty, LeMahieu, Ridling, and even LaHair and Snyder (though, they're on the senior circuit when it comes to "prospects). That's an awful lot of talent blocked by mediocre players like Soriano, Byrd, and Fukudome, not to mention the aging Lee, and the obviously impaired ARAM right now (though ARAM, when healthy is the MVP of this team in my opinion).
I hope we see a World Series this year, but if you've paid attention to the Cardinals, Brewers, and Reds this offseason, you'll note that it is NOT even close to a sure thing this year. I've mentioned this before, but the ONLY offensive move we made of note to try to wake up a moribound offense from life support was Marlon Byrd, he of a career average of around 9 hr, 50 RBI. Sure, we added the gimpy Nady, and Tracy, who might not even make the team, but the point is, the ONLY starter we swapped was Bradley for Byrd. You can say "team chemistry" all you want, but it's numbers that really matter.
Again, I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think we're going anywhere this year, but don't be upset about it, as this could be the best thing that ever happened to the organization.
Aaron and all...some thoughts for your Sunday am coffee.
Lost in the exciting shuffle of yesterday's activity is Soriano went 2/3 with a double...(now hitting a whopping .183.) But it';s very important
to get him going.
If you havn't already, an absolute must read is the "BleedCubbieBlue.com" interview with Tom Ricketts and Crane
Kenney...Paul S. supplied the link yesterday...be prepared...it was a one hour interview and is rather long...but excellent. I won't link it here...but it's easy to find.
Aaron, while you mentioned in your above post that the only offense we added this year is Byrd/Gimpy Nady & Tracy...I disagree.
The difference between this year and last year looks to be huge, offensively.
Soto does appear to have "bounced back".
But the main thing is we seem to have multiple options at almost (not quite)
every position should one of the elder's
fail.
Last year, Lou (and all of us suffered
with muliple prolonged slumps...I believe Lou will not be as patient with slumps this year...too many options in the minors that are ready to contribute...so in essence...our bench is supurb...and the Cubs will be quicker to utilize the DL/Rehab process if a player is not producing.
(ie last year Lou expected Soriano to hit a hot streak...he's now learned that it may not happen...so he won't wait as long).
-Rudy is already proving his worth...
(see Adduci hitting doubles instead of just singles...Rudy's working with Adduci
to elevate his swing...AZ Phil thinks
Adduci may eventually achieve 25 homer status...and Lou loves Adduci and his speed.
I agree the division will be better this year...but Aaron...in your post, you said a World Series is not guaranteed
because of it...When has a World Series
appearance EVER been close to guaranteed
in our lifetimes????
Pitching,not offense, will be the determining factor this year...our offense will be fine.
Win, Lose, or Draw...(Yes,we're the Cubs...anything is possible...even a draw. :)...the future is bright.
Suzy,
I would not agree with you that "our offense will be fine." I do agree Soto should be much better, but I am not expecting 23 HR and 86 RBI out of him--he hasn't the supporting cast (re: Edmonds & DeRosa) that he had in 2008.
Are you ready to sign off on Fontenot this year? How about Funko? And Soriano (sic), too? FORGETABOUTIT.
So I am not so sanguine about the offense just yet.
On another note, Phil Rogers on 670 the Score (about 10 am Saturday) said he considered the Reds' 40 man superior to the Cubs' 40 man, and although he is waiting until the end of ST to prognosticate, he doesn't expect the Cubs to finish above the Reds in the division--even with Sleepy Baker as "manager."
And did you know, that "Z" is 0-5 in playoff starts?
Or that Ryno is a sub .500 manager?
Rip...First and Foremost...almost everything Rodgers says,I take with a lump of salt.
However, I have to agree...I like that Reds team alot...With Jockity at the helm...they're going to make some waves...in the near future...But they have to get rid of "arm killer" Dusty
first.
I sign off on no one...but either Nady
or Colvin/Snyder/Adduci will plattoon/take over for Soriano/Fukodome before the season is done....sowe should get good production there.
By June, Fontenot will either be traded or a back-up to Castro/Theriot.
This will be Soriano's last year starting in left...Ricketts will not settle for inferior production...Sori either produces...sits/DL...or released
with a renegotiated contract paying him all his money over time...(probably not done until the offseason.)
I expect Theriot's OBP to increase this year...merely by NOT trying to hit HR's
and staying within himself...
As far as Fucko goes...I expect only what he HAS done in the past...however,
with his stated goal of hitting .300 or over and the added help of Rudy...he might do better...if he doesn't...Nady/Colvin/Adduci take the bulk of his time.
It most definitely could be a breakout year for the Reds...but then...like us,
they have to prove it.
As far as Z goes...I covered that by saying pitching, not offense, will be our determining factor...I HAVE NOT predicted a world series for this team...but it should be amuch more fun team to watch then last year's...as the young guys begin to filter in.
Here's an eyewitness impression of yesterday's Cincy game from Tim Sheridan
and his blog, Boys of Spring.
In particular, I found his comments on Soriano interesting.
OOPS forget to give the link!!!:
http://www.boysofspring.com/journal/journal.php
I agree, that the leash on some of the "old faithful" will be shorter this year and that the play of some of the young guys is going to be hard to keep out of the lineup. Castro and Colvin (so far) are clearly starters. I could easily see the DL being used to give guys an excuse.
A look at the OF - Can anyone say they wouldn't rather see Colvin in LF than Soriano right now?
I can see Colvin making the team out of ST and playing against RH. If Nady gets healthy, by June we could see Nady, Byrd, Colvin starting in the OF and Brett Jackson will be breathing down Byrd's neck by later in the year.
I always hear that our OF is set for a couple of years, but I don't think Soriano will continue to start unless he is productive. The money is already gone! His contract was an extra cost of buying the team. Fukudome can be traded mid-season or in the offseason (of course we will still have to pay part of his contract) and our OF will better when Byrd is the 4th OF.
Now I would love to see the Soriano we signed, I just don't think that guy exists anymore, I hope he proves me wrong. Fukudome, I am fine with what we should get, as long as Lou understands he is an On Base guy that needs to bat 1st or 2nd and not a run producer and batting 5th. I would love to see Fukudome's avg higher, but his OBP and number of pitches per AB is far more important batting at the top of the lineup.
I would love to see a starting Outfield to start the year of -
LH - Soriano, Byrd, Nady
RH - Covin, Byrd, Fukudome
An infield of - ARam, Castro, Theriot, Lee, with Soto Catching.
Lineups of
LH
1. Theriot
2. Castro
3. Lee
4. ARam
5. Nady
6. Byrd
7. Soriano
8. Soto
RH
1. Fukudome
2. Castro
3. Lee
4. ARam
5. Byrd
6. Colvin
7. Soto
8. Theriot
The rest of the bench
Trade or cut
Fontenot, Blanco, Hoffpauir
Jeff Baker, K. Hill, C Tracy
I am also realistic that Soriano is our starting LF on Opening Day, and will be given every opportunity to keep his job. But isn't it nice to see young players, who have are exciting to watch. There are so many exciting players coming up, that I look forward to them getting their opportunity, as each player is ready. And as we always hear, the players tell you when they are ready by their play on the field.
My rest of the bench is
Jeff Baker, K HIll, C Tracy
My trade or cuts are
Fontenot, Blanco, Hoffpauir
Tony, I think you have to keep both Hill and Tracy this year...Tracy to spell ARAM and keep him fresh and (insurance against the inevitable injury...and Hill because he knows the pitchers really well
and is better defensively then Soto.
Chirinos/Castillo etc will be September call-ups.
Sorry, not sure what happened, my Rest of the bench ended up under the cuts
My rest of the bench
J Baker, K Hill, C Tracy
Tony interesting to note to that Throughout Colvin's minor league career he has hit LHP just as well as RHP so you wouldn't need to platoon him.
Curious, I was watching CCO on youtube, and spotted Jeff Stevens' bp. He didn't look very smooth, compared to Z's arm motion around that time.
Stevens' arm wasn't catching up with his rotation.
I know the vid was taken weeks ago, but does anyone feel like I observed?
If you were watching the 2010 video of Stevens, that was shot last weekend.
Good observation as usual.
Thanks, Neil. Yeah, it says March 5, bad memory from me:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYw5id6nJ8A
But these young arms always make me wonder: When will they really be ready? It might be interesting if we can find vids. of Zambrano back in 2001 or 2002...