Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Astros – 05/30/11

May 30, 2011 By 120 Comments

Game Fifty-Two: Cubs (23-28) vs. Astros (19-34)
Game Time – 1:20pm CDT
Coverage – TV: WGN TV – Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187
Location – Wrigley Field, Chicago

Rodrigo Lopez (0-0, -.–/-.–) vs. Aneury Rodriguez (0-2, 4.98/1.37)

Updated 11:12am CDT – Cubs Selected the contract of D.J. LeMahieu from Double-A Tennessee and added him to 40-man roster. LeMahieu called up and added to active roster. Jeff Baker placed on 15-day DL with left groin strain. Jeff Stevens was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster for D.J. LeMahieu.

Happy Memorial Day from everyone at the CCO! A big tip of the cap to all of the men and women, past and present, that have served in our military.

It is a battle for last place in the NL Central. The Cubs begin play this afternoon five games ahead of the Houston Astros. The Cubs are 3-3 on their current nine-game homestand and the ‘Stros are coming off a three-game sweep in Houston at the hands of the red-hot, first place Arizona Diamondbacks. The Astros have a good team and a solid rotation … the Astros’ problem is their bullpen.

The Cubs took two of three from the Astros in Houston last month.

The Cubs are expected to place Jeff Baker on the 15-day DL prior to game time. Baker has been dealing with a strained left groin since the series in Boston. D.J. LeMahieu will reportedly take Baker’s spot on the active roster. The Cubs will have to make another move to create a spot on the 40-man roster to add LeMahieu.

The Cubs acquired Rodrigo Lopez from the Braves on Thursday and the veteran right-hander will make his Cubs’ debut this afternoon. Lopez will become the ninth different starter used by Mike Quade in 52 games.

The forecast calls for record high temperatures in the Chicago area and the wind is expected to be blowing out this afternoon … not exactly the ideal situation for Rodrigo Lopez to make his first start with a new team.

Len and Bob will call the game from the bleachers … and today it all starts with Rodrigo Lopez. Rodrigo Lopez was 7-16 in 33 starts for the D’Backs a year ago with a 5.00 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP. Lopez struck out 116 batters in 200 innings and gave up 227 hits, 37 of those left the ballpark. There is a reason that Lopez was not on a big league roster when the season began. Rodrigo Lopez is not a good fit for the Chicago Cubs … another fly ball pitcher at Wrigley Field. Lopez is 0-2 in two career starts at Wrigley with a 8.44 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP … three home runs allowed in 10 2/3 innings.

Lopez was 6-1 in nine starts for the Gwinnett Braves (International League), the Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, with a 2.59 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP.

Lopez is 1-2 in four career starts against the Astros with a 4.32 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP.

Astros Career Numbers against Rodrigo Lopez

  • Clint Barmes – 1-for-5
  • Michael Bourn – 0-for-5 with a walk
  • Joe Inglett – 0-for-1 with a walk
  • Carlos Lee – 3-for-19 with a double and 3 walks
  • Jason Michaels – 1-for-6
  • Hunter Pence – 5-for-9 with a double and a home run
  • Brett Wallace – 0-for-2

Aneury Rodriguez will make his sixth start of the season. The Astros’ other Rodriguez in the rotation is coming off a very good outing against the Dodgers. Rodriguez held L.A. to one run on four hits in six innings with a walk and five strikeouts. Rodriguez has done his job the last two times out. While he has not posted a win, Houston is 2-0 the last two times Rodriguez has taken the ball.

Rodriguez is 0-2 as a starter (five games) with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. And he’s been very good on the road this year, no record in six games, two starts, with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP.

Today will be Rodriguez’s first career start against the Cubs. In two games out of the pen, the Cubs have managed one run on two hits in 1 2/3 innings with a walk and a strikeout … both appearances came early this season in Houston (April 12 and April 13).

Jeff Baker (0-for-2), Starlin Castro (0-for-1), Koyie Hill (a walk) and Geovany Soto (1-for-2) are the only players on the Cubs active roster that has faced Aneury Rodriguez.

Follow the CCO on Twitter: @TheCCO

Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …


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  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Today’s lineup:

    Fukudome – RF
    Barney – 2B
    Castro – SS
    Ramirez – 3B
    Pena – 1B
    Soriano – LF
    Campana – CF
    Soto – C
    Lopez – P

    • Dorasaga

      Tony must be disappointed. Oh well, just another Cubs Day.

      • Tony_Hall

        Why o why would you want to send a message to ARam.

        And of course Campana is 7th and Fukudome 1st, as Fukudome has a great average and OBP…for the year, and Campana is just a prospect.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

    On Memorial Day I would like to take a second and say no matter if I like Interleague play or not I miss the memorial day game between the Sox and Cubs for charity. Great Way to give back to the community with all the proceeds going to charity and the one day a year that ALL Chicago fans no matter what side you were on got together to do some great work for the community and some good baseball. Call me a purist at heart I guess.

    • paulcatanese

      Richard, I seem to recall that back in the 50′s or early 60′s the Cubs and Sox
      did play each other (mostly at Commiskey,lights) and it was for Charity,not positive about the Charity part. I did look forward to those games and they
      did draw pretty well. One game,if I remember correctly was when Jim Rivera
      got on, stole second,third, and then home. Again I think the Sox were dominant
      in those games, and living on the South side of Chicago was tough after
      those games.

      • http://www.facebook.com/people/Richard-Hood/100000706523521 Richard Hood

        The ones I remember were from the 80′s and I seem to think it was for charity. My grandfather took me a couple times and we always made a day out of the memorials and flowers. Stories about the War and remembering what the holiday was for. Good times.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Cubs Selected the contract of D.J. LeMahieu from Double-A Tennessee and added him to 40-man roster. LeMahieu called up and added to active roster. Jeff Baker placed on 15-day DL with left groin strain. Jeff Stevens was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster for D.J. LeMahieu

    • Stu_studdly

      so it probably wasn’t a good idea to pinch hit him the other day because that resets the 15 days correct?

      • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

        Yes it does

  • Aaron

    Tremendous decision by Quade to play the slumping Fukudome when he has Montanez and Snyder on the roster. Tremendous idea to put him in leadoff, especially when he has Campana in the starting lineup…..LOL….overmatched, just like his own boss (Hendry). WOW

    • paulcatanese

      Aaron, completely agree. If Quade dosent use Campana in the leadoff spot
      he just might as well not play him. His speed is at full advantge there. I saw
      the defensive lineup the Pirates were forced to use when he is up and the
      idea that they have to rush every throw. Campana does little good with runners
      in front of him with the exception that they would have a very hard time to
      double him up on a ground ball.

      This is Quade at his finest.

      • Brp921

        Quade is merely a puppet on a string. This decision just like all of his lineup decisions come from JH.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    From Bruce Miles:
       Quade says LeMahieu may get start but not at
    expense of those healthy and playing well

    • Tony_Hall

      Then it shouldn’t be hard to get him some starts…

      • Aaron

        I was going to say that too….It indicts Quade even more as a moron, because this team has ZERO plate discipline and ZERO situational hitting skills that LeMahieu would obviously bring to the table. Furthermore, ARAM has just 2 home runs, and Johnson has the same number of home runs and RBI in 1/3 the amount of AB’s as ARAM….ONE-THIRD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Aaron

      I was just getting set to post that same comment Neil….Amazing, isn’t it?

      At some point, doesn’t Hendry have to go down to Quade’s office and tell him to shut up….that the more he talks, the dumber he looks, and in turn, it makes Hendry’s decision (remember, Sandberg was the Rickett’s choice) look even worse.

      On Miles’ blog, Quade was talking about Castillo having to return to Iowa to get some playing time……which, obviously, he could’ve affected by ACTUALLY PLAYING HIM WHEN SOTO WENT DOWN WITH INJURY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      I mean, how dumb is Quade, really? He has the audacity to say things like that, about Castillo, LeMahieu, Snyder, Colvin, etc., and he doesn’t get them AB’s, then blames…………………………………………………it seems, himself, for not getting them AB’s. 

      And this guy still has a job? How?!?!

      • Aaron

        Does Ricketts even listen to this guy? If he did, there’s no way he’d be employed right now….not after destroying young player’s confidence that Ricketts seemingly has demanded be placed on the active roster

    • diehardcubfan

      What a blanket statement to ward of any blame.  Basically to me he is saying in code he will not play D.J. unless ARAM falls on his face or is injured. 

      Just the reverse it should make it easy to start him over ARAM then because ARAM sure hasn’t been playing well.  Again, though Quade has said he is not taking ARAM out of the lineup. 

      What does it take to get a guy who is your main RBI guy but only driven in 18 runs in 47 games?

      Glad to see Cubs management continuing their lack of ability to hold veterans accountable. 

      You have to wonder what affect it is having on the younger guys.  It probably makes them even wonder if there are any standards at all in this organization. 

      If I were a young player in the Cubs system I would be skeptical of being even given a fair chance to play. 

      I just do not know what to say anymore.

      • paulcatanese

        If Quade is a man of his word he needs only to wait one or two innings
        for Aram to fall on his face and then make a change,then again Quade is
        delusional about Aram he can do no wrong in his eyes and JH backs it up
        if not his decision in the first place.

        I dont know how many times Quade ha said Aram will come around and
        produce,everyone knows this is not going to happen.

        And as far as th effect on the younger guys and standards,well the Cubs
        clearly do not have any standards. I have posted before that I would hate
        to be a minor league player in their system,and would be happy if I were
        traded.

        And agree, there is little one can say about all of this except keep it comming
        as I do think these guys read a lot of the posts.

    • paulcatanese

      Neil,that statement by Quade sounds a little combative, as though
      he was not happy with LeMahieu being added .That does put a little
      more pressure to justify Aram on him. Good,he needs it.

  • Aaron

    Neil, 

    Tom mentioned something already, and I echoed this sentiment with my post in the previous thread as well….but I was wondering your thoughts…

    With Hendry already DFA’ing Coello and now Stevens….given the fact it is so incredibly out of character for him to admit failure….wouldn’t that mean that Ricketts has started demanding changes that Hendry would otherwise be reluctant to make?

    In fact, the next guys that figure to be released off the 40-man include: Perez, Smit, or Berg in all likelihood, and they were all acquired via trade. If Gaub has some more bad outings, he could find himself in that group as well.

    • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

      Aaron, I agree, thought the same when Tom posted and mentioned the same in a conversation I had this morning. I think this move came from somewhere else.

      Also, I do not know if you saw it but LeMahieu was told Sunday by Brian Harper that he had been promoted to Triple-A. LeMahieu then received a call from Fleita that there had been a change of plans and he was going to the Show.

      I am very happy for him, just hope he gets to play.

      • Cheryl

        Perhaps there is a change with Ricketts stepping in more. If so, it means both Hendry and Quade are having less say so. If Hill was DFA it would solve a lot of problems. Castillo could return.

      • Aaron

        he won’t….but I agree, I’m happy for him, just wish Quade comes down with a non-life threatening illness, and someone like Listach calls the shots. At least Listach has recently been with prospects and knows he needs to play them

  • Aaron

    Ladies and Gentlemen…..

    More poor roster decisions brought to you by Jim Hendry….

    Clevenger, who was destroying AAA pitching upon his promotion from AA to replace Castillo who was promoted to the Cubs when Soto was injured, was just assigned to AA yet again.

    Meanwhile, the Cubs still have Robinson at AAA, who doesn’t have a future at all in the organization, other than as a player/coach.

    The reason I bring this up, is because AA now has a problem too. Luis Flores is destroying AA pitching, just as Clevenger was destroying AAA pitching….Now Flores will be relegated to the bench after hammering 5 home runs in a little over a week.

    I just don’t get it. ALL of this could’ve been solved by releasing Koyie Hill, and either giving Clevenger or Castillo the back-up job at the MLB level.

    ….speechless

    • Tom U

      Aaron, I’m willing to reserve judgment at this time. Someone mentioned the  other day that it may be time for the club to allow the Giants to, I think they said, “kick the tires” on Soto. If that can be true, then the catching situation may work itself out.

      The first thing would be for Soto to show he was back up to speed. That means everyone else marks time, including Koyie Hill.

    • Tom U

      One other thing, let’s not get too far over our skis on Luis Flores yet.

      • Aaron

        oh I know…and I mentioned this the other day when someone asked about Flores, but you go with the hot hand, you don’t sit him on the bench, and the one thing Flores has going for him is that he was never really allowed to play everyday until this year, and just upon his promotion to AA

  • GaryLeeT

    I can’t believe all these retreads no other team wants, aren’t working out for the Cubs.

    • diehardcubfan

      Yeah, we would not want to actually bring in some real talent.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Another wonderful start

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Good job by ‘Double Trouble’ got one right back

  • Brp921

    I wonder what would have happened if Campana would have led off?

    • diehardcubfan

      I have been arguing the same thing.  I think Campana would do just fine.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Pena with a liner into the basket in right

  • Brp921

    No wind on that one!

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Soriano looked like he pulled something running to first

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Soriano did, trainer out to look at him.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Soriano is out, DeWitt in the game

    • Skeldor

      What a joke running DeWitt out there, that’s the dumbest thing.  Especially when you just called up an Outfielder, one who at least has the pop.  Another stupid move by Quade

      • Aaron

        Couldn’t agree more…this is PRECISELY why I do NOT want Quade anywhere near managing this team, especially right now with young guys coming up. 

        He puts an infielder out in LF when he has Snyder and Montanez on the bench.

        He bemoans the poor defensive play, and yet HE PUTS  A DAMN INFIELDER IN THE DAMN OUTFIELD.

        I cannot stand this guy anymore. I didn’t like the move to give him the manager’s job, but was willing to give him the benefit of the doubt….Now, he’s proved that he’s as big of a moron as his boss Hendry….if not more

      • diehardcubfan

        Yes, agree the move makes little sense.  The only reason I can conjecture is that the Cubs are trying to improve DeWitt’s versatility.

      • diehardcubfan

        Also, if the Cubs decided to expand DeWitt’s versatility then why did Colvin not get more opportunity at 1B. 

        Makes you wonder.

      • Brian

        DeWitt had three hits today.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Soriano left after grabbing his left quad running to first

    • The Maven

      Hello,,,get me Brett Jackson on the line

      • Brp921

        Is Brett Jackson healthy yet?

        • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

          Jackson was activated today

          • Brp921

            Thanks Neil

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    I’m doing a lot of second guessing today, don’t mean to but why not run out Brad Snyder to left? He’s an outfielder.

    • diehardcubfan

      We got all these veterans on the bench with OF experience so why would we actually take a chance on playing Snyder?

      I think if Soriano is out for any extended period of time they would likely call up Flaherty. 

      I could live with a future OF of:

      CF – Campana
      RF – Jackson
      LF – Flaherty

      • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

        I would be very surprised if they pull up Ryan Flaherty, especially to play left. Tyler Colvin would be a better option.

        • diehardcubfan

          I had considered that too.  Colvin is struggling some in Iowa so not sure if that is a good idea or not. 

          I guess we will just have to wait and see. 

          • Cheryl

            I doubt Colvin gets the call. More likely Jackson.

    • Ripsnorter1

      I think we now know for sure why the Cubs failed to win in 2008.

      LOU WAS TAKING ADVICE FROM QUADE.

      How did this guy get any kind of a job in MLB?
      Oh, I know: THE CUBS HIRED HIM. Gotta be the dumbest management team in the universe.

  • Brp921

    Campana looked pretty good LEADING OFF the second inning!!!

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    According to Bruce Miles: Soriano will need MRI to determine severity
    of left-quad strain

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    From the Trib: Soriano out with left quad strain. Going to get an MRI. No word on Jackson call-up though, we’re already calling it in press box.

  • Supercapo

    It is nice to see the Cubs flash some speed for a change.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    From another Cubs blogger that I have a lot of respect for:

    Sori’s MRI will determine if the quad injury is “severe”, “really severe”,
    “totally f’d up” or “requires transplant.

    Made me laugh, thought I would share.

  • Brp921

    Maybe with the excitement these young guy are creating the Rickets will realize they can put people in the seats and insist that they play.

  • Tony_Hall

    Maybe our vets injuries will make up for JH having so many aging vets, that he doesn’t have room for hustling youthful prospects, in a lost season, to get some development time.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Excellent play by Kosuke

  • diehardcubfan

    Campana with 2 SBs today and a run scored.  We definitely do not want him batting leadoff.

  • GaryLeeT

    Lopez does not have the stuff to shut down an opposing team’s offense, but he’s definitely a significant upgrade over Doug Davis.

  • GaryLeeT

    I see Ramirez is not shaving until he gets that 2 out hit with RISP.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Aramis looked like he pulled something

    • The Maven

      Hello,,,get me Ryan Flaherty on the line

    • paulcatanese

      Neil, it’s hard to leave that one alone but I will.

  • Tom U

    In an interesting move to watch for this evening, the organization just moved up Junior Lake to Tennessee.

    Lake had been playing short at Daytona, but has 14 errors already. Tennessee is well stocked at shortstop, with Marwin Gonzalez, Nate Samson, and even Ryan Flaherty.

    It will be interesting to see where Lake, and everyone else, lines up when he plays.

    • Aaron

      I like this move. Lake, even though he’s young (just 21 yrs old), is eligible to be a Rule 5 pick, because he’s been in the system 5 years now.

      Other players of significance that are Rule 5 eligible include:
      Beliveau (which is why you’ve seen him agressively promoted this yr)
      Burgess
      Carpenter
      Clevenger
      Flaherty
      Flores (whom we talked about earlier)
      M. Gonzalez
      Jay Jackson
      Nelson Perez (same as what I said about Beliveau)
      Ridling
      Spencer
      Szczur
      Vitters

      Not all of these guys would be selected. In fact, Flores, Perez, and Burgess would likely go unselected. But everyone else would be picked, you can be sure of it.

      Therefore, that could be one of the main reasons we’re seeing these aggressive promotions in the minors and up to the big league club.

      The Cubs have the following guys coming off the payroll next year, and thus 40-man spots:
      Dempster *player option likely to be exercised
      Davis
      Fukudome
      Grabow
      Johnson
      Lopez
      Pena
      ARAM *mutual option UNLIKELY to be exercised
      Wood *likely to return if it’s for the right price

      Baker, DeWitt, Hill, and Montanez are all arbitration eligible non-tender candidates.

      Therefore, as many as 13 spots on the active roster would be available. In my estimation, 11 would be available, as I believe Dempster and Wood are almost sure bets to return.

      Soto, Byrd, and Wells (provided Whitenack gets healthy) would be strong trade candidates.

      So, the Cubs could technically add all of the Rule 5 eligibles to the active roster if they wanted to (not likely).

      As for the 40-man, guys like Berg, Caridad, Coleman, Gaub, Smit, and F. Perez are likely DFA candidates.

      Thus, potentially 20 spots could be available for next year.

      Guys like Flaherty, LeMahieu, Campana, Colvin, Clevenger, Barney, Castro, Castillo, and Brett Jackson are young guys that figure to be a big part of the future if given the opportunity.

      I’m excited to see what’s in store of the young players, but I’m nervous, because it’s Hendry making the decisions, and we all know how moronic he can be.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Well that 3-run lead evaporated quickly

  • JedMosley

    Neil, at this point is it worth it to try Samardzija in the rotation? I know he’s been flip flopped so many times but he has said he wants to start and he actually has major league stuff. I don’t know how many more Davis or Lopez starts I can handle. We have a great back end of the bullpen, but if we can never get there with a lead, it really doesn’t matter. Just a thought

  • Ripsnorter1

    I am a little surprised that Jeff Stevens was DFA’d for a couple of reasons:

    1. He’s better than Gaub, and Gaub is still around.
    2. He’s what we got for DeRosa, ie, nothing! Usually Jim Clueless is trying to prove that he’s mistake-free. DFAing Stevens is a tacit admission that he got robbed with DeRosa.
    Whatdoyouthink?

    • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

      Rip, Gaub is a lefty. Southpaws always get more time. Also, from the way I understand it, he had some personal issues that led to his performance last season. I would think he has to prove a lot and quickly.

      • Ripsnorter1

        Neil,

        From your post, you stated “from the way I understand it, he had some personal issues that led to his performance last season. I would think he has to prove a lot and quickly.” The antecedent to this statement is Gaub. My question: you are speaking about Gaub, correct?

        • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

          Yes, talking about Gaub.

  • Ripsnorter1

    This Houston team really stinks right now. They are 7-17 over the last 24 games. They are 8-17 on the road. They lead the league in blown saves. The bullpen is gasoline alley. 

    And we’re having trouble beating them.

    Lopez is as bad as I thought. ANother Davis clone. Junk!

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    More great defense …

  • Ripsnorter1

    I love John Grabow! What lefty specialist! 

  • Aaron

    and Quade only has himself to blame for this one…..didn’t pinch hit, or even have a guy up in the pen with RISP and Samardzija due up….and prior to that, he puts DeWitt, a 2B in LF. Samardzija can’t get the job done at the plate or on the mound, and DeWitt commits an error, putting the game completely out of reach for this offense

    • Ripsnorter1

      Aaron,

      As you say, this game is completely out of reach “for this offense.” But it’s not out of reach with the Houston Astros bullpen, though. They can do miracles!

    • paulcatanese

      Agree Aaron,when I saw the Shark in the on-deck circle and no-one warming
      up, I couldnt believe it. Another brilliant move by Quade.

      Off the subject,but not really. The injuries, I dont mean the hit by pitches or that
      type but. What stands out to me is conditioning and a lack of it that has caused
      groin,hamstring and those type. To me thats something that Quade had no addressed in ST.

  • John_CC

    I’m sorry, but can some one please clarify: is D.J. on the Cubs roster or just on the 40 man? 

    I’ve been really excited about LeMahieu for quite some time.  But we all know he isn’t going to get any playing time.  Not for now at least.  After the Cubs drop 2 of 3 to the ‘stros and then go into this road trip…by August this kids will be playing…

    • Aaron

      Both 40-man and active. You can’t be “called up” unless you’re on the 40-man, which he wasn’t, so he was added, then called up for Baker.

    • Tom U

      If its okay Neil, I’ll take this one.

       LeMahieu is now on the 25 man roster, which means that he is also on the 40 man roster. If he goes back to the minors (when Baker is ready to come off the DL, for example) he will be off the 25 man roster, but remain on the 40 man roster unless he is outrighted. 

      • John_CC

        Thanks, that’s what I was wondering – if he was added to the 40 man, “just in case” or actually added to the 25 man roster.  Was he already on the 40 man? 

        Doesn’t matter.  I really wish he could get some starts….really WISH…

      • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

        Thanks Tom.

  • diehardcubfan

    Tomorrow the lineup should look like this but won’t:

    Campana – CF
    Barney – 2B
    Castro – SS
    Snyder – LF
    Pena – 1B
    D J M – 3B
    Montanez – RF
    Soto – C

    I can’t see how it can look any worse than the offensive mess we have here everyday.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Soto got hit in the hand

    • Ripsnorter1

      Another DL trip for Soto?

  • Ripsnorter1

    Campana has 4 SB. He should be DFA’d immediately.

    • diehardcubfan

      Better yet spend more time sitting on the bench.

  • Ripsnorter1

    Campana has 5 SB thus far. In 21 AB. Not too bad. This guy could steal 80 bases if he played part time for the Cubs.

    • paulcatanese

      What really impresses me is at least three or four of his hits were “leg” hits, as I mentioned earlier, three bounces and he’s there, one even to the first baseman
      I believe. He makes things happen. He will even steal more bases as he learns
      the pitchers and their moves to first. Dosent seem to have much trouble stealing third at all. He will get a home run if he keeps playing, inside the park, but a home run nontheless. 

      • Ripsnorter1

        Don’t get too excited about the HR potential. He’s never hit one in his entire professional career.

        • paulcatanese

          Rip,as I recall his first hit with the Cubs was down the right field line,
          almost to the corner. If somehow he duplicates that with the way the
          outfield plays him to slap to left, and thunder and lightning with heavy
          rain he would knock the cover off the ball.(wont knock any lights out though).

          I like the kid,but he probably won’t be around long with his lack of power
          and I will enjoy it while it lasts. I do know he has edge of the infield power
          and turns them into hits,so one never knows.

  • diehardcubfan

    I think we need to start a ARAM O’meter to find out the next time ARAM will actually get a hit with 2 out and RISP.

    Looks like he will be reaching 52 games and only 18 RBIs.  That is scorching production.

  • PeteM

    Barney looks flat today

    • diehardcubfan

      He could probably use a day off.  I can’t recall the last time he has had one.  Would be a good opportunity to get DeWitt another start. 

      • Ripsnorter1

        DML plays 2nd base. START HIM SOMETIME. 

  • GaryLeeT

    This game should remove any doubt as to which team is the worst in baseball.

    • Aaron

      Logic would tell you that at this point, you need to have LeMahieu, Montanez, and Snyder all in the game at 3B, LF, and RF respectively…..but hey, let the veterans play with the game out of reach

  • jw

    Looks like they will be forced to play the prospects with all the injuries. The bad luck is none of Hendry’s doing but I think bad luck follows around confusion and lack of direction. This organization is rudderless especially at the top. Just our luck… another incompetent owner!

    • PeteM

      Hendry will use the excuses to get another year

  • diehardcubfan

    Even the Astro’s announcers are making fun of the Cubs. 

  • Jim_Tinley_Park

    out of sight, out of mind.

  • Aaron

    From Len and Bob….”…..already, the 12 runs a season high for the Astros”

    Wasn’t it just last year that Quade was praised for putting the pen guys in position to succeed, which was one of the main reasons for optimism this year?

    So, he gets the job, then it seems like every chance he gets, he makes the wrong decision with the staff. From his misuse of the pen early on, which forced him to go with nothing but Wood, Marshall, and Marmol in close games, to putting LOOGY’s in to face righties, etc. His decisions continue to baffle me, and for the life of me, I cannot think of a single reason you’d want this guy managing a group of rookies next year, or even later this year. 

    He misuses everyone, and it was on full display for everyone, especially with DeWitt in LF

  • Aaron

    Oh, in case anyone cares….Szczur has gone 2-4 with 1 double, 1 hr, 2 RBI, and is now hitting .343

    You’d have to think that with Colvin’s struggles even in AAA, that if Soriano hits the DL, it’d be B. Jackson that gets the call, and Szczur might make the jump all the way to AA, especially since the Cubs have to add him to the 40-man after this year.

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Cubs pounded by Astros 12-7 on Memorial Day. Rodrigo Lopez’s line:
    6R,10H (2HR),4Ks,4.2IP; Carlos Pena 2R HR, #Cubs offense 10 hits, 2-for-11 RISP, 8 LOB

  • Ripsnorter1

    This was a great game for the Chicago Cubs. Yeah, we lost, but winning isn’t everything. As Lou Pinella says, “Don’t forget–this is entertainment.” Yes, this was very, very entertaining. I really enjoyed Pena going deep for us. And watching Quade handle the game and handle the bullpen so deftly, it was REAL entertainment. I also enjoyed Lopez making a great, great, great quality start for us. He only gave up 6 ER, on 10 hits, in 4.2 IP. Furthermore, he fanned 4 and only gave up 2 HR. This guy is a great, great prospect at age 35. AND–don’t forget–he’s the first pitcher we’ve had on our team born in Mexico since 2000. That’s an added bonus. Campana had 4 SB–and that was entertaining, too. Soto, Barney and Castro all made errors, and that was entertaining to watch. I love to see the catcher throw the ball away! Good to see Bret Maine get a chance to pitch, too. He’s an up and coming young reliever. Maybe Quade will give him a start soon. 

    Overall, it was a great game for us. I also look forward to seeing how Pittsburgh does tonight, and watching another entertaining contest between the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs tomorrow night!!!

  • http://chicagocubsonline.com/ Neil

    Quade: Soriano is at the doctors taking pictures (MRI), will know Soriano’s status tonight or
    tomorrow.

    Quade: DeWitt is leading candidate to take Soriano’s spot if he cannot play. Quade
    would like to keep DeWitt’s bat in the lineup.

    • BosephHeyden

      Or the Cubs can do what we all know they’ll do:  call up Brett Jackson and have him, Snyder, Montanez, and Campana all fight for playing time with Blake DeWitt and Kosuke.

      In all seriousness, we have an overload of prospects that we clearly are not going to use and we need a good starting pitcher.  At this point in time, I say we ship a few of them out to a team under .500 for their ace and hope we can make a playoff run.  Because between the Bulls choking, the Blackhawks being eliminated, the Bears having clearly zero chance of playing this year, and even the White Sox being awful, someone needs to do something.  Cause if this is the only sports team we have, they’re going to have to shape up.

      • Cheryl

        At this point I’m afraid it would be doing the rookies a favor if they played elsewhere.

    • diehardcubfan

      Let’s just leave the guys from the minors rotting on the bench.  If he is so concerned about getting his bat in the lineup then either play him over ARAM or sit Barney for a day so he can get some rest.

      I hope no one shows up at Wrigley tomorrow for the game.

    • Cheryl

      Unbelievable! Why does he have three rookie outfielders on the bench?

    • Aaron

      wait a second here…..this coming from the guy that said Snyder was “hitting like a son of a gun” at Iowa….is a natural OF….has power, speed, and an above average OF arm….and…..wait for it…..prefers a 2B to play LF, just a day after lamenting to the team their defense is not good enough.

      WOW..

      Mike Quade and Jim Hendry…..making it VERY hard to be a fan of this team.

      • Ripsnorter1

        The Laurel and Hardy of MLB. IN–credible and IN–explicable.

  • Bryan

    For a homestand that many viewed as the barometer on the state of the Cubbies, we certainly got our answer.  Quade…meet Tim Floyd. 

    • Aaron

      Bryan, 

      That might be the best description of Quade that I’ve EVER seen.

      Floyd was Krause’s guy….one that worked his way up the ranks to college, and Krause determined he was ready….Because he was a friend, he allowed it to affect his judgement, and Floyd ultimately spelled the end of Krause’s career in the NBA.

      The fact was, Floyd was so overmatched, and couldn’t keep up with the pace of the game, making decisions on the fly that he made the rebuilding effort for the Bulls even worse.

      The same can be said of Quade and the Cubs.