The Chicago Cubs had a much needed good day Thursday. Not only did the big league team receive a very good outing from Kyle Hendricks, the Cubs fought back and stood up to the Reds and ended the losing streak, Anthony Rizzo was voted into the All-Star Game then the announcement was made Arismendy Alcantara would get a bigger cup of coffee. ‘Mendy’ collected four hits, came within a home run of a cycle, drove in three runs and scored two more. Alcantara is set to make his Wrigley Field debut Friday afternoon against the Braves.
The biggest news of the day was the team receiving unanimous approval from the Landmarks Commission on the revised plan to restore, renovate and expand Wrigley Field. And not only did the team receive approval, but timeframes were released that indicated the bleachers would be demolished and rebuilt during the off-season with completion of phase one, that includes the downsized video board in left field, being ready to go by Opening Day of 2015.
While #VoteRizzo was trending, the best hashtag for the day would have been #RestoreWrigley.
James Russell and Wesley Wright
The Braves search for a left-handed reliever has brought Atlanta to the Cubs. The Braves have been scouting both James Russell and Wesley Wright according to a report from Mark Gonzales. The Braves will spend the next three days at Wrigley Field. Look for Rick Renteria to use the two lefties in the best situations to succeed.
Wesley Wright pitched two scoreless innings Wednesday night in Cincinnati and James Russell tossed an inning of shutout ball Thursday afternoon in the finale with the Reds.
Darwin Barney and Luis Valbuena
The Cubs are receiving interest in Darwin Barney and Luis Valbuena. The Blue Jays and A’s have been scouting both of the Cubs infielders according to a report from Mark Gonzales.
Both players should see a lot of playing time this weekend, which could mean Arismendy Alcantara plays centerfield when he makes his debut at Wrigley Field.
News and Notes
Anthony Rizzo has the 15th best-selling jersey in Major League Baseball.
Addison Russell is a dealmaker for Anthony Rizzo according to a report from Comcast SportsNet.
Pitching competition should heat up for the Cubs according to a report from ESPN Chicago.
This Day In Cubstory
2003 – Mark Prior collided with the Braves’ Marcus Giles in the second inning. Prior pitched six innings but would not pitch again until August 5.
1992 – Cubs acquired Steve Buechele from the Pirates for Danny Jackson
1987 – Cubs traded Gary Matthews to the Mariners for a PTBNL. The Cubs received David Hartnett from Seattle on July 12 to complete the deal
1978 – The Cubs’ Bruce Sutter retired all five batters he faced, including striking out AL home run leader Jim Rice, and picked up the victory in the NL’s 7-3 win over the AL in San Diego.
1972 – Billy Williams went 8-for-8 in a doubleheader split with the Astros. Williams went 3-for-5 and 4-for-5 the next two games as part of a 22-for-38 run.
1969 – Ferguson Jenkins lost 1-0 to the Mets, his fourth 1-0 loss of the season.
1960 – Ernie Banks doubled and homered while driving in two runs in the NL’s 5-3 victory over the AL in the season’s first All-Star Game at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium
1944 – Phil Cavarretta set an All-Star Game record by reaching base five consecutive times. The Cubs first baseman singled, tripled and walked three times in the NL’s 7-4 victory over the AL.
1924 – Cubs first baseman Lee Cotter tied a Major League record for total chances when he made 21 putouts and one assist in a game against Brooklyn
This Day In Cubstory – July 10
2009 – Cubs released Anderson Machado
2000 – Sammy Sosa defeated Ken Griffey Jr. in the Home Run Derby
1974 – Cubs purchased Billy Grabarkewitz from the Phillies
1969 – The Cubs scored five runs in the fifth inning and beat the Mets 6-2 behind Bill Hands. The Cubs victory halted the Mets seven-game winning streak and kept the Cubs in first place by four games
1954 – Andre Dawson, born