The Cubs won the franchise’s first four game series against the Dodgers in 20 years in large part due to the pitching staff. According to ESPN Chicago, Cubs pitching allowed 16 hits in the four-game series, tied for the fewest hits in a four-game series since 1934. Kyle Hendricks followed Jon Lester's gem with an excellent outing of his own. The Cubs improved to 37-15, 22 games over .500. Joe Maddon’s team will begin the weekend series against the Diamondbacks with an 8 ½ game lead over the … [Read more...]
From the Wire … Cubs Receive PTBNL in Byrd Deal, Ink MacDougal to Minor Contract
Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer added two players to the Cubs' minor league system Tuesday. The Cubs received left-handed pitcher Hunter Cervenka as the player to be named later from the Red Sox to complete the trade for Marlon Byrd. The Cubs sent Marlon Byrd, along with cash to Boston, for right-handed pitcher Michael Bowden and a PTBNL on April 21. The Cubs also announced they signed right-handed reliever Mike MacDougal to a minor league contract. MacDougal reported to Triple-A Iowa and pitched in … [Read more...]
Rambling About a New Realization
Well, well, well. This team ain't so awful. In fact, they are not half-bad. Heck, they are even somewhat mediocre and, while we're at it, they can be downright entertaining. After a grotesque and gut-wrenching 3-11 start, the Cubs have won 10 of 17 and head to Milwaukee to face a surprisingly struggling Brew Crew. So, with the impending series in Milwaukee, I just have this to say ... LET'S GET READY TO .... RAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMBBBBBLLLEEEEE … [Read more...]
Rambling While Reflecting on the Walk-offs
The Cubs were down then Mather found some redemption, some ice and some shaving cream. Marmol blew it the next night, but was bailed out and the Cubs walked off again. Matty G and the Shark pitched well, Wrigley was having fun and the Cubs won a series against the defending World Champions. Hey, quite a nice series in a down year. It's Friday, let's have some fun and go rambling ... … [Read more...]
Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Reds – 04/22/12
Game Sixteen: Cubs (4-11) vs. Reds (6-9) Game Time - 1:20pm CDT Coverage - TV: WGN TV - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187/907 Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago Randy Wells (0-0, -.--/-.--) vs. Johnny Cueto (1-0, 1.89/1.11) The Cubs have a chance to win a series and their second game in a row but instead of Ryan Dempster taking the hill in the series finale it will be Randy Wells. Ryan Dempster was scheduled to make his four start of the season but Dempster was placed on the DL prior to … [Read more...]
From the Wire … Cubs Trade Marlon Byrd to Boston for Michael Bowden and PTBNL
According to a report from WEEI, the Cubs have traded Marlon Byrd and cash to the Boston Red Sox for RHP Michael Bowden and a player to be named later. The Cubs are expected to pay nearly all of Byrd's salary according to WEEI's sources. Michael Bowden is 2-2 in 39 career big league games, two starts, with a 5.61 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP. The 25-year old right hander was a supplemental round pick of the Red Sox in 2005 and was recently designated for assignment. Updated 8:42pm CDT - According to a … [Read more...]
Report: Cubs Close on a Deal to Send Marlon Byrd to Red Sox
According to a report from Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Red Sox are closing in on a deal to acquire Marlon Byrd from the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs placed Ryan Dempster on the 15-day DL Saturday morning and recalled Tony Campana from Triple-A Iowa. In order to have Randy Wells start Sunday, the Cubs would have to make another roster move to free a spot for Wells. Updated 11:22am CDT - According to Bruce Levine (ESPN 1000), the trade is in the process of being finalized. According to … [Read more...]
Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Reds – 04/21/12
Game Fifteen: Cubs (3-11) vs. Reds (6-8) Game Time - 12:05pm CDT Coverage - TV: WGN TV - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 89/89 Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago Paul Maholm (0-0, 13.50/1.88) vs. Mike Leake (0-1, 5.84/1.30) Updated 10:33am CDT - Ryan Dempster placed on 15-day DL - Tony Campana Recalled from Triple-A Iowa Updated 10:33am CDT - Randy Wells is scheduled to start Sunday in place of Ryan Demspter. Cubs will make another roster move prior to Sunday's game. Dale Sveum's team will … [Read more...]
Zero Pitching and Three Errors … A Sixth Straight Loss – Cubs 4, Reds 9
Game Fourteen - Cubs 4, Reds 9 WP - Homer Bailey (1-2) LP - Chris Volstad (0-2) Save - None It's impossible to win a baseball game when the starting pitcher gives up six runs, five earned, on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts in five innings, the bullpen surrenders three runs on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts in four innings and the defense commits three errors. Before the Cubs stepped to the plate on a cold, miserable day at Wrigley they found themselves in a hole … [Read more...]
Rambling While Hanging in the Basement
After staring at a blank computer screen for quite some time trying to find the words to describe this season thus far, I realized that a blank piece of paper sums up the first 13 games better than anything else. Seriously though, the team is bad. I have just one question. Did any of you think something else was going to happen? We all knew this team was the opposite of good. So those acting surprised or complaining at no end are insinuating they expected different. No one did. We might … [Read more...]
