Friday afternoon there was a pitcher's duel at Wrigley Field. The wind was blowing straight in, so runs were at a premium. Ted Lilly was masterful: 7IP, ER, 4H, 5K and a rare 3BB. The lone run he allowed was a solo-HR to Matt Kemp in the 7th inning. Cubs announcer, Bob Brenly, was very surprised the ball left the yard, as it barely cleared the basket in left-center. Overall, Lilly (6-4) did a great job keeping the Dodgers' hitters off balance and got them to ground into three double plays.
The Dodgers starter, Chad Billingsley, was equally impressive yesterday: 7IP, 2ER, 8H, 7K. Billingsley got into a few jams early like in the second inning, when Derrek Lee and Micah Hoffpauir led off the inning with a single and a double respectively. However he was able to strand them at second and third base. The Cubs had multiple opportunities with men in scoring position, but were unable to get anything done. Mostly because Andres Blanco left 4 runners on in scoring position with two outs. I did not think the Cubs would score a run in this game. Then the Cubs offense finally broke through in the bottom of the 7th when Koyie Hill belted a solo-HR to right field. Later in the inning, Jake Fox singled to center-field, and would later score on a Sac-Fly by Fukudome. Unfortunately for me, I did not get to see the Cubs score these runs, I was on a bike ride with my girlfriend. We did stop by a great dive, The Corner Bar, and did manage to catch the 8th and 9th innings.
The Cubs bullpen did there job yesterday. Carlos Marmol pitched a scoreless 8th, despite walking two batters. Kevin Gregg pitched a scoreless 9th to earn his 8th save of the season. Things did get interesting with two outs in the 9th however, Gregg allowed a bloop single to Andre Eithier. Then Cubs third-baseman, Bobby Scales, booted what should have been a game ending ground ball. Gregg recovered nicely though, getting pinch-hitter extraordinaire Mark Lorretta to ground into a fielder's choice to end the game.
In other news, Micah Hoffpauir was 2-4 2B, and seems to have broken out of his "slump". Derrek Lee and Andres Blanco were each 0-3, but more than made up for it with some flashy defensive plays. Blanco can not hit a lick, but he can really field. Fukudome had a nice game as well, with a 2B (in which he reached 3rd on an error) and a Sac-Fly.
This afternoon the Cubs and Dodgers play at 3:05 and will be televised nationally on Fox. Ryan Dempster (3-3, 4.99 ERA) is pitching for the Cubs. Eric Stults (4-1, 4.29 ERA) is pitching for the Dodgers. I have never heard of Eric Stults, I thought we were facing Eric Stoltz, the actor (see Mask, Pulp Fiction, The Butterfly Effect, and The Rules of Attraction). Nevertheless, Dempster needs to pitch well today, he has sucked as of late, example: Monday night vs Pittsburgh. Dempster needs to step up and pitch like the ace the Cubs are paying him to be! Maybe today is the day he finally shows up to play?
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Cubs waste opportunities, fall to Dodgers 2-1
Some nights the Cubs really upset me, last night was one of those nights. First, they wasted yet another strong outing from Randy Wells: 7IP, 2ER, 8H, 7K. Wells actually got better as the game went on, his record is a tough luck 0-2 on the season. Wells just simply got out pitched by the wily-veteran and Cub killer, Randy Wolf, who pitched into the 8th inning, and was removed only after allowing his first run. Aaron Heilman pitched a perfect 8th inning. And Jose Ascanio pitched into a jam in the 9th, only to have Angel Guzman come in and bail him out. Guzman is becoming quite the story, his ERA is down to 2.95, after a shaky start to the season. He has become a solid set-up man. Hopefully Lou Piniella realizes this and stops using Heilman when were ahead late in games. Back to Wells for a second, I do not care what his record is, but once Rich Harden comes back, Wells stays in the rotation. He is a gamer, throws strikes, and can go deep into games, something Sean Marshall has been unable to do.
The Cubs hit the baseball last night, they had nine hits, which was one more than the Dodgers. Unfortunately the Cubs did not have any timely hits. The only run the Cubs got was a solo-HR by Bobby Scales in the 8th, when he pinch-hit for Mike Fontenot. I am happy for Scales who just got called up again from Iowa a day after he was sent down, he does not take anything for granted, and is making the most of his opportunities in the big leagues. Derrek Lee also had a fine game going 2-4 2B, he also had a single in the 9th. The Cubs had their chances in the 9th inning against relief pitcher, Ramon Troncoso, Milton Bradley got things going with a surprise bunt single that dropped in between the Troncoso and Orlando Hudson, it was a nice heads-up play by Bradley. Lee then followed with a single. Reed Johnson then advanced both runners with a ground-out. Geovany Soto was intentionally walked to load the bases. Unfortunately neither Scales nor Jake Fox (who did have a hit earlier in the game) could get the job done and the Cubs lost the game. Fox also saw action at third base and almost started a double play in the 9th inning. I would like to see more of him at third, because of his bat, and when the Cubs are facing a left-handed starter.
Three things really upset me in this game:
1) The Cubs grounded into FOUR double plays! Ryan Theriot grounded into two! He is too fast to be doing this. Bradley and Soto were responsible for the other two. The Cubs ended 3 innings with double plays, I believe they were the 6th, 7th, and 8th. The double plays squandered multiple scoring opportunities last night.
2) Juan Pierre getting two hits, also not acceptable. Pierre got things going early and was a pest on the bases, he scored the games first run. Pierre beat out a throw by Andres Blanco that would have gotten any other player out, it was a fine play by Blanco to even get to that ball. While I am on Blanco, how about we keep this kid around for the rest of the season, he can really flash some leather. He has not shown that he is much of a hitter, but his fielding alone makes him more valuable than Aaron Miles.
3) Dodgers' Catcher, Russel Martin's dirty slide into Cubs second-baseman Bobby Scales in the 9th. I am all about hustle, but this was a dirty play. Martin went to the inside part of the bag and slid into Scales, but he did not stop there. He continued to whip his legs around Scales' (Scales was a few feet behind the base mind you) and trip Scales. The Cubs better retaliate today, because this B.S. is not cool. It just so happens the Cubs have the perfect guy starting today to plunk this fat bastard, my man Ted Lilly. Bank on it, Martin will get plunked.
The Cubs and Dodgers play today at 1:20 with Ted Lilly (5-4, 3.77 ERA) vs Chad Billingsley (6-2, 2.82 ERA). From what I have heard, Billingsley has been very good this season, and dominant at times. The Cubs will have their work cut out for them today.
The Cubs hit the baseball last night, they had nine hits, which was one more than the Dodgers. Unfortunately the Cubs did not have any timely hits. The only run the Cubs got was a solo-HR by Bobby Scales in the 8th, when he pinch-hit for Mike Fontenot. I am happy for Scales who just got called up again from Iowa a day after he was sent down, he does not take anything for granted, and is making the most of his opportunities in the big leagues. Derrek Lee also had a fine game going 2-4 2B, he also had a single in the 9th. The Cubs had their chances in the 9th inning against relief pitcher, Ramon Troncoso, Milton Bradley got things going with a surprise bunt single that dropped in between the Troncoso and Orlando Hudson, it was a nice heads-up play by Bradley. Lee then followed with a single. Reed Johnson then advanced both runners with a ground-out. Geovany Soto was intentionally walked to load the bases. Unfortunately neither Scales nor Jake Fox (who did have a hit earlier in the game) could get the job done and the Cubs lost the game. Fox also saw action at third base and almost started a double play in the 9th inning. I would like to see more of him at third, because of his bat, and when the Cubs are facing a left-handed starter.
Three things really upset me in this game:
1) The Cubs grounded into FOUR double plays! Ryan Theriot grounded into two! He is too fast to be doing this. Bradley and Soto were responsible for the other two. The Cubs ended 3 innings with double plays, I believe they were the 6th, 7th, and 8th. The double plays squandered multiple scoring opportunities last night.
2) Juan Pierre getting two hits, also not acceptable. Pierre got things going early and was a pest on the bases, he scored the games first run. Pierre beat out a throw by Andres Blanco that would have gotten any other player out, it was a fine play by Blanco to even get to that ball. While I am on Blanco, how about we keep this kid around for the rest of the season, he can really flash some leather. He has not shown that he is much of a hitter, but his fielding alone makes him more valuable than Aaron Miles.
3) Dodgers' Catcher, Russel Martin's dirty slide into Cubs second-baseman Bobby Scales in the 9th. I am all about hustle, but this was a dirty play. Martin went to the inside part of the bag and slid into Scales, but he did not stop there. He continued to whip his legs around Scales' (Scales was a few feet behind the base mind you) and trip Scales. The Cubs better retaliate today, because this B.S. is not cool. It just so happens the Cubs have the perfect guy starting today to plunk this fat bastard, my man Ted Lilly. Bank on it, Martin will get plunked.
The Cubs and Dodgers play today at 1:20 with Ted Lilly (5-4, 3.77 ERA) vs Chad Billingsley (6-2, 2.82 ERA). From what I have heard, Billingsley has been very good this season, and dominant at times. The Cubs will have their work cut out for them today.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Report: MLB to suspend Carlos Zambrano
SI.com is reporting that MLB is set to suspend Cubs P Carlos Zambrano for his tirade, antics, and ejection from Wednesday's game against the Pirates. The suspension is most likely due to the fact that he made contact with home-plate umpire, and giant tool, Mark Carlson. Zambrano was upset that Nyjer Morgan was ruled safe on a close play at the plate. Replays have been inconclusive as to whether or not Morgan was actually safe. Players are not allowed to make contact with umpires, Milton Bradley was suspended for one game earlier in the season for making contact with an umpire. But yesterday, it was clear that Carlson walked towards Zambrano causing the contact, Zambrano even signaled that he was throwing Carlson out of the game for making contact with him. I can not imagine Z getting more than six games for this, six games would only cause him to miss one start, which I think would be fair. Anything more than that would be ridiculous. MLB if they have a pair (of balls) should also fine or suspend that little-shit Carlson who instigated the whole thing to begin with by walking into Zambrano. Umpires are supposed to represent MLB on the field and act professionally at all times. If this is the case, then Carlson should have just walked away from Zambrano, not towards him. Do not get me wrong here, Zambrano acted like an ass, and likely deserves a suspension. However, if he misses more than one start, MLB will have some explaining to do. Not to mention the fact that umpires are completely out of control, Bud Selig needs to make an example of Carlson to further prevent umpires from acting like out of control tyrants. This is twice in the last month that umpires have initiated contact with players (some other douche "ushered" Magglio Ordonez out of the batter's box). Umpires need to be put in their place, NOW! Before things get even worse.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Cubs Win 5-2, take 2 of 3 from the Pirates
The Cubs won again today, defeating the Pirates 5 to 2. Carlos Zambrano was very effective today: 6.1IP, ER, 7H, 6Ks. He even got ejected in the 7th inning while arguing a call at home plate when Nyjer Morgan was ruled safe on a bang-bang play on a wild pitch. I could not see the play because a beer vendor was blocking my view, but Zambrano acted as if Morgan was out. His ejection was one for the ages as he bumped into the umpire then acted like he was throwing the ump out of the game. On his way to the dugout, Zambrano launched the baseball into deep left field, threw his glove into the dugout, and beat the hell out of the Gatorade machine. Hopefully Zambrano does not get suspended, but I have a feeling he will miss at least one start, for me it was worth it!
Offensively the Cubs were solid once again. They got things going early when Milton Bradley tripled to right to score Ryan Theriot in the first inning. Then Reed Johnson grounded into what should have been a double play, only the Pirates' shortstop made a throwing error and he was safe, allowing Bradley to score the second run. The game was tied going into the bottom of the 8th when Johnson hit a solo-HR to left (this was immediately after he made a catch at the wall in CF), his HR was the game winner. The Cubs tacked on two more runs in the 8th when Andres Blanco and Jake Fox each doubled. Fox's double was more impressive, since he pinch-hit (Blanco started), and he worked his way to a full count after being down 1 and 2. This was great to see, Fox showed some composure at the plate, and provided some much needed power for the Cubs.
Additionally, the bullpen was great. Angel Guzman, Carlos Marmol, and Kevin Gregg combined for 3 scoreless innings to end the game. These three guys should end every possible game for the Cubs when they have a lead. Also, Derrek Lee grounded into his first double play of the year. I feel bad because I jinxed him, when I said to my roomate (as he came to the plate) "He has not grounded into any you know what's yet this year" and sure enough he then grounded into a double play. Milton Bradley seemed pumped up today, he showed a lot of emotion after his RBI Triple and after he drew a walk later in the game.
I was lucky enough to fall into a free ticket today, my roomate, Peter, had an extra ticket at the last minute, and I took advantage. We sat in the upper deck and had a great view of the action. When I have sit in the actual stadium this season, I have not been to a loss.
My personal 2009 Cubs record: 4 and 1.
The next game I am attending as of right now: 6/14 vs Minnesota.
Offensively the Cubs were solid once again. They got things going early when Milton Bradley tripled to right to score Ryan Theriot in the first inning. Then Reed Johnson grounded into what should have been a double play, only the Pirates' shortstop made a throwing error and he was safe, allowing Bradley to score the second run. The game was tied going into the bottom of the 8th when Johnson hit a solo-HR to left (this was immediately after he made a catch at the wall in CF), his HR was the game winner. The Cubs tacked on two more runs in the 8th when Andres Blanco and Jake Fox each doubled. Fox's double was more impressive, since he pinch-hit (Blanco started), and he worked his way to a full count after being down 1 and 2. This was great to see, Fox showed some composure at the plate, and provided some much needed power for the Cubs.
Additionally, the bullpen was great. Angel Guzman, Carlos Marmol, and Kevin Gregg combined for 3 scoreless innings to end the game. These three guys should end every possible game for the Cubs when they have a lead. Also, Derrek Lee grounded into his first double play of the year. I feel bad because I jinxed him, when I said to my roomate (as he came to the plate) "He has not grounded into any you know what's yet this year" and sure enough he then grounded into a double play. Milton Bradley seemed pumped up today, he showed a lot of emotion after his RBI Triple and after he drew a walk later in the game.
I was lucky enough to fall into a free ticket today, my roomate, Peter, had an extra ticket at the last minute, and I took advantage. We sat in the upper deck and had a great view of the action. When I have sit in the actual stadium this season, I have not been to a loss.
My personal 2009 Cubs record: 4 and 1.
The next game I am attending as of right now: 6/14 vs Minnesota.
Cubs Win rain shortened game to end 8 game losing streak
The Cubs finally won a game! Last night the Cubs bats were hot, Sean Marshall was effective, and we got a little help from mother nature. Marshall was having one of his better outings before the umpires stopped the game in the top of the 6th due to rain: 5IP, ER, 4H, 6K. Marshall did walk two men in the 4th, but was able to escape, only allowing one run to score. This was a big win for Marshall and his confidence.
The Cubs offense was at it again scoring 6 runs, after scoring 8 on Monday night. Fukudome got things started with a solo-HR to right in the first inning. In the second inning, Marshall even helped his own cause with an RBI single. Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Theriot, and Fukudome (the top three hitters in our line-up) each had at one hit and scored runs. As the top of the order goes, the Cubs go! Micah Hoffpauir got out of his "slump" going 2 for 3, 2B 2RBIs, he hit the ball hard twice, which is encouraging. For the record: I was never worried about Hoffpauir. All hitters have little slumps once in awhile. He even said after the game that he just made a few adjustments, like all professionals do. Maybe this will shut up all of the Anti-Hoff, Derrek Lee backers out there. Mike Fontenot also had a big game going 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. The Cubs' bats might just have gotten back on track, over the last two games, everyone has been hitting.
In other news: I love Ted Lilly. Apparently he was tossed for arguing the strike zone during Monday night's game. This guy is great! Who gets tossed from a game they are not even playing in? Hopefully he does not get suspended. My Dad texted me this morning, telling me the Cubs have called up slugger Jake Fox (you heard it hear first!) from AAA Iowa. The Cubs have sent down Neal Cotts and a player to be named. They also called up LHP Jason Waddell and somebody named Blanco? Aaron Miles has been placed on the 15-Day DL. If this is true, I would expect to see Fox in the line-up somewhere, today. Lou Piniella loves getting new guys into the action right away. Also, the Cubs are facing a left-handed pitcher today, Zach Duke, Fox I would assume crushes lefties. Starting for the Cubs today is Carlos Zambrano, who looks to bounce back after a sub-par start last week.
Furthermore, weather permitting, I will be attending this afternoon's game. I was lucky enough to stumble into a free ticket.
The Cubs offense was at it again scoring 6 runs, after scoring 8 on Monday night. Fukudome got things started with a solo-HR to right in the first inning. In the second inning, Marshall even helped his own cause with an RBI single. Alfonso Soriano, Ryan Theriot, and Fukudome (the top three hitters in our line-up) each had at one hit and scored runs. As the top of the order goes, the Cubs go! Micah Hoffpauir got out of his "slump" going 2 for 3, 2B 2RBIs, he hit the ball hard twice, which is encouraging. For the record: I was never worried about Hoffpauir. All hitters have little slumps once in awhile. He even said after the game that he just made a few adjustments, like all professionals do. Maybe this will shut up all of the Anti-Hoff, Derrek Lee backers out there. Mike Fontenot also had a big game going 2 for 3 with an RBI and a run scored. The Cubs' bats might just have gotten back on track, over the last two games, everyone has been hitting.
In other news: I love Ted Lilly. Apparently he was tossed for arguing the strike zone during Monday night's game. This guy is great! Who gets tossed from a game they are not even playing in? Hopefully he does not get suspended. My Dad texted me this morning, telling me the Cubs have called up slugger Jake Fox (you heard it hear first!) from AAA Iowa. The Cubs have sent down Neal Cotts and a player to be named. They also called up LHP Jason Waddell and somebody named Blanco? Aaron Miles has been placed on the 15-Day DL. If this is true, I would expect to see Fox in the line-up somewhere, today. Lou Piniella loves getting new guys into the action right away. Also, the Cubs are facing a left-handed pitcher today, Zach Duke, Fox I would assume crushes lefties. Starting for the Cubs today is Carlos Zambrano, who looks to bounce back after a sub-par start last week.
Furthermore, weather permitting, I will be attending this afternoon's game. I was lucky enough to stumble into a free ticket.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Cubs pitching takes the night off, Pirates win 10-8
Last night the Cubs lost their 8th straight game, falling to the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates 10-8. This game was painful to watch, the Cubs pitching staff gave up 18 hits, and blew multiple leads. The wind was blowing in too, which makes it even more unbelievable that they allowed 10 runs. I have to tip my cap to the Pirates though, former Batting Champion, Freddy Sanchez, had a career night going 6 for 6 with 3RBIs.
The main reason the Cubs lost last night was Ryan Dempster: 4IP, 6ER, 7H, 3BB, 3K, WP, HBP, Errror. What a jackass, Dumpster is seriously the worst! His ERA is now at 4.99 and I only expect it to get higher. Dempster is not the same pitcher we saw last year, probably becuase he got paid, and the fact that last year was a career-year for him. The Cubs drastically overpaid this bozo, I would rather see the Cubs sending Les Walrond out there to start games. The fact that I have to watch this Canadian ponce pitch for the next few years is depressing.
Jose Ascanio pitched the 5th inning, allowing 3 hits, but thankfully no runs. Then Lou Piniella inexplicably allowed Ascanio to bat for himself in the bottom half of the inning only to yank him for Neal Cotts. This blew my mind! I did not realize however that Derrek Lee was sent home with the flu. Still, somebody else should have hit for Ascanio, like: Koyie Hill or Fukudome? Now back to Cotts, who should be released, here is what he treated us with last night: IP, 3ER, 4H, K. Cotts also took the loss in this game, but why was he brought into the game to protect a lead in the first place? Cotts might actually be worse than Dempster, except he is not paid like a Cy Young Winner. Cotts' ERA is up to 7.36, it is time for him to go, Lou showed nowhere near this much patience last season with Scott Eyre. After Cotts came Aaron Heilman who allowed his usual one run in one inning of work. By the way, when did Heilman turn into Bob Howry? The lone bright-spot from our pitching staff last night was David Patton, who was released from the Witness Protection Program, he pitched the final two innings, and allowed no runs. Seriously though, Patton should be sent back to the Rockies, the Cubs have no use for him, and he is taking up a valuable roster spot. The Cubs really could have used an extra position player last night, I just do not understand how Jake Fox is not on the team. Why were both Angel Guzman and Kevin Gregg not used last night? Guzman is our best reliever when the Cubs are Sans-Carlos Marmol and Gregg has not pitched in a week.
Now for some good news: the Cubs scored 8 runs! Seven of the runs came off of Pirates starter Paul Maholm, who actually pitched worse than Dempster. Ryan Theriot had 3 doubles off of Maholm, driving in two runs, and scoring twice. Alfonso Soriano, although he did not have a hit, actually showed some patience at the plate, taking two walks, and scoring twice. Milton Bradley had a big game going 2 for 5 2B, HR, 4 RBIs. Bradley's HR was an absolute rocket hit out to deep left field, the wind had no chance of knocking that ball down, it also would have been a game winner if not for Cotts. Hopefully this means Bradley is starting to come out of his slump. Geovany Soto had a nice game as well, with two hits.
Two more things I had a problem with/ Jackass Calls of the Day:
1) Why was Carlos Zambrano used to Pinch Hit for Heilman in the bottom of the 7th with two men on, with a chance to at least tie the game, or possibly take the lead? I know Z is a decent hitter, but c'mon Lou! What are you thinking here? I know Lee was not available and that Bobby Scales was used in the 4th, but Fukudome should have been used to pinch hit in that spot, period. This is unacceptable and some very poor managing.
2) Carlos Marmol, our best relief pitcher was given two days off to go to New York, to be with his wife while she gives birth to their second child. Do not get me wrong, he should be with his wife in this situation, but why the hell do they live in New York?!! Seriously, had Marmol and his family lived here in Chicago, he could have been available to pitch after the kid was born.
Last night, I was lucky enough to be at the game. My friend Justin hooked us up with discounted rooftop tickets at Wrigley Done Right, it was tight. The view was great and I got my money's worth in beer (10+) and Italian Beef Sandwiches (3). If you have the means, I highly recommend the rooftop experience, it is quite choice. My personal winning streak came to an end last night, but at least the Cubs bats came back to life. Maybe I am their version of Joboo from Major League.
My personal record at Cubs games in 2009: 3 and 1. The next game I am attending as of right now: Sunday, June 14th vs Minnesota, where I will have my family's bomb-ass seats.
One more thing, last night we were discussing how terrible of a hitter Aaron Miles is and how he is worthless as a player. I leave you with this question:
Who would you rather have on your roster?
A) Aaron Miles
B) Cesar Izturis
C) Neifi Perez
D) Jose Macias
E) Tony Womack
The main reason the Cubs lost last night was Ryan Dempster: 4IP, 6ER, 7H, 3BB, 3K, WP, HBP, Errror. What a jackass, Dumpster is seriously the worst! His ERA is now at 4.99 and I only expect it to get higher. Dempster is not the same pitcher we saw last year, probably becuase he got paid, and the fact that last year was a career-year for him. The Cubs drastically overpaid this bozo, I would rather see the Cubs sending Les Walrond out there to start games. The fact that I have to watch this Canadian ponce pitch for the next few years is depressing.
Jose Ascanio pitched the 5th inning, allowing 3 hits, but thankfully no runs. Then Lou Piniella inexplicably allowed Ascanio to bat for himself in the bottom half of the inning only to yank him for Neal Cotts. This blew my mind! I did not realize however that Derrek Lee was sent home with the flu. Still, somebody else should have hit for Ascanio, like: Koyie Hill or Fukudome? Now back to Cotts, who should be released, here is what he treated us with last night: IP, 3ER, 4H, K. Cotts also took the loss in this game, but why was he brought into the game to protect a lead in the first place? Cotts might actually be worse than Dempster, except he is not paid like a Cy Young Winner. Cotts' ERA is up to 7.36, it is time for him to go, Lou showed nowhere near this much patience last season with Scott Eyre. After Cotts came Aaron Heilman who allowed his usual one run in one inning of work. By the way, when did Heilman turn into Bob Howry? The lone bright-spot from our pitching staff last night was David Patton, who was released from the Witness Protection Program, he pitched the final two innings, and allowed no runs. Seriously though, Patton should be sent back to the Rockies, the Cubs have no use for him, and he is taking up a valuable roster spot. The Cubs really could have used an extra position player last night, I just do not understand how Jake Fox is not on the team. Why were both Angel Guzman and Kevin Gregg not used last night? Guzman is our best reliever when the Cubs are Sans-Carlos Marmol and Gregg has not pitched in a week.
Now for some good news: the Cubs scored 8 runs! Seven of the runs came off of Pirates starter Paul Maholm, who actually pitched worse than Dempster. Ryan Theriot had 3 doubles off of Maholm, driving in two runs, and scoring twice. Alfonso Soriano, although he did not have a hit, actually showed some patience at the plate, taking two walks, and scoring twice. Milton Bradley had a big game going 2 for 5 2B, HR, 4 RBIs. Bradley's HR was an absolute rocket hit out to deep left field, the wind had no chance of knocking that ball down, it also would have been a game winner if not for Cotts. Hopefully this means Bradley is starting to come out of his slump. Geovany Soto had a nice game as well, with two hits.
Two more things I had a problem with/ Jackass Calls of the Day:
1) Why was Carlos Zambrano used to Pinch Hit for Heilman in the bottom of the 7th with two men on, with a chance to at least tie the game, or possibly take the lead? I know Z is a decent hitter, but c'mon Lou! What are you thinking here? I know Lee was not available and that Bobby Scales was used in the 4th, but Fukudome should have been used to pinch hit in that spot, period. This is unacceptable and some very poor managing.
2) Carlos Marmol, our best relief pitcher was given two days off to go to New York, to be with his wife while she gives birth to their second child. Do not get me wrong, he should be with his wife in this situation, but why the hell do they live in New York?!! Seriously, had Marmol and his family lived here in Chicago, he could have been available to pitch after the kid was born.
Last night, I was lucky enough to be at the game. My friend Justin hooked us up with discounted rooftop tickets at Wrigley Done Right, it was tight. The view was great and I got my money's worth in beer (10+) and Italian Beef Sandwiches (3). If you have the means, I highly recommend the rooftop experience, it is quite choice. My personal winning streak came to an end last night, but at least the Cubs bats came back to life. Maybe I am their version of Joboo from Major League.
My personal record at Cubs games in 2009: 3 and 1. The next game I am attending as of right now: Sunday, June 14th vs Minnesota, where I will have my family's bomb-ass seats.
One more thing, last night we were discussing how terrible of a hitter Aaron Miles is and how he is worthless as a player. I leave you with this question:
Who would you rather have on your roster?
A) Aaron Miles
B) Cesar Izturis
C) Neifi Perez
D) Jose Macias
E) Tony Womack
Sunday, May 24, 2009
7's Up: Cubs lose to Padres 7-2, lose 7th straight game
The Cubs finally scored some runs today, unfortunately they only scored two. Today the Cubs were swept by the San Diego Padres, who have won 9 straight games. After being swept earlier in the week by the Cardinals, the Cubs ran into a buzz-saw in San Diego. The Padres hitting is not great, but it was good enough against the Cubs. It was the Padres pitching however that won them this series. Today, Chris Young made the Cubs hitters look foolish allowing only 2 runs on 4 hits over 7 innings. Young does not throw hard (Mid-80's) but our hitters looked as if they were not picking up the ball clearly out of his hand today.
Ted Lilly started for the Cubs today and was off to a good start, unfortunately he got into trouble in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. Lilly's line: 6.1IP, 5ER, 8H, 2BB, 4K. He also made a couple of bad plays in the field, he could not field a bunt, and later threw a suicide-bunted ball over Geovany Soto. Lilly's fielding has been awful all season and last season even, this is not acceptable. Aaron Heilman came into the game in the 7th with a man on third-base and one out. He got a strikeout, then intentionally walked Adrian Gonzalez (and rightfully so), only to then give up a 3R-HR to Kevin Kouzmanoff. Heilman is a joke, everytime he comes in he allows runs. I thought I heard Len Kasper say that Heilman has come in with 14 men on base this season and that 8 of them had scored, not including the inherited runner who scored today. Maybe Heilman needed the work, but if I were Lou Piniella, I would stick with Angel Guzman as my bridge guy from here on. Kouzmanoff has been slumping all season, but not today, he was 2-4 2B, HR, 4RBI. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wrote that Kouzmanoff, a third baseman, was on the trading block. From what I saw today, the Cubs should look to trade for this guy.
The Cubs offense was absent again today combining for only 4 hits and two runs. The two runs came when Reed Johnson hit a 2R-HR in the 7th inning. This was good to see from Reed, he had been struggling lately at the plate and has not shown much power this season. Johnson started in Center-field in place of Fukudome who had the day off. The only other Cub hits were from Milton Bradley, Mike Fontenot, and Bobby Scales, all singles. The lack of power from the Cubs hitters is a serious problem. The last time I remember the Cubs offense looking this bad was in 2006 when Derrek Lee was out for the season and we had clowns like Phil Nevin playing first-base. By the way, the Cubs missed the playoffs in 2006. Today Lee was a late scratch from the line-up because he was sick. This was too bad for the Cubs, he has been their hottest hitter of late, he even hit a long home run on Saturday. Micah Hoffpauir played in place of Lee and was 0-4 and fouled out on a 3-0 pitch. Hoffpauir looks like he has been pressing lately and has been hitting a lot of shallow pop-ups, I hope he finds his stroke again soon. Hoffpauir looked bad today, but Alfonso Soriano has looked bad all week, today he was 0-4 and watched his average drop to .257. Soriano was incredibly impatient at the plate today, swinging at the first pitch at least two times, and making outs. He needs to get hot soon, usually the Cubs offense goes, as Soriano goes.
The Cubs have now lost 7 straight and are back to .500 at 21-21. They return home for a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, starting at 7:05 pm Monday night. Ryan Dempster, who has been improving as of late, is pitching for the Cubs. Left-hander, Paul Maholm is pitching for the Pirates. Maholm is 3-1 this season with a 5.91 ERA. The Cubs hitters should hit this guy, hard. Unfortunately the Cubs have not hit anybody hard in over a week, hopefully returning home will get them back on track. I expect to see more righties in the starting line-up tomorrow, hopefully Lee is ready to play, and Lou will likely ride Johnson's hot bat. Plus the Cubs have a secret weapon tomorrow: ME! I am going to the game and am 3-0 on the season. Not to mention that Lee has homered in two of the games I have attended this year. Hopefully I can continue my winning streak and the Cubs can start one.
Ted Lilly started for the Cubs today and was off to a good start, unfortunately he got into trouble in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings. Lilly's line: 6.1IP, 5ER, 8H, 2BB, 4K. He also made a couple of bad plays in the field, he could not field a bunt, and later threw a suicide-bunted ball over Geovany Soto. Lilly's fielding has been awful all season and last season even, this is not acceptable. Aaron Heilman came into the game in the 7th with a man on third-base and one out. He got a strikeout, then intentionally walked Adrian Gonzalez (and rightfully so), only to then give up a 3R-HR to Kevin Kouzmanoff. Heilman is a joke, everytime he comes in he allows runs. I thought I heard Len Kasper say that Heilman has come in with 14 men on base this season and that 8 of them had scored, not including the inherited runner who scored today. Maybe Heilman needed the work, but if I were Lou Piniella, I would stick with Angel Guzman as my bridge guy from here on. Kouzmanoff has been slumping all season, but not today, he was 2-4 2B, HR, 4RBI. Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune wrote that Kouzmanoff, a third baseman, was on the trading block. From what I saw today, the Cubs should look to trade for this guy.
The Cubs offense was absent again today combining for only 4 hits and two runs. The two runs came when Reed Johnson hit a 2R-HR in the 7th inning. This was good to see from Reed, he had been struggling lately at the plate and has not shown much power this season. Johnson started in Center-field in place of Fukudome who had the day off. The only other Cub hits were from Milton Bradley, Mike Fontenot, and Bobby Scales, all singles. The lack of power from the Cubs hitters is a serious problem. The last time I remember the Cubs offense looking this bad was in 2006 when Derrek Lee was out for the season and we had clowns like Phil Nevin playing first-base. By the way, the Cubs missed the playoffs in 2006. Today Lee was a late scratch from the line-up because he was sick. This was too bad for the Cubs, he has been their hottest hitter of late, he even hit a long home run on Saturday. Micah Hoffpauir played in place of Lee and was 0-4 and fouled out on a 3-0 pitch. Hoffpauir looks like he has been pressing lately and has been hitting a lot of shallow pop-ups, I hope he finds his stroke again soon. Hoffpauir looked bad today, but Alfonso Soriano has looked bad all week, today he was 0-4 and watched his average drop to .257. Soriano was incredibly impatient at the plate today, swinging at the first pitch at least two times, and making outs. He needs to get hot soon, usually the Cubs offense goes, as Soriano goes.
The Cubs have now lost 7 straight and are back to .500 at 21-21. They return home for a three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates, starting at 7:05 pm Monday night. Ryan Dempster, who has been improving as of late, is pitching for the Cubs. Left-hander, Paul Maholm is pitching for the Pirates. Maholm is 3-1 this season with a 5.91 ERA. The Cubs hitters should hit this guy, hard. Unfortunately the Cubs have not hit anybody hard in over a week, hopefully returning home will get them back on track. I expect to see more righties in the starting line-up tomorrow, hopefully Lee is ready to play, and Lou will likely ride Johnson's hot bat. Plus the Cubs have a secret weapon tomorrow: ME! I am going to the game and am 3-0 on the season. Not to mention that Lee has homered in two of the games I have attended this year. Hopefully I can continue my winning streak and the Cubs can start one.
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