The Cubs got an outstanding performance from starter Sean Marshall, in fact it was probably one of the best starts of his young career. Marshall's line: 7IP, 6H, ER, 6Ks. He left the field to a standing ovation. He even left with a lead, thanks to solo-HRs by Milton Bradley and Mike Fontenot. That lead however was not meant to last, Carlos Marmol blew it in the 8th inning. Marmol blew the save without giving up a hit, he walked the first two men he faced, and the run scored on a throwing error. Marmol if he is in fact not actually hurt, needs to get back on track quickly. Aaron Heilman took the loss in extra innings, he did not record an out in the 10th inning and gave up 3H, 6R, 5ER, 2BB. This was just pathetic, coming from Heilman, who to this point this season, had been our most consistent relief pitcher. This bullpen is in complete disarray.
Once again our offense was terrible and the Cubs managed only 5 hits in 10 innings. This is unacceptable. The usual suspects for the Cubs were at it again: Derrek Lee was 0-4, 2Ks and Aaron Miles was 0-4 again. For the season Lee is now hitting .189 and Miles is hitting .178. Niether one of them is showing any signs of coming out of their respective slumps and needs to be on the bench. Especially Lee, who has a younger, power hitting backup, who is off to a much better start this season. Lee had two at-bats with men in scoring position last night and couldn't do anything both times. He even blamed the loss on himself! Lee was quoted after the game, "A lot of [the problem] is I'm batting fourth, and I'm not hitting [or] driving in runs. It makes it hard. So, me being in the middle of the order, I have to find a way to pick it up." Finally Lee is admitting fault, he needs to get things going quickly and he should never be batting clean-up. He then said, "I'm bad right now. Really bad. I have to make some adjustments. I have to figure out what adjustments there are to make, and make 'em." Lee is right, he does have to make some adjustments, quickly. If he doesn't I would expect Micah Hoffpauir, who can hit for power and drive in runs, to take his job, sooner rather than later.
The only good news yesterday for the Cubs was that Aramis Ramirez is not going to the DL. The Cubs expect him back in the line-up this weekend. Thank God! Now we can finally move Fontenot back second base. Which means Miles can no longer torture us with his lack of hitting and return to the bench or retire. The Cubs play again this afternoon, Rich Harden hopefully will give us another strong outing and get us a much needed W.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Inconsistent Cubs manage only 2 hits, fall to D-Backs 10-0
Hopefully, this is rock bottom for the Cubs in 2009, if it isn't we are in for a long season. Diamondbacks Pitcher, Doug Davis, dominated going 7IP, 2H, 7K, all while throwing nothing over 85 mph. He was the second left-handed starter the Cubs have faced this season and the second one who has completely shut down the Cubs. Actually, as I remember, Davis has always owned the Cubs, going back to his days in Milwaukee.
Ryan Dempster got off to as bad of a start possible against a team that scores few runs. He walked the lead-off man and eventually gave up three runs in the 1st inning. Dempster was done before he knew what hit him, anytime a pitcher throws 30+ pitches in the 1st, you know they are in for a long day. Location appears to be a consistent problem for this over-paid jerk. He has been leaving his mediocre fastball and slider up in the strike-zone and hitters are making him pay for it. So much of Dempster's success last season was due to his control and lack of walks. Overall, he managed to eat some innings but did not pitch like he's being paid to pitch: 6IP, 6H, 5ER, 3BB, 4K. Dempster gave way to Carlos Marmol in the 7th. Marmol looked terrible in his first appearance since injuring his knee in St. Louis. In 0.1IP Marmol gave up 4ER, while giving up no hits, he did walk 4 batters. Hopefully, he was just rusty, not injured. Jeff Samardzija gave up a bases clearing double after relieving Marmol. Kevin Gregg pitched the 8th and retired his first 2 hitters, before walking the bases loaded, walking in a run, and almost getting ejected by the homeplate umpire.
The Cubs hitting was equally bad today. Lou Piniella had a mostly right-handed line-up out there today and he paid dearly for it. First, he sat our hottest hitter, Fukudome, to put Reed Johnson in CF. I love Johnson's hustle and clutch fielding, but as a hitter, he is worthless, and left 3 men on base today. I have not seen Johnson hit a ball hard all season, he is a liability at the plate.
Derrek Lee was back in the line-up today and as usual he was disappointing going 0-3. He did manage to hit 2 balls deep into the outfield and one even reached the warning track. Wooopee!!! Its about time that people realize that this is all he is capable of doing. Lee's power has been consistently declining for the past two seasons. He is washed up. Piniella had Lee batting cleanup today, we lost, I'm pretty sure every time Lee bats cleanup we lose! The guy can not drive in runs anymore. If his neck is really bothering him, then don't play him. Micah Hoffpauir is a better hitter at this point of their careers, its about time Lou figures this out. I understand playing Lee against the lefty, but I expect to see Hoffpauir in the line-up, at first base, in at least one game this weekend. Lee was also bad in the field today, he dropped a pop-up bunt, which helped extend the disastrous 1st inning. This is inexcusable. Lee is supposed to be a gold-glove caliber fielder, this was the one advantage he had over Hoffpauir.
Geovany Soto continued to embarrass himself today, going 0-3 2K (and he struck out looking to end the game), he also allowed to runners to steal second base, and is hitting .111 for the season. He looks completely lost on the field, he is not even close to hitting anything, and his throws seem to have lost some zip. I've been saying for a few weeks now that he looks out of shape. With Koyie Hill hitting well (which never happens) I don't feel that Lou can justify playing Soto full time any longer. At the very least Hill can throw out would-be base stealers. Soto is fat and way behind schedule, he needs to sit for awhile, I hope that his great rookie season was not a fluke.
Many other Cubs were terrible today, we managed only two hits. This team is horribly inconsistent and something needs to change. It might be time for one of Lou's clubhouse rants where he wakes the team up (think May 2007). Alfonso Soriano called the team out before yesterday's game for their lack of effort and desire to win. Lee of course downplayed this. Its time for Lee to start putting his money where his mouth is and hit the ball. I fear that unless Aramis Ramirez comes back soon, we are in for a long weekend with the Florida Marlins (who can score a lot of runs).
Ryan Dempster got off to as bad of a start possible against a team that scores few runs. He walked the lead-off man and eventually gave up three runs in the 1st inning. Dempster was done before he knew what hit him, anytime a pitcher throws 30+ pitches in the 1st, you know they are in for a long day. Location appears to be a consistent problem for this over-paid jerk. He has been leaving his mediocre fastball and slider up in the strike-zone and hitters are making him pay for it. So much of Dempster's success last season was due to his control and lack of walks. Overall, he managed to eat some innings but did not pitch like he's being paid to pitch: 6IP, 6H, 5ER, 3BB, 4K. Dempster gave way to Carlos Marmol in the 7th. Marmol looked terrible in his first appearance since injuring his knee in St. Louis. In 0.1IP Marmol gave up 4ER, while giving up no hits, he did walk 4 batters. Hopefully, he was just rusty, not injured. Jeff Samardzija gave up a bases clearing double after relieving Marmol. Kevin Gregg pitched the 8th and retired his first 2 hitters, before walking the bases loaded, walking in a run, and almost getting ejected by the homeplate umpire.
The Cubs hitting was equally bad today. Lou Piniella had a mostly right-handed line-up out there today and he paid dearly for it. First, he sat our hottest hitter, Fukudome, to put Reed Johnson in CF. I love Johnson's hustle and clutch fielding, but as a hitter, he is worthless, and left 3 men on base today. I have not seen Johnson hit a ball hard all season, he is a liability at the plate.
Derrek Lee was back in the line-up today and as usual he was disappointing going 0-3. He did manage to hit 2 balls deep into the outfield and one even reached the warning track. Wooopee!!! Its about time that people realize that this is all he is capable of doing. Lee's power has been consistently declining for the past two seasons. He is washed up. Piniella had Lee batting cleanup today, we lost, I'm pretty sure every time Lee bats cleanup we lose! The guy can not drive in runs anymore. If his neck is really bothering him, then don't play him. Micah Hoffpauir is a better hitter at this point of their careers, its about time Lou figures this out. I understand playing Lee against the lefty, but I expect to see Hoffpauir in the line-up, at first base, in at least one game this weekend. Lee was also bad in the field today, he dropped a pop-up bunt, which helped extend the disastrous 1st inning. This is inexcusable. Lee is supposed to be a gold-glove caliber fielder, this was the one advantage he had over Hoffpauir.
Geovany Soto continued to embarrass himself today, going 0-3 2K (and he struck out looking to end the game), he also allowed to runners to steal second base, and is hitting .111 for the season. He looks completely lost on the field, he is not even close to hitting anything, and his throws seem to have lost some zip. I've been saying for a few weeks now that he looks out of shape. With Koyie Hill hitting well (which never happens) I don't feel that Lou can justify playing Soto full time any longer. At the very least Hill can throw out would-be base stealers. Soto is fat and way behind schedule, he needs to sit for awhile, I hope that his great rookie season was not a fluke.
Many other Cubs were terrible today, we managed only two hits. This team is horribly inconsistent and something needs to change. It might be time for one of Lou's clubhouse rants where he wakes the team up (think May 2007). Alfonso Soriano called the team out before yesterday's game for their lack of effort and desire to win. Lee of course downplayed this. Its time for Lee to start putting his money where his mouth is and hit the ball. I fear that unless Aramis Ramirez comes back soon, we are in for a long weekend with the Florida Marlins (who can score a lot of runs).
Cubs Pre-Game Notes
Derrek Lee is back in the line-up after sitting out two games with a sore neck. We have a weird lineup out there today, at first glance, but then I realized we're facing a lefty. So today Lou Piniella chose to sit our arguably our hottest hitter, Fukudome. Reed Johnson is getting the start in CF and Geovany Soto is back in the line-up after the night off. Hopefully Soto can regain his hitting stroke.
Additionally, it looks like Aramis Ramirez is going to be out today. The Cubs training staff will try to let him run and test his calf tomorrow, if it does not improve, they will likely have to put him on the DL. The Cubs would need to call somebody up from the minors such as Bobby Scales from AAA Iowa (I've never heard of him either). Hopefully Ramirez's calf feels better after he runs tomorrow and we won't have to call up anyone to take his place. One thing I know for sure: we can not continue to start Mike Fontenot out of position at 3B any longer. His defense is suspect and he is too short to play there. Plus, I am not sure if I can take any more of Aaron Miles at 2B, he is terrible, he hits like Cesar Izturis.
Additionally, it looks like Aramis Ramirez is going to be out today. The Cubs training staff will try to let him run and test his calf tomorrow, if it does not improve, they will likely have to put him on the DL. The Cubs would need to call somebody up from the minors such as Bobby Scales from AAA Iowa (I've never heard of him either). Hopefully Ramirez's calf feels better after he runs tomorrow and we won't have to call up anyone to take his place. One thing I know for sure: we can not continue to start Mike Fontenot out of position at 3B any longer. His defense is suspect and he is too short to play there. Plus, I am not sure if I can take any more of Aaron Miles at 2B, he is terrible, he hits like Cesar Izturis.
Why is Boston getting all the calls?
Keep in mind, I am a Bulls fan, who watched the Michael Jordan era teams get every call. But c'mon, the NBA can not be serious with some of the missed calls during this current Bulls vs Celtics series. Last night, John Salmons was hacked every time he went to the basket in the 2nd half, the only foul called: a technical foul, on Salmons. For complaining to the refs. Paul Pierce and Ray Allen complain on every play, and Allen whined like a little brat when he picked up his 5th and 6th fouls. After Allen fouled out, it was like the refs decided, ok no more calls on the Celts.
Rajon Rondo is full of shit! In a post-game news conference he said he's a "clean" player and was going for the ball when he fish-hooked Bulls C Brad Miller with 2 seconds to go in OT. I call bullshit on this one. ESPN douchebag Tim Legler thought it was a clean play and that Rondo was in fact going for the ball, but couldn't reach the ball because Miller was too tall. This is complete crap, if Rondo is as quick as people think, he could've gotten to the ball, instead he smacked Miller in the face, intentionally! Doc Rivers even admitted it after the game, he tried to INTENTIONALLY foul Miller instead of giving him a layup.
Whatever. Pierce did hit some money shots down the stretch. And the Bulls did blow an 11 point lead in the 4th Quarter. There is still a game 6. I feel however that the officiating is killing the Bulls chances to win. Just because Boston is a washed-up bunch of whiners doesn't mean they deserve to get every call down the stretch of every game. Personally I feel the series is over, the Bulls could get blown out in game 6 just as they did in game 3. They have put up a valiant effort this series and over-achieved this season, I never thought they would even make the playoffs back in January.
As for Boston, they suck. If they advance, they'll probably have another tough series in the next round, and possibly advance then. But, ultimately their fate lies in Cleveland. LeBron James will annihilate the Celtics, with or without Kevin Garnett. I have lost a lot of respect for Garnett in this series, he is such a poor sport its ridiculous, what a trash-ball. In game 1, when the Celts were losing in the 4th, he left the court early. Its only when the Celtics win a game that this piece of garbage starts barking at the Bulls players and coaches. What a coward. Not to mention he doesn't even have the balls to play in the series. This is the price this clown is paying for winning a title last year, and it will be his only one. Garnett was never talented enough to win one on his own, example: Minnesota. And this washed up crew has one, maybe two seasons left anyway. I hope LeBron takes a dump at mid-court at the Boston Garden once the Cavs sweep the Celtics. Oh and one more thing, Boston is getting all of the calls now, but once LeBron and Co. come to town, expect that to change.
Rajon Rondo is full of shit! In a post-game news conference he said he's a "clean" player and was going for the ball when he fish-hooked Bulls C Brad Miller with 2 seconds to go in OT. I call bullshit on this one. ESPN douchebag Tim Legler thought it was a clean play and that Rondo was in fact going for the ball, but couldn't reach the ball because Miller was too tall. This is complete crap, if Rondo is as quick as people think, he could've gotten to the ball, instead he smacked Miller in the face, intentionally! Doc Rivers even admitted it after the game, he tried to INTENTIONALLY foul Miller instead of giving him a layup.
Whatever. Pierce did hit some money shots down the stretch. And the Bulls did blow an 11 point lead in the 4th Quarter. There is still a game 6. I feel however that the officiating is killing the Bulls chances to win. Just because Boston is a washed-up bunch of whiners doesn't mean they deserve to get every call down the stretch of every game. Personally I feel the series is over, the Bulls could get blown out in game 6 just as they did in game 3. They have put up a valiant effort this series and over-achieved this season, I never thought they would even make the playoffs back in January.
As for Boston, they suck. If they advance, they'll probably have another tough series in the next round, and possibly advance then. But, ultimately their fate lies in Cleveland. LeBron James will annihilate the Celtics, with or without Kevin Garnett. I have lost a lot of respect for Garnett in this series, he is such a poor sport its ridiculous, what a trash-ball. In game 1, when the Celts were losing in the 4th, he left the court early. Its only when the Celtics win a game that this piece of garbage starts barking at the Bulls players and coaches. What a coward. Not to mention he doesn't even have the balls to play in the series. This is the price this clown is paying for winning a title last year, and it will be his only one. Garnett was never talented enough to win one on his own, example: Minnesota. And this washed up crew has one, maybe two seasons left anyway. I hope LeBron takes a dump at mid-court at the Boston Garden once the Cavs sweep the Celtics. Oh and one more thing, Boston is getting all of the calls now, but once LeBron and Co. come to town, expect that to change.
What to do with Jake Fox?
Jake Fox is a 26 year old First Baseman/Outfielder for the Cubs AAA affiliate, Iowa. So far this season he has 12 HR and 32 RBIs. What are the Cubs going to do with this guy? Originally Fox was a Catcher, then a 3rd Baseman, then an outfielder, and now a 1st Baseman. Before anyone gets too excited, this guy CAN'T play defense, that is why he's played so many positions in the minors. He can however hit the baseball. Unfortunately he is buried on the roster behind Derrek Lee, Micah Hoffpauir, Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, all of of our outfielders, etc... Plus he is right-handed which means Lou Piniella probably likes him even less. Nevertheless, Fox could hit for the Triple-Crown in AAA, if he gets enough at-bats.
Honestly, the Cubs could probably use his bat on the bench. But due to his lack of fielding ability, this is unlikely. The only way I can see him playing in the majors before September is if Lee or Hoffpauir suffer a serious injury. For now let him get his at-bats in the minors. If he keeps this up, we may be able to include him in a package of players at the trade deadline, say for Jake Peavy or a top of the line set-up man (preferably a lefty). Speaking of which, we should keep an eye on Scott Schoeneweis, he pitched for the D-Backs against us last night. This guy is one of the best lefty specialists in baseball and is tops among lefties in appearances since 2005. If Arizona keeps playing poorly this season, the Cubs should see what it would take to acquire him.
Honestly, the Cubs could probably use his bat on the bench. But due to his lack of fielding ability, this is unlikely. The only way I can see him playing in the majors before September is if Lee or Hoffpauir suffer a serious injury. For now let him get his at-bats in the minors. If he keeps this up, we may be able to include him in a package of players at the trade deadline, say for Jake Peavy or a top of the line set-up man (preferably a lefty). Speaking of which, we should keep an eye on Scott Schoeneweis, he pitched for the D-Backs against us last night. This guy is one of the best lefty specialists in baseball and is tops among lefties in appearances since 2005. If Arizona keeps playing poorly this season, the Cubs should see what it would take to acquire him.
Everybody hits, Cubs cruise to 11-3 win over D-Backs
The Cubs hit on Tuesday night, in fact everybody in the starting lineup got at least one hit. But Tuesday night was the Carlos Zambrano show. At the plate he was 3-4 2B, HR, 2RBIs and was a 3B away from the cycle. On the mound he was dominant: 7IP, 8H, 3ER. Lou Piniella probably left him out there a little too long as Zambrano gave up two runs on 3 hits in the 7th inning and appeared to be tired (he threw 111 pitches). The only reason Lou left him in was so he could have a chance to hit for the cycle in the 8th inning. This was exactly the kind of outing the Cubs needed from Zambrano, hopefully he can keep this up, and at least for last night, it appeared to re-energize the whole team.
Offensively, the Cubs were as good as they have been all season. Alfonso Soriano got things started with a 3-R HR in the 3rd inning, his 7th of the season. If he stays healthy he looks like an early MVP candidate. Mike Fontenot added a 2-R HR in the 4th, his second HR in two days. This was good to see, Fontenot had been slumping a little bit lately, and struggling in the field (at 3rd). It is assuring to know that he doesn't allow his struggles in the field affect his hitting. I have been saying Lou needs to rest Geovany Soto for over a week now and he finally did. Last night he started backup Koyie Hill and got great results: 3-5 2R, RBI, Hill is now hitting .370 on the year. I'm not saying Lou should bench Soto, but Soto has looked awful so far, and maybe Lou should consider starting Hill one out of every five games. Since he had so much success with Zambrano, maybe Lou should make Hill Z's personal catcher? Even Milton Bradley played well last night, he went 2-4, BB, R. Say what you will about Bradley, but he gets on base. Also, apparently he is a better right-handed hitter, than left-handed hitter. Last night he raised his average up to triple digits, .107.
Hopefully the Cubs' bats can stay hot, they wrap up their series with the Diamondbacks this afternoon at 2:40pm. Ryan Dempster goes to the mound for the Cubs. He has been unimpressive so far this season and today I'm expecting a great (not good) start out of him, its time to start earning that new contract! Lefty Doug Davis goes for the D-Backs. The Cubs have faced only one lefty starter so far this season, so lets see how they do. Look for Bradley batting from the right side, apparently this is his true power side. Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Marmol could play today as well.
Offensively, the Cubs were as good as they have been all season. Alfonso Soriano got things started with a 3-R HR in the 3rd inning, his 7th of the season. If he stays healthy he looks like an early MVP candidate. Mike Fontenot added a 2-R HR in the 4th, his second HR in two days. This was good to see, Fontenot had been slumping a little bit lately, and struggling in the field (at 3rd). It is assuring to know that he doesn't allow his struggles in the field affect his hitting. I have been saying Lou needs to rest Geovany Soto for over a week now and he finally did. Last night he started backup Koyie Hill and got great results: 3-5 2R, RBI, Hill is now hitting .370 on the year. I'm not saying Lou should bench Soto, but Soto has looked awful so far, and maybe Lou should consider starting Hill one out of every five games. Since he had so much success with Zambrano, maybe Lou should make Hill Z's personal catcher? Even Milton Bradley played well last night, he went 2-4, BB, R. Say what you will about Bradley, but he gets on base. Also, apparently he is a better right-handed hitter, than left-handed hitter. Last night he raised his average up to triple digits, .107.
Hopefully the Cubs' bats can stay hot, they wrap up their series with the Diamondbacks this afternoon at 2:40pm. Ryan Dempster goes to the mound for the Cubs. He has been unimpressive so far this season and today I'm expecting a great (not good) start out of him, its time to start earning that new contract! Lefty Doug Davis goes for the D-Backs. The Cubs have faced only one lefty starter so far this season, so lets see how they do. Look for Bradley batting from the right side, apparently this is his true power side. Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Marmol could play today as well.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Blackhawks defeat Flames 4-1, win series 4-2
Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks! They just defeated the Calgary Flames by a score of 4-1 to take the series in 6 games. This marks the first playoff series victory for the Hawks in over a decade (13 years, I think). This team has come a long way the last few years and this was good to see. Nikolai Khabibulin or "The Bulin Wall" had a monster Game 6, which was close until the final minutes. If he keeps this up, the Hawks can make a run, especially if we get Anaheim instead of San Jose in Round Two. I'll admit, I'm not a huge fan of the nickname, but tonight he earned it!
Thanks Blackhawks! Now I can look forward to drinking during more of your games.
Thanks Blackhawks! Now I can look forward to drinking during more of your games.
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