May 31 Game Preview: Cubs VS Dodgers

Sunday, May 31, 2009:
Chicago Cubs VS LA Dodgers
Game Info:

Records: Dodgers (34-7, 1st in NL West)
Cubs (25-23, 4th in NL Central)
Pitching Match up: Eric Milton (1-0, 3.00 ERA) VS Sean Marshall (3-3, 3.70 ERA)
First Pitch: 7:05 PM CT
Stadium: Wrigley Field
TV/Radio: ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball, 720 AM, WRTO 1200 AM (Spanish)

Series Info:
This Series: The 4th and final game tonight. The Cubs took the series lead with the 7-0 win yesterday.
Season Series: This is the first series of 2009 between the 2 clubs. After today, the next time they meet is Aug. 20-23 for a 4 game set in LA.
All-Time Series (since 1901): Cubs 936, Dodgers 932

Dodger Hitters Career VS Marshall:
Brad Ausmus: 3-12, 1 HR
Russell Martin: 1-2 RBI
Orlando Hudson: 1-6, HR
Rafael Furcal: 1-5, HR
Mark Loretta: 1-5
Andre Ethier: 0-2
Matt Kemp: 0-2

Cubs Hitters Career VS Eric Milton:
Milton Bradley: 3-14, HR
Derrek Lee: 4-18, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB
Aramis Ramirez: 10-28, 3 HR, 7 RBI
Alfonso Soriano: 6-12
Ryan Theriot: 1-1

Weather: A high of 69 today, just a 10% chance of rain!

Latest Cubs Rumors and Info:

• Outfielder Tyler Colvin has been promoted from Class A to AA Tennessee.
  
• Mike Fontenot is expected to get most of the playing time at 2B in the absence of Aramis Ramirez. Lou likes Fontenot at 3rd and says that “We can use Scales and Blanco at second.” He also pointed out that it will help when we get Miles back from the DL.
• The Cubs are not going to use Jake Fox as an everyday 3rd baseman. However, they will continue to work with him at 3rd in case of an injury.
• Carlos Zambrano threw a bullpen session to stay on track for his next start after the suspension, which will be Thursday, the final game in Atlanata.
• According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Tom Rickets is closer to closing the deal on the sale of the Cubs than recent reports suggest. Let’s hope so!
• Little Cubs Field was opened yesterday in the Chicago area. Pitchers Carlos Marmol and Angel Guzman generously gave some of their time to help officially open the park.
• The bottom of the Cubs order has been really struggling this year. Last year it was a strength of the team with guys like Mark DeRosa, Jim Edmonds, and Geovany Soto coming through with a lot of rallies.
  

Injury Report:

• Rich Harden, on the 15-day DL with a mid back sprain, played catch on Thursday. He will play long toss today, and if he passes that test he could pitch a bullpen session. There is no timetable set for Harden’s return.
• Alfonso Soriano’s left knee continues to bother him. We’ll see if he’s in the lineup today. He did not have a hit yesterday.
• Ryan Dempster pitched with a blister yesterday day and did a heck of a job, throwing 7 shutout innings. Lou said before yesterday’s game that if they didn’t have 2 starts out already, they would have skipped Demp in the rotation.
• The Gatorade machine that Zambrano took a bat to on Wednesday is the latest injury. It will be removed from the Cubs dugout soon according to Ken Rosenthal.
• Aramis Ramirez, Ryan Freel, Aaron Miles, Chad Fox, and also Harden all remain on the DL.

Minor League Scores Today:
Iowa Cubs: Completed game started on May 3, final score Iowa 4, Memphis 2. Neal Cotts pitched 1.1 scoreless innings. The I-Cubs lost the second game 4-3. Tennessee Smokies: Loss 10-2 to Carolina
Daytona Cubs: Win 11-3 against Sarasota
Peoria Chiefs: Loss 4-2 to Great Lakes

Numbers Breakdown: Milton Bradley VS Mark DeRosa:
Batting Average- DeRosa .268, Bradley .223
HR- DeRosa 8, Bradley 5
RBI- Bradley 14, DeRosa 8
OBP- Bradley .340, DeRosa .346
Versatility/defense- DeRosa +1
Better Guy in Clubhouse/Off the Field/leader- DeRosa +1
So the final Score is DeRosa 4, Bradley 2 and the numbers don’t lie!

This Date in Cubs History:
2005- The Cubs down the Dodgers‚ 2-1‚ in 10 innings. Carlos Zambrano‚ Michael Wuertz‚ and Ryan Dempster combine to hold Los Angeles to one hit-a 3rd inning bloop double by Cesar Izturis.
2003- The Cubs down the Astros‚ 1-0‚ in 16 innings. It is the longest 1-0 game for Chicago since a 17-inning win over Boston in 1901. Houston pitchers set a team record with 23 strikeouts in the contest‚ while the Cubs set a club mark by fanning that many times.

Cubbie Birthdays:
Kenny Lofton (42)

Cubs Poll:

Thanks to everyone who voted on our last poll! Here are the results:

Q: What hitter are you most impressed with early in the season?

1. Kosuke, 8 votes

2. Soriano/Theriot, 2 votes each

Our new poll:

Q: What inter-league series at Wrigley are you looking forward too the most?

A. VS Sox June 16-18

B. VS CLE June 19-21

Cubs Starting Lineup (I‘ll post it when I get it):
1. Soriano, LF
2. Theriot, SS
3. Bradley, RF
4. Lee, 1B
5. Johnson, CF
6. Soto, C
7. Scales, 2B
8. Fontenot, 3B
9. Marshall, P

Some Updates Just in from Carrie Muskat:

• This could be Sean Marshall second to last start. Lou said that Sean fits in the bullpen once Harden returns.
• Lou said that he wants Marshall in the bullpen so they can have a good lefty with experience out there.
• No set-backs for Harden, he could throw off the mound Tuesday in Atlanta.
• Zambrano will return Thursday.
• Dempster will pitch either next Friday or Saturday. He is dealing with a blister.
• The Cubs have released minor league outfielder Richie Robnett.

Let’s go get our 5th win in the last 6 games!

First Game Preview!

For tonight's game VS the Dodgers, I will be posting a Game Preview on this site for the first time this season. I will have a game preview for every game from here on out! The game preview will be posted about 90 minutes before game time! Tomorrow, I will take a look at the first 2 months of Cubs Baseball here in 2009, and I will also have our usual off day post.

So stay tuned, lots to come in the next 2 days as we close out May today and turn to June tomorrow!

A Look at the Cubs in the Hitting Categories

Runs: 209 (12th in NL, 22nd in MLB)
Hits: 389 (14th in NL, 27th in MLB)
HR: 53 (4th in NL, 11th in MLB)
TB: 627 (13th in NL, 24th in MLB)
RBI: 198 (11th in NL, 21st in MLB)
BA: .249 (11th in NL, 24th in MLB)
OBP: .328 (12th in NL, 21st in MLB)

Not Good!

Tomorrow we'll take a look at the Cubs team pitching stats. On Monday, I'll have the full end of the first 2 months Cubs Team Report.

Cubbie Birthdays:
John Felske (67)
Jay Loviglio (53)
Turk Lown (85)

This Date in Cubs History:
1927- Cubs' shortstop Jimmy Cooney completes an unassisted triple play as he snares Paul Waner's liner, steps on second to double up Paul's brother, Lloyd, and the tags Clyde Barnhart coming from first for the third out.

1971-Willie Stargell clocks a Ken Holtzman pitch deep into the right field upper deck at Three Rivers Stadium‚ one of four he will park there‚ and the Corsairs coast to a 10-0 romp over the Cubs. Bob Moose is the victor over Ken Holtzman.

That's it for now, Let's go get a win today!

Cubs and Dodgers Take Turns Beating Each other 2-1

Last night, Randy Wells pitched a heck of a game. However, yet again, the Cubs bats were not there for him and he ended up getting hit with the loss, even though he only allowed 2 runs. The Cubs had scoring chance in the 8th and again in the 9th with runners at second and 3rd with one out. The Cubs fell short in a 2-1 loss.

Today, the Cubs fell behind on a 7th inning, 2-out, solo homer against Lilly. But they battled right back when Koyie Hill tied the game on a home run of his own in the bottom of the frame. The Cubs had blown 2 more key scoring chances early in this game, but Kosuke came through with a bases loaded sac fly to give the Cubs the lead.

Carlos Marmol started the 8th wild, but the Cubs got a few breaks on calls by the umpires, and Marmol ended up getting out of it. In the 9th, it got interesting after a 2-out Bobby Scales error to put runners at first and second. The Cubs (thankfully) got out of it, and the Cubs evened the series.

Lou with the media:

• Had some chances early in the game, but finally got the runs in later in the game.
• Got Ted Lilly a deserved win.
• Lou doesn't know what happened on the play that Pierre tried to bunt at when it his him in the 8th.
• Lilly "competes, takes it seriously, and is very professional.
• A big hit by Koyie Hill.
• Lou says the Cubs just need to relax and swing the bats.
• The Cubs have played well on defense both games in the series.
• We'll see what happens tomorrow and Sunday.

As long as the Cubs win, it's all good!

Zambrano Suspended 6 games

According to Jon Heyman, Carlos Zambrano has been suspended for 6 games. This isn't all that bad, Z's next start will just have to be pushed back. I think MLB judged fairly on this one.

Zambrano's next start would have came on an off day, so the Cubs do not need to a call up a starting pitcher to take his place.

Also, Rich Harden is expected to be out for at least 3 more weeks!

The Cubs are losing key guys early on this year and it's not good!

Some Rumors:

• Heyman says that the Cubs "don't seem anxious to make a deal for Jake Peavy.
• Jim Hendry had this to say about trading Mark DeRosa, "Nobody likes losing a guy like DeRosa but there wasn't anywhere else to get left-handed, you know. And over time, I think we will see that we got pretty good guys for him. So we mixed and matched some of the dollars that were made with [DeRosa] and other guys who are not here, and added the guys that we did."
• According to Kiley McDaniel of Baseball Prospectus, the Cubs are 1 of 8 teams going after Dominican Miguel Angel Sano. He's a 15 year old Short Stop.
• The Braves are interested in bringing Mark DeRosa back to Atlanta.
• Even with the recent winning streak, the Padres are still planning on trading Peavy.
• The Cubs and Dodgers are Peavy's tier choices.

This Date in Cubs History:

2004- Matt Clement becomes the 21st big league pitcher and the first Cubs' hurler in over a century to hit three batters in one inning to tie a major league record. The victims plucked in the fifth inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Pirates are Bobby Hill, Jason Kendall and Craig Wilson.

2006- In an 11 inning slugfest at Wrigley Field, the Braves establish a new club record by hitting eight homers in a 13-12 win over the Cubs. Marcus Giles, Andruw Jones, Ryan Langerhans Adam LaRoche (2), Brayan Pena and ,Edgar Renteria (2) all go deep for Atlanta.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Tom Grant (52)

Mike Maksudian (43)

Randy Martz (53)

Bobby Gene Smith (75)

And yesterday I forgot to mention, the voice of the Cubs on radio Pat Hughes, turned 54.

Let's go get the Dodgers!

I'll keep you posted on the Rumors, Zambrano, the injuries, and everything Cubs!

Turn the Plane Around, Bobby Scales Right Back to Big Leagues

Ryan Freel, who left yesterday's game with a left hamstring pull, has been placed on the DL. Bobby Scales will be called back up to take his place on the roster. So right now, all of our backup infielders and third baseman started the year at AAA. I would expect Andres Blanco to mostly backup of SS, and Fox will split time in the lineup with Scales. Now 3 of our infielders are on the DL!

I'm happy Scales got called right back up! His a great story after all the years in the minor leauges and he was hitting pretty good (better than Freel and Miles!).

The Cubs are hesitent to use Jake Fox at 3B because of his lack of experience there. I think they should go ahead and put him in there! That guy can hit!

I'll keep you posted.

Cubs Win 2 in a Row

Last night, the Cubs won a game that was shortened to only 5 innings because of rain. Sean Marshall pitched a strong game and the Cubs won 6-2. Kosuke hit a home run in the win. The win ended a 8 game lossing streak.

Back-to-back doubles in the 9th of today's game by Andres Blanco and Jake Fox to bring in 2 runs. Yes, I'm talking about the MLB game! There were some changes with the Cubs roster before today's game:

• Neal Cotts are Bobby Scales have been optioned to AAA.
• Aaron Miles has been placed on the 15-day DL with a right shoulder strain.
• Jake Fox, Andres Blanco, and Jason Waddell have been called up to take the open spots and the roster.

Reed Johnson had a key solo homer in the bottom of the 8th to put the Cubs ahead 3-2. Geovany Soto got a single, the the aforementioned doubles by Blanco and Fox put together a pair of doubles to make it 5-2.

Kevin Gregg got the save, Cubs take 2 out of 3 against the Pirates!

The bad news of the day: Carlos Zambrano was thrown out of the game in the 7th inning after arguing a close play at the plate. Carlos bumped Mark Carlson, the home plate umpire, briefly. Then Zambrano, after being ejected, signaled that Carlson was ejected. Big Z threw the baseball into left field, then threw his glove and stomped off the field. On his way to the clubhouse, he his a Gatorade machine with a bat in the Cubs dugout.

Speaking of Cubs pitchers getting thrown out, Ted Lilly doesn't expect to be penalized more than a fine. Ted claims that all he told Bob Davidson was that he needed to concentrate more. Davidson said, "everything [Lilly] said to [the media] was bull. Everything I read in the paper that he said was untrue. He never said one of those words. What he said to me, you couldn't print in the paper."

Here's what Lou had to say to the media today:

• Our bullpen did a nice job.
• He’s going to have a talk with Carlos Zambrano, who need “to calm down a little bit.”
• Carlos thought the runner was out at home plate, it was a real close play and the umpire thought he was safe.
• Carlos has to tone it down.
• Piniella jokes that he’s the only calm, cool, and collected one around here.
• Lou obviously didn’t like Z’s display.
• We’ll have to wait and see what the outcome of this is.
  Piniella said the Lilly thing “came out of the clear blue sky,” but “we can’t have that and we’ll take care of it.”

Zambrano said this after the game:

• I'm a competitor, and he was out, but it's his call.
• Z has not seen the reply and cannot tell us now whether he made contact with the umpire yet.

The Cubs depth in the infield is really being tested. With star third baseman Aramis Ramirz already on the DL, Aaron Miles was placed there today. Then Ryan Freel left the game today with a strained left hamstring. His status is day-to-day.

More info on the 3 guys called up today:

Jake Fox-

• In 40 games at AAA Iowa, hitting .423 with 50 RBIs and 17 HRs this year. Fox is leading the PCL in all 3 triple crown categories.
• Has played 274 minor league games as the catcher, 119 at 1B, 99 in OF, and 4 at 3B. Jake will have to try to play 3B if he wants to stay on the Cubs roster even with his red-hot bat.
• 7 minor league seasons, all in Cubs organization.
• Will wear #5 with the Cubs.

Andres Blanco-

• Made Cubs debut today. Big league debut with Royals in 2004.
• Hitting .314 with 4 HR and 25 RBIs at AAA Iowa this year.
• 564 games at SS, 43 at 2B, 1 at 3B in career.
• Will wear #13 for the Cubs.

Jason Waddell-

• 0-1 with a 5.40 ERA at AAA this year.
• Has yet to make MLB debut
• LHP
• Spent first 8 minor leauge seasons in Giants organization, first with Cubs.
• Will wear #43.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Todd Hundley (40)

Jerry Kindall (74)

This Date in Cubs History:

2005- Cubs P Mark Prior has to leave the game‚ in the 4th inning after being hit in the elbow by a line drive off the bat of Brad Hawpe. A MRI shows a fracture that will sideline the ace indefinitely‚ but he will be back in action next month. Todd Wellemeyer fills in to earn the 10-3 win over the Rockies. Derrek Lee hits two homers‚ Neifi Perez has a HR and 4 RBI‚ and Corey Patterson adds a solo shot.

1984- At Chicago‚ the Reds edge the Cubs 4-3 in a contest protested by both clubs. Ron Cey belts a 3rd inning blow originally called a homer by umpire Rippley. The Reds argue the call and‚ after an ump conference‚ the ruling is a foul. The Cubs then protest. The umps then huddle with Reds manager Rapp and tell him that P Mario Soto is ejected from the game. Soto charges the field tackling Cubs coach Don Zimmer and then gets re-ejected. Both teams then file a protest.

Let's hope the Cubs take this momentum in to a BIG 4-game weekend series against the Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Game 1 tomorrow night!

Cubs Hitters Show up, But pitchers Don't; MLB Draft, All Star Game Voting, And More!

The Cubs hitters showed up last night, but the hitting did not. The Cubs have no loss 8 in a row. They scored more runs last night than they did on the whole previous road trip, but still did not get a W. Here are some Cubs notes:

• Mike Fontenot and Kosuke were available on the bench, but were not used last night. There were 2 spots where these guys should have been used, one when Jose Ascaino hit for himself, even though he did not stay in the game and pitch the next inning, and another when Carlos Zambrano was used as a pinch hitter in a key spot.
• Lou has seen enough of Neal Cotts walking people and giving up home runs. He said, "We've given Neal all the opportunities in the world, it's time isn't it?"
• Billy Williams will represent the Cubs at the MLB draft next month. The first round will be on MLB Network June 9 at 5 PM CT. MLB.com will have the rest of the draft after the first round.
• I'll have full coverage of the draft and leading up to the draft right here on this blog.
• Derrek Lee missed his second game in a row last night, he has the flu.
• Ted Lilly was ejected from the bench during last nights game. Ted told the home plate umpire Bob Davidson that he needed to concentrate a little more, and ended up getting tossed.
• According to multiple sources, the Cubs are interested in Kevin Kouzmanoff of the Padres. The Cubs would like to add him to the infield mix to fill in for Ramirez at 3B.

All Star Voting Update:

• Soriano is vying for his 8th trip to the midsummer classic and ranks second among NL outfielders (top 3 OF make it)
• Aramis Ramirez is in the top 5 in fan voting at 3B.
• The All Stats will be announce on the Selection Show on TBS July 5.

Speaking of TBS, tune in tonight at 9:30, they will be playing the episode of My Boys that Mike Fontenot and Micah Hoffpauir acted for in Spring Training!

Cubbie Birthdays:

Jason Bere (38)

Eddie Haas (74)

Chuck Hartenstein (67)

Randall Simon (34)

This Date in Cubs History:

2006- Carlos Zambrano walks 4 in the 1st inning against Atlanta, then loses his no-hit bid in the 7th when Jacque Jones loses a ball in the sun. The Braves rally for 3 runs in the 9th, one on a bases loaded walk by Ryan Dempster, to beat the Cubs, 6-5. Chicago has now lost 19 of 23 games.

1997- In the Cubs' 2-1 win in Pittsburgh‚ Chicago's Sammy Sosa and Pittsburgh's Tony Womack both hit inside-the-park homers in the sixth inning. It is the first time two inside-the-park homers are hit in the same NL game since Lou Brock and Hector Cruz of St. Louis did it against San Diego on June 18‚ 1976. Greg Gagne of the Twins had two for Minnesota on October 4‚ 1986.

One site note:

As soon as the calendar turns to June, I will start posting a daily Game Preview for each day's game. The Game Preview will include:

• The all time series VS that team.
• The season series VS that team.
• The location, time, and broadcast info for the game.
• The pitching matchup.
• Weather
• Notes from the papers that morning.
• Radio Recaps.
• The injury report.
• Minor League teams games for that day.
• Updates on quotes from the player/Lou and any other team news.
• Rumors
• Numbers Breakdowns

I've been very busy this month, but I plan to have even more to offer on the site once we move into June.

Also look for the Cubs First 2 month in Review on May 31 or June 1.

Coming up at 7:05 Ian Snell will pitch against Sean Marshall as the Cubs try to stop an 8 game skid.

Let's break the streak tonight!

7 Ls in a Row!

The Cubs are not hitting, at all!

Let's hope they break out of this tonight, at Wrigley. I'll be at the game tonight, and I don't want to see a game where the Cubs only score 1-2 runs. It's hard to blog about I team when they're playing as bad as the Cubs are right now, because there is nothing good to say really and everyone already knows how bad they are playing.

The last time the Cubs lost 7 games or more in a row, was an 8 game skid in May of 2006! And we all know where the Cubs finished that year.

A Happy Memorial Day to everyone out there. I hope you've enjoyed some time with family and friends like I have this weekend.

The Cubs bench situation is really not good right now. I don't think they have as good of a mix on this ballclub as they did a year ago. I knew before the season even started, that they needed to keep:

• Henry Blanco
• Mark DeRosa
• Ronny Cedeno
• Jim Edmonds

These guys were team leaders, they came through in key spots. The one that really bothers me, other than DeRosa, is Blanco. What reason did they have for not signing him? I like Koyie Hill, but Henry played better defense and new the pitching staff, and was a team leader!

Well let's move on to Cubbie Birthdays:

Angel Echevarria (38)

Jim Marshall (78)

1982- In the third inning of Chicago's 2-1 loss to Padres, Cubs' right-hander Fergie Jenkins whiffs shortstop Gary Templeton to record his 3,000th career strikeout

2005- The Astros break a 7-game losing streak beating Greg Maddux and the Chicago Cubs‚ 5-1. Maddux gets 17 of his 23 outs on the ground in the loss. LaTroy Hawkins of the Cubs retire the Houston Astros in the 9th inning on three pitched balls.

Let's hope the last one is a good sign that today the Cubs will break a 7-game losing streak!

Cubs Looking to make Some Changes?

They need some! The Cubs pitchers have been doing fine this week, but the bats have been silent! I cannot remember a week this bad in past years. Things just really don't feel right for this year. I think last year they had the perfect combination, and it felt like it was the year. Maybe the year that we've all been waiting for will happen a year that the Cubs get hot late in the season and manage to get in the playoffs, who knows?

Since the Peavy to the White Sox trade was rejected by Jake, lots of other rumors involving the right hander have been spreading around MLB. Here are those involving the Cubs:

• Peavy prefers to stay in the NL.
• The Cubs still have interest according to Buster Olney.
• Paul Sullivan says that the team could go after Jake after ownership situation has progressed.

I've also been hearing a lot about Jake Fox lately. He's tearing it up at AAA. The Cubs are wasting a roster spot on David Patton, who has not been used in the last 2 weeks. We could use that extra hitter instead of Patton! Also, the Cubs have been looking at some 2B-men including Mark DeRosa. Could the Cubs get De-Ro back?

I'll keep you posted.

Soriano at 2B?, Z off DL, Cubs Swept by Cards

• The Cubs lost again last night and are still not hitting. This team needs to pull it together, and soon!
• Lou Piniella could have a move up his sleeve to wake up this slumping lineup according to multiple reports. Alfonso Soriano could be moved back to his original position at 2B. Lou said after the game that he might sit slumping Mike Fontenot for a while, so it could be possible.
• Micah Hoffpauir would be the guy to take over in LF. The Cubs lineup would have lots of potential with that many big bats!
• Jake Peavy rejected a trade to the White Sox yesterday. He will pitch against the Cubs at 9:05 CT tonight. I really don't think the Cubs are interested in adding pitching right now, we need some hitters!
• Carlos Zambrano will go for the Cubs in that game tonight. Someone will have to be sent down for him to come off the DL. My guess would be Jose Ascaino, but it could be Neal Cotts or David Patton.

I'll keep you posted.

Jake Peavy close to Coming to Chicago

UPDATE: Peavy has rejected the trade!

To play for the White Sox! Yes, the same guy the Cubs went after all off season could be headed to the other side of the windy city. The Sox and Padres have agreed to the terms of a deal that would send Peavy to Chicago in exchange for players including Clayton Richard and Aaron Poreda. It is all up to Peavy now, will he accept this trade?

I'll keep you posted!

-----------------------------------------
This Date in Cubs History:

1999- In a long rumored move‚ the Twins finally trade Rick Aguilera‚ along with minor league P Scott Downs‚ to the Cubs for minor league pitchers Jason Ryan and Kyle Lohse. Tomorrow‚ Cubs reliever Rod Beck undergoes arthroscopic surgery on his elbow.

1991- Manager Don Zimmer is fired by the Cubs and replaced by Jim Essian.

Cubs have Lost 3 in a Row, Not Playing Well

The Cubs need to start scoring some runs! They've wasted 2 strong pitching outings in a row from Rich Harden and Ryan Dempster! The bats have been silent in this series. Let's hope they turn in around in tonight's game at 7:15 CT!

Cubbie Birthdays:
Bob Molinaro (59)
El Tappe (82)
Moe Thacker (75)

More posts to come hopefully!

Off Day Notes

Minor Leagues:

• The Iowa Cubs are 19-17, in 3rd place.
• Best Hitter: Jake Fox, hitting .426 with 16 HR and 46 RBIs!
• Best Pitcher: Jeff Steves, 2.16 ERA.
• Carlos Zambrano was not his best in a minor league rehab on Sunday. He gave up 5 hits and 3 walks to Class A hitters over just 3 and 2/3 innings.
• I'll have a full minor league and Former Cub Update on the next Off Day.

Zambrano is scheduled to return to the rotation on Friday against the Padres. The Cubs will have to make a roster decision by then, as to who goes down, who goes to the pen, and who stays in the rotation.

NL Central Standings:

• 1. Brewers, 23-14
• 2. Cubs, 1.5 GB
• 3. St. Louis, 2 GB
• 4. Cin, 3 GB
• 5. Houston, 5.5 GB
• 6. Pit, 7 GB

Cubbie Birthdays:

Rich Garces (38)

Jim Sundberg (58)

Chris Ward (60)

Eric Young (42)

David Patton, curent Cub, is 25 today!

This Date in Cubs History:

1990- Cubs' second baseman Ryan Sandberg's errorless game streak comes to an end after 123 games and 584 chances. Joe Morgan had held the previous record of 91 games.

2004- The Giants down the Cubs‚ 1-0‚ behind the 1-hit pitching of Jason Schmidt. Michael Barrett's 2-out infield single in the 5th inning is Chicago's only safety.

Cubs and Cardinals first of 3 tomorrow night at 7:15 CT. Ted Lilly will pitch against Joel Pineiro.

Cubs Pull One Out, New Poll, and More

The Cubs managed to win yesterday on a walk-off 9th inning base hit from Alfonso Soriano. However, the game should not have even gone that far. The Cubs scored 3 in the bottom of the 6th, including a 2-run homer from Micah Hoffpauir, and added one in the bottom of the 8th. Kevin Gregg came in, in a non-save situation to close it out. But Gregg allowed back-to-back jacks to the first 2 Houston batters in the inning. The next two guys got base hits, then a hit batsman ended Gregg's day with the bases loaded, 2 runs in, and nobody out. Aaron Heilman allowed a base hit to bring in 2 and tie the game when he came in. Heilman managed to get 2 outs, but then walked a man to load them up with 2 down. Sean Marshall came in, and got Lance Berkman to ground out and finally the inning ended. Bobby Scales got a key lead off walk in the 9th for the Cubs, then Miles bunted him over, then Alfonso hit him in.

Other Notes from Game:

• Randy Wells, who pitched 6 shutout innings, did not get the win due to Gregg and Heilman's problems in the 9th.
• Angel Guzman worked a solid 7th, Lou is gaining confidence in him.
• Hoffpauir's home run was his 4th on the year.
• Derrek Lee and Geovany Soto both had RBI hits, let's hope those to break out of their slumps.

Lou backed Kevin Gregg after his shaky outing saying, "If we get in a close situation, he'll be out there again."

The Cubs have a decision looming in the rotation as to whether Randy Wells will stay in the rotation once Zambrano returns, or Marshall will stay in the rotation. We'll have to wait and see according to Lou.

Thanks to Everyone who voted on our last poll:

Q: Who is the biggest disappointment of April?

1. Milton Bradley, 5 Votes

1. Geovany Soto, 5 Votes

3. Derrek Lee, 3 Votes

4. Kevin Gregg, 2 Votes

5. Other, 1 Vote

It's time for a new poll!

Q: What hitter are you most impressed with early in the season?

A. Soriano

B. Theriot

C. Kosuke

D. Other

Please vote on our right sidebar!

Cubbie Birthdays:

Porfi Altamirano (57)

Billy Hoeft (77)

This Date in Cubs History:

1979- The Phillies beat the Cubs in a fifty-hit slugfest at Wrigley Field, 23-22. The 11 home runs hit in the game ties a major league mark.

2006- The Cubs beat the Nationals, 5-0, as rookie Sean Marshall and 3 relievers combine on a 1-hitter. Alfonso Soriano’s leadoff single in the 6th is Washington’s only hit.

Thanks to all the sites that I use for my research on T.D.I.C.H. as always.

Cubs VS Astros today at 1:20, Cubs looking to win their 6th in a row!

Cubs and Astros Rained Out

Today's game at Wrigley Field between the Cubs and Astros has been postponed. The make up game will be July 30, a scheduled off day for both teams at 1:20 CT. The Cubs, by the way, are 20-0 when they've scored 4 or more runs this season! However, they're averaging 2.2 runs in their losses. Randy Wells will pitch for the Cubs tomorrow, in a game that starts at NOON CT. Milton Bradley was going to serve his one game suspension today, my guess is that he will do so tomorrow.

Cubbie Birhdays:
Billy North (61)

This Date in Cubs History:

1960- after being traded from the Phillies, Don Cardwell no-hits the Cardinals in his Cub debut. The Winston-Salem, NC native becomes the first pitcher to keep the opponents hitless in a first start after being traded.

2003- Corey Patterson's 2-run HR in the 17th inning leads the Cubs to a 4-2 win over the Brewers.

Let's just hope for better weather tomorrow!

Cubs Sweep, Bradley Update, and More!

• Cubs won today 11-3!
• That's 4 wins in a row!
• Ryan Dempster not only pitched 7 strong, but also had 2 hits and 2 RBIs.
• Koskue was on base 4 times, he stays hot.
• Reed Johnson had a bases loaded double to plate 2.
• Bobby Scales had a BIG day with 4 RBIs. He's been playing very well!
• Jose Ascaino pitched 2 strong innings, his first big league appearance of the season.

Milton Bradley's suspension has been reduced to one game.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Dave LaRoche (61)

Dick Tidrow (62)

This date in Cubs history:

2000- Although Sammy Sosa gets five hits, Henry Rodriquez drives in seven runs and Eric Young steals five bases, the Cubs still manage to lose to the Expos, 16-15. Young's accomplishment on the bases is the most by a Cubs player since 1881 when George Gore stole seven bases.

1968- Dodger P Don Drysdale shuts out the Cubs‚ 1-0. It is the 5th game in a row that the Dodgers have scored but one run‚ tying a ML record held by 4 other teams. LA will score 3 tomorrow in a loss to the Cubs.

Thanks to this site, and a few others for Cubs History as always.

Randy Wells will make his second start in place of Zambrano tomorrow against the Reds in game 1 of a 3 game weekend series at the Friendly Confines. First pitch at 1:20 in the afternoon.

"I don't care who wins as long as it's the Cubs!"

Rain, Rain Go Away

Right now the Cubs and Padres are on a Rain Delay, but the first pitch it scheduled for 7:40 CT.

For now...
Cubbie Birthdays:
Terry Hughes (60)
Lou Stringer (92)

This Date in Cubs History:
1969- In the Cubs' 19–0 rout of the Padres, first baseman Ernie Banks drives in seven runs on two three-run homers and a double. Dick Selma allows just three hits giving Chicago their third shutout in a row, following consecutive no-run performances by Ferguson Jenkins and Ken Holtzman.

1982- Allen Ripley and Lee Smith combine to shut out Houston in Chicago's 5-0 victory at the Astrodome. The Cubs' win is their 8,000th victory in franchise history.

Let's hope they get the game in!

Cubs Win, Injury Updates

The Cubs came back and won yesterday by a score of 6-2. Notes from the win:

• Derrek Lee returned to the Cubs lineup and went 0-3 with a walk.
• Milton Bradley hit a key 2-run homer to give the Cubs the lead for the first time, in the 6th inning.
• Rich Harden pitched 6 innings and gave up just 2 runs.
• Heilman, Marmol, and Gregg all threw scoreless frames in relief.
• Bobby Scales delivered his first career home run.
• Kosuke stayed red hot at the plate with a 3-5 day.

Updates on Ramirez and Zambrano:

• Carlos Zambrano will make a rehab start this weekend for the Daytona Cubs.
• Everything is going well and Big Z is schedule to return at the end of the 15 days, which is a week from yesterday.
• We've heard at least a month, and know we're hearing at least 6 weeks for Ramirez to recover from his shoulder injury, possibly 8!

Cubs VS Padres tonight at 7:05, Ted Lilly will pitch against Chris Young.

I'll keep you posted on the injuries!

May 11 Off Day Notes: Former Cubs, Minor League Updates, and More!

Here's your update on the 2008 (or '09) Chicago Cubs that are no longer with the team:

• Mark DeRosa (CLE): .238 AVG, 6 HR, 21 RBI
• Kerry Wood (CLE): 1-1, 6.55 ERA, 11 IP, 5 SV
• Felix Pie (BAL): .183 BA, 1 HR, 2 RBI
• Rich Hill (BAL): Has not made season debut, is on rehab. Pitched 6 innings, gave up 2 hits, and had 7 Ks for AAA yesterday.
• Ronny Cedeno (SEA): .138 AVG, 1 HR, 1 RBI
• Jason Marquis (COL): 4-2, 3.92 ERA, 41.1 IP
• Henry Blanco (SD): .176 AVG, 3 HR, 4 RBI
• Bobby Howry (SF): 0-2, 3.38 ERA, 13.1 IP
• Michael Wuertz (OAK): 2-1, 1.53 ERA, 17.2 IP
• Chad Gaudin (SD): 0-2, 4.08 ERA, 17.2 IP, will start against Cubs on Thursday.
• Joey Gathright (BAL): Has yet to make O's debut.
• Daryle Ward: Has signed with the White Sox on May 4, sent to AAA. Hitting .310 with 2 HR at AAA.

Iowa Cubs: 17-13, 2nd in PCL American North

Hitters Stats:

• Jake Fox: .338 AVG, 12 HR, 34 RBI
• Jason Dubois: .382 AVG, 4 HR, 12 RBI
• Chris Robinson: .373 AVG, 1 HR, 18 RBI
• Brad Snyder: .318 AVG, 8 HR, 25 RBI
• Bobby Scales: .303 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI
• Andres Blanco: .297 AVG, 2 HR, 15 RBI
• Luis Rivas: .281 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI
• Doug Deeds: .281 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI
• So Taguchi: .259, 0 HR, 4 RBI
• Sam Fuld: .230, 0 HR, 8 RBI
• Matt Camp: .214 AVG, 0 HR 7, RBI
• Nate Spears: .158, 0 HR, 7 RBI
• Matt Matulia: .125 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI
• Mark Johnson: .108 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI
• David Macias: 0-6
• Kyle Reynolds: 0-4

Pitchers:

• Mitch Atkins: 2-3, 6.98 ERA
• Esmalin Caridad: 3-2, 3.77 ERA
• Jose Ascaino: 1-1, 1.01 ERA
• Randy Wells: 3-0, 2.77 ERA
• J.R. Mathes: 4-3, 3.81 ERA
• Greg Reinhard: 1-0, .040 ERA
• Jesse Estrada: 1-1, 7.04 ERA
• Jeff Samardzija: 0-0, 4.20 ERA
• Kevin Hart: 0-2, 6.91 ERA
• Jeff Stevens: 0.00 ERA
• Jason Waddell: 0-1, 3.09 ERA
• Chad Fox: 1-0, 1.59 ERA
• Vince Perkins: 1-0, 5.40 ERA
• Justin Berg: 1-0, 5.40 ERA
• Jayson Ruhlman: 14.73 ERA

Tennessse Smokies: 14-12, 2nd in the SOU North

Daytona Cubs: 13-16, tied for 3rd in FSL North

Peoria Cheifs: 16-13, 3rd in MID Western

NL Central Standings:

• 1. St. Louis, 20-12
• 2. Mil, 2 GB
• 3. Cubs, 2.5 GB
• 4. Cin, 2.5 GB
• 5. Hou, 5.5 GB
• 6. Pitt, 7.5 GB

The Cubs did have a winning road trip at 3-2. So far this year they have scored 149 runs, and allowed 148 runs.

Other Notes:

• Cubs VS Padres tomorrow night at 7:05. Jake Peavy against Rich Harden.
• The commissioner's office is going to review the Ryan Braun at bat against Ryan Dempster where Demp was accused of throwing at him. The Cubs don't expect the pitcher to be penalized, and if he is they will put up a fight. A fine is possible, but a suspension is unlikely according to Paul Sullivan.
• Derrek Lee will not need a stint on the DL. He could be back in the lineup this week.
• Jake Fox sat out this weekend after getting hit in the leg by shards of a broken bat. His leg required 5 stitches.
• Ryan Freel, Milton Bradley, Geovany Soto, Mike Fontenot, Aaron Miles, and Ryan Theriot all used a pink bat on Sunday because of the Mother's Day Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer that MLB has every year. The bats are sold online, $10 from each sale goes to the Komen foundation.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Dewey Adkins (91)

Gene Hermanski (89)

Trenidad Hubbard (43)

Jerry Martin (60)

Milt Pappas (70).

This Date in Cubs History:

2000- The Cubs and Brewers broke the NL record for the longest non-extra inning game. The contest lasted 4 hours and 22 minutes. The Cubs lost 14-8.

2003- With the Cards leading the Cubs 11-9 at Wrigley Field in the top of the 5th inning, the game is called on account of rain. Starters Matt Clement and Brett Tomko give up all the runs, but they won’t count against their ERA’s. The 23-MPH wind helped Albert Pujols hit a grand slam and boosted homers by Tino Martinez (2), Moises Alou, Corey Patterson, Troy O’Leary, and Alex Gonzalez. (thanks to baseballlibrary.com.)

Don't forget to vote on our poll!

Remember you can email me anytime it's cubsblogmailbag@aol.com.

I'll have a post just like this on every Cubs off day all season long! The next off day is a week from today, Monday the 18th.

Cubs Win, Injury Updates

The Cubs managed to salvage something in the Brewers series with the win yesterday. The Cubs got some timely hitting, including a game-tying 2-run homer that sparked a rally.

Derrek Lee is scheduled to have an MRI today. He could be placed on the DL, joining Zambrano, Ramirez, and Fox on that list. I would expect Jake Fox would get called up if Lee goes down. Fox is a good pinch hitter and can backup 1B and 3B.

I'll have my usual full off day post later on!

Cubs Not playing well

• The Cubs have the 14th best ERA in the NL out of 16 teams!
• Now Ryan Theriot is out after being hit with the pitch in yesterday's loss.
• Lee still out with neck issues. I wouldn't be surprised to see him starting on Tuesday or Wednesday.
• Aramis Ramirez is not yet on the DL, but could be out for awhile, we'll see.
• Chad Fox has been placed on the 15-Day DL. Jose Ascaino called up from AAA.
• Sean Marshall struggling early in the game today.
• Cubs are trailing 2-0 trying to avoid a horrible sweep to the Brewers.
• The heart-breaker on Friday night really turned things around for the worst for the Chicago Cubs, when the Cubs wasted a great outing by Randy Wells in his first big league start.
• Cubs bullpen having all kinds of problems. The have Gregg and Marmol, but there's nobody else that anyone really trusts in key spots.
• Kosuke hit a triple with 2 outs in the first, but was left on 3rd today. Fukudome is the only one hitting well.
• Geovany Soto has continued to struggle, we REALLY need him to start swinging it!
• The Padres and Astros will be in on the next homestand.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there today! Here are the Cubbie Birthdays on this Mother's Day:

Jim Hickman (72)

Tim Hosley (62)

Merritt Ranew (71)

This Date in Cubs History:

2003- The Cubs best the Cardinals‚ 3-2‚ in 10 innings on Alex Gonzalez's walk-off HR. It is the 3rd extra-inning‚ game-winning homer this month for Gonzalez‚ tying the team's single-season record held by Ron Santo and Ernie Banks. Gonzalez hit extra-inning homers on May 1 and May 4. The only other player to hit 3 in one calendar month was Ron Gant‚ in 1995. Starter Kerry Wood throws 141 pitches but the win goes to reliever Mike Remlinger.

2001- The Brewers defeat the Cubs‚ 11-1‚ as OF Jeromy Burnitz hits 3 HRs and drives in 6 runs. Devon White adds a grand slam‚ while Sosa does the only Cubs damage with his 398th career HR.

1955- Dodger ace Don Newcombe one-hits the Cubs 3-0. Gene Baker‚ who singles in the 4th and is caught stealing‚ is the only base runner.

Cubs are rallying, Soriano just hit a 2-run homer to tie it up! I'll keep you posted!

Ramirez to DL

Aramis Ramirez has been placed on the 15-day DL. No sure what is going on with the injuries this year! Aramis has a shoulder injury and will miss 4-6 weeks. Ryan Freel has been activated. He was in the original starting lineup, but was scratched due to hamstring tightness.

I'll keep you posted!

Cubs Trade for Ryan Freel

Big news! The Cubs and Orioles have made a trade that brings versatile Ryan Freel to the Cubs for OF Joey Gathright. Gathright had accepted an assignment to AAA Iowa earlier today. Randy Wells has also been called up from AAA. I'm not yet sure who will be send down to make room for both Freel and Wells on the roster. Ryan is expected to join the Cubs before the game tomorrow night. This is the 3rd trade the Cubs and O's have made this already this year.

Ryan Freel:

• Has played for Blue Jays (2001), Reds (2003-2008), Baltimore (2009), and now the Cubs.
• 33 years old
• B/T: Right
• .272 career batting average.
• Hitting .133 with 1 RBI so far in 2009.
• Career Games by position: CF- 216, RF- 107, 3B- 89, 2B- 101, LF- 75

I like giving Freel a chance because we need depth in the infield who can also play some OF, but I don't think Gathright was given a fair chance to prove what he can do.

Cubbie Birthdays: None Today!

This Date in Cubs History:

1973- After Cubs manager Whitey Lockman was ejected in the 11th inning, Ernie Banks took over for the final few innings of 3-2 12 inning win. Technically, Banks became the first black manager ever in a big league game.

Game 1 of the 3 at Miller Park between the Cubs and Brewers is about an hour away! Go Cubs Go!

Gathright to be Sent Down?

As I mentioned yesterday the Cubs need to make room on the roster for tonight's starting pitcher Randy Wells. Well, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Cubs are planning on sending Joey Gathright to the minors today, and due to service time, he could refuse the assignment and become a free agent. The Cubs have also talked about putting Gathright on waivers. It looks like Bobby Scales might stay with the club after all.

Thanks to Chicago Cubs Online for bringing this to my attention.

I don't like this move at all. I'm actually a fan of Gathright, I think he brings a lot to the table with his amazing speed and solid defense. I don't think Lou have been using him in the way we expected. He should be appearing at least once every game late in the game as a pinch runner. It always helps to add a run late, and stealing second, or having better speed on the bases always helps. Bobby Scales hasn't proved that he is a way better hitter than Gathright, so it just makes more sense to send Scales down so they can keep both of them in the organization.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

I'll keep you posted on this possible roster move!

In Game 5-7 Notes

Some Notes:

• Derrek Lee sat out for the second game in a row tonight with neck stiffness. The bulging disk in his neck could be serious, but the Cubs are not planning on placing him on the DL.
• The Cubs will have to make a roster move before tomorrow's game. Randy Wells, the scheduled starter, is not yet on the big league roster. Either Bobby Scales or someone else will have to be sent down.
• If the bullpen continues to look like they need help, they might get some. Jeff Stevens could be called up from AAA according to the Tribune.
• According to some sources, the Indians have signed Luis Vizcaino. Not sure about this, but I'll keep you posted on it.

Cubbie Birthdays: John Flavin is 67!

This Date in Cubs History:

2008- Jon Lieber became the second Cub in franchise history to allow 4 home runs in one inning! Votto, Dunn, Bako, and Hairston Jr. all go deep in the Reds 9-0 win.

Cubs lead in a nail biter, I'll keep you posted!

The Sale, Cubs Win, Kerry's 20 Ks, and More

• The Cubs made a roster move today sending Jeff Samardzija to AAA-Iowa and calling up Chad Fox to pitch in the Cubs bullpen.
• Milton Bradley had a hearing the was nearly 2 hours today about his suspension that he has appealed, but there is not a decision yet. He expects to hear something in the next 2 days.
• The sale of the Cubs is progressing slowly according to Cubs.com and other sources. It is not expected to be done by the time the owners meet May 20-21.
• Cubs win 6-3 tonight! Reed Johnson a 3 run triple, and Rich Harden pitched a great game. Aramis Ramirez went deep in the win.
• Lee missed tonight's game with a stiff neck.

This Date in Cubs History:

1994- The Cubs 10-1 win over the Pirates ends Anthony Young's 29-game losing streak as a starter and also snaps the Cubs 14 game skid at home.

1998- This is one everyone remembers, Kerry Wood, Cubs Rookie, tied a major league record with 20 strike outs in a 2-0 win over the Astros. He gave up just one hit.

I'll keep you posted on Lee, the sale, and everything Cubs!

Top 4 CDs for Cubs Fans

4. Cubs Greatest Hits:

Live Calls from Pat and Ron from 1998 including the game where the Cubs clinched a playoff birth. Also Harry Caray singing, Go Cubs Go, and What I Like About You.

3. Take Me Out to a Cubs Game CD: 0

16 Great Songs, and the Call of Kosuke's HR from Opening Day 2008, and the call of Ernie Banks' 500th homer. See this site for more info.

2. "Welcome to the Friendly Confines of The Pat and Ron Show" - The CD:

If you love Pat and Ron, this is a must get CD for you! This CD includes mostly the weird, silly, and hilarious moments of Pat and Ron. Link to buy CD.

1. Harry Caray "Voice of the Fans" CD.

Part of Pat Hughes' "Baseball Voices series, it's a must get for any Harry Caray fan. Some funny moments, some great moments, some sad moments, you want this CD!

Link for info on all of Pat' "Baseball Voices CDs".

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Cubs lost yesterday, they'll hope to start a new win streak tonight against the Astros at 7:05 CT. It's game 1 of a short 2-game series in Houston, then it's on to Milwaukee.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Leo Burke (75)

Bill Hands (69)

I'll keep you posted!

Randy Wells to be Called Up, Luis Vizcaino Released

• Randy Wells will be called up to take Zambrano's spot in the rotation according to the Sun Times. It looks like he will be starting on Friday.
• The Cubs officially released Luis Vizcaino yesterday.
• Vizcaino, who actually didn't pitch that poorly, got in Lou's dog house by showing up late to the first to games of the season and reporting to Spring Training out of shape.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Dave Gumpert (51)

Jim Kirby (86)

Lennie Merullo (92)

This Date in Cubs History:

1999- The Cubs became the 3rd team in the 1900s to give up a run in every inning in a 13-6 loss to the Rockies.

1989- Andre Dawson picks up 4 hits, he now has 8 hits in his last 8 ABs including 2 3B and 2 HR. The Cubs won the game 4-2 over the Dodgers.

Zambrano Placed on DL

Carlos Zambrano has been placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left hamstring. Not Good! Bobby Scales has been called up from AAA-Iowa to take Z's spot on the 25-man roster. The Cubs will now have an extra guy on the bench so they can get some rest for guys that have been playing every day. The leading candidates to take Zambrano's spot in the rotation are Jose Ascaino, Randy Wells, Mitch Atkins, and Esmalin Caridad.
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Happy Birthday to the following former Cubs today!:
Manuel Aybar (37)
Cy Block (90)
Joe Borowski (38)
Miguel Cairo (35)
Ox Miller (94)

And this Date in Cubs History:
2005- For the 5th time in MLB history, 2 300-game winners faced each other with Greg Maddux pitching for the Cubs against Roger Clemens. The Cubs beat the 'Stros 3-2.

1999- The Cubs blew an early 8-2 lead with the Rockies scoring 3 in the 6th, 7th, and 8th to take the 11-8 lead. The Cubbies bounced back by scoring 2 in the bottom of the 9th, to win 12-11 in a wild game.

Cubs leading the Giants right now, I'll keep you posted!

Look at the week Ahead

The Cubs have now won 3 in a row an taken 3 out of 4 from the Marlins! The big blow was a Derrek Lee Grand Slam in a 6-4 win. Carlos Zambrano left the game with a strained left hamstring, I'll keep you posted on him.

Here's the schedule for this week:

Monday- VS SF, 7:05 WCIU
Tuesday- VS SF, 1:20 CSN
Wednesday- @ HOU, 7:05 CSN
Thurs.- @HOU, 7:05 CSN+
Fri- @ MIL, 7:05 WGN
Sat.- @ MIL, 6:05 CSN
Sun.- @MIL, 1:05 WGN

I'll keep you posted as always.

Number 31 To Be Retired Before Today's Game

Today, the pre-game news conference will begain at Noon CT, and the induction will take place at 1:45 CT. Greg Maddux and Fergie Jenkins will both be honored joining Sandberg, Santo, Banks, and Williams on the flag poles. I'm not sure if they will each get their own flag, or if they will put up just 1.

Some Cubs Notes:

• Theriot's Grand Slam on Friday broke a streak of 620 homer-less ABs. Then of course, the very next day he goes deep again.
• Theriot, Fontenot, and Soriano have played in 23 games so far.
• Lou Piniella said he never remembers facing Fergie Jenkins as a player, but he did going 1-8.
• Aramis Ramirez could return to the lineup today.
• Lou talked about Greg and Fergie. (Link)

The pitching matchup is Carlos Zambrano VS Ricky Nolasco.

Cubbie Birthdays:

Chris Cannizzaro (71)

Joe Kmak (46)

Dave Lopes (64)

Ryan Dempster! (32)

On This Date in Cubs History:

1980: Fergie Jenkins became the 4th major league pitcher to win 100 games in a 3-2 win against the Orioles.

Let's win 3 in a row!

Cubs Split first 2 with Marlins

The Cubs tied the series yesterday with a big 8-5 win. Ryan Theriot hit a clutch Grand Slam that was the difference in the game. It was a rare home run for The Riot, but it came at a great time. Let's hope the Cubs can get something going now! Game 3 of the 4 is coming up at 12:05 with Ted Lilly facing Anibal Sanchez.

Cubbie Birthdays:
Keith Moreland (55)
Ramon Tatis (36)

This Date in Cubs History:

1917: At Wrigley Field, southpaw Hippo Vaughn of Chicago and Reds righty Fred Toney throw no-hitters against one another through the first nine innings. The deadlock is broken in the top of the tenth with a one-out single by Larry Kopf, an error and an infield hit by Jim Thorpe, and Toney then sets the Cubs down in order to preserve his extra inning gem.

1994: Changing jersey color from white to blue in an effort to snap losing skid doesn't work as Cubs lose their record eleventh consecutive game when blanked by John Smiley and the Reds, 9-0.

Thanks to everyone who voted on our last poll! The Results:
Q. What division games do you look forward to the most?
Cubs/Cards: 9
Cubs/Brewers: 1
Cubs/Pirates (LOL): 1

Would the person who voted for the Cubs/Pirates please come forward? I hope that was a joke!

Our new poll:
Q: Who is the biggest disappointment of April?

A. Milton Bradley
B. Derrek Lee
C. Geovany Soto
D. Kevin Gregg
E. Other

Comment with you thoughts and please vote on our right sidebar!

Lineup Today:
Soriano- LF
Theriot- SS
Fukudome- CF
Lee- 1B
Hoffpauir- RF
Fontenot- 3B
Soto- C
Miles- 2B
Lilly- P

So we have Lee healthy, now we just really need Ramirez back! Ramirez is still out with a left calf strain Lou Piniella said that when he's ready he'll be out there.

"I don't care who wins as long as it's the Cubs!"