2010 Wish List, Arizona IL, and More

Carol Slezak wrote in the Sun-Times about the Cubs'/Lou's 2010 wish list:

• A return to form for Soriano and Soto.
• Part ways with Rich Harden and Kevin Gregg.
• Pay another team to take Milton Bradley.
• Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee staying healthy.
• Carlos Marmol can close.
• Randy Wells continues his success.
• Carlos Zambrano needs to mature.

This is just a start. We'll continue to blog about all this as we move into the offseason.

Now a few other notes:

• Kevin Gregg will be shut down for the remainder of the season with a rib cage injury. Gregg's Cub career could be over.
• Aramis Ramirez is out of the lineup with shoulder soreness. He could be the next named added to the "shut down for the season" list.
• Lou Piniella talked to Carrie Muskat about the Sun-Times article that said that Lou is "tired, cranky, and disinterested", and that he "should be removed as Cubs manager".
• Check out Carrie's Inbox from Cubs.com.

Also, the Arizona Instructional League got underway at Fitch Park yesterday as the Cubs tied the Brewers 9-9. The Instructional League puts together many top lower level prospects from each team and puts them on a team, one for each organization to get some fall work in. The AZIL should not be mixed up with the Arizona Fall League. Here is the box score from Game 1:

• Hak-Ju Lee: 1-5
• D.J. LeMahieu: 3-5
• Ryan Flaherty: 3-4
• Rebel Ridling: 2-4
• Kyler Burke: 0-4
• Jovan Rosa: 0-2
• Michael Brenly 2-2
• Justin Bour: 1-4
• Runey Davis: 1-4
• Dong-Yub Kim: 2-4
• Kyung-Min Na: 0-3

Pitchers:

• Alberto Cabrera: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R
• Rafael Dolis: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Jose Rosario: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R
• Austin Kirk: 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R
• Corey Martin: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R

Today, the Cubs fell to the A's 5-1 to drop to 0-2. Hitters Box Score:

• Kyung-Min Na: 0-2
• Blair Springfield: 0-2
• Logan Watkins: 1-4
• Ryan Flaherty: 1-4
• Rebel Ridling: 0-3
• Kyler Burke: 0-3
• Brandon May: 1-2
• Richard Jones: 1-1
• Bobby Wagner: 0-2
• D.J. Fitzgerald: 0-3
• Ping-Chieh Chen: 0-3
• Wes Darvill: 0-3

Pitching:

• Thomas Diamond: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R
• Brooks Raley: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Trey McNutt: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R
• Steve Grife: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R

A glimpse of the future is always nice when your where the Cubs are...

Off Day Rumor Time!

As the baseball season winds down, we prepare for the Hot Stove season. Let's take a look at the latest Cubs Rumors and Notes:

• Randy Wells is in the Cubs plans for next year. Wittenmyer says he is penciled in to the rotation along with Zambrano, Dempster, and Lilly. If Rich Harden does not return, the 5th starters spot will be open for competition between Tom Gorzelanny, Jeff Samardzija, Sean Marshall, and any free agent signings the Cubs may make.
• Carlos Marmol, Angel Guzman and Aaron Heilman are the only guys that are close to a sure thing for the 2010 bullpen, which leaves 4 spots open. John Grabow will take one if he is resigned, so that leaves 2 open for competition between Esmalin Caridad, Jeff Stevens, David Patton, Justin Berg, Jeff Samardzija, and Sean Marshall.
• Derrek Lee and Kevin Gregg should both return tomorrow night.
• The latest Zambrano drama: he'll retire if he has another bad season next year.
• Royals officials deny having interest in Milton Bradley.
• Keith Law compared Rich Harden to Brad Penny, but says that the Cubs may not want to sign Harden to a multi-year deal because of healthy issues.
• Harden would like to be back in Chicago next year, but Sullivan says the feeeling isn't mutual.
• Lou Piniella doesn't expect as big of a turn over this offseason as last. He expects about half as many changes as the Cubs made last year (10).
• "Some baseball people believe the White Sox could have interest in the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano, possibly even for the newly acquired Jake Peavy. It would be a way for two teams without much money to spend to shake things up, but wouldn't Peavy have more value than Zambrano at this point?" Link to Phil Rodgers' column.
• Tyler Colvin's parents will be at Wrigley to take in the series against the D'backs.
• Ron Santo will return to the WGN Radio booth for this homestand, to call the final 7 games.

That's that! I'll keep you posted!

Breaking Down the Cubs Playoff Chances

On the Brink of Elimination
The Cubbies are in a hot stretch, winning the first 3 in this 4 games series against the Giants after taking 2 of 3 in Milwaukee Mon.-Wed. However, the St. Louis Cardinals have clinched the NL Central and the Cubs' hope of advancing to the postseason is very slim to none. The Cubs are 5.5 games out with 8 left to play for them so if they take say 7 of 8 they'd need:

*Colorado to lose at least 6 of 7
*Atlanta to lose at least 5 of 8
*Florida to lose at least 3 of 7
*Giants to lose at least 1 of 7
If all this happens, the Cubs will win the Wild Card. If the Cubs can win each of the last 8 games they will need:

*Colorado to lose at least 5 of 7
* Atlanta to lose at least 4 of 8
*Florida to lose at least 2 games

If the Cubs go 6-2 in the last 8 games, they will need:
*Colorado lose out to cause tie Cubs tie
* Also, Atlanta must lose at least 3 of last 8
* Florida must lose at least 3 of last 7
* Giants must lose at least 2 of last 7

If the Cubs go 5-3 or worse, they will be eliminated.
So pretty much any combo of 3 Rockies' wins or Cubs' losses would end the Cubs playoff hope.

A few other Cubs notes:

• The Cubs have won 6 of 7 since the suspension to Milton Bradley, and their record is now 20-10 in game in which Milton doesn't play. Coincidence?
• Aramis Ramirez said, "The main problem (this year) was that we didn't score enough runs. If they're going to improve something, I think that's the area they need to address more." Many of the other Cubs players, Cubs fans, and Lou Piniella feel the same.
• Derrek Lee is expected to return no latter than Tuesday with his neck spasms.

The Cubs most likely will not be playing in the postseason, but let's finish strong none the less, because a week from today, it's all over.

Stay Tuned Cubs Fans

This season seems about done, but the Hot Stove season is on the way! As the 2009 regular season winds down, our blog gets ready to transition in to our off season coverage. Throughout the winter, expect a least one post everyday, a lot of times 2-3. I will cover all the latest news and rumors as well as stats, number's breakdowns, radio recaps, reviews of books and movies that are Cub related, and much more. Let's enjoy our final week of Cubs baseball, because we'll miss it once it's over. The Cubs are won each of the last two games out on the West Coast, let's hope they keep it up in game 3 of a 4 game series against the Giants today.

Here's the latest rumors and notes:

• After pitching a shutout last night and adding 2 RBIs at the plate, Zambrano said, "I don't want to be traded."
• Yesterday Padres GM Kevin Towers said that he would be interested in Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley. "I haven't had any calls from Jim about him, but people kind of know what players we target. We have to take chances sometimes. We took a chance with Milton the first time and he actually played pretty well."
• Derrek Lee missed last night's game with a neck injury. According to Gordon Wittenmyer, Angel Guzman gave Lee a congratulatory whack on the helmet after scoring a run on Thursday. This caused Lee to re-injure his neck, but he is expected to be back in the lineup this evening. Another Cubbie Occurrence....
• Aramis Ramirez was also scratched yesterday with a shoulder flare up.
• Kevin Gregg is out the rest of the series with a rib cage injury.
• Sam Fuld is expected to get a lot of playing time in the final week. His wrist has healed for the most part.
• Ted Lilly's shoulder soreness is nothing to worry about, but Ted says that it "doesn't make sense to push the envelope at this point."
• As the Bradley trade speculation continues, Paul Sullivan points out that San Francisco could be a possible trade partner for the Cubs. Aaron Roward could be what the Cubs get in return.
• Last night was Zambrano's first complete game since last September's no-hitter.
• It was also the first 9 inning CG for a Cubs pitcher this season, although Sean Marshall was credited with one in a rain-shortened 5 inning start.
• Lou Piniella is comfortable with the Cubs pitching for 2010 according to Carrie Muskat.

Bradley Speaks, Harden and Guzman Shut down, & More

Milton Speaks (Again?)
Bradley finally released his statement on his suspension:
''I chose Chicago as a free agent because I wanted to be part of finally bringing a championship to the Cubs' fans. I expected to have a great season and I am deeply disappointed in my performance and the team's struggles. I played every game with everything that I had and wanted to desperately win. My frustration and disappointment boiled over and I said and did certain things that I regret. In hindsight I wish that I handled certain things differently and I apologize for those things that did not work out for the better. The air has been cleared and we all want to move on and look forward to better days.'' According to Carrie Muskat, Bradley's teammates did not find out about his apology until it was released by the media.

Harden Shut Down
Rich Harden will miss the rest of the season. The right hander and the teams made "kind of a mutual decision" to shut Rich down for the rest of 2009. He will be a free agent after this year, and the Cubs will most likely offer him no more than a one-year contract. "Pitching in Chicago was the best thing to happen to me," says Harden, who wants to return.

Samardzija Goes Deep
Jeff Samardzija hit his first career home run yesterday! Despite the Shark's homer and solid outing in his second career start, the Cubs fell 3-2. Lack of runs continues to irk this team.

Ronny Skipping Trip
Ron Santo did not make the road trip to San Fransisco, Dave Otto will fill in for these 4 games. Ron will rejoin Pat Hughes in the booth on Tuesday, which means there are officially on 7 games left of the Pat and Ron Show this season.

Another Problem Player for the Cubs? & More Rumors
Jayson Stark from ESPN.com says that the Cubs will likely try to trade Milton Bradley for "another problem player" this offseason. Do we really need another problem player?? Stark says that Carlos Zambrano is "far less likely" to be traded than Bradley. Mike Cameron is another name that has been tossed around to fill the Cubs outfield void that would be created by dumping Bradley. Cameron could play center with Kosuke moving back to RF.

Tidbits
*Angel Guzman is done for the year with a shoulder strain.
* Tyler Colvin has been impressive so far since being called up to the Cubs.
* Reed Johnson returned to the Cubs lineup yesterday after a long stint on the DL and double his first time up.
* The Cubs are 17-10 this season in games Milton Bradley doesn't play.
* Bleacher Nation wrote about the Mets interest in Bradley and Zambrano.
* Check out Tonight's CCO Radio!
* If the Cubs lose tonight the Cardinals will clinch the NL Central. Let's go get a win to delay the clinch for the Cards with a win tonight!

Guzman, Hendry, and More

Guzman's Season Over
Angels Guzman, who has been out with a muscle strain, will be shut down for the rest of the season. Guzman will get his arm ready for next spring, when he is expected to be a big piece to the Cubs bullpen. The Cubs will depend on some of the younger guys at the end of games next year like Marmol and Guzman. Caridad, Samardzija, and Berg (among others) will also compete for jobs down there.

Bradley Update
Milton Bradley's mom says that Milton would be open to return to the Cubs because of his love for the game of baseball.

Hendry to Get one More Shot?
There's no doubt that Jim Hendry had a bad offseason last winter. However, nobody could have predicted the bad performances on the field by guys like Soto, Fontenot, Bradley, Soriano, and Gregg. Rick Morrissey feels that despite some big mistakes, Jim could still get this team turned around.

Cubs Outfield Updates

Cubs winning big tonight! Here are a few notes:

• Tyler Colvin joined the Cubs today and made his major league debut in center field.
• Reed Johnson was activated from the DL.
• Sam Fuld was give the nod to take some ABs.
• Jeff Samardzija will take Ted Lilly's spot in the rotation on Wednesday. This will be Samardzija's second career start. Lilly is suffering tendinitis in his left shoulder.
• Jim Hendry wants to trade Bradley this offseason. According to Carrie Muskat, the Cubs "are not a good fit" for Bradley. After hearing the players talk on Sunday about Bradley, Carrie says it is "clear he need to move on".
• Bradley's agents are not returning any calls according to Bruce Miles.
• The Cubs are hoping to get a good look at Colvin. Could he be in the plans for 2010?
• Would you like to see the Cubs Milton Bradley trade for Oliver Perez?
• The Cubs DFA Thomas Diamond to make room for Tyler Colvin on the 40 man roster. Diamond had a 4.20 ERA at AA and AAA in his brief Cub career.

That's all for now!

Bradley Suspened the Rest of the Year

Cubs outfielder Milton Bradley has been suspended for the rest of the 2009 season by Cubs GM Jim Hendry due to negative comments about the organization made to the media. Yesterday, Milton Bradley told Bruce Miles of the Daily Herald that said he was not enjoying his time in Chicago due to all the negativity. When he was asked if it was media, fans, or organization, he said it was everybody.


Keith Law of ESPN.com said yeseterday that he thought the Cubs should release Milton immediately. Paul Sullivan mentioned on his blog that the Cubs will try to trade Bradley this offseason after just one season on the North Side. Wittenmyer adds that the Cubs will try to shop him even if it means eating most of the remaining $21 million on his contract.

A few non-Bradley related notes:

• Tyler Colvin is expected to join the Cubs on Monday in Milwaukee to help the outfield situation.
• The Tennessee Smokies lost the Southern League Championship series in 4 games, but manager Ryne Sandberg has still set himself up for a big-league job whether it be with the Cubs or another organziation according to Phil Rodgers.
• According to John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus, the Cubs are trying to sign John Grabow and Reed Johnson before they hit free agency.
• Perrotto also stated that a Jake Peavy for Carlos Zambrano trade is possible this winter.
• Ken Rosenthal agrees that the Cubs will be open to "anything and everything" this offseason including trading Milton Bradley and/or Carlos Zambrano.

It was a year ago today that the Cubs beat the Cardinals 5-4 to win the NL Central. Aaron Miles flew out to Jim Edmonds on the final play (it was the best thing Miles ever did for the Cubs). Where do we stand this year? The Cardinals magic number is down to 4, and a Cub loss tonight would make it possible for the Cards to clinch tomorrow while a win will just delay the inevitable. The Cubs are 8.5 out in the Wild Card, with 4 teams in front of them.

While this year might be over, fasten those seatbelts Cubs fans because this offseason could be a very interesting one for the Chicago Cubs!

The Cubs have lost 3 games in a row to seal their fate, so it's time to start looking to the off season. Today let's take a look at a few Cubs notes:

• Mark DeRosa is open to the possibility of returning to the Chicago Cubs when he becomes a free agent this off-season. DeRosa told Gordon Wittenmyer that his allegiance lies in St. Louis, but once the season is over he'll have no hard feelings towards anyone in Chicago. He then restated that he enjoyed his time on the North Side.
• Milton Bradley was still out of the lineup on Friday because of knee inflammation.
• The Cubs might consider adding another outfield from AA Tennessee.
• Angel Guzman tried to throw the other day but had to stop after 12 pitches according to Gordon Wittenmyer. He could be done for the season.
• Lou and the Cubs are hoping to play good baseball the final 17 games.
• Paul Hagan thinks that the Cubs signing Alfonso Soriano is 2006, ended up helping the Phillies win the World Series.
• Rob from Goat Rider of the Apocalypse points out the trading Zambrano for a fraction of his worth is not on the ultimate path to victory.
• The Tennessee Smokies won last night 5-4 on a walk off single by Starlin Castro. Tonight they have a chance to even the Southern League Championship season when they host Jacksonville at 6:15. Andrew Cahsner will start for the Smokies.
• The Cubs have talked to John Grabow about a contract extension.

That's it for now, for the next two weeks will begin to transition our focus to the off season ahead.

Mesa, Harden, and More

Post #400
Wow, I cannot believe this is the 400th post I've put on this blog in less than 10 months. I want to thank all of you for reading!

Harden to Miss a Start or 2
According to the Sun-Times, Rich Harden will miss his next start but he is not being shut down for the season. Harden is dealing with fatigue and could miss 2 starts which would leave him with just 1 left in the season. The Tribune adds that Tom Gorzelanny will take the starts in place of Rich.

Blanco in Future Plans?
The Cubs have not yet discussed the possibility of moving Ryan Theriot to second base next year so that Andres Blanco can play shortstop. Lou Piniella is impressed with Blanco's defense, and says the Cubs will have plenty of time to look at that situation in the spring.

Mesa Could Lose Cubs
Naples, Fla. is trying to steal the Cubs from Mesa, Arizona for Spring Training. Moving elsewhere in Arizona is also an option for the Cubs if they don't get a new stadium in Mesa. I love the Cubs Spring Training in Mesa and hope they never move!

Outfield Injury Updates
Milton Bradley left today's game with a left knee injury. Alfonso Soriano is done for the year, and Sam Fuld and Reed Johnson could return sometime in the next week. The Cubs called up So Taguchi to help add to the outfield depth.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted as always as this season winds down.

Cubs Quick Hits

• Geovany Soto is starting to feel better. He says his hits have started to fall in more. After winning the Rookie of the Year Award a year ago, Geo has really gone down hill this season.
• Despite missing 2 months, Aramis Ramirez is still second on the team behind only Derrek Lee in runs scored. Aramis is hitting .405 at Wrigley Field.
• Cubs manager Lou Piniella says he will go with Carlos Marmol as the team's closer in 2010, "He's done enough and shown enough, and we have confidence in him enough that going into spring training next year it's his job."
• The Cubs starting pitcher have done a great job so far this month, 8-2 with a 1.72 ERA.
• Angel Guzman has been out with a sore tricep, but he should be ready today.
• According to the Sun-Times, the plans are not clear yet for 2010. Jim Hendry and Lou Pineilla are assured of coming back, 4 players on the roster are free agents, 9 others will be seeking raises through arbitration, and $117.5 million is committed to 10 players under contract for next season.
• Soriano's arthroscopic surgery revealed "acute inflammation" and loose cartilage was cut away and washed out. He was officially put on the DL, which means he has been there each of his first 3 seasons with the Cubs.
• Sam Fuld jammed his thumb when he made a sensational catch on Monday. His MRI came back and there is no ligament damage or break in the thumb. Fuld is expected to be out for about a week.
• Carlos Zambrano could be put on the market this off season. Read more for Gordon Wittenmyer.
• The Cubs have announced their tentative 2010 schedule. They open in Atlanta on April 5, and the home opener is April 12 against the Brewers.
• Kyler Burke has been named the Cubs Minor League Player of the Year, and Casey Coleman wins the Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors.

The Cubs are just 8.5 back in the Central and 5.5 back in the Wild Card with their recent win streak. If they can keep it up, there's still a chance!

On This Date in Cubs History, Talking About the Rotation for 2010

On September 14, 2008 Carlos Zambrano made Cubs and baseball history by tossing the first Cubs no-hitter since Milt Pappas 36 years prior and the first no-hitter in MLB history at a neutral site. As you know, Z no hit the Astros at Miller Park. Click here to hear Pat Hughes and Ron Santo's call of the final out of the game. Rod Blagojevich named this day Carlos Zambrano day a year ago.

In the year since the no-hitter Zambrano has not been all that successful. He had a rough rest of the 2008 regular season after that game and then was hammered in his one postseason start. He is 8-6 this season with a 3.77 ERA. Very average. His ERA ranks 3rd among Cubs starters with Wells and Lilly ahead of him and Dempster and Harden with higher ERAs that Big Z.

Carlos need to step it up. This club need a true ace. If Zambrano is not the man in 2010, then who is? Bruce Levine said on Saturday that the Cubs could "explore deals for Zambrano and Braldey this winter." Carlos has a full no-trade clause but says he won't stand in the team's way if they ever choose to trade him. Even if the Cubs find a team that will take some of his lofty contract, do we want to let Zambrano go?

Without Zambrano, the Cubs rotation for next year would be very up in the air. Rich Harden is a free agent at the end of this year, and in my opinion he's not worth re-signing. Ryan Dempster has had a year not near up to the bar that he set in 2008. I'm sure sure I can count of Ryan as anything more than a #3 or 4 starter, he had one good year. Randy Wells, who's having a big rookie season, may not have as prosperous of a season in year #2 (see Geovany Soto). So that leaves Ted Lilly, who's a bulldog but not a guy who carries a team.

Thanks to MLB Trade Rumors, here is the list of starting pitchers who will be free agents at the end of the year.

Brandon Backe (32)Miguel Batista (39)Erik Bedard (31)Kris Benson (34)Daniel Cabrera (29)Chris Capuano (31)Bartolo Colon (37)Jose Contreras (38)Doug Davis (34)Justin Duchscherer (32)Adam Eaton (32)Shawn Estes (37)Josh Fogg (33)Freddy Garcia (34) - $1MM club option, $2MM in incentives Jon Garland (30) - $10MM mutual option with $2.5MM or $1MM buyoutTom Glavine (44)Mike Hampton (37)Rich Harden (28)Mark Hendrickson (36)Livan Hernandez (35)Tim Hudson (34) - $12MM mutual option with a $1MM buyout Jason Jennings (31)Jason Johnson (36)Randy Johnson (46)John Lackey (31)Cliff Lee (31) - $8MM club option with a $1MM buyout Braden Looper (35) - $6.5MM mutual option with possible buyout Rodrigo Lopez (34)Jason Marquis (31)Kevin Millwood (35) - Rangers can decline $12MM salary for '10 unless he reaches 180 innings in '09Brian Moehler (38) - mutual option Brett Myers (29)Vicente Padilla (32)Chan Ho Park (37)John Parrish (32)Carl Pavano (34)Brad Penny (32)Odalis Perez (33)Andy Pettitte (38)Joel Pineiro (31)Sidney Ponson (33)Mark Prior (28)Horacio Ramirez (30)Jason Schmidt (37)John Smoltz (43)Tim Wakefield (43) - perpetual $4MM club option Jarrod Washburn (35)Brandon Webb (31) - $8.5MM club option with a $2MM buyout Todd Wellemeyer (31)Kip Wells (33)Randy Wolf (33)

Who would you like to see in a Cub uniform? Joel Pineiro? Brad Penny? Odalis Perez? Todd Wellemeyer? Jason Marquis anyone?

Jake Fox, The Smokies, Lead-off Man, and More

Where's Foxy?
Lou Piniella told Bruce Miles yesterday that there is nothing wrong with Jake Fox. The Cubs have been facing a lot of right handed pitching, so Lou has been playing is left handed bats.

Marmol Hurt Again By Walks
Carlos Marmol is the favorite to be the Cubs closer in 2010, but it will be hard for him to close out games if he continues to walk a lot of guys late in games. Yesterday, he allowed 2 walks that both came around to score in the top of the 9th to lose it for the Cubs.

Soriano Should be Back in 2010
According to the Chicago Sun Times, it is doubtful that Alfonso Soriano will return this season. He could have knee surgery this winter, but he should be back for 2010.

Ryno on the Road to the Big Stage
Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg has taken his AA Tennessee club to the postseason. This has sparked more chatter that the Hall of Famer could replace Lou Piniella as Cub manager in the near future. The Smokies won yesterday, and they are about ready to start Game 4 of the series today. If they win, they will advance to the Southern League finals.

Lead-off Talk
Soriano will return the the lineup in 2010, but he most likely won't be returning to the lead-off spot in the lineup. Lou said, "No. No. No. That's over with." If the Cubs stay the way they are, Ryan Theriot and Kosuke Fukudome will be the top candidates to take over that spot in the lineup. If the Cubs add a speed player this offseason, that would change.

More Rumors
Ken Rosenthal says that the Cubs could trade Carlos Zambrano. The Cardinals want to re-sign former Cub Mark DeRosa. Reed Johnson, who is out with a injured foot, could be done playing in a Cubs uniform. He is a free agent after this season. A true lead-off hitter could be on Jim Hendry's shopping list this season according to Toni Ginnetti.

That's it for now, let's keep grinding it out Cubs fans.

9-12 Former Cubs Updates

• Mark DeRosa (STL): .258 AVG, 21 HR, 69 RBI
• Kerry Wood (CLE): 2-3, 4.22 ERA, 19 SV
• Felix Pie (BAL): .265 AVG, 8 HR, 25 RBI
• Rich Hill (BAL): 3-3, 7.80 ERA, 14 Games
• Ronny Cedeno (PIT): .211 AVG, 10 HR, 35 RBI
• Jason Marquis (COL): 15-10, 3.65 ERA
• Henry Blanco (SD): .236 AVG, 5 HR, 13 RBI
• Bobby Howry (SF): 1-6, 3.49 ERA
• Chad Gaudin (NYY): 5-10, 4.81 ERA (27 games)
• Joey Gathright (BOS): .325 AVG in 83 games at AAA, .235 AVG in 24 games at Boston.
• Daryle Ward (CWS): hit .255, 8 HR, 36 RBI in 69 games at AAA
• Ryan Freel (KC): .193 AVG in 41 games with KC
• Scott Eyre (PHI): 2-1, 1.61 ERA, 20 K, 14 BB
• Sean Gallagher (SD): 1-2, 7.16 ERA, 8 game (2 starts)
• Eric Patterson (OAK): .213 AVG in 22 MLB games, .307 AVG, 12 HR, 56 RBI in 110.
• Matt Murton (COL): .255 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI in 24 MLB games, .324, 12 HR, 79 RBI in 97 games at AAA.
• Casey McGehee (MIL): .297 AVG, 13 HR, 51 RBI
• Josh Harrison (PIT): Finished with .270 AVG, 1 HR, 13 RBI in 34 games at High Class A LYN.
• Jose Ascaino (PIT): 0-2, 4.00 ERA in 16 games
• Kevin Hart (PIT): 4-6, 4.86 ERA in 15 games

I'll have another former Cub Update at the end of the season, and for now, I'll keep you posted on Everything Cubs as always.

9-10-09: Down on the Farm Report

Congratulations to the Tennessee Smokies and Peoria Chiefs, the 2 Cub affiliates that are in the postseason! The Chiefs lost the first of a 3 game series against Cedar Rapids last night and then with last night's heartbreaking 9-8 loss, their season came to an end. Top performers last night include Jovan Rosa, who was 4-5 with 4 RBIs, Rebel Ridling was 3-5, and LeMahieu and Brenly picked up a couple of hits each. CR scored 2 in the 9th to win it last night.


The Smokies started their postseason last night and lost game 1 of a 5 game series with Huntsville by a score of 4-2. Ty Colvin went 1-3 with a solo homer. I will keep you posted as that series moves along.

The AAA Iowa Cubs finished their season right at .500 with a 72-72 mark. The ended up in 3rd place, 5 back of Memphis. Nate Spears led the team in batting average with a .253. Jake Fox led the team in homers and RBIs despite spending most of the regular year with the Chicago Cubs.

Later today I will post the Former Cub Updates!

Samardzija, Johnson, A Sweep, and More

The Shark is Back
Yesterday, the Cubs called up right handed pitcher Jeff Samardzija from AAA. Jeff told the media yesterday that he has no regrets about choosing baseball over football and he isn't tempted to switch. He has made trips back and forth between the Cubs and Iowa 6 times this year!

Johnson Could Miss Remainder of the Season
Reed Johnson's foot still hasn't healed as hoped, and he could be done for the year. Reed is a free agent after this year, so he may have played his last game in a Cub uniform. We'll see whether the Cubs decide to re-sign him or not. Piniella and Hendry have talked about calling up So Taguchi from AAA to help with the thin outfield.

Fuld, Bradley and Blanco Still Out
Andres Blanco, who injured his hamstring, and Sam Fuld, who's out with a bum wrist, aren't going to be back on the field until at least Friday, maybe later. Milton Bradley left last night with leg tightness and should be back in the lineup on Friday against the Reds.

Cubs Tie Record
Last night the Cubs exploded for 7 runs in the top of the first. The first 8 Cub batter reached on base hits to tie a big league record. The Cubs finished off a sweep of the Pirates with a win today. Piniella called a rare team talk before last night's game.

Soriano Update
Alfonso's knee is getting a little stronger, but he still will most likely not play during the next homestand. He may have arthroscopic surgery in the next week or so.

Talking 2010?
Derrek Lee told Gordon Wittenmyer that the Cubs could win next year with the same group of guys. Paul Sullivan ponders whether the Cubs need an overhaul, or just tweaking.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!

Just One of Those Years

Wells Gets No Support
Randy Wells has done a great job all year long, but he has not gotten a lot of runs behind him by the hitters. Randy is still a candidate for the NL Rookie of the Year Award.

Soto Starting to Warm
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto went 3-7 with a walk this weekend in 2 starts. He was benched a week ago, but he could have earned some more playing time according to the Sun-Times. Hill caught today.

Soriano Update
Alfonso Soriano will not be in any games in Pittsburgh this week, but he expects to return at some point this season. The Cubs will have to decide whether to shut him down for the rest of the year or not.

Figgins a Fit for Cubs
According to the Sun-Times, the Cubs and White Sox will both look to add Chone Figgins this offseason. Piniella said that he would like to add more speed to the Cubs lineup. I would really like to see the Cubs pursue Chone this winter.

Hart to Take on Cubs
Former Cub Kevin Hart will pitch for Pittsburgh on Wednesday. Kevin was shocked when he was traded to the Pirates, but he has settled in.

Blanco Out
Andres Blanco's sore hamstring will sideline him for the next 2-3 days. Sam Fuld's wrist is hunting him and he will only play defense the next few games.

One of Those Years
Derrek Lee says that 2009 is "just one of those years" for the Chicago Cubs and that they won't have to make any major changes to get back to their 2007-08 form in '10. Lou says that the key to this winter is getting a deeper bench. Lee and Ted Lilly have been 2 of the only bright spots this year for the Cubbies.

Samardzija Takes Loss at AAA
The Iowa Cubs loss their final game of the season today, 7-2. Jeff Samardzija, who is expected to be called up to the Cubs soon, took the loss giving up 5 runs in 4.2 innings. Elsewhere in the minors, the Smokies start their playoffs on Thursday against Huntsville.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!

The Smokies, Citi Field, New Poll, and More

Soriano's Issues
In addition the sore left knee, Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano is also being bothered be his vision according to Gordon Wittenmyer from the Chicago Sun-Times. He plans to take an eye exam by a specialist. He will also have "cleanup" surgery on his knee before the end of the season.

Lee Hits for his Kids
Before yesterday's game, Derrek Lee told his daughter Jada that he would try to hit a home run for her and his newborn son Dylan. Lee did just that going deep not once, but twice!

Caridad Back With Cubs
Right handed pitcher Esmalin Caridad joined the team today and pitcher Jeff Stevens will be called up tomorrow and join the team in Pittsburgh. Jeff Samardzija will also come up after he makes one more start for Iowa (tomorrow night).

Ron Enjoys New Mets' Park
Cubs legend, and current radio broadcaster, Ron Santo was not a fan of Shea Stadium. He says he likes the new ballpark better. Shea reminds Ronny of the 1969 collapse and of burning his hairpiece while broadcasting a game there in 2003.

Marmol to Close
Signs point to Carlos Marmol being the closer in 2010. Carlos has done a nice job in the closer's role, while Kevin Gregg has continued to struggle in middle relief.

Cubs Playing Callups
Today's game saw Bobby Scales in left, Sam Fuld in center, and Andres Blanco at short stop. I'm still puzzled by the fact the guys like Kevin Gregg continue to pitch instead of a guy that's in the plans for next year like a Justin Berg or Esmalin Caridad.

Down on the Farm
Andrew Cashner threw seven shutout inning last night as the Tennessee Smokies beat West Tenn 3-1. With a win today, the Smokies could clinch the postseason. I will have updates from todays game on my Cubs Farm Updates Twitter. Follow me!

Polls
Thinks to everyone who voted on our last poll! Here are the results:
Question: If you've in charge of the Cubs, who gets fired after this season?
1) Jim Hendry- 5 Votes
2) Nobody- 5 Votes
3) Both Jim & Lou Piniella- 3 Votes
4) Lou- 1 Vote

Please vote on our new poll!
Question- What position do the Cubs need to try to improve this winter?
A) Relief Pitching
B) Starting Pitching
C) OF
D) Middle Infield
E) Bench

I'll keep it interesting as the season winds down!

5 Good Reason to keep the Games On

The Cubs did get a win today in New York, but things aren't looking good for the Boys in Blue. They have a lot of ground to try and make up in the final 28 games, and some Cubs fans are going to give up and stop watching the games. So Everything Cubs brings you 5 reasons to watch anyway:

5. You'll want these games back all winter.
Every year in about mid-November or early December, diehard baseball fans have had enough of no baseball. They begin to count down until Spring Training, they cannot wait even to see the games that don't count in Arizona and Florida! As a Cub fan, you better enjoy the rest of the baseball season while it lasts!

4. They're Not Done Yet
There's always a change that the Cubs could win 23 of the last 28 and manage to squeak into the postseason, and you'll miss it if you stop watching!

3. A look at the Kids
The Cubs have called up 5 guys since Sept. 1, and you will see a lot of guys like Koyie Hill, Jake Fox, Sam Fuld, David Patton, Esmalin Caridad, Jeff Samardzija, Justin Berg, Micah Hoffpauir, Bobby Scales, and Andres Blanco in the final month. Enjoy a look at how these guys are playing, we'll see most of them again next Spring Training.

2. The Offseason is on the way, there are decisions to be made.
Will Rich Harden be a Cub in 2010? Kevin Gregg? Aaron Heilman? Reed Johnson? Milton Bradley? John Grabow? How these guys perform the rest of the year could be a big factor in deciding whether the Cubs will re-sign them (or trade them in Milton's case).

1. Pat and Ron
On Cubs radio, win or lose the broadcast will be interesting. Pat Hughes and Ron Santo keep things fun, funny, and enjoyable even when Ronny and the Cubs are down, Pat lifts the broadcast up. I enjoy Len and Bob as well, but I encourage everyone to mute their TVs and turn up their radios!

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

The Future, A Baby, and Bobby Scales!

Cubs Acquire Thomas Diamond
Today the Cubs acquired right handed pitcher Thomas Diamond from the Texas Rangers. Diamond was claimed off waivers by the Cubs today at will head for AAA Iowa.

Heyman on Bradley
Jon Heyman of SI talked with 2 GMs about Milton Bradley. One of the GMs thought the Cubs could unload him by eating half of his remained salary, but another thought the Cubs would have to pay almost all of the money. In my opinion, the Cubs should just hang on to Milton and hope for a comeback year in 2010.

Marmol's Cub Future
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said that the Cubs are looking at the future by putting Marmol in the closer's role. "Look, he's got the stuff," Piniella said.

Baby!
Derrek Lee was scratched before yesterday's game against the Sox because his wife gave birth to their second child early yesterday morning. Congrats D-Lee!

Soriano Out
Alfonso Soriano did not play in the Cubs' frustrating loss at the hands of the Mets tonight. Sori has been shut down until further notice. Fuld, Fox, and Hoffpauir will see a lot of time in the outfield. Also, Theriot was fine after bruising his left leg yesterday.

Aramis Ramirez Plays Through Pain
According to the Chicago Tribune, Aramis Ramiez's shoulder is still in pain, but he will play as long as he can. Aramis and Derrek are two guys that do love to play the game, it's hard to get them out of the lineup.

We Need Z
Carlos Zambrano needs to step up and be the ace of this pitching staff. He has done far from that this season, and the Cubs need him. Tonight he pitched very well, but the Cubs were unable to take advantage.

Scales Called Up
Chicago Cubs fan favorite Bobby Scales was called up to the Cubs today. The Cubs now have 30 players on their active roster, expect a few more callups as well.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted!

West Side Rooters' Club Ball

The Chicago Cubs West Side Rooters Club had their second annual Rooters Ball last night. They raised over $4o,000 for JDRF and the MLB Dominican Development Alliance. The event was held at Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse. Geovany Soto hosted the event that was a huge success. Other current Cubs players that were there include Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee, and Randy Wells. The West Side Rooterers' Chairman Ernie Banks also attended the event. Click here to check out the picture from the ball!

The Cubs lots again today thanks to some lousy defense by the Cubs.
Other Cubs Notes:

• Reed Johnson is tired of being sidelined. Check out his latest blog post.
• Jake Peavy talked to Scott Merkin of MLB.com about being almost traded to the Cubs, then the Sox, then finally traded to Chicago for real. He's happy to have ended up on the South Side.
• John Grabow, who pitched very well as a Cub, becomes a free agent at the end of the season. He has hinted that he'd like to re-sign with the Cubs saying that he enjoys pitching in Chicago.

That's it for now, I'll keep you posted.

Cubs get a win, Callups, and More

Today the Cubs got a win beating the Astros 2-0! They took two of three in the series and remember Cubs fans... the grind isn't over until it's over.

• David Patton was activated from the DL today. How he pitches in this final month could determine whether or not he will be given a shot to make the clubs next spring.
• Jeff Samardzija could be back soon. The Cubs will likely add a few more pitches this month. These could be auditions for next year's bullpen.
• Many of the Cubs still have hope for this season. Koyie Hill mentioned that the Astros in 2005 were 10 back at the end of August and ended up in the World Series.
• The Cubs seem unsure of Rich Harden's future with the clubs beyond this year.

That's it for today, I'll keep you posted!

September Call Ups

Harden Stays a Cub
Yesterday Jim Hendry ended up revoking the waiver on Aaron Heilman, Rich Harden, and all of the other Cubs that were on waivers. Sources say as many at 12 Cubs were claimed off of waivers. The Cubs GM was not too pleased that Harden and Heilman's names were leaked to the media and he does not know how that happened.

Lilly Wins Award
Ted Lilly was named the winner of the Chicago Cubs 2009 Roberto Clemente Award today. He is one of the 30 Major League nominees for the national 2009 Robert Clemente Award, which is given each year to the player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field and devoted work in the community. Tomorrow is Roberto Clemente Day.

September Call-ups
The Cubs today activated Andres Blanco from the 15-day DL. They also called up pitched Justin Berg and infielder Micah Hoffapuir from AAA Iowa. All 3 players will be in uniform tonight. The Iowa Cubs are still in the playoff hunt, so the Cubs could wait to make more call ups until after the I-Cubs season ends.

Soto's Struggles
Cubs catcher Geovany Soto has not hit well all season long. Expect to see some more of Koyie Hill behind the plate the rest of the way. Geo's down year is a mystery for all involved.

I'll keep you posted.