Samardzija Sent to AAA
Yesterday the Cubs had to make a roster move to make room for Ted Lilly on the active roster. 90% of you that voted on our right sidebar agree with the move to send Jeff Samardzija to Iowa. Jeff went 0-1 with an 18.90 ERA. He will join the I-Cubs bullpen.
A Pair of Debuts
Last night was a big night for the Cubs' pitching staff. It was like adding two new pitchers to the staff without making a transaction. Carlos Zambrano made his first relief appearance of the year. Before taking the hill, Z delivered a pinch hit sac fly at the plate. Then allowed a walk and 2 hits in the 8th which led to a Brewer run, but he was able to work out of the inning. The new addition to the starting rotation was lefty Ted Lilly, who started the year on the DL. Ted surrendered just one run on three hits in 6 innings of work in his season debut at Miller Park. The Cubs won the game 5-1.
Lead-off Situation
Paul Sullivan reports that Lou Piniella is happy with Ryan Theriot leading off. Marlon Byrd led-off a game against a left handed pitcher last week, but don't expect to see him there every time a southpaw is on the mound. Pineilla would rather have one set lead-off guy than a platoon.
Not Him Again
With Milton Bradley back in Chicago to face the White Sox this weekend, his name has been appearing all over Chicago newspapers and websites. Bradley told CSN on Friday that he was misunderstood on the North side of Chicago and mentioned that race could have played a factor in the way he was treated. Bradley describe himself as a non-violent, non-threatening nerd. He is hitting just .167.
Caridad's Progress
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Esmalin Caridad is expected to come off the DL by the end of next weekend. He is rehabbing at Fitch Park in Mesa.
Zambrano Won't Go Back to Back
The Cubs will not be using Carlos Zambrano again today. Since Z is used to pitching every fifth day, Piniella wants to wait until he has three or four relief appearances under his belt to use him on back to back days. Expect to see Carlos on the hill "about every other day." Having Big Z down there allows the Cubs to use the bullpen better.
Byrd Gets Day Off
Marlon Byrd leads the club in RBIs and is red hot, but he sat out today's series finale against the Brewers. The Cubs are trying to rotate their outfielders so that everyone gets some rest. In addition, this allows them to use rookie Tyler Colvin more. Tyler got the nod in center field today.
That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!
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