Bob Brenly made note during today's Cub game that the last time the Cubs had the best record in baseball at June 1 was....1908.
With one inning to go and a 5-3 lead this afternoon, it looks like the Cubs will have a record of 35-21.
Regardless of what happens, they are guaranteed to be at least tied for the best record if they manage to screw the pootch in the ninth and Tampa (33-22, with a game vs the White Sox tonight) notches a win.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Hey Hey
Game starts late, Cubs start late.
That was something special. Down 9-1 after five innings, the Cubbies steal one from the Rockies 10-9.
A crazy, windy Wrigley Field game on an otherwise dreary Friday afternoon.
Just as soon as I stick a fork in Edmonds, he comes up big (not that he was the only one). He goes 3-4 with 2 runs, 3 RBIs, including a HR and a 2-run double in the big 7th inning.
Not a great outing for Lilly, but only 4 of the 7 runs were earned.
Wooo-Cub!
That was something special. Down 9-1 after five innings, the Cubbies steal one from the Rockies 10-9.
A crazy, windy Wrigley Field game on an otherwise dreary Friday afternoon.
Just as soon as I stick a fork in Edmonds, he comes up big (not that he was the only one). He goes 3-4 with 2 runs, 3 RBIs, including a HR and a 2-run double in the big 7th inning.
Not a great outing for Lilly, but only 4 of the 7 runs were earned.
Wooo-Cub!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
And so it continues...
Same old, same old for the Cubs recently. Let's run it down...
- The team again failed to look like a championship team in a recent road trip, but followed it up with some excellent play at home, with a great showing on national TV last night. I really would like to see them do some damage on the road for once. Besides that, I would like them to cut down on some of the poor play they exhibit on the road.
- Soriano is the center of hair-pulling Cub fans determined to make a case that the team would be better off without him and trotting out his mega-contract as an example of Cub management failures. I'll admit, the guy looks like a fool sometimes, but it isn't that often and his spectacular successes often make up for it. He is what he is. The contract is sunk. He provides some needed punch and a strong arm. Should Sweet Lou have pulled him at the end of some games for defensive reasons? Maybe. I think I would have, but I'll let Lou make his own decisions. I'm not ready to turn on him yet.
- Kid K is plunking batters. This was endearing when he led the league in hit batsmen and was an up-and-coming starting pitcher. As the closer, not so much. However, I still think he is learning and he has the goods to make this situation work. I'm not willing to turn it over to Marmol, who struggles at times with location as well. Marmol certainly made me nervous in the 8th yesterday.
- The State is still trying to get its grubby little hands on Wridley Field. TribCo is moving on with life, but still listening. Jim Thompson declined to discuss the mechanics of any new proposal. No surprise there. Why should the public be advised about what its government is doing? Jimbo also noted that Wrigley is the third largest tourist attraction in the state and that he is "determined to do everything that [he] can to make sure that the Cubs stay at Wrigley Field, no matter who the new owner might be. And if ISFA is not the way to go, there are other ways, and we're working on some of those other ways." Sounds ominous, no? He fails to accept that a new and committed owner is the best panacea for this and taking away the field from that potential owner will really make this complicated.
- Jim Edmonds is still a headache for Cub fans. I know I was in favor of this move (I still think it was a good thing to try), but Edmonds does not appear to be working out. He isn't hitting, but his defense has been good. Unfortunately, Johnson is a fine fielder too. A good glove isn't enough. Not to mention that he does nothing to warm up tot he fans. The Cubs claim there is no timetable, but they have to be considering options at this point. Sutcliffe laid it all out during the broadcast last night. If Edmonds doesn't come up with something clutch soon, he won't last much longer.
Monday, May 19, 2008
On the Road Again
The Cubs looked on top of their game in going 8-2 on their recently completed home stand.
It was a solid run for the team, with contributions from all around. Soriano has hit .525 in the last 10 games and sits on a 9-game hitting streak, with Sunday being the sixth straight game he has led off with a hit.
The Cubs lead MLB with a plus-71 run differential.
They now head to Houston (and Pittsburgh after that) to face a dangerously hot Astros team (7-3 last 10 games) led by all-world Lance Berkman, who leads the NL in HR, RBI, Runs, and Hits and sits behind only Chipper Jones (.410) in batting average at .399.
It would be nice if Lilly could start this off with a win. Look for newly called up Hoffpauir and Edmonds to see some action against the right-handed starters of Houston.
It was a solid run for the team, with contributions from all around. Soriano has hit .525 in the last 10 games and sits on a 9-game hitting streak, with Sunday being the sixth straight game he has led off with a hit.
The Cubs lead MLB with a plus-71 run differential.
They now head to Houston (and Pittsburgh after that) to face a dangerously hot Astros team (7-3 last 10 games) led by all-world Lance Berkman, who leads the NL in HR, RBI, Runs, and Hits and sits behind only Chipper Jones (.410) in batting average at .399.
It would be nice if Lilly could start this off with a win. Look for newly called up Hoffpauir and Edmonds to see some action against the right-handed starters of Houston.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
We Have Met The Enemy and He Is Us
Former Cardinal Jim Edmonds was dropped like a hot potato by the San Diego Padres. The Cubs picked him up just as quickly. In doing so, the Cubbies add a veteran left-handed bat and a former gold-glove winning outfielder. Granted, the 37-year-old Edmonds (38 in June) may be well past his prime, but he may yet have something in his tank. The team will pay Edmonds a prorated share of the league minimum, which will total about $290,000. A very small risk.
Edmonds is a career .286 hitter, but was batting .178 in just 26 games for the Padres this season. He started the season on the DL with a strained calf and was activated on April 5. There was some suggestion he may have rushed his return. Other observers feel he may just be winding down a once stellar career. While he has most likely lost some quickness in the field as well, playing in the smaller Wrigley Field outfield should help him out. Besides, his defense used good instinct as much as speed. There are others yet that saw improvement at the plate in his final few weeks prior to being dropped by San Diego (he hit .278 for his 18 May at bats). No matter, the Cubs have risked nothing and may see great benefits from this move.
The immediate impact sends Pie down to the minors, where he can take the opportunity to work on his swing. Additionally, Reed Johnson may see a reduction in playing time. However, only if the Edmonds experiment works. Johnson certainly knows the way the wind blows and will adjust given the team player he is.
There is much debate about how the fans will react to a former rival such as Edmonds joining the club. I am passionate about the Cubs and I love the good old rivalries, but it is more about the uniform than any particular player. Edmonds fell in the villain category more for his performance on the field against the Cubs than for any other action (as compared to something like Clemens' bat shard incident). I welcome him gladly. I hope he brings the same intensity to the Cubs.
Some people have called Edmonds out for being a bad or surly teammate. Someone that keeps to himself. I've heard this for years. Jason Marquis (a Cardinal from 2004-06) all but squashed that yesterday on Mac, Jurko and Harry AM1000. Marquis had nothing of the sort to say about Edmonds. I assume that, like most people, Edmonds is not universally liked. That doesn't mean he is a major clubhouse boil. I think there are enough solid veterans on this club to keep one person from upsetting the apple cart. Tune in today, as Edmonds likely gets a start when Dempster faces off against Maddux in what may be Maddux's final start at Wrigley.
In other news, pinch-hitter extraordinaire Daryle Ward will be heading to the DL for two weeks with a back injury (herniated disc). Micah Hoffpauir may get the call up. Hoffpauir looked good at the plate during the spring and has spent some time in right field this season in an effort to make him more viable for a call to the big club.
Edmonds is a career .286 hitter, but was batting .178 in just 26 games for the Padres this season. He started the season on the DL with a strained calf and was activated on April 5. There was some suggestion he may have rushed his return. Other observers feel he may just be winding down a once stellar career. While he has most likely lost some quickness in the field as well, playing in the smaller Wrigley Field outfield should help him out. Besides, his defense used good instinct as much as speed. There are others yet that saw improvement at the plate in his final few weeks prior to being dropped by San Diego (he hit .278 for his 18 May at bats). No matter, the Cubs have risked nothing and may see great benefits from this move.
The immediate impact sends Pie down to the minors, where he can take the opportunity to work on his swing. Additionally, Reed Johnson may see a reduction in playing time. However, only if the Edmonds experiment works. Johnson certainly knows the way the wind blows and will adjust given the team player he is.
There is much debate about how the fans will react to a former rival such as Edmonds joining the club. I am passionate about the Cubs and I love the good old rivalries, but it is more about the uniform than any particular player. Edmonds fell in the villain category more for his performance on the field against the Cubs than for any other action (as compared to something like Clemens' bat shard incident). I welcome him gladly. I hope he brings the same intensity to the Cubs.
Some people have called Edmonds out for being a bad or surly teammate. Someone that keeps to himself. I've heard this for years. Jason Marquis (a Cardinal from 2004-06) all but squashed that yesterday on Mac, Jurko and Harry AM1000. Marquis had nothing of the sort to say about Edmonds. I assume that, like most people, Edmonds is not universally liked. That doesn't mean he is a major clubhouse boil. I think there are enough solid veterans on this club to keep one person from upsetting the apple cart. Tune in today, as Edmonds likely gets a start when Dempster faces off against Maddux in what may be Maddux's final start at Wrigley.
In other news, pinch-hitter extraordinaire Daryle Ward will be heading to the DL for two weeks with a back injury (herniated disc). Micah Hoffpauir may get the call up. Hoffpauir looked good at the plate during the spring and has spent some time in right field this season in an effort to make him more viable for a call to the big club.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
That's 4 in a Row
Last night's game vs the Padres didn't have a good feel to me early on. However, the Cubs exploded with 6 runs in the 5th inning and 5 in the 6th.
This team has had dry spells, but when they are successful the runs come in bunches. You can see the team's relentless approach even when they aren't scoring runs. Guys are getting on base any which way (hey, look, the Cubs are taking walks!) and it seems in many games, especially at home, they are putting people on base. It isn't necessarily the station to station, HR or bust teams of the past.
The joy of seeing three runs scored on what should have been an infield ground out was tremendous. With DeRosa at the plate, two outs and Fukudome, Ramirez and Theriot on (going 1st to 3rd), DeRosa put the ball down the third base line. Kouzmanoff backhanded it and ran to third. The speedy Ramirez (this combined with the SB earns him some love) actually beat him to the bag, allowing Theriot to score from third. Kouzmanoff then let a ball sail high to an empty first base, allowing Ramirez to go home. As the nearby Padres stared at the ball on the ground by the tarp, Fukudome cruised home as well. Granted, Kouz may have never gotten DeRosa at first, but this was the type of bungling circus that reminds one of some of the old Cub teams.
The Padres managed to finish that up by letting DeRosa get to third on a wild pitch, then giving up a Johnson RBI single and finally a hit by Big Z just to rub it in before the misery was over.
The Cubs now have an MLB best 15 home victories and are tied with Florida (8-2 in their last 10) and Arizona for the best winning percentage in the Majors.
This team has had dry spells, but when they are successful the runs come in bunches. You can see the team's relentless approach even when they aren't scoring runs. Guys are getting on base any which way (hey, look, the Cubs are taking walks!) and it seems in many games, especially at home, they are putting people on base. It isn't necessarily the station to station, HR or bust teams of the past.
The joy of seeing three runs scored on what should have been an infield ground out was tremendous. With DeRosa at the plate, two outs and Fukudome, Ramirez and Theriot on (going 1st to 3rd), DeRosa put the ball down the third base line. Kouzmanoff backhanded it and ran to third. The speedy Ramirez (this combined with the SB earns him some love) actually beat him to the bag, allowing Theriot to score from third. Kouzmanoff then let a ball sail high to an empty first base, allowing Ramirez to go home. As the nearby Padres stared at the ball on the ground by the tarp, Fukudome cruised home as well. Granted, Kouz may have never gotten DeRosa at first, but this was the type of bungling circus that reminds one of some of the old Cub teams.
The Padres managed to finish that up by letting DeRosa get to third on a wild pitch, then giving up a Johnson RBI single and finally a hit by Big Z just to rub it in before the misery was over.
The Cubs now have an MLB best 15 home victories and are tied with Florida (8-2 in their last 10) and Arizona for the best winning percentage in the Majors.
Zell Rejects ISFA Offer
It was recently reported that Sam Zell, Tribune Company Chairman, has rejected the IFSA offer to buy Wrigley Field that was being spearheaded by former IL Governor Jim Thompson.
The report claims that Thompson's no-tax purchase deal would have relied heavily on equity seat rights. Zell and his advisors believe the plan to be in violation of MLB rules (no surprise that Thompson would go that route).
Zell allegedly wants to sell the ballpark in a package deal with the team, something that early rumors indicated he wasn't going to do. Watchers such as myself thought you would get the most value from the whole basket, rather than hoping some prospective owner would want to jump in head first with a team whose ballpark is under the control of a group like the IFSA.
The Cubs are shooting to have their used ballclub sales brochure to the market in a few weeks. It sure seems like they are dragging on this, but given the jumble over at Trib Co lately, it's not unreasonable that this be going slowly.
The report claims that Thompson's no-tax purchase deal would have relied heavily on equity seat rights. Zell and his advisors believe the plan to be in violation of MLB rules (no surprise that Thompson would go that route).
Zell allegedly wants to sell the ballpark in a package deal with the team, something that early rumors indicated he wasn't going to do. Watchers such as myself thought you would get the most value from the whole basket, rather than hoping some prospective owner would want to jump in head first with a team whose ballpark is under the control of a group like the IFSA.
The Cubs are shooting to have their used ballclub sales brochure to the market in a few weeks. It sure seems like they are dragging on this, but given the jumble over at Trib Co lately, it's not unreasonable that this be going slowly.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Too Little, Too Late
The words of Ryan Dempster rang true in responding to questions about the recent Arizona series on Fox News Chicago's Final Word. Too little, too late. At least in relation to anything to do with last season's post-season debacle. The D-Backs put it on the Cubs last October and nothing in May 2008 is going to help that.
However, for the 2008 Cubbies, this weekend's series sweep came just in time. Starting off a long home stand against one of the hottest teams in the National League, the Cubs needed to look good, if not win the series. They did that and more. The pitching of Lilly was great and Dempster was solid, if not great, while keeping his team in the game. Sunday's rain delay kept us from seeing a matchup of Big Z vs Big Unit, but on short notice, Sean Gallagher looked good in his first start in the Majors. Marmol and Woody continue to look good of late and Eyre was effective in his return.
On the other side, Soriano was big in this series with clutch hitting and some runs scored. Nevertheless, I think those of us watching didn't see much spring in those legs and I hope it is something that will be worked out in time. The rest of the gang filled in all over, giving this ballclub the distinct feel of a whole unit, as opposed to a few big players hoping to cover for holes galore (HRs from Lee, Fukudome, Johnson, SB from Ramirez). The bench bat of Daryle Ward proved its immense worth yet again, getting pinch hits to tie and to take the lead on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Three come-from-behind wins is good sign. Particularly when you aren't talking about giant comebacks, but a club that stayed close and kept at it until the final out.
The Cubs find themselves locked with St. Louis at the top of the Central (with one fewer loss and one fewer win than the Cards) with 7 upcoming home games - 4 with San Diego and 3 with Pittsburgh - that should allow the Cubs' stellar home record to continue. With Big Z pitching tonight on good rest, look for a fourth straight victory vs Wolf and the Padres.
However, for the 2008 Cubbies, this weekend's series sweep came just in time. Starting off a long home stand against one of the hottest teams in the National League, the Cubs needed to look good, if not win the series. They did that and more. The pitching of Lilly was great and Dempster was solid, if not great, while keeping his team in the game. Sunday's rain delay kept us from seeing a matchup of Big Z vs Big Unit, but on short notice, Sean Gallagher looked good in his first start in the Majors. Marmol and Woody continue to look good of late and Eyre was effective in his return.
On the other side, Soriano was big in this series with clutch hitting and some runs scored. Nevertheless, I think those of us watching didn't see much spring in those legs and I hope it is something that will be worked out in time. The rest of the gang filled in all over, giving this ballclub the distinct feel of a whole unit, as opposed to a few big players hoping to cover for holes galore (HRs from Lee, Fukudome, Johnson, SB from Ramirez). The bench bat of Daryle Ward proved its immense worth yet again, getting pinch hits to tie and to take the lead on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
Three come-from-behind wins is good sign. Particularly when you aren't talking about giant comebacks, but a club that stayed close and kept at it until the final out.
The Cubs find themselves locked with St. Louis at the top of the Central (with one fewer loss and one fewer win than the Cards) with 7 upcoming home games - 4 with San Diego and 3 with Pittsburgh - that should allow the Cubs' stellar home record to continue. With Big Z pitching tonight on good rest, look for a fourth straight victory vs Wolf and the Padres.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
There's No Crying in Baseball
That doesn't mean the Cubs' string of foul play recently doesn't make a fan consider it.
It seems like every dark thought fans had in the back of their minds during the spring have come to roost in the glorious play of the Cubs in May. Fielding, pitching and hitting have all had moments of pure disaster. You can't get too smug about your team without those elements succeeding, can you?
Even Sweet Lou is getting a little terse. Not that I blame him. The media in Chicago is relentless and specific.
The return of Soriano did no great shakes in the field or at the plate. I still think he's going to put something together. He does have some great physical ability. The rest of the gang have all had moments as well. At least Lee seems to be back on track after a disappointing last season. Many of the others tend to look good as well. Theriot, Soto, Ramirez, Fukudome, Cedeno, Fontenot, Dempster, Marmol and Big Z. Others have proved worthy in spots and well worth cheering for. I am a fan of Reed Johnson. Guys like that have been missing on the North Side.
Sounds great. So what the hell is going on?
The rest of the starting pitching is lame. Lilly is close to being on track, I think, but the others have been ugly. Even the usually steady Lieber looked awful in his recent start. Wood has been spotty as well. I'm clinging to hope there, Woody's stuff still looks good to me. He just needs to throw strikes.
They really need a dose of Wrigley to get their heads straight again. After suffering at the hands of the NL Central in recent games, they needed the day off today. They've been stretching the bullpen hard and that will hurt in September if they don't get innings from starters.
At least nobody has gotten in a bench brawl this year or left blowup dolls in the clubhouse to distract them even worse than some bad games.
It seems like every dark thought fans had in the back of their minds during the spring have come to roost in the glorious play of the Cubs in May. Fielding, pitching and hitting have all had moments of pure disaster. You can't get too smug about your team without those elements succeeding, can you?
Even Sweet Lou is getting a little terse. Not that I blame him. The media in Chicago is relentless and specific.
The return of Soriano did no great shakes in the field or at the plate. I still think he's going to put something together. He does have some great physical ability. The rest of the gang have all had moments as well. At least Lee seems to be back on track after a disappointing last season. Many of the others tend to look good as well. Theriot, Soto, Ramirez, Fukudome, Cedeno, Fontenot, Dempster, Marmol and Big Z. Others have proved worthy in spots and well worth cheering for. I am a fan of Reed Johnson. Guys like that have been missing on the North Side.
Sounds great. So what the hell is going on?
The rest of the starting pitching is lame. Lilly is close to being on track, I think, but the others have been ugly. Even the usually steady Lieber looked awful in his recent start. Wood has been spotty as well. I'm clinging to hope there, Woody's stuff still looks good to me. He just needs to throw strikes.
They really need a dose of Wrigley to get their heads straight again. After suffering at the hands of the NL Central in recent games, they needed the day off today. They've been stretching the bullpen hard and that will hurt in September if they don't get innings from starters.
At least nobody has gotten in a bench brawl this year or left blowup dolls in the clubhouse to distract them even worse than some bad games.
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