|
(Sorry, I was out of commission yesterday. I bet you thought I had given up on this??)
The Matchup -Cubs (21-24, 2nd in NL Central) vs. LA Dodgers (27-20, 1st in NL West)
What Happened Yesterday -The Cubs nearly gave another game away as Alfonso Soriano led off a tied game in the 6th with a triple and was stranded.....Nevertheless, the Cubs were able to score two runs in the ninth to grab the victory, and keep from getting swept. Jason Marquis had a sterling out as he threw seven innings (94 pitches) but ended up with the no-decision. This was the first time in seven games that the Cubs scored more than two runs in San Diego. Bobby Howry and Ryan Dempster both threw scoreless innings in relief. Also, Ryan Theriot was moved down to the 8 spot in the batting order with Mark DeRosa moving up to the 2 hole. With Theriot's batting average dropping (.282), could we be seeing more of Izturis/DeRosa up the middle?
Momentum is Today's Starting Pitcher -The Cubs will throw out Ted Lilly (4-2, 2.69), Carlos Zambrano (4-4, 5.61) and Rich Hill (4-4, 3.38) against Derek Lowe (4-5, 3.84), Mark Hendrickson (2-1, 3.22) and Randy Wolf (6-3, 3.75). This is a big weekend for Zambrano and Hill as they try to get back on track after some rough outings.
Preview -Seems like I keep saying this but, this is a series the Cubs must win. After starting out the month of May strong, the Cubs have lost 4 out of their last 5 series. The offense was horrendous in San Diego, so maybe the move to LA and not facing Jake Peavy and Chris Young, will cure what ails the Cubs. The Dodgers are off to a strong start this season on the strength of their pitching staff. They took two of three from Milwaukee this week as Randy Wolf and Brad Penny turned in strong pitching perfomances. It will be important for the Cubs to keep Rafael Furcal and Juan Pierre off the bases.
Who's Hot -Cubs -Aramis Ramirez had two more hits last night to continue streaking.Dodgers -Besides that chick pouring beer on herself at a Dodgers game? Rafael Furcal is hitting .398 in the month of May. Let's hope he doesn't break Derrek Lee's wrist this time.
History with the Enemy -Dodger fan, meet Rick Monday. Rick Monday, meet Dodger fan.
On the Horizon -Florida and Atlanta come into Wrigley next week.
Enemy Website -True Blue LA- If you see these guys at the ballpark ask to borrow $10. They carry loads of cash.
Leave a comment
| 
2008 Cubs Preview
Network Partner
Great link to the Monday story. I find myself asking the question not why she wasted $10 with the brew but are they real or fake. Oh well, it doesn't matter.
Jack,
What do you make of the recent rumors of the Cubbies sending Matt Murton away for bullpen help? Would it be better to save the one actual outfielder with a future in front of him and trade the Jones and/or Floyd who could both be on the downslope of their careers? Also, in your infinate wisdom, where do you see the Cubs putting Wade Miller? He is due to finish his rehab assignment any day now? Should we cut our losses and free up a roster spot for a younger arm or stick with the surgically repaired and aged arm of Miller?
Wow, an actual Cubs question! I'll give it my best shot.
1. Murton situation. They aren't trading Murton. Plain and simple. While it would be nice if he blossomed into a 25+ homer guy this season, no one else is really hitting homers for the Cubs either. So, you can't blame any offensive woes on Murton. He is one of the few players in the lineup that is willing to take pitches deep into the count and Lou has said if you aren't going to hit for power, you at least need to work the count and get on base, which he does. Sometimes it's an adventure in RF for Murton, but he's already improved from when he first started out there. They can't trade him with Jones' BA dropping into the .230's and since Floyd can't play everyday. I think if you see Jones continue to play at the .230 BA level, you'll see him moved out in one form or another. I think if they can deal with a CF hitting .230 they'd prefer having a platoon of Pagan/Pie out there as they are better defenders than Jacque. So...Murton stays and Jacque goes if they can move him at all. They really don't have any options with Floyd since he can't play everyday unless he's willing to move to the AL.
2. Now Miller is a tricky situation with his rehab assignment coming to an end and his ML contract. They can do a few things. They can trade him for crummy bullpen help or they can not bring him up the the ML club and see if he makes it through waivers and accepts assignment to Iowa until further notice. I don't think, with the way the staff is pitching, that Miller has a spot over Marshall or anyone else for that matter. Lou has also shown that he doesn't have any attachments to veteran ballplayers and has even less attachment to veteran ballplayers with injuries (that's why you still see Floyd platooning even though he's quietly complaining). Miller is certainly not going to take the spots of Marmol and/or Guzman in the bullpen.
It seems that Lou is becoming less and less enchanted with some of the veteran ballplayers and most times would prefer to bring up a younger player from the minors who is going to play hard (kind of his own version of Moneyball). There hasn't been a guy called up from the minors this season who didn't contribute to the team in a positive manner and as long as those players continue to do that, you'll see veterans work their way out of town.
I don't think it was until about 10 games ago that Lou realized what kind of team he had. He's going to deal with the hand he was given this season and I think next season you are going to see some interesting changes in the lineup/roster. That's not to say he can't succeed this season. He still might, but I think next year, and the year after, is the time when you'll see Lou completely comfortable with his team. Although he did go through Spring Training with the club this year, you never really know what you have until the real season starts.
Whats your thoughts on Zambrano? Is he pitching hurt or just pitching poorly right now? Do you think the cubs will deal him (regardless if they are still in contention for a playoff spot) if no deal can be done by the deadline?
I'll be able to tell you more after I see him pitch in warm LA tomorrow afternoon, on FOX. I think he finishes out the season with the Cubs with no trades. Hendry was able to sign ARam last off-season after not being able to re-sign him before/during the season and the same may happen here. It's unfortunate because they were very close to re-signing him right after Opening Day.
Just finished watching the game, I'll try to have something for you tomorrow (Sunday)