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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Sunday 3/23, 3:05 CT

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Peoria Stadium is one of the best, if not THE best, of the Cactus League parks, and the Cubs will make their second trip of the spring there today (they played the Mariners, who share the complex with the Padres, at Peoria earlier this month).

One thing that's changed about the Cactus League -- you don't see teams as often as years ago, because there are more teams. When the Cactus League was only eight teams, you'd see teams four, or sometimes even six, times a spring. Now, often you only see teams twice, and this spring the Cubs will only see the Giants, A's, Brewers and Angels more than that (not including the Las Vegas games vs. the Mariners). Next year, when the Dodgers (and possibly the Reds) come to Arizona, it will likely be even fewer teams seen more than twice.

Not complaining, mind you -- just an observation. And because of this schedule, I haven't seen the Brewers play yet -- and won't until the final day of Cactus League play on Thursday. But both Paul Sullivan and Chris DeLuca remind us that the Brewers aren't just going to lay down and let the Cubs take the NL Central. There are good quotes from players on both teams and also from Jim Hendry in those articles.

We'll find out soon, too -- the Cubs and Brewers play six of their first 28 games against each other, all at Wrigley Field (thanks, schedule-makers, for making them play in cold weather instead of in the dome in Milwaukee).

Bruce Miles tells us that Kerry Wood's back-to-back outings have been moved up; he'll go today after his strong inning yesterday, and:

Another strong outing may nail down the closer's job for Wood, who had experienced minor back spasms last week.

"Wood threw the ball very well, very well," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He had a very good fastball, a good breaking ball."

Absolutely. I believe Wood will be named closer by tomorrow, and I couldn't be happier, both for Wood, who has worked hard and always been a class act, and for the team -- because Wood looks like the real deal as closer.

Gordon Wittenmyer writes of a "standoff" he had with Lou Piniella on Friday. Reads more like a milquetoast little discussion; the most useful information is this quote from Lou:

"You know, the only concern that I really have here is, what do we do here in center field?" Piniella said, referring to having no legitimate backup, or alternative, for projected starter Felix Pie. "That is a bit of a concern."

Actually, Lou does have a backup, of sorts, if you look at the lineup he put on the field on Thursday: for days he wants to sit Pie, he can play Matt Murton in RF and Kosuke Fukudome in CF.

Jason Marquis will face Greg Maddux today. Also appearing on the mound for the Padres will be Trevor Hoffman, Wil Ledezma and Enrique Gonzalez. We know that Kerry Wood will throw for the Cubs; I assume we'll also see Carlos Marmol since he hasn't gone since Wednesday.

No TV again today -- but that's the last time this month. All the rest of the spring games are on TV (Monday/Tuesday on CSN; Wednesday on MLB.TV; and Thursday/Friday/Saturday on WGN). There is radio coverage on WGN, XPRS, XM 184, a Spanish-language broadcast on San Diego station XEMO, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs  |  283 comments

Comments

Cold weather

Which team does playing in cold weather benefit more?

The Brewers are an offensive team, so it should hurt them there...plus it should help flyball pitchers like Lilly. But I seem to remember that Z pitches much better in hot weather.

Last year...

... when the Brewers started out 24-10, of those 34 games, 21 were at home, and of the 13 road games, three were in Florida and three were in Houston.

So in their first 34 games last year, Milwaukee played seven cold-weather games -- two in St. Louis, two in Cincinnati, and three at Wrigley Field.

They were 4-3 in those seven games. They were 4-2 in Florida and Houston. They were 16-5 in the 21 home games.

This year, through that second Cub series at the end of April (28 games), the Brewers will play 13 home games and 15 road games. In addition to the six at Wrigley Field, they play three-game series at New York, at St. Louis and at Cincinnati.

Draw your own conclusions.

I agree

if we had a retractable dome, there is no telling what we could accomplish....

Night games

on Friday and Saturday would be accomplished.

Back up

plan of Murton in RF and Dome in CF. Not bad, but I am sure the Murton non believers are not happy about that.

How ironic if Pie flops and Dome ends up in CF with Murton in RF. At minimum to start the season I would think baring any trades that this is something we might see some of when a tough lefty is twirling for the opposition.

Murton is

my favorite player so I'd go for this. If he ends up in right he better produce though. I wanna see him succed and I'd like a chance to be proven wrong. I've always believed Murton could be a 'good' player. (never expected major stardom) I've always been impressed with his attitude and hussle. I honestly think he tries way too hard, which leads to mistakes. I'm guessing the minimal playing time forces him to over do it when he gets his chance in the field. I really hope he can relax this year when his gets his opps. I'm afraid that all the trade talk might keep him on his over-doing-it path as he tries to impress potential teams. Anyhow's...GO CUBS!

Here's a dumb question....

Why the heck is Soriano not in center field? Didn't we get him for center? If I remember correctly Lou moved Soriano to left last year to take pressure off.

Re: Why the heck is Soriano not in center field?

Because his defense in CF was awful. Bad routes, didn't read the ball well off the bat, couldn't come in well towards soft liners...it was not a pretty for Sori out there. Lou moved him because he was liability on defense out there, not because Sori couldn't handle the pressure.

Yea u r rite

I forgot the horrible defensive spell. The way I remember it was his hitting was suffering so Lou moved him to take the defensive pressure off his mind. But now that you mention it, yea he was bad out there.

It is rare

for a 2B to change successfully to the outfield. Biggio, a Hall of Famer, did it better than any other I've seen. However, even HE had problems in the outfield. Considering the fact that he was an All-Star catcher, his carrer just shows how athletic he was and how much work he put into developing the skills he had.. DeRosa is one who can do it, and Pete Rose did it out of sheer work habits. But, it is a rare thing.

From the sound of things....

it almost sounds as if the Cubs are pursuing some kind of backup option in CF (the Marlon Byrd deal is back maybe?) as opposed to TTTSNBN. If you ask me, that's something we need even more. I would rather Dome just stay in right field, and let him focus on getting his hitting to come around. The fact that he had two hits yesterday is a positive sign.

True.

But it would probably be fine to play him in CF, say, once a week or so, when a tough LHP faces the Cubs and you want to sit Pie.

Maybe

we should for get SS all together and play 4 outfielders haha

Indians are coming back to Cactus League next year

I think their complex is in Glendale. There are ongoing talks of possibly expanding that complex to support a second team, which could be the Reds depending on how their talks go in Sarasota. But at least for now, the only for-sure teams coming over from Florida next year are the Dodgers and Indians.

That's right.

They may share the complex with the Reds.

And the White Sox may be moving from Tucson to share the complex with the Dodgers.

If three teams (Dodgers, Indians, Reds) all come to Arizona next year, having 15 teams will create either more off-days, or more split-squad games, or both.

With 15 teams

they could also just play each other once at home and once on the road and then you could potentially see each team.

Our Cactus League is all growns up

I think it's gonna be cool when those 3 teams are added next year, especially the Dodgers. But yeah you guys are right, the days of playing a team 3 or 4 times are ova.

Scottsdale is the nicest stadium in the Cactus League and a must attend stadium for any Cub fan out here in the Spring. Actually anytime any of you are out here in AZ there is a game going on there and throughout the Valley (except summer) so even if it's not spring or the regular season, there is a game going on and I'd implore you to find out where there is a game at because the facilities out here are all good.

Personally...

... I like Peoria and Surprise. Easy in/out parking, lots of food choices, huge lawn area.

Scottsdale's a little too cramped for my tastes, and parking is difficult. However, I still like it better than Ho Ho Kam.

Happy Easter!!!

Big day for Kerry today, the brightest sign this Spring has been Kerry. I don't care about anything else in today's game other than how Kerry does. If he does well, I will feel so much better about our closer situation. I know it's only spring training ,but this year for some reason has been longer and more frustrating than any other I can remember. Besides Hoffpauir and Kerry, there really hasn't been a " feel good" story or someone who has played well.

8 more days!!!

Actually,

Ward (.400/.419/.700) and McGehee (.424/.457/.636) have had just as good a spring as Hoffpauir (.408/.412/.673), and Carmen Pigniatello has yet to allow an earned run this spring, which seems to me to be a pretty good story. Zambrano (.060 ERA) and Marquis (1.93 ERA) have also pitched really well.

zambrano and wood

our 03 boys will be key this year. the fact that zambrano had his worst season in the majors last year, yet we still won the division makes me very optimistic this year. i really think zambrano will go back to his old form this year. wood as the closer, the sky seems to be the limit.

I agree

Hoffpaur and Pignatello should make the squad. McGehee also catches and we should have room for him also.....too bad we only get 25......

No Room For Hoffpair nor McGehee...

... and given the status of not being able to push Marquis, Pignatello may not get the call, either.

Barring any trades, Gallagher likely won't make the cut, either. This is assuming Lahey goes to the minors...

Hoffpauir is already on the squad,

it's just that his name is Daryle Ward.

Cory Provus on the broadcast

pretty much suggested that Hoffpauir and Patterson are in the lineup today because they are being shopped to the Orioles, who have scouts in attendence today yet again. He backed up his theory by saying this is a suprise, because Lou had said he'd be going wth the starting lineup from now on, and DeRosa needs more at bats.

However, wouldn't a better explanation be that this a road game, and vets aren't traveling in ST?

Piniella Wanted More At Bats...

... for several of his vets, and two weeks ago suggested that they would be going with the rest of the team on road games.

I mentioned this in the Roberts thread as well - today's sport section in the Trib did drop Hoffpauir's name as now being in the mix.

I will not get excited, I will not get excited, I will not get excited

Whew. Almost got my hopes for a second there. What is it about trades that excites we baseball fans so?

This is an interesting angle on Lou's lineup today. I've been thinking something was going down since Lou dropped Sori in the lineup.

TTTSNBN....

is the only interesting thing going on till March 31st, except for the rotation derby.

Too true.

And by interesting

I also mean excruciatingly uneventful (so far)

Gameday says Fukudome in CF

With the concerns about CF and with Hoffpauir in RF could it be another of Lou's experiments? Is it possible that Pie may be riding the pine come opening day and either Hoffpauir or Murton in RF or is it more likely just another ST lineup with no hidden significance?

If Dome plays center

Murton is in Right. There's no way Hoffpauer makes the team playing RF after three or four appearances there.

Ya know

there's no reason at all for Patterson to be leading off, with official, current lead off man batting 8th, unless some team that anticipates a vacancy for both a 2B and a lead off man is scouting him today.

Leadoff = more ABs

This way he gets more ABs, and is more likely to face 'real' pitching

And the reason for that would be....

he's about to make the Cubs' bench? Maybe, but recent news has suggested that Cedeno and Fontenot are the current front runners for IF bench spots, with Cintron hurting.

I would assume

More ABs for the scouts' evaulations, not really for our own bench battles

Yep

You're all wrong.

DeRosa was scratched today because he has the flu. That's the reason Patterson was playing.

That's only part of it

Why was the confirmed lead of man Theriot batting 8th?

When was that "confirmed"?

Lou has changed lineups quite a bit this spring. I'm guessing he's not done yet.

True, confirmed decisions by Lou

do not always stay confirmed very long, but in the last few days he's said Soriano will not lead off in the first two months, and he laughed off beat reporter suggestions that Theriot would be a better 8th hitter than Pie. He's never said anything about Patterson even making the team, let alone starting at 2B. Here's where Theriot was named lead off man - 2 days ago.

have the actual lineups

been posted? I dinna see 'em.

Cubs lineup

Cubs

Patterson, 2B
Soriano, A, LF
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Fukudome, CF
Hoffpauir, RF
Soto, C
Theriot, SS
Marquis, P

Capuano Torn UCL

from Rotoworld.com
Chris Capuano was disagnosed with a torn UCL in his left elbow, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
If it's a full tear, he'll have no choice but to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. Even if it isn't, he figures to miss at least the first couple of months of the season. Capuano had already been slated to begin the season on the DL, but this takes a big chunk out of the Brewers' pitching depth.

They barely had any depth before

This is looking a lot like last year for them, I think.

These ST games

are starting to feel a little more important

Patterson on at first

after the SS bobbels the ball.

Barret catching, couldn't get Patterson SB

Patterson steals second

safe

Battery of Maddux and Barrett:

Base stealer's dream

Kunckleballer + Barrett

Would truly be any baserunner's ultimate dream. Even Blanco can take extra bases against that battery

I bet Cedeno

could still get picked off, tho.

Let's Go Cubbie's!

Soriano singles

Patterson stops at third after holding at second too long.

Soriano steals

Patterson still holds.

second and third, no outs.

Lee walks

bases loaded, no outs.

Let's go A-Ram let's go!

Aram singles!

2-0 cubbies!

LOL

Ron always called Jerry Hairston "Harriston". Today he's caling Scott H. "Harrison".

Ron says Dome

is "getting better with the English"

I wonder...

When Ron will get better with his English... JK

Dome

walks. Bases loaded, no outs.

Hoffpauer pops up

one out, still bases loaded. Not a great start for the Baltimore scouts.

Soto called out on strike three

two outs.

Theriot doubles!

2 more runs in! 5-0!

I mean three more runs

it cleared the bases.

What is Dome's OBP?

Marquis singles

Theriot in. 6-0.

Top of the order back up.

Epat flies out

inning over.

Mixed emotions for Jessica today

I would imagine.

My compromise

I wonder how Jessica would feel about my compromise in these games.

It's easy when a guys a starting pitcher. Root for them to have a good game but us to beat the pen in the end.

Well

it didn't work out that way for her (so far) today

This is great.....

MLB's "live box score" is still zeroed out....

Yesterday

Yesterday it was about an inning at a time posted.

Marquis starts the bottom of the first

base hit for Brian Giles. no outs.

Iguchi

base hit, first and second, no outs.

Quick....

Someone tell Marquis that it isn't the 2nd half of the season

Macanulty

hit himself in the foot...

Can you guys believe

Can you guys believe that a week from right now we'll be laying out our layers of clothes for wearing to opening day?

Macanulty

flies out

one out, still runners at first and second.

I have an exclusive

I have exclusive information that a large group of Cub Scouts were at the Orioles game today.

Note the capitialization of the words (a friend is taking her sons cub scout troop to game today)

Wittemeyer

Has there been a worse writer in chicago sports history than this bozo?

Marquis

BALKS?

That didn't help his

concentration

Gonzales homers

6-3 Cubs. One out.

you typed that about 20

to 30 secs ahead of the radio broadcast.....or you are psychic.......

not ahead of MY radio broadcast...

Good thing we scored those six runs...

Well,

our head case is in 2nd half form already...

as a friend just told me

if anyone can blow a 6-0 lead, it's Jason Marquis.

He just likes pitching with an even score....

but we still lead by three

that means... :P

Greene

nearly hits it by ARAM, but he stops it, and throws him out. 2 outs.

A Ram with a great play apparently

When will ARam get credit for his fielding?

dood makes millions of dollars

and plays starting third base for a major league club. I think he's probably happy with that... :P

Hairston

gets a triple. still two outs.

oh Barrett

sssiiiiggghhh

Barrett strikes out

end of the inning. 6-3 Cubs.

anyone with a quick calculator

what's Marquis' new ERA?

ST era?

the box score says 1.93

isn't that before this inning?

oh

yea it is. Its now 3.77

well,

the universe is slowly sliding back to normal, at least... :P

well

3.60
the box score is slowww

Soriano

called out on strikes. one out

Lee

flies out deep to Giles. Two out.

Ramirez

grounds out.

Three outs.

Rodreguiz

thrown out by Theriot.

1 out.

good throw by theriot

maddux strikes out

two outs.

Giles

grounds out to Lee.

three outs.

Dome

flies out. One out, top of the third, 6-3 cubs.

You on mlb.com?

I'm listening to the game on WGN.

Hoffpauer

flies out. Two outs.

Springsteen might have been doing a speed ball

Soto

strikes out. three outs.

Iguchi

flies out. one out.

next batter

flies out. Missed the name.

Gonzales

strikes out. inning over.

Theriot

singles, off the glove of Gonzales.

Theriot steals second!

still no outs.

Marquis

singles. Theriot to third. Still no outs.

wow. jason 2-2!

he's defniitely trying hard.

no surprise, the most consistant thing is his bat haha

Epat

singles. Theriot scores, Marquis stops at second. Still no one out. 7-3 cubs.

Eyre hurting?

from Rotoworld -- Scott Eyre admitted to a sore elbow following a poor outing Saturday against the White Sox.
Eyre could begin the year on the DL, but that might not hurt the Cubs at all. Carmen Pignatiello has been very impressive this spring and could be an upgrade as the team's left-handed reliever.
Source: Chicago Tribune
Related: Carmen Pignatiello

I read that as Eye hurthing :P

I think Pignatiello would be a good addition to the major league team

Eyre

will start the year on the DL with "shoulder stiffness".

Barring any trades, Marquis, Marshall and Pigniatello will be in the pen. Marmol, Howry, Wuertz and Wood (Closer) likely finish this out.

If Marquis is pushed, then likely Hart is in. If there's another trade, Marshall is likely in that...

Soriano

strikes out. one out.

Lee

robbed by Giles again. Marquis tags up and goes to third. Two out.s

Ramirez

Flies out. Three outs.

First batter

flies out. Again, I missed the batter.

Greene I think

Hairston

strikes out.

Barrett

grounds out.

New pitcher for Padres

Ledezde?

Dome

Walks. No outs.

What inning?

top of the fifth, I think

Hoffpauer

flies out. one out.

Soto

flies out. two outs. Dome still at first.

Theriot

Ronny calls him the sparkplug. Solid.

grounds out to Greene, tho. End of the inning. 7-3 cubs.

Is it time yet.........????

To wonder if Soto is going to get the job done........ lots of eggs in that basket.....!!!!!

I don't think so...

he's still a rock behind the plate.

Offtopic: I was listening to the Padre announcers

on XM for a little while before I switched to Ron and Pat.

FWIW, they said regarding "The Trade" (that must not be named): it is a done deal. Everyone knows that it will happen. All that needs to be done is for Bal'more to say who they want.

Columbia House

for baseball fans? haha

Rodreguiz

strikes out.

one out.

Marquis is coming out.

gameday

says marquis threw 27 pitches? and their in the fifth inning.

5 pitches an inning?

not bad haha

ha especially after the first inning

Pignatello pitching

Bard pinch-hitting.

Strikes out! 1 K for Piggy.

Wow, This Kid Sounds Good...

... I hope we can trade Marquis such that Pignatiello can make the 25-man roster.

for sure

i dont know much about him but what i've heard so far he seems solid.

just looked up his stats this spring

8 innings 3 hits 6 k's 0 walks 0 era coming into today. i dont see how they can send this guy to iowa.

Giles

flies out to Soto in foul territory. Three outs.

I really think Piggy needs to be on the roster on the 31st. Put Eyre on the DL.

Just Trade Marquis...

Cedeno

flies out on the first pitch. Gooooo Cedeno IQ!

One out.

Patterson

bunts his way out.

Is Kerry In Next?

dunno yet.

Cedeno batted for Pignatello.

Soriano

draws a walk. Two outs, Lee up to bat.

Come on

Derrek. Hit one outta there.

Hi, Sue!

no sign of that dreamy red-head yet...

Hey Drew.

I know. Maybe he'll play on TV tomorrow. :-)

he's wasted on the radio anyway.

:P

lol

for sure

Lee

grounds out to short. Three outs.

Iguchi

grounds out to thirds. 1 out.

Pignatello is somehow still pitching.

Cedeno

must have batted for Patterson

I think so.

they didn't say Cedeno was in for Epat, tho.

Macanulty

Strikes out. That's 2 ks for Pignatello.

Gonazles

singles.

hey!

Murton is IN! He ends the inning with Greene flying out!

Sue! He's here! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

I think you

like him more than I do. :P

I'll never tell!

You can tell

me. I won't say a word. :D

no, no...

I'm not that kind of girl...

But you'd be willing...

to find out if that red beard give good back scratches wouldn't you?

there you are!

Actually, I have my eyes on Soto's little goatee thingy. And Lee's facial hair is a must try.

Geovany IS dreamy.

Matt's hurt. he really is.

He'll be fine

but he wants to be

your EVERYDAY playah!

Sorry.

I can't be tied to just one player.

Who else

wants to platoon for Sue?

This guy is always looking for...

a "lineup" to be in.

nah

he's got no Sue IQ.

CEDENO!

um, no.

see, what did I tell you

She might like Pie.

As a

player I like him.

This was hilarious.

Thank you!

You're welcome

New pitcher for Padres

Hoffman.

McGehee pops-out. One out.

Pie in

he singles. Still one out.

Hoffpauer

lines a base hit. Pie stops at second.

Didn't Al say that the gild is off the lily now..? :-)

So why is HoffPOWER still hitting like this?

FYI...

... that single wasn't "lined". It bounced up the middle.

You contradict

the word of Pat? :P

LOL

Hey, that's what I wrote on my scorecard.

Soto

Grounds into the DP. Three out.

Time for the 7th Inning Stretch!

Here comes WOODY!

Back to back appearances!

Hairston

flies out to Pie. Pretty hard hit ball.

Garrett

gets a single.

Just got here...

and quickly skimmed the game thread...it looks like Lou should bat Marquis 8th when he starts.

Woody has

a wild pitch. Garrett to second.

I love

how they continue to call Woodys injury a 'back spasm'. We all know it was 'tight back from swinging bat at car syndrome'.

Hairston

(I think) Strikes out. 1 k for Woody.

Josh Bard

strikes out!

2 Ks for Woody. Not dominant, but pretty damn good.

Go Kerry!!

Standing "O" for him.

Congrats to our new closer Kerry Wood!

Let's see how he feels in the morning...

As long as he stays away from bats and cars, he should be okay :P

I feel like

I'm in a time warp when Kerry is THAT good. It's great to see him like this again.

I all most forgot...

to wish everyone a "Happy Easter!"

I can wish you all that right?

HA!

I like the 'Easter Cancelled' one.

Ward in to bat

gets a base-hit up the middle.

Cedeno

strikes out. Again, I think.

Well he cant get picked off at

home plate so thats the only other option.

Crap.

/Elevated annoyance/

Patterson

grounds into a double-play. I don't know WHY Ward didn't break that up. :P inning over. I think it's the bottom of the 9th next. I think.

bottom of the eight i believe

Lahey in

for the bottom of the 8th. I was wrong, cubs ftw is right.

Headly

singles. no outs.

Myro batting

strikes out. One out.

Stansbury

strikes out.

Pitching change!

I SMELL WALROND!

bottom of the eight, two on, two out. Chip Ambrese batting.

Whups

Ambrese is out. Mike Baxter batting.

Baxter grounds out to second. Inning over.

GOOOO MATTY!

dang

I hink you mean...

Rats.

yes

RATS!

Stick to the script people...

ohhhhhhhhh

the script. i forgot about the script

Murton

flies out to Larry "No-name" Johnson. Sue weeps.

Yeah, I

was hoping he would jack one outta there. Next time.

Fontenot

strikes out.

Pie

singles as well. McGhee to second.

Hoffpauer

flies out. three outs. Down to the bottom of the ninth!

Howry in to pitch!

Crabbe (Buster?)

flies out to Murton. Even he can't resist!

so I guess

Wood has secured his closer's position?

I'd say so

draft him in your fantasy leagues!

Done

and done.

I think it depends

on if he can get out of bed in the morning.

New batter

whoever he is...

strikes out. two outs.

Doufghty

pops out! Cubs win!

I've never

seen a flag like that in here before.

I am wise in the ways of teh Google.

Did Woody pitch today and is he our closer?

He did...

...and he probably is.

And I say that's a very good thing.

n/t

yes.

at least to teh first question -- he pitched an inning. One hit, two Ks, a pop-out and a wild pitch.

If he isn't the amazing stiff-man tomorrow morning, I'd think he's probably a lock for closer. I wonder if he'll pitch tomorrow.

I doubt that he'll pitch again tomorrow

doesn't a closer sometimes have to pitch three days in a row?

Did Demp ever pitch three days in a row?

yes, i'm sure at times he will go three days in a row.

i'd just be surprised if he pitches tomorrow.

So would I.

But I bet we'll see him go on Tuesday, and MAYBE throw an inning-plus.

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