In the middle of the season, you can't really point to any single game as "must-win" (though I have been guilty of saying that in the past)... because there are plenty of games remaining, the Cubs are in first place, and they come home (at last!) for a homestand beginning Tuesday, after playing 16 of their last 19 on the road.
Nevertheless, there has to be a sigh of relief among all the Cubs players, not to mention all of us, that the Cubs beat the Cardinals convincingly 7-1 this afternoon, winning the series and extending their NL Central division lead back to 3.5 games. The road trip (which, remember, included the three games at the Cell last weekend) thus ends with a 4-6 record -- not great, but it sure sounds better than 3-7, and since it started 0-3, winning four of their last seven gives them a good basis to start another winning streak when they return home to the Confines that have been extremely Friendly this season, to the tune of a 33-10 home record. And, one of the most important things the Cubs take out of this series is that they have split the six games so far with the Cardinals this year -- all of which have been played in St. Louis. There are nine games left with St. Louis, six of them at Wrigley Field, including the final three games of the home schedule. That bodes well for the head-to-head play for the rest of 2008.
Everything worked right today -- Sean Marshall threw six solid innings in notching his first win of the season; Neal Cotts threw another scoreless inning and is beginning to look like the 2005 version of Cotts who was a key part of... well, you know, some team that won the World Series.
The Cubs scored in fine Chicago fashion today -- early and often, in six of the nine innings, and in many different ways, from an early Mark DeRosa single (DeRo's next RBI will give the Cubs four men with 50 or more), to three RBI from Aramis Ramirez, to a D-Lee RBI double, once on a Cardinal error, and just to prove they could do it, a home run (from All-Star starter Geovany Soto, his 15th).
And, the happy Cub caravan will head home knowing that seven of their number have been selected to go to New York for the All-Star Game on July 15 -- Soto, Kosuke Fukudome and Alfonso Soriano as starters, A-Ram as a backup, and three pitchers: Z, Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, who joins Dennis Eckersley, Rich Gossage and John Smoltz as pitchers who have gone in recent years both as starters and closers (Hoyt Wilhelm also went as both a starter and reliever, but that was long before the current concept of "closer" came into being).
Many of you will say you'd rather see those guys get the time off, and for the rest of the team, rest will be well-deserved. But the honor is deserved also, and the seven representatives (eight, including Lou Piniella) is the most-ever for the Cubs (of course, All-Star rosters are larger than they used to be, too). We all hope none of them gets hurt -- that's a given. But the NL has not won the ASG since 1996 -- wouldn't it be cool if several Cubs contributed to the first such win in 12 years?
For those of you not watching the CSN telecast, Len mentioned the 14th birthday of Jenna Shaw, a friend of my daughter's who was mentioned on this site two years ago when she created a project for her Bat Mitzvah, selling autographed balls she had acquired on eBay to raise money for a couple of worthy causes (incidentally, the final total was over $3500). Jenna's mom took her to see the Cubs in St. Louis for her birthday.
Enjoy the off-day. You can bet the Cubs will. Till tomorrow.
0 recs | 236 comments
First!
Al…you got that recap up fast. 2 out 3 ain’t bad!
bergs55 - July 6, 2008
You bet.
Home on Tuesday—bet everyone will feel much better!
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Fastest post-game thread ever
The upside of not being there in person, eh Al?
ChipSet - July 6, 2008
Good game by Marshall and Scrappy Doo
thats the nice thing about baseball. Another game comes quickly to forget yesterdays disaster…
LT - July 6, 2008
Wow, that girl's eBay auction was two years ago? I've been here too long...
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
Concur.
sanantonecub - July 6, 2008
Doesn't seem that long
but wow, can’t believe I’ve been on this site that long. Besides email, probably the site I’ve visited most in my life.
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
I really liked listening to Demp
He tries and usually does stay professional in his interviews, but you could just tell how excited he is about the All-Star game. And Z was killing me!
love the ivy - July 6, 2008
Congrats to Marshall for a well-deserved win!
VolPowers - July 6, 2008
Cubs dominated the Cardinals
for 26 of 27 innings this weekend. Project that out over their next several meetings. Now relax and come in off the ledge, if you dare.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
Wow! At least 5 Cubs had at least 2 hits each today-very nice!
VolPowers - July 6, 2008
this game recap was posted faster than d-ward rounding third
Ratola - July 6, 2008
I could have posted the game recap quicker
blindfolded than Ward rounding third.
love the ivy - July 6, 2008
when he slid into second
the ground shook.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2008
Should have been a sweep...
... come on, you know you thought it and somebody had to say it.
Ross - July 6, 2008
...and we'd be 5.5 up on the Cardinals
And 4.5 up on Milwaukee.
ChipSet - July 6, 2008
yes, this is true,
but baby steps. This is much needed proof that this team can take a series on the road and against a somehow still formidable team. I think that will end up being more important in the long run.
love the ivy - July 6, 2008
And I should
have won Power Ball last night but I didn’t.
sue369 - July 6, 2008
So what? A sweep would have been nice, but so what?
A good team bounces back from a disaster. Today, the Cubs did. This is a good team, and it has survived a number of injuries. They will improve when Fonzie returns.
Other Cubs teams might have folded their tent today, and lost, starting a downward spiral.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 6, 2008
The Cubs haven't played 16 out of last 19 away
They’ve played 13 of last 19 away, 16 out of 22.
NittanyCub - July 6, 2008
You are correct, sir.
It only SEEMS like 16 of 19.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Yeah,
it doesn’t even seem like a 4-6 road trip. Winning a series from the Cards, in St. Louis, makes it seem much more like 4-3.
Of course, I didn’t shower in the Cell last weekend, either.
styxman - July 6, 2008
Like to see Sori anounced as starter
Let him tip his hat on the first base line and not bee seen for the rest of the night to prevent injury
cubbierc - July 6, 2008
If he is unable to play due to injury...
... he’ll be announced, but replaced on the playing roster.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Sabathia/Brewers...
Appears to be close to being a done deal soon. Laporta is not starting tonight and the Indians starter for Tuesday, CC’s next scheduled start, is now listed TBA is Las Vegas…
KatoRx - July 6, 2008
Once again...
... even if this deal does go down, the Brewers’ problem wasn’t starting pitching, it was and is their bullpen. Sure, IF they make the playoffs they’d have three outstanding starters (if Sheets doesn’t get hurt again).
But first they have to get there.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
we are on the same wavelength about the Brewers
(I didn’t see your post until I posted mine)
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
And, as you said, we agree.
And what happens if Sheets gets hurt again?
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
4 if Gallardo comes back
Is it still possible he could be back by Sept?
DGU - July 6, 2008
With a torn ACL? Doubtful.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
though all this speculation is just that...
I will go on record again to say that the Brewers problem is innings 7-9. CC does not solve that problem. They have blown 19 games when they had the lead. How does CC solve that problem? Unless he is going to throw a ton of complete games (like Sheets is doing) his impact could be marginal.
And could those complete games wear on Sheets (who is fragile to begin with) later on? CC landing with the Dodgers will have a much bigger impact on their playoff chances (in terms of plugging a hole) versus solving the Brewers real problem. It seems to me that the Brewers just want to make sure that the Cubs do not get CC as they know we want another starter.
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
Actually
CC may solve that problem, at least when he pitches. He’s one of the few starters left who can regularly throw CGs.
danimal15 - July 6, 2008
I don't know about the rest of you guys,
but it feels like we are a much better team than St. Louis.
BTW, I am doing the Minor League Wrap tonight. I will try and have it up by midnight.
Unique - July 6, 2008
Great game today.
I’ll take 2-3 from the Cards anytime. I love games where several players contribute.
Glad to see so many Cubs rewarded for their great play this year. Speaks volumes about this team.
sue369 - July 6, 2008
Balanced attack all year long
It’s their modus operandi, if you will.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure
JohnM - July 6, 2008
Dome a All Star
Just made the headline on TV morning news show here in Japan
dragonsfanatic - July 6, 2008
Wow, that's headline news in Japan? AWESOME!!
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
Actually headline of Sports news, not overall
The headline news was G8 Summit in Hokkaido with your President...
dragonsfanatic - July 6, 2008
Wait....
Bush is still President?
Emelie - July 6, 2008
Sounds like that
...and citizens in this local Japanese town will be so happy if Barack Obama become next President…
dragonsfanatic - July 6, 2008
That's awesome.
So cool! I love the Dome headline!!!
slcathena - July 6, 2008
Not to start a political debate...
... but I deny any and all links to W. He’s like that drunken uncle that nobody talks about at family reunions.
Ross - July 6, 2008
DRAGONS -
Maybe you can help me. I am trying to find out what glove Kosuke uses; that sweet black – and – white one. Can you help me? Email me @ emeaj@yahoo.com
Thanks!!!
lostinthevines - July 6, 2008
not sure...
All I know is he uses order-made one from Mizuno, as he changed his contractor from SSK to Mizuno for his glove. He still uses bat from SSK.
dragonsfanatic - July 7, 2008
Who's that other guy with him :-)
JohnM - July 6, 2008
That's cool!
That set looks like they’re doing the news from the Apple store, though.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
hahaha
northsider - July 6, 2008
Go Dome!
Anchors are the same throughout the world—doofuses.
Emelie - July 6, 2008
I trust many people in Japan followed the Chicago tradition
of stuffing the ballot box and hey this time it was LEGAL.
Doggie Stalker - July 6, 2008
Totally awesome!!!
sue369 - July 6, 2008
Great Win
One mark of a good team: Coming back the following day after a really tough loss.
sweetswinger - July 6, 2008
+1
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Muskat musings...
“Soriano, 32, is being urged to go, but most likely will not play.”
Who’s doing the urging, I wonder? Cardinal or Brewer fans?
Dan
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
He's being urged to go and not play, I presume.
He’s made comments that if he can’t play, he’ll stay home.
cwyers - July 6, 2008
I think it'll be explained to him...
.... that since he was elected, he HAS to go, whether he can play or not.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Seems the CC deal is done
http://blogs.jsonline.com/brewers/archive/2008/07/06/brewers-indians-agree-on-sabathia.aspx
nji232 - July 6, 2008
Shit
NittanyCub - July 6, 2008
I know that Al does not approve of profanity on this site, but
SHIT
louslovechild - July 6, 2008
So what? (again...)
See my post over at the “Fanpost” regarding this.
I wouldn’t get too hot and bothered over this.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 6, 2008
*&^&*&^WIWEY&*DUHJIE
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
I just threw up
in my mouth a bit -
but if true, you can bet Hendry will put the ball on the tee…
The E-Man - July 6, 2008
Lets not go crazy, it's not even close to official yet
I think the Indians are waiting for the Dodgers to make an offer. If they can offer LaRoach, then their offer will beat the Brewers offer. Laporta is still in AA with no MLB experience, but LaRoach is ready and can handle MLB pitching.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
Seems pretty official to me...Brewers beat writer...
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
yeah i know, just found out right now on mlbtraderumors
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
Never mind, lmao
It is not close to official http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
its done. no matter how you spin it.
we need to come back with something big.
louslovechild - July 6, 2008
Why?
Who’s in first place? They’re still chasing us, remember?
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Indeed, Brewer fans and pestimistic Cubs fans
Those fans are giving the Brewers the big nod to be the leaders of the NL. Last time I checked the Mets were chosen to b the best of the NL, but look what happened to them. The Brewers bullpen sucks horribly and the best RP they have is Torres.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Jury, as Exhibit A
Ned Yost.
I rest my case.
...relax.
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
LMFAO!
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
HAHAHA!!!
NittanyCub - July 6, 2008
He is pretty good...
but I, as well as many of you were at the game in the spring that was like 18-4 Cubs (I don’t remember exaclty, the final score…). It was TurnbLow’s last game..
Their ‘pen is NOT as strong…Agreed.
The E-Man - July 6, 2008
19-5 was the final score of that game.
Another point about Sabathia—the Cardinals have a tough time vs. LHP. Here’s hoping he starts several games against St. Louis.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Doubt it
Brewers and Cards face off six more times this year. Four of those are in the same series, so CC gets one start there (if that, they could miss him altogether), and who knows in the later two-game set? Still, here’s hoping.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
that would rock.
Again.
He can only pitch every 5 days. It doesn’t help their bullpen. We’ll still get another arm.
deep breaths
slcathena - July 6, 2008
Well, the Brewers strike first...
...let’s see what the Cubs retaliate with.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
Yep.
And as I said above, even though this gives the Brewers three top notch starters (Sheets, Sabathia, Parra), they still have a sucky bullpen.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Still...
it IS the 2007 Cy Young award winner. That’s huge.
Dan
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
Same can be said about Johan Santana
The Mets got him, but they suck. The Brewers got Sabathia, but what about their bullpen?
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
I trust you more than others
What move will come within miles of this move. Harden and Blanton are in a division race. Not going anywhere. Cain is 4 games out of the NL West. NO WOLFF, NO MADDUX. Does Burnett have what it takes?
louslovechild - July 6, 2008
Tell you what.
Jim Hendry often pulls off deals for people that no one thought was on the radar screen. In 2003 did anyone see Aramis Ramirez coming to the Cubs? Not till they got him.
I’m guessing Hendry’s ear is glued to his cellphone tonight.
(And I’d still like to have Maddux, myself.)
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
MAybe he'll get Nomah
again?!
The E-Man - July 6, 2008
Don't want him.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Maddux and Khalil
and Al and Cwyers will buy all of us drinks.
CaliCub - July 6, 2008
I keed!
lol
The E-Man - July 6, 2008
"Nomah"
will probably hurt himself again, now that he’s actually off the DL. This guy is finished.
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 6, 2008
Harang.
DGU - July 6, 2008
hmmmm interesting. He could get some run support on the North Side.
Villeslgr - July 6, 2008
+1
The only way Sabathia improves that bullpen is by keeping it off the mound as long as possible.
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
And
I love hearing about the Brewers top 3 starters like the Cubs counter with Huey Duey and Louie.
Zambrano, Dempster and Lily compare equally with them this season.
puckishcubsfan - July 6, 2008
I'd love to retaliate with Harden
slcathena - July 6, 2008
ESPN has it
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3475667
Schizo - July 6, 2008
The Brewers just went all in...
It will be interesting to see who they gave up, but it looks like they just put all their big trade chips on the table.
Suddenly, the Cubs RH heavy line-up doesn’t look so bad.
Ross - July 6, 2008
Good point!
RHB do hit him better than LHB—.716 OPS this year (LHB have a .652 OPS).
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Wow, .716?
Sure, better than .652.. but not world-beating, either…
Brett Taylor - July 6, 2008
Just LaPorta
is not “all in.” Plenty of chips left on their side.
DGU - July 6, 2008
Ned Yost manages the Brewers
He can’t think and chew gum at the same time. The first half of that sentence stands on its own.
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
He will cost the Brewers the division
The bullpen along with his “intelligence”=choke job 2008. the Brewer fans are going nuts over this guy, but they still don’t realize how many strong weaknesses their needs to overcome.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
I was so thrilled when they hired him (Yost) back last year.
I just thought between Yost and Gagne, there was no chance that the Suds could win the division, no matter how strong the starting pitching gets. We shall see if I am right. Again, I think they are trying to sign CC to stop us from getting him.
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
On another topic...
.... Soto’s 15 HR are the most for a Cubs rookie since Mel Hall hit 17 in 1983.
The club record for HR by a rookie catcher is 19, set by Randy Hundley in 1966.
The club record for HR by ANY rookie is 25, set by Billy Williams in 1961, when he won the ROY award.
Both of those records could fall this year.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
What a great story Soto is the last two years
Brett Taylor - July 6, 2008
That'as amazing.
He could seriously decimate all of those. Go, Go, GEO!
slcathena - July 6, 2008
I'm in such awe
of him. He was just on Sports NIte and is so humble. He said he is honored but it probably won’t hit him until he gets there. Just a neat guy.
sue369 - July 6, 2008
Agreed.
What a great find, and after several years of thinking Soto was nothing more than minor league roster filler, he has the breakout year in AAA last year, and may be ROY this year.
Couldn’t happen to a better guy.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
article on espn
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3475667
china423 - July 6, 2008
OK, let's start a rumor....
“I hear that if the Mets fall out of the race, they will look at dealing Billy Wagner, and the Cubs will be a the front of the line, probably for Murton and a package of prospects.”
Ross - July 6, 2008
Bad idea
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
OK Fine,,,
You come up with a better fake trade rumor that has no chance of happening but that people still might bite on.
Ross - July 6, 2008
I think it's a bad idea to come up with "fake trade rumors"
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
So what?!
I say that the Redsox just put up Dice K on the trade block! How is that for fake trade rumors?!
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
Huh?
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
ROTFL
This page needs some levity!
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
That is SO unrealistic
You have to make a rumor sound PLAUSIBLE. Like Gallagher, Pie, Murton and Veal
for Harden or Hudson. Now see that sounds so much better some people ( well one person)
believes it.
Please note Harden could not last past 5 innings today after throwing 100 pitches.
Doggie Stalker - July 6, 2008
Come on!
I said a “package of prospects!” That covers all possibilities.
Ross - July 6, 2008
Actually,
I’ve been hearing chatter about both Seans and Jose Ascanio to Cincy for Aaron Harang.
Damen Jackson - July 6, 2008
WHY?
cubbierc - July 6, 2008
You, sir, are a pro.
northsider - July 6, 2008
Indeed!
That’s one I’d actually do. No way the Reds do it, though.
Shanghai Badger - July 6, 2008
Sorry I was not referring to you.
It was a joke. I am not sure if I am missing something and you are kidding too. Darn it is really
getting confusing trying to sarcastic around here.
Doggie Stalker - July 6, 2008
Brewers Got C.C. Sabathia..
just read on the trade rumors site that the deal is done, but they haven’t named the second minor leaguer in the deal… i hope he gets shelled when he comes to the national league..
ThisIsResolute - July 6, 2008
OMG!
When did this happen? I wish somebody on here would help us keep on top of these things!
Ross - July 6, 2008
People need to calm down about the Sabathia deal
The Santana deal just proved that one player does not make all the difference. I predict that Sabathia will provide them with 4+ wins, but after that their bullpen will be their Achilles heal. If they get a solid setupman, then they would be scary. Till now, the Brewers are very venerable.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
I think you're right
But 4 extra wins when we’re only sitting on a 3.5 game lead is troubling…
slcathena - July 6, 2008
The Cubs can improve too
Also, you need to consider that once Soriano returns that is at least 1+ wins (some may argue 2+ wins) right there. Furthermore, a Rich Hill return (which is unlikely, but for some odd reason I don’t want to give up on Hill) can turn out to be 2+ wins. The Cubs can beat the Brewers, but I think they will win down the wire. If not, the Cubs will easily win the wild card.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
Sure, I mostly agree.
I’d like a pitcher with a bit more consistency than Hill at the moment.
slcathena - July 6, 2008
"Vunerable"
Ernie Banks would be “venerable.”
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 6, 2008
Yeah, the Giants fit that description last year...
Ross - July 6, 2008
My Favorite Part
of attending the game? Turning to the Cardinal fans as they left after Geo’s homer and urging them to “Drive Home Safely!”
Brewers I think will be more dangerous down the stretch. For this weekend at least, overall the Cardinals didn’t show very much. (Notwithstanding yesterday, of course, however you want to interpret that.)
08Cubs - July 6, 2008
Thanks for thinking Safety First!
Brewers will be more dangerous down the stretch, Cardinals will be more dangerous behind the wheel!
Goodie1969 - July 6, 2008
CC goes to Brewers
Its a Done deal
cubbierc - July 6, 2008
Let's hope Hendry
doesn’t do anything stupid just becasue Suds get CC. Think of the Yankees. Every time Red Sox got someone Yankees made a stupid countermove. e.g. Red Sox get Schilling, Yankees get Carl Pavano; Red Sox get Dice-K; Yankees pay a bundle for Igawa; Red Sox get Okajima, Yankees get Farnsworth (need I say more). Probably something Red Sox did made them also go out and sign LaTroy Hawkins, too. Hey, if you’ve already got Farnsworth, why not add LaTroy! And look where they are now.
sweetswinger - July 6, 2008
As long as he
doesn’t pick up Trachel or a facsimile things will be OK.
bubbamike the one and only - July 6, 2008
Trachsel
Did we give up anybody to get him last year?
sweetswinger - July 6, 2008
Yeah.
Two guys who couldn’t make this year’s Orioles roster.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Yes. Rocky Cherry and Scott Moore.
northsider - July 6, 2008
C.C.
With his ERA hovering around 3.83 (which is his career ERA) and a 6-8 record, the Brewers have rented a player for 3 months. Just based on the stats, he is returning to his 05 (4.03 ERA) and 04 (4.02 ERA) form.
He will eat up some innings. He has gone at least 7 innings over the last 5 starts. He will take out some of the “bullpen” issues for the Brewers if he does that. I think we will be able to get to him and with our lineup – I like our chances.
My qustion is what do the Cubs need the most? Is it a starting pitcher or a position player? IMHO, I want a pitcher.
FSArkCubsFan - July 6, 2008
The Brewers got CC and automatically win the division, pennant, and WS?
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2008
According to ESPN....
yes. Theya are writing the Cubs off. I think we have the lineup to match the Brewers. Our pen is better too. The starting pitchers are a wash.
FSArkCubsFan - July 6, 2008
LOL
northsider - July 6, 2008
Is that Mr. T crying?
Didn’t think that was possible. But isn’t he a Sox fan?
DTJchris - July 6, 2008
Not sure if that is Mr. T
Looks like a GI Joe soldier.
eswan9 - July 6, 2008
I watched enough cartoons in the 80's.
I can say with all certainty. That is Mr. T.
Cool Hand - July 7, 2008
The Cubs got Sutcliffe in '84
and he went 16-1, and we didn’t get to the World Series. Sabathia has Yost as manager, he alone will cost him a win or 2. No worries, we’re still fine.
BigJohnAZ - July 6, 2008
Don't forget Gag-me!
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
Yes. The Brewers still have a definite downside even with C.C.
Yost, Gagne and his brethren in the pen will give C.C ulcers before this season is over. I still like our chances.
BigJohnAZ - July 6, 2008
To everyone who thought this was an automatic loss with Marshall pitching:
WAY TO GO, SEAN!!!!!
northsider - July 6, 2008
+1
DGU - July 6, 2008
second straight QS .....
...and I thought he was a AAA left handed hack pitcher! ;)
JB 23 - July 6, 2008
Word.
I concede, I thought this was our weakest match-up, and Sean came through. It would be great to get some quality starts out of him this year.
slcathena - July 6, 2008
Did you see Gallagher
get up to warm up in the bullpen at the same time Cotts did? It seems Lou has made his rotation decision in favor of Marshall. Don’t know that I agree, I really liked Gallagher as a starter. He’ll be back in the rotation next year at least.
gwood - July 7, 2008
Yep
sue369 - July 7, 2008
QUESTION
why didn’t Hendry even TRY to stop this deal to the Brewers?? why didn’t he do ANYTHING to get our hat in the ring??? why?
nervousCUBlover - July 6, 2008
YEAH! Because obviously Hendry just threw up his hands and watched it all happen without a single phone call to Shapiro!
northsider - July 6, 2008
i never heard one package of cubs players for CC, did anyone?
nervousCUBlover - July 6, 2008
Because the Cubs do not have a surplus at the positions the Indians were seeking
and the Brewers did.
Ross - July 6, 2008
Don't usually hear about the packages that didn't work...
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
Dude, take a xanax
He tried, but there was nothing he could do.
First, he tried calling Doug Melvin’s cell phone over and over to jam it up or drain it’s battery, but darn if Melvin didn’t use his landline.
Then he tried calling the Brewers’ AA affiliate and asked LaPorta if he would mind retiring. LaPorta hung up on him.
He then tried the Indians GM and told him that he had heard that LaPorta really wasn’t any good and that Felix Pie, Rich Hill and Matt Murton would be a much better offer for C.C. The GM hung up.
So he tried. Darn if he didn’t.
Ross - July 6, 2008
LOL! Look out Peter Gammons, there's a new Insider in baseball!
northsider - July 6, 2008
LMAO
Perfect.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Great...
“fly on the wall” recap!
cowsarecool220 - July 6, 2008
Great writing.... :-)
sue369 - July 7, 2008
How do you know what he did?
Do you expect him to bodliy throw himself in front of Mark Sharpio and prevent him from making the deal?
Grow up, please.
bubbamike the one and only - July 6, 2008
Couldn't We Have Included Cedric Benson in the deal??
nervousCUBlover - July 6, 2008
Fail.
northsider - July 6, 2008
I can see it now
Your rehab assignment is playing for the Brewers.
No Southern Belle - July 6, 2008
LMAO
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
A first
Hey, Al. Did I really make you laugh or are you just being nice because I don’t post often? I do think that playing for the Brewers is a fitting rehab assignment on many different levels.
No Southern Belle - July 6, 2008
No, that really did make me laugh.
Thanks!
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
I head Hendry offered
George Benson, Al Green and the late Barry White, but Sharpio said that he preferred Motown.
bubbamike the one and only - July 6, 2008
Astros @ Braves: Top of 17, which, incidentially, is an inning away from TWO games
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
Go read the recap of the Tigers/Mariners game today if you want a laugh.
Hint: the Mariners ran out of pitchers in the 15th inning.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Apparently it is "extra innings Sunday"
Tigers
Mariners, 15 innings<br />MetsPhillies, 12 inningsHouston @ Atlanta, 17 innings
And to steal the show, the Orioles lost for the 13th consecutive Sunday!
cowsarecool220 - July 6, 2008
Here, let me throw out a name for consideration.
Zach Duke.
He’s 25, lefthanded, has been a bit shaky this year but still has a 3.88 ERA. The only team that’s really beat up on him consistently has been… the Cubs, who he wouldn’t have to face if we acquired him.
Don’t know what it would take to get him, but he’d look pretty good with Wrigley Field as his home park—sinkerballer who has allowed only five HR this year.
Discuss.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
Yes, I know he got beat up by the Brewers today and his ERA jumped to 4.23.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
I don't know Al
He hasn’t been able to be on a team for long in our large fantasy league. After today I am thinking about putting him back on waivers lol.
LT - July 6, 2008
I am sure Duncan or Mike Maddux could mold him into a
decent starter…but with Rothschild, he will go sideways. But I too think Zach Duke has upside with a good pitching coach.
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2008
Could make out to be a decent trade rumor
Young, cheap, and no risk. I am not sure if he is really worth it, but lets see how he can do in the next two weeks. Duke had one solid half of a season, but if the Cubs can get him for cheap price then I would do it. However, I haven’t heard if Duke was in the trade block, but you never know.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
I've always been a big fan of Duke...but is he much better than Hill? I think I'd rather wait for Hill to come back in the 2nd half...
dtpollitt - July 6, 2008
I don't think the Pirates give up on Duke quite yet.
carmen_fanzone - July 6, 2008
Let's see what Marshall can do....
I think he’s got the stuff…...contrary to what other BCB’ers think. Yea…I have little confidence in Marquis and am concerned in playoff situations withLily/Demp as 2/3’s….BUT…w/ Demp the concern is he hasn’t run that arm out for a few years and w/ Lily….I just don’t like him as a “2”........
I thought I read the Cubs were working out Freddie Garcia and had him signed to a minor league contract….but thought I read somewhere today the (some East coast team) was ready to “start him”?
kcjones - July 6, 2008
...and I've changed my mind aboutt Madddux.....
Throw him out as 5 instead of Marquis…..and Maybe Marshall will listen and learn…
kcjones - July 6, 2008
YAY!
I love this idea, btw.
slcathena - July 7, 2008
Remember, last year the Braves acquired Teixeira
and the “pundits” went nuts and thought that would put the Braves over the top. It turned out not to have much of an impact for the Braves either last year or this year. (Althought Tex just won today’s 17 inning game.)
I do think CC will help the Brewers but only if Ben Sheets is healthy for the entire second half. Sheets is the real key. What this will give the Brewers is two starters that go deep in games which will make their bullpen better by reducing the number of innings they are needed.
It will be interesting to see what Jim Hendry will do because we all know he will do something. The good thing about this trade happening now is that hopefully it will be a domino effect and other trades will happen.
cowsarecool220 - July 6, 2008
Right, but...
... don’t expect Hendry to make a knee-jerk deal just to make one, or to try to match this one. That’s not his style, nor should it be what he does.
Remember, the Cubs are still in first place. And Sabathia can only affect one of every five games until the regular season is over.
Al Yellon - July 6, 2008
ever the voice of reason
Emelie - July 7, 2008
And like one of our more esteemed posters wrote the other day
the improvement to the Brewers is not “0 + Sabathia”, rather it’s the incremental difference between Sabathia and whoever he bumps from the rotation. So – somewhere around 2-4 wins over 75 games.
JohnM - July 7, 2008
+1
I think all the people panicking here need to step back and look at the entire situation, not just one player. Those are the same people - and a lot of so-called expert sportswriters did the same thing - who awarded the NL East, the pennant and WS to the Mets when they got Johan Santana. Where are the Mets today?
Al Yellon - July 7, 2008
You know what's funny?
Last year the Brewers had Gallardo and Sheets in the second half, but they still lost to the Cubs. This years Brewers team has a bit more experience, but they are still the same last years team. No huge additions (besides Sabathia till now) and their bullpen is below mediocre. They had a solid closer last year, but this year Torres is a big question mark. I don’t think the Brewers will win the division, but I believe they will win the wild card.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
Getting Braun out of the infield was a major upgrade for them.
cwyers - July 6, 2008
But isn't that what makes LaPorta expendable?
They were trying to keep Braun at 3B knowing that LaPorta was on his way and is basically a LF. When they were tired of seeing their pitchers suffer, they moved Braun and made LaPorta trade bait.
It has helped their defense, but it will hurt their offense long-term.
DeRoMyHero - July 6, 2008
Matt Gamel is what made LaPorta expendable.
cwyers - July 6, 2008
No, it is Prince Fielder who make LaPorta expendable
They will try to resign him during the offseason once they have the big contracts off the books.
Geo4MVP - July 6, 2008
While you have Melvin on the phone, could you ask him to send Sabathia to the Cubs if the Brewers fall out of contention? Thanks.
northsider - July 6, 2008
aww man!!
The game I was going to see at Shea this week was going to be Lincecum vs. Santana. Now Lincecum is being moved up a day. That sucks! Oh well I’ll see Santana though..
Chanman25 - July 6, 2008
What if I told you
Last year Koyie Hill was our starting catcher at this time. What if I told you that 12 months from now we would have the All-star catcher and we would be paying the league minimum for him?
Unbelievable.
Cub Fan Mike - July 6, 2008
The starter on July 6, 2007, was Rob Bowen, a spot start in place of Koyie Hill, who had started the day before and would start the next 2 days. However, on July 13th, the starter was Geovany Soto.
northsider - July 6, 2008
Cub Fan Mike's point still stands
JohnM - July 7, 2008
Now pitching for the Yankees: KYLE FARNSWORTH!!!!!
northsider - July 6, 2008
Captain Tightpants!!!!!!!!!!
gary varsho - July 6, 2008
Always thought that was "Doctor Tightpants".
Al Yellon - July 7, 2008
The Trixies' Favorite Cub
CaliCub - July 7, 2008
Who know that Blanco had pipes
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-080706-chicago-cubs-st-louis-cardinals,0,7838097.story
“And after Sunday’s 7-1 victory over St. Louis, the Cubs even managed to survive an oral assault from Henry Blanco, whose singing in the shower was as jarring as a car alarm going off at 3 a.m.”
Funniest quote of the year from Paul
TheRiot Police - July 6, 2008
It would appear that he DOESN'T have pipes.
northsider - July 6, 2008
sign him up for the 7th inning stretch
Emelie - July 7, 2008
People,
I have some very, very good news.
Rich Hill was dominate in Arizona today.
4 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K!
I will have more at the minor league recap tonight! Stay tuned.
Unique - July 6, 2008
When he can do this in an actual AAA game...
get back to us….but it’s good news..
Could the 2007 Rich Hill be our big FA pickup at the deadline?
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2008
It's a start.
His new delivery must be working. I’m pretty sure they will send him to AAA after this start.
Unique - July 6, 2008
That's great news! Thanks for the update. :)
slcathena - July 6, 2008
Good news..
Hope he’s on the road back now. How amazing would it be if he comes back and gets a few wins for us?
Bump Bailey - July 6, 2008
that is good news.
hopefully, they can move him up to AA and have him try it there, too.
drewishdrewid - July 6, 2008
Pet peeve time
Dominant, not “dominate”.
JohnM - July 7, 2008
Good to hear.
sue369 - July 7, 2008
An important win for the Cubs today...
...still I couldn’t get down on a team that’s had allot of injuries and is in great position to compete. The season’s a marathon and now the Brewers are playing great ball. Hopefully when the Cubs get healthy they’ll be able to compete with the Brewers and their rumored new pitcher.
Apparently the Brewers had better players to offer than the Cubs, it happens. Maybe we’ll get better from within or acquire a pitcher who will get hot?
There’s allot of baseball left and let’s hope we get healthy and back to playing solid baseball.
DudeVf11 - July 6, 2008
Good Stuff All Around
Cubs rebound after a heartbreaker and win handily. Marshall with a nice start. Still in first place as we head home. And, if you’re into the ASG, seven Cubs make the NL squad.
The past two years sure beat the ones before that (05 and 06)!
CaliCub - July 6, 2008
I will have the minor league wrap once the Boise game is over.
FYI. Sorry for the delay.
Unique - July 6, 2008
Fwiw
Here are Reed Johnson’s #s against Sabathia from their AL days: .381/.364/.619 in 28 ABs w/ 1 HR and 2 2Bs.
DGU - July 7, 2008
Interesting.
I should ask Jessica to plot out the Brewers’ rotation, assuming Sabathia starts on Tuesday, and see if he’ll face the Cubs in the late-July series (seems likely, since it’s a four-game series).
Al Yellon - July 7, 2008
Since you asked
Yes in the first game. It is a four game series so he would have been hard to miss. ASSUMING
Z and CC both start the first game after the AS break ( of course Z will be at the AS game) they
are on a collision course for Monday July 28.
Doggie Stalker - July 7, 2008
PS
I would bet money the game time is pushed back to 6.05 and it is an ESPN game.
Doggie Stalker - July 7, 2008
Yeah, I agree with you on all of this.
Al Yellon - July 7, 2008
Another factor
Also I could see Yost moving things around if possible to get CC up against the Cubs for that series,
puckishcubsfan - July 7, 2008
That rocks.
slcathena - July 7, 2008
A video inspired by Al's headline....
enjoy.
northsider - July 7, 2008
By the way, Al,
I guess it’s time for a new poll. LOL. How about … “Who should be Hendry’s Plan B?”
northsider - July 7, 2008
Good point.
I’ll change it.
Al Yellon - July 7, 2008
Henry's job
The Cubs must make postseason Henry is in the last year of his deal. I would fire him if they don’t.
sanks - July 7, 2008
You can't blame missing the postseason on Blanco.
santoswoodenlegs - July 7, 2008
maybe he meant
Rowengartner
Shanghai Badger - July 7, 2008
Rosenbagger?
Less is Walrond - July 7, 2008
OT: Dara Torres, a 41 year old mom, sets TWO American swimming records and is going to her 5th Olympics.
Move over Lance – I have a new inspirational athlete hero…
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/swimming/news/story?id=3475733
ballhawk - July 7, 2008
Move over, Floyd Landis...
lostinthevines - July 7, 2008
I AM KIDDING!!!
I heard that she has submitted to any and all drug testing, in anticipation of others being suspicious of her, and passing the tests with flying colors.
lostinthevines - July 7, 2008
Wow....the urine given for those tests shouldn't EVER be...
a) flying
or
b) more than one color
santoswoodenlegs - July 7, 2008
Al
I’d be curious why (and maybe you already explained) you support the Cubs getting Maddux. Obviously, he’s a great presence on any team and can help young pitchers, and the nostalgic value of having him back is tempting. But his recent performance doesn’t inspire much confidence, at least for me, in his abilities. At 42, he’s finally starting to show his age. And he’s benefitted a lot from playing in the cavernous San Diego ballpark. I think if he pitched at Wrigley, a lot of the long flyball outs he’s getting now would be in the bleachers.
danimal15 - July 7, 2008
I did already explain this.
I made this post on May 23 on this topic. I haven’t changed my mind.
Al Yellon - July 8, 2008
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