So far in 2009, the Cubs have played four series prior to the current one. They have won three of them and split the other. Do this all year and you're looking at a 95-win season; win today and you've already won the current set with the Reds.
Lou has preached this for a couple of years and I think it's gotten through and is established in the mindset of the players. We can argue about Lou's lineups or bullpen use, and we do, legitimately so, but there is no doubt that his presence has changed the culture in the clubhouse. And that's exactly what this franchise needed.
Bruce Miles says ignore all the Samardzija speculation:
The speculation has centered on right-hander Jeff Samardzija, who is in Iowa's starting rotation. Samardzija pitched well his last time out, but it does not appear the Cubs will bring him up right away.
I'd agree with that. The bullpen has had its stumbles, but to me it seems that Jason Waddell would be the one to replace the stumbling Neal Cotts, if there is any replacement to come soon.
Both of the NL Central managers who have been in town during this homestand say the Cubs should be division favorites:
"[The Cubs] have a really good club and they're the team to beat," [Tony] La Russa said over the weekend when his Cardinals played at Wrigley, "but every series you play within the division will be competitive and difficult."
Agreed. The Reds have their pitching issues, but they have a potent middle of the order. For more on the Reds from their fans, see our SB Nation Reds site, Red Reporter.
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Johnny Cueto was 1-3 vs. the Cubs last year, with a 4.68 ERA, although he struck out 23 Cubs in 25 innings. That's the most innings and K's than he had against any team, so the Cubs ought to be familiar with him. Ryan Theriot is 7-for-14 vs. Cueto and Geovany Soto 5-for-11 with a homer. Aramis Ramirez has also homered off Cueto and Alfonso Soriano has two HR; Milton Bradley, who may return to the starting lineup tonight, has never faced him.
Lots of Reds have homered off Ted Lilly but Joey Votto has a pair of them and 8 RBI in 13 career AB off Ted. Keep Votto down and Lilly has an excellent shot at winning tonight's game. Too bad Votto isn't a catcher; Ted would know exactly what to do with him in that case. Ted allowed four homers to the Astros in his first start, then nearly threw a no-hitter vs. the Rockies. The chilly weather tonight should be more conducive to pitchers. We hope, for Ted's sake, anyway.
Today's game is a cable-only affair on CSN Chicago and FSN Ohio. For online links or other games see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 188 comments
Twittermeyer
says the Shark is coming up, Viz DFA’d.
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
cheater
you couldn’t have possibly read the whole post that fast ;-)
derv - April 22, 2009
Actually
I did read it that fast.
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
Yeah the Shark will be in the water
Don’t know why but he is coming to save the day/Lou’s head from exploding.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
So Vizio's appearance last night was a goodbye kiss?
daver - April 22, 2009
give away his $3.5M?
derv - April 22, 2009
The Cubs are going to donate it to a homeless cat shelter.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
ok that made me laugh out loud.
kylejo - April 22, 2009
Yeah, I still don't get this.
Maybe Lou really wants to make sure the Cubs shut down the Cards this weekend. Of course, that’s assuming the Shark will pitch effectively.
daver - April 22, 2009
Im still
not believing what Im hearing. Viz hasnt been bad, and why flush that much money down when he has been servicable and you can ride him for a few more weeks.
wax eagle - April 22, 2009
Yeah, I don't get that either
At least Al still owes me a Slurpee . . .
Shanghai Badger - April 22, 2009
speaking of tweets.....
ballhawks last one was pretty funny
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2009
Oh thank the Lord for pregame thread
Recap was starting to get erally really slow.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
I didn't even go in.
derv - April 22, 2009
TWHS
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
TWHS
Clutch16 - April 22, 2009
You missed a good time
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
Allright. I'll check it out...
derv - April 22, 2009
That
was probably one of the funnest re-cap threads I have seen in my short time here
gwood - April 22, 2009
I honestly was wondering where everyone was.
derv - April 22, 2009
TWSS
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2009
I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed of that thread
Clutch16 - April 22, 2009
I'm proud
That was a lot of fun.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
TWSS
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
A correction on Al's TV info:
The game is on CSN+, meaning it’s on CLTV in Chicago and DirecTV channel 666 in SD and 666-1 in HD.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Milton back tonight
Hot-headed Cueto on the mound, and of course Ted Lilly. Should be a good night for the Cubs
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Off to the bar - I might join y'all on the slow phone
Later, kids.
Clutch16 - April 22, 2009
yankees win it in the bottom of the ninth...
Melky hit 2 run walkoff HR.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
ninth = fourteenth
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
I just don't get this new math.
daver - April 22, 2009
its kinda like
9=8 and 09>08…you just have to kinda smile and nod and know that everything will be ok in october
wax eagle - April 22, 2009
It's the Ted Lilly Method son
You don’t understand it. You just nod in agreement.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
It is Tednesday
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
Eh, I like that.
He gets you over the hump with a killer change-up and the utter demolition of a catcher or two.
daver - April 22, 2009
AKA WINSday....which is everyday that Ted Lilly starts.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
And the pirates beat the marlins...again.
Cubs play the marlins next week.
why should I care about the yankees/oakland game?
Gibbon Jockey - April 22, 2009
Yuck I hate Marlins games
In fact I choose not to watch Cubs-Marlins games. So I guess I’ll be taking that weekend off of Cubs games
nji232 - April 22, 2009
What's the matter Colonel Sanders?
Chicken?
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
Exactly
I’m afraid of my head exploding in anger.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
I just noticed I have tix for two games that series, but...
…my sentiments EXACTLY.
derv - April 22, 2009
if you wanna give those away or something...
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
Why care?
Because the new Yankee Stadium is quickly showing itself to be Coors Field East.
If not worse. The starters ERAs will be fun to watch
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
Unless those starters are on your fantasy team...
CC is driving me crazy.
CubsWin!Oregon - April 22, 2009
With all due respect
If Home Run Derby is what you’re interested in, then that’s fine, Coors Field wasn’t even in the top 10 in home runs surrendered last year. Can you guess what was #1?
Coors is great for hitters because it’s got a ton of green space, not short fences or thin air or dry air or whatever.
Mark my words, starter’s ERA at Yankee Stadium won’t be any worse than at the hinthint Cell.
Gibbon Jockey - April 22, 2009
And they put the balls in a dehumidifier now...
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
wouldn't that make the balls drier?
let me save y’all the trouble.
TWSS
yeahyeahyeah
:p
Gibbon Jockey - April 22, 2009
I would not have guessed that
And I have no interest in a HR derby. I just like it when the Yankees lose. At some point (like right now), it’s going to occur to me that all the stadium really does is help Jeter and A-Rods HR totals.
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
I'm with you on that one
love it when the Yankees lose. I guess what bugs me more than anything else about his Home Run business is that it’s just another way to keep the Yankees on the front page. As if they don’t get enough undeserved press.
oh, and giving Coors a bad name. It’s a hitter’s paradise – but not a ‘power’ hitters paradise, if you know what I mean….;)
Gibbon Jockey - April 22, 2009
swept them!
the world! it’s all topsy turvy!
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
A win today would be the
cats pajamas
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
A win would be kitty sweet.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
Sure LaRussa and Baker say we should be favorites
In Baker’s case it’s true, but even if the Cards were more talented and deeper, which I don’t believe they are, LaRussa would say it and use it as motivation.
Still, respect is always nice.
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
GO CUBS GO!!!
I really like Ted’s pictures it looks like he’s about to giggle or something! Well I’ll be listening to pat and ron tonight at work, and hopefully tomorrows recap thread will be just as much fun at todays! GO CUBS GO!!
KC in OK - April 22, 2009
I forgot to mention it in the other thread
But Al could you please please please change Harden’s picture.
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2009
Mets/Cards on ESPN tonight
Why can’t both lose?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
At least one team does lose
nji232 - April 22, 2009
I hope
They play a long extra inning game, so both bullpens are shot and the Cards are feeling the aftereffects by the weekend…
wax eagle - April 22, 2009
I just want them
to split the series.
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
I'm 4-0 this year at in-person Cubs games...
…time to make it 5-0. See ya at Wrigley!
cubswynn - April 22, 2009
Have fun!
Bring home a W
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
Smell bad baseball in the air?
Thats because I think I just heard the Aaron Miles is playing tonight. Shoot me now.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Link?
Why rest LBR today?
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
It was on the radio
So I don’t have the link, but I heard the words Aaron Miles.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Leave Tiny Helton alone!
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
If only he hit like Helton
or like Helton used to hit. Then I might leave him alone.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
……
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
There is no denying that they look alike
Perhaps those who do like Miles can become friends with this gentleman
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Wow.
That video is life-changingly fantastic.
I’m not sure what’s better: that video, or the 6 minutes he spent on the treason of So Taguchi…. :)
CubsWin!Oregon - April 22, 2009
Yeah I would suggest exploring some other videos of his
The real shame is that when Edmonds came to the Cubs he went on a tirade for the ages. Unfortunately too many Cubs fans mocked him for it and he took it down. If I ever manage to find it I will post it.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
I like how you can hear his mommy come in through the door.
derv - April 22, 2009
Sit down for this news
He is married. I will admit to watching way too many of his videos.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
you're kidding!
he looks like he’s 12.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
You can watch his videos...
but you can’t watch a Cubs/Marlins game?
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
His videos entertain me way too much
His Cubs-cardinals one from Friday is a classic fan meltdown. Cubs-Marlins games make me meltdown like that, which isn’t as funny for me.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
He reminds me of that "choclate rain" dude...
chocolate raaaaaaaaaain
derv - April 22, 2009
his most recent one is great
linkeroo
cubbot - April 22, 2009
This quote is more telling than the splits
From the Cotts page:
bq. To Neal "The Meal" Cotts: Ever since you acknowledged our cheers from the bullpen two summers ago, our hearts and pants haven’t been the same. You will always be a White Sox to us!
He’s sabotaging us from the inside.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
The goatee DOES look Helton-like.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
egad
Pat just announced him. Bugger.
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
With such enthusiasm, I might add.
derv - April 22, 2009
heh
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
Jason Waddell
Is this guy some kind of proven vet that i have never heard of? What makes anyone think he wouid be any better than Cotts? I understand Cotts is in the outs with many, but really, to suggest this guy with no proven track record will do any better.
wild bill - April 22, 2009
he has ice water in his veins.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
No he
does not. Nobody does, I am pretty sure you can not live like that.
wild bill - April 22, 2009
what?
everything BLou told me has been a lie!
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
Cotts threw 8 BALLS in a row
My niece could do better. And she isn’t very good at baseball.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
I'll bet Waddell can throw a strike
At this point that is all I ask for
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Because Cotts is terrible.
If anyone wants to see something hilarious, check out Cotts’ splits from last year in August and Sept/Oct… Neal Cotts is bad at baseball
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
That OPS against at Wrigley
.938- Yikes
nji232 - April 22, 2009
This is more telling than the splits:
From the Cotts page:
bq. To Neal "The Meal" Cotts: Ever since you acknowledged our cheers from the bullpen two summers ago, our hearts and pants haven’t been the same. You will always be a White Sox to us!
He’s sabotaging us from the inside.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
"You will always be a White Sox to us"
They is good atz grammr
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
Quote from Hendry
“Jeff will be here tomorrow, he’ll be in the pen. Marshall is not leaving the rotation, and Neal Cotts is not getting sent out.”
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
you know it is bad when they are saying Cotts is safe
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
gotta be Vizcaino now
or Patton
Chanman25 - April 22, 2009
Logic suggests that Marshall moves to the pen
Patton is returned
OR
Vizcaino is traded to someone like Angels, Braves or Nats
Ivy Walls - April 22, 2009
why would they give up Patton
after setting aside room for him?
Besides, he’s better than Cotts.
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
Since this is pretty quiet--
OT:
The Tribune fired many great, dedicated, professional, intelligent journalists today. Many of them are friends. But they kept Sullivan. There is no justice in this world.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Please tell me Phil Rogers was one of them
Wait you said intelligent journalists, damn.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Yeah
He’s still in. And so is Kass.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Why wouldn't Kass be?
derv - April 22, 2009
Its tough out there
Wish them all the best.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
I've been a newspaper reader
Every day (almost) since I was a child. When I moved here, one of the first things I did was subscribe to the paper. I went with the Trib because of Royko, who we were fortunate enough to have in my local paper growing up.
Over the last several years, and accelerating recently, the Trib has become much worse IMHO. Less content, and the content there is weaker. While there are still some in-depth research articles, such as the recent Crestwood tainted water situation, much of what there is I can easily find from other sources.
The sports section has always bothered me, mainly due to lousy columnists and horrendous Big 10 coverage, outside of Illinois and Northwestern, and even those are often substandard.
Money is tight, and circulation is down, I know that. But perhaps the problem is not just the internet. Perhaps part of the issue is that papers aren’t providing what we want, which is information that we want and identify with that is reasonably presented and analyzed. After all, while many of us read the Trib or Sun Times Cubs coverage, who else here gets the bulk of their analysis here? I know I do.
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
Haha, this is a topic worth an entire Fanpost...
Not just a thread in here…
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
BRAVO!
How very well said! There’s really nothing else to add.
I have been trying to cancel my subscription since early March, when my guru and grad school advisor Jeff Lyon was ousted, to no avail. Just today, I spent half an hour on hold and had to hang up.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
They're probably just too busy "fact checking" their indepth stories and well thought out relevant editorials to answer the phone
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
You know...I saw the ATF busting into a house by me last week...
…and I went to the Trib website to look for a number for a tip line…guess what? They don’t have one!
derv - April 22, 2009
They are too busy with Facebook and Twitter
Have you seen their crap there?
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Why would they need "tips" from us mere civilians?
Everyone knows professional journalists are head and shoulders above everyone else when it comes to gathering and reporting the news. This is why blogging is dying out so fast….no credibility and no “professional training”.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
Well said.
derv - April 22, 2009
Exactly
It requires at least four years of school training to be able to share your thoughts with the world. Newspapers will last forever.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Six in my case...
but I’m employed in the evil side of journalism: public relations.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Since every one of my friends is a journalism student
I have no problem with journalists, just the ones that think they are better than normal people. Also I don’t like Phil Rogers.
nji232 - April 22, 2009
I am fascinated by the paradigm shift in journalism...
…from traditional media to the blogosphere. It truly is an amazing time to be around.
derv - April 22, 2009
The problem in that shift is finding a way to get paid
Few people actually support themselves—let alone a family—with blogging. That’s why whomever figures out the business model that shifts the establishment around will forever be compared to Hearst or McCormick.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
I've been working on that ;-)
derv - April 22, 2009
Josh Hamilton love fest on ESPN
In other news: Rick Reily irritates the hell out of me.
Time to find something else to do.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
He is nauseating.
Gets paid millions of dollars to write 500 words every week.
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
meh, WGN really needs to show more games
Chanman25 - April 22, 2009
Actually WGN needs lose all games to CSN
I like watching games on DirecTV that are in HD
Employee22 - April 22, 2009
And I'd get to watch zero games
That would really suck.
More games on basic tv service.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
So I know Ted has been looking for a new goal
This might be it
nji232 - April 22, 2009
and he is a lefty
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
Lineup via Gameday
Fonzie
Dome
Lee
Bradley
Rami
Soto
Riot
Miles
Lilly
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
Lilly's hitting 9th?
He won’t be happy
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2009
If there was ever a player that Ted should hit in front of
Its Aaron Miles
nji232 - April 22, 2009
lol
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
was just going to say that lineup looked perfect...
until the 8 hole
kodypuckett23 - April 22, 2009
Fonty is slumping and needs to sit a few games
this is why Miles will be a valuable contributor
Ivy Walls - April 22, 2009
i dont disagree at all
its just that as of right now miles has shown nothing…tonight he’ll probably go 4-4 with 3 RBIs and a SB
kodypuckett23 - April 22, 2009
Fonty's bat looked slow last night
no big deal
Ivy Walls - April 22, 2009
"valuable contributor"?
he’s a warm body. He’s contributed very little
BoVandy - April 22, 2009
He WILL BE
a valuable contributor.
It starts tonight. (I hope)
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
Well, that's at least better then Al's cold ass. That hasn't really contributed anything...except some juvenile humor.
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
Do not underestimate the value of juvenile humor
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
Fonty , indeed
is in a slump. But Lou – why the rush to Bradley? We have The Hoff! And, he is “hot as a pistol”. I’d just as soon let the groin heal.
The E-Man - April 22, 2009
Per Hendry on WGN Radio
Roster move will be announced tomorrow when Spellcheck gets to town.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Spellcheck?!!
HAHA! I think it is interesting that we all have our own interpretation. lol.
The E-Man - April 22, 2009
You've never seen that one before?
Really?
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
he is blind?
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
umm
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
He can't be serious.
derv - April 22, 2009
Sorry HBCG
didnt realize i was saying that to your reply about him. hope you didnt ake it out of context
((hides under desk, praying))
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
Dude
Blind jokes are not a big deal.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
I think they're out of sight!
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
didnt know if i was streaking on thin ice with it
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
Beware HBCG when she's angry...
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
Sick Wayfarers.
PurpleLineToWrigley - April 22, 2009
Just be original
All I ask.
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
I am sure she'
derv - April 22, 2009
seen that before once or twice
derv - April 22, 2009
still better safe than sorry.....
better tio make sure its cool, not taken the wrong way
and NO Thats Not What She Said
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
Anyone know what channel CSN + is on Comcast?
I have comcast and I’m in Chicago but I can’t seem to find it.
lindz221 - April 22, 2009
try CLTV
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
CLTV
Don’t know the number though.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
im in Austin, TX
and lat time I was in Chicago it was Channel 40…..but that was 9 years ago on the North Side
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
Still channel 40 too!
lindz221 - April 22, 2009
somethings dont change I take it
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
TWSS
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2009
that came up short
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
your hoping she doesn't say either :)
Madison Cub Fan - April 22, 2009
I knew there would be something to my last one
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
Thanks
lindz221 - April 22, 2009
Found it!
285 in HD if anyone is wondering…
lindz221 - April 22, 2009
Split screen tonight Cubs & Blackhawks
Watching Lou’s slow walk to the mound and the Hawks power play at the same time can make you nausish.
Employee22 - April 22, 2009
Lou won't be walking to the mound
Lilly will throw 11 scoreless innings. Even after the Cubs win by a touchdown in regulation.
That’s just Ted being Ted.
The Hawks game, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to measure.
Gibbon Jockey - April 22, 2009
cubs sweep
the cubs will sweep the reds. with lilly today and zambrano tommorow there is no worries
cooltrev - April 22, 2009
i'm a cub fan
i always worry
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
so what do Cub fans from Australia say?
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
put another Cotts on the barbie?
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
I'll bite...
derv - April 22, 2009
really? they say that?
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
Lol
Because Z was the model of pitching last time out
nji232 - April 22, 2009
You expect him to be great everytime?
He’s not Ted Lilly for crying out loud!
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
or Hoff
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
So true
What was I thinking!?!?!
nji232 - April 22, 2009
Over / Under on Cubs base clogging walks tonight?
chitownhawkeye - April 22, 2009
Steve Stone
God I’m so glad he has enough dignity not to say “YYYYYYES” like Darrin Jackson did during Hawk’s retarded HR call.
kanderber - April 22, 2009
I thought he did
I recall watching a Spring Training Cubs-Sux game and I thought he did it.
chilango2 - April 22, 2009
Just watched a Thome HR...
on the MLB Network and he didn’t do it. I’m hoping he never does.
kanderber - April 22, 2009
He said when he signed the contract...
…that he would not
derv - April 22, 2009
good
and “he gone” can be gone IMO
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
what are you doing paying attention to them, anyway???
derv - April 22, 2009
i, well, umm, i
i like baseball, and there are days the Cubs announcers are not calling the Cubs ST game against the Sox….yeah thats it, sure, that is my final answer
Cubbie-Tim - April 22, 2009
hey
theres plenty of time to worry in the season. dont worry about the reds. there two or three years away from where they need to be to compete with the cubs and cardinals this year
cooltrev - April 22, 2009
I'm out for awhile...
leaving the office and have to pick up my daughter from her softball game….see you all later in an overflow thread!
santoswoodenlegs - April 22, 2009
CHICAGO CUBS BASEBALL
is ON THE AIR!
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
Dinner
and then game on the radio.
Might jump into the overflows later.
GO CUBS!
halfblindcubbiegirl - April 22, 2009
JUMP
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/4/22/848527/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-reds
drewishdrewid - April 22, 2009
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