When Bobby Scales bobbled what should have been a game-ending grounder at third base, a collective groan rose from the remains of the 40,348 in attendance today at Wrigley Field (many, especially in the chilly upper deck, had left early). And what wisdom does my friend Phil share with us?
"Jake Fox would have had that!"
Well, no, Phil, no, he probably wouldn't have had it. Fortunately, Kevin Gregg didn't let Scales' error bother him too much; he got pinch-hitter Mark Loretta to hit another ground ball, this time to shortstop Andres Blanco, and thoughthe play was pretty close at second, they got the forceout to end end a tense 2-1 Cubs win over the Dodgers on a wacky afternoon that started sunny and warm, was interrupted by a 10-minute rainshower, and ended with the wind howling in over the right-field wall.
Once again, as has been the case virtually every day since the Cubs' eight-game losing streak began, they got outstanding starting pitching. Ted Lilly made one mistake, and Matt Kemp deposited it in the first row of the LF bleachers for a 1-0 LA lead in the top of the seventh. But Koyie Hill (and was this the first time in ML history that both starting catchers wore #55? We uniform number geeks would like to know!) matched Kemp with a solo shot of his own in the bottom of the seventh, and three singles and a Kosuke Fukudome sac fly later, the Cubs had a 2-1 lead which Carlos Marmol tried to give away with a pair of walks in the 8th, and Gregg had to fight off Scales' error to nail down his eighth save.
One of those hits in the 7th was yet another pinch hit by Fox, who has three hits in his four at-bats this year for the Cubs and who appears to have brought the hot-hitting bat with him from Iowa. I still wouldn't start him at third base against the Dodgers, because if they do Juan Pierre will get four bunt singles every game. But Fox should keep working out there, taking as many grounders as possible, and perhaps he could start a game or three on the upcoming road trip to Atlanta, Cincinnati and Houston. Incidentally, the Cubs did not take BP today (though the Dodgers did), and when the gates opened there was exactly one Cub on the field -- Randy Wells, throwing the ball gently to one of the bullpen catchers, only 12 hours after throwing seven good innings. I like to see hard workers like this. I think the Cubs have a keeper in Wells.
The offense is still sputtering around somewhat; the Cubs had a runner on third base with nobody out in both the second and sixth innings and couldn't get him home, and also left the bases loaded (though with two out) in the third. That puts tremendous pressure on the starting pitcher; Lilly came through today, but eventually the offense is going to have to come through. Give some credit to Chad Billingsley, who is, after all, one of the better pitchers in the league.
Note from last night: Lou claims the confusion regarding Hill and Fukudome and who was really supposed to pinch-hit in the eighth inning was because Hill missed them frantically waving him back into the dugout; Hill was supposed to be a "decoy":
Piniella said Hill was a "decoy" in case the Dodgers chose to bring in a lefty. Kosuke Fukudome was ready to hit against Troncoso.
"I am certainly not going to hit Hill ahead of Fukudome or [Micah] Hoffpauir with a right-hander in the ballgame," Piniella said. "First of all, the other two I've used in that category, and second of all, he's my only backup catcher. It's something that shouldn't have happened."
Well, I guess I buy this, but seriously, Lou -- couldn't you have told Hill this before he stepped into the on-deck circle as a "decoy"? I promise you, he wouldn't have told anyone. Or couldn't you have given him a more obvious signal, since he said he didn't see one? This is another example of Lou being asleep at the wheel. Whether it would have made a difference in the game is impossible to tell. But in a close game like last night's, you can't leave anything to chance.
Finally, though Scales made an error in a critical situation, it didn't wind up hurting the team and his homer last night did, after all, give the Cubs at least a shot. Both of Scales' homers this year have been in a pinch-hitting role. The club record for pinch-homers in a season is four, set by Glenallen Hill in 1999.
Onward. The Cubs have shown they can stick right there with the team with the best record in baseball.
0 recs | 125 comments
Big win today.
First one with fewer than four runs this year, right?
As an aside, I’m heading to Chicago tomorrow. I’m heading out for a memorial service for a family member.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
You are correct.
Let’s get some more of those wins.
Al Yellon - May 29, 2009
Agreed.
I just wish I could be in Chicago for a happier reason.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
Indeed.
Condolences to you and your family.
Al Yellon - May 29, 2009
*hugs*
I’m so sorry for you! Best to your family!
slcathena - May 30, 2009
Will keep you
in my thoughts this weekend.
sue369 - May 29, 2009
As will I
Allie - May 29, 2009
Thanks, very much
I like to think the Cubs won this game for him, he was a lifelong Cubs fan.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
My dad was too.
I am too because of my dad.
sue369 - May 29, 2009
My granddad was.
I hope they were all together, watching the game.
Allie - May 29, 2009
That made me smile.
sue369 - May 29, 2009
knowing my mother
she built a bleacher and is organizing the Cub fans.
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
There has to
be so many up there.
sue369 - May 29, 2009
yuppers
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
+1
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
I feel for you.
I just lost a life long friend a couple days ago. It’s always hard to lose someone close to you, especially when they’re so young.
kanderber - May 29, 2009
Gatorade mojo?
Respect the machine
leothelip - May 29, 2009
Good win
This was a nice little comeback win and a great performance by Lilly. All the bad stuff happened early when the lack of clutch hitting was put on display again. I’ll be happy with a split over the next two.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
Billingsley has had some bad luck at Wrigley recently.
He also lost this game last year, despite only giving up two runs.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
that was the game I was at!!
:-)
Allie - May 29, 2009
I had him in fantasy one year, he does lose alot of low scoring games.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
Matt Cain can sympathize.
cowsarecool220 - May 29, 2009
More like all the Giants can
they always seem to be in those 2-1 games.
Allie - May 29, 2009
I was in SF recently
And the game score was 1-0, SF, in 10 innings.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
I was at that game, in the LF bleachers
with my a-hole Dodger fan friend (he was shown yesterday on TV wearing a Sax jersey while I went to the john) and he was so high on Billingsley. I’m just so happy he doesn’t get to gloat tonight.
chilango2 - May 29, 2009
Very happy with the win today...
…but I don’t know how many more RISP I can stand to see left on base. It’s frustrating to think the only one we got home was on a sac fly which means we are something like 1-17 w/ RISP. Thats a good way to lose lot’s of ballgames — even with the splendid pitching we’ve had.
Still, at least we won, right?
calicubfan - May 29, 2009
This team will prevail.
We just gotta keep our head above water. Derrek Lee is starting to come around along with Milton Bradley. Kosuke is playing good baseball. We have the parts, we just have to put them together.
This team is a good one. Far better than it’s record — we gotta just keep this thing 9 or 10 games above the .500 mark until Ramirez gets back.
And when Harden gets back, couldn’t we really say that we might have the best rotation in the big leagues? Pitching always beats good hitting.
Couldn’t we just package something so we could get another big bat instead of getting Peavy? Wonder who will become avaliable as we approach July 31st.
Unique - May 29, 2009
The problem with getting a ‘big bat’ is who do you bench? The only real openings when Ramirez comes back is going to be second, hard to find a great hitting 2nd baseman. Soto would be another option but even harder to find a big hitting catcher.
Do they bench Bradley despite all the money they have in him? I highly doubt it.
Its up to the guys we have to hit. Thats what will get this team going.
I still think the big push for a trade will be in the bullpen.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
Shortstop.
That’s what I was thinking.
Unique - May 29, 2009
Who would that be though?
A big hitting solid defensive SS is really really hard to find.
Allie - May 29, 2009
yes
another hard place to find a big hitter.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
plus
What do we have to trade for a SS?
cubsmania - May 29, 2009
Alan Trammell
is sitting on our bench doing nothing. Get him out there.
Josh Timmers - May 29, 2009
I really, really
would call the Marlins. One has to think they don’t want to pay the latter part of the contract. It would cost alot, but I would give it a shot.
Unique - May 29, 2009
He would indeed look great in Cub blue
but.. he would cost a lot.
but.. he would cost a lot.
Allie - May 29, 2009
I didn't put that twice
I don’t know why its there.
Weird.
Allie - May 29, 2009
yeah
Not to mention the boat load of good players that they would have to get Ramirez. Vitters would definitely have to be in that deal we are talking about getting a 5 tool player in his prime. That takes some major talent.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
He would.
You might have to involve a third team. I’m just brainstorming.
Marlins get: Starlin Castro, Tony Thomas, Jay Jackson, Andrew Cashner
Cubs get: Hanley Ramirez
Think that’ll get it done, Josh?
Unique - May 29, 2009
no
They aren’t just going to take 4 AA prospects from our system.
I’d expect it would take Vitters, Wells, Hoffpauir/Fox those types of names.
This isn’t Juan Pierre its Hanley Ramirez.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
Wells holds weight
But Hoffpauir and Fox aren’t gonna get you as much in return.
But oh well. I’m just thinking out loud.
Unique - May 29, 2009
No
Not unless the Marlins are looking to dump his salary, which I don’t think they are because they’ve got a new stadium coming.
I don’t think the Marlins would trade Hanley for anything, honestly, including Josh Vitters. They’re trying to convince their fan base that the days of fire sales are over.
Josh Timmers - May 29, 2009
I may be insane and please pay no mind to what I'm about to write, but
Hanley Ramirez will play in Yankee pinstripes when his contract in FL is up and Jeter leaves.
chilango2 - May 29, 2009
Short term we maybe could get Tejada for the rest of the year
.346/.369/.519. And given his contract’s up Houston will surely look to move him soon. Not much in the way of free agent SS talent at the end of the year, so I’d be wary of a rent-a-player move like this, but I suppose he’s an option.
That said, for value until a genuinely good option comes up, I’m happy with Theriot.
Inkin - May 29, 2009
Tejada has just been brutual in the field this year. I don’t think he’s a short stop anymore.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
I am with you
took my thought right from by brain.
Tutowiski from Colorado would be great, but I don’t see them moving him. But SS would be the position I would look for an upgrade.
Grockcubs - May 29, 2009
Tulo
isn’t hitting too well. His 2007 season looks more and more like a exception than anything else.
Unique - May 29, 2009
It probably isn't...
… he’s talented and still young. Plus, he’s the new face of their franchise (after Helton). I doubt they’d deal him.
Al Yellon - May 29, 2009
I hear tell the Indians 3B might be available
Wonder if he’d look good in Cubbie blue?
CaliCub - May 29, 2009
We have the machine. It’s tough. It’s resilient. The team will follow the machine’s lead. Trust me.
leothelip - May 29, 2009
He plays for St. Louis
And he claims to not be a machine.
Josh Timmers - May 29, 2009
"Why didn't you eliminate them Albert?"
Allie - May 29, 2009
I was just thinking that too.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
We're all asking that
Josh Timmers - May 29, 2009
Our Machine hydrates
and can obviously stand up to a raging bull. . .
leothelip - May 29, 2009
One who I would bench
at this time is Soto. Right now, Hill is a better catcher and a better hitter. If the league’s pitchers expose Hill’s weaknesses so be it. But right now he deserves more playing time.
Also, we’ve got to figure a way to get Fox’ bat into the regular lineup.
Clark Addison - May 29, 2009
I don't think soto will be the big player people thought he will be
All you have to do is pound away at the outside corner and soto can do no harm
cubsmania - May 29, 2009
true
Hill is probably a better hitter than Soto at the moment which is sad. Hill has more homers than Geo in significantly less playing time. Its a lose-lose situation at catcher right now for the Cubs.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
In the past,
Hill was a much better hitter from the left side and he also has more power hitting lefthanded. I’m not sure if that’s the case this year but it does seem like Lou tries to start him in games against right handed pitching.
cowsarecool220 - May 29, 2009
Geovany made a giant improvement in his hitting in 07 and 08 who’s to say that Hill can’t do the same for his career in 09? It would definitely be a bonus for the team.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
I think Soto will come back
but right now he looks lost at the plate. He can’t lay off those low outside breaking balls. And it seems he is taking his hitting troubles on the field. If his shoulder is still hurting, that could explain his inability to throw out baserunners. But benching him at this point will be a wakeup call, take some pressure off, and reward Hill for an excellent job hitting and catching so far.
We’ve got too many limp bats in the lineup right now.
Clark Addison - May 29, 2009
Why is Hill a "lose"?
He’s come up with some pretty timely hits.
HanelucaTC - May 29, 2009
career .205
Hill’s a career .205 hitter and that includes his decent numbers this year. He’s just not a very good hitter.
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
I'll give you that, but...
I would find it hard to judge his career average considering he’s been in and out of the minors so much. I just think he has stepped up this season with Soto’s injury/slump.
HanelucaTC - May 29, 2009
Soto and Fontenot are the ones I'm most worried about.
The’ve only been up for a year or so, so the bad hitting could be the rule and not the exception. This is why I’m less worried about DLEE, MB, Sori – They’ve all hit well in the past and there’s no reason to think they’ll continue to hit worse than they ever have in their careers (unless they’re playing hurt, which they all kind of are right now). I still think it’s heartening to know where above water with how much the heart of our order has been hurt or slumping. Let’s just hang around and get some character building wins like today – we need 11 wins in the post-season, and I think that’s what this season’s all about.
DisCUBbobulated - May 29, 2009
Fontenot...
… probably shouldn’t be playing every day, but he has to now, including vs. LHP. He’s 2-for-20 vs. LHP and probably could use some days off.
Al Yellon - May 29, 2009
Man.. losing Aram is just killing us on so many levels.
DisCUBbobulated - May 29, 2009
Agreed on all points
n/t
chilango2 - May 29, 2009
It was a real
nail biter the last couple of innings. Really happy to see them get a win. Hope it’s just the beginning of good things to come.
sue369 - May 29, 2009
It was nice to see them win a game with fewer than four runs.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
No kidding
now that graphic can go away.
Hopefully thats a sign of things to come.
Allie - May 29, 2009
OT: For
all the EA fans
http://www.ajc.com:80/sports/content/sports/stories/2009/05/29/erin_andrews_dancing_stars.html
sue369 - May 29, 2009
I always made a point not to pay attention to that show, but with her on it I might have to at least google some pics LOL
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
Rec'd
Al Yellon - May 29, 2009
She might be okay at it with her dance background,
but dance team is quite different than ballroom. And just because she holds a microphone while sports happen behind her, I fail to see why the AJC thinks she is a sports celeb. She’s more like Nancy O’Dell than Nancy Kerrigan. Good luck to her, though.
Goodie1969 - May 29, 2009
This was my favorite game of the year.
If this team can figure out how to win tense, low scoring games with confidence and consistency, they’ll be ready for the post-season. The cubs are now 1-19 when scoring less than four runs. My hope is that they see several more games like the last two this year – it’s bad for my heart, but good for their confidence.
DisCUBbobulated - May 29, 2009
Kinda like their record in one-run games in 2007
They were well under .500 in that category the first few months of the season. But by the end, they were .500 on the nose, IIRC. Don’t know if they can get to .500 in this category, but we’ll see.
Not Bruce Froemming - May 29, 2009
Small ball anyone?
With as much as the offense has been sputtering, having a runner on third with less than 2 outs should call for the squeeze. 1 run can go a long way with how good our pitching has been.
WindisBlowingOut! - May 29, 2009
I like your thinking
but it doesn’t seem like they’re very good at putting down bunts, and I’m a little concerned about baserunning speed. But depending on the circumstances, I’d like to see it tried
chitownhawkeye - May 29, 2009
lou and behold
saturday reed johnson laid down a perfect bunt. maybe lou is reading.
WindisBlowingOut! - May 31, 2009
I'm going to Chicago tomorrow.
Tomorrow, the Cubs and Dodgers is the “A” game, and the Red Sox, Yankees, and Mets aren’t playing at 4 pm eastern.
So, what game does my local FOX station show? Twins vs. Rays!!!
“Wrong” is an understatement.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
in Vermont?
Yeah its an odd choice but I guess Tampa is an AL East team when none of the other 3 teams are in any of the Eastern Divisions. Has Vermont ever gotten the Cubs game on the Fox Saturday when there has been competition east of the Mississippi?
jeff_pico - May 29, 2009
Vermont is Red Sox country.
The Rays are in the Red Sox division. That’s probably why it’s going to Vermont.
Al Yellon - May 29, 2009
That's the rationale I keep thinking of,
But I still can’t figure it out. Normally, they show Red Sox, then Yankees, and then Mets. They didn’t pull away from Cleveland-NY Yankees a few weeks ago when it was 22-4.
From what I’ve seen up here, the Rays are playing about .500, while the Twins are the same. I know I’d rather see Dodgers-Cubs, and I will be able to see the Cubs game tomorrow. I just wish the circumstances were different.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
Only when they play a local team.
I think the last time they appeared on FOX here in Vermont was this game in 2007. Not surprising, considering the New York Mets were playing.
Vermont Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
I hate my local FOX.
Everyone thinks they are the biggest Braves fans ever, yet have failed to ever go to a game. We get the Braves vs. D Backs tomorrow.
GateCity, VA Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
Wonder what game ill get
sighs
I’m even going to a game at Turner this week.
cubsfaninatl - May 29, 2009
WOO HOO
Cubs will be on Fox in Austin, TX
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
You're Lucky
GateCity, VA Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
Is there a site
showing what they will be airing and where at?
Always a small chance I guess.
cubsfaninatl - May 29, 2009
Here you go
I got it from Al but I think it has been posted before
http://msn.foxsports.com/other/story/5619630
Doggie Stalker - May 29, 2009
just beat me to the "post" button
GateCity, VA Cubs Fan - May 29, 2009
or go to
http://www.tvguide.com/ look up your zip code, then you can search fox at the hour tomorrow of the game
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
A lot of
cities will get the Cubs tomorrow. Em should be happy she gets the Cubs in Fairbanks.
sue369 - May 29, 2009
and we get the Cubs in DC.
zevkalman - May 29, 2009
with all of us getting the game
does that mean a rain out will happen?
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
No.
It’s going to be sunny today (Saturday).
Al Yellon - May 30, 2009
A little of topic, but
I was wearing my Darwin’s Pub on 6th Street shirt earlier today.
I can’t wait to get back to Austin.
imauis - May 29, 2009
anyone want to come massage me
i am so fkin sore from class……i knew i was a fat ass and out of shape, but didnt realize how bad it was.
Cubbie-Tim - May 29, 2009
Cubbie-Tim is waiting
DTJchris - May 29, 2009
Don't ever do that again
or I’m calling Jenny Crain and the cops!
salparadise23 - May 29, 2009
im not that bad
YIKES!
Cubbie-Tim - May 30, 2009
I just threw up. :-(
sue369 - May 30, 2009
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Monty
Hoping you and your family can get through a tough time.
CaliCub - May 29, 2009
I hope with our struggles lately
people will start to realize how important Aramis is to the team. He somehow remains so underrated by just about everyone not a NL Central fan.
Allie - May 29, 2009
Leno > O'Brien
Chanman25 - May 29, 2009
Ummm
In being not funny…then yes
BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness - May 29, 2009
+1
Conan rules!
DTJchris - May 30, 2009
+1
BigJohnAZ - May 30, 2009
I am really happy with this win
When a team leaves so many on, and has to get more than 27 outs because of errors or bad plays, it can usually spell disaster.
It has seemed to especially spell disaster for this losing streak. The team has just had no margin for error.
When a team has so much go wrong and still pulls out a win against a quality opponent, that’s a great sign.
This will not be an easy season. The Cards and Brewers and even the Reds aren’t going to go down quietly.
But hope is starting to trickle in a bit.
Worf - May 29, 2009
Why Worf I do believe
you have a heart after all.
Doggie Stalker - May 29, 2009
Someone get this man more scotch!
Allie - May 29, 2009
Should've said something a week ago
750 mL of Johnnie Walker Blue at the Singapore airport for $110.00. Even if he’d pulled a “Clutche”, it wouldn’t have gone to waste!
As Cosmo Kramer would say, “I like to stop at the duty-free shop.”
Shanghai Badger - May 29, 2009
Very nice!
I bought my folks a bottle last month at the DFW duty free for $190 and I thought I got a bargain.
chilango2 - May 29, 2009
As George would say, "That duty-free stuff is just a rip-off."
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 29, 2009
IOOOOWAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
How about those iowa kids baby!!!!!
salparadise23 - May 29, 2009
I so hope Fox learns to play a position
But yeah, I’m very happy to see the Iowa kids coming through for the big team.
chilango2 - May 29, 2009
+1
You can tell he can really rake.
willie mays hayes' gloves - May 29, 2009
Cardinals lose
Brewers won earlier. Jason Marquis pitches 8 shut out innings. FYI I suspect the Rockies may well try to trade him
before the deadline. He should be a good value for a contending team.
Doggie Stalker - May 29, 2009
We could maybe get him back! And flip him for DeRosa!
santoswoodenlegs - May 30, 2009
Or use him with Marshall in a Peavy deal!
santoswoodenlegs - May 30, 2009
Blanco
needs to hang around as the back-up ss/2b. He has looked mighty good these last couple of games. Plus, he can’t be any worse offensively than Miles.
gwood - May 30, 2009
To be fair to Marmol
The ump was having a rough inning, both his first and second pitches of the inning were obvious strikes to a hitter attempting to bunt. Neither was called a strike…
despite my groans of displeasure!
Luckily we got a make-up call later on with that Juan Pierre play at first.
RMRZisMYmanCRUSH - May 30, 2009
I'm getting tired of the Jake Fox put-downs.
That included you, Al!
I know you’re half kidding about the bunt singles, but there always seems to be an assumption a guy can’t do something, as opposed to giving him a chance first.
Most people never thought Hoff would be a good bat off the bench, and was a career AAA player. I’m sure Fox would be serviceable, making the easy plays, and the odd tougher one. The way this team is going, with the quality of their starts, they need OFFENSE, which Jake is showing he’s capable of providing.
Let him play 3rd. I’d rather he play it and maybe make the odd error, than Fonty or Miles taking the collar. Scales should be playing second.
This was a big win – despite all the stranded runners – against one of the NL’s best pitchers. Let’s build from that!
Canadian Cubs Fan - May 30, 2009
Fortunately we have a bench coach who’s an infield specialist. I’m sure that he will give Lou the green light when he thinks Fox is ready. Getting off on the wrong foot, figuratively speaking, could ruin him there.
Patience.
leothelip - May 30, 2009
cubs
with the way this team is hitting you would think getting fox in the lineup would be no. 1 priority. why not try it?anyone else miss marquis and his 7 WINS??? i would be surprised if we get 10 wins between marshall and wells.not the way the cubs score runs for them.
NOMAR - May 30, 2009
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bleed Cubbie Blue to post a comment.