WASHINGTON -- As if it's not confusing enough that both teams in this series have a Guzman and a Johnson (no TWSS jokes needed here, please!), the Nationals will trot out two guys named Zimmerman(n) tonight. Ryan Zimmerman, of course, is their starting third baseman, and Jordan Zimmermann, who got an extra "n" at birth, will be tonight's starting pitcher for Washington.
Meanwhile, Alfonso Soriano's dislocated right pinky finger may have him out for more than a few days:
Soriano said he dislocated the finger when second baseman Alberto Gonzalez tagged him out while he was diving back to first during a fourth-inning rundown Thursday night. He popped it back in and continued to play, but the finger swelled up overnight. Soriano was scratched from the starting lineup Friday night and is expected to miss at least a couple more games.
"I don't have power in my hand because I can't grab the bat," he said.
Now, I am not an in-shape professional athlete. But I dislocated the same finger Soriano did, a couple of years ago. (I popped it back in place too. The doctor who saw me said I probably shouldn't have done that. But it was bent out at a 45-degree angle and I couldn't stand looking at it like that!) In any case, it took me a good month before it felt anywhere close to normal and I didn't have to grip a bat and play baseball at the major league level. It may be more than "a few days". Given Soriano's struggles, we can have a reasonable debate on whether this hurts or helps the Cubs. (Jessica will be happy if this gives Sam Fuld more playing time.)
Also noted in Paul Sullivan's article, Ted Lilly has a bit of knee soreness -- nothing serious, we are told -- and so Ted's start will be pushed back to the series opener at Philadelphia on Monday.
Lilly is scheduled tentatively to pitch Monday night in Philadelphia, but in essence the Cubs are only buying some time before deciding whether to put the left-hander on the disabled list.
"Maybe signing [B.J.] Ryan could be a good timing thing for us," manager Lou Piniella said, meaning Sean Marshall may have to move into the rotation, with Ryan taking his spot as the late-inning lefty out of the bullpen.
Ted Lilly to the DL? Preposterous. Ted Lilly eats DL's for lunch.
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This is the rookie year for both of tonight's pitchers. Jordan Zimmermann has made 15 starts and since June 1 has a 2.70 ERA. However, since he's a Nat, that has resulted in only a 2-5 record. This is his first start vs. the Cubs.
Randy Wells, as you know, had a similar problem, throwing very well in his first six starts but getting only four no-decisions and two losses. Since June 12 -- his only really bad start, vs. the Twins -- he is 4-1, 2.94. He will be facing the Nats for the first time.
The Cubs are back on WGN tonight, along with MASN in the DC area. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
I was remiss the other day in not mentioning the well-written SB Nation Nationals blog, Federal Baseball.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 65 comments
DL SORIANO!
It’s time
Worf - July 18, 2009
Its the perfect time, actually!
… and has everyone forgotten? Ted Lilly is the man of steel! He don’t need no stinkin’ DL!
socalicubsfan - July 18, 2009
Yes
That away he can get his entire body healthy. Then be a “fresh” force down the stretch.
cubsluver22 - July 18, 2009
Soriano back in the lineup today....
china423 - July 18, 2009
I spit on that
PTOOEY!
Worf - July 18, 2009
Lilly's Knee soreness?
Did it happen on the plane to St. Louis? Man….
San Diego Smooth Jazz Man - July 18, 2009
I've dislocated a pinky and popped it back in myself too
though I popped it back in just because the pain was getting worse the longer I left it and I was still waiting for a ride to the hospital to get it popped in/x-rayed. After a weekend wrapped up it was pretty much fine, which is how it’s stayed since. Pretty much fine, it’s been years and the knuckle is still oversized and I can’t extend the finger totally straight.
Though it’s not like a eff’ed up finger is that big of a deal to an athlete. Just check out a long time NFL WR’s hands
(remember you can click the comment title to make Torry Holt’s deformed hand go away).
and that’s not unusual. A story about Reggie Wayne referred to his hands as “gnarled”.
shake n bake - July 18, 2009
Lineup
Fuku
Riot
Lee
Rami
Milty
Sori-oh no
Fonty
Hill
Wells
china423 - July 18, 2009
Exactly
who does Jeff Baker need to sleep with to get in the lineup?
Worf - July 18, 2009
where'd you find that?
Chanman25 - July 18, 2009
gordon twittermyer
Allie - July 18, 2009
Soriano's pinky isn't dislocated as feared
he’s starting tonight!
Chanman25 - July 18, 2009
yay for games on wgn!
:-)
Allie - July 18, 2009
That is a good thing!
sue369 - July 18, 2009
Greetings from the old country
It’s 10:15pm here, and I’m going to attempt to stay up for the beginning of the game. While not being broadcast on AFN, you do have to love High Definition broadcasts through MLB.tv :)
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
Haven't seen you in a while. :D
sue369 - July 18, 2009
Sorry about that...
Still have some Baileys here somewhere…
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
mmmmmmm ;-)
sue369 - July 18, 2009
Greetings.
Where in the UK are you at?
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
About 30 miles west of Cambridge
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
My plans might have me in the UK next summer...
I’d be near Reading, England.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
Washington Lineup
1. Morgan, CF
2. Johnson, 1B
3. Zimmerman, 3B
4. Dunn, LF
5. Willingham, RF
6. Harris, 2B
7. Gonzalez, SS
8. Nieves, C
9. Zimmermann, P
08Cubs - July 18, 2009
if the Nationals had decent pitching they could contend
that’s a pretty solid lineup, but their pitching just flat out sucks
Chanman25 - July 18, 2009
I think you've pretty much described the entire NL East
Clutch16 - July 18, 2009
braves have pretty good pitching.
MandMexpress12 - July 18, 2009
Braves have good hitting when they want, too
I’ve been to two games at Turner this year. Both games they scored double digits.
Thankfully, when they played at the Friendly Confines with me in attendance, they were held to 2 runs. And a L. :)
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
Aw, man - when were you in town?
Sorry I missed you at Turner. Of course, I may not have been here myself.
Clutch16 - July 18, 2009
First was in May
Against the Rockies… and then just a few weeks ago against the Phillies.
And I was at Wrigley on the 6th.
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
Gotcha
Glad the Braves put on a show for you, at least.
Clutch16 - July 18, 2009
Other than the $7 beers
It was a good time. Even though I still consumed a fair number of those. Sat towards the front half of Section 212 both times – great view for a decent $30. Too bad the park doesn’t attract higher numbers, though both were weeknights. Turner is a great park and the Braves aren’t a bad team. And who doesn’t like it when the ChickFilA cow does the chop?
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
That cow is damned creepy
The trick to avoiding $7 beers is to pay even more for mixed drinks at The Chop House. A double-tall will set you back $20 with tip, but if you make friends with your bartender (tip generously), they will remember you the next time you see them. Magically, your next double-tall becomes a triple- or quadruple-tall. I generally don’t get (or need!) more than three drinks for the whole game.
Clutch16 - July 18, 2009
Why isn't this type of info on the FAQ!?
Guess that’s incentive to find seats closer to the chop house.
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
5th in the N.L. in OPS
last in ERA
shake n bake - July 18, 2009
2nd to last in the Major Leagues
only 1 A.L. team is worse (CLE) and they have to face a D.H. instead of a pitcher.
shake n bake - July 18, 2009
it's a little weird tonight
I’m a die hard cub fan, but Jordan Zimmermann was my roommate at UW-Stevens Point…who to root for?
jwate871 - July 18, 2009
cubs win it late after zimmermann is out. of course thats not what I will be rooting for.
MandMexpress12 - July 18, 2009
Jordan Zimmermann gives up 20 runs in the 1st inning then rips open unform to reveal a Cubs Jersey?
shake n bake - July 18, 2009
This post is useless without photoshop.
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
No kidding.
Where are SWL and Drew when we need them?
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
he pitches well
gets a no decision and the cubs win.
:-)
Allie - July 18, 2009
well said!
jwate871 - July 18, 2009
or he gets traded right before the game and the cubs dont face him at all
jesus christos - July 18, 2009
*Greetings to all...diehard Cub fan here, making my first post on BCB*
Grew up in Rockford listening to the Cubs and am now stuck in of all places St. Louis. Believe me, all the snide comments about Cardinal fans are usually true here.
I was wondering…is there a way to keep the game thread continuing while watching a game without hitting the refresh button constantly?
Sandberg's evil twin - July 18, 2009
it updates automatically, or atleast it should
jesus christos - July 18, 2009
In a modern browser,
New comments should automatically appear. You can also use keyboard controls to switch between them.
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
Thanks
I just noticed that it did update automatically, I had been reading this fansite a lot this year without registering as a member…so it didn’t then. I’m glad to see that because it’ll make it a lot easier to post a comment after a play in the game.
I was a member of the Ivy website for a few years and saw it degrade to a negative pissing contest, and was glad to see a site with members that have a sense of humor and for the most part don’t attack each other.
Sandberg's evil twin - July 18, 2009
If you're signed in
on a current browser (although, i’ve heard there are issues with safari) comments update automatically. You’ll get a box that pops up on the right side with the user names of those who just posted.
You can use the keyboard. At the top of the comment frame there is this text:
Those shortcuts make game threads a LOT easier to do.
You can also click the title of a comment and collapse it. That helps save screen real estate when you get a picture or long post.
Welcome. :-)
Allie - July 18, 2009
Welcome!!!
sue369 - July 18, 2009
Welcome here!
The game threads update themselves, from what I have seen. I hope you enjoy commenting tonight.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
Thanks for the welcome
This is sort of like going back to Rockford to watch a Cub game amongst friendly fans…not quite as good as being at the ballgame lol.
Sandberg's evil twin - July 18, 2009
I know. I joined for the same reason, to talk baseball with Cubs fans.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
Where in Rockford?
Displaced Rockford-ian (I guess that would be a word), now residing in Tacoma Wa
gaclaudy - July 18, 2009
Thanks Allie
I’ve seen the collapse function but had ignored the other keyboard functions…I did read the posting guidelines and we will see if I can understand the ways to post a link lol. I wanted to find a better avatar but didn’t have a pic that fit the size restrictions when I registered.
Sandberg's evil twin - July 18, 2009
Your 'Z' key will never know what hit it
Clutch16 - July 18, 2009
No issues on the avatar
whatever floats your boat, pretty much.
The keyboard functions are great.
Allie - July 18, 2009
Z seems appropriate there...
Course since I would throw a baseball like a wet noodle comparatively…his penchant for letting his emotions get away are a lot better than having me in there.
Sandberg's evil twin - July 18, 2009
Also, using the reply button
will make life easier on everyone. at the bottom of a thread sometimes it doesn’t seem as important, but it does help.
Allie - July 18, 2009
gotcha
sorry i was bein lazy lol
Sandberg's evil twin - July 18, 2009
MLB.tv running... check
Computer hooked up to big screen… check
Cold
beerDr Pepper in hand… checkReady for Chicago Cubs Baseball… HECK YES!
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
Please keep your hands inside the car at all times
And JUMP!
Clutch16 - July 18, 2009
Off-topic question:
When anyone else posts a comment, does their browser window revert to the top of the pregame thread?
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
Sorry, logging out and back in seems to have fixed it.
Vermont Cubs Fan - July 18, 2009
Time to
JUMP!
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2009/7/18/953525/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs#comments
sanantonecub - July 18, 2009
this inning was very un-wells like
CubsFanInWisconsin - July 18, 2009
why is bradley being used against a righty?
his splits say dont use hum
CubsFanInWisconsin - July 18, 2009
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