For those excited about today's announcement that Tribune Co. and Tom Ricketts had reached a deal regarding the sale of the Cubs, temper your excitement for... well, who knows how long.
When Tribune Co. bought the Cubs in 1981, it took two and a half months to finish the deal -- and part of that time was when the players were on strike, so it wasn't as if the Cubs had anything like baseball games to think about during the interim time. I suppose the strike might have delayed the final sale, but that is something now lost to the mists of time. But it's not as if Ricketts has been handed the keys today, either. No press conference has been held and until I see one with Tribco execs and Tom Ricketts shaking hands, I'll presume it's business as usual. A more likely scenario is for the transfer to be made official when the season is over, because not only does a much larger amount of money have to change hands now than 28 years ago, almost $900 million now as opposed to about $20 million then, and there's the matter of a bankruptcy court signing off on this deal as well as MLB owners (though I have been told by someone who knows these matters better than I do that the bankruptcy court won't be an issue either). You can presume that the owners approval is a formality.
Further, don't expect wholesale changes. I would argue you don't need many -- this team has been wildly successful off the field and over the last two years, on it (well, except for little details like playoff wins). When Mark Cuban, darling of so many here, took over the Dallas Mavericks -- a franchise in far worse shape then than the Cubs are now -- he didn't fire a single person. Instead, he enhanced and added to the staff, and that's what I'd expect the Ricketts group to do. That's what excites me, not a pitchfork-bearing mob outside of Jim Hendry's office.
At the time I wrote this -- midafternoon -- there had not yet been announcements of the expected roster moves today welcoming back Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson and Angel Guzman. If I had to guess -- and this is strictly speculation -- I think Jeff Samardzija and Kevin Hart are headed off the pitching staff, and Micah Hoffpauir off the bench, leaving the Cubs with 11 pitchers from now till the All-Star break.
In the meantime, there are games to be won; more below the fold. (And remember, tonight is an hour earlier than usual, 6:05 pm CDT.)
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Jair Jurrjens has never faced the Cubs -- they missed him last year at Wrigley when he tripped down the dugout steps and Jeff Bennett replaced him. That was the game that Bennett hit Alfonso Soriano with a pitch and put him out for five weeks. Then the Cubs were supposed to face Jurrjens in the game that was rained out in Atlanta last month. He has faced only one Cub on the active roster -- Jeff Baker (1-for-4).
Tonight will be Randy Wells' first big test -- the Braves are the first team he's making his second start against. He threw really well against them on June 2 in Atlanta, but that was one of at least four starts where Randy got a no-decision where he could have had a win. The bullpen blew that one. He gave up only two hits that day -- a single to Chipper Jones and a homer to Garret Anderson.
Today's game will be available nationally on ESPN. It's also on CSN Chicago, but there is no Atlanta local TV. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 174 comments
First!
Go Cubs.
bergs55 - July 6, 2009
Other threads reporting
Fuld and Hart down and Patton DL’d
Worf - July 6, 2009
Confirmed via Twittermeyer
Twittermeyer
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Groin.... gotta love the Cubs fake injuries!
SackMan - July 6, 2009
Just proves he had no MARBLES
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
listen the training/medical staff have to concur
That does not mean this was a well-known or publicized or even convenient and opportune injury event.
Ivy Walls - July 6, 2009
i wish hoff was sent down
i really liked fuld for his speed and defense since he could play all 3 OF positions, hoff hit .182 in June
ManBearPigMBP - July 6, 2009
Question...
Because Patton was a Rule 5 pick he cannot be sent down, correct?
drMeth - July 6, 2009
Correct
Allie - July 6, 2009
sounds good
very excited to see A-Ram back in the lineup, Go Cubs!
Aramis Ramirez - July 6, 2009
we've missed you buddy!
Allie - July 6, 2009
He's super-human
He can post and take BP at the same time.
SackMan - July 6, 2009
I think Al is slowly hacking the user database
so all of our names show up as “Aramis Ramirez” out of sheer delight.
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Testing...
Nope, mine still looks right.
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
This x1000
Just seeing his name in the lineup will make me feel better
RightFieldSucks - July 6, 2009
Geo: Have I ever told you that I love you man??
Marmol: No… but you seem plumper, have you been into the Funions again? I thought we talked about this…
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Sorry to see Fuld get sent down...
He provided a spark that’s been missing. Soriano should be sent down although we all know that will never happen…
bergs55 - July 6, 2009
Lineup is in...
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
that looks like a sweet lineup
if only fox could play left, and soriano could play second-then you’d have…
fuky
riot
lee
bradley
rami
fox
soriano
soto
wells
ahh…i guess ill keep dreaming
cubswgnrocks - July 6, 2009
That looks good.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 6, 2009
I hate Fonzie at 2B
Ugh.
He’s better in LF. Leave him there.
Allie - July 6, 2009
agreed
sue369 - July 6, 2009
He hasn't played 2nd for the Cubs yet
Clutche - July 6, 2009
He Has, Though...
… in emergencies, Fonzie has played at 2nd for the Cubs. I think he played there on 6/12 in the 9th against Minn?
initram - July 6, 2009
didn't know that
Clutche - July 6, 2009
So you ignore the time he DID play 2nd base?
When he was worse?
Allie - July 6, 2009
I really don't care where he plays as long as he doesn't lead off
Clutche - July 6, 2009
yes +1
shake n bake - July 6, 2009
WOW this is big news
Soriano at 2B, Soriano at 2B
If for some reason he turns this around the Cubs can platoon LF with a hot Fox or hot Hoffpauir this could change the offense.
Ivy Walls - July 6, 2009
Does Hoff have an arm good enough to play LF?
Allie - July 6, 2009
Um, it's not news.
Soriano’s not going to play second base.
daver - July 6, 2009
oh
Ivy Walls - July 6, 2009
but there is an alternative universe
where Soriano IS playing second base and batting 1.000.
just not this one.
JFCubFan - July 6, 2009
I'd rather see Fox at 2nd than Soriano
Ross - July 6, 2009
I'd rather see Chad Fox at 2B than Soriano.
daver - July 6, 2009
I'd rather see Theriot at 2B
and Blanco at SS.
Dare to dream, buddy.
Allie - July 6, 2009
I'd rather see Theriot at SS and Fontenot at 2B
Oh wait…
Pre - July 6, 2009
I'd rather see Jessica Alba, Halle Berry and Scarlett Johansen naked.
willie mays hayes' gloves - July 6, 2009
+3^10
:)
CubsWin!Oregon - July 6, 2009
I like this one
Allie - July 6, 2009
As feable...
…as they have been, this lineup has the potential to score A LOT of runs if Soriano and Bradley do what they can.
MPH73 - July 6, 2009
Will Rami play the whole game?
cubswgnrocks - July 6, 2009
i'd say probably not
but w/ lou… you never really know
Allie - July 6, 2009
Doubt it, but I suppose it's possible.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 6, 2009
I'd like to see him get at least 3 at-bats...
Fox can fill in late if necessary… eventhough that’s not really a “defensive” replacement… Baker could fill in if needed for defense, I’ve heard ramblings he’s not horrible at the hot corner.
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Lou said Aramis will start
but not play the whole game.
sue369 - July 6, 2009
Twittermyer
quotes A-Ram as saying he’s “80-85 percent strength/game ready.”
Reddevil - July 6, 2009
Come on.
If Fox can play 3B at a subpar level, then they can trot him out there at 2B and hope nobody hits it to him.
drMeth - July 6, 2009
He could be our 5th starter too
Clutche - July 6, 2009
3B is a lot different than 2B
Allie - July 6, 2009
Slightly!!!
MPH73 - July 6, 2009
3B is a whole digit different that 2B!
digitalbenjamin - July 6, 2009
evidentally you have played either position
Ivy Walls - July 6, 2009
Because he's good at math?
daver - July 6, 2009
Mmmmm, no.
daver - July 6, 2009
Give Lou credit
Soriano in 6th spot for 3rd straight day.
I know I’m not the only one who thought he’d move Soriano back the day Aramis returned.
ak123 - July 6, 2009
I would have rather seen
Hoff sent down instead of Fuld but oh well. Go get em tonight guys.
sue369 - July 6, 2009
As I said in another post
ReJo is pretty much Fuld right now… so we don’t really need him… plus he gets more playing time at Iowa… if we’d kept Fuld we’d essentially have 7 outfielders… keeping Hoff up there gives us a left handed power bat… essentially he’s the white Darryl Ward right now.
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Exactly...
Right now, we have the following:
a RH power bat on the bench that can play 1B, 3B, or corner OF
a LH power bat on the bench that can play 1B or corner OF
an athletic “energy guy” that can play all three OF spots
a backup SS who switch hits and plays great defense
a RH power bat that can play 2B or corner IF
a backup C
It was going to be Fuld or Fox/Baker that got sent down. Unfortunately for Fuld, Baker is (I believe) out of options and Fox has had a longer run of success at the big league level.
SouthernCub - July 6, 2009
Not RJ
Fuld is much faster and a shade better defensively and of course left handed. However it is not Fuld Vs RJ it is Fuld Vs Hoff.
Do you want a power hitter for the bench or someone who can a defense, pinch run, contact hitter. I would prefer the ladder as the Cubs just seem to suck at that and Hoff has not been that good at pinch hitting lately.
Doggie Stalker - July 6, 2009
i would think
having a ladder on the bench COULD come in handy…
daily2b - July 6, 2009
Especially the number of
5’6" infielders on the team
Allie - July 6, 2009
I just like Fuld
better than Hoff. :-P
sue369 - July 6, 2009
"ReJo is pretty much Fuld right now"
Except the fact that he is a lefty bat and Reed Johnson can’t hit RHP to save his life.
IowaCubsWS09 - July 6, 2009
I agree with you
and so does Dave.
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/david-kaplan-chicago-sports/
CubsGirl - July 6, 2009
PHENOMENAL blog!
Just PHENOMENAL!
daver - July 6, 2009
Caption: "Hey Soto, which one of these back pockets is the oregano in? I want to add some
to my sliders."
LAcarl519 - July 6, 2009
Random
but did y’all know L&B twitter?
No. Seriously. http://twitter.com/LenandBob
Allie - July 6, 2009
I heard the Braves already forfeited.
And Aramis is going to hit for the cycle tonight…of homers.
dtpollitt - July 6, 2009
Then...
Ted Lilly will pinch-run and score 3 runs.
CubsGirl - July 6, 2009
without ever batting
cubfred - July 6, 2009
hell score by continually running the bases with his blazing speed
jesus christos - July 6, 2009
Ted Lilly could walk in 3 runs
from the on-deck circle with the bases empty… and I don’t mean while he’s pitching.
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Let's Get 'Em!
Just having Rami’s presence in the lineup should help considerably, as there’s now a bit more stability on the roster and the roles are a bit more defined. That, along with Johnson and Guzman, should provide a boost.
Do I expect Rami to be 100% upon his return? Hell no. Frankly, I don’t care if he hits .200 the rest of the year, a dislocated shoulder for a third baseman is no easy injury to recover from, especially in the time frame he gave himself. There’s more to him being there than just the numbers he as an individual provides. He’s a leader on this team, has been since 2004, and having a guy like him back should definitely be of some help.
Although in my wildest dreams Ramirez comes back to his old form and helps lift this offensively dreadful ballclub, I don’t see it happening. Still, it’s a good day to be a Cubs fan regardless.
ZachenFoot - July 6, 2009
He may surprise...
…with some good production his first couple of games (initial adrenaline), but he may very well struggle for 6-7 games until he gets his timing back.
MPH73 - July 6, 2009
Which
is about what I would expect. I hope by season’s end we’ll see the same Aramis Ramirez we saw at season’s beginning, hopefully this time in a playoff push…
ZachenFoot - July 6, 2009
I can't believe we traded for an all-star third baseman today! Can't wait to see him in the field!
It’s like we traded Ryan Freel for Aramis Ramirez…
dtpollitt - July 6, 2009
Not to mention
a nasty setup guy and a scrappy OF!
good times!
Allie - July 6, 2009
Yes! Jimbo's still got it!
daver - July 6, 2009
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
LOL
lexmarklover - July 6, 2009
Is this how they pay him per at bat?
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
No. That's Bradley.
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
If they paid MB with Ramirez Bucks that's be awesome
It’s like the opposite of a Shrute Buck.
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Well....Ramirez made $14M last
year and had 554 at bats. So that comes to about $25K per bat. This year he makes $15.65M….so that at bat number will be considerably higher.
Neifi Puppy - July 6, 2009
+ 1
CubsGirl - July 6, 2009
LMAO.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 6, 2009
Who would you put on a $1 bill?
Clutche - July 6, 2009
you
sue369 - July 6, 2009
your posts are useless
Clutche - July 6, 2009
Aw did I hurt your little feelings?
Wah!!!!
sue369 - July 6, 2009
and mean spirited
you lurk around then jump in and post something nasty. Get off my back.
Clutche - July 6, 2009
Sue is a ninja
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
An insult ninja.
Sticks and stones may only break my bones, but words will hurt FOREVER.
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
SUE IS AWESOME
CAPS INCREASE AWESOMENESS
Cubsfanatic - July 6, 2009
WHICH IS WHY ERIC HANNA IS THE MOST AWESOME BCB POSTER EVAR!!!
daver - July 6, 2009
Perhaps she could be bribed?
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
she says she would put you on the $1 bill
and that’s mean spirited and nasty? I must be missing the more interesting parts of this conversation.
CyberCyclist - July 6, 2009
I guessing there's a history there
SouthernCub - July 6, 2009
apparently so
CyberCyclist - July 6, 2009
I DON'T KNOW WHAT WE'RE YELLING ABOUT!
lswaidz - July 6, 2009
Touchy, touchy
Allie - July 6, 2009
Darth Vader
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
ONLY A THOUSAND?
Cheapskate.
dtpollitt - July 6, 2009
He's so money...and he doesn't even know it.
daver - July 6, 2009
Love seeing Aramis back!
Can’t wait to see him dig in!
Hate seeing MB hitting cleanup again though.
kanderber - July 6, 2009
yeah, i think he should be 3rd
jesus christos - July 6, 2009
We have a pretty nasty
lineup.
Reddevil - July 6, 2009
That is
true.
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
good nasty or bad nasty?
digitalbenjamin - July 6, 2009
Dagnasty
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
actually
I like this lineup up. I have found myself complaining about this team alot this year, but if Fukudome continues to leadoff, platooning with rejo at the leadoff and then throw in Rami #5 and Sori #6, I like this. I think it will help Milto to have Rami behind him and Sori should be in a good position to succeed. I hope Lou uses Fox and Hoffpauir to rest Sori, Milt and Rami on a regular basis. Not sure of Jeff Baker’s role with this team? He was great in college but hasn’t done much since the rockies called him up.
TheCubsGuy - July 6, 2009
Wholesale changes...
…on the business side of the business is certainly not likely. Whether or not changes happen on the baseball side will most likely depend on how the season concludes.
We can’t crawl inside Rickett’s head, but I am sure he has formed some opinions based on what he has observed from the outside. If the season ends up a dissappointment, we just don’t know whether he would want to evaluate from the inside before making changes, or go ahead and pull the trigger based on what he says in short order.
Hendry has 3 more years left on his contract and that could be a factor in his decision at least for a year.
MPH73 - July 6, 2009
Three years left for Hendry?
You sure about that? That doesn’t sound right.
kanderber - July 6, 2009
Hendry is Signed...
… through 2012…
initram - July 6, 2009
He also has a NTC
DGU - July 6, 2009
It is correct
Signed a four year extension last year.
Doggie Stalker - July 6, 2009
Thanks for clarifying...
…he hands out long term deals, I guess he should get one too.
I wonder if it has a no-trade clause.
MPH73 - July 6, 2009
Who would take him?
Oh, right – the Orioles.
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
I read it in the paper...
…the other day. It didn’t sound right to me either, but I assumed they knew what they were writing.
I know he got extended beyond Piniella’s deal, but I thought it was only one year (thru 2011).
MPH73 - July 6, 2009
it's true
Last October, the organization extended his contract for four more years
SouthernCub - July 6, 2009
Game will NOT be available nationally
thank you very much Bud Selig, for your refusal to bring baseball into the modern era when it comes to television broadcasting.
Those of us that live in Des Moines and have Mediacom cable are out of luck tonight, as the morons that run that company have no idea what the demographics of this town are.
We’ll be getting 3 hours of ESPNews instead.
TarHeelHawk - July 6, 2009
It hasn't shown up on the Dish guide as blacked out yet for me
Which… is really weird.
Anyone else?
Allie - July 6, 2009
Soriano in the lineup right now is a joke... put him on 15-day DL
Every other team in the major leagues is taking advantage of the DL by using it like the minor leagues why not the Cubs? Today’s lineup could be…
CF Fukudome
SS Theriot
1B Lee
RF Bradley
3B Ramirez
LF Fox
C Soto
2B Blanco
P Wells
Try making it through that lineup once without getting touched up a little bit.
IowaCubsWS09 - July 6, 2009
um…the Cubs used the DL like the minors TODAY, and have earlier this year
Donbedouin - July 6, 2009
They used the DL for David Patton!!!
Give me a break. Use the DL for someone that you can’t option and who can possibly become better than an average AAA reliever.
IowaCubsWS09 - July 6, 2009
Patton cannot be
sent to the minors. He has to remain on the roster all year or we have to give him back to the Rockies (I think that’s where we got him). He was a Rule 5 pick, so different rules apply.
gwood - July 6, 2009
He Actually Came From the Reds...
… who selected Patton from the Rox. So, you are right. If he were released, he’d have to clear waivers and then be offered back to the originating org, that being the Rox.
Also, I have heard that sports announcers are saying that Patton is now Cubs property because he fulfilled 90 days. I don’t think that is true. He needs to be active for 90 days and be on the 25-man roster for a full season to have the Rule 5 status relinquished.
initram - July 6, 2009
Patton can't be optioned...
so in fact, they used the DL for exactly what you were asking. It’s not as exciting as if it was Soriano, but it’s the same thing.
And it would appear that they’ve done the same with Aaron Miles already.
SouthernCub - July 6, 2009
What if Fonzie isn't hurt?
Thats a reason not to be on the DL.
Allie - July 6, 2009
And you think David Patton is?
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
I think he could be
But I don’t really “care”… I wanted the Patton Project to end weeks ago.
Allie - July 6, 2009
how do you hurt your groin when you pitch once in a blue moon
jesus christos - July 6, 2009
Who said he hurt it while pitching?
santoswoodenlegs - July 6, 2009
Same way you pull your groin
when you play basketball for the first time in months.
Allie - July 6, 2009
Well, I can think of one way.
daver - July 6, 2009
Too many "pulled groin" jokes. Must not get involved.
Deep breaths, Andrew. Deep breaths.
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
You just blew my mind....
LT - July 6, 2009
I bet you dissapear for a day
If Soriano hits a HR tonight.
Lou needs to see how he plays with Aramis in the lineup. The stress might be off Soriano to carry the team.
ak123 - July 6, 2009
Got tickets at the last second for tonight's game
Sitting field level, right behind home plate — and paid $50 each for two $75 tickets.
Should make up for a crap day at work. Go Aram!
elgato - July 6, 2009
Where'd you find that deal?
Sounds great!
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
friend of a friend ...
needed to unload some tickets. Right place, right time.
elgato - July 6, 2009
Lucky you. Have fun!
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
Very jealous!
Have a blast!
Allie - July 6, 2009
Damn, sweet.
Say hi to Pink Hat Guy.
daver - July 6, 2009
will do
heh
elgato - July 6, 2009
haven't seen him around for a while...
digitalbenjamin - July 6, 2009
I saw him the other night.
I think he’s back in action.
daver - July 6, 2009
Uh oh
Allie - July 6, 2009
Right now, there are four umps scrambling around a hotel room somewhere...
daver - July 6, 2009
Hope MLB isn't cheap enough
to stick 4 old men in the same room…
Those poor poor housekeepers.
Allie - July 6, 2009
Budget cuts.
daver - July 6, 2009
league communication problem oh
that is the constant state of affairs
Ivy Walls - July 6, 2009
"Is this your chest protector or mine?"
“Clearly, it’s mine. What are you, blind or something?”
“…”
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
God i hope this is true.
6:05 is nasty. Hard to bike that quickly after work, considering traffic.
AndrewJStone - July 6, 2009
what the hell?
I’ve known it was a 6:05 start for days now. If I knew that, shouldn’t the guys working it know it?
WanderingWanderer - July 6, 2009
I'M TYPING IN ALL CAPS
to channel the power of one Eric Hanna.
digitalbenjamin - July 6, 2009
i'm bummed
it got moved off the “top fanposts” list.
no more caps from me
Allie - July 6, 2009
Sniff...sniff...I'll never use Caps Lock again!
daver - July 6, 2009
nooooooo!!!!!!
I MEAN NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! Who can hack the interwebz and fix this problem?
digitalbenjamin - July 6, 2009
Seeing Aram in the lineup is nice
an average above .300, in the cubs line! I don’t believe my eyes
Cubsfanatic - July 6, 2009
Can I? Can I, please?!?
Small sample size.
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
This past weekend just felt different
The team had some life
miamicanes - July 6, 2009
Yeah.
Let’s hope to build on that.
CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry - July 6, 2009
Marmol- Geo please, only a half man-hug this time. You're starting to scare me.
propheteer - July 6, 2009
Go Cubs Go
I want to sing tonight!!!
muffman - July 6, 2009
Sorry Andrew!
Allie - July 6, 2009
Guess they won't pull a couple drunks outta Murphs to replace them after all
JFCubFan - July 6, 2009
Caption
(whispered) “That’s a really ugly cap.”
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
Cubs VS. Braves
ASS WHOOPIN TONIGHT!!!
muffman - July 6, 2009
Big hand for A-Ram in lineups
GateCity, VA Cubs Fan - July 6, 2009
Let's do this!
JUMP!
Clutch16 - July 6, 2009
Soriano
I was hoping he would have a twinge in his hamstring. 15 days off would do him a world of good!!!
muffman - July 6, 2009
Cubs Lineup for Tuesday, July 7, 2009
1. Theriot – playing 1B
2. Sorry – Catching
3. Lee – SS
4. Pinella – 3B
5. Fuke – 2B
6. Sinatro – RF
7. Rammy – CF
8. Soto – LF
9. Bradley – P
Pinella’s managerial skills aren’t any better.
Shambles - July 7, 2009
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