As you all likely know by now, the Cubs did not make any waiver-deadline deals at all, preferring to retain the two pitchers claimed, Aaron Heilman and tonight's starter, Rich Harden. (Hopefully, Heilman won't be actually placed in too many games once rosters expand, which can happen as early as tomorrow.)
For me, with the (admittedly slim) possibility of a playoff spot still available, I'm glad Harden is still a Cub. He's been their best pitcher since the All-Star break and this series may be a great chance for the Cubs to sneak closer to the wild card lead. The Cubs are 9-5 vs. Houston this year, and won three of four when the Astros were last at Wrigley Field a month ago. Since then, Houston has been in free-fall; they have lost 12 of their last 17 road games, are 11-17 overall, and just got swept by a bad Diamondbacks club.
For the four teams still in front of the Cubs in the wild-card race, their schedules through Thursday are as follows:
Giants: off today, then three at Phillies
Braves: four vs. Marlins
Marlins: four vs. Braves
Rockies: off today, then three vs. Mets at home
Obviously, as Cubs fans we'd root for the Braves and Marlins to split their series. We hope the Phillies can take care of a hot Giants team, and... um... er... well, as for the Mets, maybe they can at least take one from Colorado.
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Remember when Roy Oswalt used to come in and dominate the Cubs? (And everyone else, for that matter.) Oswalt, now 31, is no longer a top pitcher, though he's still capable. He is, however, only 2-6, 3.77 in his last 10 starts against the Cubs, including a loss, a no-decision, and a game in the last series at Wrigley when he had to leave the game with back problems. Aramis Ramirez hits only .250 (16-for-64) vs. Oswalt, but that includes 3 doubles, 4 HR and 15 RBI.
Rich Harden has made two starts against the Astros this year, going 1-1, 4.85; both of those starts were before the All-Star break. Usual Cub nemesis Carlos Lee is only 4-for-17 against Harden and the only current Astros to have homered off him are Lance Berkman (who missed the July series) and, of all people, Geoff Blum. Harden's 143 strikeouts rank 15th in the NL. There are 15 other pitchers who have fewer K's despite having more (in some cases MANY more) innings than Rich.
For the second day in a row, WGN will be carrying tonight's game. It's also on FSN Houston. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Astros site The Crawfish Boxes.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
0 recs | 69 comments
GO CUBS!
Beat the ’Strohs!
Zeke - August 31, 2009
Oswalt
looks like a serial killer in the photo above. To bad he’s not on the Cubs (a battery of Serial Killer and Cereal Killer)
leothelip - August 31, 2009
I was really rooting for him
to kick drugs in the first season of LOST.
cubzfan - August 31, 2009
I've usually referred to him as Lee Harvey
Not so much a serial killer, but….y’know
tim815 - August 31, 2009
Has there been any word on Reed Johnson?
Seems like he’s been gone for 6 months…
Zeke - August 31, 2009
He wrote a blog entry last Wednesday
which can be found here. Otherwise, I haven’t heard squat.
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
Thanks!
Zeke - August 31, 2009
Reed is out for another few weeks
with the foot. It didn’t improve the way they’d hoped.
I think now that the pressure is off, I can enjoy the whole game again. While I’ve not completely given up, it’s time to enjoy the fact that baseball is only on for one more month
Woodstock - August 31, 2009
Self reply...
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=316537
Indicates that he’s a week away at best. But, he’s taking BP.
Woodstock - August 31, 2009
As erratic as Oswalt has become
He’s still given up zero or 1 run in 7 of last 14 starts. He either dominates or gets ripped around.
BeltwayCubsFan - August 31, 2009
Another Stupid Decision by the Cub Front Office
Why continue to pay Salary to 2 players that won’t or shouldn’t be around for 2010? I knew I knew Hendry would keep them because we have about 1 out of a million chance to make the playoffs.
cubsluver22 - August 31, 2009
Explain to me how that matters?
They were planning on paying that anyways. Its not like their budget is busted due to this devlopment, and its not like saving that money would net anything this year anyways.
Again, the cubs spending money DOES NOT AFFECT any of us here. Its not like they would have refunded that % of money to those that already have tickets for the rest of the season.
AndrewJStone - August 31, 2009
This is hilarious
We can’t beat the Nationals and you all think we can magicly jump 4 teams and win the wild card down 5 1/2 games this late in the season. Get over it already.
cubsluver22 - August 31, 2009
Your response didn't speak to my statment at all.
I didn’t say anything about the wild card. I didn’t mention four teams, or 5.5 games. I didn’t say anything about the Nats.
You said:
I said, who cares about that aspect of it? NEVERMIND the outside shot at the playoffs, the frivolousness of giving Heilman away for nothing when the roster is expanding, the potential for getting something for Harden later IF we don’t resign him… beyond all that, who cares what the Cubs pay to who?
You get over it.
AndrewJStone - August 31, 2009
I do
They could use that money to pay some extra security so our beloved franchise don’t get another black eye from a drunken idiot.
cubsluver22 - August 31, 2009
This "we can't beat the Nationals meme"
is getting tiresome. For one thing, the Nationals have improved quite a bit in the last month. For another, the Cubs finished 5-2 against them.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 31, 2009
The Nats
Are an utter joke and for you even to be trying to defend them is a joke too. We all the love the Cubs but your defending them is getting sickening!
cubsluver22 - August 31, 2009
I don't recall spending too much time
defending them. This season, the Cubs did exactly what they shoud do against a team like that.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 31, 2009
Correct.
Most people I know would be happy to win five of seven against a team, even if the losses were at home. And, as you correctly said about 10 minutes ago, Washington has been playing slightly better over the past month.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 31, 2009
I don't care how good
The Nats play, they are still the equivalent too a AAA team at best. No excuses for a team with a 126 million dollar payroll to lose to a AAA team ever!
cubsluver22 - August 31, 2009
Their pitching sucks
but their offense can win some games
bheidge - August 31, 2009
NO excuses
Just stop already, the Nats should never win against us!
cubsluver22 - August 31, 2009
You should stop.
Our winning percentage against Washington this year was .714.
It’s very hard to pull a season sweep of a team in baseball. The Cubs’ season sweep of the Braves last year was the first time the Cubs ever swept all the games in a season against a team.
Vermont Cubs Fan - August 31, 2009
How many times did they beat the Yankees?
chitownhawkeye - August 31, 2009
The Nats offense is perfectly fine
They’re bad because their defense and their pitching suck.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 31, 2009
I agree
I’m just saying, to argue that a high payroll team should “never” lose to another team shows a complete lack of understanding about the game. I wanted him to try to process that a team with an even higher payroll, and less games, still couldn’t do what he’s asking.
chitownhawkeye - August 31, 2009
I agree 100 percent
I just replied to your post only to point out the Nats offense is nothing to sneeze at. Guzman, Zimmerman, Dunn and Willingham are solid hitters, and when healthy, Morgan is a decent leadoff man.
Not Bruce Froemming - August 31, 2009
whut?
trading away one month of Harden, that could get us to the wild-card, is NOT worth the minor-leaguers we would get for him.
Better to shop him in the off season when there’s time to negotiate and work out a deal, offer arbitration, or sign him. And if he does, we get something better then cast-off players — we get draft picks.
drewishdrewid - August 31, 2009
Lineup per Wittenmyer
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
Thanks Jose.
sue369 - August 31, 2009
You're welcome
How are you on this lovely evening?
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
I'm doing well thanks.
How about you? Ready for a Cub win?
sue369 - August 31, 2009
Tired. Work is hard.
But ready to start a month-long win streak.
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
+1
sue369 - August 31, 2009
Great, Theriot in leadoff again.
No reason that Fukudome can’t be in leadoff when Fox is in the lineup to protect Ramirez.
Theriot’s stats by batting order position: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=theriry01&year=2009&t=b#lineu
Fukudome’s stats by batting order position: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=fukudko01&year=2009&t=b#lineu
They have nearly the same number of plate appearances. And Theriot has no XBHs in the first position with only 4 walks.
Spotacus - August 31, 2009
I'd much prefer Fuky and Fox flipped.
cubswynn - August 31, 2009
but but...
you gotta have a leftie break up all the righties who can hit RH pitching!
jesus christos - August 31, 2009
Now where was that memo from Charlie Manuel?
LeSaboteur - August 31, 2009
Chilango!
I must admit… i’ve clicked on the Delicious Mexican Treats sign more than a few times… i’m a sucker for treats i guess.
There is this great mango salsa i get from costco, but it never seems to last as long as the chips. Any recipe for something similar would rock my world!
AndrewJStone - August 31, 2009
No problem
That’s super-easy.
Three ripe red tomatoes.
Two Serrano chiles.
About half an onion.
Two garlic cloves.
One mango, preferably Manila (but those are available only between May and Sept.)
A big pinch of salt.
Some cilantro, if you so wish.
Roast the tomatoes on a griddle or on a non-Teflon pan. Once they’re nice and dark—almost burned—throw them in the blender. Throw everything else in too. Peel the mango and throw the two filets. Add about a half cup of water and blend. Taste. Add more chiles if it’s not hot enough.
Thank you for your kind words and both my wife and I would appreciate if you spread the word about it if you find it interesting.
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
Or add more tomatoes if it’s too hot.
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
Well i'll be damned... that was easy.
Thanks so much. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Off to Wrigley… have a good night all!
AndrewJStone - August 31, 2009
GO CUBS!
keep our dreams alive!
drewishdrewid - August 31, 2009
Let's Go Cubs!
All we need is to make-up one game a week in the WC! It’s definitely doable! But you gotta be hungry.
LeSaboteur - August 31, 2009
Lets be 5 out after today.
Yeah buddy!
Devin B - August 31, 2009
Chilango
Have a question about your salsa. What could you use as a substitute for the mango if unavailable? You say to peel the mango and throw the two filets. What exactly are the two filets? Are they the two peeled halves? Sorry, but I’m not a cook, but would sure like to try the recipe. Thanks.
Saratoga - August 31, 2009
Well,
Usually, I wouldn’t add fruit to a salsa. That’s a nouvelle cuisine invention. However, you can substitute mango with pineapple if you so desire. Pineapple and chiles go together beautifully.
The mango has a flat stone inside. The two filets are the fruit on top of either side of the stone. Just make sure you remove all the skin because it’s incredibly bitter and will ruin your salsa.
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
Thanks for taking the time
to answer my question!
Saratoga - August 31, 2009
Dang
All this food talk is making me hungry, and it is at least two hours until dinner here in CA.
You are killing me!
Stay thirsty, my friend,
The Least Interesting Man in the World
vonde6 - August 31, 2009
Hey everybody
I’m still lurking around here, still haven’t given up hope and glad to see those here that I respect are still holding strong.
All I hope is that the Cubs can make this interesting. I think they will. Just WIN baby.
In other news, my girlfriend got us bleacher tickets for the 9/13 game against the Reds. This will be her first Cubs game with a rooting interest in the Cubs after I have spent the last year converting her from a lukewarm Brewers fan. Hoping she gets bitten by the Wrigley magic like we all have.
Go Cubs!
heine41 - August 31, 2009
Hey heine....
hope you get to see a Cubs win and your girlfriend enjoys the game.
sue369 - August 31, 2009
I know she will :)
We were shopping for her first article of Cubs apparel last night, which was fun.
heine41 - August 31, 2009
Hmmm
I might have a dirty mind, but this could get interesting…
vonde6 - August 31, 2009
Have fun, heine
Good to hear from you, and good to see you stil have some faith.
Have fun at the game. Gotta love those converts. :)
Not Bruce Froemming - August 31, 2009
Oh I gots faith :) maybe just not so much in my boys in blue
But a game a week, doesn’t sound too outrageous, especially with our schedule.
Just hoping we get some cooperation from the teams ahead of us.
heine41 - August 31, 2009
PHOTO CAPTION:
“Now WHERE did that ball go? It was just here! Gotta be around somewhere…”
Zeke - August 31, 2009
Good pitching match-up is the only reason I'll be around tonight.
My interest in this team has wavered.
dtpollitt - August 31, 2009
Too true...
If it was still Wandy Rodriguez pitching, I would have just stayed home and watched re-runs.
Damen Jackson - August 31, 2009
Anybody else watching WGN?
I hadn’t noticed how ridiculously stupid “Two and a Half Men” is until just now. It’s no “According to Jim” but damn close.
chilango2 - August 31, 2009
I missed a lot of this weekend
Any further word on Sori? I thought the MRI didn’t show anything, but I don’t know if he’s out tonight to rest or has more information come out?
chitownhawkeye - August 31, 2009
Cortisone shot..
And back in the lineup by Wednesday.
Damen Jackson - August 31, 2009
Thanks
chitownhawkeye - August 31, 2009
How many brothas fell victims to tha streetz
Rest in peace young bros
there’s a Heaven for a ‘G’
be a lie
If I told ya that I never thought of death
my bros
we tha last ones left
and life goes on….
lexmarklover - August 31, 2009
Its funny.
As much as I’ve been disappointed with this season. We’re still only 5.5 GB in the Wild Card. I mean if you think about it we could be a Mets fan, or a Pirates, or Reds, or Diamondbacks, or Nationals, or Padres, or I don’t even know but the thing is, we’re still playing in meaningful games with an above .500 record.
I’m keeping hope because I saw last year what this team is capable of, and if they do reel off a 10-12 game winning streak, we’re right there.
Devin B - August 31, 2009
both heilman & harden
said they DID NOT want to leave the cubs. they both believe this team is capable of making the playoffs.
if aaron & rich, two players who could’ve debarked the ship had they wanted to, believe it, then so do i.
so should you.
GO CUBS! BEAT ASTROS!
brian custer - August 31, 2009
put the pipe down
wccub - August 31, 2009
Hello everybody!
JUMP!
Clutch16 - August 31, 2009
Is it too much to ask our bats to return to 2008 form for the last 34 games
of the season? It sure has been tough to watch games like yesterday when 9 of the first 11 outs were Ks. The Cubs need to surprise all of us and show real life at the plate. That would make the torture and mediocrity of the first 128 games worth the pain that we have endured. Even if the Cubs don’t make the play-offs (the most likely outcome at this point), it would be nice to see them go down with a pulse.
Go Cubs!! May your bats come to life and leave a good taste in our mouths (or at least make it easier to swallow this bitter pill of the 2009 season).
LAcarl519 - August 31, 2009
in can see them winning 3 or4 more games, they have an offensive outburst about every 8 to 10 games
wccub - August 31, 2009
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