You Gotta Have Hart... Oh, Wait. ... and Open Thread, Cubs vs. Giants, Wednesday 3/19, 9:05 CT

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 5:55 PM CDT Comment 107 comments

MESA, Arizona -- Back to the drawing board, right?

Kevin Hart, who threw so well in September last year, and who seemed to have impressed Lou Piniella so far this spring and made the team as the 12th guy on the staff, set himself way back today with a poor outing, and by the time he was done, he had coughed up a lead and the Cubs lost to the A's 5-2 in the first game of a split-squad, day-night doubleheader that will continue tonight in Scottsdale (Yes, I'm going. Use this thread as the game thread for the night game.)

Hart couldn't find the plate in the 8th inning, coming in to protect a 2-0 lead -- he walked two -- and when he did find the plate, several miscellaneous A's (the few starters who had been in the game having departed) pounded him all over the yard. Carlos Marmol finally had to relieve Hart, and, disturbingly, he wasn't throwing strikes either. Hart walked in a run, and then Marmol walked in another, and yet another walk by Marmol in the 9th inning led to a run.

Kosuke Fukudome (who, incidentally, was fine after being hit by a throw yesterday) nearly threw that runner out at the plate, but Henry Blanco couldn't handle the throw -- which did beat the runner and was right on target. Fukudome was charged with an error on the play because the dropped throw allowed the runner to take second base. That's a really tough error. Earlier in the game, Dome had thrown Kurt Suzuki (a sort-of countryman; Suzuki is an American of Japanese descent) out at the plate on an absolutely perfect strike to Blanco.

Mike & I agreed that this will either cause runners to not run on Dome, or he'll just keep throwing them out until they do. Either way, it's a positive result.

Today, Ryan Dempster made amends for his poor outing in his last start. A couple of people on the lawn came up to me and asked me who was starting -- at first I was surprised, but then I looked at Dempster, who was not wearing his normal high socks. He looked different. He pitched different. Although he walked two, he gave up only one hit, a third-inning double to A's minor leaguer Gregorio Petit, a ball that flew just out of the reach of Felix Pie in CF.

The loss is too bad, because up to that 8th inning the Cubs had put together a good ballgame. Even when Sean Gallagher came in and couldn't find the plate (you can just see that Oriole scout muttering to himself, "Andy wants me to watch THIS guy?"), Les Walrond came in and bailed him out with a couple of strikeouts with the bases loaded.

Now, remember I've been the guy saying "Why is Les Walrond still in camp?" But from everything I hear, Walrond is a cheerful presence around the club, does what he's asked to do, and is very helpful with the younger pitchers. I would not be at all surprised to see him offered a minor league coaching slot with this organization, and I suspect he might be a good one.

Derrek Lee got off the schneid today with his first HR, an opposite-field job. Now, as Mike & I agreed, he has to do that pulling the ball to left.

Cubs pitchers walked nine A's today. That is just. Not. Good. If not for the good defense shown by Dome, and the key strikeouts, the A's probably could have scored four or five more runs.

Notes: the reason for the early start was a request by the A's, who are leaving tonight for the opening series in Japan. Had the game been tied up, no inning would have started after 3:15. (It ended at 2:45.)

Finally, I'm guessing you're waiting for my reaction to Kerry Wood being scratched from today's game due to back spasms. The bottom line is, the game would likely have been saved had Wood been available, since he was scheduled to pitch today. Otherwise, I'm sure Jay Mariotti will chime in with some more useless "I told you so" nonsense, but the reality is, players get these all the time. The training staff will work on him (I'm sure Tim Buss will be much happier to work now that the pranksters in the clubhouse trashed his car and bought him a new one), he'll be just fine, and he may even pitch tomorrow. According to what I heard, Wood even wanted to go today, but was talked out of it. Precautions. That's all this is, a temporary setback, and I am certain Wood will be back on the mound by the weekend.

Off to Scottsdale soon. It was a gorgeous day, 72 degrees at game time and 81 by game's end, but -- possibly because of the early start -- the attendance (10,660) was about 2,000 short of a sellout. About midway through the game my friend Brian showed up, said that he had almost been bumped off his Southwest flight until someone piped up in the gate area and mentioned that the type of aircraft on that flight could accomodate all the potential bumpees. (Sounds like Southwest has more problems than just maintenance!)

I read the comments in the day-game thread saying that Gameday was ridiculously slow. So, for all you that can't get enough of that, here is the MLB.com Gameday link for the night game.

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Comments

long man...

is it already a non-issue that the odd man out in the 4th and 5th starter race (or marshall) will become the long man in the pen if hart has another performance like he did today? Why is there so much animosity against that idea?

by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 19, 2008 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Because Marquis isn't suited for the bullpen.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's Exactly Right.

Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Mar 19, 2008 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So does that rule Wood out for the second game? Or will he even be at the second game. I'm clueless on how the SS rosters work.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 6:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I doubt Wood will be in uniform today.

Anyone can play in both games, but I doubt any of the regulars -- who played all 9 innings in the day game -- will be in the night game unless they have specifically asked for more AB.

That, of course, will put the Cubs in violation of the ST rule that says you have to take four "regulars" to road games. The only player who's a projected starter who will likely play tonight is Soto.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Since the experts will be on this thread..

I figured I'd drop this here even though it's of subject. I read somewhere here yesterday that the Cubbies are/were interested in acquiring Reggie Willits. Is that still legit, or long gone?

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 6:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a rumor I've heard...

... but I don't think it has legs. The Angels aren't actively shopping Willits.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

From what I've seen...

...the Angels plan to keep Willits at AAA to start the season; he's not available in trade.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All fine by me. I have a bone to pick with that guy and I'd hate to HAVE to root for him if he became a Cubby. I think he's a heck of a talent and busts his butt on the field, but I have a great video of him snubbing me and 3 friends of a ball that we LET him catch in foul territory in the front row down right field line in Milwaukee when the Angels were playing Cleveland.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ummm....

a sort-of countryman

umm... no.

and does one bad outing from Hart really set himself way back?

does that mean dempster's one bad outing "set himself way back" also?

pitchers have bad outings. especially in spring training.

oh well.

by big_lowitzki on Mar 19, 2008 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Les Walrond

Al--i couldn't agree more when you describe Les as a cheerful presence. He is so humble and ready to smile, I don't believe I've ever come across a nicer AAA player. You just can't help but wish for good things to happen to him. Unfortunately, I don't think an extended stint in MLB will ever be one of them.

BBWAA's name should be changed to "Power in the hands of Fools"

by cubfever7 on Mar 19, 2008 6:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Unless it's as a major league bullpen or pitching coach someday.

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather have Les Walrond

than Neil Cotts.

Cotts is Cottsian, not Walrondiffic.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, trust me...

... after a couple of appearances, you'd be begging to have Cotts back.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I've seen it

I guess I meant as a coach. :D

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 8:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Went to Dinner, back for the game

I've heard this a few times, tonight included, but what makes a person suitable for the bullpen? Ego? Or rather, lack thereof...

by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 19, 2008 7:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

dependability

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 7:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

but but but...

Marquis can actually pitch really really well when he's mentally focused. He's just a mental midget sometimes - is that what makes him less suitable for the bullpen?

by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 19, 2008 7:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I dont have an answer to that. I'd think anyone would eb suitable for the pen as long as they are consistant and dependable. I'm sure Al and initram can better answer your question.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no problem

thanks though

by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 19, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

occasional bouts of amnesia is probably very helpful

as is
- having a rubber arm
- being lefthanded
- growing a fu manchu (or other facial hair - equal parts intimidation and downright ugly)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 19, 2008 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lineup for Iowa Cubs

313490.1

Patterson, CF
Fontenot, 2B
Hoffpauir, RF
Ward, 1B
Murton, LF
Soto, C
McGehee, 3B
Cedeno, SS
Lieber, P

by lemon20pie on Mar 19, 2008 8:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ALL RIGHT!!!! Murton made the line up! Go Iowa Cubs!

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

313490.1

Maybe I'm missing somewhere, but I have no idea what that's supposed to mean.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe this will help cwyers:

by lemon20pie on Mar 19, 2008 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you.

That was clear, brief and edifying. I now know more about the topic than I did moments ago. By no means am I still confused. In no way, shape or form am I simply more perplexed by a London subway map.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So who do you have starting catcher in the big show if you have Soto in Iowa?

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The only reason I ask is becuase I thought Soto out produced both Blanco and Hill last year in the few games he played. I might be wrong though.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by lemon20pie on Mar 19, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's so not right...

n/t

by Damen Jackson on Mar 19, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So you're basicaly saying I'm as annoying as woo-woo.

Fine by me. I can take it and dish it.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You misinterpreted

You asked me who I thought would catch if Soto didn't.....NM.

by lemon20pie on Mar 19, 2008 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BWAHAHAHAHAHA I sure did.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hart

Kevin Hart, who threw so well in September last year, and who seemed to have impressed Lou Piniella so far this spring and made the team as the 12th guy on the staff, set himself way back today with a poor outing,

C'mon now. You really think that if Hart pitches well the rest of spring, the way he has before today, that the coaching staff will even remember his outing from today? It seems that people make a huge deal out of one bad outing by a starter or reliever. If Hart has a few bad outings than ya, he may end up in AAA. But Hart has pitched well this spring and as long as he goes out in the future and gets people out, today's outing will be forgotten.

There are few, if any players, whose major league future will rest on one spring outing.

DmL

by dmlichte on Mar 19, 2008 8:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

thats a little overreacting about Hart. The guy has been pretty much lights out since last June, and he has one poor game, so now he might not make the team? Lets not forget Hart was a starter most of his career, and today he was pitching in back to back games. The guy will be fine, and he's a lock to make the team even after todays poor game.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 19, 2008 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone else an XM fan?

"The Show", one of XM's programs was at the Cubs game yesterday. Did anyone else happen to listen? They interviewed Lou and Hendry.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Mar 19, 2008 9:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What channel is that on? One of the MLB channels?

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Home Plate XM 175

M-F 2pm-5pm CST (replays at 11pm-2am CST)

by MillsChC on Mar 19, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

XM is satellite radio (a subscriptin is required)

They have an all baseball channel called MLB Home Plate where they have scheduled programming (talk shows and live look-ins of games). They also broadcast all of the games on separate channels. They carry the home team's radio broadcast and in the playoffs they have the home, road and espn broadcasts.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Mar 19, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The reason I got XM

It's worth every penny.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have Sirius

And I sure hope the merger goes through soon.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any update on that merger? I havent heard anything about it in a while.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kerry Wood

I hope I'm wrong about this but, given his history, any sort of physical setback HAS to be a red flag. Who was it that said the defintion of insanity is when you keep making the same mistake over and over...?
All I'm saying is I hope Lou and Hendry have a couple of solid back-up plans in mind or this could be a very long season.

by bluekoolaide on Mar 19, 2008 9:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

kerry wood

will be fine...long time bcb reader first time poster....i pitch as well and when i over do it i hurt my lower back but in a few days it is fine ...i feel the same thing is happening with kerry...he has beeen a cub his entire career and has heard all of the critisim reguarding whether or not he could hold up and probably over done it in one of his workouts...i think with some rest he will be just fine

by kngdnglng on Mar 19, 2008 9:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kerry Wood

I hope you're right-I'd love to see him come through-esp. with Marmol's current control problems.

by bluekoolaide on Mar 19, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is anyone

going to update us on the game?

by grathanial on Mar 19, 2008 9:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

2-0 Cubbies 2nd inning

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2-0 Cubs..

middle of the 2nd..

by Damen Jackson on Mar 19, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lieber strikes out to end the top of the second...

...Cubs leading 2-0. Patterson single, stole second, and was bunted over to third by Fontenot, driven in by a Hoffpaiur groundout in the first. Murton singled to lead off the second, and Soto doubled him in.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks

how did we score

by grathanial on Mar 19, 2008 9:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Patterson scored on a Hoffpauir put and Soto scored Murton on a double.....i think

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

out not put....

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But not for long. Looks like Lieber is giving up some hits early.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

2-0 at the middle of the 4th

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Did anyone catch the email address?

The Giants radio people gave the email address at the beginning but I didn't catch it.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Mar 19, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think it was

giantswebcast@aol.com or giantsbroadcast@aol.com

Definitely had giants at the beginning and it was definitely an aol address. The guy said both emails or IMs were welcomed

by MillsChC on Mar 19, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They just said it's

GIANTSWEBCASTS@AOL.COM

The guy made sure to note both plural

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see a giants run

on the scoreboard, what happened...

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Durham walked, advanced to second on a groundout...

...and scored on a single to Hoffpauir in right. Struck out next batter (after a wild pitch) and inning over.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But Cedeno hit a 2 run HR and the Cubs put together a few more hits. Lieber on 3rd after a DP

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cubs up 4-1 Middle of the 5th

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

anyone else getting extreme slowness

when trying to post?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And if you dont want to pay $12 a month for XM Radio to hear all the games, Cubs Club is another great option. $20 and you can listen to all the Cubs games on Game Day Audio. That $20 also gets you other perks on cubs.com I also got 1/2 price ticket deals and chances for bleecher tickets for sold out games. Well worth the $20. Click here or hit cubs.com to sign up.

http://tinyurl.com/36bhzo

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

great commercial. :P

Does it work for Spring Training games?

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm listening right now so I assume it does unless it's free right.

I gotta say the deal is the 1/2 price tickets every once in a while. Thats pays the $20 right back.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'ma buying...

by the way, the Giants are out, after Roberts strikes out and Rowand hits into a double play.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Before I miss inform, I had Cubs Club and MLB Audio last year so I might still have a lingering subscription. I didnt renew my MLB audio but I did renew the Cubs Club. So unless MLB Audio is giving free audio then I guess it works for ST

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just checked

I was curious, 20 bucks is worth it for the audio alone...

and it says this...

• Complimentary MLB.com Gameday Audio for the 2008 season

by lalocp on Mar 19, 2008 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it says Complimentary MLB.com Gameday Audio for the 2008 "REGULAR" Season. Dont know if that means no ST or no Playoffs.

Right on the front page of Cubs.com it says

"Listen to an exclusive live broadcast on Gameday Audio as the Cubs wrap up a split-squad day, taking on the Giants in Scottsdale."

So maybe it's free today.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, not really

it doesn't say REGULAR season... implied, maybe...

by lalocp on Mar 19, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It really does. Click on the Cubs Club thing and read the paragraph...

"Join the Cubs Club, the New Official Online Fan Club
Cubs Club members will receive benefits unavailable to other fans, including your very own 2008 Membership Card, MLB.com's Gameday Audio for the 2008 regular season, exclusive ticket offers, the ability to view Wrigley Field 24/7 through our interactive web cameras, and access to exclusive content and a blog provided by the staff of Vine Line."

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh

Ok.. I see now.. I was just reading the benefits list in the red box.

by lalocp on Mar 19, 2008 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's a no issue. NO ONE should be listening to Cub Playoff games on their computer anyway! Go to the game, go to the bar or watch! haha And pray you dont get stuck in Cincy again.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and Ward, Murton and Soto

go three up three down.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

this is random but

if we dont win it all this year and the mark finally hits 100 years, we should start a petition and raise money from all cubs fans everywhere and try to ask bug selig if we can just buy a world series

by grathanial on Mar 19, 2008 10:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i would definitely donate

by grathanial on Mar 19, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what if he says no? what do you do with all that money?

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

buy ronny woowoo a place on lakeshore drive

by grathanial on Mar 19, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHA

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

FYI...

... that individual is to be called "He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named" on this blog.

Or "The human air-raid siren".

Thank you.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

noted....

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 20, 2008 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 20, 2008 12:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Looks like Ronny's making something of a play

too bad he looks like a short ostrich, as well as the baseball IQ of one...

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Howry does a pretty good job

sending the Giants down. Still 4-1, top of the 8th.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 10:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Best OF arms in the NL?

Possibly all of baseball. Soriano, Pie, Dome... Not too many coaches will be sending runners against the Cubs this year!

by BeboThoughts on Mar 19, 2008 10:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

that kid in ATL has a pretty good arm

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and the Fly'n Hawaiian Victorino.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lieber

he had a few too many base runners tonight, but it ended up being another solid game for him. He now has a 1.80 era in 4 games this spring(15 IP). With Dempster possibly having a spot locked up, it's going to be interesting to see who ends up in the rotation. I believe Lou is going to make his decision on the 5 starters this weekend. So it's going to be interesting to see what happens, with all three guys pitching so well in their final starts. I hope this stops the silly concern over the 4-5 spots in the rotation. All three guys pitched pretty well this spring, and Marshall has also done well with a 3.24 era and hasn't even had a chance to make the rotation.

by cubsfan25 on Mar 19, 2008 11:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Lieber

I was a little worried about the early runners but Lieber kept all but 1 from crossing the plate so overall I think he did a great job. Only 1 walk in 5 innings I'll take anyday. I'd much rather have 7 hits givin up in 5 innings than something like 3 hits and 4 walks. The walks really killed the Cubs a few times last year. And Lieber got a hit himself and that never hurts.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 11:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Carmen Pignatello

does the job in the bottom of the 8th.

3 up, 3 down.

And I think Lieber has a spot locked up in the SR, I really do.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 11:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I really hope

Lieber has a spot locked down in the rotation. Lieber willing to pitch out of the pen scares me, because Marquis and Dempster will have a fit if they go to the pen. So with them all pitching well this spring, it could give Lou a easy way out. As for Pignatiello it bothers me that he isn't talked about making the roster. I haven't read one thing in the paper or seen Lou say anything about him possibly making the roster. The guy has been perfect this spring, and had a 2.70s era in Triple A last year. The Cubs could use another lefty in the pen, so how come the Cubs are considering him?

by cubsfan25 on Mar 19, 2008 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lefties

It is strange (to me) that Lou wants to have the lefty/righty alternation in the starting lineup and starting rotation, but not in the bullpen.

Ideally, Pigntiello makes the team as the second lefty. But, based on recent comments, Eyre will be the only lefty in the 'pen.

Personally, I think the whole matchup thing is overrated. But, it is weird to me that Lou follows "the book" for lineups and starting pitching, and not for the bullpen.

Live Chicago Cubs Chat

by roscoevillage on Mar 20, 2008 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and Ronny swings at three in a row.

way to look 'em, Ronny... :P

Cubs done with the batting. Giants down to their last three.

Paging Neil Cotts... Neil Cotts, you have a call on the courtesy bullpen phone...

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 11:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oooh, wait, I'm wrong

It's Ascanio pitching for the cubs in the 9th.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 19, 2008 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's ok...

It took this announcer on the Gameday Audio almost an entire half inning to figure out who was playing 1st for the Cubs. It was brutal to listen to. haha He just couldn't figure it out. He finally realized Hoffpauir had come in from the outfield to play 1st. duh

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 19, 2008 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs