Open Thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Sunday 3/23, 3:05 CT

by Al on Mar 23, 2008 9:51 AM CDT in Game Threads

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Peoria Stadium is one of the best, if not THE best, of the Cactus League parks, and the Cubs will make their second trip of the spring there today (they played the Mariners, who share the complex with the Padres, at Peoria earlier this month).

One thing that's changed about the Cactus League -- you don't see teams as often as years ago, because there are more teams. When the Cactus League was only eight teams, you'd see teams four, or sometimes even six, times a spring. Now, often you only see teams twice, and this spring the Cubs will only see the Giants, A's, Brewers and Angels more than that (not including the Las Vegas games vs. the Mariners). Next year, when the Dodgers (and possibly the Reds) come to Arizona, it will likely be even fewer teams seen more than twice.

Not complaining, mind you -- just an observation. And because of this schedule, I haven't seen the Brewers play yet -- and won't until the final day of Cactus League play on Thursday. But both Paul Sullivan and Chris DeLuca remind us that the Brewers aren't just going to lay down and let the Cubs take the NL Central. There are good quotes from players on both teams and also from Jim Hendry in those articles.

We'll find out soon, too -- the Cubs and Brewers play six of their first 28 games against each other, all at Wrigley Field (thanks, schedule-makers, for making them play in cold weather instead of in the dome in Milwaukee).

Bruce Miles tells us that Kerry Wood's back-to-back outings have been moved up; he'll go today after his strong inning yesterday, and:

Another strong outing may nail down the closer's job for Wood, who had experienced minor back spasms last week.

"Wood threw the ball very well, very well," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He had a very good fastball, a good breaking ball."

Absolutely. I believe Wood will be named closer by tomorrow, and I couldn't be happier, both for Wood, who has worked hard and always been a class act, and for the team -- because Wood looks like the real deal as closer.

Gordon Wittenmyer writes of a "standoff" he had with Lou Piniella on Friday. Reads more like a milquetoast little discussion; the most useful information is this quote from Lou:

"You know, the only concern that I really have here is, what do we do here in center field?" Piniella said, referring to having no legitimate backup, or alternative, for projected starter Felix Pie. "That is a bit of a concern."

Actually, Lou does have a backup, of sorts, if you look at the lineup he put on the field on Thursday: for days he wants to sit Pie, he can play Matt Murton in RF and Kosuke Fukudome in CF.

Jason Marquis will face Greg Maddux today. Also appearing on the mound for the Padres will be Trevor Hoffman, Wil Ledezma and Enrique Gonzalez. We know that Kerry Wood will throw for the Cubs; I assume we'll also see Carlos Marmol since he hasn't gone since Wednesday.

No TV again today -- but that's the last time this month. All the rest of the spring games are on TV (Monday/Tuesday on CSN; Wednesday on MLB.TV; and Thursday/Friday/Saturday on WGN). There is radio coverage on WGN, XPRS, XM 184, a Spanish-language broadcast on San Diego station XEMO, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

Cold weather

Which team does playing in cold weather benefit more?

The Brewers are an offensive team, so it should hurt them there...plus it should help flyball pitchers like Lilly. But I seem to remember that Z pitches much better in hot weather.

by berselius on Mar 23, 2008 10:01 AM CDT 0 recs

Last year...

... when the Brewers started out 24-10, of those 34 games, 21 were at home, and of the 13 road games, three were in Florida and three were in Houston.

So in their first 34 games last year, Milwaukee played seven cold-weather games -- two in St. Louis, two in Cincinnati, and three at Wrigley Field.

They were 4-3 in those seven games. They were 4-2 in Florida and Houston. They were 16-5 in the 21 home games.

This year, through that second Cub series at the end of April (28 games), the Brewers will play 13 home games and 15 road games. In addition to the six at Wrigley Field, they play three-game series at New York, at St. Louis and at Cincinnati.

Draw your own conclusions.

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

by Al on Mar 23, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up 0 recs

I agree

if we had a retractable dome, there is no telling what we could accomplish....

by crazymountain on Mar 23, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up 0 recs

Night games

on Friday and Saturday would be accomplished.

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

by Keystone80435 on Mar 23, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

Back up

plan of Murton in RF and Dome in CF. Not bad, but I am sure the Murton non believers are not happy about that.

How ironic if Pie flops and Dome ends up in CF with Murton in RF. At minimum to start the season I would think baring any trades that this is something we might see some of when a tough lefty is twirling for the opposition.

"You can't take life to seriously, you don't get out of it alive"

by wild bill on Mar 23, 2008 10:38 AM CDT 0 recs

Murton is

my favorite player so I'd go for this. If he ends up in right he better produce though. I wanna see him succed and I'd like a chance to be proven wrong. I've always believed Murton could be a 'good' player. (never expected major stardom) I've always been impressed with his attitude and hussle. I honestly think he tries way too hard, which leads to mistakes. I'm guessing the minimal playing time forces him to over do it when he gets his chance in the field. I really hope he can relax this year when his gets his opps. I'm afraid that all the trade talk might keep him on his over-doing-it path as he tries to impress potential teams. Anyhow's...GO CUBS!

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

by Keystone80435 on Mar 23, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up 0 recs

Here's a dumb question....

Why the heck is Soriano not in center field? Didn't we get him for center? If I remember correctly Lou moved Soriano to left last year to take pressure off.

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

by Keystone80435 on Mar 23, 2008 11:11 AM CDT 0 recs

Re: Why the heck is Soriano not in center field?

Because his defense in CF was awful. Bad routes, didn't read the ball well off the bat, couldn't come in well towards soft liners...it was not a pretty for Sori out there. Lou moved him because he was liability on defense out there, not because Sori couldn't handle the pressure.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 23, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up 0 recs

Yea u r rite

I forgot the horrible defensive spell. The way I remember it was his hitting was suffering so Lou moved him to take the defensive pressure off his mind. But now that you mention it, yea he was bad out there.

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

by Keystone80435 on Mar 23, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up 0 recs

It is rare

for a 2B to change successfully to the outfield. Biggio, a Hall of Famer, did it better than any other I've seen. However, even HE had problems in the outfield. Considering the fact that he was an All-Star catcher, his carrer just shows how athletic he was and how much work he put into developing the skills he had.. DeRosa is one who can do it, and Pete Rose did it out of sheer work habits. But, it is a rare thing.

by crazymountain on Mar 23, 2008 11:23 AM CDT 0 recs

From the sound of things....

it almost sounds as if the Cubs are pursuing some kind of backup option in CF (the Marlon Byrd deal is back maybe?) as opposed to TTTSNBN. If you ask me, that's something we need even more. I would rather Dome just stay in right field, and let him focus on getting his hitting to come around. The fact that he had two hits yesterday is a positive sign.

"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004

by ctcoff99 on Mar 23, 2008 12:04 PM CDT 0 recs

True.

But it would probably be fine to play him in CF, say, once a week or so, when a tough LHP faces the Cubs and you want to sit Pie.

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

by Al on Mar 23, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up 0 recs

Maybe

we should for get SS all together and play 4 outfielders haha

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

by Keystone80435 on Mar 23, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up 0 recs

Indians are coming back to Cactus League next year

I think their complex is in Glendale. There are ongoing talks of possibly expanding that complex to support a second team, which could be the Reds depending on how their talks go in Sarasota. But at least for now, the only for-sure teams coming over from Florida next year are the Dodgers and Indians.

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

by ballhawk on Mar 23, 2008 12:25 PM CDT 0 recs

That's right.

They may share the complex with the Reds.

And the White Sox may be moving from Tucson to share the complex with the Dodgers.

If three teams (Dodgers, Indians, Reds) all come to Arizona next year, having 15 teams will create either more off-days, or more split-squad games, or both.

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

by Al on Mar 23, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up 0 recs

With 15 teams

they could also just play each other once at home and once on the road and then you could potentially see each team.

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Mar 23, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

Our Cactus League is all growns up

I think it's gonna be cool when those 3 teams are added next year, especially the Dodgers. But yeah you guys are right, the days of playing a team 3 or 4 times are ova.

Scottsdale is the nicest stadium in the Cactus League and a must attend stadium for any Cub fan out here in the Spring. Actually anytime any of you are out here in AZ there is a game going on there and throughout the Valley (except summer) so even if it's not spring or the regular season, there is a game going on and I'd implore you to find out where there is a game at because the facilities out here are all good.

by lemon20pie on Mar 23, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

Personally...

... I like Peoria and Surprise. Easy in/out parking, lots of food choices, huge lawn area.

Scottsdale's a little too cramped for my tastes, and parking is difficult. However, I still like it better than Ho Ho Kam.

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

by Al on Mar 23, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

Happy Easter!!!

Big day for Kerry today, the brightest sign this Spring has been Kerry. I don't care about anything else in today's game other than how Kerry does. If he does well, I will feel so much better about our closer situation. I know it's only spring training ,but this year for some reason has been longer and more frustrating than any other I can remember. Besides Hoffpauir and Kerry, there really hasn't been a " feel good" story or someone who has played well.

8 more days!!!

by lemon20pie on Mar 23, 2008 12:42 PM CDT 0 recs

Actually,

Ward (.400/.419/.700) and McGehee (.424/.457/.636) have had just as good a spring as Hoffpauir (.408/.412/.673), and Carmen Pigniatello has yet to allow an earned run this spring, which seems to me to be a pretty good story. Zambrano (.060 ERA) and Marquis (1.93 ERA) have also pitched really well.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 23, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up 0 recs

zambrano and wood

our 03 boys will be key this year. the fact that zambrano had his worst season in the majors last year, yet we still won the division makes me very optimistic this year. i really think zambrano will go back to his old form this year. wood as the closer, the sky seems to be the limit.

Bill James Felix Pie 2008 Projection: .283/.333/.456 16 HR 21 SB

by kylejo on Mar 23, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

I agree

Hoffpaur and Pignatello should make the squad. McGehee also catches and we should have room for him also.....too bad we only get 25......

by crazymountain on Mar 23, 2008 2:13 PM CDT 0 recs

No Room For Hoffpair nor McGehee...

... and given the status of not being able to push Marquis, Pignatello may not get the call, either.

Barring any trades, Gallagher likely won't make the cut, either. This is assuming Lahey goes to the minors...

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

by initram on Mar 23, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hoffpauir is already on the squad,

it's just that his name is Daryle Ward.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 23, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

Cory Provus on the broadcast

pretty much suggested that Hoffpauir and Patterson are in the lineup today because they are being shopped to the Orioles, who have scouts in attendence today yet again. He backed up his theory by saying this is a suprise, because Lou had said he'd be going wth the starting lineup from now on, and DeRosa needs more at bats.

However, wouldn't a better explanation be that this a road game, and vets aren't traveling in ST?

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 2:47 PM CDT 0 recs

Piniella Wanted More At Bats...

... for several of his vets, and two weeks ago suggested that they would be going with the rest of the team on road games.

I mentioned this in the Roberts thread as well - today's sport section in the Trib did drop Hoffpauir's name as now being in the mix.

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

by initram on Mar 23, 2008 2:50 PM CDT up 0 recs

I will not get excited, I will not get excited, I will not get excited

Whew. Almost got my hopes for a second there. What is it about trades that excites we baseball fans so?

This is an interesting angle on Lou's lineup today. I've been thinking something was going down since Lou dropped Sori in the lineup.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 23, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up 0 recs

TTTSNBN....

is the only interesting thing going on till March 31st, except for the rotation derby.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up 0 recs

Too true.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 23, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up 0 recs

And by interesting

I also mean excruciatingly uneventful (so far)

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up 0 recs

Gameday says Fukudome in CF

With the concerns about CF and with Hoffpauir in RF could it be another of Lou's experiments? Is it possible that Pie may be riding the pine come opening day and either Hoffpauir or Murton in RF or is it more likely just another ST lineup with no hidden significance?

And so it goes.

by Luigi on Mar 23, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

If Dome plays center

Murton is in Right. There's no way Hoffpauer makes the team playing RF after three or four appearances there.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up 0 recs

yea!

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

by Keystone80435 on Mar 23, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

Ya know

there's no reason at all for Patterson to be leading off, with official, current lead off man batting 8th, unless some team that anticipates a vacancy for both a 2B and a lead off man is scouting him today.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

Leadoff = more ABs

This way he gets more ABs, and is more likely to face 'real' pitching

by berselius on Mar 23, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up 0 recs

And the reason for that would be....

he's about to make the Cubs' bench? Maybe, but recent news has suggested that Cedeno and Fontenot are the current front runners for IF bench spots, with Cintron hurting.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

I would assume

More ABs for the scouts' evaulations, not really for our own bench battles

by berselius on Mar 23, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yep

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

You're all wrong.

DeRosa was scratched today because he has the flu. That's the reason Patterson was playing.

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

by Al on Mar 23, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up 0 recs

That's only part of it

Why was the confirmed lead of man Theriot batting 8th?

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 24, 2008 5:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

When was that "confirmed"?

Lou has changed lineups quite a bit this spring. I'm guessing he's not done yet.

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

by Al on Mar 24, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up 0 recs

True, confirmed decisions by Lou

do not always stay confirmed very long, but in the last few days he's said Soriano will not lead off in the first two months, and he laughed off beat reporter suggestions that Theriot would be a better 8th hitter than Pie. He's never said anything about Patterson even making the team, let alone starting at 2B. Here's where Theriot was named lead off man - 2 days ago.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 24, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up 0 recs

have the actual lineups

been posted? I dinna see 'em.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:02 PM CDT 0 recs

Cubs lineup

Cubs

Patterson, 2B
Soriano, A, LF
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Fukudome, CF
Hoffpauir, RF
Soto, C
Theriot, SS
Marquis, P

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:04 PM CDT 0 recs

Capuano Torn UCL

from Rotoworld.com
Chris Capuano was disagnosed with a torn UCL in his left elbow, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.
If it's a full tear, he'll have no choice but to undergo Tommy John surgery for the second time in his career. Even if it isn't, he figures to miss at least the first couple of months of the season. Capuano had already been slated to begin the season on the DL, but this takes a big chunk out of the Brewers' pitching depth.

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Mar 23, 2008 3:04 PM CDT 0 recs

They barely had any depth before

This is looking a lot like last year for them, I think.

"I tell you, Steve Blass, you pitch me inside, they never, never find that ball."
-Roberto Clemente

by cubbybear on Mar 23, 2008 6:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

These ST games

are starting to feel a little more important

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Mar 23, 2008 3:06 PM CDT 0 recs

Patterson on at first

after the SS bobbels the ball.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:07 PM CDT 0 recs

Barret catching, couldn't get Patterson SB

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Mar 23, 2008 3:07 PM CDT 0 recs

Patterson steals second

safe

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:07 PM CDT 0 recs

Battery of Maddux and Barrett:

Base stealer's dream

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:08 PM CDT 0 recs

Kunckleballer + Barrett

Would truly be any baserunner's ultimate dream. Even Blanco can take extra bases against that battery

by berselius on Mar 23, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

I bet Cedeno

could still get picked off, tho.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

Let's Go Cubbie's!

by cavebear on Mar 23, 2008 3:09 PM CDT 0 recs

Soriano singles

Patterson stops at third after holding at second too long.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:11 PM CDT 0 recs

Soriano Steals

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Mar 23, 2008 3:12 PM CDT 0 recs

Soriano steals

Patterson still holds.

second and third, no outs.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:12 PM CDT 0 recs

Lee walks

bases loaded, no outs.

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:15 PM CDT 0 recs

Let's go A-Ram let's go!

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:16 PM CDT 0 recs

Aram singles!

2-0 cubbies!

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on Mar 23, 2008 3:16 PM CDT 0 recs

LOL

Ron always called Jerry Hairston "Harriston". Today he's caling Scott H. "Harrison".

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by JohnM on Mar 23, 2008 3:17 PM CDT 0 recs

Ron says Dome

is "getting better with the English"

"Cubs Win!!"

by northofwrigley on Mar 23, 2008 3:19 PM CDT 0 recs

I wonder...

When Ron will get better with his English... JK

"The one that invent the light tried 2,000 times and finally he did it, we have light...I don't want to spend 2,000 times to win Opening Day" Carlos Zambrano

by CubsBullsBears on Mar 23, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up 0 recs