Open Thread: Cubs vs. Pirates, Sunday 5/18, 1:20 CT
by Al
on May 18, 2008 10:00 AM CDT
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Chicago Cubs
Sunday morning notes:
- The Cubs have a chance to win eight games on a homestand for the first time in almost 30 years, since June 2-11, 1978. That link also quotes Lou's reaction to not being selected as an All-Star coach this year:
"It would have been an honor but quite frankly I've been in Yankee Stadium a long, long time. I'd rather go home and spend three days in Florida with my family and on the beach. … They could have brought Joe Torre back. Joe Torre won all those championships there too. I'll see the new Yankee Stadium."
- Daryle Ward is expected to go on the DL after today and Micah Hoffpauir will be called up to replace him. He is no savior -- he is already 28 -- and please, please, Lou, don't play him in the outfield unless there's a dire emergency. I saw Hoffpauir play OF in spring training and, essentially, he's a first baseman playing outfield... and not very well.
- Many times I criticize Greg Couch, but today he nailed it:
This season, general manager Jim Hendry deserves credit for putting together a much more complete team. Just think of how much better they are in the construction than they were last season. Contrast them to the White Sox. If Sox second baseman Juan Uribe, struggling to hit .200 and now with a sore hamstring, fails, then what? If a Cubs middle infielder flops, then Ronny Cedeno, who finally has developed, is there.
Mark DeRosa can play anywhere. Henry Blanco is the ideal backup catcher. That little Fontenot kid can do some things.
- Sean Gallagher has really made everyone sit up and notice:
"I think he needed to just [cut out] some of the stuff, eating and everything off the field," [pitching coach Larry] Rothschild said. "The work habits have gotten good and it shows. [The success] is one game. [The test] is going to be building on that and going from there."
Now, go out and win that 8th game on the homestand!
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Phil Dumatrait was pretty horrendous for last year's Reds, who let him go. And then he was bad in relief early this year for the Pirates. Since he's been moved to the rotation he's 1-0, 4.02 in three starts, which includes one good start, one mediocre one and one bad one. The Cubs smacked him around in the 15-inning game in Pittsburgh on April 9, but he then threw 4.1 scoreless innings in relief in Wrigley Field last month, mopping up in two blowouts. Aramis Ramirez has gone 3-for-5 with a HR off Dumatrait. The Cubs ought to eat this guy for breakfast and lunch.
Jason Marquis has been... bad most of this year. However, his best start of the year was April 19 against the Pirates in Wrigley Field, when he threw six innings, allowed six hits, a walk and one run, and struck out seven. Basically, we need him to replicate that game today. He handles most of the Pirates pretty well, except for Jason Bay (14-for-37, .378/.442/.865, 4 doubles, a triple, 4 HR).
Today's game is on WGN, but should also be available on EI via FSN Pittsburgh. For other games see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's overflow comment thread will post at 2:45 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Using Hoffpauir
Using Hoffpauir to spell DLee two or three times over the next couple of weeks - assuming that Ward will come off after 15 days - would meet Lou’s call for “more rest” for Lee.
It seems that Lou is already using this philosophy with Soto. Blanco has seen more playing time early in the year than in past years.
Lee is hitting .178 over the past 11 games and periodic days of rest might help.
I’m sure Lou was reluctant to sit Lee with Ward being hobbled.
by ceegeewow on May 18, 2008 10:27 AM CDT 0 recs
Brewer fan wants Bob Brenley
I went to Brewers Blog to see the reaction to their double dip against Boston. Most of them want Yost fired. One of them brought up an interesting replacement. Our very own Bob Brenley. Brenley was very successful with Arizona and although I think Len and Bob have developed into a great team, if Bob wants to manage again, I would wish him the best of luck, except against the Cubs.
by Rick B on May 18, 2008 10:50 AM CDT 0 recs
It's a little early for a send-off
just because some guy on a brewers blog said he wishes the Brewers would hire him.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on
May 18, 2008 10:56 AM CDT
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Isn't Molitor with the Brewers org?
I’d think they’d probably go the former player route, with Molitor or maybe Cecil Cooper, who they’d have to poach from Houston.
"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
May 18, 2008 10:59 AM CDT
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I'd rather keep him as an announcer.
I wonder if Bob even wants to go back into managing. There was a lot of discussion about him last year, and he didn’t go.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 18, 2008 11:24 AM CDT
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Can't wait for the game
Even with Marquis on the mound. I can’t remember ever feeling this optimistic about the Cubs’ chances to finish first this early in the year.
by Shanghai Badger on May 18, 2008 10:50 AM CDT 0 recs
The statement we should eat them for lunch
scares me. Being a long time fan I never feel comfortable with our opponent. I liked our chances with Z on the mound yesterday but it didn’t work out well. With that said I really like this team. I think we have the stuff to beat any team on any given day. I didn’t feel that way last year, ever. I always thought the Yankees or Red Sox would have their way with us. I don’t feel that way about the 08 Cubs. I am loving this season so far!
by mgfabc on May 18, 2008 11:22 AM CDT 0 recs
I agree
and I am always going to like our chances with Z on the hill, but bottom line is that he just didn’t have it yesterday. Thats baseball. But yeah this year like never before I feel like we are, not might, but are going to win every day. Its a nice feeling to have.
"I play for them," Soriano said quietly at his locker Saturday after a mob around him cleared. "I want to play great for them because I know it means so much to them."
by OB on May 18, 2008 11:25 AM CDT 0 recs
It would be so baseball
for Z to get knocked around yesterday and Marquis to come out and throw a gem….
"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
May 18, 2008 11:27 AM CDT
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then
let it be so baseball. :D
We need a win going to Houston.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 18, 2008 11:27 AM CDT
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Houston pitching
is really getting knocked around by Texas. Oswalt left with what looked like a groin problem.
by Rick B on May 18, 2008 12:02 PM CDT 0 recs
mlb.com has the Ward move
so it might be before today’s game not after. I assume Hoffpauir has made it to Chicago.
by rlpete on May 18, 2008 12:31 PM CDT 0 recs
I would be
one of the happiest people on here if Jason could go 6-7 innings today. He’s about due for a quality start don’t you think?
Can Soriano hit one or two more homers today? It would almost be unreal if he does.
by sue369 on May 18, 2008 12:45 PM CDT 0 recs
I think it's a pretty safe bet
to say he’ll hit at least one.
IF they pitch to him. Think they’ll challenge him on the first pitch? I hope they do. :D
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 18, 2008 12:47 PM CDT
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fonz
might begin cooling off today – i hope not, cuz this stretch has been AMAZING but its hard to imagine it continuing b/c i think they HAVE to pitch to him differently now
i am hoping he gets a double today and that dlee and aram start doing their jobs, which is driving him in
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on
May 18, 2008 12:48 PM CDT
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Pregame
Soriano says to Len:
1) I’m one of nine guys on the team. We all do our part.
2) I want to play well for the team and the fans.
3) I want pitchers to throw me strikes.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 18, 2008 1:10 PM CDT 0 recs
I thought he sounded pretty good
But again, as I posted in the apology thread—we seem to be going to the other extreme now.
He was getting a beating when he was going poorly, now we’re ready to build a statue to Soriano the man as well as the ballplayer . . . the truth is somewhere in the middle.
by Shanghai Badger on
May 18, 2008 1:14 PM CDT
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totally agree
he will be great and terrible and pretty good and mediocre – in the end he is a good-to-elite player, somewhat overpaid, but so what he is on our team and he’s making us better
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on
May 18, 2008 1:21 PM CDT
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I want pitchers to throw me strikes.
What a ground-breaking, hard-hitting interview!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on
May 18, 2008 5:36 PM CDT
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so did anyone catch the soriano interview just now?
really good interview, i thought. it seems like people question his humility, and his desire to be a team player but i thought he came off very level-headed with len. this is a good guy and he’s on fire right now – let’s root for the cubbies!
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on May 18, 2008 1:11 PM CDT 0 recs
Lineups?
Anyone there? This thread is QUIET!
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 18, 2008 1:11 PM CDT 0 recs
Let's Play Ball!
It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa
by Emelie on May 18, 2008 1:15 PM CDT 0 recs
lineups
fonz
cedeno
lee
ramirez
dome
soto
dero
RJ
marquis
pirates:
sanchez
mclouth
bay
laroche
nady
doug mien…whatever
paulino
bixler
dumatrait
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on May 18, 2008 1:16 PM CDT 0 recs
OneDec
playing Shortstop? Hallelujah!
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 18, 2008 1:19 PM CDT
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AMEN
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on
May 18, 2008 1:22 PM CDT
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wow that guy
totally punted on God Bless America.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 18, 2008 1:19 PM CDT 0 recs
Breaking news! The Brewers are losing!
TO THE RED SOX (GASP)
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on May 18, 2008 1:20 PM CDT 0 recs
I feel like an idiot
Totally misread that box score.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on
May 18, 2008 1:21 PM CDT
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Maybe you're just anticipating
Give it an inning or two
by Shanghai Badger on
May 18, 2008 1:22 PM CDT
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I'm here, and ready for a Cubs' win!
and ready to watch it with my homies at BCB. ;-)
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, whadya say? The Cubs are going to win today!
by Cubfansince1957 on May 18, 2008 1:22 PM CDT 0 recs
Chances of rain today?
Several other games are being delayed, is the rain coming to Wrigley?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on May 18, 2008 1:23 PM CDT 0 recs
cool.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on
May 18, 2008 1:24 PM CDT
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right now it's at 20%
It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa
by Emelie on
May 18, 2008 1:24 PM CDT
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ok, almost nothing :)
radar looks fine, too. would be surprising if this game didn’t get in
by Shanghai Badger on
May 18, 2008 1:25 PM CDT
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Let's not forget that the Pirates are hot.
Don’t want to get too overconfident.
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, whadya say? The Cubs are going to win today!
by Cubfansince1957 on May 18, 2008 1:23 PM CDT 0 recs
I'm here
Although I won’t post much because I’m also watching the game on this thing I’m typing on.
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on May 18, 2008 1:23 PM CDT 0 recs
Sanchez double off Marquis
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on May 18, 2008 1:24 PM CDT 0 recs
Not off to a fine start.
Marquis is nibbling too much.
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, whadya say? The Cubs are going to win today!
by Cubfansince1957 on May 18, 2008 1:25 PM CDT 0 recs
He went after the 2 and 3 hitters though
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on
May 18, 2008 1:28 PM CDT
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2 out
McLlouth pops to Lee, Bay fies to Johnson
by Shanghai Badger on May 18, 2008 1:28 PM CDT 0 recs
Nittany -- Pedroia HRs to tie it at 2 in Boston
by Shanghai Badger on May 18, 2008 1:28 PM CDT 0 recs
The Red Sox have been annihilating them that whole series
I watched most of that series this weekend, and it hasn’t been pretty.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on
May 18, 2008 1:30 PM CDT
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Oritz hit one -- 3-2 Sox
You were only 1/2 inning off
by Shanghai Badger on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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HR from LaRoche
2-0 Pirates
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on May 18, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs
wow i hate marquis
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on May 18, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs
Poop
"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP
by Bump Bailey on May 18, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs
letting him hit
a HR is NOT settling down.
2-0 pirates. Take him out NOW.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on May 18, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs
I really want
to Like Marquis but he makes it damn near impossible.
by sue369 on
May 18, 2008 1:30 PM CDT
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I'm happy
not liking him, if we could only get him OFF THE TEAM.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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Crap
"Is there anything he can't do?" ~Len Kasper, 4/5/08, on Kosuke Fukudome
by JohnM on May 18, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs
if this start ends up bad...
what are the chances lou removes him from the starting rotation?
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on May 18, 2008 1:30 PM CDT 0 recs
Question is, is anyone else ready to step up?
Plus, what do they do with him?
by Shanghai Badger on
May 18, 2008 1:30 PM CDT
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i think someone could step up
but yeah, that contract is an immovable road block to any trade/release
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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100%
would be my guess
"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP
by Bump Bailey on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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yes but who replaces him?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
by eswan9 on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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good
"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto
by CubbyBlues on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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In favor of whom?
Lieber? He didn’t look too good in his one start. Hill? His back is hurt, and he wasn’t sparkling at AAA before that happened (a connection?)
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, whadya say? The Cubs are going to win today!
by Cubfansince1957 on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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Marshall?
"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP
by Bump Bailey on
May 18, 2008 1:32 PM CDT
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Marshall.
5 scoreless AAA innings yesterday.
2008: The year we put it all together.
by drewishdrewid on
May 18, 2008 1:32 PM CDT
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Marshall..
right…and he was pretty good here too..
"I realize very well that I could regress to the mean."
-Brian Bannister on his BABIP
by Bump Bailey on
May 18, 2008 1:34 PM CDT
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slim to none
so it might be a good idea to pull for him to do well instead of hoping for him to get clobbered…
by LT on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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And Marquis gives one up to LaRoche.
It’s early but it doesn’t look like he’s got good stuff today. And given his mediocre stuff, that’s not a good thing.
Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, whadya say? The Cubs are going to win today!
by Cubfansince1957 on May 18, 2008 1:30 PM CDT 0 recs
He had one half of a good season with the Cubs.
I don’t know what the hell they’re going to do with Marquis. God he sucks.
"I think Hendry still has a few years to serve on his 'grand larceny' sentence before he can shop in Pittsburgh again" - ballhawk
by NittanyCub on
May 18, 2008 1:31 PM CDT
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Time to get rid of this fool.
I’m tired of watching him suck.
by Kornchex on
May 18, 2008 1:33 PM CDT
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