Nothing's Ever Easy: Cubs 5, Dodgers 4
Yes, I stayed up for the end of this one -- when Kerry Wood loaded the bases in the last of the 9th I was starting to wish I hadn't -- but in the end, all was well, after Kerry struck out Matt Kemp to preserve the Cubs' 5-4 win over the Dodgers, their fourth straight win over LA (giving them the all-time series lead over the Dodger franchise, 1011-1010).
Figures, doesn't it, that the one game I'm going to manage to stay up late to see its conclusion this week, is the longest one of the week, going three hours and seven minutes. So I am a bit bleary-eyed but happy this morning, as the Cubs maintain the best record in baseball at 39-22; check the "Best Starts Since 1900" box on the sidebar to see the 2008 team has now moved up; there are now only five Cub teams since 1900 that have started better: 1906, 1907, 1910, 1918 and 1969.
That's four pennant winners and one that shoulda.
And Kerry Wood, who some here were ready to throw under the bus when he had a tough debut as closer on Opening Day, is now leading the National League in saves.
Once again, this team won with a different hero; last night it was Kosuke Fukudome, who hit his first MLB home run away from Wrigley Field and who drove in the winning run with e perfectly-placed single off his countryman Takashi Saito in the 9th inning. Maybe the arrival of Kosuke's family in the USA has something to do with it:
"Perhaps it's because my family is in town," Fukudome said of his wife and young son, who joined him in San Diego. "I'll make sure they stay."
Hey, whatever works. The Cubs blew an early 4-0 lead when Jeff Kent homered twice, once off Ryan Dempster, once off Bob Howry, who nearly did a Ted Lilly slam-the-glove-down move, rare for him -- you almost never see Howry show emotion on the mound -- but this resilient team came back. Props to Neal Cotts for throwing a scoreless inning -- so far, since his recall, Cotts looks more like the setup man who had a 1.94 ERA for the 2005 champion White Sox, than the guy who got sent down seemingly never to return last year.
I still worry, as I am sure you do, a bit about Derrek Lee, who went 0-for-4 again last night. I'm sure he'll come out of this; it hasn't hurt his defense, which was clearly in evidence again last night, and plenty of great players go into slumps. Right now, with Daryle Ward out (and not likely to return anytime soon) and Micah Hoffpauir back at Iowa, it's not likely D-Lee will get a day off until the team off day on Monday, after which -- I never thought I'd write this -- I actually hope Hoffpauir will be back, not only to maybe give D-Lee a breather, but to get rid of the 13th pitcher, an unnecessary luxury for a manager who seems to have fallen in love with the scourge of the first decade of the 21st Century, the one-batter appearance.
This is too much complaining for a team that's playing this well, I fear. Even Jim Edmonds seems to be getting a bit closer to the guy we all hated in Cardinal red; he had two more hits last night and made a slick diving catch in CF. So enjoy the moment; there's only one more Late Night With The Cubs (tonight) until the team heads to San Francisco at the end of this month. Onward, and this morning please give some thanks to the Nationsls' Elijah Dukes, who hit a two-run walkoff HR in the 10th inning to give Washington a doubleheader split with St. Louis after they had blown a 7-0 lead; this kept the Cubs' lead in the NL Central at its largest of the year, 3.5 games. Till tonight.
0 recs |
399
comments
Read Related
Comments
First
great game last night . . . time to read Al’s recap now
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on Jun 6, 2008 8:22 AM CDT 0 recs
I too am a little worried
about DLee, this is a pretty bad funk he is in. But, as you say Al, he’s too good of a hitter to be in this slide for long.
Isn’t it nice though that while we are worrying about (probably) our best all around player, that doesn’t mean we have to worry about the team as a whole. These guys are a pleasure to watch.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 8:33 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I didn't get to see the game last night...
...(damn you mediacom!!), but I’ve noticed that Lee’s timing is way off. Anyone else see this? He’s starting his leg kick sooner than he does when he’s on. Anyway, go Cubs!
Help me Obi-ONEDEC. You're our only hope.
by IowaCubs- on
Jun 6, 2008 8:37 AM CDT
up
0 recs
He seems a little heavier to me
Definitely doesn’t run as fast as he used to…. maybe it’s slowing up his swing a little.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Jun 6, 2008 8:38 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I thought something was wrong
when he missed a pitch from Hoffman wed. night that was right in DLee’s wheel house.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 8:38 AM CDT
up
0 recs
In Iowa City the game was on Mediacom channel 74
They usually put them there if there’s a Sox game on FSC.
Usually.
"I don't think anybody's paying attention to the Cubs." - Prince Fielder
by jasoniniowa on
Jun 6, 2008 8:43 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Des Moines Mediacom
is carries the Cardinals instead of the Cubs. Sucks for the Cub fans in Des Moines.
by sue369 on
Jun 6, 2008 4:21 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Mediacom
It was on channel 22 in Dubuque. Much like Iowa City, they usually put them on 22 when the Sox are on 27. You should check your alternative channels. I think 22 here is called Mediacom Connections.
by rambler19 on
Jun 6, 2008 8:57 AM CDT
up
0 recs
haha, that sounds like a regional airline!
Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager
by northsider on
Jun 6, 2008 5:00 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Once again
Ryan The Riot! He seems to always play a big part in late inning rallies by somehow getting on base. I know he’s not the best defensive SS but you gotta love his O.
by plenz on Jun 6, 2008 8:30 AM CDT 0 recs
Someone referred to his BA as "empty" earlier...
I think her is now making his hits count. he is good enough to be here no matter what other people say.
How does that make you feel?
by Kinky Reggae on
Jun 6, 2008 8:34 AM CDT
up
0 recs
"Empty" refers to lack of extra-base hits, not timeliness...
So in that regard, his BA is still empty, as he has one extra-base hit in his last 15 games.
As long as he keeps hitting .330, it’s not a problem. He’s hitting .330 now, which is keeping his OPS at a respectable .800. The question comes if/when that average drops to around .280. That’s what the poster used the term “empty” BA meant.
In other words, having an “empty” BA doesn’t mean that you aren’t making your hits count. The two are unrelated statements.
by SouthernCub on
Jun 6, 2008 10:35 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Man oh man
is he fast. I couldn’t imagine being able to run like that.
"I got mad hits like I was Rod Carew!"
by lostinthevines on
Jun 6, 2008 9:46 AM CDT
up
0 recs
yep… he continues to prove his worth to me
I haz show: http://hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on
Jun 6, 2008 9:51 AM CDT
up
0 recs
It was a great game last nite. Al, thanks for the recap. This team isn't perfect
but it’s pretty darn amazing. And different “heroes” on different nights, we’re not depending on one player to always be the hero… I’m off on vacation for a couple of weeks so probably won’t be able to watch as many games but look forward to being at the game in Toronto on the 14th and then at Wrigley on the 21st… GO CUBBIES….
GoCubsGo
by MinnesotaFan on Jun 6, 2008 8:31 AM CDT 0 recs
Rogers Center is an odd place to see a game
Not as odd as Chase in PHX (which feels like an airplane hangar) but odd nonetheless.
Be cool to see the Cubs though. Hope the roof is open.
by AlabamaCubFan on
Jun 6, 2008 8:55 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Also hope the roof is open
Forecast:
6/13 Sunny High: 84 °F
6/14 Rain Probable High: 80 °F
6/15 Sunny High: 81 °F
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Jun 6, 2008 9:19 AM CDT
up
0 recs
That's a week from now, so...
... the forecast could change.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jun 6, 2008 11:22 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I'll be there 13th and 14th
Where you sitting?
On the 14th I’ll be in Section: 113B
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Jun 6, 2008 9:16 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I can't wait for the Cubs
to get back on this side of the country, I’m getting tired of staying up late.
"The 12 second rule is how long it takes Carlos Lee to hear, turn around, run over, find and eat a hot dog dropped by a fan in the Crawford Boxes at Minute Maid park" - ballhawk
by MScubbie on Jun 6, 2008 8:32 AM CDT 0 recs
errrr
i fell asleep when it was 4-0. I hate these stinking late nighters.
It might beeeeee!! It could beeeeeee!! It issssss!! Homerun!! Holyyyyyyy Cow!!!
by cubsluver22 on Jun 6, 2008 8:32 AM CDT 0 recs
I didn't want
to fall asleep last night, because I fell asleep on wednesday night….I got a little superstitious.
"The 12 second rule is how long it takes Carlos Lee to hear, turn around, run over, find and eat a hot dog dropped by a fan in the Crawford Boxes at Minute Maid park" - ballhawk
by MScubbie on
Jun 6, 2008 8:34 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I went to sleep
last night b/c I stayed up to watch wednesday night’s game. I plan on watching tonight’s game however, so hopefully the Cubs can overcome my little bit of influence.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 8:37 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Also stayed up
that was a mistake. I am SO tired! Anyway, Al, I am happy to have you in the Hoffpauir camp! We appreciate your support!
I hope he succeeds up here, if for no other reason then because he may make good trade bait. I like him a lot, whether all you people say he is destined to be a nobody.
GO CUBS!
How does that make you feel?
by Kinky Reggae on Jun 6, 2008 8:32 AM CDT 0 recs
I would like to see Hoffpauir
get some more chances too in hopes that he can increase his trade value. I don’t think he really has a place on this team long term, especially once Ward gets back, but he could be a fine addition to an AL team who needs a DH/1B, maybe even the Red Sox at this point with Ortiz out for an extended period of time
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 8:36 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Hoffpauir is a DH in the Cub system.
The club need one for the games in the AL parks and Ward is out. Bring back the Hoff.
by N Oakley on
Jun 6, 2008 8:41 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Is Ward
that much a better option than Hoff? Short term and long term.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Jun 6, 2008 8:48 AM CDT
up
0 recs
To me, yes (short term)
but mostly because Ward has a proven track record of success in the pinch-hitter role in the Majors. Although Hoffpauir is turning some heads. Hoffpauir still looks a little over matched at the plate at times too.
Long term, who knows, Ward doesn’t move too well and back injuries are never good.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 8:52 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I think D Ward's contributions to the team tip the scale
He’s a clubhouse guy, he’s experienced, his value as a PH can obviously be quantified but I think there is a confidence factor with a PH like D Ward (on both his part and Lou’s) that can’t be overstated.
He’s a perfect fit for THIS team. Maybe not every team, but for sure this one.
That being said I really hope we find a spot for Hoff. I like what I’ve seen so far.
by AlabamaCubFan on
Jun 6, 2008 8:53 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I agree
if not traded, he could be a future DWard.
How does that make you feel?
by Kinky Reggae on
Jun 6, 2008 9:30 AM CDT
up
0 recs
This may be blasphemy but
I would rather see Hoffpauir come up to DH vs. Murton
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 9:01 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Hoffpauir
is a 28 year old 1st baseman who has 19 major league AB’s. You are right , he doesn’t have a place on this team other than DH when we play in AL parks and filling in for Ward. Spending time trying to build up his non-existent trade value seems like a waste to me. Sure the Cubs could trade him but they won’t get much. Boston will DH Ramirez while Ortiz is out.
That said, I agree with Al, 13 pitchers is ridiculous.
by rlpete on
Jun 6, 2008 9:12 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Hoffpauir vs. Murton
It’ll depend on how many RHP and LHP are scheduled to pitch for Toronto, Tampa and the White Sox, the three AL teams we play on the road.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jun 6, 2008 9:13 AM CDT
up
0 recs
You know Zambrano's going to want to bat in these parks
but I’m certain Lou will DH for him.
Or will he???? Hmmmm.
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Jun 6, 2008 10:29 AM CDT
up
0 recs
That's a good question
it’ll be interesting to see what Lou does in this respect. I would guess that he would use the DH to protect Z from any injuries he may sustain running the bases etc. But just to replace Z’s bat, there is no reason to do that.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 10:32 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I definitely agree that Lou shouldn't let Big Z DH but...
...I wouldn’t be completely surprised if he did. Lou’s been very generous with Carlos’ ABs thus far, always letting him have that last plate appearance when he pitches and even using him as a pinch hitter. I’d prefer not to take the risk, but Carlos seems to have a way of persuading Lou otherwise.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
Jun 6, 2008 10:57 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Once a pitcher bats for himself
you can’t use a DH later in the game. So while we’re pretty comfortable with Z at the plate, we’d either have to have Howry, Eyre, Marmol, etc., bat for themselves, or use up PHs for their atbats. That would be a disadvantage if the host AL team is using a DH.
I was at a Sox game the first year of the DH rule, and late in the game a pitcher batter for himself. It was noted as the “first time” that had happened since the DH was established. I wonder how many other time that’s happened – I sure don’t recall seeing any others. Not that I watch a lot of AL baseball, but still.
by ChipSet on
Jun 6, 2008 6:37 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Soriano as DH?
In the AL parks, make Soriano the DH. Put Johnson in LF and Edmonds in CF.
"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray
by memphiscub on
Jun 6, 2008 11:25 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I like the sound of that
and bat Johnson 9th
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 11:26 AM CDT
up
0 recs
That...
is not a bad idea.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on
Jun 6, 2008 11:26 AM CDT
up
0 recs
+3
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on
Jun 6, 2008 11:34 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Fourthed.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jun 6, 2008 11:37 AM CDT
up
0 recs
last
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
Jun 6, 2008 1:08 PM CDT
up
0 recs
nope
I haz show: http://hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on
Jun 6, 2008 1:14 PM CDT
up
0 recs
The problem with that idea is that one of Johnson/Edmonds...
...is going to be on the wrong side of their platoon split. Against a lefty, I’d call up Murton and run out a Murton/Johnson/Dome outfield, with Soriano at DH. But that scenario isn’t likely to come up until the Sox series; unless I’m missing something, the Rays and Jays have only one lefty starter between them, Scott Kazmir.
by cwyers on
Jun 6, 2008 11:42 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I still don't see a problem.
Johnson can play left, and he and Edmonds (as of late) have hit better than Murton. I like the idea of the those two in field with Dome and still not losing Soriano’s bat.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on
Jun 6, 2008 11:50 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Here's the problem.
Reed Johnson versus RHP, 2008: .237/.298/.312
Jim Edmonds versus LHP, 2008: .091/.130/.136
This is why there’s a platoon. Factor in the fact that Soriano isn’t likely to hit as well as a DH (DHing is harder than hitting generally), and you’re looking at a recipe for disaster.
by cwyers on
Jun 6, 2008 11:54 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Yeah, Soriano seems so "sensitive"...
...(for lack of a better word) to being taken out of his routine, that I would suspect he’d be disastrous as a DH. He’d have so much pent up energy from sitting on the bench all game, that he’d be swinging at balls before they left the pitcher’s hand.
Nanika Ga Okoru!
Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.
by dat cubfan daver on
Jun 6, 2008 12:10 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Then let him also be the batboy.
He can expend that nervous energy retrieving bats, foul balls, and giving the ump fresh balls.
TWSS (preemptive)
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on
Jun 6, 2008 12:11 PM CDT
up
0 recs
It's not just Soriano.
If you look at any hitter, they have a tendancy to hit worse off the bench (PH/DH) than they would if they were batting as part of the starting lineup.
And then you’re talking about using one of Edmonds/Johnson when they don’t have the platoon advantage. In that event, you’re probably better off using someone like Hoffpauir as DH.
by cwyers on
Jun 6, 2008 12:15 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Except that bastard
Pujols. That’s a scary dude.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on
Jun 6, 2008 12:17 PM CDT
up
0 recs
That should be exactly the 10th day after Big Hoff was sent sent down.
So, he’ll be back for interleague play.
That’s nice timing for us… and gives us a chance to showcase Hoff for the AL.
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
by SackMan on
Jun 6, 2008 12:26 PM CDT
up
0 recs
I think you miss the point
The statement was that DHing is harder than hitting generally. Generally.
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on
Jun 6, 2008 3:06 PM CDT
up
0 recs
What about running Onedec out to left?
"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."
by californiachicagoan on
Jun 6, 2008 3:07 PM CDT
up
0 recs
More likely what you'd do is put Cedeno at second...
...and put DeRosa in left. Which I think is a better option.
by cwyers on
Jun 6, 2008 3:12 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Last year, Lou went with ARam at DH
the last 3 games, all wins against the Sox. He was productive as a DH in 2 out of 3 games, with 4 hits, including a HR, a double, one HBP and 2 RBI in 13 PA.
What will Lou do (“WWLD”)?
Maybe keep Soriano and his arm/assists in LF, move DeRo over to 3B and platoon FonteYES (against righties) and Onedec (against lefties) at 2B?
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Jun 6, 2008 3:48 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Last year, ARam had chronic leg issues...
...and needed the days off anyway. This year it’s Soriano with the leg problems. You do it as much to rest Soriano’s legs to try and keep him healthy as you do anything else.
by cwyers on
Jun 6, 2008 3:55 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Good point!
n/t
"Every team will win 60 games, every team will lose 60 games, it's what the team does in the other 42 games that decides the season."
by flachimesa on
Jun 6, 2008 3:56 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Lou is that you?
I like this a lot… so many more options in an AL batting order. A whole different dynamic.
Go ahead, Z me.
by tony412 on
Jun 6, 2008 11:47 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Prediction...
... Hoff will end the year in Cleveland.
I haz show: http://hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on
Jun 6, 2008 9:52 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Is hafner
expected to be out that long?
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 9:53 AM CDT
up
0 recs
His DL stint, as of yesterday,
is “indefinite,” according to YahooSports. Apparently, his shoulder is still too weak to swing a bat.
"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
Jun 6, 2008 10:16 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I'm not really in the "Hoffpauir camp".
I’m in the camp of GET RID OF THE 13TH PITCHER!!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Jun 6, 2008 9:00 AM CDT
up
0 recs
CMON AL!
Give a little. Why not Patterson or Murton then?
How does that make you feel?
by Kinky Reggae on
Jun 6, 2008 9:31 AM CDT
up
0 recs
Lou loves...
...the left handed power hitter.
Strikeouts are boring - besides that, they're fascist. Throw some ground balls. More democratic. ---Crash Davis
by carmen_fanzone on
Jun 6, 2008 10:20 AM CDT
up
0 recs
I'm with you Al
13 is at least one pitcher (and possibly two pitchers) too many.
"Hey hey, kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, May 17, 1979
by danimal15 on
Jun 6, 2008 3:47 PM CDT
up
0 recs
Amazing
how when you are tired, superstitions are hard to maintain. I was trying to keep the remote in my hand so as to fool the gods again…just my thang…and I fell asleep and dropped the romote and woke up to a tie game a la Bob Howry Cow.
How does that make you feel?
by Kinky Reggae on Jun 6, 2008 8:35 AM CDT 0 recs
Didn't see the game
but I happened to flip over to FSN in time to see Dukes’ shot. It was mammoth, probably 410 to straight-away center. I actually found myself yelling, “Go, go, go!” urging it along like I would a Cub.
"And there's a...BASE HIT! Fair ball! Fontenot will score! CUBS WIN!" -Len Kasper, 5.28.08
by neverAcquiesce on Jun 6, 2008 8:42 AM CDT 0 recs
For his first Bomb
it was very impressive. Great timing too.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark
by Fishbone2 on
Jun 6, 2008 9:32 AM CDT
up
0 recs
The Cardinal who hit the go ahead home run
in the top of that inning, that was his first career home run too.
"Very adroit in the outfield." - Lou, on Dome
by gwood on
Jun 6, 2008 9:35 AM CDT
up
0 recs


