October Baseball Comes To Chicago: Cubs vs. Pirates Preview, Thursday 10/1, 7:05 CT

by Al on Oct 1, 2009 5:00 PM CDT in Game Threads Comment 71 comments

Write your own caption. (No contest today, just for fun.)

Not the kind of October baseball we wanted, of course, but here it is October and the Cubs are still playing baseball. As I said yesterday, enjoy it while it's here... because you know you'll miss it over the winter.

Bruce Miles has the story behind the "With Reed We Will Succeed" T-shirt that Ted Lilly wore during the post-game 1 press conference yesterday:

"The story behind the shirt is I was given that shirt from one of the flight attendants," Reed said. "I guess one of their family members...they live in the suburbs and have a Reed Johnson fan club or whatever. They gave me that shirt. I didn’t have enough guts to put it on myself or even give it to one of my family members. Ted wears anything, so I just gave it to Ted."

Johnson said he’d love to come back next year.

"Oh, yeah, for sure," he said. "It’s a great organization. It’s the best two years of my career (that) have been spent here. Hopefully, I continue to be successful here."

I'd like Reed back too -- his only trouble has been staying healthy, and the foot injury this year was unfortunate, since his back was giving him fewer problems this year than last. He sounds like he'd take a little less money to stay than to go to free agency. To coin a phrase, "GETITDONEJIM!!!!1!!!1"

Speaking of upcoming Cub free agents, Kevin Gregg says he wants to stay and close in 2010. Response from me: no thanks.

Today's Starting Pitchers


Jeff Samardzija Cubs	vs.	Paul Maholm Pirates

1-3	W-L	8-9
7.53	ERA	4.44
21	SO	119
15	BB	60
7	HR	14
vs. Pit	--	vs. Cubs

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Jeff Samardzija	1-3	20	2	0	0	0	0	34.2	46	29	29	7	15	21	7.53	1.76

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Paul Maholm	8-9	31	31	0	0	0	0	194.2	221	102	96	14	60	119	4.44	1.44

The Cubs beat Paul Maholm pretty good at Wrigley Field on May 25. (Goofy-looking lineup that day, too.) Both So Taguchi (7-for-17) and Reed Johnson (5-for-9) have hit Maholm well in the past. Lifetime against the Cubs he has a 7.06 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in nine career starts spanning 51 innings, but somehow has managed to post a 4-1 won-lost record.

Jeff Samardzija has four career relief appearances vs. the Pirates without allowing a run; this will be his first start against them. Current Pirates have ten AB vs. Jeff (three hits). This is an important appearance for the Shark to set a good tone for his possible inclusion in the mix for the 2010 rotation (or bullpen).

Today's game is again cable-only; CSN Chicago. There is no Pittsburgh TV, so you'll see Len & Bob on EI. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout.

Overflow comment threads will post again today at 8:15 and 9:15 pm CDT, although last night's were pretty sparsely attended.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

Caption:

Capless Sam Fuld and Micah “Moolight” Hoffpauir disappear back into the magical ivy.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 1, 2009 5:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Was Micah grazing out there before he disappeared or did you mean Moonlight?

"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Oct 1, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

♫Blue Moo, you saw me grazing alone♫

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 1, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weather looks bad.

Doubt they’ll start on time.

Re: Gregg wanting to come back, those are some big cojones. But I guess that’s part of his agent’s PR machine.

Lineup, per Wittenmyer:
bq. cst_cubs Mudder lineup: riot, gooch (lf), lee, rami, bake, rejo (rf), soto, fuld (cf), samardzija.

Delicious Mexican Treats.

by chilango2 on Oct 1, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rain looks like it's going to end in about 30-45 minutes.

There are more showers behind that. I expect a VERY small crowd tonight.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Oct 1, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe I'm having a brain fart

Who’s Gooch?

by elgato on Oct 1, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Taguchi

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 1, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thank you

by elgato on Oct 1, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Taguchi i think.

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Oct 1, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good Lord

Lou won’t play Blanco over Riot in the mud bowl ?

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 1, 2009 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

That is the least powerful outfield I have ever seen Lou start in a regular season game.

by tripdenten on Oct 1, 2009 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Our outfield of Soriano, Fukudome and Bradley wasn't very powerful.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 1, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Granted

But, the three starting tonight have a combined 4HR and 20RBI. Fuld (who has 0 career RBIs) and Taguchi have hit no homers and have no RBIs this season.

by tripdenten on Oct 1, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But can they get on base? We love OBP.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 1, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

base clogging only leads to a lousy BA with RISP.

why put pressure on our guys by having men on base?

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

taguchi has played in about 3 games

Geovany Soto is the new 2008 Derrek Lee

by jesus christos on Oct 1, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I didn't know this but best record in MLB NL/AL picks dates

Eric Cooper, Des Moines area resident adn MLB umpire, was on local sports talk radio today. He has one of the AL playoffs. He was waiting on his assignment because he said the Yankees (best record in AL) get to pick which playoff schedule they want and the day they want to start. MLB has two schedules for the Al and two for the NL already set, I just didn’t know that he best record got to choose. Did I miss this last year when we had the best record in the NL (sigh)?

Gregg can go somewhere else, Reed Johnson I like, if he fits in our plans, do it.

This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).

by mrcubsfan on Oct 1, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd love to have Reed

back next year and Jim please don’t let Gregg even look back when he leaves after this season is over.

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Oct 1, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+ (insert any number here)

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Oct 1, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Oct 1, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no disrespect to Reed

But I bet the Cubs will use the money elsewhere.

by elgato on Oct 1, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Johnson

is a redundancy on this team right now. If he wants to return at a bargain-basement price, fine. Otherwise, thanks for the memories.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 1, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

He can essentially be replace with Fuld.

by tripdenten on Oct 1, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

to give Miles an extension?

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey watch jim Hendry in action!

(toilet flushes)

"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will

by eswan9 on Oct 1, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no its to give gregg a 5 year deal with NTCs

Geovany Soto is the new 2008 Derrek Lee

by jesus christos on Oct 1, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can Neifi play outfield?

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 1, 2009 5:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

maybe Mr Goggles can take Larry Rothschild with him.

I have been praying for a new pitching coach for 3 years. I think we have lots of pitching talent, I just don’t think Larry gets the most out of them.

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Cubs starting pitching

has been pretty darned good this year. Did Rothschild have anything to do with that?

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 1, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

there are plenty of examples of talented guys who left here

and did much better (Marquis, Wuertz, Wellemeyer, etc…) elsewhere. Some of our guys who are trained in the minors (Marmol, Z, etc…) seem to grow in our system and don’t seem to improve much when they get to the big league team. I know what my eyes see.

I just think for the investment we have in pitching, we can have a pitching coach that GETS MORE OUT of the talent. That is my problem with this team, with its pitching talent we need a great pitching coach, not just a good one.

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's Wellemeyer doing now?

Not all that hot. Marquis is having a pseudo-career season, but he might have been the best fifth starter in baseball last year. Wuertz? Well, he’s having a career year, too, for a team that needs a telescope to see the top teams in the division.

I’d say Marmol and Z both are better now than they were in the minors.

Is Rothschild the second coming of Dave Duncan? No. Is he one of the better pitching coaches in the game? Probably, at least in the opinion of a lot of people who should know.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 1, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get this one, either, NBF

Everyone wants to bash LR because the Cubs don’t have 11 lights-out pitchers.

When someone does well, it’s because they are talented. When someone does poorly, it’s the coach’s fault.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 1, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed, SB

If someone is going to take all the blame when someone screws up, they should receive all the credit when someone works well.

by Not Bruce Froemming on Oct 1, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the other thing

If Duncan stays put, and the Cubs do dump LR – who are they going to get that would be better?

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 1, 2009 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's Ray Miller doing these days?

I love his pitching philosophy – the epitome of “simple yet effective”. He just had 3 rules:
1) Work fast
2) Change speeds
3) Throw strikes

According to Wikipedia:

Miller returned as pitching coach of the Orioles in 2004–05 and the Baltimore mound staff showed improvement under his tutelage. But Miller was forced to the sidelines by successful surgery to repair an aneurysm and was succeeded in that role by Leo Mazzone in 2006.

Not sure if successful surgery equates to wanting to get back into the grind of coaching in the majors again, but if not, I’d be very interested in anyone that subscribes to his philosophy.

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

by ballhawk on Oct 1, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caption

Cubs outfield candidates audition by attempting the end-of-game bump.

"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill

by vonde6 on Oct 1, 2009 5:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Caption

In unison: “Watch it, rookie!”

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Oct 1, 2009 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Super-awesome news, you guys!

cst_cubs Lou: If game rained out, he’ll reschedule Samardzija for AZ series. Wants to see him once more.

by chilango2 on Oct 1, 2009 5:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good, I was worried about that

Like my sarcasm font?

Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?

by BleedsbluinMI on Oct 1, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's groundbreaking!

by chilango2 on Oct 1, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty sure I stole the idea

But I take full credit until proven otherwise

Some people say the glass is half empty, some say half full. I say, are you going to drink that?

by BleedsbluinMI on Oct 1, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caption

Fuld and Hoffpauir get trapped while trying to navigate the enchanted maze during the Triwizard Tournament.

"Fasten those seatbelts"-Pat Hughes

by katie casey on Oct 1, 2009 5:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

sigh, well I can at least put it into a good perspective

The next time I go to Wrigley, I will most likely see the Cubs and Pirates duel….in late June 2010…sheesh that’s a long time from now..

I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!

by Chanman25 on Oct 1, 2009 5:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It will be almost one calendar year until I get to see them here in San Diego again.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Oct 1, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

meh...yeah this sucks

The only other option I’d have to see them is in DC but I won’t because of this thing called “college” starting up next year. Anywho, at least I can see Wrigley again…three years is too long!

I'm a lefty, maybe Lou should give me a shot for a position in the bullpen!!

by Chanman25 on Oct 1, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I got to see opening day in Houston

Now I have to wait for the home opener(If I’m lucky). If not soon after.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Oct 1, 2009 5:57 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

More super-fantastic news you guys!

cst_cubs Lee scratched from lineup for ‘’personal reason.’’ Fox takes over at first.

by chilango2 on Oct 1, 2009 6:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, crap.

Guess I’m not sorry I won’t see the game.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 1, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm inclined to read a little bit into the "personal reason" phrase.

Is he angry or just physically hurt?

by chilango2 on Oct 1, 2009 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know, but I find it a bit disconcerting as well.

Anyway, gotta run….

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Oct 1, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he does not want to be physically hurt

by playing on a crappy wet field. Remember Eli Marrero ?

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 1, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe an

ill child or something else at home.

Recipe for Disaster;
C'mon Cubs, hurry up and blow this so I can relax.
by Bluekoolaide on July22, 2009 3:08 PM CDT

by sue369 on Oct 1, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

jeebus christ

Geovany Soto is the new 2008 Derrek Lee

by jesus christos on Oct 1, 2009 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gregg wants to say AND close?!?!?!!?

Good for him.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Oct 1, 2009 6:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The only way I want to see Gregg stay and close

is if that means turning out the lights and locking the place up.

"Was you ever punched in the face five hundred times a night? It stings after a while." ~Rocky Balboa

by Goodie1969 on Oct 1, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He could be the official Cubs bottle and jar cap screwer - The greater container closer...

You see, wire telegraph is a kind of a very, very long cat. You pull his tail in New York and his head is meowing in Los Angeles. Do you understand this? And radio operates exactly the same way: you send signals here, they receive them there. The only difference is that there is no cat. - Albert Einstein

by eths on Oct 2, 2009 2:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Caption

Hoffpauir takes extreme action to eliminate Fuld from the competition for a bench spot
in 2010.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 1, 2009 6:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Caption

Micah Hoffpauir quickly decides he’d rather suck on Sam Fuld’s thumb instead of catching a flyball at the wall.

by JFCubFan on Oct 1, 2009 6:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Caption:

In a memorable Ryan Dempster prank, Hoffpauir and Fuld get velcro’d to the LCF wall.

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 6:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Uh Oh

I think you just gave Dempster an idea.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 1, 2009 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

did you hear Dempster's comments about javelin throwing in the olympics

on CSN pre-game show? that guy is SO funny!

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 6:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Missed but he is hysterical.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim

by Doggie Stalker on Oct 1, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he claimed that if Chicago gets the Olympics in 2016 that he is

working on competing in the javelin throw

"Truth hurts. Maybe not as much as jumping on a bicycle with the seat missing, but it hurts." - Leslie Nielson

by LAcarl519 on Oct 1, 2009 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, if he wins the coin toss...

…I hope he doesn’t elect to receive!

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

by ballhawk on Oct 1, 2009 9:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root

by Clutch16 on Oct 1, 2009 7:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs