Maybe The Sunshine Will Help: Cubs vs. Padres, Sunday 5/24, 3:05 CT
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
61 comments
This is the only day game on this road trip; with the 0-5 record so far this trip (all in night games), the Cubs have sunk under .500 at night (11-12), while maintaining a winning record in day games (10-8).
Yes, I'm grasping at straws. Wouldn't you?
Still don't want Mark DeRosa back? His numbers through yesterday -- .260/.326/.438 -- are at least approaching his career averages, and his 30 RBI would lead the Cubs, by a considerable margin (Alfonso Soriano has 25).
Rick Morrissey's column contains a clue about the real source of Rich Harden's injury:
His quote in reaction to the injury was pretty amazing too:
"It hit me out of nowhere."
No. Injuries don't come out of nowhere for Harden. They come out of everywhere. This is a man who could get hurt falling asleep.
Never mind the fact that the last sentence is just silly; the rest of the Morrissey column is the usual nonsensical blather about "how did we not see this coming", etc. The clue to the reality is Harden's quote, which perhaps has more honesty than Lou might like. Harden had not missed a start all year -- although he was pushed back a day or two a couple of times, mainly, I think, just to pace him -- and threw fine last Sunday with no complaints of any problems after that start.
I think this "injury" is simply a convenient way for Lou to get an extra look at Randy Wells. David Patton should go, either to Iowa (if the Cubs can make a deal) or back to the Rockies (if they can't) and Jake Fox should be called up, so the Cubs can actually get some benefit from having the 11-man staff that Lou has now used for 14 days while Patton has not thrown a single pitch in a game. When Harden comes back, Fox can head back to Iowa till he is needed to DH in the interleague games in late June.
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Today's pitching matchup is a rematch of the rain-shortened 7 1/2 inning game at Wrigley Field on May 13. The Cubs hit four homers off Young (Ryan Theriot had two, Geovany Soto and Alfonso Soriano one each); the Padres hit two off Lilly (both by Adrian Gonzalez, who homered on Friday off Z, but had only a single last night. Keep the ball in the ballpark and the Cubs, who scored six runs off Young on May 13, should have a pretty good shot at breaking out of the offensive slump.
It's on WGN today -- nationally -- so you can watch... if you dare. For today's other games see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 4 pm, 5 pm and 5:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Hey Al,
are you writing these 2 hours ahead of game time, or earlier with an automatic post.
If it’s the latter… last year (when it felt like they came out earlier) we had more time to rant before the game thread.
I mean, what else am I supposed to do at work….. work ?
(if its the former, no problem, of course)
by ballstitch on May 24, 2009 1:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's earlier... why?
They still post two hours before game time. It’s different when there is a day game following a night game, like today, where there isn’t that much time in between a recap and a game thread.
You’ll have more time tomorrow, if you’re working, that is.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some of us
indeed are working on Memorial Day. But the double time is nice.
by Not Bruce Froemming on May 24, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it is.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didnt mean to sound like a complaint
I just really like passing time at work watching the discussion go on and on. and I do work tomorrow… double time. yay.
by ballstitch on May 24, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what I mean is...
I remember last season (I think) reading night game threads before I left work at 4pm. This season they post 2 hrs before game time and I dont see it from work at all. Is this a correct perception or am I mistaken ?
anyway, thats where my perception of a later post time came from. if you’re writing them after 4, then thats how it is. But I thought perhaps if you were writing them before then, and delaying the post, you would consider sending them out as soon as you were done.
I should have been clearer the first time.
by ballstitch on May 24, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm.
I can’t specifically remember times for threads last year. I’ve decided this year to have them post two hours before game time — because if I did it earlier than that, I think they would have to go to overflow before the first pitch even hits.
Unless there’s a huge groundswell for earlier posting times, I think I’ll leave them where they are.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fair enough
perhaps on a down day I’ll post a poll and see what the interest is like, if you’re game for that. if you just want to stick to 2 to hours, I’ll leave it alone.
by ballstitch on May 24, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, go ahead.
Keep in mind that it also is subject to my own time constraints!
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I should say this.
I’m glad they’re pacing Harden. The temptation would be to overreact to the slump and say we need him now.
And it’s hard to see us even making the playoffs right now, but if we’re going to win in the playoffs, we’ll need Harden ready to go.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 1:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Come playoff time, the Cubs need to use two, maybe three starters. Everyone else needs to come out of the pen. Harden would fit that role perfectly. Then again we need to actually make the playoffs.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 24, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hard to see us making the playoffs?
Four games out of first place/wild card? Please. It’s way early.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Let’s win today and then we’ll get a win tomorrow (I’ll be bringing my perfect record to Wrigley).
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 24, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You need to come to more games.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love to but...
…that darn thing called $$$ gets in the way.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 24, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, good point.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I meant to convey
that I understand why it’s hard for some people to see that.
I personally still have a lot of confidence in this team compared to our NL central rivals.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 1:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think pacing Harden
is a happy side effect to getting two more weeks of Wells/Marshall
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on May 24, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sosa hurt his back sneezing
…if we can believe that. Perhaps he tripped over a box of syringes.
by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on May 24, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There isn't such a thing as a must win game this early on
But for the sanity of all Cubs fans- this is a must win game. Ted is perfectly suited to pitch in this park because it will swallow up all those flyballs he gives up.
The key against Chris young is get a fast guy or two on base and go crazy with the steals. Even this offense can muster 3 runs against this clown, and that should be enough to win with Ted pitching.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 1:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
And, you don't want to go 0-6 on a road trip.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on May 24, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hear the Marlins are shopping Dan Uggla.
He hasn’t done well since the ASB last year, but he could provide a little pop while Aramis is gone. He does have 8 home runs and 30 RBI’s so far this year. Thoughts?
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 24, 2009 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He will cost too much I'm sure
and he isn’t much for hitting for average IIRC.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to mention we already have 3 second basemen.
I’m just looking for answers to this miserable drought.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 24, 2009 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he could play third
I think I would be all for it.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he could play third
I think I would be all for it.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What would he cost?
Do we still have some credit left over from the Ceda-Gregg trade?
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably wouldn't cost that much...
The Marlins are one of those teams that will want to cut costs at all costs once they definitively fall out of the race, and Uggla is struggling. Not to mention he’s a young guy who could help for 3-4 years+, so I wouldn’t mind seeing the Cubs give up a few prospects for him.
by Poloplaya14 on May 24, 2009 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the link...
http://www.fannation.com/truth_and_rumors/view/103913-marlins-looking-to-deal
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on May 24, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Would you give up
Vitters and 2 other top prospects for Ramirez?
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 24, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 24, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then, yes.
There’s really not much I wouldn’t put on the table for Hanley.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uggla could be useful.
He’d be a good buy-low. He’d be an All-Star reputation player, and so a psychological boost for the team. The Marlins have been willing to field miserable defenders in the past, so maybe they’d even have interest in Jake Fox.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Snark
“the Padres hit two off Young "
Wow, that guy is quite a workhorse. He pitches for both teams! ;)
by salparadise23 on May 24, 2009 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The Cubs are playing today?
It’s 80 degrees and sunny here in CT so I’ll be BBQing all day even if it’s one of 2-3 games a week I can get on WGN.
If the Cubs decide to play today and score more than 3 runs someone let me know :)
Enjoy the day everyone!
by ak123 on May 24, 2009 1:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lineup
Soriano
Theriot
Johnson
Lee
Bradley
Fontenot
Soto
Scales
Boy that lineup scares me. Wooah.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 24, 2009 2:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yikes
What a bad lineup. Reed should never hit third.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know what Lou is thinking.
Ted Lilly must be pissed.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 24, 2009 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure Teds 3 homer
10 RBI day will make Lou rethink his decision.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have got to be
kidding me. Reed hitting third? And I thought cleanup was the worst place in the lineup he could hit.
by serbianking33 on May 24, 2009 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd hate to play create a lineup
but if you’re gonna have those players in the lineup why not have:
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Bradley
Soto
Fontenot
Johnson
Scales
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 24, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In 3 career PAs.
Reed is hitting .500/.667/.500 off of Chris Young with 1 K and 0 XBH and 1 HBP. Looks like Lou scanned his matchup book and missed the # of PAs section.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Lou's defense
I think he wants to keep players in comfortable positions in the batting order. Lee has been doing better as of late.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah..
but I don’t think hitting third should make a difference on how well you hit.
Well unless your name is Alfonso Soriano.
Tamia Lynn Davis:
Born: August 18, 2008
by Unique on May 24, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either way
I don’t know if Reed is comfortable hitting 3. At least I’m not comfortable with him hitting 3.
I’d rather have a struggling MB hit 3 than Reed.
by serbianking33 on May 24, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its a weak defense
Lou just hit the sauce too hard last night and wrote his lineup at the bar.
Oh Mark DeRosa how we need you at third base.
by nji232 on May 24, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yikes
Its even worse when you read it on gameday or something and see all the averages listed.
by Allie on May 24, 2009 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's good that Dome is getting a day off.
I think Dome may need to get a day off every 10 days.
Derrek Lee is good.
by DGU on May 24, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Possible scene from "Heathers 2"
INT. SAWYER HOME – NIGHT
Veronica’s dad is watching the Cubs on TV. Len Kasper’s voice can be heard in the background, announcing the game action.
KASPER:
Boy, you just hope that balk doesn’t come back
to haunt the Cubs.
(SOUND OF BASEBALL BEING HIT)
And a base hit to center, Kosuke comes up with it,
he’s just going to hold on to it. And it’s 3-1 Padres.
VERONICA’S DAD:
Will someone tell me why I watch this team?
VERONICA:
Because you’re an idiot.
VERONICA’S DAD:
Oh yeah, that’s it.
"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome
by Goodie1969 on May 24, 2009 2:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Alright, I say Cubs are gonna wn 5-3
Yes, the losing streak will finally end :D (gotta stay positive)
:D
by Nooblet on May 24, 2009 2:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
this game...
is already over, i can tell you that right, we lose at least 3-0, a pitcher with an era over 5 and we have 2 hits….wow can you say pathetic, if you aren’t panicking now, i would start, and how about raul ibanez with 17 homeruns, i insisted that hendry should have pursued him instead of bradley but i thought over time bradley will be a good pickup, boy was i wrong, and so was hendry
by jvick88 on May 24, 2009 4:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
4 runs
well any hope of coming back is gone now cuz 4 runs to tie is way to much to ask for from a lineup that is stack (on paper that is)
by jvick88 on May 24, 2009 4:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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