Going For Three In A Row: Cubs vs. Reds, Saturday 6/6, 6:10 CT
by Al on Jun 6, 2009 4:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
55 comments
A third win in a row would be nice tonight -- the Cubs haven't won that many in a row since their five-game winning streak in mid-May was ended with that eight-game losing streak. They have won six of nine since that streak ended -- despite not really hitting on all cylinders in those nine games. They've scored only 33 runs in those nine, but allowed even fewer: 23. The team ERA in those nine games is 1.99, best in the major leagues in that time frame, and the season ERA is now 4.13, which ranks seventh in the league. A couple more good outings and the Cubs could move up into the top five.
Jake Fox will get a start tonight (see the lineup below, hitting cleanup, no less -- to showcase him?), and he's certainly saying and doing all the right things:
"If that's what's going to help this team, then you know what? I want to play in the big leagues however it happens," Fox said of the showcase speculation. "Maybe that's the truth, maybe it's not. But while I'm here I want to make sure I help this team any way I can."
Fox, who has been picking Micah Hoffpauir's brain for pinch-hitting advice, is 3-for-4 with a double and RBI as a pinch hitter, 3-for-7 overall since his call-up.
He also has been working hard on his fielding, taking a lot of grounders, particularly at third base, trying to rewrite the perception that he's a designated hitter stuck in the National League.
Lineup via Twittermyer:
Soriano, lf; Theriot, ss; Lee, 1b; Fox, rf; Johnson, cf; Soto, c; Scales, 2b; Fontenot, 3b; Dempster, p
Alfonso Soriano's knee is better -- and it happened in a strange way:
"The other day in the first inning when he hit the ball down the line and he sort of stopped at first, I think he might have had some adhesions or something [in his left knee], and his leg started to feel better after that," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said.
The way Soriano made the turn may have broken up some scar tissue in his knee.
Finally, Nick Friedell continues his ex-Cub interview series with this talk with Kerry Wood.
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Ryan Dempster has made a ton of appearances -- 34 -- against a team he pitched for briefly before his arm went out in 2003. He made three starts against them in 2008, with two wins and a loss, which is more relevant than the 4.41 career ERA he sports vs. the Reds. Most of the current Reds roster has done poorly against him -- no one who is on their current 25-man roster has ever homered off him.
Matt Maloney was acquired by the Reds in 2007 for Kyle Lohse. He's a control pitcher -- has a career 1.18 WHIP in the minors -- and will be making his major league debut tonight.
Tonight's game is on cable in the Cincinnati area, and also nationally on WGN. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Overflow comment threads will post today at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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1st
Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppp!!!
I sit at home after the Cubs lose and wanna pound sand but I know I live in a state without that kinda land. I know in my heart Sori isn't a guess hitting hack and that Dero will never be back. Pitching is King, some do say and hopefully Aaron Miles doesn't play in a Cub uniform another day. By October this I know, to the playoffs we are for sure to go. Go Cubbies!!
by cubsluver22 on Jun 6, 2009 4:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So what's the reputation of Cincy's park
in terms of difficult right field? I think that might be relevant later today.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Jun 6, 2009 4:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
lol
it’s gonna be interesting.
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 6, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting
is one way to put it
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 6, 2009 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously guys... do you know?
I don’t recall the dimensions of the place or if it has any weird quirks.
This might go OK.
See! I can be optimistic!
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
by Worf on Jun 6, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well it's a small park.
So pretty much anything over his head is gone. Makes his job easier I guess.
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 6, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
remember what happened
last year when we played there? Lots of homers. :D
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 6, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here you go
Great American Ball Park Details
Architects: HOK Sport, Kansas City, Mo.
Approximate Cost: $280 million
Stadium Acreage: 29
Structural Elements: 10,100 tons of steel
Seating Capacity: 42,271
Restrooms: 35
Concession Stands: 28
Playing Surface: Natural grass
Surface Coverage: 2.9 acres
Left-field Distance: 328 feet
Centerfield Distance: 404 feet
Right-field Distance: 325 feet
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 6, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok am I the only one who burst out laughing when I saw Worf's comment?
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not the only one.
I also lol’d.
"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome
by Goodie1969 on Jun 6, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like
Seeing that no one on the roster has homered off Dempster. Hopefully it stays that way. Really would like to see a breakout day for the Cubs offense.
"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."
by jkobus on Jun 6, 2009 4:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What I really want to see tonight
is for the Cubbies to put their boot right on the throats of the Reds, and not take it off until the game is done. By God, I want to see them pile on them tonight in a big, big way. Just kick the crap out of them, take the catcher out, put so many HR balls out there that the fans have to throw them back because they’re so disgusted. Lets put a hurting on the Reds tonight.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 4:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What score would you like to see?
Cubs 10, Reds 1
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 6, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anything better than another Giants-esque performance
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If the Cubs win 1-0
I’d be perfectly happy with that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 6, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not going to lie
So would I because a win’s a win, but I’d like to see something impressive out of the offense. I’m not going to complain though if they go out there and get the job done. 1-0 or 10-0, it’s the same end result.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm encouraged
that they’re winning low-scoring games lately. Good teams need to do that.
Of course, it would be nice to see a lot of runs. I just hope they score them when they need them.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 6, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It speaks a lot for the pitching staff and the defense
Even then, like last night, 2 big beers in, and I was still sweating the end of the game with the relief and Sori’s play in the outfield. Usually I’m pretty relaxed at that point, but even then I was biting my nails.
I just think a big offensive performance would be a nice bit of relief for everyone. A chance to relax.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would be very happy with that too
cause that means maybe the mid-reliefers & closer got it all together for once, not blowing it for Dempster.
by JFCubFan on Jun 6, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be okay as long as it's Cubs > Reds.
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
by slcathena on Jun 6, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, me too
The score doesn’t matter.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fox in RF?
Oh boy. Hope all goes well with that. Soto is back in the lineup already?
by sue369 on Jun 6, 2009 4:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
thats going to be rough
Fox being in rf and all.
Yeah, thought Soto was going to get the weekend off. Seems like he needs it
churchofbaseball.com
by MJMars on Jun 6, 2009 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know
Lets see what happens. Who knows, something miraculous could happen and playing a defensive position will just click for him.
Or not.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Jake Fox's head splits open and a UFO should fly out,
I want you to have expected it.
"I'll never forget how I felt last October." ~Kosuke Fukudome
by Goodie1969 on Jun 6, 2009 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've already saved that prediction on my Outlook calendar
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which inning?
"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 Jun 6, 2009 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Top of the 8th
after he crushes his 4th consecutive HR.
by Craig in South Bend on Jun 6, 2009 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll be sure to be watching
"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 Jun 6, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's fine
as long as he makes the catch when it happens
by chitownhawkeye on Jun 6, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Reds have only one decent active LH hitter....
… Jay Bruce. Maybe most of the balls hit will be to LF and Fox can just stand out there all night without touching the ball.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 6, 2009 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully
but isn’t there an old baseball saying about the ball finding bad fielders or something like that?
"Your eyes can decieve you. Don't trust them." Obi-Wan Kenobi, the first sabermetrician...
by Curtain Jerker on Jun 6, 2009 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can live with him in RF
At least, it’s better than him at 3B. As for Soto, Hill hasn’t been hitting.
by Poloplaya14 on Jun 6, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and with his dropped 3rd strike last night that irrated Lou
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there was suppose to be a ? at the end
damn multi tasking
"That's what you live for. You live for the opportunity and when that day comes, you better be ready," Soto said. "I tried to make sure that whenever they gave me a chance, I was ready and I knew I had to take advantage of the opportunity."
by Madison Cub Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So if anyone is in the Fargo/Moorhead area
Come down to Vic’s in Moorhead and join me – baseball and bingo, what could be better?
"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 Jun 6, 2009 5:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I lived in Fargo for a while in the late 1980s
Nice town, nice pepole. Winters were a bit rough, though.
Mick’s Office and Mick’s South still in Moorhead? I think I still have a Mick’s mug someplace in my basement.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 6, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can ask.
"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 Jun 6, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
going out for dinner
will be back for the later innings, I hope.
MALONEY! LIGHT ’IM UP!
GO CUBS!
I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. When they play over their heads, and when they play under the gutter. When they win the division, and then get swept in the division series. When they get no-hitters and when they blow no-hitters. And some day, when they go all the way and get those rings. This is the kind of fan I am.
by drewishdrewid on Jun 6, 2009 5:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ugh a rookie pitcher
this team seems to have a terrible time with ;lesser to little known guys that have no established scouting report.
by ballstitch on Jun 6, 2009 5:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I was just wondering that.
Does anyone know what Maloney is like, what his tendencies are?
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He appears to be a control pitcher.
Good WHIPs and very few walks in the minors.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 6, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think I read the White Sox
are something like 1-7 this season against pitchers they’ve never faced.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jun 6, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't we have a game last year,
Against a rookie pitcher on Pittsburgh, and he shut us out? I seem to remember a game like that sometime later on in the season.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jeff Karstens.
Not technically a rookie, but the first time the Cubs had faced him. August 1, 2008.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 6, 2009 5:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And then we played him again,
And shelled him in this game.
Cubs record since April 2004: 4-0
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jun 6, 2009 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A rookie LEFTY
making his MLB debut. My nightmare.
"I daydream just like everybody else, I just do it with my body facing the field, so everybody thinks I'm paying attention."- Greg Maddux
by Doggie Stalker on Jun 6, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Junkballer?
If so, it could be a long night.
C’mon Demp!
"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 Jun 6, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I call your attention to ...
… this game from April 17 of this year, when the Cubs faced a pitcher making hls ML debut and beat the living daylights out of him.
Granted, not a LHP. But I suspect Jake Fox has seen Matt Maloney during their travels through Triple-A. I’m guessing that’s why Lou put Fox in the lineup tonight.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al on Jun 6, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let's make it 3 in a row!
Chicago Cubs > Milwaukee Brewers
by CUBSfaninYANKEEcountry on Jun 6, 2009 5:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I second that emotion...
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Jun 6, 2009 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
third it
baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out
by Cubbie-Tim on Jun 6, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everybody
Visit bloggingthebracket.com, SBNation's bracketology/hoops rambling site!
by Chris Dobbertean on Jun 6, 2009 6:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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