All Quiet On The Trading Front: Cubs vs. Braves Preview, Tuesday 7/7, 7:05 CT

by Al Yellon on Jul 7, 2009 5:00 PM CDT in Game Threads

For discussion of the move of Ryan Dempster to the DL, go to this post.

While many of you are otherwise interested in discussing the upcoming change in ownership, the reality is that there are likely going to be many months going by before the handshakes happen in public and the keys are figuratively (or literally) handed over. For now, it's business as usual, and with 24 days till the non-waiver trading deadline, things may be pretty quiet:

General manager Jim Hendry hinted on Monday the Cubs may not do much at the trading deadline, whether the Ricketts family is officially in control of the team or not.

"I've always said I'll wait until the owner is in place to talk about what he may or may not want to do," Hendry said. "At the same time, look at our roster today -- we have a pretty good team. If our guys all play like we're capable of, most of them, you don't have to do a whole lot of things. There aren't a whole lot of places to fit somebody in if we perform the way we're supposed to."

Obviously, Hendry's stretching it a bit -- this team could use some bullpen help and another bat, but it is also clear that several Cubs (Alfonso Soriano, Milton Bradley, Mike Fontenot and Geovany Soto) are well below their norms. The other complicating factor is the number of teams still considering themselves in playoff contention. As of the start of play tonight there are 22 teams within six games of a playoff spot. More than half of those are legitimate contenders, and the rest are one hot streak away from contention. How many of those teams are selling right now? None. I wouldn't expect anything major to happen before the All-Star break, and maybe not until a couple of days before the deadline of July 31. This isn't a year like last, when CC Sabathia and Rich Harden were dealt into the NL Central within a couple of days of each other in early July.

In the meantime there are games to be won, beginning tonight.

Today's Starting Pitchers


Carlos Zambrano Cubs	vs.	Javier Vazquez Braves

4-3	W-L	5-7
3.50	ERA	3.05
69	SO	130
38	BB	23
7	HR	10
vs. Atl	--	vs. Cubs

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Carlos Zambrano	4-3	20	14	0	0	0	0	90.0	80	38	35	7	38	69	3.50	1.31

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2009 - Javier Vazquez	5-7	18	17	1	0	0	0	112.0	97	41	38	10	23	130	3.05	1.07

The Braves have won only two of Javier Vazquez's last eight starts; the primary reason for that is that they have scored a total of 16 runs in those starts. Two of those runs were scored for him in the rainout makeup game vs. the Cubs in Atlanta on June 22, resulting in a 2-0 Braves win during the Cubs' non-run-scoring period last month. The on-fire Derrek Lee loves to hit vs. Vazquez (23-for-51, .396, seven doubles, three HR).

Z last faced the Braves on June 12, 2008 at Wrigley Field. Even one year later there has been significant turnover on the Atlanta roster; check out the boxscore (that was the game the Cubs won when Reed Johnson got hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the 11th inning). Lifetime Z is 2-2, 4.62 in 10 career starts against the Braves. Jeff Francoeur, who has been benched recently, might get the start as he has homered twice off Z in 14 career AB. (Note: Z's total of 20 games appeared in includes his six PH appearances.)

Today's game will be available nationally on WGN; the EI feed likely gets SportSouth. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Comments

First, go cubs!

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Jul 7, 2009 5:03 PM CDT reply actions

Wasn't Z's last start against the Braves

the throwback game last year? Still remember Len’s call “hey hey! that a boy Jimmy, woowoo”

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:05 PM CDT reply actions

That was a great game.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions

great pic, SWL!

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Missed the Demp news earlier...

But just scanned the thread and saw people say a number of different things. Is there any official word as to how long he’ll be out?

by kanderber on Jul 7, 2009 5:11 PM CDT reply actions

looking at 4-6 weeks

with the break, Demp’s hoping to only miss 3 starts

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Huh?

How does a month to a month and a half equate to 3 missed starts?? Or are you saying that the word is 4-6 weeks, with him hoping to return sooner?

by kanderber on Jul 7, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions

exactly.

plus with the AS break thrown in there. He injured it jumping over the dugout railing after a win. A “cubbie occurence” for sure!

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Demp apparently told the media that...

…he hopes to miss only three starts and that it’s “all about pain tolerance.”

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Jul 7, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

That picture of Vazquez...

…scares me almost as much as his K numbers.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Jul 7, 2009 5:11 PM CDT reply actions

I know Al said he likes the matchup

because of Vazquez’ career ERA at Wrigley, but he scares me. He’s a damn good pitcher when he’s on…

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions

His strikeout numbers are crazy.

His ERA is really good, too. Classic example of why W/L record for pitchers is so misleading.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Jul 7, 2009 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions

ha exactly! and I think we argued about that before

so it’s belated, but I see you’re point and you’re right!

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

So's Jurrjens

As we saw last night after he settled in after the 2nd. We did to him what we did to a lot of good pitching last year: jumped on ’em early and held tight to the lead. I recommend we do exactly the same to Vazquez.

"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 Jul 7, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

In the words of Cypress Hill...

“Don’t you know I’m loco?”

by Chadnudj on Jul 7, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Goin' insane! Got no brain!

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Jul 7, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Javier is pitching out of his mind right now.

His ERA+ this year is over 30 points higher than his career average. Let’s bring him back to reality tonight.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 7, 2009 5:13 PM CDT reply actions

Hey! I can post again!

Mobile posting rocks!
Been reading everyday and now I can post again.
Good thing Z can pitch today and vs Cards.
Demps get well soon.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Jul 7, 2009 5:13 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

ha its been awhile

Need to change my sig

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Jul 7, 2009 5:15 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I'll be interested to see how Lou handles Z

You want him to go fairly deep into the game because Hart’s starting tomorrow. But Z’s on short rest. I’m guessing Lou wants six innings, and probably not much more or much less.

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:16 PM CDT reply actions

good point

I’d expect to see the Braves’ hitters take a lot of pitches early because of this, because pitch count will be an issue with Z tonight.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Sadly... I feel like this is a classic crappy Z start in the making.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

he showed some maturity/guts in his last start

He didn’t have his best stuff and he was coming off the awful start on the South Side. Maybe he’s at a good mental place at the moment?

With Z, who really knows?

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

He may be better than you think. He hasn't had to sit around all

day thinking about tonight’s start. He will not be as strong, so his ball might sink a little more tonight. Sometimes guys pitch better when they have to emergency start under these types of conditions.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Jul 7, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Lineu via Espn 1000

q. Dome
2. Theriot
3. Lee
4. Hoffpauir RF
5. Rammy
6. Soriano
7. Fontenot
8. Hill

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Jul 7, 2009 5:18 PM CDT reply actions

+1 for Hoff batting cleanup

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

-1,000,000

for our big left handed bat not laying

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Jul 7, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

laying?

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

correct he stands asleep

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Jul 7, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions

We have a big left-handed bat?

Please, who is this so called player?

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 7, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions

I think he's batting 9th today.

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Jul 7, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions

-1 for Hoff instead of Fox.

Fox is raking against right-handed pitching.

and another -1 for resting Bradley… yet again. WTF. This guy should be out there everyday.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

i wanted fox out there

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Jul 7, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Bradley's a friggin switch hitter .Why is he in a friggin platoon?

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions

see his split vs. RHP this year.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I know he's sucking this year... but his career splits as a LH are great.

Put him out there, and let him work through it. Otherwise, you’re paying $30 mil for a platoon player. Yay.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions

he might just be resting

Maybe Micah has hit Javy well?

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions

How many days of rest does he need?

The guy’s already missed 14 games. Meanwhile, Soriano is in obvious need of some rest, and yet Lou keeps trotting him out there, even though he can barely run.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions

While he continues to "work through it"...

we’re paying him $30 mil to be a worse lefthanded hitter than Andres Blanco.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions

We've reconfigured our payroll/roster to add a guy who sits every 5th day for $30 mil.

Wonderful. This guy sucks.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions

He doesn't suck...he just suffers from the same thing Marquis did.

He’s a good player that got a terribly overpriced contract.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

becasue he can hit

i really didnt see this happening

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Jul 7, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

he hits righties better batting as a righty

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 7, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

not that hoff is doing any better

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 7, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

ugh

why not Fox in RF? Lefty matchup aside, Fox is MUCH hotter right now than Hoff.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Fox is batting .354 against righties with all his HRs (4)

Start Bradley in RF, and sit Soriano for Fox.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Actually, Bradley did get a HR hitting left-handed the other night.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Jul 7, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Hoff?

Any explanation on that? Bradley’s not hurt, is he?

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Milton Bradley is hitting .194 against RHP this year.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I realize that ...

I was just making sure he wasn’t hurt.

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

K-pauir!

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 7, 2009 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions

why not play Hoff AND Bradley?

Soriano could sit.

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions

Sit Soriano and start Fox.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 7, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions

fine with that

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Wait, start over.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Jul 7, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions

LOL

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Jul 7, 2009 6:31 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I think with this lineup

Lou is going for the sweep instead of 2 out of 3. Tomorrow the team figures to give up a few more runs with Hart getting the start, so he’s giving Geo and Milton the night off tonight, hoping Z can hold them and we can get by with less offense.

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions

like this analysis

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42

by fischisgod on Jul 7, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

can't sweep

if you lose tonight. But I understand what you’re saying.

by elgato on Jul 7, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions

no Soto?

hmmm. Rami, be good today…

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 7, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Just saw this on Dempster's Blog from his update last night!

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 5:38 PM CDT reply actions

i always knew dempster was a manly man

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 7, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

oh good god

SWL+photoshop=endless fun and disturbia

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions

The big problem is that he's holding a power tool with his throwing hand!

Say this much for big league baseball - it is beyond question the greatest conversation piece ever invented in America. ~Bruce Catton

by KaliCub on Jul 7, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Who posts

Pictures on a blog?

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Jul 7, 2009 5:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

It has been a while for you, hasn't it?

Just wait ’til you see what the place looks like after a Cubs victory…

"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 Jul 7, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions

No, Ive seen em

Just tryin to mess with SWL.
Joke=fail.

Chicago
Cubs

We are the better CC.

by Zy Toro Young on Jul 7, 2009 6:19 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I recommend against such a course of action

SWL’s full arsenal has never been disclosed, but I am deathly afraid of what he would consider a “nuclear” option.

"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 Jul 7, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Our mutual destruction would be assured. Let's us agree to only use conventional weapons.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Several people do.

by sue369 on Jul 7, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions

If there was a joint in this picture...

…Geo would be present.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 7, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions

you'll be here all week?

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions

This is probably a really dumb question but...

can someone give me a link to Demp’s blog? I’ve searched for it and must be blinder than Stevie Wonder ‘cause I can’t find it.

by CubsGirl on Jul 7, 2009 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Sure..

It’s right here.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks much!

by CubsGirl on Jul 7, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, I see what you did there.

Ha.

by CubsGirl on Jul 7, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions

Oh, you scamp!

Hooray for previewing URLs before clicking!

"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 Jul 7, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm disappointed SWL

I was expecting you to direct to Eric Hanna’s personal blog. :)

"Yes, dear. You're right. I'm sorry." -Bob Brenly

by ambrosiadreams on Jul 7, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions

Fine...

Go check it out if you want to.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions

You tricky....

Verrrrry tricky.

by CubsGirl on Jul 7, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I majored in trickinology.

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 7, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Does that lead to trickinosis?

"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 Jul 7, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions