The Prodigal Son Remains: Cubs vs. Astros Preview, Monday 8/31, 7:05 CT
by Al on Aug 31, 2009 5:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
69 comments
As you all likely know by now, the Cubs did not make any waiver-deadline deals at all, preferring to retain the two pitchers claimed, Aaron Heilman and tonight's starter, Rich Harden. (Hopefully, Heilman won't be actually placed in too many games once rosters expand, which can happen as early as tomorrow.)
For me, with the (admittedly slim) possibility of a playoff spot still available, I'm glad Harden is still a Cub. He's been their best pitcher since the All-Star break and this series may be a great chance for the Cubs to sneak closer to the wild card lead. The Cubs are 9-5 vs. Houston this year, and won three of four when the Astros were last at Wrigley Field a month ago. Since then, Houston has been in free-fall; they have lost 12 of their last 17 road games, are 11-17 overall, and just got swept by a bad Diamondbacks club.
For the four teams still in front of the Cubs in the wild-card race, their schedules through Thursday are as follows:
Giants: off today, then three at Phillies
Braves: four vs. Marlins
Marlins: four vs. Braves
Rockies: off today, then three vs. Mets at home
Obviously, as Cubs fans we'd root for the Braves and Marlins to split their series. We hope the Phillies can take care of a hot Giants team, and... um... er... well, as for the Mets, maybe they can at least take one from Colorado.
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Remember when Roy Oswalt used to come in and dominate the Cubs? (And everyone else, for that matter.) Oswalt, now 31, is no longer a top pitcher, though he's still capable. He is, however, only 2-6, 3.77 in his last 10 starts against the Cubs, including a loss, a no-decision, and a game in the last series at Wrigley when he had to leave the game with back problems. Aramis Ramirez hits only .250 (16-for-64) vs. Oswalt, but that includes 3 doubles, 4 HR and 15 RBI.
Rich Harden has made two starts against the Astros this year, going 1-1, 4.85; both of those starts were before the All-Star break. Usual Cub nemesis Carlos Lee is only 4-for-17 against Harden and the only current Astros to have homered off him are Lance Berkman (who missed the July series) and, of all people, Geoff Blum. Harden's 143 strikeouts rank 15th in the NL. There are 15 other pitchers who have fewer K's despite having more (in some cases MANY more) innings than Rich.
For the second day in a row, WGN will be carrying tonight's game. It's also on FSN Houston. For other games today see the MLB.com Mediacenter.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Astros site The Crawfish Boxes.
Overflow comment threads will post today at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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GO CUBS!
Beat the ’Strohs!
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
by Zeke on Aug 31, 2009 5:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Oswalt
looks like a serial killer in the photo above. To bad he’s not on the Cubs (a battery of Serial Killer and Cereal Killer)
Numbers may not lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth (and nothing but the truth), either. -- Doug Glanville
by leothelip on Aug 31, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was really rooting for him
to kick drugs in the first season of LOST.
Fontenot (fon-te-no): Cajun for "scrappy"
by zambranofan on Aug 31, 2009 7:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've usually referred to him as Lee Harvey
Not so much a serial killer, but….y’know
by tim815 on Aug 31, 2009 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Has there been any word on Reed Johnson?
Seems like he’s been gone for 6 months…
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
by Zeke on Aug 31, 2009 5:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
He wrote a blog entry last Wednesday
which can be found here. Otherwise, I haven’t heard squat.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reed is out for another few weeks
with the foot. It didn’t improve the way they’d hoped.
I think now that the pressure is off, I can enjoy the whole game again. While I’ve not completely given up, it’s time to enjoy the fact that baseball is only on for one more month
by Woodstock on Aug 31, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Self reply...
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=316537
Indicates that he’s a week away at best. But, he’s taking BP.
by Woodstock on Aug 31, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As erratic as Oswalt has become
He’s still given up zero or 1 run in 7 of last 14 starts. He either dominates or gets ripped around.
by BeltwayCubsFan on Aug 31, 2009 5:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Another Stupid Decision by the Cub Front Office
Why continue to pay Salary to 2 players that won’t or shouldn’t be around for 2010? I knew I knew Hendry would keep them because we have about 1 out of a million chance to make the playoffs.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Aug 31, 2009 5:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Explain to me how that matters?
They were planning on paying that anyways. Its not like their budget is busted due to this devlopment, and its not like saving that money would net anything this year anyways.
Again, the cubs spending money DOES NOT AFFECT any of us here. Its not like they would have refunded that % of money to those that already have tickets for the rest of the season.
Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is hilarious
We can’t beat the Nationals and you all think we can magicly jump 4 teams and win the wild card down 5 1/2 games this late in the season. Get over it already.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Aug 31, 2009 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Your response didn't speak to my statment at all.
I didn’t say anything about the wild card. I didn’t mention four teams, or 5.5 games. I didn’t say anything about the Nats.
You said:
Why continue to pay Salary to 2 players that won’t or shouldn’t be around for 2010?
I said, who cares about that aspect of it? NEVERMIND the outside shot at the playoffs, the frivolousness of giving Heilman away for nothing when the roster is expanding, the potential for getting something for Harden later IF we don’t resign him… beyond all that, who cares what the Cubs pay to who?
You get over it.
Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do
They could use that money to pay some extra security so our beloved franchise don’t get another black eye from a drunken idiot.
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Aug 31, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This "we can't beat the Nationals meme"
is getting tiresome. For one thing, the Nationals have improved quite a bit in the last month. For another, the Cubs finished 5-2 against them.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Nats
Are an utter joke and for you even to be trying to defend them is a joke too. We all the love the Cubs but your defending them is getting sickening!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Aug 31, 2009 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't recall spending too much time
defending them. This season, the Cubs did exactly what they shoud do against a team like that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Correct.
Most people I know would be happy to win five of seven against a team, even if the losses were at home. And, as you correctly said about 10 minutes ago, Washington has been playing slightly better over the past month.
Game, set, match, life!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 31, 2009 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't care how good
The Nats play, they are still the equivalent too a AAA team at best. No excuses for a team with a 126 million dollar payroll to lose to a AAA team ever!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Aug 31, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Their pitching sucks
but their offense can win some games
by bheidge on Aug 31, 2009 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
NO excuses
Just stop already, the Nats should never win against us!
I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT
by cubsluver22 on Aug 31, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You should stop.
Our winning percentage against Washington this year was .714.
It’s very hard to pull a season sweep of a team in baseball. The Cubs’ season sweep of the Braves last year was the first time the Cubs ever swept all the games in a season against a team.
Game, set, match, life!
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Aug 31, 2009 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many times did they beat the Yankees?
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 31, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Nats offense is perfectly fine
They’re bad because their defense and their pitching suck.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
I’m just saying, to argue that a high payroll team should “never” lose to another team shows a complete lack of understanding about the game. I wanted him to try to process that a team with an even higher payroll, and less games, still couldn’t do what he’s asking.
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 31, 2009 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree 100 percent
I just replied to your post only to point out the Nats offense is nothing to sneeze at. Guzman, Zimmerman, Dunn and Willingham are solid hitters, and when healthy, Morgan is a decent leadoff man.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
whut?
trading away one month of Harden, that could get us to the wild-card, is NOT worth the minor-leaguers we would get for him.
Better to shop him in the off season when there’s time to negotiate and work out a deal, offer arbitration, or sign him. And if he does, we get something better then cast-off players — we get draft picks.
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 31, 2009 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lineup per Wittenmyer
cst_cubs Lineup vs. Oswalt: riot, milt, lee, rami, fuky, fox, baker, hill, harden.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 5:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Jose.
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 Aug 31, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're welcome
How are you on this lovely evening?
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm doing well thanks.
How about you? Ready for a Cub win?
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 Aug 31, 2009 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Tired. Work is hard.
But ready to start a month-long win streak.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great, Theriot in leadoff again.
No reason that Fukudome can’t be in leadoff when Fox is in the lineup to protect Ramirez.
Theriot’s stats by batting order position: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=theriry01&year=2009&t=b#lineu
Fukudome’s stats by batting order position: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=fukudko01&year=2009&t=b#lineu
They have nearly the same number of plate appearances. And Theriot has no XBHs in the first position with only 4 walks.
by Spotacus on Aug 31, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd much prefer Fuky and Fox flipped.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on Aug 31, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but but...
you gotta have a leftie break up all the righties who can hit RH pitching!
Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!
by jesus christos on Aug 31, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now where was that memo from Charlie Manuel?
Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.
by LeSaboteur on Aug 31, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chilango!
I must admit… i’ve clicked on the Delicious Mexican Treats sign more than a few times… i’m a sucker for treats i guess.
There is this great mango salsa i get from costco, but it never seems to last as long as the chips. Any recipe for something similar would rock my world!
Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No problem
That’s super-easy.
Three ripe red tomatoes.
Two Serrano chiles.
About half an onion.
Two garlic cloves.
One mango, preferably Manila (but those are available only between May and Sept.)
A big pinch of salt.
Some cilantro, if you so wish.
Roast the tomatoes on a griddle or on a non-Teflon pan. Once they’re nice and dark—almost burned—throw them in the blender. Throw everything else in too. Peel the mango and throw the two filets. Add about a half cup of water and blend. Taste. Add more chiles if it’s not hot enough.
Thank you for your kind words and both my wife and I would appreciate if you spread the word about it if you find it interesting.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 5:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or add more tomatoes if it’s too hot.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well i'll be damned... that was easy.
Thanks so much. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Off to Wrigley… have a good night all!
Follow me on twitter @andrewjstone.
by AndrewJStone on Aug 31, 2009 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
GO CUBS!
keep our dreams alive!
"I’m not going to allow Al Yellon to flush this thing down the crapper without a fight." (BLOU)
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Aug 31, 2009 5:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's Go Cubs!
All we need is to make-up one game a week in the WC! It’s definitely doable! But you gotta be hungry.
Rickey has spoken. Keep the Athletics in Bump City.
by LeSaboteur on Aug 31, 2009 5:46 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Lets be 5 out after today.
Yeah buddy!
Change is inevitable; progress is optional.
by Devin B on Aug 31, 2009 6:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Chilango
Have a question about your salsa. What could you use as a substitute for the mango if unavailable? You say to peel the mango and throw the two filets. What exactly are the two filets? Are they the two peeled halves? Sorry, but I’m not a cook, but would sure like to try the recipe. Thanks.
by Saratoga on Aug 31, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well,
Usually, I wouldn’t add fruit to a salsa. That’s a nouvelle cuisine invention. However, you can substitute mango with pineapple if you so desire. Pineapple and chiles go together beautifully.
The mango has a flat stone inside. The two filets are the fruit on top of either side of the stone. Just make sure you remove all the skin because it’s incredibly bitter and will ruin your salsa.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for taking the time
to answer my question!
by Saratoga on Aug 31, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dang
All this food talk is making me hungry, and it is at least two hours until dinner here in CA.
You are killing me!
Stay thirsty, my friend,
The Least Interesting Man in the World
"When you're going through hell, keep going." - Winston Churchill
by vonde6 on Aug 31, 2009 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey everybody
I’m still lurking around here, still haven’t given up hope and glad to see those here that I respect are still holding strong.
All I hope is that the Cubs can make this interesting. I think they will. Just WIN baby.
In other news, my girlfriend got us bleacher tickets for the 9/13 game against the Reds. This will be her first Cubs game with a rooting interest in the Cubs after I have spent the last year converting her from a lukewarm Brewers fan. Hoping she gets bitten by the Wrigley magic like we all have.
Go Cubs!
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Aug 31, 2009 6:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey heine....
hope you get to see a Cubs win and your girlfriend enjoys the game.
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 Aug 31, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know she will :)
We were shopping for her first article of Cubs apparel last night, which was fun.
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Aug 31, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Have fun, heine
Good to hear from you, and good to see you stil have some faith.
Have fun at the game. Gotta love those converts. :)
by Not Bruce Froemming on Aug 31, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh I gots faith :) maybe just not so much in my boys in blue
But a game a week, doesn’t sound too outrageous, especially with our schedule.
Just hoping we get some cooperation from the teams ahead of us.
Albert Pujols for Cubs Starting 1B in 2012
by heine41 on Aug 31, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
PHOTO CAPTION:
“Now WHERE did that ball go? It was just here! Gotta be around somewhere…”
Quia tuum es fatum titulis discidiis, vexillinis limbis nationalis,
gloriam seriis mundialisque, nunc et in saecula saeculorum...
Amen.
by Zeke on Aug 31, 2009 6:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good pitching match-up is the only reason I'll be around tonight.
My interest in this team has wavered.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Aug 31, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Too true...
If it was still Wandy Rodriguez pitching, I would have just stayed home and watched re-runs.
by Damen Jackson on Aug 31, 2009 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anybody else watching WGN?
I hadn’t noticed how ridiculously stupid “Two and a Half Men” is until just now. It’s no “According to Jim” but damn close.
by chilango2 on Aug 31, 2009 6:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I missed a lot of this weekend
Any further word on Sori? I thought the MRI didn’t show anything, but I don’t know if he’s out tonight to rest or has more information come out?
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 31, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cortisone shot..
And back in the lineup by Wednesday.
by Damen Jackson on Aug 31, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
It never gets to be easy
by chitownhawkeye on Aug 31, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many brothas fell victims to tha streetz
Rest in peace young bros
there’s a Heaven for a ‘G’
be a lie
If I told ya that I never thought of death
my bros
we tha last ones left
and life goes on….
COOL BEANS!
by lexmarklover on Aug 31, 2009 6:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Its funny.
As much as I’ve been disappointed with this season. We’re still only 5.5 GB in the Wild Card. I mean if you think about it we could be a Mets fan, or a Pirates, or Reds, or Diamondbacks, or Nationals, or Padres, or I don’t even know but the thing is, we’re still playing in meaningful games with an above .500 record.
I’m keeping hope because I saw last year what this team is capable of, and if they do reel off a 10-12 game winning streak, we’re right there.
Change is inevitable; progress is optional.
by Devin B on Aug 31, 2009 6:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
both heilman & harden
said they DID NOT want to leave the cubs. they both believe this team is capable of making the playoffs.
if aaron & rich, two players who could’ve debarked the ship had they wanted to, believe it, then so do i.
so should you.
GO CUBS! BEAT ASTROS!
by brian custer on Aug 31, 2009 6:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hello everybody!
"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 Aug 31, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it too much to ask our bats to return to 2008 form for the last 34 games
of the season? It sure has been tough to watch games like yesterday when 9 of the first 11 outs were Ks. The Cubs need to surprise all of us and show real life at the plate. That would make the torture and mediocrity of the first 128 games worth the pain that we have endured. Even if the Cubs don’t make the play-offs (the most likely outcome at this point), it would be nice to see them go down with a pulse.
Go Cubs!! May your bats come to life and leave a good taste in our mouths (or at least make it easier to swallow this bitter pill of the 2009 season).
"I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
-- Dan Quayle
by LAcarl519 on Aug 31, 2009 7:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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