Why Do The Cubs Have A Problem With Houston? Cubs vs. Astros Preview, Monday 7/19, 7:05 CT
by Al Yellon on Jul 19, 2010 5:00 PM CDT
in Game Threads
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PrintThe Houston Astros are a bad team; they stand today 18 games under .500, and in April, I picked them to finish last in the NL Central (the Pirates, fortunately for Houston, are not cooperating).
Since the Cubs last played them on June 6, they're 15-20 and just lost two of three to the above-mentioned Pirates. And yet, the Cubs have lost four of six to this ragtag bunch. Why is that? Let's look at each of the six games played so far for clues.
- April 16 at Wrigley Field -- Cubs win 7-2. So far so good; good outing for Carlos Silva, 11 hits, and a three-run homer from Derrek Lee.
- April 17 at Wrigley Field -- this is the game where Tom Gorzelanny got hit in the shoulder in the third and had to leave the game. Roy Oswalt shut down the Cubs for seven innings, and by the time they pounded Brandon Lyon for three in the eighth, it was too late -- a 4-3 Astros win. Still, it was Oswalt, so give Houston some credit.
- April 18 at Wrigley Field -- here was the first inkling that 2010 was going to be, um, difficult. Carlos Marmol blew a save after 7.2 good innings from Ryan Dempster, and Sean Marshall had a rare bad outing. That sort of thing (good starts, bad bullpen work) became a theme over the next month.
- June 4 at Houston -- Carlos Zambrano got yanked in the fifth inning after taking 84 pitches to record 13 outs. Five relievers did a nice job, but the Cub offense decided to give Felipe Paulino his first win of the year after an 0-7 start. The last 13 Cubs hitters made outs.
- June 5 at Houston -- the Cubs win 8-5 behind Dempster and homers from Aramis Ramirez (he wouldn't hit another one until July 6) and Tyler Colvin. Even then, disaster nearly struck; an 8-3 lead in the 9th turned into 8-5 when Jeff Stevens couldn't finish it out and Marmol had to be summoned to save it.
- June 6 at Houston -- Randy Wells had one of his first-inning meltdowns, giving up three runs including a two-run homer to Carlos Lee. That was 37 games ago. Despite going 1-for-3 that day and raising his average to .310, Mike Fontenot has started exactly eight games since then.
Come to think of it, those six are a pretty good summary of the entire season before the All-Star break. Hopefully, the Cubs will look more like the team they have the last four days during this series.
Lineup via tweet from Carrie:
#Cubs lineup for Mon night vs #Astros RF Colvin, SS Castro, 1B Lee, 3B Ramirez, CF Byrd, LF Soriano, C Soto, 2B Baker, P Silva
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Wandy Rodriguez beat the Cubs on April 18 at Wrigley Field. Apart from that, he's had a pretty rough year, although better in his last four starts (3-1, 1.73, lowering his season ERA from 6.09 to 4.97). Derrek Lee likes to hit Wandy (14-for-32, .438, 3 HR).
Let's not talk about Carlos Silva's last start. Instead, let's talk about the seven good innings he threw vs. Houston in that previously-mentioned April 16 game at Wrigley Field, giving them only two unearned runs, striking out five, and walking nobody. Carlos Lee has hit him well in the past (9-for-30, 4 RBI).
Tonight's game is on WCIU -- again. Outside of Chicago, this station is just a rumor. If you have EI, you'll probably get the FSN Houston feed. Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Astros site The Crawfish Boxes.
Today's first pitch thread will be up at 7 pm CDT, and the overflows will post at 8 pm, 9 pm and 9:45 pm CDT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Comments
Man, I hope that is the lineup for tonight's game.
I’ve seen Theriot at leadoff too often to mention.
Also, Baker? How did he suddenly get out of Lou’s doghouse?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:02 PM CDT reply actions
Its W-ROD
He might throw a No-No against this Team.
Not exactly a gift to face him.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2010 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Colvin and Castro 1 and 2?
Soto in for a 5th straight game? No Theriot? WTG, Lou!
"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
Last night,
When I saw Colvin leading off, with Castro at #2, I said to Al something along the lines of “Theriot’s not at leadoff? Seriously?”
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions
And the more I thought about it last night in the bleachers VCF,
I thought some speed at the top to manufacture some runs against Halladay was the way to go. Surprised Lou came up with it. Maybe this is the type of players we need at the top and we just go with it for a few weeks.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
I was too, but apparently he knew they had been paired at the top last year...
“I like it,” Piniella said of the combination, which actually was reversed when the two played in Double-A last year. “I like the young kids up there, they swung the bats good. Why disturb something that worked?”
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions
I know, that's the impression I got too.
Nice meeting you last night, btw.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions
Always nice to put a face with another poster.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
When did Lou find out Theriot is spelled
BAKER
If a quality pitching start is 3 runs and 6 innings, then a quality hitting day is 1 for 4.
Don't you DARE play with my heart Josh.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2010 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions
You mean only Dan can do that?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions
This Just in:
THERIOT TO ROCKIES FOR PTBNL
Source: www.messingwithSWL.org
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2010 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
ha
You suck! I TOTALLY fell for that for 5 seconds.
Yep. took me about that long to read it again and notice the source.
Curses he knows the readers here so well!
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Nice one.
You got me.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2010 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
...
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2010 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Son, I am Disappoint.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 19, 2010 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions
THAT IS CRUEL AND UNUSUAL PUNISHMENT
You on my bad list looking as evil as I can
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I can look more evil than you :P
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions
With a name like yours probably
We could give him evil looks,
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Evil is good to combat evil.
He got me for a few seconds too.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
An ESPN article came out today...
about Theriot wanting to stay in Chicago. It would be weird if he was traded the day that article came out.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
"Theriot emerges as Mentor for Castro"?
I like Theriot. He can be the next Joe Morgan! Are the TV cameras rolling?
"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.
dont teach him baserunning, ryan
or fielding
or batting approaches
.. just stay away from him
by jesus christos on Jul 19, 2010 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I have no ill will towards Theriot personally
I don ‘t view him as a menace to society. I just don’t want him as the starting 2nd baseman lead off guy.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Watch Castro's Wikipedia page
To see what he learns from the scrappy master of PR
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
MLB.TV is looking like the better deal every day for out of town fans.
The WCIU feed is available on MLB.TV but not on Extra Innings. Also, MLB.TV is cheaper than EI. If you can connect the computer to the TV or watch MLB.TV on a device like the PS3 you’re better off with MLB.TV through a fast speed internet connection.
I’m traveling and will probably check the game on my computer tonight for a few innings.
MLB is the baseball version of CRACK
When I go home to visit my family, they have it. It’s totally awesome
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:17 PM CDT up reply actions
I was blacked out last Mon.
when it was free on MLB. I’d be blacked out if I had MLB.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
OH NO NOT WANDY RODRIGUEZ
The cubs will not be able to score because they will be baffled by his 72 MPH Changeup for 7 and 2/3 innings.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2010 5:15 PM CDT reply actions
I think Lou is really set on Colvin/Castro at the top of the order.
Colvin leading off against a lefty! Wow.
do you still ever use your messager?
I finally got mine redowned a few weeks ago
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Not for a while, I've been on my lap top
and don’t have it there. :)
Believe or Leave ~Cubswynn 9/9/2008
My old laptop died
and finally got around to putting it on the new lap top not that long ago
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions
re-downloaded is what I meant
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Looking like it.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
MLBTraderumors.com
Talking about the Tigers + Lilly + Theriot.
"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)
if you need a good laugh
read the comment by chris in the mlbtr article about this
by jesus christos on Jul 19, 2010 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions
LOL!
“That Japanese SS we have.” HAHA.
This comment was just as funny:
The nickname The Riot might not go over as well in Detroit.
"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)
Who is that SS?
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
i think hes referring to lee
who i know is that korean SS we have
by jesus christos on Jul 19, 2010 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions
bingo. too funny
"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)
Nice!
Josh77, I think you need to teach him a few things about the Cubs’ minor league system.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions
heres some more insightful comments regarding the cubs from the one and only
by jesus christos on Jul 19, 2010 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
I think we've found out who Eric Hanna really is.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Any relation?
"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
so i have directv with
No mlb package. No chance I get the houston ch?? Ch 678
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 19, 2010 5:40 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2010/7/15/1572057/mlb-extra-innings-free-preview#comments
"Brant Brown...DROPS THE BALL!!!!"
by cubswgnrocks on Jul 19, 2010 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah well I live in Iowa
and was blacked out of the game last week when it was on WCIU . I have DirecTV.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
I'm hoping like
crazy I get channel 678 tonight.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
in des moines hoping the same
by cozmotaylor123 on Jul 19, 2010 6:22 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Did you have any damage
from the storm in your area Sat. night?
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
hoping like crazy this line up gets some hits
Baker has a good night
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Tonight,
I’ll be able to watch the game on TV for a change, even though it’s on WCIU.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
Mount Washington conquered July 5, 2010
State high point count: 3/50
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:42 PM CDT reply actions
It's always weird when I go to Chicago
They show every Cubs game with the Cubs announcers on regular TV! It speaks volumes about the good taste in the general area, IMHO.
"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
The rookies are 1st and 2nd in the order, Soto is playing, Theriot is out.
I don’t wanna hear bitching about the order people.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:48 PM CDT reply actions
Why is Lee batting third?!?!?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
LOL
I knew it!
yeah he shouldn’t be. Just sayin’.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
The only downside in all of this is,
Lou will probably stay with the two rooks there only as long as they both hit everyday in it.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions
Byrd is the...
third?
"You’re playing a baseball game. You’re not playing Tiddlywinks. There is competition, for God’s sake."— Lou Piniella
me too
Not holding my breathe on it being more than a one day thing. Even Theriot back will be business as usual.
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Thank you Lou for leaving
Tyler and Starlin at the top of the lineup.
Good luck Carlos.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
Good luck Carlos, and Good luck Carlos.
Let’s hope they need the closer if we’re not ahead by a lot.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Bad news for you Sue, at least has been so far hearing from Lou...
His comment after the game: “I like it,” Piniella said of the combination, which actually was reversed when the two played in Double-A last year. “I like the young kids up there, they swung the bats good. Why disturb something that worked?”
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions
Reading that MLBTR article....
And I am so sick of people using blanket statements like “that guy couldn’t make it in the AL”
That photo is not really caption-worthy. Yesterday was a lot better. You can do better, Al.
The only thing in it that looks curious to me is Colvin doesn’t seem to be wearing his glove.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:05 PM CDT reply actions
He's been traded.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:16 PM CDT up reply actions
hmmm...
extry !!!!!!!!!!! tonight…more fired up than usual?
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions
and he actually be serious!1111111111111111111111
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Ryan Theriot is AMAZING!
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2010 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't tell Hendry...
He seems to love those.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions
We have a Carlos with a bloated Contract we would like to move too.
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Jul 19, 2010 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually he's just bloated
"They say the glee team has lured straggler into sniper traps with cheery renditions of hit songs." "Really? And people fall for that?"
favorite paragraph
To give a player a nine-figure contract, an organization has to be absolutely certain about his desire, work ethic and skills. If the Astros didn’t understand that Lee occasionally had a laid-back attitude, shame on them.
Exchange laid back with tempermental and does that sound familar?
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions
anyone who lives in the Des Moines area with satellite, like myself
the game is on channel 446
by Cubs and Hawks fan on Jul 19, 2010 6:46 PM CDT reply actions
Are you sure it's not blacked out?
"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
Switch to the hi-def feed?
"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
Switch to P&R?
"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
you should call tech support ...course you probably already did that.
they usually will fix a problem for me or at least give me credit for games not working.
Shut Up Joe Morgan
by Sandberg's evil twin on Jul 19, 2010 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions
That is so strange Em.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
this weekend
hi lite clips on MLB @ bat, said that exact same thing. When we went to watch them. It showed the hi lite, but no sound with it
"Actually, Major League Baseball is more like Neverland
And the Lost Boys don’t have to ever grow up. Some do, anyway, but that is not a universal characteristic"
by Madison Cub Fan on Jul 19, 2010 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
Jump, my minions!
"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
And blacked out.
Bastards!!!
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
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