Cubs vs. Pirates Preview, Tuesday 8/31, 7:05 CT: Shooting For Milestones
by Al Yellon on Aug 31, 2010 4:00 PM CDT
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PrintThe Cubs were looking at having one of the worst months in their history until the managerial change was made. I'm not necessarily suggesting that there's a cause-and-effect here -- although often even bad teams have a "bounce" after a new manager is put in place during a season -- but the Cubs were 5-16 in August when Mike Quade took over. A win tonight would make them 11-18 this month, still bad, but not historically so.
Ryan Dempster is going for his 100th career victory tonight. It would also be win #50 as a Cub and would give him 41 victories since he returned to the starting rotation in 2008. I know that individual starting pitcher wins don't mean what they used to, but Dempster has been a solid member of the rotation for three seasons. This year, only one part of his game hasn't been great -- he's given up 22 home runs already, equal to his total from all of last year.
A victory tonight would move the Cubs to 6-2 under Quade and end a nice month for Dempster. More on Dempster's August after the jump.
Cubs lineup via tweet from Carrie:
#Cubs lineup for Tue vs #Pirates: 2B DeWitt, SS Castro, CF Byrd, 3B Ramy, 1B Nady, LF Soriano, RF Colvin, C Hill, P Dempster
Pirates lineup via tweet from BucsInsider:
Lineup - McCutchen 8 Tabata 7 Walker 4 Jones 3 Alvarez 5 Doumit 9 Cedeno 6 Snyder 2 Karstens 1
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Jeff Karstens has pitched twice against the Cubs this year; in 12 innings he's posted a 3.00 ERA and has a loss and a no-decision. That's about as well as he's thrown all year; in August he's 0-4 with a 7.65 ERA and he gave up 11 hits in 3.1 innings in his last outing vs. the Mets. Current Cubs are hitting .409 against Karstens (27-for-66) with seven doubles, a triple and four HR, including two from Alfonso Soriano. This looks like a good hitting night for the Cubs.
Ryan Dempster has two starts vs. the Pirates this year; he's given up three runs in seven innings in each of them and struck out 16 in the 14 innings -- but lost both games because the Cubs couldn't score. Presuming they can hit like they did last night, or even close, Dempster, who is 4-0 in August with a 1.31 ERA, should reach his milestone.
Today's game is on CSN Chicago Plus (check local listings; it's CLTV in Chicago and channel 285 on Comcast in Chicago for HD) and FSN Pittsburgh. Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout.
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
First
Go Cubs
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Third
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Aug 31, 2010 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Dempster has been a solid member of our staff and workhorse.
Plus, a great team member. Good luck Demp.
Just win, last night reminded me of how things were supposed to be this year.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
Hill starts again? Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu.......
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2010 4:12 PM CDT reply actions
yep
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2010 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
doesn't geo have an arm/elbow boo-boo?
by doofus cubs guy on Aug 31, 2010 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought it was his knee.
Castillo is with the club, but they won’t activate him until they decide if Geo needs to go on the DL. He won’t play anyway, so there is no need to activate him.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Tomorrow (Sept. 1) the rosters expand
So we can add Castillo then without having to put Soto on the DL.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 31, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
And when Hill STILL gets 3 starts a week what?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2010 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Why limit him to only 3 starts a week?
Obviously, I’d prefer to have Castillo play as much as possible, but I’m expecting the Cubs to have Hill start every day, just like he did when Castillo was called up earlier, and like last year when Soto was hurt.
by Jody Jody Davis on Aug 31, 2010 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought is was his knee....
and if it’s keeping him out of the lineup…what the hell good are they doing by having him play every 3 days? Shut him down completely and let Castillo play. Giving Hill ML AB’s in August/Sept. in a season like this is tantamount to a crime.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2010 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Absolutely.
Anyone who doesn’t know what we have with Hill by now should be coaching in the california penal league…(couldn’t resist the Major League ref)…and with Soto having to sit out it is very wrong to leave a rookie sitting on the bench or in the clubhouse. Bring the youngster up and see what he can do. You’ll always have Hill there to play if he gets out of hand.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions
...
You’ll always have Hill there to play if he gets out of hand you decide we don’t need to try.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2010 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Whatever Hill had going with Lou seems to be infecting the Quadster.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions
"Shiver me timbers..."
Arrrr…. If I had dressed them properly, they wouldn’t be shivering…
Skip: You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? ... Larry?
Larry: Lollygaggers!
Skip: Lollygaggers.
cedeno
is starting in right field? yikes, the bucks are bad
Wins still mean something to me
I’m old-fashioned that way. I like RBI too.
"It's all in the game, yo"
I hate when people say RBI'S
That’s like saying he had two runs batted ins
Are you calling me dumb? I'll reduce yer ship to rubble, ye parrot-loving sea dog... Splice the mainbrace!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
sigh....
parrot-loving sea dog... Splice the mainbrace!
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Should be RBIs if you're getting picky lol.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
OT
wife just got me a Boxer for my birthday….want to give it a Cubs themed name
any thoughts?
I’m thinking Woody for Kerry Wood…
OMFG!!
I used to have a boxer! God, I loved that dog. <3 I be loving doggies! Here be some hard-core names…. Gibbons, Barky Barkerton, Koyie Hill, Munchy, Dr. Winston O’Boogie, and Tim.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
poop... I meant
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
koyie hill
is a hard-core name?
I Love Larry - Brick are you looking at random things around the room and saying that you love them - I Love Larry
Currently 34,839 on the Season Ticket Wait List - Expected age of being #0: 119
Heck yea
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
Wrigley sounds nice.
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
Dog Names
Torco, Eamus Catuli, UnderArmour, Toyota, BrixNIvy, CubbieBear, John Barleycorn, Captin Morgan, Let’sPlayTwo, HeyHey, WooWoo, Chad (or Trixie), BobChin….
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Aug 31, 2010 5:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Mad Dog?
You had to figure I would suggest that one.
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 31, 2010 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd paint the word Cardinals on nearby trees and/ or fire hydrants.
Teach the boy what his targets should be.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Winston...
Can’t you just see him with a little bowler hat and a cigar?
Ramirez, Fukudome, Soriano and Zambrano. It's the 2010 Murderers' Row of baseball failure. - Paraphrasing Gene Wojciechowski
Ryno, Hawk, Tootblan, Santo, Ernie,
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
by cooliogirl47 on Aug 31, 2010 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions
"Wrigley" is always good, but then there's always..
…..
Santo
Ernie
Hack (for Hack WIlson or Stan Hack)
Gabby (Hartnett)
Charlie (Grimm)
Fergie
Brickhouse
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
hank white
or how about shawon pronounced like Harry said it “shah wone Dunston”
Sweetheart
Sorry DS, I just had to say it.
Tomorrow will always be better.... unless it isnt.
by Zy Toro Young on Aug 31, 2010 5:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
You could
Go with Wrigley…. I have two boxers and I told my wife that the next one will be named Wrigley. If it’s a girl you could go with Addison (call her addy)…..
by cubbiefanTN on Aug 31, 2010 6:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Boxers.....<3
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
caption
“Has anyone seen my missing batting average? It must be down here somewhere, along with my ability to field and run the bases”
"Lou Piniella's been a great manager for a long time and I stand by him completely"
Jim Hendry
by Doggie Stalker on Aug 31, 2010 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Anybody else wonder ...
why Nady has become the everyday No. 5 hitter? I’m not saying it’s the worst choice, but it’s just sort of odd.
I imagine
showing off his abilities playing everyday and hoping it will improve. He’s been capable of doing a lot better in the past, and if it succeeds by the end of the season he increases his trade value plus you get something for his salary.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 5:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Demp is my favorite Cub
and I hope he pitches a great game tonight. I also hope those other guys on the team didn’t wear themselves out hitting last night. :D
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
Go Cubs and Bunnies!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
That's Eths?
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
No it isn't, really and truly...
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Chilango2 tricked me.
"A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality." John Lennon
You aren't orange enuff. :)
Better eat more carrots.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm already sick to all
the Manny crap on CTL.
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
...
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 31, 2010 5:38 PM CDT up reply actions
Not at all.
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
It's official: Strasburg to have Tommy John surgery on Friday
I posted the link as a fanpost, but thought it should be mentioned here. What a shame..
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
I hope it goes well. Terrible thing for such a young man at the beginning of his career
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
why no fukudome?
he’s actually put together a pretty nice season all around. homers in his last two games, .365 avg 1.117 ops in the last 30 days. this guy needs to be in the lineup against a righty after sitting last night.
bring back harden.
I suspect that Quade is simply trying to increase Colvin's playing time.
However you are right Fuk should play and to do that it might have been a good idea to play him in left and sit Sori. Can’t please everyone I suppose.
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
colvin
should be starting at first to see if we actually have anything there. he made a great throw last night and looks like a solid outfielder, but he also looks athletic enough to play first.
starlin actually makes this season bearable.
They are still having
Colvin at first in the pregame warmups but Quade said he won’t be playing there the next few games. They want him to be comfortable there before they have him play him in a game.
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
Tweet by Al
1 hour to gametime 8/31 @ #Wrigley. Approximately 100 people in bleachers #Cubs http://twitpic.com/2k2oqe
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
insane
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Am I missing something, or is there a reason they are clustered together in left like that?
maybe I missed an announcement of Al and his friends getting together…
Starlin Castro singles on a pop up to catcher Jason LaRue.
Ryan Theriot scores. Two out -Gameday 7/23/10
by Sandberg's evil twin on Aug 31, 2010 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions
they are confused about which Chicago team got Manny?
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Misery loves company?
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
Caption
coach said we must find new ways to win, maybe there is one beneath the plate
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Bunny sez Hop!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
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