Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview, Sunday 4/3, 1:20 CT: Welcome, Matt Garza
by Al Yellon on Apr 3, 2011 11:00 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
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Today is the day when we begin to find out the results of the somewhat controversial deal that brought Matt Garza from the Rays to the Cubs. Of the seven players involved in that deal, the only ones who made 25-man rosters this year were Garza... and Sam Fuld.
Gordon Wittenmyer in the Sun-Times has a profile of Garza including some things about how he has toned down his fiery personality a little -- but not too much -- so he can focus on his pitching instead of getting into clashes with his teammates, as he did with Dioner Navarro while he was with the Rays in 2008.
Garza didn't have a good spring and his statement supposedly blaming the dry air in Arizona didn't sit well with a lot of people. It's time for him to show us the reasons Jim Hendry was willing to send four minor leaguers to Tampa for him. Also, the Cubs have a chance to win a series against a team that was very tough on them a year ago and get this year off to a positive start. It's forecast to be the "warmest" day of the three days so far this season, with temperatures in the 60s.
For everyone who wants Starlin Castro to lead off, you are getting your wish -- for today, at least. Lineup:
Castro SS, Barney 2B, Byrd CF, Ramirez 3B, Pena 1B, Soto C, Soriano LF, Colvin RF, Garza P
Uniform number trivia and a bit of Cubs history: the last Cubs pitcher to wear No. 17 before Garza was Dave LaRoche, who wore it in 1973 and 1974. Since 1974 only two other Cubs pitchers have worn numbers lower than 20, both No. 13: Turk Wendell (1993-97) and Will Ohman (2006-07). If LaRoche's name sounds familiar, his sons are Adam LaRoche and Andy LaRoche, current major league players. He had two mediocre years as a Cubs reliever before becoming a pretty decent late-inning reliever (before they were called "closers") and posting 126 career saves.
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Stats are 2010 season final stats
Matt Garza, because of his travels through the American League with the Twins and Rays, has missed pitching against the Pirates in interleague play -- this is his first career start against them. The only current Pirate he has faced is ex-Blue Jay Lyle Overbay (9-for-36, .250, 10 strikeouts).
Ross Ohlendorf's 1-11 W/L record is misleading -- he posted a decent 4.07 ERA and had the second-worst run support in the NL last year, only 2.9 runs per game started (21 starts). As befits Pirates pitchers from 2010, when they dominated the Cubs, he had a 2.08 ERA in two starts, both no-decisions (the Pirates won one and lost one). Geovany Soto is 3-for-8 against him.
Today's game is back on WGN, and also on ROOT Sports in 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 1:15 p.m. CDT and the overflow threads will post at 2:15 pm, 3:15 pm and 4 pm CDT. These time frames will be pretty standard for most regular season games this year -- game preview about two hours to game time, a first pitch thread (on the front page) at game time, and then overflows at an hour, two hours and 2:45 after game time (approximately). If you need more overflows due to rain delays or extra innings, post them in the fanshot section.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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That's an interesting tidbit about the pitchers'' uniform #
I guess I never thought about it.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 11:01 AM CDT reply actions
It's curiously awkward seeing a pitcher
in amateur ball with a single digit. Or, it it to me.
It is unusual.
Probably because of how the numbers came about originally.
by Shanghai Badger on Apr 3, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Count me as one of the people NOT happy to see Castro leading off...
…if only because he’s looked so comfortable in the 2 hole. But, unfortunately, that’s what happens when you have so few other options.
Castro leading off AND Colvin starting!
Quade is starting to learn! Next step is Byrd out of the 3 hole. I wouldn’t mind seeing Byrd hitting 2nd some point in the future.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 11:07 AM CDT reply actions
Who would you bat 3rd?
There are no real viable options in this roster…
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Ramirez is a better option than Byrd.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Soto or Pena.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Peña will SO 200 times this year.
Soto may be a viable option actually.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
I wouldn't mind Colvin 3rd either
As I have expressed everal times already this year, I think he will be our best hitter this year, maybe 2nd behind Rammy. He DID lead the team in slugging last year. I’m not sure how many people know that. As for Pena, he hit 4th for one of the best teams in baseball for 3 straight years, and had his best numbers coming from the 4 hole. I think we would be fine with him there.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
It's been 2 games.....
Let’s give Byrd a few more games to see if he can handle hitting third, OK?
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
It has nothing to do with his hitting this year
He’s hit over 20 homeruns once in his career. His next highest was 12 homeruns that he hit last year. His career slugging is 422. He’s just not a 3 hitter.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Colvin may very well be a 3 hitter
Just not right now. I don’t want to put too much pressure on the young kid. Let the veteran handle the role for now. I am willing to give Byrd 15-20 games to see if he can drive in runs. If not, then make the change.
"Chicago baseball fans, who are composites of scar tissue and mortifying memories..." - George F. Will
Avatar provided courtesy of AndrewJStone.
furthermore the league re-adjusted last year to him.
His swing was cut down last year as he realized, smartly, that he wasn’t in Arlington and would need to make more contact. If he can keep any gains from early on last year he’s a great 2 hitter.
"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan
If I were making the lineup
I would go
Castro
Byrd
Rammy
Pena
Soto
Colvin
Soriano
Barney
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Castro would be better in the one or two hole
He has a good avg and a bit of speed. If he developed more power then I would agree with you.
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by jasperthepilot on Apr 3, 2011 11:45 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Not a fan of Castro leading off
Although with Fook out of the lineup and a RHP on the mound, he is probably the best option. Don’t like Barney in the 2 hole, either. Honestly, Byrd hitting in the 3 hole against a RHP is probably a bad idea as well. Honestly, this lineup sucks.
You mean Soriano isn't a leadoff hitter?!?!?
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't mind Castro leading off
But I think Barney should be in the eighth spot, and the rest of the lineup moved up a spot.
Barner might be a good choice for 2nd if Quade is looking at a little
more of a small-ball approach. I think over time Barney will prove to be one of the better bat handlers around for bunting, hitting and running (although Castro might be the best on the team for hit and run). And I think Barney is a smart enough player to know what he’s there to do. Get on base, and move Castro along.
"Enough foreplay- let's get crackin'"- Fred Garvin
Got a last-second invite today.
Since I’m undefeated on the year I obviously expect to bring home another winner.
BTW, here are a couple of pics I took yesterday:
Taco Dog:
Wrigley Panorama (a wee bit sloppy, can be tough lining these up outdoors with moving parts):
OK, getting ready and then off to Wrigley. Go Cubs!
Twitter: @brandonrifkin
Blog: The Hot Glove || Heckler: The Heckler
That taco dog pic looks great. A bit surreal even.
The light and contrast are fantastic.
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Did you use
a polarizing filter on the taco dog pic? That’s a neat shot for something that would typically be shot on a camera phone or something.
DEJESUS!!!
All I used was the Pro HDR app on my iPhone.
You’ll notice a slight ghost image of the guy’s head on the right – that’s from the HDR app taking 2 pics and him moving a little in the middle of that. I upped the brightness just a touch then after to bring out the blue in the sky.
But yeah, I’m consistently awed by the stuff you can do with the iPhone’s camera.
Twitter: @brandonrifkin
Blog: The Hot Glove || Heckler: The Heckler
it's the taco that ate Chicago!
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 3, 2011 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you have to do this to me?
Now I’m hungry!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Just got Club Box seats, Sec. 16, row C for $73 each for Wed. vs. Arizona.
Face value is $120, plus all the bs fees. So I figure I saved like $65 on each ticket. Good for me! High five!
"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo
Isn't that Soto's spot?
"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
Lou Piniella isn't the manager anymore.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Let's get another W today
get this season started with a series win. GO CUBS!
Keep that Q Train rollin' in '11. Let's win it for Ronnie.
Great deals on tix...
available on craigslist, btw. Including first row in section 12 (above Cubs dugout) for under face. If I didn’t have plans I’d jump all over these.
I hope this trend continues!
One idea on lineups
There was quite a bit of angst leading up to the season on the Lineup. I’m imagining Q will tinker with it until something works. I could be wrong.
I'm all for tinkering,
but let’s tinker in a smart way. It has been mentioned that Byrd has only hit more than 20 home runs once in his career, the second most being 12. Those numbers don’t indicate that he would be successful in the three hole.
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by jasperthepilot on Apr 3, 2011 12:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
there's no perfect fit
But Ramirez, Soto, even Soriano would probably do better in that spot
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by jasperthepilot on Apr 3, 2011 12:44 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
In my opinion, we kinda replaced Lilly with Garza
So I’m curious to their seasons records this year. T Lilly is down 0-1 at thhis time. (But up about 5.5mil) And yes, I know it wasn’t a Lilly out/Garza in deal but Garza is the new veteran SP in the rotation.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Right or wrong,
we weren’t bringing back Lilly. In getting rid of Theriot and moving a guy we would have non-tendered, we snagged DeWitt and prospects Brett Wallach and Kyle Smit.
Hey Tim
I know. But “phyiscally speaking” Garza replaced Lilly. Both “#3s”…so to speak
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I'm liking this lineup.
But as someone said above, I don’t like Byrd in the 3-hole. I wish they would go with this:
Castro SS, Barney 2B, Ramirez 3B, Pena 1B, Byrd CF, Soto C, Soriano LF, Colvin RF, Garza P
or with Byrd and Soto switched. I feel like the 3-hole is the most important place in the order. It often seems to come up in important spots late in games. I’d prefer Ramirez there or Castro if he develops more power.
I'm here,
Ready for another win over the Pirates!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 12:19 PM CDT reply actions
Hello VCF
I gotta be “in & out”…yardwork… and callin for 62 today! (But rain later…)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Send it to me.
There’s a potential rain/snow mix on forecast for tomorrow.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Chicago had similar forecast the other day
…much to do about nothing…
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Regarding Byrd in the 3 hole
He has 332 plate appearances there and his lowest batting average of any position in the lineup (240). Not to mention just 5 homeruns and 35 RBI’s. I love Marlon, but the man just isn’t a 3 hitter. I hope to see Starlin leading off and Byrd hitting second. 47% of balls he puts in play are grounders. As long as his speed avoids double plays on those balls, he sounds like a good 2 hitter to me.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 3, 2011 12:28 PM CDT reply actions
Reds lead again, 2-1,
And have runners at second and third, two out in the bottom of the second.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
Make that bases loaded, two out.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Al I don't mean to nitpick but
There were 8 players in the deal. We gave up Archer, Lee, Chirinos, Guyer, and Fuld, and we received Garza, Perez, and Zachary Rosscup.
by Mulhollandmania on Apr 3, 2011 12:40 PM CDT reply actions
You are correct.
Sorry, I had forgotten that.
Check out Chicago sports coverage at SB Nation Chicago
Soriano and Colvin
What does it say about a team when its corner outfielders bat seventh and eighth?
Corner outfielders aren't
a system strength?
it could mean all of the other position players are superstars
Sadly it doesn’t
Excuse me, do these effectively hide my thunder?
by jasperthepilot on Apr 3, 2011 12:54 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Game in Cincinnati looks to be a scoring festival early.
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 12:50 PM CDT reply actions
Triple play in the White Sox - Cleveland game
Runners on 1st and 2nd. Runners going, Alexei Ramirez bunts a pop up. Santana makes a nice diving play, throw to 1st, and then a throw to 2nd..
by jerry morales rules on Apr 3, 2011 1:02 PM CDT reply actions
Guten Abend - Win the series, Cubs!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
GO CUBS!!!
first game for me that I get to watch :)
hope it’s a good one!
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Hey Coolio!
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Arrrrgh, the weather here be summer like. Arrrgh
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
cool! it's pretty nice (springish) here
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Thats good, weather will turn cooler here tomorrow, but the weekend was pretty good
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
I'm sitting on the patio in Vegas
it is about 70 degrees.
By all that's holy, I am going to attend the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp.
:(
turn this comment green with envy
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Hey Coolio!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions
Uh-oh, VCF alert!
I didn't believe it last August, but it turns out that love survives.
State high point count: 3/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Apr 3, 2011 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions
wow, last year the Cubs were 2-67 when trailing in the 7th I think BB said
"Well-behaved women seldom make History"---Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
that's completely unacceptable
where was the “fight” in 2010 Cubs?
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
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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