Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview, Saturday 5/28, 12:05 CT: The Return Of Randy Wells

by Al Yellon on May 28, 2011 10:00 AM CDT in Chicago Cubs Game Threads

Just what is Tony Campana of the Chicago Cubs afraid of? (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Well, at least there's that -- the Cubs are back up to 60% of their Opening Day starting rotation with the return of Randy Wells this afternoon to face the Pirates. I am struck by the sadness of "celebrating" the fact that "only" two of the Cubs' five original starters are now on the DL. That, unfortunately, is all I've got today. Casey Coleman is returning to Iowa to make room on the 25-man roster for Wells.

How about some nostalgia instead? On May 28, 1977, 34 years ago today, also a Saturday, the Cubs beat the Pirates 6-3 to move into first place in the NL East. After three down years, the Cubs began to get hot right around this time of year. They finished a three-game sweep of the Pirates the next day and stayed in first place until early August. The rest of that season -- perhaps best not discussed.

Oh, and it was 76 degrees and sunny that day. The National Weather Service says it's going to be 75 today; I'll believe that when I see it. And there's a chance of rain. Again.

Cubs lineup:

Campana cf, Barney 2b, Castro ss, Ramirez 3b, Soriano lf, Montanez rf, Pena 1b, Hill c, Wells p

Pirates lineup:

Tabata lf, Jones rf, McCutchen cf, Walker 2b, Overbay 1b, Pearce 3b, Snyder c, Cedeno ss, Maholm p

Today's Starting Pitchers


Randy Wells Cubs	vs.	Paul Maholm Pirates

1-0	W-L	1-7
1.50	ERA	3.65
6	SO	44
4	BB	25
1	HR	4
vs. Hou	--	vs. Cubs

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2011 - Randy Wells	1-0	1	1	0	0	0	0	6.0	6	1	1	1	4	6	1.50	1.67

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2011 - Paul Maholm	1-7	10	10	0	0	0	0	61.2	55	27	25	4	25	44	3.65	1.30

Randy Wells made just one start this year before going on the DL. He faced the Pirates three times last year and had two pretty good starts and one really bad one, where he gave up six runs and didn't get out of the second inning. Lifetime vs. Pittsburgh he has a 3.46 ERA in five starts covering 26 innings and Andrew McCutchen is the Pirate who has touched him up most: 6-for-11, a double, a triple.

Paul Maholm started the second game of this season vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field. He threw 6.2 shutout innings, but the Cubs won (the only win in that series) by touching up the Pittsburgh bullpen for five runs. He made four starts vs. the Cubs last year and won three of them. He's been hit hard by Jeff Baker (7-for-14, four doubles), Starlin Castro (5-for-11, two doubles) and Reed Johnson (7-for-11, 2 doubles). I could add that Aramis Ramirez has homered twice off him, but that would be an act of pure optimism. The last HR Ramirez hit off Maholm was in 2007 and the only one he's hit this year was off Armando Galarraga, who has been DFA'd.

Today's game is on CSN Chicago and ROOT Sports in Pittsburgh. Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com game preview

SB Nation game preview

Please visit our SB Nation Pirates site Bucs Dugout.

Today's first pitch thread will be up at 12 noon CDT and the overflow threads will post at 1 pm, 2 pm and 2:45 pm CDT. If you need more overflows due to extra innings or rain delays, post them in the fanshot section.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Tweet Comment 94 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Anyone have a ticket they are looking to get rid of?

After having my gallbladder removed I finally feel good enough to attend a game.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on May 28, 2011 10:04 AM CDT reply actions

Isn't attending a Cubs game more painful than having your gallbladder removed?

"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 May 28, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions

I assume you mean "without anethesia"?

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Bruce Levine rips Cubs management today

on his ESPN show, said the Red Sox get rid of their dead weight contracts and the Cubs continue to go with veterans who are done….he didn’t mention any names. He said it was a disgrace that the Cubs cut 10% in payroll this year and they need to spend the money. He also said this is Chicago and there’s no excuse for the position the Cubs are in.

by MikeJW on May 28, 2011 10:05 AM CDT reply actions

Interesting.

Is he talking about Aramis? Sori and Z have been pretty good this year.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on May 28, 2011 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions

Could not agree more

I’m glad to see that people are starting to catch on to the nonsense the current Cubs ownership is trying to peddle.

Plain and simple they’re either A) Cheap…B) incompetent or C) a combination of both.

Sori, btw, is NOT having a good season unless you measure success solely by watching him hit two run homers in the 9th when the Cubs are down by four. Watching him for three more years is going to be like having a long, slow root canal without novocaine.

by bluekoolaide on May 28, 2011 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Relative to the rest of the team, yes he is.

Which was part of my point, if Levine is calling out players Sori probably shouldn’t be one of them.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on May 28, 2011 10:37 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I don't know about that.

But he wouldn’t be the first player I’d call out

It never gets to be easy.
Why the fuck doesn't it ever get to be easy?

by chitownhawkeye on May 28, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Soriano isn't having a good season.

He’s also not having a terrible season. But somewhere between good and terrible isn’t worth $18 million. And, in this case, his salary is relevant because he might not be starting everyday if he were making what he’s actually worth.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on May 28, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

He'd be starting on this team if he were making the league minimum.

Sure he has a terrible K/BB ratio, but other than that he’s putting up a solid year. He’s on pace for over 30 HR and 90 RBI, is second in the NL in HR, is 9th in the league with a .535 SLG %, and has raised his batting average 20 points over last year. He may not completely live up to his contract, but he’s still an above average offensive player. The reason he’s starting isn’t because of his contract, it’s because he’s one of our best hitters.

by Dcr18 on May 28, 2011 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions

Have you seen him play LF? He may have given up more runs in the field than he has driven in.

by ClarkFan on May 28, 2011 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions

That doesn't make Lou Montanez or Tony Campana more prodcutive players.

Sure he’s more of a DH, but you can’t have a hitter like that be a bench player, whether he’s making 18 million or 400 K, especially on a team like this.

by Dcr18 on May 28, 2011 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Sure you can bench him, and should if his net contributions are negative

Soriano isn’t there yet, but it is coming. Vlad Guerrero is a better hitter and the Ranges still had to bench him in the WS last year – that is the 2012 version of Soriano.

And even as a hitter, he is pretty “meh” – when a good pitcher is actually bearing down, Sori becomes an easy out.

by ClarkFan on May 28, 2011 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes, but when we face good pitchers, just about everyone becomes an easy out...

by Danwood on May 28, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

...or Kevin Correia

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Just North of Wrigley Field

by jameslcrockett on May 28, 2011 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

My point is that there are no better options than Soriano on this team.

He’s still a productive offensive player and can carry a team during one of his two week hot streaks. He’s far from an ideal player, but give me him over Lou Montanez and Tony Campana any day.

by Dcr18 on May 28, 2011 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I must to an extent, disagree.

Were I to rephrase the question to “Have Soriano and Z done a respectable job”? The answer is a resounding yes, better than expected. As for two players combined making in excess of 30 million this year? No Sir, not even close. Will Z ever win 18-20 games? Unlikely, however he’s paid in that manner.

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Likewise ...

will Soriano ever be the best hitter on the club — which isn’t even that good? I think we all know the answer.

$18 million (often) hitting seventh is telling.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on May 28, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

But look at all the HOMERS!!!

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 28, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention the singles off the OF walls....

by ClarkFan on May 28, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions

???

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on May 28, 2011 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Hiya Eths!

Enjoy the weekend…tho I suspect yours is just a normal one in your locale?

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

'tis very normal

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on May 28, 2011 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I dont think he is talking about Z....The rest can go....all the older players that are loafing around.

Levine is right…

by TJ11 on May 28, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Ramirez has clearly quit and is just playing out the string at this point

The fact that Quade doesn’t sit his lazy ass pretty much tells you all you need to know about his coddling approach to veterans.

And how anybody can watch Soriano for more than a couple of games and say he’s not having a bad season is beyond me. Anytime he’s in a position to really affect the game he flails away helplessly at low and away pitches. He’s a complete and total butcher in the outfield and he runs like he’s seventy years old. Apart from that though…yeah, he doing really well-LOL.

by bluekoolaide on May 28, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

5th on the team in batting average.

1st in RBI’s. 1st in HR’s. The point is he shouldn’t be the first guy to be called out by Levine.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on May 28, 2011 10:54 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

is it coddling or lack of a "power" option?

to insert at 3b for Rami? not that Rami is showing ANY power this season

Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can block a Chuck Norris round house
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
slcathena is my wonder twin, and our battle cry is "Twinners rooting for the Winners (by which I mean Starwin and Darwin)"

by Cubbie-Tim on May 28, 2011 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Me and my buddies are headed

downrown for the game. Really disappointing Reed isn’t getting the start. The guy has been so clutch so far and has now not been in the lineup for 3 days.

by Frozen Toews on May 28, 2011 10:12 AM CDT reply actions

Might still be hurting a bit

The kids + Sori OF may be interesting to watch.

"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 May 28, 2011 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Couldn't agree more

I just don’t get it. Campana is OK, but Reed has been hitting the ball harder than anyone else in the lineup

by JG23 on May 28, 2011 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

not sure

he said the red sox ate the 100 million jd drew contract and mentioned another player. He was really upset about them deducting from the payroll and said they need to spend money. He’s probably totally disgusted having to watch this team day in and day out. It was good stuff from such a respected guy…..

by MikeJW on May 28, 2011 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

...

WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station

by Gibbon Jockey on May 28, 2011 10:15 AM CDT reply actions

Pitch f/x guru Harry Pavlidis wrote on Twitter:

Split squad game at Wrigley. The A team stayed behind at HoHoKam.

This season is more infuriating than most. Not quite 2009 yet, but it’s getting there.

"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo

by chilango2 on May 28, 2011 10:20 AM CDT reply actions

Haha!!! I had

the exact same discussion on BCB yesterday regarding which team is worse, 2009 or 2011. I can only point out that the 2009 records are in the books and cannot get worse. 2011 on the other hand, is only about 60 days in…
BTW- Happy Memorial Day to all BCBers. Thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that people like us are free to sit on our fat arses and beat up on the Cubs! I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the holiday! JS2

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

The numbers may say one thing

but I was talking about my biased opinion and how I feel about the team. I won’t look up numbers because I’m grading papers, but I bet at this time in 09, the team was doing better in all aspects. However, they were pretty annoying. I think soon enough, this group will be more annoying—to me—than the 09 Cubs, even with MFing Milton Bradley in RF.

"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo

by chilango2 on May 28, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

I heartily agree!

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Hey, y'all wanted the kids ...

Now you’ve got ’em.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 28, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes NBF, however

“The Kids” are largely the bright spot (excluding our once again college of pitchers)

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions

Campana and Montanez aren't really the kids people wanna see.

I’m fine with them starting today, but the Brett Jackson really should be called up in the next two weeks.

by Dcr18 on May 28, 2011 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

And Castro/Barney...

but please…don’t count Bobby (11 years in system) Scales amoung “the kids”? Seeyaz later…yard-work beckons…

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions

I want to see the kids tomorrow playing for Iowa

then they can all come up to Chicago

by Cubbie-Tim on May 28, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

At this point, the future starters are still in Knoxville - Iowa is more like a spare parts bin

by ClarkFan on May 28, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think Iowa has one intresting prospect unless Jay Jackson turns it around.

Tennessee is our most prospect rich team, which is good since the Cubs are comfortable with promoting players straight from AA anyways.

by Dcr18 on May 28, 2011 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions

Baker and Johnson must both be hurt....

Otherwise they should be playing 1b and CF…..

If they are not hurt. Quade should be fired before the game starts.

by TJ11 on May 28, 2011 10:35 AM CDT reply actions

Hey TJ11

I hope you enjoy the weekend and I apologise for “using your name in vain” in yest’days post!!!! :]

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Fired?

Not sure its a fireable offense, but I do agree with your lesser point with regards to Reed and Baker.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on May 28, 2011 10:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

You wanted Campana to start. Remember when you said he'd be blamed for the loss and wouldn't play today?

That was fun.

We'll all miss you Ron.

by alkappy on May 28, 2011 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions

I want him to play instead of Soriano...

A LHP is starting……Reed instead……I know its hard for you to understand platoons..

by TJ11 on May 28, 2011 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Not sure if this was posted here yet

But Rob Neyer brought out a stat yesterday about how the fill-ins for Wells and Cashner have done:

After Doug Davis’s brilliant outing for the Cubs Friday afternoon, we’re informed by Len Kasper that the three pitchers who have subbed for the injured Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner — the trio of Casey Coleman, James Russell, and lately Davis — have combined to go 2-11 with an 8.04 ERA in 16 starts.

http://mlb.sbnation.com/2011/5/27/2193824/the-cubs-unholy-3

The injuries have been a bad break this year. As bad as the team has looked, I do think we could have been competitive if Wells and Cashner were healthy and pitching well.

by Bradsbeard on May 28, 2011 10:46 AM CDT reply actions

and since I can't resist

if we had not traded Gorzo since we had so much pitching “depth”

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

I can't resist recommending this comment.

"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo

by chilango2 on May 28, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Stop it Stalker!!!

You’re making far too much sense out of all this!!! I can vividly recall wondering just bout 3 months ago: "WTH are we gonna do with all these Pitchers?!…and now…

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

In this alternate universe

Would Gorzo also have just hit the DL?

"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 May 28, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

I just hate those

inconvenient truths.

by Not Bruce Froemming on May 28, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Aha! Then it seems we

were “damned if we do and damned if we don’t”! After reading the possible replacements for Gorz…any chance we can give Nats Russell somehow??? :]

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Well

the only thing I can say about that is at least we would have gotten almost 2 months use out of him before he went down.

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on May 28, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Probaly not

Pretty unlikely that an injury happens when someone plays an entirely different set of games. It is not like he had any history of injuries and using this to say oh good we did not need him after all makes little sense. The Cubs made a decision that they had enough pitching depth and did not need a guy who could pitch out of the bullpen as well as start because they had enough depth and it was then and is now an terrible decison consistant with an overall lack of planning from the front office over the years.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Of course,

He could have gotten injured his first start for the Cubs…

Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team

by carmen_fanzone on May 28, 2011 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Who cares anyway?

You’re acting like Gorzo is the difference between 5th place and the World Series.

"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 May 28, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

He is probably the difference between 5 games under .500

and being at or over .500 but the basic point is the continuing mistakes of the front office in assessing the team and planing for contigencies.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions

That's not enough difference...

by SenorGato on May 28, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe not but it is significantly better

and at least keeps them alive.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

The ridiculousness of the Russell experiment aside

Gorzo doesn’t make this team any better. Our staff Ace has an ERA of 6.29. This is a horrible team.

"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 May 28, 2011 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Gorzo had an era roughly HALF of what the guys who replaced him did

How in the world does that not make the team better and give them a few more wins.
Instead of getting blown out in games started by Coleman, Russell, Davis. Unlike that group Gorzo also would go an average of six innings, not great but again MUCH better than what we had.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

It's not like we scored a bunch of runs in the games they pitched.

"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 May 28, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions

Cubs scored runs in a number of games they pitched

but they had no chance given the whole they had to dig out of and run through the bullpen

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Gorzelanny>Russell+Coleman*Davis(Lopez)∫Berg

"I'm not a broadcaster! I'm me!"--Ron Santo

by chilango2 on May 28, 2011 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, without the injuries the Cubs are probably on the other side of .500

But barely so.

No one should be untouchable on this roster unless his name is Eliot Ness...or Starlin Castro.

by cubzfan on May 28, 2011 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, but every club gets injuries - it's not like they lost Adam Wainwright

And the Cubs haven’t shown any resilience.

by ClarkFan on May 28, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Maybe... if all the guys who suck got hurt instead of Garza, Wells, and Cashner.

"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 May 28, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Then they wouldn't be able to put 9 guys out in the field....

by ClarkFan on May 28, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions

So, Baker AND Johnson are unavailable?

I mean, I’m fine playing the kids to a point, but this is ridiculous.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on May 28, 2011 10:53 AM CDT reply actions

Seeya at TJ11s... bout 1pm

we be drinking the blue kool-aid…make mine a double! :]

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm going to today's game.

The Pirates have are number, though. I had high hopes for Wells two months ago. Sure hope his injury won’t hinder his performance going forward.

Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

by elgato on May 28, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Enjoy the game!

They’ve been whoopin’ on us pretty good for 2 years now… its gotta end sooner or later…doesn’t it?

I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".

by jeffstorm2 on May 28, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Have fun at the game.

Get us a win. Please. I’m going tomorrow. My record is 0-5, so I fear they will be swept unless they win today.

Fasten those seat belts...

by katie casey on May 28, 2011 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Wells and lineup

That first paragraph is very close to how I feel about Wells being activated. A strong comeback, though, would be good for Randy Wells and for this team.

Time for the likes of Campana and Montanez to wow us and keep doing do. We’ll need at least one OFer for next year, right? Hendry might be able to trade Fukudome before the end of the season.

I don’t know where Pena hitting 7th is going to get them; especially with Hill and the pitcher following. Reminds me that Maddon moved Pena down to 7th, albeit on a team that was good.

by AboutTheCubs on May 28, 2011 11:08 AM CDT reply actions

Look on the bright side

we’ll win today, but unfortunately lose tomorrow. Know what that means folks? Yep, the series after this we’ll go win, loss, win, which will get us a series victory! HOLLER!

www.facebook.com/craighudak

by Craig in South Bend on May 28, 2011 11:10 AM CDT reply actions

Welcome back Randy -Go Cubs

If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.

by eths on May 28, 2011 11:26 AM CDT reply actions

Caption

Cubs OF Tony Campana looks up in horror at the Cubs scoreboard and realizes just how bad the team is.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:32 AM CDT reply actions

That has got to be the most messed up lineup Quade has ever put together.

Why is Montanez ahead of Pena? And I thought we were activating Geo today? We really need to get healthy, that is a bad bad lineup.

never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...

by wrigleyrocker12 on May 28, 2011 11:37 AM CDT reply actions

I would rather let Geo continue rehab

than rush him if he is not ready.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Geo got delayed a day because Tennessee got rained out the other night.

So his second and final rehab games is today.

by Dcr18 on May 28, 2011 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions

This topic will make a great vote/poll at the All Star break.

Vote for Q’s most messed up lineup of the year.

"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 May 28, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I already know which one I would vote for

even though it was a BLOWOUT I vote for last Friday’s game in Boston. Playing with a DH, Soriano played LF, to me that is worse than Hill batting cleanup.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions

OT: Has Ricketts made any comments in the media about where he thinks this team is going?

Is he taking an interest in what’s happening? Maybe he knows something we don’t?

"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.

by zevkalman on May 28, 2011 11:58 AM CDT reply actions

Campana > Fuld

by alabamacubbie on May 28, 2011 11:58 AM CDT reply actions

Don't get Doggie Stalker upset so early in the day.

"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.

by zevkalman on May 28, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

haha, I'm didn't think I would say that

but you guys will all see soon enough. I really believe this to be true.

by alabamacubbie on May 28, 2011 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions

It is not unfair except Fuld has more plate patience

and Campana has more speed. However it does give me the chance to mention that while still struggling Fuld had his third home run yesterday. I think that would tie him for 3rd on the Cubs.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either

by Doggie Stalker on May 28, 2011 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions

As much as the wind blows in, he would not have the same

amount of HR’s at Wrigley I believe. It would be impossible to compare that, but I see what you mean. Campana does not have the kind of power Fuld will have. In 5 years, if Campana was on an everyday roster, I believe he would have 5 or 6 HR’s in those years. The Cubs haven’t ever had a speedster like Campana is so many years that is. I believe is could play a pivotal role and be an important weapon once he matures. The problem with that is we don’t have the time or patience for this.

by alabamacubbie on May 28, 2011 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions

My nephew turns 26 today

and is celebrating at the Friendly Confines. I already told him, “Have something enjoyable planned for tonight!”

by EalyEagle on May 28, 2011 11:59 AM CDT reply actions

Let's kick this puppy off

http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2011/5/28/2194270/first-pitch-thread-cubs-vs-pirates-saturday-5-28-12-05-ct

"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 May 28, 2011 12:01 PM CDT reply actions