Click on each photo to open a larger version in a new browser window. Photos by David Sameshima

It's his first day as Official BCB Photographer, so David sent me several excellent photos taken yesterday.

The Ernie Banks Statue

"Let's Play Two!" (complete with apostrophe)

David's dad, Chihiro "Joe" Sameshima, holds up a sign for Dome, reading "WELCOME TO CHICAGO'S WRIGLEY FIELD, KOSUKE FUKUDOME"

L to R: Dome's interpreter Ryuji Araki, Dome, and Z in RF during BP

Dome greets bleacher fans before Wednesday's game. All photos by David Sameshima.

Today's Starting Pitchers

R. Dempster Cubs vs.  D. Bush Brewers 2-7 W-L 12-10 4.72 ERA 5.12 55 SO 134 30 BB 44 8 HR 27 vs. Mil -- vs. Cubs

Ryan Dempster's last start was, oddly enough, against the Brewers on May 4, 2005, and he went 6.2 innings, allowing 3 earned runs. Only one current Brewer has more than 10 career AB vs. Dempster -- Jason Kendall, who's 12-for-26 against him, all singles, no RBI.

The Cubs are 5-1 vs. Bush in his career, and he had a 7.00 ERA in three starts vs. the Cubs last year (the Cubs won all three). Aramis Ramirez is .316/.381/.632 lifetime vs. Bush with 3 doubles, a HR and 7 RBI.

This Japanese-language article, loosely translated, says that the Cubs have already sold out of Fukudome T-shirts in large and XL sizes.

Finally, Bruce Miles writes that the Cubs are after Carlos Zambrano to improve his diet and fluid intake, particularly during games. Here's an interesting note from that article:

The team also is working with the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, which will go as far as analyzing Zambrano's sweat to help determine his nutritional needs.

Did you know that Gatorade had a "Sports Science Institute"? Me either.

Today's game is on WGN and FSN Wisconsin, on the usual radio stations and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2008 version - this link has pitcher stats and splits up)

Also, once again today, an overflow comment thread will automatically post at 2:45 CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.