Bleed Cubbie Blue

Minor League Wrap--May 8

Josh77 — Fri, 09 May 2008 04:32:30 -0000

Some roster moves. Jake Fox got sent down to Tennessee with the activation of Micah Hoffpauir. Iowa pitcher Geoff Jones retired and the Cubs cut OF Corey Coles, meaning both players we got for Angel Pagan are already gone. The Cubs signed long-time major league veteran Hector Carrasco and assigned him to Iowa.

Iowa Cubs

The west coast swing continues as the I-Cubs drubbed the Tacoma Raniers, 14-2.

Kevin Hart started and pitched quite effectively, with 3.2 shutout innings as the Cubs move to stretch him out as a starter. Hart allowed only two hits and struck out six while walking nobody. Hector Carrasco got the win by allowing one run in one inning of relief.

Carmen Pignatiello continued to struggle, giving up one run on three hits and three walks in one inning of relief. Again though, that lowered his ERA. Neal Cotts continued to be effective, bailing Pignatiello out and throwing 2.1 innings of scoreless relief.

Catcher Todd Richie almost singlehandedly destroyed the Raniers with a 4 for 5 night that was the "catcher's cycle": A home run, two doubles and a single. Richie had four RBI and scored three times. Richie also stole a base. Third baseman Casey McGehee went 2 for 4 with his fourth home run of the season. Right fielder Josh Kroeger had a 2 for 5 afternoon with his second home run on the season.

Eric Patterson and Matt Murton both went 2 for 5. Shortstop Luis Figueroa went 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies blinded the Chattanooga Lookouts, 6-4.

James Russell's second start in AA didn't go as well as his first, but he still left the game with the lead. Russell only lasted four innings and allowed two runs on three hits and five walks. Russell struck out five.

Tanner Watson got credited with the win as Russell didn't go five innings. Watson allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in two innings. Jim Henderson got his first save of the year with two innings of shutout baseball, allowing one hit, no walks, and striking out one.

A big night for catchers as Steve Clevenger went 2 for 5 with a double and his first home run of the season, a three-run shot in the third inning. Right fielder Matt Camp continued to hit with a 2 for 5 night with a triple. Center fielder Tyler Colvin went 2 for 5. Second baseman Nate Spears was 2 for 3 with a walk and a double.

Daytona Cubs

A ninth-inning rally fell short as the D-Cubs fell to the Sarasota Reds, 3-2.

Adam Harben saw his record fall to 1-5. Harben pitched five innings and allowed three runs on five hits and walk. Harben struck out two Reds.

Right fielder Jim Adduci and first baseman Blake Lalli both went 2 for 4 with a double. Yusuf Carter struck out and Josh Lansford grounded out with the tying and go-ahead runs on second and third with one out in the top of the ninth.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs were cut down by the Clinton LumberKings, 7-3.

This game was really bad. Alberto Cabrera started and got knocked around badly. The Chiefs scored three runs with two outs in the ninth after no one cared. Third baseman Marquez Smith hit his third home run of the season in the ninth. I've already wasted more words on this game than it merits.

OT: Police Concert Tickets STILL Available

Al — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:35:53 -0000

UPDATE!
I still have these two tickets for Saturday night. Will consider all reasonable offers and meet you at the show.

As some of you already know (because I've removed your posts for individual tickets), I've asked people not to post individual game tickets here, but to do everything in the Ticket Exchange section.

However, since it's my site, I'm making an exception for myself.

I have a pair of tickets for the Police and Elvis Costello concert this Saturday, May 10, at the Allstate Arena. They are in section 104, row H -- right at the side of the stage. Tickets one section over (103) are $250 face; this pair is $95 each, plus TM fees, making them $110 each.

If you want them, email me using the link on the left sidebar. I'll meet you at the show, since these tickets are adjacent to mine.

Thanks for indulging me. When I sell them, this post will disappear.

Replacement for Marquis

columbusOHcubsfan — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:21:17 -0000

Lots of talk is going around about trading Jason Marquis. If we were to deal Jason who would we get to replace his shoes. Personally, I would like a starter. I would like a guy who can provide that needed one two punch with Zambrano. We really need that one guy who can be reliable, throw strikes, and rack up double-digit wins. Maybe we need another spot filled. If Marquis was to be moved who would you want?

OT: LCD vs. Plasma

hoppy91 — Thu, 08 May 2008 21:13:11 -0000

Hi, i was wondering if you guys can help me out. I am in the market for a new tv and want to know what everyone thinks about the lcd vs. plasma debate. I will be subscribing to Mlb Extra Innings and a full high def package. I am not a gamer but might be tempted to buy something once i have a tv. My primary focus is what will Cubs games look like so i need to know what would be better lcd or plasma. So i am just wanting to know if someone out there has seen the cubs in high def in either format and what baseball is like in general on these screens. I have it narrowed down to 50"+ panasonic viera and pioneer kuro plasmas or a sharp 52" aquos lcd with each model being full 1080p. Your thoughts?

Fun With Season Tickets

Al — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:25:47 -0000

This year's season tickets have six different images: photos of Derrek Lee, Carlos Zambrano, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Lou Piniella, and a W flag.

Thought it might be fun to track the W-L record per photo. If you all are interested I'll put this on the sidebar with the rest of the stats.

Through 17 home games:

W flag: 2-1
Derrek Lee: 2-1
Carlos Zambrano: 1-2
Aramis Ramirez: 2-1
Alfonso Soriano: 2-1
Lou Piniella: 2-0

i need to see that game! RANT

DaveKingmansMustache — Thu, 08 May 2008 17:21:41 -0000

Most of the time Im 'ok" with the fact that WGN doesnt televise all of the games like back in the old days. I dont have cable, I simply cant afford it. Even more so with the way the economy is today, I have other things in which to spend my cash on.

But this ONCE, I really really need to see this game. See, the game is on May 13th. It combines two of my most favorite things in the universe: The Cubs and Duran Duran. They are tossing out the first pitch AND singing the 7th inning stretch. I've been trying to win tickets through a radio contest put on by the mix, and the 3 times I've gotten through I've been caller 9 out of 10. I hate the number 9 now. I looked it up, and OF COURSE IT ISNT ON WGN!! why would it be? damn it.

I want to go to the game. Ive had a shitty year and am moving away from chicago by the beginning of July, and Im just pissed that I wont be able to see my two favourites combined. As it is, I'll be forced to buy the package on MLB TV just to see the games at all.

so, anyone got an extra ticket for the 13th? I'll buy you a beer and a hot dog!

and if i've posted this in the worng spot. sorry.

Trades

walsh2317 — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:35:55 -0000

With the team sucking lately, including some atrocious individual performances, we all knew the trade talk would begin sooner than later. I thougth I'd throw some things out there before it go out of hand and Paul Sullivan started looking at this site for his latest rumors (just kidding).

First of all, there will be no significant trades made this early in the season. Why? No one is out of it yet. Take a look at the standings right now, the only team more than 9 game sout of their respected division is San Diego, and they're not talking trades with anyone yet. We were 9 games back in June last year, and we won the division. What would we be saying if we had traded our superstars in May? It just doesn't happen. If there is a trade, it's generally a bench warmer for a prospect.

Next, when the deadline does approach, you have to realize we won't be unloading any contracts. Teams that are out of it unload contracts. I doubt that we are able to unload a contract on someone unless they are still in contention this year (ie. giving Marquis to a team that needs a number 5) A team that is going to have anything that can help us isn't going to want the added 9 mil in salary and 10 losses that come with it. They are going to want prospects that can help them in 2 or 3 seasons. (Think Pittsburgh picking up Matt Morris)

The next thing you will have to realize is Hendry learned from the Juan Pierre trade. So, he isn't going to trade Cedeno, Pie, Hill, Gallagher, Marshall, Patterson, Veal, and Murton to someone like Baltimore for a player that might not be here that long. You also have to remember we need guys on the bench to help us and in reserves in case someon goes down with an injury. (Think Juan Pierre)

Finally, remember that there could be a few trades made in July that open up moves for us. So don't get to anxious because Hendry hasn't made a move by July 15th, and everyone else has.

I know we aren't playing that well right now, but we started the year off great, and as Lou said last year and this year, we're a team that gets hot when the wather gets hot. So I'm looking for a red hot summer!

And, my last trade tidbit is.......we will not be trading Soriano for at least 5 more seasons, and when we do, it will be to an AL team that needs a DH and can give us a middle reliever.

Feel free to add any other prerequisites for trades, but please do not throw out trade scenarios!

Off Day Fun: Witness to Greatness

gary varsho — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:47:31 -0000

It's been a bit bitchy and a bit glum around here, so let's break up the gloom with some off day fun. There was a lot of talk this week about Kerry Wood's 20 strikeout game in 1998; for my money, it's the most dominant, incredible thing I've ever seen on a baseball diamond. Baseballs aren't supposed to move like that. Additionally we saw Gavin Floyd come really damn close to a no-hitter against the Twins with just a wicked, filthy curveball of which he had amazing command. So, here's the question: What's the most amazing thing you've ever seen, and I stress "seen" because I want eyewitnesses. Watching on TV counts, but no secondhand accounts, no "I listened on the radio"--none of that. What I'm looking for are eyewitness accounts of baseball greatness.

And this guy's 3-HR Opening Day Doesn't count.

via www.baseball-reference.com

Should Hendry still make the trade?

Rick B — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:59:52 -0000

Now that Baltimore has secured their place in the AL East Cellar, Brian Roberts could become available. Should Hendry go after him? What should he give up? The origianl rumored package of Cedeno, Gallagher, Veal and Patterson seems too much. Surely Cedeno's trade value has risen since March. Should Cedeno be taken off the table? Personally I think our defense would be immensely improved up the middle with Cedeno at short and Roberts at second. The rumor was that Pie had to be part of the deal. Could we live without Pie?

These are all questions Hendry might have to answer soon. I know Roberts isn't 'tearing it up". But he is still a better leadoff man than any we have. He is better defensively then DeRo.

Losing Made Us Love

FutureGroundscrewMember — Thu, 08 May 2008 02:19:36 -0000

I originally made this as a response to Al's "What Made Us Fans" but i wandered around got carried away, so i thought i'd put it up as my own post and see what happened. The original title was, "Losing Made Us Fans" and i found it was inappropriately named, so i changed it to something i found more suitable. It's something I've thought about for a while, and maybe you think it too.

As unpleasant and daunting as it may seem, I find losing has its appeal. In movies, who do you feel for and who can you relate with? Its probably the downtrodden beat up loser who wont let go of his dream, The Pursuit of Happiness anyone? In classic books like The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye, our favorite characters were the flawed, personable and outcast characters. I used to sympathize and cheer on the "Bahstan Red Saks" but after they won the WS, wasn't it different? We weren't alike, we were no longer birds of a feather. Nope, opposites don't attract. I think, and I'm gonna get philosophical here and you probably know where I'm going, that we, as natural people, find it incredibly easy to love the cubbies because they're just like us. We could say, "Oh they're the lovable losers, so I love em" but do we love em because they lose? A cubs world series would be the end all be all for every one of us, for many the greatest october/moment of our entire lives. But would that change our draw to the North Siders? For Bleed Cubbie Blue-ers, probably not, but for many, as it did for me and Boston, the allure and intrigue of the franchise would begin to fade. We wouldn't be set apart from anyone, how unique would we be? Would we be like the Phillies, who have one only one title in the last 125 years but have no where near the fan base? Or would we be the Red Sox, going Johnny Damon on everything that the Cubs used to be, for a chance at some championships? Would I still be a fan if we won, for sure, but i don't think they'd still be my cubs. The Pirates have stunk for as long as i can remember(I'm only 18), but their losses don't bring in the fans. Same with the Nationals, Royals and a lot of other MLB franchises. So why are we different? You can blame history - '45, '84, '03. We all know where we were when these things happen, if we even were, and its a memory that lives on forever, something we can/have told our kids and grandkids. No one has failed and come up short in so many ways like the Cubs have. The franchise is basically human. So close to attaining monumental success, an then having "There's Always Next Year" to show for it. We ride fresh hope (Prior) only to let us down, and continually wait for old knowledge(Piniella, Billy Goat) to come through. Maybe its the curse that makes it easy to displace our misery, and place the blame - another thing people love to do, that brings the cubbie appeal to life. Is It the hope of next year that keeps us going? A World Series would be great- wouldn't it? Our Father's and Grandfather's made us fans sure, but what keeps us fans? Usually losing and despair drive us away, but why not with the Cubs? We're an interesting breed Cubs fans, drawn together by a century of lovable losing. Why? Who knows, I sure as heck don't, but there's something about the Wrigley faithful, and their ball squad that has got us at the heart, and whatever it is, i don't see losing that any time soon.

What is taking so long with dealing Marquis?

scottsdalecubs — Thu, 08 May 2008 06:52:27 -0000

The guy is clearly disinterested. Trade him with a hot Cedeno for CF or SP help for Gosh sakes. As it stands, we are subjected to watching Marquis waste everyone's time when he pitches, and I wonder what is going through his mind while out on the mound. I suspect Lou does also.

The Soriano in 1 spot may be running it's course also. Third is his spot, ad infinitum, and Ramirez will benefit b/c of that move, imo

Minor League Wrap--May 7

Josh77 — Thu, 08 May 2008 04:43:57 -0000

We've got lots of offense tonight.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs beat knuckleballer R.A. Dickey and the Tacoma Raniers, 4-3.

Randy Keisler got the start, didn't throw a knuckleball as far as I know, and got the win by allowing only one run in six innings. Keisler gave up six hits and two walks while striking out four. Jose Ascanio got into some trouble by allowing a walk and a single with two outs in the ninth, but got a final ground out to record his seventh save of the season.

The big news that everyone has been waiting for is that both Eric Patterson and Micah Hoffpauir played tonight after their respective times on the DL were ended. Patterson went 0 for 4 and Hoffpauir went 1 for 3 with a run scored and an RBI.

Koyie Hill went 3 for 4 with a double. Right fielder Josh Kroeger went 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI. Matt Murton went 2 for 3 with a walk and shortstop Andres Blanco went 2 for 3 with a ribbie.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies pounded the Chattanooga Lookouts, 15-7.

Starter Mark Holliman, newly demoted from Iowa, struggled and lasted only three innings. He allowed three runs on six hits and two walks. He struck out two. Matt Avery was the lucky beneficiary of the Smokies offense. He picked up his first win of the season despite allowing four runs in three innings. Greg Reinhard threw three innings of no-hit relief to pick up his second save.

Center fielder Tyler Colvin had a big night, going 2 for 4 with 3 RBI and more importantly, two walks and only one whiff. Matt Camp went 2 for 5 and scored twice. First baseman Doug Deeds had a 2 for 5 performance. Third baseman Robinson Chirinos went 2 for 3 with a walk and shortstop Matt Matulia hit his first home run of the season in a 1 for 3 effort that included two walks.

Daytona Cubs

The D-Cubs didn't get into the scoring thing today with a 5-1 loss to the Sarasota Reds.

Marco Carillo saw his record drop to 1-3, despite not allowing an earned run. He gave up two unearned runs on three hits and no walks in five innings. He struck out two. Tough way to lose.

Left fielder Yusuf Carter went 2 for 4 with a double. I bet Uncle Joe is proud.

Peoria Chiefs

In another football score, the Peoria Chiefs popped the Cedar Rapids Kernels, 13-7.

The Chiefs scored eleven runs in the first three innings and never looked back. This offense was a gift to starter Chris Siegfried, who got his first win of the year despite allowing six runs on ten hits and two walks in five innings. Compare that to what D-Cub loser Marco Carillo did. Baseball can be unfair.

Blake Parker gave up a run in two innings of relief and Dustin Sasser had two innings of relief without giving up a run.

Right fielder Kyler Burke had a big game, going 2 for 4 with a double, a home run and two RBI. It was his second home run of the season. First baseman Jovan Rosa went 2 for 5 with two doubles and four RBI. Shortstop Nate Samson went 2 for 4 with a double, three runs scored, two RBI and a stolen base. Third baseman Marquez Smith went 1 for 2 with a double, two RBI and three walks.

BCB Site Note, Wednesday Night

Al — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:54:09 -0000

There is another planned SBN service outage, to install hardware upgrades, scheduled to begin overnight tonight, Wednesday night/Thursday morning, at 1 am CDT. If all goes well, it will take only an hour and we will be back up again at 2 am CDT. I understand it took a little more than an hour last night, hopefully tonight it will be finished in the scheduled time frame.

Thanks in advance to all of you for your understanding.

Interesting Observation - MIL 4th in Central

cubsonWGN4ever — Wed, 07 May 2008 23:30:10 -0000

While this is probably largely due to the Cardinals playing .600ish baseball over the last couple weeks and everyone else pretty much sucking, they now have a 3 game lead over the Cubs and Milwaukee has dropped to 4th in the NL Central.

Yes I know its a LONG season. I know its a Marathon, not a Sprint. But who do you think will be there in September? I think it will come down to the Cardinals and the Cubs. Again. We have two of the game's best managers going head to head in Piniella and La Russa. Yost will manage the brewers out of contention, I think.

What are *your* predictions for the shape of the NL Central in September?

A Radical Idea.

Snake Plisskin — Wed, 07 May 2008 21:48:29 -0000

We should trade Soriano.

BREATHE! BREATHE NOW!

OK.

Despite what you believe, I'm not an idiot. And, I love the Fonze. But, Looking at the Cubs as objectively as I can, I see Soriano as causing serious problems for the Cubs. He may believe he is, but he is not a leadoff hitter. And, if he can't get past this mental block against batting lower in the order at somepoint over the next 6 years of his contract as he ages and he's, presumbably, able to run less he'll cause more problems.

That leads us to our first, and primary, obstacle: his contract. The good news is that the going rate for outfielders is going up, not down. In a couple years, his contract will look better.

The solution is to look at clubs that have a lot of money to throw around, like the Yankees and Red Sox, or clubs that are rebuilding and need a draw, like the Giants.

But, setting aside the issue of the contract for the moment, what should we try for? Starting pitching or a left handed power hitting outfielder?

While our pitching needs shoring up (in my opinoin, and in the opinoin of many others) our more immediate concern is a lefty power hitting outfielder:

Matsui, Abreau, Dunn, Griffey Jr., Crawford, et-al

Pitching wise, how about:

Kazmir, Lincecum or Cain, Bonderman or Verlander, ect.

So, keeping in mind the principle of flame-free posting, what do you think?

Poll

Trade Soriano (if possible)?

So Lou has decided...

Rudey — Wed, 07 May 2008 20:02:27 -0000

To not carry 13 pitchers when Scott Eyre comes off the DL, thank god because as Al has already shown us that would be a terrible idea. So now that Lou has listened to his BCB writers who is he going to send down to AAA??

I really dont see a clear person, mostly likely Fox. At least Pie gets to stay around longer, eh? :D

On another note: Good time to have a day off, hopefully we can come back energized and ready to have a good series against the Dbacks.

Pitching simply isn't good enough

MDBNIU — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:33:21 -0000

Slumps happen. So I'm not about to overreact to the current losing phase this team is undergoing. But objectively speaking, our pitching staff is not nearly as good as everybody thought it was going to be. Even in a weak NL and weak NL Central.

Zambrano is evolving into a true ace and is one of the elite pitchers in the game. But the starting rotation behind him is dubious. Dempster's been doing the job and giving this team desperately needed innings. Lilly also seems to have turned it around. But do we really feel good about that top 3 overall?!? And behind these three we have question marks and garbage aplenty.

The bullpen situation isn't much better. Wood is going to cause indigestion everytime he takes the 9th. While he can pitch lights out at time, it is the same old Wood where you always fear an implosion is right around the corner. Marmol is the only pitcher in that pen who is exceptional. Howry has become a question mark. Wuertz is enigmatic. Marshall is a long man at best. Worst of all? This bullpen is in danger of being burnt up before the dog days of summer arrive. The second half of the season could get real ugly with this pen. We've seen this before with Cub bullpens. They aren't that good to begin with and get ridden too hard in the early months only to have a colossal collapse the second half.

Solution? Well, there probably aren't many. I think Hendry absolutely positively needs to be in the market for whatever "top flight" starting pitcher may become available. Much, much easier said than done. Personally, I think he must find out about Rich Harden. I know Harden is always injured, but fact is when he is healthy he is dominant. Hendry also needs to find some help for this bullpen. I would also like to see Sean Gallagher get a serious trial as starting pitcher.

After 6 Home Runs.....

hawkster34 — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:22:15 -0000

Why hasn't either one of the Cubs' pitchers thrown inside? I remember a time when back to back homers (or two by one player) deserved a brushback pitch, and three in a row would result in a pitch hitting someone's backside. I'm not promoting a beanball war, but since neither Leiber nor Marshall have intimidating stuff, they could have used some inside pitches to keep these guys from leaning out over the plate. Incredible. Oh, well, chalk this one up as just one of those games and let's hope coming home Friday can snap our team out of this disgusting stretch of baseball.

Minor League Wrap--May 6

Josh77 — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:20:12 -0000

I usually do these after getting the baby down and before I go to bed. But last night the site was down when that happened. I don't have the time to do my usual full job in the morning, but I'll do an abbreviated version.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs continued their West Coast Swing with a 5-2 loss to the Tacoma Raniers.

Rich Hill started and got the loss, although he only allowed two runs in five innings. Scott Eyre gave up a run in one rehab inning.

Casey McGehee went 3 for 4 with two doubles.

Tennessee Smokies

The Smokies lost to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 5-2.

Donnie Veal had a bad start and took the loss. In four innings he gave up five runs, four earned. He allowed two two-run home runs.

The Smokies only managed two hits on the evening.

Daytona Cubs

Daytona lost to the Ft. Myers Miracle, 4-2.

Jose Ceda started and pitched well, allowing only one run on two hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out five. Billy Petrick threw 1.1 innings and allowed an unearned run in a rehab appearance. Casey Lambert allowed two unearned runs to take the loss.

Center fielder Jonathan Wyatt went 3 for 4.

Peoria Chiefs

The Chiefs close out the bad news with a 4-3 loss to the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Ryan Acosta started and allowed one run in five innings. Audy Santana got the loss by allowing one run in two innings of relief.

Right fielder Kyler Burke went 1 for 3 with a double, a walk, a run scored and a stolen base.

OT Bad news on a story I've shared with you all

cubstoseriesby100 — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:39:23 -0000

Since I joined this blog I've shared with you the story of my friend Dana and her sister Heather and Heather's cancer battle.

I don't talk much about it except for an occasional post inside a topic and occasionally in my signature.

We got some bad news last night.

Heather is being moved into hospice.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Cancer is an evil horrible satanic disease that NEEDS TO BE STOPPED!