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Open Thread: Cubs vs. Rockies, Sunday 8/12, 2:05 CT

Yelloncard_tiny by Al on in Game Threads

As we discussed yesterday, there's no Scott Podsednik to the Cubs deal. Never was, in fact, despite the headline on that link, which reads: "Rumored deal for Podsednik dead". The article explains:

One source suggested the chances were never better than "one in a thousand" from the outset.
Exactly. So don't believe everything you hear on sports talk radio. Or read. Consider this article by Gordon Wittenmyer in today's Sun-Times, which discusses Lou Piniella's idea to use Ryan Dempster in situations other than closing, to get him some more consistent work, and then says:
The move could be a precursor to Piniella moving Dempster to the starting rotation, possibly next spring, as he planned to in May, with Marmol getting a shot at closer.
That's directly contradicted by this interview Wittenmyer conducted last Friday with Dempster, which has this exchange:
Q: Has there been any more talk about you becoming a starter?

A: No. None at all.

Q: Would you still like to return to being a starter?

A: For right now, I just worry about trying to go out and do my job. I honestly don't think about it. It doesn't make sense to sit there and concern myself with that when I'm trying to do my job for the rest of this year.

As we all know, returning Dempster to the rotation would be a really, really bad idea. Why do these things get stirred up, especially now, in the middle of a pennant race?
 Today's Starting Pitchers
Sean Marshall
 S. Marshall
Cubs		 vs. Tim Harikkala
 T. Harikkala
Rockies
5-6 W-L making
4.17 ERA his
52 SO 2007
23 BB season
8 HR debut
vs. Col -- vs. Cubs
This is a joke, right? A 36-year-old pitcher who hasn't been in the major leagues in two years, and hasn't started a major league game in eleven years, is going to start today for the Rockies?

I checked their Triple-A roster. There's not a whole lot of there there, as Gertrude Stein might have said (and that quote seems appropriate, given the Oakland A's cap that Harikkala is sporting in the photo above). Elmer Dessens? Dan Serafini? Dave Veres?!?!?! What are they trying to do, reconstitute the 1999 Rockies? Or, even worse, the 1999 Cubs?

To repeat what I said in the game recap earlier this morning, you well know how the Cubs do against pitchers like this.

Sean Marshall has never faced the Rockies. Harikkala has two lifetime relief appearances against the Cubs, both in 2005. The only Cub who'll play today that he's faced for more than one at-bat is Jason Kendall (1-for-2).

So there's not much to go on in terms of predicting today's starting pitcher performance. Marshall got lit up in his last start against the Astros, pushing his ERA over 4 for the first time this season.

Today, you can find the game on WGN, and also at the Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

MLB.com Gameday for the Brewers/Astros game

Discuss amongst yourselves.

0 recs | Comment 290 comments

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Comments

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First
Go Cubs.
"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 11:42 AM CDT   0 recs

I still say --
We win this and make it 3 of 4, but I understand the caution here. However -- it's more likely this guy is bombed out in the first.

If he was a rookie, just up -- then I'd be worried. That's when, traditionally, there are problems. But a guy who should be in a slow-pitch softball league in Elgin? The Rocks are desperate today. This could be a blow out for the Cubs.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 12, 2007 11:50 AM CDT   0 recs

This could be a blow out for the Cubs.
Jazz Man - that would be nice, and I would agree.

May all our guesses be right...  :-)

"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 11:54 AM CDT   0 recs

Familiar?
What are the chances we take first pitch hacks at this guy and get nothing from it?

I don't know why but I'd rather have us play against a 12 game winner...we seem to have better chances.

I don't want to seem pessimistic but let's be honest---this is how we've been playing.

by ak123 on Aug 12, 2007 12:09 PM CDT   0 recs

Quick question
did the cubs ever sign Vitters?  When is the deadline to sign him if he isn't already signed
GO CUBS GO!!!!!!

by roach on Aug 12, 2007 12:11 PM CDT   0 recs

I believe it's August 15th
n/t
Neifi, we hardly knew ye.

by Krande on Aug 12, 2007 12:16 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

not yet....
but from what i have read he will be signed by next week. sounds like it is a sure bet. august 15th is the deadline. there are still many first round picks who havent signed. all or most 1st rounders are expected to sign except rick porcello

by bennyha on Aug 12, 2007 12:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

When's the last time the wild card was this tight
In mid August?

ARI 67/51
NYM 64/52
MIL 62/55
SDN 62/54
ATL 62/55
PHL 61/55
CHC 60/56
COL 60/56
LAD 60/56

Yes, I included the division leaders on purpose.

'07 Postseason: Bears, Bulls... Cubs?

by stelmodad on Aug 12, 2007 12:21 PM CDT   0 recs

I've never seen...
... nine teams within 5.5 games of each other like this, this late in the season. It'll make for an interesting September.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 12:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Harikkala
Let's not make this guy the feel-good story of the day. Score some runs, boys!
"When I was a boy they were my pride and joy, but now they only bring fatigue."

by Shawon Dunston Checks In on Aug 12, 2007 12:21 PM CDT   0 recs

Let's not make this guy the feel-good story
Word.
"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 12:23 PM CDT   0 recs

i hope
this pitcher shuts us out and goes the distance.
Here comes the nasty leftie to shut it down in the 9th......Clay Rapada!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Aug 12, 2007 12:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ahh ...
Reverse psychology or someone's got a death wish ...

Go, Cubbies!

"One of the worst writers on this board: !Neifi! didn't do it, honest."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Aug 12, 2007 1:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

off day tommarow
could not come at a better time
I continue to blog...despite the barking shoulder

by jds2 on Aug 12, 2007 12:44 PM CDT   0 recs

I agree, Al
I too get nervous when the Cubs face first-timer rookies - or vets.

It seems as if their success rate is worse than 50-50, although I do not know this to be a fact.

It is AUGUST, and we're STILL IN IT! YES!

by TheEman on Aug 12, 2007 12:50 PM CDT   0 recs

It's time
we went out and showed this Les Walrond wannabe that he better not quit his night job.
Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Aug 12, 2007 1:10 PM CDT   0 recs

Yep.
The Cubs have scuffled long enough with these types of jokers. This yokel shouldn't make it out of the second inning, even without Rammy and the Fonz. Time for the Cubs to shrug off yesterday and bust a game wide open early.
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 12, 2007 1:12 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I will freak out if this RH pitcher
suddenly comes out throwing LH.  I can't believe the Rox didn't go all the way down into the bowels of their farm system to find a lefty, given our inability to beat unknown lefties.

If we see this guy warmng up lefty, we are finished!  Let's be careful out there...

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 12, 2007 1:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Shouldn't matter.
I'm tired of being scared of junkballing lefties, too. This guy is a 36-year-old career minor leaguer for a reason: he can't get ML hitters out. The Cubs need to stomp a mudhole in his butt and walk it dry.
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 12, 2007 1:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Now that's
a flashy description. Bravo.
Josh Kroeger. Remember the name. Stay tuned for the fame.

by tharr on Aug 12, 2007 1:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

If they wanted a Les Walrond type..
... as I noted, Dan Serafini is on that Colorado Springs roster. He last started a ML game in 2003.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 1:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Well, I'm off to Disneyland....
...hopefully there won't be any Mickey Mouse play from the Cubs today.
Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Aug 12, 2007 1:11 PM CDT   0 recs

Why is Brewers game delayed?
Yahoo shows Brewers/Astros delayed. It can't be weather
so anyone know what it is?
"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Aug 12, 2007 1:17 PM CDT   0 recs

Maybe they had to recast
Ryan Braun's concrete mitt.
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 12, 2007 1:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't know ...
Woody is just finishing his warm-up pitches ... and the Stros are in the field ...

Go.  Astros.  

"One of the worst writers on this board: !Neifi! didn't do it, honest."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Aug 12, 2007 1:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Biggio lovefest is running OT.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 12, 2007 1:24 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I wonder if they'll mention the sudden
uptick in HR's for his Biggio-ness that came curiously late in his career...Maybe in honor of his special day, the Brew Crew pitchers should plunk him every AB and make him the HBP king.
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 12, 2007 1:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Last night when Rich Hill plunked that guy
in the dome with the slow curve, I actually thought to myself that if threw that same pitch at Biggio's dome, it would stick to that Stick'em infested helmet of his.  That would be funny.

I don't like seeing a guy plunked in the head, but I don't think a slow curve at 70 mph actually does much to the head/helmet.  And in the case of Biggio, I think there is a good chance it would stick to the helmet.  Would the ump have to kick Biggio out of the game for having a foreign substance on his helmet--something he obviously has, but something the umps never called him on?

Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 12, 2007 2:06 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lineups
Lineups

Cubs
Theriot, SS
Jones, RF
Lee, 1B
Murton, LF
DeRosa, 3B
Fontentot, 2B
Kendall, C
Pie, CF
Marshall, P

Rox
Matsui, 2B
Tulowitzki, SS
Holliday, LF
Helton, 1B
Atkins, 3B
Spilborghs, RF
Barmes, CF
Gil, C
Harikkala, P

by Bruce Miles on Aug 12, 2007 1:21 PM CDT   0 recs

Wierd lineup for the Rox.
Barmes in CF and KazMat leading off? Does Barmes really have the wheels to cover the CF? Especially with a Jewel/Osco bagboy pitching for the Rox today...
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 12, 2007 1:25 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes.
That's really weird.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 1:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It's almost like they're daring the Cubs
to try and smack the ball into the gaps. Barmes better have his track shoes on.
"One thing you learn as a Cubs fan: When you bought your ticket, you could bank on seeing the bottom of the ninth." - Joe Garagiola

by gary varsho on Aug 12, 2007 1:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Lou should fine anyone a ton of money
who makes a first pitch out the first time through the order today.  The Cubs have to take pitches and see what the elderly gentleman is bringing up from AARP, errr AAA.
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 12, 2007 1:28 PM CDT   0 recs

Yikes
I suddenly feel veerrrrryyy old.
"Signature must be less than 160 characters" -- Who has a name with 160 characters?

by BlueSox on Aug 12, 2007 1:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

good call
Big Z on Cuban: "Plus, I can be signed by him. You know, I know he has the money for me. Hopefully he can buy the Cubs."

by kylejo on Aug 12, 2007 1:54 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Let's do it
today Cubs, make Harikkala pay. Pitch well Marshall.

GO CUBS!!!

I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 1:39 PM CDT   0 recs

Why can the Brewers hit Woody Williams
and we couldn't.  They lead 1-0 on a Jenkins homer, with one out and one on in the 2nd.

by zevkalman on Aug 12, 2007 1:50 PM CDT   0 recs

Harikkala!!
Sounds like my cat yacking up a hairball.  No offense to the "elderly" pitcher.  Wouldn't want to get an opposing pitcher's dander up.
"Signature must be less than 160 characters" -- Who has a name with 160 characters?

by BlueSox on Aug 12, 2007 1:54 PM CDT   0 recs

floyd out, ward in
bereavement list due to father's taking a turn for worse back in chicago apparently acc. to wgn pre-game with Corey P. and Ron S...hope the sr. Mr. Floyd gets better thought he was earlier this summer...cliff can come back strong and help us but not if his mind is elsewhere.

by writerinwrigley on Aug 12, 2007 1:58 PM CDT   0 recs

Sorry to hear about Cliff's dad.
I imagine when he comes back from that list (which really should be called the "family leave list"), Patterson will be sent down.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 2:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Sorry to
hear about Cliff's dad. Len said he is gravely ill.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 2:09 PM CDT   0 recs

helton...
looks like he can barely run.  he practically shuffled into the dugout.  back spasms suck...

by PrincetonCubs on Aug 12, 2007 2:12 PM CDT   0 recs

rough year for cliff
I wonder if this is affecting him at the plate?
I continue to blog...despite the barking shoulder

by jds2 on Aug 12, 2007 2:15 PM CDT   0 recs

I can't imagine it doesn't.
n/t
"One of the worst writers on this board: !Neifi! didn't do it, honest."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Aug 12, 2007 2:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Way off topic today, kinda
but, I went to the Diamondbacks game Fri night and they played a great game. Livon Hernandez had one inning where he lost it a bit and gave up 3 consecutive jacks, but the D Backs can play long ball, small ball and really good defense. They are streaky and have been winning and in 1st place solidly, but if the Cubs play them in the playoffs (if we get there) they will have their hands full. Plus, the 'Backs always beat us anyway.
"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 12, 2007 2:16 PM CDT   0 recs

Tulowitski's ...
Name should be enough for him to get on the All-Madden team ...

So far, a good job by Marshall ... well, until he hit Holladay.

--t.

"One of the worst writers on this board: !Neifi! didn't do it, honest."

by Littlerock Rynofan on Aug 12, 2007 2:17 PM CDT   0 recs

This is
the third game in a row that out pitchers have hit a batter.
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 2:19 PM CDT   0 recs

2-0 Brewers, top 4
Jenkins homered again.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 2:25 PM CDT   0 recs

Ouch...runners left OB again....
"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 2:28 PM CDT   0 recs

I know
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 2:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

We can not keep letting this AARP card
carrying pitcher off the hook.  Next time through the order, we have to get some runs...lots of runs!!
Prince Fielder...he is neither.

by LAcarl519 on Aug 12, 2007 2:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

agreed
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 2:37 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And what is even worse
is getting the AARP crap in the mail when you are nowhere near their group, age-wise. I see this stuff in my box and want to scream..

GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 12, 2007 2:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

And Pie...
...bails out to avoid being hit by... a called strike.
"Signature must be less than 160 characters" -- Who has a name with 160 characters?

by BlueSox on Aug 12, 2007 2:29 PM CDT   0 recs

As highly as Murton is touted on this site
by some and destroyed by others, he's a good player but probably should not bat clean-up
2007 Stats: AVG/OBP/SLG
.268/.341/.399     with runners on .206/.286/.286
given small sample size career numbers
.296/.365/.450     with runners on .246/.346/.410

i feel like this is just me venting after a GIDP in the first innning but seriously, I'm not saying he's not a major leaguer but he should be hitting lower even in our line up

by INWes44 on Aug 12, 2007 2:30 PM CDT   0 recs

That won't last.
Obviously, Ramirez hits cleanup when he returns. There's no other obvious choice to hit 4th in this lineup.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 2:34 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

i know it won't last
its just aggravating to see him hit solo shots and produce nothing from the 4 spot

by INWes44 on Aug 12, 2007 2:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It would help the issue greatly...
...if Lee would show some production out of the three-spot. It's hard to clean up when the best hitter on the team won't leave anything on the table for you.
FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Aug 12, 2007 2:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Although recently DLee has been slumping
criticizing the guy with the highest BA and OBP on the team with over 100 ABs for not extending an inning is not really a problem. The stats i showed was Murton's lack of production from any spot in the lineup with runners on and they drop further with RISP

by INWes44 on Aug 12, 2007 2:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

to clarify by not a problem
i mean is not a valid criticism

by INWes44 on Aug 12, 2007 2:43 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

even if it doesn't last
DeRosa should be hitting clean-up over Murton.

by elgato on Aug 12, 2007 2:44 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Thank you, this was basically my point
DeRosa's stats this year: AVG/OBP/SLG
.286/.362/.417  with runners on .327/.405/.439
the numbers actually go up

by INWes44 on Aug 12, 2007 2:49 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

The Cubs will get
to this guy. Funny thing, he pitched a game or two  for Lou in Seattle. Odds are Piniella probably doesn't have a clue who he is.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 12, 2007 2:31 PM CDT   0 recs

Among the players...
... who played in the game Harikkala started for Seattle were:

Joey Cora
Alex Gonzalez (the future Cub)
Edgar Martinez
Ken Griffey, Jr.
Carlos Delgado
Alex Rodriguez

and

Joe Carter

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Aug 12, 2007 2:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

shoot
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 2:36 PM CDT   0 recs

Redbirds up 8-2 in third
if we lose and they hold serve, they will have picked up 3 games in 2 weeks. egad
"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Aug 12, 2007 2:37 PM CDT   0 recs

ugh
I love this team!!!!!

by sue369 on Aug 12, 2007 2:38 PM CDT   0 recs

marshall
come on dude.  can't blame that one on instinct.  that's just dumb.

by PrincetonCubs on Aug 12, 2007 2:38 PM CDT   0 recs

that's just dumb
Agreed...he should have let his D behind him get that one....would have been an out.
"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 2:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This game is going to require
more beer than I currently have.
"Signature must be less than 160 characters" -- Who has a name with 160 characters?

by BlueSox on Aug 12, 2007 2:39 PM CDT   0 recs

What a BS call!!
"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 2:41 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

UNREAL.
1st base ump = my new nemesis

by PrincetonCubs on Aug 12, 2007 2:43 PM CDT   0 recs

How could Theriot have touched the base
if he didn't do what he did? Too strange. I guess you just barrel into Helton, and seperate your shoulder.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Aug 12, 2007 2:46 PM CDT   0 recs

We should only be down 1 run right now....
argh...

THESE - are the kind of things that kill momentum and can result in even worse results for the game.

I just hope we can suck it up and move on.

"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 2:47 PM CDT   0 recs

ahh..it shouldn't really
if we are not trying our best to make out a Cy Young out of this clown of a pitcher this afternoon. runners on 1st and 2nd, 1 out and Murton hits into a DP..these are the kinds of things that slow down the momentum.

by cubsnlinux on Aug 12, 2007 2:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

1 out and Murton hits into a DP..
okay...how 'bout this:
ALL these things are bad.   :-)
"Welcome to Lou's BLUE Crew....Cubbies in '07"

by Bluelou on Aug 12, 2007 2:58 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs