Open Thread: Cubs vs. Angels, Friday 3/14, 3:05 CT
SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- Heading out to Mesa soon, so just a few notes for this afternoon's game:
- You can discuss The Trade That Shall Not Be Named in this BCB diary. Although, it was already summed up by one commenter, who said the new rumor is "total nonsense".
- Bruce Miles grilled Lou Piniella about the recent lineup changes and got him to admit that he's still tinkering:
Piniella did his best Thursday to say these changes aren't necessarily permanent.
"I didn't say it was permanent yesterday," he said. "I wanted to take a look at it. I think the big thing is it gives Soriano more time to get his legs stronger. Out of the leadoff hole, you've got to be able to run. He's about 80-85 percent, coming along fine. We don't have to rush him."
- The Cactus League is doing fine financially again this year; the Cubs are on track to possibly set a record for average attendance.
Lineups, as always courtesy Bruce Miles:

Ryan Dempster starts today for the Cubs. He will face the Angels' Ervin Santana. All of the Angels' spring games are on radio in Los Angeles this year, so you can hear it via the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (and yes, this is the correct link. Yesterday, I put "Seattle" in there instead of "San Diego". Thankfully, someone posted the right link in the comments.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
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Why is it that Lou always tries...
If only there was somewhere to play E-Pat, I really like the idea of him leading off more than Theriot.
re: Why is it that Lou always tries...
I'm really hoping the game is televised because I happen to be "working from home" today. (And, yes, honesty compels me to always put that phrase in quotes.)
my TV guide
by drewishdrewid on Mar 14, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions
re: my TV guide
I thought it was deja vu all over again...
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Mar 14, 2008 12:26 PM CDT reply actions
Don't take this the wrong way...
Again, it's something to note, but don't put too much stock into it.
I'm not really down on Patterson
I haven't seen enough of him to form much of an opinion, although his AAA numbers are certainly good for whatever that's worth. If he turns out to be a great player who can help the Cubs I'm all for it.
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Mar 14, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
E-Pat doesn't hit well enough...
It doesn't matter so much, because I don't think there's a spot for him on the team outside of maybe the 25th man on the roster.
But he's far more suited to leading off than Pie is - they've tried batting Pie leadoff a few times in spring training so far, and it mystifies me every time.
Pie leading off
by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Mar 14, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
I think Felix Pie's game...
So when I say that, I don't want people thinking that I don't like Pie, or don't like him as a hitter. But I see the Cubs, in their own way, miscasting Pie, and it bothers me.
Pie reminds me
Its Spring Training...
I agree
"Patterson CF"
CF -- Patterson ???
Some things never change.
The winter of patience....
- The protracted sale of the ballclub
- The protracted courtship of Kosuke Fukudome
- The protracted love affair with Brian Roberts
At this point, I agree with Raymond Chandler
The Cubs seem to have some problem with that last part, when it comes to Roberts.
I Think It's Best...
;-)
Gameday link
Good start
Sori doubles (rbi)
I doubt it
gameday
My kingdom for a (relatively decent) play by play.
by cubsonWGN4ever on Mar 14, 2008 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
I tuned in on the radio about half way
I think it went Theriot Walk, Sori double, not sure with Lee or Ramirez but it was 2-0 Cubs after they batted. Dome grounded into FC, Derosa and Cintron popped out.
Love how Dome...
Free Radio!!
HOORAY FOR FRIDAY!!
I was thinking about paying, too. Just gameday was getting on my nerves. I can't wait til all games are available on 720.
aren't all ST games free?
by cubbieblue86 on Mar 14, 2008 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions
I thought that, too.
The gamedayaudio is ~$40 for the season, but that ain't worth it for me for less than a month.
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions
GamedayAudio = $15 for the season
by bluesweatergirl on Mar 14, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the legwork...
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
The reason it was free today....
Kotchman GB to Demp
Dempster
4-3
demp is definitely having a bad inning
by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 14, 2008 3:31 PM CDT reply actions
Dusty bats Corey P LEADOFF
Not to sound blunt but....
Not to be blunt
Ha, I dont know why I care. Anything that is CUB even EX-CUB i tend to follow closely.
Dempster
With his lack of command, if he can't throw 90-92 consistently in any given start, he's going to get destroyed.
Decisions...
If Dempster
Good point
As for Dempster, I'm not really sure what to do with him. Would some other team take him as a Closer at this point? Could be a good move.
by ExNorthsider on Mar 14, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I would think
by cubbieblue86 on Mar 14, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Santana bunt to pitcher
I was supposed to be there
Walk. Runners on first and second
and now another triple
I love toast.
by cubbieblue86 on Mar 14, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Right
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 14, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Well I agree
I know, i know
by cubbieblue86 on Mar 14, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Actually Demp had a very good first inning
right, but...
by cubbieblue86 on Mar 14, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
granted
by cubbieblue86 on Mar 14, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
Last week
A typical 4th or 5th starter in a season will pitch well about 2/3rds of the time at best.
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 14, 2008 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions
True
by ExNorthsider on Mar 14, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh
Still
by ExNorthsider on Mar 14, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions
Stuff and performance are different things...
Stuff v. Command
So does having good "stuff" mean the pitches have good movement and velocity, and good "command" means the pitcher can throw strikes on the black of the plate?
It would be interesting to gather a list of pitchers who had good "stuff" and were able to gain "command" at some point in their career. Dempster is 30 or 31 years old-- he's been trying to gain command for a decade, so it's not too promising at this point.
by ExNorthsider on Mar 14, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Basically.
Pretty much...
In terms of guys who had good stuff and were eventually able to figure it out and gain command, Randy Johnson is pretty much the poster child for that.
In general...
Line drive triple to rightcenter
Whats the gameday link, the main page doesnt work
Change the 13 to a 14 in the URL
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions
And if you can listen,
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 3:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Demster's going for the award.
Dempster,Lieber or Marquis
Certainly not a Jason Marquis fan club member but.......he does have a track record of good 1st halfs and he will take the ball every 5 days.The bet here is he's the 4th or 5th starter.I thought Dempster was undervalued as a closer........but as a starter I got no faith. It's been 5 or 6 years since he has had success in that role
Love the fact that Fukudome is only hitting .259
Hmm
Well
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 14, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
uh...
Even Z -- even Clemens -- has bad days. Better now, when it doesn't matter, then September...
by drewishdrewid on Mar 14, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions
this definately raises eyebrows
- its against one of the better offenses in the AL
- its only 1 game
- Dempster will get one or two more oppurtunies to redeem himself
wuertz 3pitch K
error kendrick, e.pat safe @ first
I would imagine he was told to just stand there.
Maybe they said, "Try not to get hit,"
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Patterson GB off Kendrick's glove
The 6th sign?
Many choices
Dempster-- hasn't been an effective starter in 5 years; was good as Closer, helped the team. Good guy.
Marquis-- performs well in first half of season, usually. Competitor, but perhaps a bit selfish. Can only expect him to be equal to or worse than last few years.
Marshall-- lefty, had some very poor outings last year. Young, could pitch better (at least has some promise)
???
by ExNorthsider on Mar 14, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
To bring some perspective to Dempster's outing...
wuertz give up leadoff hit
D LEE
A Ram
"Not too happy about it"
left shoulder blade area
Dome
2 out
De Ro
over the RF wall
2nd and 3rd
Cintron
end of 3rd
Wood on
Ramierez still in game, diving stop
Howie Kendrick
Woodie sounds like he's on
Kerry Wood, ladies and gentlemen.
Bad Vlad
quick half inning
Hank White
Fuld batting for woodie
Little Sammy
E Pat
End of 4
Kerry
Liebs on
Napoli
2out
Lieber 1-2-3 inning
Sorry, wrong batter
I'm very excited about having Lieber on the staff. As a ballpark worker, it's wonderful to have a quick pitcher like Lieber or maddux. Hopefully Jon'll pitch all night games before day games.
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Lieber
Soriano
w00d to kotchman
D Lee
STAND UP TRIPLE!!
A Ram
Ball gets by Napoli
D LEE SCORES!!
A Ram thrown out at first.
Dome
End of inning,
Cubs 4,
Halos 6
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Lee!
I bet he just raised his batting average...
Seems like this announcer is blaming
DLee has the power to get the ball to the wall without the wind.
Dlee now with 2 xtra base hits.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 4:31 PM CDT reply actions
Lieber returns
Brandon wood gapper in left center-- lead off double
nate haines
runner to 3rd
Santana lifted for PH
Cintron
by puckishcubsfan on Mar 14, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions
He's smarter than Cedeno
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions
PH kendrie morales
RUNNER @ THIRD BREAKING FOR PLATE DOUBLED OFF!
3 out
uh-oh
O'Day on for angels
BAD: Cintron hit by foul ball in on deck circle.
"Hit near face. Down face first and not moving around. Trainer bringing out a towel."
On the fly
by section229beer on Mar 14, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
That's awful.
I think I heard a line drive
BTW, Lieber got a hit just now.
Fonty taking cintrons place on deck
De Ro
Fonty
HANK WHITE
HR!!!
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 4:45 PM CDT reply actions
Lieber batting
Lieber's on!
ePatt single
EPat is 1-3
Eric Patterson just got a hit
First and second, with two out.
I wish the Angels announcers could be more fluent.
theriot
by drewishdrewid on Mar 14, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Eric Patterson is one of my long-time...
Santo sign
by Mills @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Mar 14, 2008 4:52 PM CDT reply actions
Sori K swinging
Cubs 5, halos 6
Lieber back.
Isturiz K for angels
Lieber just doesn't walk people...
I'm inclined to think so also...
I actually like the guy, but I suspect Lou didn't like what he saw today.
Agreed...
I don't know...
by drewishdrewid on Mar 14, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I disagree...
Marquis:
9 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 4 BB, 3 K, 2.00 ERA
Dempster:
9 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 2 HBP, 4 BB, 5 K, 3.00 ERA
Prior to today, Dempster is SLIGHTLY better, albeit in a small sample size.
After today:
Dempster:
10.2 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 2 HBP, 6 BB, 6 K, 6.75 ERA
As of now, Marquis has clearly had the better spring. Again, in a small sample size.
Actually...
Prior:
0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 0 HBP, 0 BB, 0 K, 0.00 ERA, 19 TWLDRL
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 14, 2008 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions
And almost as soon as I type this...
Howie Kendrick three pitch K
Lieber showing
Bourjos H thru middle of the infield
Pettit BB
Great to here "OLD STYLE HERE" from the stands. gettin on last call
Napoli K looking
Liebs strikes out side
hey!
Lieber K's the side
That sounds good.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions
D Lee K swinging
McGehee pops out to shallow right
Dome out 3-1 ground out.
cubs 6, halos 5
Lieber's back!
Game: Lieber to Dee brown, ground out to first
B. wood grounds out 6-3
Leiber goes five,
Not freakin' bad.
Aybar (in for haines), grounds to first
Liebs goes 5
someone tell the announcers
I think that
Demps and Marquis will go down to their last appearance.
Lookin way ahead, Im still hoping to get an ace type starter in July.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:17 PM CDT reply actions
Rich Thompson on for Halos
Fonty taps to short, 6-3 on close play
1-2-3
Ascaino on.
Morales K swinging
M. Izturis H to center
Rodrieguiz flys out to Kroeger
Asciano doesn't completely stink
Peter Bourjos pops to McGehee
Get your rally caps
Whos gonna get the walk off.
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:32 PM CDT reply actions
DWard.....
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:33 PM CDT reply actions
Another good day for Patterson...
Way to go
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:35 PM CDT reply actions
Kroeger
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:36 PM CDT reply actions
The HOFF
NO DP
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:38 PM CDT reply actions
lots of attention to patterson at first
Epatt
by Me and Lou WS 07 on Mar 14, 2008 5:39 PM CDT reply actions
Kroeger K looking
that's it.
On the other hand, it's not like they beat us up and down the bullpen. Woody, Lieber, both pitched well.
Sigh.

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