So what are you doing for an encore, Cubs?
The answer is, you can't. You just go out and win yet again today.
Notes:
- The Cubs lead ESPN's Power Rankings, with this note about Z:
Carlos Zambrano has won six straight decisions and collected 12 hits in 29 at-bats since April 16.
12-for-29? (.414, if you were wondering.) Jim Edmonds should be so lucky. - Meanwhile, Edmonds has changed his batting stance back to what it was when he was successful, and knows he has a long way to go:
Of course, Edmonds likely sits today against Glendon Rusch.Edmonds was rather reserved after Friday's game, knowing that one good performance doesn't really mean he's out of his slump.
"I have to string about four or five of them together to show I can still be here," he said. "And if I don't, it doesn't mean much."
- Under-the-radar transaction: the Cubs bought RHP Jim Brower from the Reds yesterday. Brower last pitched in the majors briefly last year with the Yankees and had a couple of good years as a middle reliever for the Giants in 2003 and 2004. He's 35 and this is likely a "stockpile" signing. He'll be sent to Iowa.
- This article, mostly about Carlos Marmol's chances for the All-Star team (don't count on it), also has this amazing statistical note:
The Cubs have had a lead in their last 21 consecutive games for the first time since Sept. 4-27, 1935, when they went 21-0 in that stretch.
- Rich Hill came off the DL and struck out five in three innings, but also allowed three runs. Felix Pie homered and tripled.
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Good heavens, Glendon Rusch? I like Glendon and am glad he came back from his life-threatening illness, but seriously, here's a guy who the woeful Padres couldn't use. This will be his first appearance for the Rockies and his first start since his Cub days, two years ago. Mark DeRosa is 5-for-7 lifetime off Rusch, and Derrek Lee is 9-for-23 (.391/.417/.696, a double, 2 HR).
Ryan Dempster: keep up the good work. He really hasn't had any bad starts and has gone at least six innings ten of eleven times. The only member of the current Rockies to hit him hard is Todd Helton (6-for-17, .353/.450/.765, a double, 2 HR).
Today's game is on CSN Chicago, FSN Rocky Mountain, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter. It won't be on EI today because of the Fox blackout rules. Yes, I know that's stupid; we have discussed that here many times. Team owners are supposed to have submitted new territorial maps to MLB by today. We'll see if that changes anything.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's 1st overflow comment thread will post at 1:15 pm CT and the 2nd one at 2:15 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.