TORONTO -- The rain has stopped this morning -- not that it would really matter for the game, because they could just close the roof again. But I'm kind of looking forward to seeing baseball in sunshine this afternoon.Lou Piniella has rethought his rotation shuffle; this means Ryan Dempster misses the Baltimore series, and Carlos Zambrano will only face the White Sox once. (That notes column also indicates that 15 minor leaguers will be recalled to play in the Hall of Fame game on Monday.)
Bruce Miles writes that the flooding in Iowa has forced the Cubs to make adjustments in the farm system, including sending Kevin Hart to Double-A to get work in, because he couldn't get to Des Moines. They're even considering sending Sean Marshall there to get work.
And does anyone know what the reason is for the x:07 starts in Toronto? Is it a sponsorship deal like the White Sox have with 7-11?
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Roy Halladay's only career appearance vs. the Cubs was on June 8, 2005 at Wrigley Field. He threw well, allowing two runs in 7 innings, but that was one of the games after which Sergio Mitre should have been immediately traded, because Mitre was better, allowing no runs, and the Cubs won 2-0. Take a look at that "vs. Cubs" link in the pitcher box, and just for amusement, look at what Halladay did to Alfonso Soriano when Soriano was in the AL. Of course, that's irrelevant today, but still interesting. More intersting is the 12 walks in 102.2 IP (which leads the majors, as does his 5 CG). The Cubs, leading the majors in walks, will have to put the ball in play today to be successful.
Jason Marquis has a little more experience against today's hitters, including allowing three HR (in 24 AB) to Cub nemesis Scott Rolen. Brad Wilkerson has also hit him well (.333/.444/.800, 5-for-15, a double, 2 HR, 3 walks). Marquis threw really well and looked focused in his last start in Los Angeles last Sunday. That's the Marquis we need to show up today.
Today's game is on CBC, nationwide in Canada. I know, that doesn't really help anyone in the USA. It's also on CSN Chicago, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter. It is probably NOT on EI today, due to the silly Fox Saturday restrictions.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's overflow comment threads will post at 1:15 pm and 2:15 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.