Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Submitted by Rob G. on Mon, 07/21/2008 - 6:45pm.
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| SP | Rich Harden |
SP |
*Randy Johnson |
| (NL & AL) | 5-1, 2.48 ERA, 102 K, 34 BB, 82.3 IP |
6-7, 5.23, 95 K, 28 BB, 98 IP | |
| SS | Ryan Theriot | SS | *Stephen Drew |
| LF | Reed Johnson | LF | Conor Jackson |
| 1B |
Derrek Lee | 2B |
#Orlando Hudson |
| 3B |
Aramis Ramirez | 1B |
*Chad Tracy |
| C |
Geovany Soto |
3B | Mark Reynolds |
| RF | Mark DeRosa | CF | Chris Young |
| CF |
*Jim Edmonds | C | Chris Snyder |
| 2B |
Ronny Cedeno | RF | *Alex Romero |
| P |
*Rich Harden |
P | *Randy Johnson |
The Cubs return to their personal Crystal Lake as they take on the Diamondbacks for the first time since the horrors of last October. Hopefully there will be less bloodshed this time around as they'll miss Brandon Webb and Dan Haren in this series. Of course, the Cubs missed Roy Oswalt the last series and look at the good that gone and did them. Wednesday's game will be the much anticpated Ted Lilly vs Doug Davis rematch though, sure to be carried on all major media outlets.
So while the Brewers and Cardinals beat up on each other in a four-game set, the Cubs get a chance to improve on their 22-8 record versus the NL West and a struggling Diamondbacks club, albeit a first-place club.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Off topic and probably 3/44, but Baseball Prospectus premium articles (normally paid subscription required) are free all week through July 27th ...
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Harden bats lefty - just nit picking here
I wish he (and Zambrano) didn't hit lefty. It's scary watching their right arms exposed to 90+ mph fastballs.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
I actually don't mind Z doing it since he generates most of his power from the left side and he helps himself a lot with his offense. Harden on the other hand hits like most pitchers and has no business hitting lefty (or righty for that matter).
__________________________That's Manila with an "L"
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Harden would probably like more run support. That is all.
__________________________Ryno
http://wolf-report.blogspot.com
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Saw Harden hit 101MPH on the radar gun. I'm watching the FSN Arizona broadcast on the free Extra Innings preview this week.
101? Wow. I know the gun might be a little fast, but thats lighting it up.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Wow, Cubbieland better wake their butts up for this one.
__________________________Ryno
http://wolf-report.blogspot.com
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Losing a 1-hitter would suck balls.
__________________________Ryno
http://wolf-report.blogspot.com
# Off Topic (again) Brian Dopirak does it (again)
He hit two more home runs tonight (23) and drove in 6 (76) for Dunedin in the Florida State League.
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stat...
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Randy Johnson has been the luckiest pitcher I've ever seen tonight. The Cubs have been smoking line drives and deep fly balls all over the field, and they've all been caught. Ridiculous.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
I guess it is better to be lucky than good. He has been pretty damn awesome for a long time now, and consider his pitch count tonight. The Big Unit threw 86 pitches in 7 innings. He could very easily have gone out for a complete game at that rate.
That said, I am happy and sad that The Guy Who Stole Rothschild's Number tossed 112 in 7 innings. Happy that he was comfortable enough to throw 112 pitches... although I am not thrilled that he threw that many pitches.
I am torn... torn like an old sweater...
__________________________Extreme Priapism - Having Wood since 1995.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Yeah -- every ballpark should have 368-foot power alleys, with baskets that catch balls that don't go quite that far. Edmonds' ball was a basket HR at Wrigley.
Well, at least the AZ outfielders should be tired for tonight's game. Unit had 15 fly ball outs (most were hit hard and chased down) and 2 ground ball outs.
Hey, Rich Harden -- how do you like Cubbery so far? 0.73 ERA in 2 starts, 0-1 record.
Brewers have some mojo workin' -- I think that's 4 straight on the road for them, including wins over Cain and Lincicum in SF.
I'm thinking maybe the best thing is a Brewers' sweep, with the Cards then getting swept in NY this weekend -- rather hace a 2-team race than a 3-way (race, that is).
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
I found a good ironic laugh over at Fire Joe Morgan (I needed it after tonight's offensive futility). Commenting on the Josh Hamilton HR Derby thing--
"Not only did Erin Andrews snub Justin Morneau for Hamilton immediately post-Derby, but during the trophy presentation she clearly pronounces his name as "Mar-neau," Executive Vice President of MLB Rob Manfred goes with something like "Myrrh-neau," and Boys and Girls Club Giant Check Giver Guy just flat out insults him with "Jason." We get it, guys: Morneau didn't do heroin. So he's bo-ring!
The lesson, as always: it's better to do heroin and then stop doing heroin and then lose the Home Run Derby after an impressive first round than it is to not do heroin and then keep not doing heroin and then win the Home Run Derby after a pedestrian first round."
http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/07/weird-things-...
__________________________JoePepitone
# Cubs fined for cheating
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080721&c...
sounds like they forgot to tell the MLB offices that they signed someone before he started playing.
# Re: Cubs fined for cheating
I wonder if Arizona Phil will be somehow implicated.
Don't worry, Phil—if you end up doing time, we'll figure out how to get you a special set of prison greys with the TCR logo stenciled on the back.
# Re: Cubs fined for cheating
In addition, he can do some advance scouting of any athletes in the weight room, with Fleita and Wilken just a phone call away.
# Re: Cubs fined for cheating
AZ Phil: "The Cubs need to take a serious look at this Ugueth Urbina guy."
__________________________Ryno
http://wolf-report.blogspot.com
# Re:Wilken just a phone call away
Chances are Teflon Tim won't answer...
Voice messages left for scouting director Tim Wilken and general manager Jim Hendry were not returned
--Gordon Wittenmeyer
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Most depressing loss in a while...at least since Saturday.
Happened to hear part of the Brewers game on WTMJ tonight. Uecker said the Brewers will be "platooning" their #5 starters, having McClung start strictly on the road and having Bush start strictly at Miller Park.
?????
I know I'm caught up in the moment, having seen Lee and Ramirez look so bad lately, especially in the 9th inning tonight, but the 1-2 punch of Braun/Fielder vs. the 1-2 punch of Lee/Ramirez looks like a no-contest.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Yeah, Yost announced that shortly after they got CC. Bush has a 2.49 ERA at home this year, but is 1-6 with an ERA of almost 7.00 on the road. McClung is 4.95 at home and 3.32 on the road. So rather than move one to the pen permanently, Yost said he would simply see where the 5th starter slot fell - home or road - and start the appropriate pitcher. It will take some advance calendar watching an some creative ways to keep them fresh and sharp between starts, but if their splits are legit and hold up the rest of the way their 5th starter slot will be solid.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Thanks for filling in the details. I looked at those splits after hearing Uecker, and saw the discrepancy, but it still seems goofy to conclude that Bush is the inferior choice in any other park besides Miller or that McClung is better everywhere else except at Miller Park. What kind of confidence will Bush bring to the game if he is forced to pitch in relief on the road? Same with McClung in Milwaukee. Not to mention this judgment has been made based on relatively small samples.
I guess that's for Yost and the Brewers and Brewer fans to kick around. Here in Chicago, we have other things to worry about, like how we're going to work our way into third place.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Alfonso Soriano took pre-game BP with the position player starters at Chase Field last night, and he hit hard line drives and several towering long flies over the fence, including one to dead center. He was REALLY attacking the ball. He didn't show any signs that he was babying his hand.
From my observation of Soriano yesterday in the AZL game in Peoria and then the 5 PM pre-game BP later at Chase Field, Soriano has not lost his power. It's not like when D-Lee came back from his broken wrist.
But his timing was a bit off at Peoria facing the AZL Padres kid pitcher, so he probably will need at least one AAA game (possibly two) before he gets reactivated.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
WELCOME TO CUBBERY RICH HARDEN!
After the Astros series, I looked up this unbelievable stat - the Cubs at Houston:
129-192!
What a great road team!
__________________________Disappointed by "Cubbery" since 1966
# Re: I looked up this unbelievable stat
What's unbelievable about it? We're talking the Cubs here. They couldn't win at the old Astrodome so they hunkered down and went with plan B --- wait til they tear it down.
# Re: I looked up this unbelievable stat
Agreed.
Man, I remember some ugly Cub losses there to on b&w WGN. Jimmy Winn (Wynn) - he killed us. They called him "The Pocket Cannon", or "Toy Cannon"
And then - JR Richard and company.
Unfortunately, they have to play there again this year in a Division race.
__________________________Disappointed by "Cubbery" since 1966
# Randy Wolf
and the Astros?
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=349970...
# Re: Randy Wolf
Yea... heard that.
It doesn't make any sense to me.
__________________________still searching for the meaning of "assinine"
# Re: Randy Wolf
This has to be a flip. I know the Tigers were thinking about him and I think (not really sure) Dombrowski and Towers dont like each other so maybe Dombrowski is using Wade as a middle man. Though Wade is dumb and McClane always thinks that team can make a post ASGB run because of what they did in 04 and 05. Shawn Chacon must be a hero in Philly cause of idotic Wade ran that team.
# Re: Randy Wolf
# Everyone knows
# Re: Everyone knows
I've called every single rooftop owner about tickets and haven't heard back from one damn single one of 'em yet. Grrrrr.....
__________________________The Todd Zeile of Internet handles.
# Jon Rauch
# Re: Jon Rauch
Joel Hanrahan is probably in the mix as well.
2b "prospect" Emilo Bonifacio goes to the Nationals
# Re: Jon Rauch
Finally Bowden steals from someone who isnt a 16 year old Latin American kid. Rauch is just a blah pitcher having a good year and Bonifacio was a pre-season top 10 prospect in a loaded D-backs system. I imagine Hanaran has to be the Nats CL the rest of the way, as he is better and younger than Rivera and Ayala. Can the Diamondbacks beat the T'wolves in basketball now?
# Other rumors from Rotoworld
Yanks looking at Jarrod Washburn
Rays looking at Casey Blake
Fuentes being looked at by Marlins, Yanks, Mets, Rays, Cardinals, Red Sox and Phillies
Brewers to sign Jay Gibbons to minor league deal
# Re: Other rumors from Rotoworld
Isnt Johnny Gomes better than Casey Blake? I dont know why Maddon hates him as much as Lou did Murton. If they are going to get a big bat like Holliday, Bay, or Nady thats one thing, I dont get why a team with alot of good prospects and a limited payroll would risk some prospects on a marginal upgrade.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Hope Jimbo doesn't sneak in there and offer what's left of the farm system for Fuentes. I mean, one of either Eyre or Wuertz should be able to step it up during the second half -right?
(crickets chirping)
# Lieber pitched 3.0 Eyre pitched 1.0 uneventful innings today
http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stat...
# stuff...stuff and things...mostly stuff
btw...lansford wasn't fasttracked to AA...he's there to play 3rd so they could get matt "AARP" craig out of there.
i wouldnt be worried about the career of a 6th rounder with a light bat, personally...or what some guy says to the press when asked a question by a reporter looking to make his/her story.
the wilken thing is really weird, btw.
-edit-
neat...matt craig is doing pretty well in limited (a good chunk of pinch hit) ABs for iowa, too...
7g 18ab 7h 2double 2hr 4bb 5k
# Re: Lieber pitched 3.0 Eyre pitched 1.0 uneventful
Wilken : Navigator :: Hendry : mannytrillo
# Re: Lieber pitched 3.0 Eyre pitched 1.0 uneventful
# Pat Venditte - Switch Pitcher
http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees...
I don't know how many of you remember last year at draft time, when I kept going on and on about how the Cubs should draft this guy, just so it would be easier for me to follow his progress. Well, the Yankees drafted him last year, which really pissed me off. Then, he went back to school, which made me happy. Then, THE YANKEES drafted him again!!! Anyway, he is through the first month of pro ball in short season, and is the team's closer, and is still a switch pitcher. I wonder how far he will make before they make him pick a side... A very interesting story, though...
# Re: Pat Venditte - Switch Pitcher
FINALLY!
ive been wondering what his 6-finger glove looked like. article has a nice pic.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Yeah, the glove is pretty neat. I am sure that it would pretty hard to replace. I also like the discussion of what happens when he faces a switch hitter... He's doing well so far!
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Submitted by crunch on Tue, 07/22/2008 - 5:14pm.
btw...lansford wasn't fasttracked to AA...he's there to play 3rd so they could get matt "AARP" craig out of there.
=============================
CRUNCH: Matt Craig really hasn't played much 3B this year. The Cubs had him playing 1B at Tennessee.
Prior to Lansford's promotion, Kyle Reynolds was the #1 3B at Tennessee, but the Cubs have Reynolds playing both 3B and 1B now.
Lansford got promoted mainly so that the Cubs could open up 3B for Marquez Smith at Daytona, which also allows Jovan Rosa to play 3B (instead of 1B) at Peoria. .
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
ah, i was told otherwise, but if craig wasnt even playing 3rd that pretty much nullifies it anyway. thnx.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Winner of the STFU award:
“I thought we hit the ball well,” said Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee, who grounded into his major-league leading 20th double play with two on and nobody out in the ninth inning. “We just didn’t have anything to show for it.”
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
How is Derrek Lee related to the Southern Tenant Farmers Union?
__________________________JoePepitone
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Jeez, that's just a bit harsh, don't you think? So he's not doing so well with men on base, he's still a better 1st bagger than most of what else is out there.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Nope, don't think it's harsh at all. When you're not getting it done in key situations, don't tell us how well you're hitting the ball. Just shut up and start getting the job done.
This isn't just one bad game. If this pace continues, he'll hit into 32 DPs this season. Ron Cey thinks that's insane. Hell, Jim Rice thinks that's insane.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Notice Lee said "we" though. There were quite a few gappers that were scalded but run down last night.
# Re: Game 99 Thread / Cubs @ Diamondbacks (1 of 3)
Rice had a four year stretch where he hit into 131 DP's, so he probably wouldn't label that 'insane'.
Cal Ripken once grounded into 32 double plays and he was only 24 at the time. Pujols hit into 27 last year.
Once Soriano and his .300 ISO OBP gets back, that should help ease the double play problem for Lee to some degree. If Theriot stole bases as sucessfully as he did last season, that would help as well.
But, I agree, mostly Lee needs to quit hitting grounders with men on base.
Taking advantage of BP's free week you can see that Lee is only the 14th most likely guy to hit into a GIDP this year (300+ PAs). Theriot is 10th.
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/sorta...
__________________________They haven't banned me yet.