A Look at Randy Wells

I've died down greatly in my enthusiasm with the Cubs, but I just thought we should take a minute to really look at and appreciate Wells season thus far. Let's start with he's 9-6 with a 2.84 ERA after last night. Now a look at those 6 losses: 7 innings 3 ER, 7 innings, 2 ER, 3.2 innings 4ER, 7 innings 4 ER, 5.1 innings 5 ER, and last night 6.2 innings, 0 ER. I think it's very logical he should be 12-3 there. Now his no decisions: 5 innings 0 ER, 6 innings 0 ER, 7 innings 1 ER, 6.2 innings 2 ER. Wow! Let's just give him 3 of those 4. He'd be 15-3! Let's all give a big thank you to rookie of the year candidate, Randy Wells, and hope his 2nd year is better than last year's rookie of the year!

Taking The High Road...

Okay, I'm done belly-aching and getting mad...for now. Let's look on the bright side: We all know we have played terrible baseball, underachieved, and had so many injuries it seems like a joke. The thing is we're still not out of it. 4-5 games is getting serious, but Lilly is due back Monday. Big Z should be back soon. Reed Johnson is due back in about 2 weeks or so. Gorzelanny should be back soon. Although Bradley is out today, he's been on fire! Soto isn't hitting much, but you have to believe he'll get better now that he's healthy. Baker is on fire. Now look at our upcoming schedule: 3 games vs. Pittsburgh(46-68), 3 games @ San Diego(49-67), then LA, but then the Nationals. And I thought, why not bring back the picture of the #1 Cub fan?

I like this lineup vs. lefties:

SS-Theriot

RF-Bradley

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

LF-Soriano

C-Soto

2B-Baker

CF-Fukudome(until Johnson is back)

*With Fox giving Ramirez more days off than usual. Maybe some spot starts to rest Lee, Soriano, and Bradley.

and this one vs. righties:

SS-Theriot

CF-Fukudome

RF-Bradley

3B-Ramirez

1B-Lee

LF-Soriano

C-Soto

2B-Fontenot

*With Fox giving Ramirez more days off than usual. Maybe some spot starts to rest Lee, Soriano, and Bradley.

When all the pitchers are healthy-go with a 6 pitcher rotation until one of them gets hurt again(because you know they will). Zambrano, Wells, Harden, Lilly, Dempster, and Gorzelanny. Wow! That should be deadly. Then although they have all been shaky, Grabow, Marmol, Gregg, Marshall, and Guzman should be sufficient in the bullpen.

Odds and Ends

Needless to say I haven't been as excited to post lately...Ramirez is out again, maybe to return Friday for the Pittsburgh series if we're lucky. Zambrano hurt again and will miss atleast another start. Lilly started a rehab assignment and should be back in a week or less. Gorzelanny is now hurt and will be out a week or so...where does it end? Samardzija has been terrible and is now sent down. We had to resort to calling up a guy with a 4.15 ERA and a 5-10 record! The only bright side-Milton Bradley has finally started hitting. That and a fairly week schedule coming up, but I feel it slipping away. Here's a look at the Pirates series that we better sweep!

vs. Charlie Morton(R)

SS-Theriot(0-1)

RF-Bradley

1B-Lee(1-2)

3B-Ramirez(1-2)

LF-Soriano(0-2)

C-Soto(1-1)

2B-Fontenot

CF-Fukudome(0-2)

vs. Zach Duke(L)

SS-Theriot(.375, HR)
RF-Bradley(5-10)
1B-Fox(2-3)
3B-Ramirez(.314, HR)
LF-Soriano(.455, 2 HR)
2B-Baker(2-6, HR)
C-Hill

CF-Fuld

vs. Ross Ohlendorf(R)

SS-Theriot(0-2)
RF-Bradley
1B-Lee(1-3)
3B-Ramirez
LF-Soriano(0-2)

C-Soto(2-3)
2B-Fontenot(1-3)
CF-Fukudome(0-3)

vs. SD-Kevin Correia(R)

SS-Theriot(3-6)
RF-Bradley(1-2)
1B-Lee(3-7)
3B-Fox
LF-Soriano(1-4)
C-Soto(2-5)
2B-Baker(2-5, HR)
CF-Fukudome(2-7)

Tough one yesterday. Bad luck on Fox's ground rule double, terrible call at 2nd base, and some untimely bad hitting had that one looking ridiculous early. On top of that it looked like the Cards were going to lose and they pulled it out. Two back now, and we play Philly while they play Cincy. Not good. On the bright side, Bradley's starting to hit the ball. Gorzelanny gets his 2nd start tonight and Samardzija is getting Big Z's start. Got a couple lefties coming up. Sure wish we had Johnson as an option. Gotta get Fox AB's. BTW-A little shout out to my boy Hoffpauir who was sent down to AAA Iowa. He'll be back up soon! Here's a look at tonight and the only 2 pitchers they have listed for the next series so far:

vs. Jorge De La Rosa(L)

SS-Theriot
RF-Bradley(0-2)
1B-Lee(0-2)
3B-Ramirez(1-2)
LF-Soriano(2-3, HR)
C-Soto(1-1)
2B-Baker(1-3)
CF-Fukudome(0-1)

vs. Cliff Lee(L)

SS-Theriot(0-4)
RF-Bradley(3-13, HR)
1B-Lee(2-3, HR)
3B-Ramirez(1-3, HR)
LF-Soriano(3-11, HR)
C-Soto(0-1)
2B-Miles(1-4)
CF-Fukudome

vs. Joe Blanton(R)

SS-Theriot(1-5)
RF-Bradley(3-6)
1B-Lee(1-5)
3B-Ramirez(1-6)
LF-Soriano(5-14)
C-Hill(1-3)
2B-Fontenot(0-3)
CF-Fukudome(1-5)

Lefties Rule!

Gorzelanny debuts with 7+ innings, 6 K's 1 BB, and 1 run. Let's not forget his RBI single either! Add Grabow and Marshall, and the report is that B.J. Ryan is yet to allow a hit in 4.2 innings. 3 K's and 4 BB worry you a little, but when we get Lilly back I'd say we are more than set with lefties! Now let's see if Marmol, Gregg, and Guzman can get it together! I think we're all excited to get Soto back Friday. He has to be more of a threat than Hill's .200 average and 2HRs! We send out Harden, Zambrano, Dempster, and Wells in the next 4. Here's a look at tonight's Reds finale(which I expect to win) and the upcoming CO series:

vs. Justin Lehr(R)
CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
2B-Fontenot
C-Hill-I've given up hope that Fox will start!
vs. Ubaldo Jimenez(R)
CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
2B-Fontenot
C-Soto
vs. Jason Marquis(R)
CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Fox
LF-Soriano
2B-Fontenot
C-Soto
vs. Jason Hammel(R)
CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
2B-Fontenot
C-Hill

Always Exciting

Well, Marmol can't make anything easy, but I love going into today in a 1st place tie. We'll see how Gorzelanny does in his first Cub start. Our numbers are pretty good vs. Cueto. Sounds like Lilly isn't as far away as I had thought, and we plan to have Soto back by Friday. I know he was off to a terrible start, but I think he has laid off the pipe, and it has to be looked at as a huge upgrade at the plate over Hill, so in a way it's like a trade? I also love that they are talking about making Fox a 2B during the offseason! Wow! Would that be awesome? Here's a look at the next few days:

vs. Johnny Cueto(R)

CF-Fukudome(.267)
SS-Theriot(.421)
1B-Lee(.421)
3B-Ramirez(3-12, 2HR)
RF-Hoffpauir(0-4)
LF-Soriano(.467, 3HR)
2B-Fontenot(0-6)
C-Hill(0-2)-I've given up hope that Fox will start!

vs. Justin Lehr(R)

CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
2B-Fontenot
C-Hill-I've given up hope that Fox will start!

The Trade(Finally)

Definitely not a blockbuster, but atleast we made a move! You won't hear any complaining here. I did like both Hart and Ascanio all right, but when everyone is healthy, we really didn't have much need for either. Now we're deep with lefties. Too bad we couldn't ship Heilman out! A look at the numbers:

John Grabow-lefthander-3.42 ERA 41 K's and 28 walks. Tom Gorzelanny-lefthander-5.19 ERA out of the bullpen in 9 games. 3-1 record. That doesn't sound very good, but he was 14-10 with a 3.88 ERA in 2007. Maybe when he gets back to the starting rotation he can find his old form? Don't forget it's so far so good with B.J. Ryan in Iowa too. With Bradley, Soriano, and Ramirez hitting along with Lee and Theriot, we'll get Soto back soon and let's get Fox some AB's and this looks pretty nice!

It Never Ends!

We're finally playing good ball, but the injuries just keep coming! The Cubs have had 13 players go on the DL 15 times. Now Reed Johnson is out with a fractured foot for a month. Maybe not the most valuable Cub, but I think very important to keep Kosuke away from lefties. Now I guess we have no choice? They may recall Sam Fuld who I like, but also a lefthanded batter. The Pirates continue to give their guys away, and we just stay out of it. Now they've dealt Snell, Wilson, and Sanchez. Man, I'd like to get in on Duke, Maholm, Capps, Grabow, someone! I'm even more annoyed with LA putting up the big turd against the Cards. That really hurts. On the good side, how hot is Ramirez!? Having him back and Soriano hot again is pretty scary. How good is Randy Wells? I'm starting to love that guy. B.J. Ryan tossed a shut out inning in his Iowa debut. Reports are that if things go well he could be called up in a week or so. Man, that would be nice if this works out! Sounds like we could have Soto back by mid-next week.

Here's the match-ups in the final Houston game today and the upcoming Florida series:

vs. Russ Ortiz(R)

CF-Fukudome(2-3)

SS-Theriot(2-5)

1B-Hoffpauir(1-4)-Lee = 3-33

3B-Ramirez(.375, HR)

RF-Bradley(.375)

LF-Soriano(2-10)

2B-Fontenot(2-5, HR)

C-Hill(4-7)-I've given up hope that Fox will start!

vs. Chris Volstad(R)

CF-Fukudome(1-7) - Maybe Fuld here?
SS-Theriot(2-8)
1B-Lee(2-8)
3B-Ramirez(2-5, HR)
RF-Bradley(1-3, HR)
LF-Hoffpauir(Soriano = 0-9)
2B-Fontenot(4-8, HR)
C-Hill(0-2)-I've given up hope that Fox will start!

vs. Ricky Nolasco(R)

CF-Fukudome(0-3)
SS-Theriot(2-3)
1B-Lee(1-3, HR)
3B-Ramirez(2-4, HR)
RF-Hoffpauir
LF-Soriano(4-10, 2HR)
2B-Fontenot(1-3, HR)
C-Hill-I've given up hope that Fox will start!

The 1st Place Chicago Cubs!!!

It is such a strange feeling to me for these Cubs to be in 1st place. I've thought all year we had the guys to do it, but it seems like we've been so bad. Seems we are nowhere near where I thought we should be and somehow here we are! If Soriano, Bradley, and eventually Soto can get where they should be along with Lee, Ramirez, and Theriot...then throw in Fox, Hoffpauir, and the Fukudome/Johnson platoon, and we're pretty tough. The bullpen has improved and the rotation is solid. All that said, I've heard the rumors now. George Sherril from Baltimore, Victor Martinez, Heath Bell, Dan Haren, Adam Dunn, and the Pirates-Duke, Wilson, and Sanchez. What are your feelings of the liklihood of any of those deals and how bad would you want who? I'd like comments and votes over at the side. Here's a look at the Houston series(I like that we face 2 lefties):

vs. Wandy Rodriguez(L)
CF-Johnson(.182)
SS-Theriot(.476, HR)
1B-Lee(.444, 2HR)
3B-Ramirez(.231)
RF-Bradley(2-12)
LF-Fox(Soriano 1-14)
2B-Baker
C-Hill(1-2)

vs. Roy Oswalt(R)
CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot(.333)
1B-Lee(.291, 3HR)
3B-Ramirez(.254, 4HR)
LF-Hoffpauir(2-3, HR)
RF-Bradley(3-8, HR)
2B-Fontenot(.286)
C-Hill(1-2)
*Soriano = .231, 3HR - maybe he starts for Bradley or Hoffpauir?

vs. Mike Hampton(L)
CF-Johnson(1-2)

SS-Theriot(0-3)

1B-Lee(.226, 3HR)

3B-Ramirez(.267)

RF-Bradley(.294)

LF-Soriano(1-5)

C-Fox

2B-Baker

Let's Make A Deal!

I know reports are that the Cubs have said they aren't going to make a move. I know that we have the talent to win with what we've got, BUT if we're going to fight for the division, we have to show we're serious! As I've said all along, I think that may be the most important reason to do it. Show the players and fans we're serious. Then we can look at the fact that the Cards picked up DeRosa and Holliday! The last straw should be the latest with Lilly. Atleast Hart has been pretty good and they say Dempster will be back Tuesday, but Todd says word is Lilly would be out 3 weeks or even the rest of the season should surgery be necessary. I don't know where he saw that because I can't find it, but Hart can't be our long-term answer if we're serious! Anyone heard when B.J. Ryan is going to pitch in Iowa? Any more meat behind the Heath Bell trade? I still say keep Bradley out most of the time vs. righties and we face 2 pretty good ones coming up. Soriano is 0-7 vs. Owings though. Get Fox some AB's! I say we need to sweep the Reds heading into a big series with Houston and their top pitchers. I do like that the Astros throw out 2 lefties though. Here's a look at the match-ups:

vs. Johnny Cueto(R)

RF-Fukudome(3-12)
SS-Theriot(.438)
1B-Lee(.400)
3B-Ramirez(2-9)
LF-Soriano(.333, 2HR)

C-Fox
CF-Johnson(2-5)
2B-Fontenot(0-4)

vs. Micah Owings(R)

CF-Fukudome(0-4)
SS-Theriot(4-9)
1B-Lee(2-9)
3B-Ramirez(3-8)
RF-Bradley(1-7) (Soriano 0-7)
LF-Hoffpauir(1-4, HR)
2B-Fontenot(1-5)
C-Hill

vs. Wandy Rodriguez(L)

CF-Johnson(.182)

SS-Theriot(.476, HR)

1B-Lee(.444, 2HR)

3B-Ramirez(.231)

RF-Bradley(2-12)

LF-Fox(Soriano 1-14)

2B-Baker

C-Hill(1-2)

vs. Roy Oswalt(R)

CF-Fukudome

SS-Theriot(.333)

1B-Lee(.291, 3HR)

3B-Ramirez(.254, 4HR)

LF-Hoffpauir(2-3, HR)

RF-Bradley(3-8, HR)

2B-Fontenot(.286)

C-Hill(1-2)

*Soriano = .231, 3HR - maybe he starts for Bradley or Hoffpauir?

vs. Mike Hampton(L)

CF-Johnson(1-2)
SS-Theriot(0-3)
1B-Lee(.226, 3HR)
3B-Ramirez(.267)
RF-Bradley(.294)
LF-Soriano(1-5)
C-Fox
2B-Baker

Phillies Series

Soriano finally gets it going and he makes an ass of himself in the field! Gotta be worried about Lilly at this point. Any word on if Ryan has pitched yet? Any more on the Heath Bell trade rumors? The Phillies changed the pitching match-ups though so we have to feel much better facing Joe Blanton than Cole Hamels! We really should hit these next 2 guys. Lou said Bradley will be out vs. the righty today and back vs. the lefty tomorrow. I like that. Notice Ramirez is 0-10 vs. Moyer and Johnson has hit both of the next 2 guys very well. I'm hoping Fox will get the start in the last 2 games. Here's my proposed lineups:

vs. Joe Blanton(R)

CF-Fukudome(0-2)-Johnson is 5-10 with a HR, so maybe he gets the start here or in RF?

SS-Theriot(0-2)-Blanco has been better so I guess this could be a start for him?

1B-Lee(0-2)-If Lou wants Johnson and Fukudome in it could be a start for Hoffpauir here?

3B-Ramirez(1-3)

RF-Hoffpauir

LF-Soriano(4-11)

C-Fox

2B-Fontenot

vs. Jamie Moyer(L)

CF-Johnson(11-33, HR)

SS-Theriot(.222)

1B-Lee(4-8)

RF-Bradley(.350, 2HR)

LF-Soriano(.220, 4 HR)

3B-Fox (Ramirez 0-10)

2B-Baker(1-3)

C-Hill

Go Cubs Go!

Well, the bad news is that Soriano is now hurt too, but I'm not sure how big of a deal that is. If we platoon Fox and Hoffpauir out there, do we really lose anything. They're saying it will only be a couple days anyway. Other than that they say Dempster and Soto are looking to be back earlier than expected and we still have 2 more games vs. the Nats! Now the news is hot and heavy that we are going to get Heath Bell from SD. He has a 1.69 ERA with 23 saves and 42 K's in 37 innings with only 15 walks. Please let this happen!

Nationals

Edit on the opposing pitchers and lineups. We really should rock these guys!:

vs. Craig Stammen(R)

CF-Fukudome

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Bradley

LF-Hoffpauir

2B-Fontenot

C-Hill

vs. Jordan Zimmerman(R)

CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley

C-Fox
LF-Hoffpauir
2B-Fontenot

vs. Garrett Mock(R)

CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Hoffpauir
LF-Soriano
2B-Fontenot
C-Hill

Ryan's Hope

I think that was the name of a TV show in the 80s that I never watched. Anyway, we signed former Blue Jays and Orioles closer, B.J. Ryan. The good news: He's a lefty and would allow us to move Marshall to the roation until Dempter is back if we want. He had 3 great seasons-36 saves and a 2.43 ERA in 2005, 38 saves and a 1.37 ERA in 2006, and 32 saves with a 2.95 ERA in 2008. The bad news: He had ligament replacement surgery in 2007(but he did bounce back), he has been injured this year and has control and velocity problems(that is really not good), and he currently has a 6.53 ERA. He has given up 22 hits(5 HRs) and 17 walks in 20 and 2/3 innings. He's starting off in AAA Iowa. Overall, I'm glad we did it. Really why not?

Here We Go!

Here's to hoping we put it together in the 2nd half! All the pieces are there. Let's just hope that A. Soto and Dempster are back soon and B. Soriano and Bradley have huge turn arounds in the 2nd half! I'd still like to see Hoffpauir in RF, LF, and 1B vs. righties. Almost in a straight rotation until someone really shows they turn it around. If Soriano or Bradley really shows it, then only give him starts over the other one. If both do, turn him into our #1 left handed pinch hitter and give him spot starts when someone needs a day off. Use Fox as the back-up catcher until Soto is back and give him some starts to rest Ramirez. Maybe a couple for Fonsy too, then I guess he turns into our #1 pinch hitter. Still waiting to hear about B.J. Ryan, but kind of hope it happens. Looks like we're getting ready to face 3 lefties, so come one Soriano and Bradley!:

vs. Ross Detwiler(L)

CF-Johnson

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Bradley

LF-Soriano

2B-Baker

C-Hill

vs. John Lannan(L)

CF-Johnson(1-6)
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee(2-5, HR)
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
C-Fox
2B-Baker(1-3)

vs. Scott Olsen(L)

CF-Johnson(2-6)
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee(2-8, HR)
3B-Ramirez(5-12, HR)
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano(3-12)
2B-Baker(2-7)

C-Hill

All-Star Break

Well, I think it's safe to say that the major theme for the first half of the season was disappointment and injuries! I'm sure I'll miss some, but Soto, Marmol, Lee, Johnson, Ramirez, Zambrano, Harden, Bradley, and Dempster all missed significant time. Add to that that almost everyone got off to a bad start, and I think you have to agree that A. It's amazing we're only 3 and a 1/2 games out after all of these bad breaks and playing this bad and B. It's seriously unlikely we can continue to play this poorly! I don't like the fact that Soto and Dempster will not be healthy for the July 16th return, but there really is a lot of room for optimism. There are some pleasant surprises. Randy Wells would be a good place to start. Couple that with Lilly being an all-star, and I still think it's hard to beat our rotation. What do we do while Dempster is out? I say deal for a closer and move Marshall to the rotation, but Hart looked goods in his start, and we all know I'd love to see Samardzija get his shot at starting. Fox is a nice surprise. We just need him getting AB's. I say rotate him whenever we can. Give Ramirez a few days off. Use him as the back-up C until Soto is back. Obviously our #1 pinch hitter. We're going to have to figure out how to play him soon or deal him. I still like Hoffpauir too even though his average has really dipped. The blame can obviously be thrown at Bradley, Soriano, and Soto mostly. Now that D-Lee has found his stroke and Ramirez is back, you just have to believe that those 3 guys have to atleast get closer to what they should be doing at some point. If they do, I still say this lineup is deadly:

CF-Fukudome(Johnson vs. lefties)

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee(Hoffpauir with a few starts)

3B-Ramirez(Fox with a few starts)

RF-Bradley vs. lefties(I'd like to see Hoffpauir vs. most righties)

LF-Soriano(Hoffpauir with a few starts vs. some righties)

C-Soto(when he's back)

2B-platoon Baker/Fontenot

Fox and Hoffpauir would be our first 2 pinch-hitters. I still say with Fox, Hoffpauir, Fuld, a couple catching prospects, and some of our young arms that we have a lot of trade bait for an upgrade at 2B, CF, and the bullpen. Speaking of the bullpen, it obviously concerns me, but I like Guzman and Ascanio. Throw in Marmol if he ever gets right and Gregg. Marshall and I say Hart and Stevens.

Just when I was thinking we'd be to full strength with A-Ram, Johnson, and Guzman back, Soto goes down along with Dempster for 3-4 weeks! That is our strength I guess. I figured Marshall would take the spot and now they say Hart. Not too excited about that. Maybe we should have gotten Pedro? Just kidding! Maybe we pull the trigger to get Heath Bell and bring Marshall into the rotation until Dempster is back? I can't imagine that we're not close to making a real deal with these little deals that only make sense from a money stand point. We'll see. Anyway, I love this lineup now. Bradley is hitting a little, but I'd still like to see Hoffpauir vs. righties. Ramirez back, Fox a stud, Lee, Fukudome batting leadoff. I like it. We have to get Soriano to wake up and find Fox and Hoffpauir some at-bats. Obviously a huge series coming up vs. the Cards. Please pitch around Pujols! Yes, even you Big Z. Here's a look at the next few games and the match-ups although I'd prefer they have Hoffpauir in for Bradley and we need to get Fox some at-bats:

vs. Brad Thompson(R) (Sat.)
CF-Fukudome

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Bradley

LF-Soriano

C-Hill

2B-Fontenot

vs. Cris Carpenter(R) (Fri.)
CF-Fukudome

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Bradley

LF-Soriano

C-Hill

2B-Fontenot

vs. Wainwright

RF-Fukudome(.286, HR)

SS-Theriot(.250)

1B-Lee(.261)

3B-Ramirez(.400, HR)

LF-Hoffpauir(1-5)-Soriano = 4-22, Bradley 0-4

CF-Johnson(2-3)

2B-Fontenot(.286)

C-Hill(0-3)

vs. Lohse

CF-Fukudome(3-9)

SS-Theriot(10-19)

1B-Lee(.389)

3B-Ramirez(7-13, HR)

LF-Soriano(.378, 2HR)

RF-Hoffpauir(1-2)-Bradley = 3-12

C-Hill

2B-Blanco(2-6)

Rain Delay...Bored...

If you could make the lineups and roster decisions(assuming we can't trade) what would you do? Can you imagine a lineup like this?

CF-Fukudome(vs. right)/Johnson(vs. left)

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee(maybe Hoffpauir here and there vs. right)

3B-Ramirez

2B-Fox-I know, but what if he could be there?

RF-Bradley(vs. left)/Hoffpauir(vs. right)-I know they won't do this, but I would!

LF-Soriano(maybe even rotate he and Bradley to sit vs. righties for Hoffpauir)

C-Soto

Soto as your 8th batter!? Now that's 10 players. Who would your other 2 or 3 roster players be? I assume Hill and who else? Blanco, Fuld, Baker? I say Baker and that's it.

Then...

Zambrano

Harden

Dempster

Lilly

Wells

Gregg

Marmol

Marshall

Guzman

Who else? Heilman? Ascanio? Hart? Samardzija?

Maybe It's Time?

Just when I was thinking we'd be to full strength with A-Ram, Johnson, and Guzman back, Dempster goes down for 3-4 weeks! That is our strength I guess. I figured Marshall would take the spot and now they say Hart. Not too excited about that. Maybe we should have gotten Pedro? Just kidding! Maybe we pull the trigger to get Heath Bell and bring Marshall into the rotation until Dempster is back? I can't imagine that we're not close to making a real deal with these little deals that only make sense from a money stand point. We'll see. Anyway, I love this lineup now. Soto seems to have woken up, Bradley is hitting a little, but I'd still like to see Hoffpauir vs. righties. Ramirez back, Fox a stud, Lee, Fukudome batting leadoff. I like it. We have to get Soriano to wake up and find Fox and hoffpauir some at-bats. Obviously a huge series coming up vs. the Cards. Here's a look at the next few games and the match-ups although I'd prefer they have Hoffpauir in for Bradley and we need to get Fox some at-bats:

vs. Kenshin Kawakami(R)

CF-Fukudome

SS-Theriot

1B-Lee

3B-Ramirez

RF-Bradley

LF-Soriano

C-Soto

2B-Fontenot

vs. Brad Thompson(R)

CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
C-Soto
2B-Fontenot

vs. Cris Carpenter(R)

CF-Fukudome
SS-Theriot
1B-Lee
3B-Ramirez
RF-Bradley
LF-Soriano
C-Soto
2B-Fontenot

Brewers/Braves

I'll be out of computer contact for almost a week, so if anything major happens, I'll comment when I get back. I just hope we atleast take this last one from Pittsburgh! Shut out by Ohlendorf? Wasn't we a WWF wrestler from a long time ago? Todd says Seattle may be interested in Kosuke. Don't know if there's any truth, but man if we could deal him and Bradley that would be a good start!Going into a big series with the Brew Crew. We send out Dempster, Zambrano, and Harden. Here's a look at my lineups and their match-ups over the next few games. This is barring injuries that I won't be able to update. Notice, I want to see Bradley sit vs. righties, but I doubt it!

vs. Seth McClung(R)

LF-Soriano(1-15)-good day for a rest? Maybe lead Fukudome off, play Hoffpauir in left and Bradley(1-2) in RF?

SS-Theriot(2-9)

RF-Hoffpauir(0-1)

1B-Lee(0-5)

3B-Fox

2B-Fontenot(1-5)

CF-Fukudome(4-6)

C-Hill(1-3, HR)

vs. Jeff Suppan(R)

LF-Soriano (.209, 2HR)
SS-Theriot (.421)
RF-Hoffpauir (2-6)
1B-Lee (.447, 4 HR)
3B-Fox
C-Soto (2-8, 2HR)
2B-Fontenot (3-8)
CF-Fukudome(3-8)

*Freel(.385, 3RBI)

*Zambrano is 3-7 vs. Suppan if we need a pinch-hitter!

vs. Braden Looper(R)

LF-Soriano

SS-Theriot

3B-Fox

1B-Lee

RF-Hoffpauir

C-Soto

2B-Fontenot

CF-Fukudome

vs. Mike Burns(R)

LF-Soriano

SS-Theriot

3B-Fox

1B-Lee

RF-Hoffpauir

C-Soto

2B-Fontenot

CF-Fukudome

The Pittsburgh Series

Well, the Bradley incident has me just about as upset as I could be other than acquiring Pedro! I wish we could just send him home until someone would deal us a minor leaguer that we could send to Iowa and save Bradley's salary! He turns around and K's with a runner on 3rd and 1 out today! Soriano is getting to be a tired act in my opinion too. He can't hit or run, then his baserunning blunder the other day just about did it for me. Now the Cards pick up DeRosa! Why can't we make a deal and show we are in it and change some of this momentum? I loved Freel's reaction to being hit though. He moved way up on my list. Atleast we are playing the Pirates now. We send out Harden, Lilly, and Wells. Here are the match-ups and not necessarily how I want the lineup seeing I want Bradley out and Soriano not leading off!

vs. Zach Duke (L)

LF-Soriano(.517, 2 HR)

SS-Theriot

3B-Fox

1B-Lee(10-37, HR)

RF-Bradley(3-7)

C-Soto(3-15)

CF-Freel(4-10)

2B-Miles(.385)

vs. Ross Ohlendorf(R)

LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot

3B-Fox

1B-Lee

RF-Hoffpauir

C-Soto

CF-Fukudome

2B-Fontenot

vs. Virgil Vazquez (R)

LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot

3B-Fox

1B-Lee

RF-Hoffpauir

2B-Fontenot

CF-Fukudome

C-Hill

Cross Town Rivalry Revisited

Once again frustrated, but I like the DH allowing us to see more Hoffpauir and Fox. I know some of you disagree with this, but they need to be in the lineup or traded. They will be future studs if we get rif of them guaranteed! I wish we could get rid of Bradley and that would take care of one of them. Don't know how we can get Fox in the lineup after Ramirez comes back. I wouldn't even be upset to see them deal Soriano for a stud CF, 2B, closer, or combo of the three at this point. I know it's not going to happen, but I almost like Hoffpauir more than Soriano at this point. When are we going to make a trade? Here's a look at the pitching match-ups and their careers vs. Sox pitchers. I guess with Johnson being the latest casualty, we have to play Kosuke vs. 2 lefties? Maybe Freel? Ouch!

vs. Jose Contreras(R)

LF-Soriano(5-8, 3HR)

SS-Theriot(0-1)

RF-Hoffpauir

1B-Lee(3-16)

DH-Bradley(4-12, HR)

3B-Fontenot(4-8, 2HR)

CF-Fukudome(2-5)

C-Soto(2-5, HR)

2B-Blanco(0-9)

vs. Mark Buehrle(L)

LF-Soriano(.207, 2HR)
SS-Theriot(1-7)
3B-Fox
1B-Lee(.455, HR)
RF-Bradley(.325)

C-Soto(1-3)
DH-Hoffpauir
CF-Fukudome(1-4)
2B-Miles(1-3)

vs. John Danks(L)

LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot(2-6)
DH-Fox
1B-Lee(1-5)
RF-Bradley(3-6, HR)

C-Hill
3B-Freel
CF-Fukudome(2-3)
2B-Miles(1-3)

The Detroit Series (and the Braves)

Congrats to Randy Wells, finally getting a win! 8 starts with a 2.57 ERA and a 1-3 record. I'd be pissed! I'm not too happy with a one game series in Atlanta vs. Vazquez, but since I am a big fan of Hoffpauir and Fox, and they seem to be swinging the bat pretty well, I'm excited to have the DH for the Detroit series. I'm just amazed that Guzman and Johnson also manage to be hurt. When are the injuries going to stop? I guess Ramirez will actually be back pretty soon, then watch out! Lee is back big time and Soto is showing signs of life. Bradley is an idiot, but he's starting to hit a little. Still say we have too much talent and too many immediate needs to not make a deal! I'm moving on without the picture of the hot Cubs fan because we seem to be coming out of it. Just let me know when you think we need it again. Anyway, here are my proposed lineups and their careers against Tigers pitchers(and the Braves). The first 2 Tigers pitchers may not be very good for our bats! Look at the ERAs!

vs. Javier Vazquez(R)

SS-Theriot(3-9)

CF-Fukudome

LF-Soriano(2-9, HR)

1B-Lee(20-50 (.400) 3 HR)

RF-Hoffpauir (Bradley 3-18)

C-Hill (Soto 0-5)

3B-Fontenot(2-5)

2B-Miles(2-5)

vs. Edwin Jackson(R)(2.39ERA)

SS-Theriot

CF-Fukudome

LF-Soriano(0-1)

1B-Lee

DH-Bradley

RF-Hoffpauir

C-Soto

3B-Fontenot

2B-Miles(3-7)

vs. Rick Porcello(R)(3.54 ERA)

SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
LF-Soriano
1B-Lee
DH-Bradley
RF-Hoffpauir
C-Hill
3B-Fontenot
2B-Blanco

vs. Armando Galarraga(R)(5.62 ERA)

SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
LF-Soriano
1B-Lee
DH-Bradley
RF-Hoffpauir
C-Soto
3B-Fontenot
2B-Miles

Hey Chicago Whatta Ya Say!?

Man I love that song! I think if Harry were alive, this season might kill him! I was thinking as down as most of us are about the Cubs right now I'd atleast post a picture of one of my favorite Cub fans to give us something to smile about. Unlike Dell, I am not willing to agree that we leave Soriano in the leadoff spot. He's now 13th on the team in OB %. He leads the team in HRs and RBIs. I'm going to go nuts if I see Fontenot start at 3B vs. a lefty again. He's now 4-33 vs. lefties. Atleast play Fox there. Who cares if he's a liability in the field? Fontenot is far from a great glove there. Fox might actually get a hit! We need to make a trade...NOW! Get us a power hitting CF, a righthanded hitting 2B, or bullpen help. DeRosa might help the 2B and short-term 3B problem. The Indians series: We send out Harden, Lilly, and Wells. That is usually not the problem. This is my proposed lineups and their careers vs. Indians pitchers:

vs. Cliff Lee(L)-please please tell me they aren't going to start Fontenot who is now 4-33 vs. lefties!

SS-Theriot

CF-Johnson(2-5)

LF-Soriano(3-8, HR)

1B-Lee

RF-Bradley(2-9, HR)

C-Soto

3B-Fox

2B-Miles(1-3)

vs. Tomo Ohka(R)

SS-Theriot

CF-Fukudome

LF-Soriano(2-2)

1B-Lee(7-20 (.350) 3 HR)

RF-Hoffpauir

3B-Fontenot

C-Hill(0-3)

2B-Miles(0-2)

vs. Jeremy Sowers(L)

SS-Theriot

CF-Johnson

LF-Soriano

1B-Lee

RF-Bradley

C-Soto

3B-Fox

2B-Miles

Cross Town Rivalry

Well, now we head to the cross town rivalry. It totally kills me that Fontenot is now our only option at 3B. He'll pretty much have to go against lefty Danks in game 1. He's like 4-104 vs. lefties. So we give his out away along with the pitcher spot without even a fight! Glad we sent Scales and Fox down! I really wish Lou would bat Z 6th. He's got a better chance of getting a hit than Miles or Fontenot! We send out Big Z(coming off a great start), Wells (coming off his worst), and Dempster. Here's a look at the Sox pitchers, my proposed lineups and their careers against them:

vs. John Danks(L)

LF-Soriano

SS-Theriot(1-3)

CF-Johnson

1B-Lee(0-2)

RF-Bradley(1-3, HR)

C-Soto(1-2)

P-Zambrano

2B-Miles

3B-Fontenot

vs. Gavin Floyd(R)

LF-Soriano(1-4)

SS-Theriot

CF-Fukudome

1B-Lee

RF-Hoffpauir

3B-Fontenot

C-Hill

2B-Miles

vs. Jose Contreras(R)

LF-Soriano(5-8, 3HR)

SS-Miles(0-4)

CF-Fukudome(2-5)

1B-Hoffpauir (Lee 3-16)

RF-Bradley(4-12, HR)

3B-Fontenot(4-8, 2HR)

C-Soto(2-5, HR)

2B-Blanco

Where Have The Bats Gone?

Frustrating series vs. Houston. We get great starting pitching and drop 2 one run games. Every time we're in a close game down the stretch it just feels obvious we won't win. Anyone else feel that way? It's like sometimes we can't hit, but get great pitching. Sometimes we hit and have no pitching. We just can't put it together. Unbelievable that we're still only 2.5 out. The Brewers lost again today. It's so painful, but I still say if we manage to be 3-4 games out at the break, we add Ramirez, make a trade, and we can definitely do it. I'm waiting on you guys to give me comments on people we might trade for. I think a closer and a 2B are galring needs. I'm also waiting to hear theories on who we trade. Fox and Hoffpauir are just too good to not be starting. We apparently have a C and RF tearing it up in Iowa too. I suppose Marshall becomes trade bait with Harden back too? Anyway, now we play at home vs. Minnesota. Slowey opens up and he's 8-2. We send out Wells(who has a sparkling ERA and nothing to show for it), Harden makes his comeback start, and Lilly. Here's a look at my proposed lineups:

vs. Kevin Slowey(R)

LF-Soriano

SS-Theriot

CF-Fukudome

1B-Lee

RF-Bradley(2-3 vs. Slowey)

3B-Fontenot

C-Soto

2B-Miles

vs. Anthony Swarzak(R)

LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
1B-Lee
RF-Bradley
3B-Fontenot
C-Hill
2B-Scales

vs. Scott Baker(R)

LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
1B-Lee
RF-Bradley(2-6 vs. Baker)
3B-Fontenot
C-Soto
2B-Miles

The Houston Series

Things were looking up. 7-1 win while both the Cards and Brewers lose. 2-1 loss in the bottom of the 9th hurt though. Big Z pitched really well. Guzman who had been lights out lost it too. The Brewers did lose again, but both the Cards and Reds won. Good to see Geo hit a HR. We just have to hang in there with Harden back in a week or so and Ramirez not too far away. If Bradley and Soto would snap out of it, we'd be fine. We send out Dempster for the finale. Looks like Harden has been pushed back atleast from Thurs. to Sat. Not good news. Miles is off the DL Not huge news to me, but nice to get healthy. I don't really see why they didn't send the .250 hitting Blanco down instead of the .417 hitting Fox. We need to make a trade. Fox and Hoffpauir need to either be playing or traded. We have a RF and C tearing it up in triple A too. We should have options. Let's pull the trigger! Here's a look at the pitching match-up vs. Russ Ortiz:

vs. Russ Ortiz(R)

LF-Soriano(1-7) Rest day with Hoffpauir in LF?

SS-Theriot(2-2)

RF-Fukudome(2-2)

1B-Hoffpauir(1-2)*Lee = 3-32

CF-Johnson(4-4)

3B-Fontenot(1-3)

C-Soto(1-1)*Hill = 4-5

2B-Scales

The Good The Bad and The Ugly

Well, we got off to a good start. Great to see Big Z solid(Good). I think he needs to bat higher in the lineup if we're going to have a dud like Blanco(Bad) in there. Can we send him and his .150 avg.(Ugly) back down already? I told my brother that if Lou had Fontenot and Blanco both in the lineup vs. a lefty, I was going to have to call him up and have a chat. Thank God only Fontenot started, but seriously, he's like 4-35 vs. lefties (Ugly)this year. Can we have Z DH for him? Then he makes 2 huge errors(Ugly). I can forgive the errors because he's playing out of position, but we have to do something about 3B! Good to see Fox(Good) get a start. Not hit, but an RBI. Batting .300 thus far. Heilman, Marmol, and Guzman all had scoreless innings(Good). Guzman is down to 2.36 ERA(Good). Somehow Marmol is at 3.33 (Good)even with all his walks! Bradley pinch-hit, so I guess he won't be totally starting over on finding his stroke again(Good). D-Lee has brought his average up to .268(Good). That's pretty impressive for where he was. (Good) to see Soto hit a HR. Harden may start by Thursday(Good). We need to pass the Reds in the standings and hang in there with the Cards and Brewers until Ramirez gets back. We're lucky we're still only 4.5 back(Bad). I could definitely see the Brewers losing in ATL today. Cards are at home vs. CO(Bad), but the Rockies send out Jimenez(Good). Would like to end this series tied with Cincy, one game behind the Cards and 3.5 behind the Brewers. Here's my proposed lineup for the finale and their careers vs. Bronson Arroyo. I really want to see Hoffpauir getting ABs especially with Bradley out. I know Johnson is the hot hand, but Micah needs to be in the lineup! Notice I go with Soriano at 2B in game 3, even though I'm sure it won't happen(Bad)! I imagine it will be Blanco at 2B(Ugly), and in that case would like to see Kosuke sit. I'd rather see Fox at 3B and Fontenot at 2B than that though.

vs. Bronson Arroyo(R)

2B-Soriano(.211, 1 HR)

SS-Theriot

RF-Fukudome(0-9)

1B-Lee(.241, 2 HR)

CF-Johnson(3-11(.273))

LF-Hoffpauir(0-1)

3B-Fontenot(2-3, HR)

C-Hill(1-1)

Bullpen Help?

Maybe sign this guy up? It's Coach Zook from Illinois football throwing out the first pitch, but come on! Wells pitches great again (no-hitter into the 7th and should have been a perfect game at that point) and the bullpen blows a 5-1 lead? He's now got a 1.69 ERA in 5 starts and is 0-2! Of course Bradley is injured now. Will someone please take him off our hands? Hoffpauir and Johnson would be just fine! Sweet Lou says Fontenot will pretty much be everyday 3B with Scales and Blanco at 2B. I'd like to send Blanco back down (he's 2-14 so far)and we need a righthanded hitting 3B option vs. lefties. They say the Cubs didn't know Blanco was no longer a switch hitter until he came up. Those are things I'd think you'd know. Fox is taking grounders at 3B. I say play him vs. lefties. Why not? Can we make a trade already!? Rumors are many. Dan Uggla (currently batting .209)or Jorge Cantu(terrible fielder) from Florida. Matt Holliday from Oakland, but he can only play LF. That means Soriano to 2B. Talk of bringing DeRosa and Wood back. My personal least favorite-Omar Vizquel. We need Ramirez and Harden healthy! Here's a look at the pitching match-ups in the last 2 games of the Braves series(we may get swept):


vs. Derek Lowe
LF-Soriano(.245, 3HR)
SS-Theriot(2-10)
RF-Hoffpauir
1B-Lee(.393, HR)
CF-Johnson(4-11 .364)
3B-Fontenot(3-5)
C-Soto(2-5)
2B-Scales

vs. Jair Jurrjens
LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
1B-Lee
RF-Hoffpauir
2B-Scales
3B-Fontenot
C-Hill

Panic Button?

I guess this is the start of hitting the panic button? Sent Cotts to the minors(thank God!). Sent Scales to the minors(don't really understand). Brought up our hitting star, Jake Fox. He's a converted catcher playing OF,1B, and 3B, but a liability anywhere. He was batting .423 with 17 HRs. Also brought up SS-Andres Blanco who was batting .314 to replace Miles who is apparently injured. Lastly, brought up some reliever, LHP-Jason Waddell that I had never heard of. He had a 5.51 ERA. Not sure why we didn't bring up Samardzija, Jeff Stevens(1.77ERA), or Greg Reinhard(2.25 ERA). I guess because the are not lefties, but come on. Can we make a trade already!? Rumors are many. Dan Uggla (currently batting .209)or Jorge Cantu(terrible fielder) from Florida. Matt Holliday from Oakland, but he can only play LF. That means Soriano to 2B. Talk of bringing DeRosa and Wood back. My personal least favorite-Omar Vizquel. Doesn't that sound Cubbish? Can you say Nomar Garciaparra? Can we invite the Pirates back to town?

Big win vs. Billingsley, although I'd like to mention these two series: Runners at 2nd and 3rd with 0 outs. Fontenot lines out to 2B. Hill K's. Blanco pops out to 1B. Runner at 3rd and 0 outs. Lee grounds out to P. Hoffpauir and Fontenot ground out to 1B. Come on. Nice outing by Dempster yesterday. Sweet Lou says Fontenot will pretty much be everyday 3B with Scales and Blanco at 2B. I'd like to send Blanco back down and we need a righthanded hitting 3B option vs. lefties. Here's a look at the pitching match-ups in the last 2 games of the Dodgers series(they haven't decided on the starter in the last game):

vs. Eric Milton(L) or Hiroki Kuroda(R)-below

LF-Soriano(6-12)

SS-Theriot(1-1)

CF-Johnson

1B-Lee(4-18, 3HR)

RF-Bradley(3-14, HR)

3B-Fox

C-Hill

2B-Blanco

vs. Kuroda

2B-Soriano(3-7)

SS-Theriot(1-5)

CF-Fukudome

1B-Lee(2-6)

RF-Bradley

LF-Hoffpauir

3B-Fontenot

C-Hill

Insult To Injury

All right, maybe it is time to panic? Lee, Ramirez, Zambrano, Bradley, Marmol, Soto, and now Harden have all had some type of injury easily before the all-star break!? We need to make a move to change the momentum. Boost morale. Show we are in this thing. Hoffpauir has got to be in there. Either make a deal which includes getting him in our lineup everyday, or make the Soriano to 2B move. Some of the problems: Freel(.100), Bradley(.188), Soto(.202), Miles (.204), and Fontenot(.208). Seriously, if we just put our top 8 players by current average in the lineup, Johnson comes in at 8th with .237. Lee 7th at .248. Even Soriano is at .257 and Theriot .263! The bullpen? Marmol is finally coming around, but I'm sure he'll flake out if promoted to closer, so you know we have him and Gregg. Guzman has been the next best. Then I say bring up Greg Reinhard(whom I've never heard of) who has 36 K's in 28 innings for Iowa. Bring up my boy Samardzija (21 K's and 6 BBs with 3.75 ERA). I didn't even realize we let Luis Vizcaino go to Cleveland, so our next best 2 (since apparently we have 7 in the bullpen)? I guess Ascanio(4.76 ERA)and Heilman (5.30) by default? Can we please send Patton (8.03 ERA) and Cotts (5.40 ERA) packing? Here's a look at the upcoming home stand vs. Pittsburgh (almost a must sweep at this point!)and my proposed lineups and the numbers vs. the pitchers.

vs. Paul Maholm(L)

LF-Soriano(6-17(.353), 3HR)

SS-Theriot(3-15)

CF-Johnson(4-6)

1B-Lee(7-21 .333)

RF-Bradley

C-Soto(2-5, 2 RBI)

2B-Scales

3B-Freel(6-26)

vs. Ian Snell(R)

2B-Soriano(9-18, 3HR)

SS-Theriot(7-18 (.389))

CF-Fukudome(1-5)

LF-Hoffpauir

1B-Lee(6-25 (.240)

RF-Bradley(1-2)

3B-Scales

C-Soto(4-6, 5RBI)

vs. Zach Duke(L)

LF-Soriano(14-25 (.560) 2HR)
SS-Theriot(8-25 (.320)
CF-Johnson(6-14 (.429)
1B-Lee(10-35 (.286)
RF-Bradley(2-4)
C-Soto(3-12)
2B-Miles(5-13(.385)
3B-Freel(3-8 (.375)

Panic Mode?

I don't think so, but this sure is frustrating. A sweep from the Cards is one of the most painful things we Cub fans can endure, so I thought I'd try to give you something to smile about with the picture? Then I couldn't even find the best one, but anyway...It seems the bats are coming to life, then they disappear. The bullpen is a train wreck! I still say it's early. I still say blame it on all the injuries. We'll be all right. It is a long season, and a game of averages. These guys are not going to bat .180-.220 all season. Cub batters often get off to slow starts. Also, Don't forget we just swept SD not long ago. We welcome back Big Z in game 1 and send out Harden and Lilly in games 2 and 3. Here's a look at what my lineups would be and their careers against the scheduled Padres pitchers. Interesting that we start off vs. Peavy who rejected the Sox deal and seems to really want to be a Cub? Are we going to make it work? I think bullpen help is much more a necessity, but what a rotation that would be, and maybe the psychological lift we need?:

vs. Jake Peavy-We beat him 6-2 in the last meeting

LF-Soriano(3-5 last time vs. Peavy)

SS-Theriot

CF-Fukudome(3-5 last time vs. Peavy)

1B-Hoffpauir(1-1 vs. Peavy)

RF-Bradley(1-3 2 RBI last time vs. Peavy)

C-Soto(1-3 last time vs. Peavy)

3B-Scales(1-1 last time vs. Peavy)

2B-Miles(1-4 last time vs. Peavy)

vs. Josh Geer

LF-Soriano
SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
1B-Lee
RF-Hoffpauir
C-Hill
3B-Scales
2B-Fontenot

vs. Chris Young-beat him 6-4 in the last meeting

LF-Soriano(4-13 w/2HR career vs. Young)
SS-Theriot(2-4 w/2HR career vs. Young)
CF-Fukudome(1-4 last time vs. Young)
1B-Hoffpauir
RF-Bradley(1-2 last time vs. Young)
C-Soto(4-5 w/a HR career vs. Young)
3B-Freel(1-5 vs. Young)
2B-Miles(1-5 vs. Young)

Can We Get Some Relief?

What happened to the bats!? 1 run in 2 games. One vs. Joel Pineiro? The Bullpen issue is ridiculous! Maybe we can bring some of the guys out of retirement? Oh, for the days of Big Lee Smith! Maybe even the Wild Thing? Well, maybe not, but we need an answer. I say bring Samardzija back. Add Marshall to the pen. Possibly promote Marmol to closer(even though he hasn't been very good either!). How many are usually in the bullpen? I say we bring Samardzija and Vizcaino back up(Vizcaino hadn't given up a run in 3.2 IP). Guzman(3.32), Marmol(4.00), Marshall(4.02), Heilman(4.86), and Gregg(6.06). Just dump any of the others. Then, we gotta deal. Maybe deal D-Lee to get Hoffpauir in the lineup every day? Deal Wells, Marshall, or Samardzija? Someone else, I don't know! Anyway, huge series coming up in St. Louis. We get Big Z back Friday. Our top 5 hitters according to average include Ramirez who is injured, Fukudome, the 3 that aren't even considered regulars: Hill, Hoffpauir, and Scales. Maybe those 3 should be getting more at-bats for awhile? We send out Lilly, Dempster, and Marshall. Here's a look at my proposed line-up and their careers vs. Wainwright:


vs. Wainwright

LF-Soriano(.222)
SS-Theriot(.292)
CF-Fukudome(3-10)
1B-Lee
RF-Hoffpauir
C-Soto(3-8)
2B-Fontenot(4-11)
3B-Scales

Go Cubs Go!

Huge clutch HR for Soriano. Randy Wells has now pitched 11 scoreless innings! The bullpen is pretty scary right now. I would still like to see the Shark in the mix. Tom is talking about still picking up Peavy. Is that still a likely thing? We have a lot of decisions to make with Wells, Marshall, Samardzija, and the Lee/Hoffpauir situation. Throw Bobby Scales in the mix, and we have some serious trade bait. I can't imagine that rotation. I guess Marshall would be dealt or put in middle relief? Reports are that Z will be back the 22nd. That's less than a week. News isn't as promising for A-Ram. Happy to have the Brewers playing the Cards. I'm pretty impressed that we are where we are considering injuries and/or slow starts to Lee, Ramirez, Bradley, Zambrano, and Soto! Anyone else notice Fontenot's plummeting average? I've always liked him, but we may need to look at more PT for Bobby Scales at 2nd and 3rd. I still like the idea of platooning most positions other than SS, LF, and RF until Ramirez gets back. Looking at our team batting average, Scales is #1 followed by Ramirez Fukudome, Hill, Theriot, and Hoffpauir. We may need to get Hill and Hoffpauir more at-bats? Here's a look at the series finale on Sunday:

vs. Brian Moehler(R)

LF-Soriano(.353)

SS-Theriot(.286 2-7)

CF-Fukudome(.333 3-9)

1B-Lee(.308 4-13, 2 HR)

RF-Bradley

2B-Fontenot(.333 3-9)

C-Soto(2-10) Hill?

3B-Freel(.273 3-11) Scales?

Theriot, our new slugger!? Are you kidding me? Is he juicin? Just kidding of course, but wow! I wasn't too optimistic going into the SD series, but beating Peavy and Young is a great start. Now we have Gaudin. Yes, Chad Gaudin that we released. We better sweep this one! I'm really liking the platooning idea these days. I say play Soriano, Bradley, and Theriot everyday. Platoon Fukudome and Johnson in center. Platoon Hill and Soto at catcher. Platoon Hoffpauir and Lee at 1st. Play Fontenot vs. righties, but Miles, Scales, and Freel vs. lefties. Here's my proposed lineup for today (we're back on WGN this afternoon):

vs. Chad Gaudin

LF-Soriano(0-2)
SS-Theriot
CF-Fukudome
1B-Hoffpauir
RF-Bradley(1-4)
3B-Fontenot
C-Soto
2B-Miles(3-5)