Underground Cubbie

2006-06-17T14:34:00.000-07:00

Mark Prior.

Need I say more?

Yes, I do.

He's supposedly starting tomorrow against the Detroit Tigers.

I honeslty don't thinkit is going to be a spectacular comeback after missing 2 1/2 months of playing time.

I bet he goes... 5 maybe 6 innings.

And the benches were emptied....

2006-05-20T13:53:00.000-07:00

Dern WGN for not airing this game.

We lost. We lost horribly.

7-0. Tadahito Iguchi hit a grand slam in the second inning, then had a 2 run shot.

No runs scored to speak of.

Sad.

We did however have some action on the field this afternoon.

Cubs catcher Michael Barrett punched White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski in the jaw after Pierzynski collided with Barrett at home plate. Scott Podsednik, who was in the on-deck circle, wrestled Barrett to the ground.

Brian Anderson, White Sox center fielder who hit the sacrifice fly to score Pierzynski, then started fighting with Cubs first baseman John Mabry.

Anderson, Pierzynski, Barrett, and Mabry were all ejected in the second inning after a 15 minute delay in the game.

Ok, so it wasn't that bad.

2006-05-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

Kerry Wood made his season debut againist the Washington Nationals today. He didn't do too bad of a job either.

The right hander had 6 strike outs, 0 walks, and 4 earned runs (all homeruns), in 5 innings pitched.

All of our runs today we earned in the 6th inning.

Neifi Perez had an RBI single in the 6th inning to bring in Catcher Michael Barrett. Ronny Cedeno hit a sacrifice fly to right field to bring in Jones and advance Perez to third base. Aramis Ramirez, pinch-hittting for reliever Will Ohman, singled to center bringing home Perez. Juan Pierre came to bat and grounded into a double play to end the inning.

Cubs lose, 5-3.

And We Wait....

2006-05-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Kerry Wood is "coming back." He better pitch some dern good baseball too. I know, I act like I have money on the game.

Just abut the only excuse I am going to take if he ends up not pitching tomorrow night is he has a hernia or needs a liver transplant. Any splinters and tummy aches he can just suck it up and pitch.

"There is no crying in baseball!!!"

Oh joy!

2006-05-05T23:14:00.000-07:00

We get swept by the Diamondback, so what does that mean we do? We go over to San Diego and get beat by the Padres!

In extra innings though, so it actually looks like we put up a fight to lose 1-0.

Carlos Zambrano held the Pardes to 4 hits and had 10 strike outs. OK, so I take it back, we dont need new pitching staff. We need run support. Having Lee in the disabled list is obviously seriously hurting us offensively. We need another power hitter other than Murton. We need our men to get on base so someone can drive in the runs.

My mother and I were talking after a game the other day, and we both decided that we could kidnap Dusty Baker and take over his job as manager. The other idea was to make Maddux a player/manager, which might actually work. We need someone on the bench who actually cares that we go out and win.

IT'S NOT ABOUT THE FREE CORN NUTS BAKER! Get with the program kid!

OK, I think I'm done now.

2006-04-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

Let's try for better today.

The Cubs are down in St.Louis for the second game of this series. Let's just hope we can pull in alot of runs tonight.

In pitching it is basically a toss-up on who will win with Glendon Rusch starting for the Cubs and Sidney Ponson for the Cardinals.

Rusch is 6-6 against the Cardinals with a 4.77 ERA in his career.

Cubs catcher Michael Barrett will take on a more important offensive role with first baseman Derrek Lee out with a broken wrist. Barrett was 3-for-4 last night against the Cardinals with 3 RBI's.

GO CUBS!

Cardinals 9, Cubs 3

2006-04-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Going for 3.

It definately hurt them big time. Having Derrek Lee on the disabled list definately hurt the Cubs offense tonight as they lost to the Cardinals 9-3 in the first game of the 3 game series.

Cubs starting pitcher Jerome Williams allowed 7 runs in 1 2/3 innings, including a bases loaded walk to Mark Mulder.

We definately need new pitching staff with Prior and Wood on the disabled list.

Tonight, Michael Barrett brought in all our runs with a 3 run shot off of Mulder in the 4th inning.

And, apparently we ran out of pinch hitters because the one and only Carlos Zambrano came up to plate to pinch hit in the 5th. He struck out in his first career pinch hit appearance.

Cubs call up Restovich, Lee on DL

2006-04-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

The first time I have blogged twice in one day.

The Cubs have placed Derrek Lee on the 15 day disabled list with 2 broken bones in his right wrist, he will be in a cast for 6 weeks and possibly out for 2 months.

The Cubs also transferred pitcher Wade Miller from the 15 day disabled list to the 60 day disabled list, and called up outfielder Micheal Restovich from Triple-A Iowa.

Restovich signed with the Cubs in the offseason as a minor league free agent.

2006-04-21T13:22:00.000-07:00

Welp, after winning the series with the LA Dodgers, the Cubs will head to St.Louis to take on the Cardinals in a 3 game set at "the new field."

The Cubs, however, will be short one good glove. First baseman Derrek Lee fractured 2 bones in his right wrist during the 7th inning of Wednesday's game. The Cubs may replace Lee with John Mabry, a veteran utility player.

Pitching tonight for the Cubs is Jerome Williams, 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA. He allowed 2 runs, 1 earned, and 4 hits in 2 innings last saturday against Pittsburgh.

GO CUBS!

...A Little Humor...

2006-04-17T21:38:00.000-07:00

Cubs Opening Day, 5-1 Cubs Win!

2006-04-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

What a day it has been. The cubs start the season off with a win and come home and win their home opener 5-1 over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Juan Pierre led off the first with pop out to third base and Neifi Perez had a ground out to second. Derrek Lee started off the hits with a solo homer out to center which put the Cubs up 1-0. Aramis Ramirez grounded out to third to end the inning.

Jacque Jones started the seconds inning with a flyout to second followed by a ground out to third base by Micheal Barrett. Cardinals pitcher Jeff Suppan then walked Matt Murton which led Ronny Cedeno's RBI triple which put the Cubs up 2-0. Maddux came to bat in the seconds and struck out.

Pierre ground out to third, Perez had a bloop single to center, and Lee received a walk in the third inning. Ramirez reeches second on an error by David Eckstein in a fielders choice which Perez scored on. No RBI was credited to Ramirez. Jones was intentionally walked, which brought to bat Barrett who had an RBI single scoring Lee. Murton grounded out into a double play at short to end the inning with the Cubs up 4-0.

In the fourth inning Pierre had an RBI single sending Cedeno home off of his double to right field making it 5-0 Cubs.

In the 7th inning Maddux let off a solo home run to Jim Edmonds making it 5-1.

Reliever Bob Howry came up in the eight inning and struck out the side.

Dempster closed with 2 ground outs and one strike out.

Cubs starter Greg Maddux pitched 6 1/3 innings with 1 earned run, 2 walks, and 1 strike out.

Cardinals starter Jeff Suppan went 5 innings and had 4 earned runs, 2 strike outs, and 3 walks.

BACK IN BLUE!

2006-04-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

With President Bush throwing out the first pitch, Matt Murton hitting the first home run of the 2006 season, and the Chicago Cubs taking it all the way home to win it 16-7 over the Cincinatti Reds.

Murton had a 3 run homer in the first inning to put the Cubs up 5-0.

Todd Walker had 3 RBI's as well.

Boy oh boy. I think this makes for a wonderful start to the 2006 season.

Cubs and Hairston Reach Deal

2006-01-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

Second baseman/outfielder Jerry Hairston Jr. agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal Monday with the Chicago Cubs and avoided a salary arbitration hearing.

Hairston was acquired by the Cubs on Feb. 2 last year from Baltimore in the Sosa trade.

He hit .261 in 114 games last season with four homers and 30 RBIs. He appeared in 44 games at second and 58 in the outfield, including 48 in center field. He was slowed in August by a problem with an elbow ligament.

Prior and Cubs Settle at $3.65 Million

2006-01-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

Wow, I was quite worried we'd lose him.

Mark Prior and the Chicago Cubs agreed Friday to a $3.65 million, one-year contract, $900,000 more than the salary he would have earned under the contract he voided in November 2005.

Prior's deal with Chicago includes bonuses for finishing high in voting for MVP and Cy Young, winning a Gold Glove or Silver Slugger and making the All-Star team.

Under his previous contract, he had the right to terminate his deal once he became eligible for salary arbitration. He had asked for $4 million in arbitration and had been offered $3.3 million.

Sounds like a pretty OK deal to me. If he remembers to dodge those line drives, we'll be in for a pretty good season in 2006.

... And now.. The moment you have all been waiting for.... #1 Hottest Cubbie....

2005-12-13T21:13:00.000-08:00

...... MATT MURTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't find a picture of him in a Cubs uniform, So this is going to have to do. He's an adorable red headed boy, just adorable. He has nice eyes too.
So, Mr.Murton you are saluted as my #1 Hottest Cub, on my very advertized blog.

Congratulations to all the merry men on this countdown.

... oh wow #2 already....

2005-12-11T21:15:00.000-08:00

........JOHN KORONKA!!!!!!!!!!
Even though he didn't get to pitch alot,poor pacita, he can still be on my countdown. Still in the minor league, but here, Mr. Koronka is a major league stud muffin.

........# 3.... Nearing ever closer to the end.....

2005-12-09T21:13:00.000-08:00

................MARK PRIOR!!!!!!!!!
The Beach Boys didn't write a song about good looking men from California. How do I know? Mr. Prior doesn't have his own song! Even though a main suspect in the Salsa Smashing Boombox ordeal involing a former teammate, he maintains his dignity and composure as a the #3 man on my still not advertised countdown.

......Fab Fab Fabulous #4......

2005-12-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

..............MICHAEL BARRETT!!!

Clean cut corn fed farm boy straight from Atlanta, Georgia. He's not a peach though, peaches are women. He has piercing blue eyes, which is something I actually just noticed. Just wow. And look at that smile too. I wonder what kind of toothpaste he uses.

........#5......

2005-12-05T21:30:00.000-08:00

...........DERREK LEE!!!!

Not only did Mr.Lee have the best batting average for the Chicago Cubs in the 2005 season, he has a face to go with it. Facial features aren't the only thing going of for Mr.Lee. He is also very tall, 6' 5" to be exact. (Personally to me, that's not very tall when you're constantly around guys that tall.) He looks very well kept too. I bet he can cook.

He can make his own chili.

....and our fantastick # 6 man is.......

2005-12-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

.................BEN GRIEVE!!! DA DA DA DAAAA!!! He's this rustic ball player, with the face makes you want to take him home and feed him a nice hearty bowl of chili.
So, Mr.Grieve, I salute you as the #6 man on my famed, but yet not so advertized, countdown.

....... # 7......

2005-12-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

.........................GEOVANY SOTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, just about the only thing I know about Mr.Soto is that he is a catcher, and he is sorta kinda studly. Anyways, not much to say about this adorable foreign face, so I'm ending it there and you guys can decide.

COMMENT FOLKS! Leave them and love them.

...... # 8.....

2005-11-29T22:17:00.000-08:00

........................ Russ Rohlicek!!!!!! Doesn't he look like the All-American Baseball Player?! He's adorable. Enough said.

And our #9 man is..........

2005-11-27T21:23:00.000-08:00

.............................NOMAR GARCIAPARRA!!!!

I think he looks a little bit like the actor Sean Penn, and some people think Sean Penn is quite atrractive. I want comments on this because people have said otherwise about the facial similarities between Mr.Garciaparra and Mr.Penn.

And our # 10 man is.............

2005-11-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

..........................COREY PATTERSON!!!

Personally, I cannot satand the way this man plays his baseball, but, this is not a countdown/post season article that measures statistics, I gotta work with pictures. I didn't think he was all that good looking either, but to be in the #10 spot, yeah.

Oh yeah, and feel free to rag all over me about not posting things when I say I will, I have an issue with that.

Countowns are way better.

2005-11-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

Ok, due to my incredible laziness this of post season, I got a suggestion from a friend to do this huge post season article countdown style.

So, Ladies and Pitchers, Catchers and Germs, here is your 2005 Post Season Article.....

....10 Hottest Cubs Players of the 2005 Season.

Now, I have debated doing this because there have been trades happening left and right, *pauses, crosses fingers, and hopes for Corey Patterson to go next.* So, some of the players I have selected technically don't play for us anymore. But the did this season, that's all that counts at the moment.

I'll have our number 10 man up tonight.

I must go do some picture hunting now

OFF SEASON IS HERE!

2005-10-31T21:18:00.000-08:00

Off season is here and you know what that means?

FUN OFF SEASON ARTICLES!!!

That's right.

I have decided to make an offseason article consisting of 10 lucky guys from our 2005 40-man roster.

It will not posted tonight, because technically it has not been written yet.

Just thought I'd throw in a little suspense and angst before I posted it.

They're All Back!

2005-10-11T17:42:00.000-07:00

They're all here!

The entire coaching staff has returned to the Cubs for another season.

Pitching coach Larry Rothschild has signed a one year contract.

Bench coach Dick Pole, hitting coach Gene Clines, first base coach Gary Matthews, third base coach Chris Speier and bullpen coach Juan Lopez will all return.

The question now is can we do it better next year with all the same coaching?

COMMENT BOARD.... OPEN!!

Astros 6, Cubs 4

2005-10-02T19:28:00.000-07:00

*Sings in odd masculine tone* And now, the end is near, and so I face, the final curtain....

It's all over. At least for the Cubs anyways.

They had a miraculous loss today to the Houston Astros, 6-4.

Michael Barrett had a solo homer today to put the first run on the board in the top of the fifth inning.

Corey Patterson, amazingly, doubled to left, scoring Matt Murton.

Niefi Perez singled in the sixth inning to left scoring Jeromy Burnitz.

Barrett singled to right, scoring Nomar Garciaparra.

Cubs starting pitcher Greg Maddux had 1 walk, 10 hits, and gave up 4 earned runs in six innings of work. Maddux has had at least 15 since his rookie season.

It's a brand new day ladies and gentleman.... but this blog is in no way finished until next spring.

One more thing to say........ Go Braves!

Astros 3, Cubs 1

2005-10-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, not as shocking as I thought it would be.

There is something about shocking us with a win and then just coming down on us with a loss.

Our sole run was brought to us in the top of the fourth inning by Matt Murton's sac fly that scored Nomar Garciaparra.

In other news today, Cubs closer Ryan Dempster agreed Saturday to a $15.5 million, three-year contract extension through the 2008 season.

Oh wow, I can see our team next season.

All we can ask for now is...... Corey Patterson designated for assignment.

Cubs 3, Astros 2

2005-09-29T20:07:00.000-07:00

Not that it matters anymore, but, the Cubs won tonight! Yayness!!

Here is what we did!

Matt Murton had a solo homer in the fourth inning to tie the game at 1-1.

Derrek Lee decided he didn't like the way the scoreboard looked all tied up, so, he took matters into his own hands and knocked one out of the park to put the Cubs up 2-1 in the sixth inning.

Jeromy Burnitz scored on a wild pitch in the seventh inning.

Cubs starting pitcher Glendon Rusch struck out five, allowed one walk over seven innings of work allowed two runs, lowering his September ERA to 3.41. The left-hander was 0-6 in his eight starts before that.

Pirates 3, Cubs 2, In Final Home Game

2005-09-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

The Chicago Cubs will head off to Houston for a 4 game set with the Astros for their final games of the 2005 season.

They lost thier final home game this afternoon to the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 with the rain coming down.

Today was an exciting day to an extent for one Cubs player. Jose Macias hit his first homer of the season today to lead off the sixth inning. Although it was a solo shot, it still gave us a little extra hope before the game went final.

Matt Murton pulled the Cubs within a run with an RBI grounder to shortstop.

The Cubs were 38-43 at Wrigley Field and must sweept he four game series at Houston to finish at .500 overall.

It has been some season boys!

Astros 8, Cubs 3

2005-09-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Ok, somehow this doesn't surprise me.... at all.

We have been officially eliminated. The Cubs have been eliminated... dun dun DUUN!!!

Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who is now 14-6 in his wins to losses ratio, gave up six runs and nine hits in 6 1-3 innings, breaking the best streak of his career at 6 games won.

Center fielder Corey Petterson had a sac fly RBI in the second inning.

Neifi Perez led off the sixth inning with a single up the middle.

Nomar Garciaparra hit a two run homer for the Cubs in the sixth inning.

That's all we did today. And Since we are officially out, better luck next year.

Cubs 5, Astros 4

2005-09-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, in short, here is today's game.

We played some wild baseball.

Derrek Lee was 3-for-3 with an RBI at the plate.
Jeromy Burnitz had an RBI grounder, and Barrett hit a run scoring double to make it 3-0.

Todd Walker singled and advanced to third on Lee's double off the wall in center. Walker strained his right knee between second and third base, and was replaced by Jose Macias, who scored on Garciaparra's single.

Macias was 2-for-3 for the rest of the game.

Cubs closer Ryan Dempster picked up his 30th save.

Cubs starter Glendon Rusch allowed four runs, three of which were earned, and nine hits in five innings to even his season record at 8-8.

In other Cubs news today, second baseman Todd Walker left today's game in the first inning, as stated before.

Walker left with what he thought was a knee injury, but an MRI showed no damage to his ligaments or his meniscus.

Cubs trainer Mark O'Neal said Walker has been bothered by the bruise on his thigh bone for a few weeks.

Walker is said to be day to day after today's game.

Comments anyone?

Cardinals 6, Cubs 1,

2005-09-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

We have done it again! We have managed to let the St.Loius Cardinals clinch the National League central title.

Mother Nature must be a Cards fan or something, because had it not been raining we would have a had a better shot.

Cardinals starting pitcher Jeff Suppan allowed six hits over eight-plus innings.

Cubs starting pitcher Mark Prior allowed six hits and three runs in five innings of work. He threw 35 pitches in the long opening inning which the Cards scored 3 runs in.

The Cubs lone run was brought in at the bottom of the ninth inning by none other than Derrek Lee. It was his 43rd homer of the 2005 season.

In a little side-note thing, Cubs catcher Michael Barrett is expected to return to the lineup Saturday after being beaned by Cincinnati Reds pitcher Matt Belisle in the eighth inning of last nights game.

Cubs 4, Reds 3, 10 Innings

2005-09-13T21:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, alot to write about, so it's going to be short, sweet, and to the point again.

Derrek Lee homered for the Cubs to put the first run on the board. He got his 100th RBI with his 42nd homer of the season.

The Cubs scored two runs in the second on an RBI triple by Murton and a perfectly executed suicide squeeze bunt by Perez.

Matt Murton led off the 10th with his third hit of the game, and Neifi Perez layed down a sacrifice bunt, but ended up on first base due to a throwing error.

Todd Walker's long single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning gave the Chicago Cubs a 4-3 victory over Cinncinati .

Reliever Michael Wuertz (6-2) pitched a scoreless 10th for the win.

Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs, three hits, struck out nine and walked three on 115 pitches in six innings.

In other Cubs news, we have recalled Ben Grieve from Triple A Iowa. No one was optioned down. 40 man roster now, I remembered!

Reds 5, Cubs 2

2005-09-12T20:08:00.000-07:00

Chicago Cubs rookie shortstop Ronny Cedeno will be out for the rest of the season with a broken bone in his left hand after being hit with a pitch on Saturday by San Francisco's pitcher Brad Hennessey.

Cedeno was not placed on the disabled list and the Cubs also purchased the contract of infielder Ryan Theriot from Double A West Tennessee. To make room on the roster, they transferred right handed reliever Kerry Wood from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list.

Cedeno is in his third stint with the Cubs after being recalled from Triple A Iowa on Aug. 26 and batted .300 in 40 games.

Theriot plays several infield positions, and batted .308 with 54 RBIs for the Diamond Jaxx.

In other Cubs news, (this is a really broad subject), we lost, 5-3.

The Cubs took the 1-0 lead in the third on Matt Murton's homer off Harang.

Nomar Garciaparra had a double and RBI single to Jose Macias that made it 5-2 in the ninth.

Greg Maddux is now 12-12.

Cubs 5, Cardinals 2

2005-09-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

Starting pitcher Glendon Rusch picks up his sixth win of the 2005 season tonight after pitching a perfect game through 6 innings of play.

After suffering a horrible loss last night of 6-2 the Chicago Cubs fought back and defeated the Cardinals 5-2 tonight.

Hairston scored on Lee's one-out single, and Nomar Garciaparra added an RBI single in the inning for a 2-0 lead.

Derrek Lee hit his 40th homer on his 30th birthday and drove in two runs for the Cubs. He is the first ever Cubs first baseman to have 40 homers in a single season.

Corey Patterson also homered for the Cubs, his 13th homer of the season.

Cubs reliever Will Ohman got Jim Edmonds to ground out with runners at first and second to end the eighth inning, and closer Ryan Dempster finished the game for his 23rd save in 25 opportunities.

Rusch gave up two runs on four hits in 7 2-3 innings, and finished with three strikeouts and one walk.

Ok, So Much For Confidence

2005-09-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

In a somewhat tragic day in Cubs Baseball....... we lost! Cardinals 6, Cubs 4.

Just in general here is what we did to gain the 4 runs we did.

Jeromy Burnitz had a two-run single in the sixth. Burnitz has 18 RBIs in his last 17 games.

Jason Isringhausen walked home a run in the ninth with a bases loaded walk to Jerry Hairston Jr., and Julian Tavarez allowed pinch hitter Jose Macias' sacrifice fly before getting Lee to hit a game ending double play grounder for his fourth save.

Cubs starter Mark Prior allowed two runs and five hits in six innings with six strikeouts and two walks. And of course!! He get's a no decision!! Like always!! I have no idea how he has made it to 10 wins this season. Honestly.

Reliever Roberto Novoa got the loss.

If anyone agrees with me that the Chicago Cubs need a better bullpen next season, feel free to express thoughts on the comment board.

Cubs Sweep Pirates, Head to St.Louis

2005-09-04T13:35:00.000-07:00

With a 3 game sweep over the Pittsburgh Pirates under their belts the Chicago Cubs will head to St.Louis to take on a 3 game set with the Cardinals.

Heading off with a 7-3 win on Friday, a 9-5 win on Saturday, and a 2-0 shut out this afternoon, the Cubs will make their journey with some confidence.

And now for some roster moves, but not really since the roster is now 40, and I constantly need to be reminded of that.

The Cubs recalled pitchers Rich Hill and Sergio Mitre from Triple A Iowa. As far as I know they will both be used in the bullpen.

The comment board is open!

2005-08-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

Cubs 6, Dodgers 3

Ok, not much to write about the game so I will make it short, sweet, and to the point.

Nomar Garciaparra hit a solo home run and drove in two runs.

Henry Blanco hit a tiebreaking two run single in the sixth inning and had three RBIs.

Jeromy Burnitz had an broken bat RBI infield single in the sixth inning when Brad Penny slipped trying to field the ball and couldn't cover the bag after first baseman Jason Phillips fielded the ball.

Todd Walker doubled leading off the eighth inning, moved up on Matt Murton's sacrifice and scored on Blanco's squeeze bunt.

Cubs win, 6-3.

Ok, I have remember to put something in this time!

The Cubs placed right handed relief pitcher Kerry Wood on the 15-day disabled list and purchased the contract of reliever Jermaine Van Buren from Triple-A Iowa.

2005-08-30T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hollandsworth Traded To Atlanta

Something that really didn't surprise me this far into the season.

The Cubs traded outfielder Todd Hollandsworth to the Atlanta Braves on Monday night for minor league pitchers Todd Blackford and Angelo Burrows.

Hollandsworth will give the Braves a reserve outfielder during the rest of the season. He is a career .299 pinch hitter.

The Cubs recalled Matt Murton from Triple A Iowa to take Hollandsworth's spot and called up right hander Jermaine Van Buren to replace Kerry Wood, who is scheduled for season ending shoulder surgery Wednesday.

2005-08-29T17:43:00.000-07:00

Wood To Undergo Season Ending-Surgery

Just as most of us probably suspected a few weeks ago, right handed relief pitcher Kerry wood will have arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder Wednesday and hopes to be ready to pitch by spring training.

With the Cubs 71/2 games out of the National League wild card race the Cubs want to give Wood as much time as needed for rehabilitation and recovery.

The surgery will be performed by Dr.Timothy Kremchek at Beacon Orthopedics outside of Cincinnati, Ohio.

2005-08-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

What a Day It Has Been!!!!

Nearly a month after his induction in Cooperstown, Ryne Sandberg, the 10-time All-Star, nine-time Gold Glove winner and 1984 MVP was given a standing ovation from the crowd and a framed replica jersey from the organization before watching his former team hang his No. 23 on the right-field foul pole. Sandberg, Ernie Banks, Ron Santo and Billy Williams are the only Cubs to have their numbers retired.

The Chicago Cubs retired Sandberg's No. 23 jersey before Sunday's game against the Marlins, making the Hall of Fame second baseman the fourth Cub to receive the honor.

The Cubs found their own way to honor Sandberg today with a 14-3 triumph over the Marlins.

Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano struck out six, walked two, and helped himself at the plate with a triple and a run. He is 7-1 in his last 12 starts.

Derrek Lee also had a spectacular game today with 2 solo home runs, the first one being his 200th career homer run.

Jerry Hairston had three hits, a run, and four RBIs. Todd Hollandsworth had two hits, including a two run double in the seventh.

And just who were these guys playing baseball for us today?! I have no idea. It must have been one of those days.

2005-08-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Cubs Recall Hairston, Option Murton

Wow, another really short aricle.

The Chicago Cubs recalled infielder Jerry Hairston from his rehabilitation assignment with Tripl A Iowa of the Pacific Coast League and activated him to the roster Friday.

Hairston was batting .318 with two RBIs in five games at Iowa. He had been on the disabled list since Aug. 4 with an injured left elbow.

The Cubs also optioned outfielder Matt Murton to Triple A Iowa

So the question is.... can we do it without Murton?

The comment board is open!

2005-08-17T19:55:00.000-07:00

Cubs 4, Astros 2

Oh no not again! Nomar Garciaparra homered one inning before leaving the game with stiffness in his lower back. Thank goodness it's not his groin muscle again!

Starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano homered and went 8 1/3 innings in the Chicago Cubs' 4-2 victory over the Houston Astros on Wednesday night.

Garciaparra has played in 26 games this season, batting .242 with two homers and seven RBIs.

Zambrano (10-5) allowed three hits, three walks and struck out 10 for his third win in four starts. He is 6-1 in his last 10 starts.
Aramis Ramirez had a sacrifice fly for Chicago in the first to put up the first run, Zambrano homered in third, his first of the year, and Garciaparra made it 3-0 with his solo shot.
The Cubs added another run in the seventh on Michael Barrett's sacrifice fly.
Garciaparra is said to be day to day after tonights game.

2005-08-16T20:59:00.000-07:00

Cubs 4, Astros 1

Who was that relieving in the eighth inning? Who are you and what have you done with Kerry Wood!?

Wood pitched a perfect eighth for his sixth scoreless relief appearance, and Ryan Dempster pitched the ninth for his 17th save in 19 chances.

And Greg Maddux allowed just three hits, his fewest since May 10, and shut down the Astros after they scored 12 runs on 16 hits the previous night.

Our pitching staff wasn't the only thing that was working tonight. Aramis Ramirez had a hot night at the plate and went 3/4 with two doubles, two RBIs, his last a high arching solo homer to left in sixth inning.

The Cubs added another run when Nomar Garciaparra scored from third on Corey Patterson's bloop single when Chad Qualls relieved starting pitcher Andy Pettitte in the eighth inning.

With the win, the Cubs pulled within 6½ games of Houston in the National League wild card race.

2005-08-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

Cubs Recall Wellemeyer, Send Down Koronka

This will make one Cub fan I know happy

The Chicago Cubs recalled the man with supposed potential according to a friend of mine... right hander Todd Wellemeyer was called up from Triple A Iowa before Sunday's game against St. Louis. The Cubs optioned left hander John Koronka back to Iowa.

Wellemeyer, in his third stint with the Cubs, opened the 2005 season on the major league roster. He was also with the Cubs from May 3-June 25 and is 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA in 18 appearances.

Koronka, in his second stint with the Cubs, made his first career relief appearance Saturday. He had been recalled from Triple A Iowa on Thursday. He was 1-2 in three starts with the Cubs in June.

The comment board is open!

2005-08-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Cubs Recall Koronka, Send Down Hill

Chicago Cubs optioned left hander Rich Hill to Triple A Iowa Thursday and recalled left handed pitcher John Koronka.

This will be the second stint with the Cubs for Koronka, who was 1-2 with a 7.63 ERA with three starts in June. Manager Dusty Baker said he will be used in the bullpen.

Hill was 0-2 with an 8.57 the Cincinnati Reds and allowed six runs, four hits and four walks in three plus innings of play.

2005-08-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Cubs Trade Remlinger To Boston

Not much to put in this article.

The Chicago Cubs decided to help Boston strengthen their bullpen by giving them another left hander. The Cubs traded Mike Remilinger and cash to the Red Sox on Tuesday for minor league pitcher Olivo Astacio.

Remilinger was designated for assignment by the Cubs last Friday.
In other Cubs news, outfielder Corey Patterson was recalled from Triple-A Iowa and infielder Ronny Cedeno was optioned to Iowa.
Patterson was sent down on July 8 while hitting .232.

2005-08-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Wood, Williamson, Garciaparra Reactivated, Mitre and Remilinger Sent Down, Hairston Placed On DL.

Today, the Cubs reactivated shortstop Nomar Garciaparra and pitchers Scott Wiliamson and Kerry Wood from the diabled list. They also placed infielder/outfielder Jerry Hairston on the 15-day disabled list, optioned right handed pitcher Sergio Mitre to Triple A Iowa and designated Mike Remlinger for assignment.

Garciaparra went on the disabled list April 21 with a left groin avulsion of adductor longus muscle. He suffered the injury while running out of the batter's box April 20 in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Nomar made eight combined rehab appearances for Mesa (R), Peoria (A) and West Tenn (AA), going 5/23 with 2 RBI's.

Williamson has been on the disabled list all season, recoving from "Tommy John" surgery from this past off season. In 10 rehab outings, the right hander was 1-2 with a 3.14 ERA. He issued 5 walks and struck out 19 batters in 14.1 innings.

Wood was placed on the disabled list July 21 with right shoulder inflammation. He made two relief appearances during a rehab assignment to Peoria, allowing 1 hit and striking out 5 batters over 2.1 innings.

This was Wood's second stint on the disabled list, as he also was on the 15-day disabled list May 3-June 29 with a right shoulder strain. In 10 games this season, the right hander has gone 3-3 with a 4.67 ERA.

Hairston was placed on the disabled list with a left elbow medial ligament injury. He sustained the injury in the game against the on August 3. In 88 games this season, he has batted .261 with 18 doubles, 4 homers and 19 RBI.

Mitre has split time between the bullpen and the starting rotation in 2005. The right hander was 2-5 with a 5.66 ERA in 16 games for the big league club. At Iowa (AAA), he has gone 3-4 with a 4.60 ERA in eight starts.

Remlinger was 0-3 with a 4.91 ERA in 35 games for the Cubs, and had held right handed batters to a .210 batting average. The left hander was on the disabled list between May 21 andJune 5 with a non displaced distal phalanx fracture in the fifth finger on his left hand.

2005-08-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Kerry Wood and Nomar Garciaparra are expected to rejoin the Cubs by this weekend, and the team hopes they can help Chicago make a push in the NL wild-card race.

Wood said his right arm was loose and feeling great after a couple of minor league rehab outings. He expects to pitch relief out of the bullpen the rest of the season to reduce strain on his arm.

Wood (3-3, 4.67 ERA) pitched in relief for the second appearance of his rehab assignment Tuesday night and retired all four batters he faced for the Class-A Peoria Chiefs in Peoria, Ill. The right hander, on the disabled list since July 20 due to inflammation in his right shoulder, tossed 12 of 15 pitches for strikes.

Garciaparra went 1/3 Wednesday in his final rehab game at Double-A West Tenn, then said he would rejoin the Cubs in Philadelphia as soon as possible.

Garciaparra had a single and two flyouts in six innings and was 3/13.

He has been on the disabled list since injuring his groin during a game with the Cincinatti Reds in April.

The Cubs need both players to be healthy and productive, with the team only four games behind wild card leader Houston entering play Wednesday night.

2005-08-02T21:09:00.000-07:00

Cubs 2, Phillies 1

And the award for toughest save goes to....the suspense is absolutely killing me.... RYAN DEMPSTER!!!

Dempster made a remarkable ninth inning come back as he pitched out of his own bases-loaded jam. Carlos Zambrano threw eight scoreless innings and Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run single in the eighth to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 2-1 victory Tuesday night over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Dempster walked four straight batters with one out before striking out the last two for his 15th save in 17 chances.

"Wow! I apologize for putting people on the edge of their seats back in Chicago," said Dempster, a converted starter who became the Cubs' closer in May. "That was the most stressful one I've been through."

Zambrano (8-4) allowed four hits and improved

to 4-0 with a 1.49 ERA in his last seven starts. The right hander hasn't suffered a loss since he gave up eight runs in 1 2-3 innings against Milwaukee on June 22.

The Cubs broke a two-game losing streak and moved two games over .500

"It was tough and exciting, but we got it," manager Dusty Baker said. "That would've been a devastating loss."

Dempster retired Kenny Lofton to start the ninth, then walked Chase Utley, Bobby Abreu and Pat Burrell. Ryan Howard walked to force in a run, but Dempster struck out David Bell and pinch-hitter Tomas Perez to end the ninth.

"I wanted to be aggressive. I didn't get the job done," Bell said of his at-bat.

Vicente Padilla (5-10) gave up two runs and five hits in 7 1/3 innings. The right hander has pitched good since almost losing his spot in the rotation last month. He's 2-2 with a 2.23 ERA after going 3-8 with a 6.96 ERA in his first 11 starts.

Philadelphia pitching coach Rich Dubee said, "He's kept us in every game. He's been outstanding."

Matt Lawton, playing his first game for Chicago since coming over from Pittsburgh in a trade on Sunday, lead off the eighth inning with a single and went to second on Jerry Hairston's sacrifice.

Derrek Lee recived an intention walk from Padilla, and Jeromy Burnitz walked to load the bases.

Ugueth Urbina came in and tossed an 0-1 pitch to Ramirez that bounced to the brick wall behind the plate and right back to catcher Mike Lieberthal. Lawton held at third, but Burnitz was picked off first base for the second out of the inning.

Ramirez hit the next pitch right past third baseman Bell's glove to bring in both runners.

The Phillies had a runner on third with one out in the seventh, but failed to score any runs. Abreu started the inning with a double and went to third on Burrell's groundout. Zambrano then retired Howard on a checked-swing tapper to the mound and got Bell on a bouncer to shortstop to end the inning.

"I was ahead in the count most of the time," Zambrano said. "I threw strikes and I was aggressive."

Zambrano would have started the ninth, but only pitched eight innings due to irritation in his left toe. He doesn't expect the injury to prevent him from making his next start, scheduled for Sunday August 7th against the New York Mets.

2005-08-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

Cubs Trade Gerut To Pirates For Outfielder Lawton

The Chicago Cubs have found another lead off man. The Chicago Cubs went dealing again with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, acquiring outfielder Matt Lawton just before the trade deadline.
The Cubs sent outfielder Jody Gerut - whom they obtained in a trade with Cleveland on July 18 - to the Pirates.
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Sunday, "I just hope it works out like it did in '03."
"I think it makes sense for both clubs. I have a good relationship with (Pirates GM) Dave Littlefield and he's a smart guy who had to do it under difficult circumstances financially."
In July 2003, the Cubs worked a trade to acquire Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton from the Pirates . Both players dramatically helped lead Chicago to the National League Championship Series.

The Cubs are 53-52 after losing 13-6 to the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday afternoon, but are still hopeful of winning the National League wild card.
Lawton was 0-for-4 Sunday, including a game-ending strikeout as the Pirates lost in Atlanta. He was batting .273 with 10 homers and 44 RBIs for the Pirates and has also played for Twins (1995-01), the Mets (2001) and the Indians (2002-04).
His on-base percentage of .382 was especially appealing to the Cubs. Manager Dusty Baker said he didn't know until talking with Lawton if he would bat leadoff, but was glad to have his bat.
"Matt's a good ball player and we're doing whatever we can to shore ourselves up. Hopefully he can come over here and rejuvenate our offense," Baker said.
Lawton left the Pirates clubhouse in Atlanta waiting for official confirmation of the trade deal, but seemed resigned to moving on.
"I just love to play baseball," Lawton said. "I'll be going to a contender. You can't ask for more than that. It's the best of both worlds."

Even though he didn't get much of a chance with the Cubs, Gerut said Lawton will be a big plus.

2005-08-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Fisrt post.
Hello Everyone!!!!