Cubs Beat White Sox...Stats....

Cubs 13 White Sox 0

The pitching staff was amazing, take a look:

Chi Cubs	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Heilman	2.0	1	0	0	0	4	0	0.00
Gregg	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Cotts (W, 1-0)	1.0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0.00
Patton	2.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
Kadokura	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	0.00
Waddell	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Caridad	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

Brad Snyder hit a grad slam in the 7th. While Hoffpauir, Fuld, Snyder, and Scales all had multi hit games.

MVP: Brad Snyder for hitting a grand slam in a 9-run 7th.
LVP- Alfonso Soriano for going 0-2 with 2 strikeouts.

Don't forget the other posts below, it's been a busy day.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Marmol has Change of Mind, Will Pitch in WBC...

Marmol has changed his mind and will pitch in the WBC, according to the Sun-Times. He changed his mind on Saturday and will leave camp on Tuesday.

It's fine with me, because he'll get every chance to pitch as the closer. I just wished he didn't flip-flop so many times.

Make sure you read the post below, it's been a busy day.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Curt Schilling Wants to Play for Cubs.

Reports from the Orlando Sentinel; Curt Schilling has broken one curse in Boston, but now he wants to come to Chicago to break our curse. But he said he would be interested in coming back to baseball to pitch for either the Chicago Cubs or the Tampa Bay Rays.

Schilling who is 216-146, said that money wouldn't be a major issue. He's looking for a team that has championship potential and has never won a title. "The challenge would be in a place like Tampa Bay or Chicago," he said.

Schilling isn't aiming for an opening day roster spot, but isn't a 100% sure if he wants to pitch at all. "I'll make a decision in the next couple of weeks" he said.

SEASON	TEAM	G	GS	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	SO	W	L	SV	HLD	BLSV	ERA
1988	Bal	4	4	0	0	14.2	22	19	16	3	10	4	0	3	0	0	--	9.82
1989	Bal	5	1	0	0	8.2	10	6	6	2	3	6	0	1	0	0	--	6.23
1990	Bal	35	0	0	0	46.0	38	13	13	1	19	32	1	2	3	0	--	2.54
1991	Hou	56	0	0	0	75.2	79	35	32	2	39	71	3	5	8	0	--	3.81
1992	Phi	42	26	10	4	226.1	165	67	59	11	59	147	14	11	2	0	--	2.35
1993	Phi	34	34	7	2	235.1	234	114	105	23	57	186	16	7	0	0	--	4.02
1994	Phi	13	13	1	0	82.1	87	42	41	10	28	58	2	8	0	0	--	4.48
1995	Phi	17	17	1	0	116.0	96	52	46	12	26	114	7	5	0	0	--	3.57
1996	Phi	26	26	8	2	183.1	149	69	65	16	50	182	9	10	0	0	--	3.19
1997	Phi	35	35	7	2	254.1	208	96	84	25	58	319	17	11	0	0	--	2.97
1998	Phi	35	35	15	2	268.2	236	101	97	23	61	300	15	14	0	0	--	3.25
1999	Phi	24	24	8	1	180.1	159	74	71	25	44	152	15	6	0	0	--	3.54
2000	Phi	16	16	4	1	112.2	110	49	49	17	32	96	6	6	0	0	--	3.91
2000	Ari	13	13	4	1	97.2	94	41	40	10	13	72	5	6	0	0	--	3.69
2000	--	29	29	8	2	210.1	204	90	89	27	45	168	11	12	0	0	--	3.81
2001	Ari	35	35	6	1	256.2	237	86	85	37	39	293	22	6	0	0	--	2.98
2002	Ari	36	35	5	1	259.1	218	95	93	29	33	316	23	7	0	0	--	3.23
2003	Ari	24	24	3	2	168.0	144	58	55	17	32	194	8	9	0	0	--	2.95
2004	Bos	32	32	3	0	226.2	206	84	82	23	35	203	21	6	0	0	--	3.26
2005	Bos	32	11	0	0	93.1	121	59	59	12	22	87	8	8	9	0	2	5.69
2006	Bos	31	31	0	0	204.0	220	90	90	28	28	183	15	7	0	0	--	3.97
2007	Bos	24	24	1	1	151.0	165	68	65	21	23	101	9	8	0	0	--	3.87
Total	--	569	436	83	20	3261.0	2998	1318	1253	347	711	3116	216	146	22	0	-11	3.46

To me he is a low-risk-high reward type player, and if he doesn't do so good, we have other options. He could also serve as a coach to the young pitchers on the team, and plus, have you seen this guy in the post-season?

What do you fans think?

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Cubs Sign Corey Koskie... Notes

The Cubs agreed to sign Corey Koskie to a minor league deal. He'll compete for a backup job with the Cubs this spring. Koskie, who will be in the WBC will miss some time with the Cubs. Corey will take his physical and report to Spring Training after the WBC.

Watch the replay of the Chat (below this post.)

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

CHAT Today @ NOON.

There will be a chat here at noon, so be here. I will have the chat available at 11:00am, so you can start sending in the questions then.



Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Cubs Win! Stats and News...

Cubs 10 Rangers 4

In today's Cactus League game against the Rangers the Cubs won. While Hoffpauir, Fontenot, and Sam Fuld all hit home runs. The Cubs rattled up 14 hits, while 5 players had a multi hit game.

Ted Lilly was the only noticeable starter (as for pitching) in the game, and he did good.

Chi Cubs	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Lilly (W, 1-0)	2.0	2	0	0	0	2	0	0.00

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Cubs VS Brewers Stats, Recap, and News...

Chi Cubs	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Gathright, CF	3	1	3	1	1	0	0	1.000
Stanton, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Hart, K, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
b-Taguchi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Fox, C, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Guzman, A, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Miles, 2B	4	0	1	1	0	1	3	.250
Fuld, CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Bradley, RF	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
1-Robnett, PR-RF	2	0	1	1	1	0	2	.250
Ramirez, A, 3B	1	0	0	0	1	1	2	.000
2-Scales, PR-3B	2	1	0	1	1	0	3	.250
Hoffpauir, LF-1B	4	1	1	0	1	1	4	.250
Fox, J, 1B	3	1	2	3	1	0	3	.400
3-Snyder, PR-LF	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Bako, C	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	.000
Marmol, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Blanco, A, 2B	1	0	0	0	1	0	1	.000
Barney, SS	5	1	1	0	0	0	3	.167
Marshall, P	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Clevenger, PH	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
Gaudin, P	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1.000
Castillo, W, C	2	2	0	0	1	1	1	.000
Totals	33	7	10	7	11	4	26

a-Walked for Marshall in the 2nd.
b-Flied out for Hart, K in the 7th.
1-Ran for Bradley in the 1st.
2-Ran for Ramirez, A in the 3rd.
3-Ran for Fox, J in the 6th.

Chi Cubs	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Marshall	2.0	4	1	1	0	1	0	4.50
Gaudin (W, 1-0)	2.0	3	1	1	1	1	1	4.50
Marmol (H, 1)	1.0	1	1	1	0	0	0	9.00
Stanton (H, 1)	1.0	2	1	1	1	2	1	9.00
Hart, K (H, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Fox, C (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Guzman, A (S, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00

MVP: Jake Fox for hitting a 3-Run homer in the third inning off Seth McClung.
LVP: Paul Bako for going 0-3 while leaving 3 on-base.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Say It Aint so...Bradley HURT...

During Milton Bradley's first Cactus League games he took himself out because of Quad tightness.

But don't worry, he's expected to be back in the lineup this weekend. At least Bradley knows when he needs to take himself out of the games. I'll keep you posted on this.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

1st Game is a WIN! Box Score.....

At Hohokam park in Mesa Arizona where the weather was 80 degrees and blowing out to LF with 6 MPH winds and an attendance of 7,916. The Chicago Cubs won 5-3.

Chi Cubs	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	LOB	AVG
Soriano, LF	1	1	1	0	1	0	0	1.000
Snyder, LF	1	1	0	0	1	1	1	.000
Theriot, SS	3	0	2	0	0	0	2	.667
2-Barney, PR-SS	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Lee, 1B	1	0	0	0	1	1	2	.000
Fox, J, 1B	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Hoffpauir, DH	4	1	1	4	0	1	4	.250
Soto, C	2	0	1	0	0	1	1	.500
1-Fuld, PR-CF	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Fontenot, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	1	.000
Blanco, A, 2B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Johnson, R, CF	2	0	1	0	0	1	0	.500
Deeds, D, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
a-Dubois, PH	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	.000
3-Taguchi, PR-RF	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Robnett, RF	2	0	0	0	0	0	2	.000
Hill, K, C	2	0	0	0	0	1	1	.000
Scales, 3B	2	0	1	0	0	0	2	.500
Rivas, L, 3B	2	0	1	0	0	0	1	.500
Totals	32	5	8	4	4	6	18
a-Walked for Deeds, D in the 8th. 1-Ran for Soto in the 4th. 2-Ran for Theriot in the 5th. 3-Ran for Dubois in the 8th.

Chi Cubs	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Samardzija	2.0	3	2	2	2	1	0	9.00
Atkins	2.0	3	1	1	0	1	0	4.50
Kadokura (W, 1-0)	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Patton (H, 1)	1.0	2	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Caridad (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Waddell (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	1	2	0	0.00
Stevens (S, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	0.00

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Happy Birthday.....Notes....

I'd like to wish Ron Santo and Bob Brenly a magical happy birthday on the Cubs first Cactus League game of the season.

Ron Santo is 69! And he is working in the radio booth today.

Bob Brenly is 55 years young, and has the night off.

Did you know the Cubs and Dodgers have split their first 2,024 regular season meetings since their first game in 1890. Each team has won 1,012 games in the series.-Cubs.com beat reporter Carrie Muskat.

I also like to wish Joe Borowski a wonderful retirement! He had a great year for the Cubs in 2003, and pitched in 12 big league seasons with Baltimore, Atlanta, Yankees, Cubs, Tampa Bay, Florida and Cleveland along the way. He finishes with a 4.18 career ERA and 131 saves, leaving him 80th on the all-time list.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Spring Training News....

• Ryan Dempster hasn't been throwing to batters because he has a stiff neck.
• Monday was the last day at Fitch Park. They will practice on Tuesday at HoHoKam Stadium.
• BREAKING NEWS: Carlos Marmol has decided to not pitch in the WBC.
  

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Spring Training Notes......

• Carlos Zambrano Threw to live batters on Saturday morning.
• Alfonso Soriano is planning to have a great upcoming season. Also, Soriano worked out this offseason for the first time in his career.
• According to the Sun-Times, Jeff Samardzija will start the Cactus league season.
  
• Bruce Levine has been told the the sale of the Cubs will be finalized in mid-to end April of Early May.
• Update: Sean Marshall and Ted Lilly will follow Jeff Samardija in the Cactus League.
• Each of the starters will get about 27-28 innings of work.
• Carlos Marmol is still undecided about the WBC.
• BREAKING NEWS: Kosuke Fukudome hit a grand slam in an exhibition game against the Tokyo Giants (just an interesting tidbit.)
  

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Chat Today

CHAT today at noon. Start sending questions in around 30 minutes before it starts.





Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Notes.......

The Cubs have been approached by teams about Kosuke Fukudome, a major league source said. The Mariners were one of those teams interested and said to be offering guys like Washburn, Johjima, and Bedard. Bedard is owed 7.75M in 09' (but the Cubs have no interest in trading Fukudome.)

• Rick Sutcliffe will be guest instructor for the Cubs until he goes and coaches in the WBC.
• According to Lou, Soriano will be the opening day lead-off batter, but will try him out in other spots in the lineup during spring training.
• The Players were asked if they'd want Manny on the Cubs, and they all said yes. Even Soriano said he'd move back to second base for the games most feared slugger.

UPDATE:

• Carlos Marmol MAY skip the WBC.
• Soriano is telling people that he will steal more (40-40-40 year for Soriano?)
• Orlando Hudson will not be a Cub because he signed with the Dodgers. Also that means no Mark Teahen.
  
• Lou possibly wants Bradley to be the clean-up hitter.
  

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

A Nomar Garciaparra Birthday

What's that you say? Happy birthday, Matt? That's right! And what is it exactly I want for the big 2-1? A return to the Cubs for the once chosen one, the shy town savior, the Windy City Warrior..Nomar Garciaparra.

The Cubs currently have one open position left and it is for a backup corner infielder to keep Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez fresh. Currently, it seems the Cubs are comfortable with Aaron Miles and Mike Fontenot rotating in and out of the second and third base positions. How ludicrous is that for continuity..

Mark DeRosa filled the utility handyman role just nicely, providing an electric bat with just enough range on his glove to play everywhere on the field. Sound familair?

Fonty and Miles will not be DeRosa. They'll do a serviceable job, don't minsunderstand. Just know that the Cubs need a veteran backup to play this roles. Does that sound familiar too?

Nomar is currently a free agent deserving of a job somewhere. The only reason he has yet found one is that he is holding out for a starting position. He has yet to find one because he is coming off an injury riddled season where he hit .264 in only 55 games played.

I theorize that limiting a healthy Nomar Garciaparra to a platoon-backup role would be best for not only the Cubs, but Nomar's career. If he would take the one-year incentive-laden deal from the Cubs, he could fill the role he was very successful at near the end of 2005 where he covered for the injured Ramirez and inconsistent Ronny Cedeno.

I'm convinced that Nomar would be a veteran glue to a clubhouse that may not have a leader with the departures of DeRosa and Kerry Wood. In addition, limiting Nomar to 300 at bats would allow in to stay on the field for a full season, maximizing his value.

Plus we'll get Mia Hamm back in Chicago. Who's opposed to that. Happy birthday indeed...

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, there will be a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Spring Training News.........

Anything new will be posted here:

• Rich Harden threw about 20 pitches off the mound on Sunday at Fitch Park.
• Carlos shaved the mustache.
• Orlando Hudson might sign soon, some of the teams with interest White Sox, Dodgers, and the Cubs.

UPDATE: Lou said Monday he may drop the left fielder (Alfonso Soriano) down in the order.

• Chad Gaudin has a crazy long beard (just a fun fact.)
• Here's an interesting link from former Minnesota Governor and Professional wrestler (and former anabolic steroid user;) who talks about how Commissioner of MLB should be punished like the former WWF CEO. Click here for the link.
  

UPDATE February 17:

• Derrek Lee will not play in the WBC, unless Kevin Youkilis gets injured.
  
• Everybody has reported to camp, (even Luis Vizcaino who cleared up his visa problems) besides Kosuke Fukudome (who is training for the WBC in Japen.)
• Derrek Lee is open to batting anywhere.
• NOTHING new of Orlando Hudson, "HotStoveCubbies" says the Cubs and Dbacks could do a new sign-and-trade. Jon Heyman has been reporting that the White Sox are not in it.
• Ted Lilly is expected to play for Team USA in the WBC.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Spring Training Notes and News.....

When ever anything new comes up, it'll be posted here:

• Cubs Pitcher Rich Harden said "I'm coming of the best offseason ever." And he hopes to make 30 starts this year.
  
• Marmol is expected to be the Dominican Republic team's closer. He's not worried about being overused. "The innings I don't pitch in Spring Training are innings I will pitch there," Marmol said.
• DAY 2, IN MESA
  
• Paul Bako and Koyie Hill will compete for the backup catcher's job. Cubs staff liked throwing to Hill last year better than they did Henry Blanco. The Cubs can release Paul Bako by the end of March and only pay 20% of 750,000.
• Sean Marshall is the favorite to win the 5th spot competition-Indicated by Lou.
• MILTON BRADLEY has arrived in Mesa and is already taking batting practice. Position players don't have to report till Tuesday.
  
• The only pitcher missing is Luis Vizcaino, who is having visa problems.
• Mike Stanton could be the other lefty in the pen along with Neil Cotts.
  
• Reed Johnson lost 14 pounds on his new diet.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Cubs Chat

Notes...CHAT Today

Here are some notes from Mesa Arizona regarding the Cubs:

• Big Z will pass on the WBC, while his shoulder feels strong. Z's eye is now infected and will have to wait till the end of spring training to get the LASIK surgery.
• Angel Guzman will also pass on the WBC.
• Soriano will be the lead-off hitter, unless someone is brought in.
• Dempster is here, but is in hiding.
  
• Lou will try new tactics to motivate the team, and will rest more players this year.
  

Don't Forget today @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

My Top Ten OFers, 3Bs, and 1B...BONUS

Here our my top ten outfielders, third baseman, and first baseman. With a bounus from MLB 2K9's top 20 Pitchers (it's a little shocking.)

Outfielders
Ryan Braun 1
Manny 2
Josh Hamilton 3
Grady Sizemore 4
Carlos Lee 5
Carlos Quentin 6
Matt Holliday 7
Alfonso Soriano 8
Ichrio Suzuki 9
Vladimir Guerrero 10

Honorable mention
Jason Bay 11
Carlos Beltran 12

1B
Albert Pujols 1
Mark Teixeira 2
Miguel Cabrera 3
Lance Berkman 4
Prince Fielder 5
Justin Morneau 6
Adrian Gonzalez 7
Ryan Howard 8
Kevin Youkilis 9
Joey Votto 10


3B
Alex Rodriguez 1
David Wright 2
Aramis Ramirez 3
Evan Longoria 4
Chipper Jones 5
Garrett Atkins 6
Adrian Beltre 7
Ryan Zimmerman 8
Micheal Young 9
Alex Gordon 10

MLB 2K9's top 20 Pitchers

1. Francisco Rodriguez New York Mets
2. Johan Santana New York Mets
3. Tim Lincecum San Francisco Giants
4. Brandon Webb Arizona Diamondbacks
5. Johnathan Papelbon Boston Red Sox
6. CC Sabathia New York Yankees
7. Joe Nathan Minnesota Twins
8. Daisuke Matsuzaka Boston Red Sox
9. Joakim Soria Kansas City Royals
10. John Lackey Los Angeles Angels
11. Mariano Rivera New York Yankees
12. Cole Hamels Philadelphia Phillies
13. Brad Lidge Philadelphia Phillies
14. Scott Kazmir Tampa Bay Rays
15. Roy Halladay Toronto Blue Jays
16. Josh Beckett Boston Red Sox
17. Carlos Zambrano Chicago Cubs
18. Jake Peavy San Diego Padres
19. Felix Hernandez Seattle Mariners
20. Dan Haren Arizona Diamondbacks


Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Peavy Talks

This is comments of What Peavy said abour being a Padre.

MLB.com's Corey Brock passes along comments Jake Peavy made on XX Sports Radio in San Diego. Peavy said he's "dang glad" to be a Padre after an off season of trade talks. Peavy said he understands that business decisions led to a "crazy winter."

Brock adds that GM Kevin Towers "has not had active discussions with any team regarding Peavy" since the Winter Meetings.

Why would Peavy come out and say that, this off season he said he was mad About being a Padre and wanted to play for the Chicago Cubs. On the last night at the winter meetings he was singing Go Cubs Go at the bar.

Who Will Be The Cubs 5th Starter...Other News..Peavy TALKS

In this post, I will examine Marshall, Heilman, Gaudin, Guzman, and Samardzija as the possible 5th man in the rotation. I will not examine Jake Peavy, because as of now he's not a member of the Cubs and if he were, we'd wouldn't be having this conversation. (Winner in BOLD)

2008 ERA
Sean Marshall-3.86
Aaron Heilman-5.21
Chad Gaudin-4.40
Angel Guzman-3.56 (2007)
Jeff Samardzija-2.28


2008 Strikeouts/Walks and innings Pitched
Sean Marshall-58/23 65.1IP
Aaron Heilman-80/46 76IP
Chad Gaudin-71/27 90IP
Angel Guzman-26/9 30.1IP (2007)
Jeff Samardzija-25/15 27.2IP

2008 Hits/ER aloud (needs to be factored against IP)
Sean Marshall-60/28
Aaron Heilman-75/44
Chad Gaudin-92/44
Angel Guzman-32/12
Jeff Samardzija-24/7

2008 Starting Statistics
Sean Marshall-1-4 4.15ERA
Aaron Heilman-2-3 4.71ERA (2005, last time he actually started)
Chad Gaudin-3-2 3.75ERA
Angel Guzman-0-0 3.53ERA (2007, I know he started the last game of the year, but it was 2IP)
Jeff Samardzija-Hasn't in Majors

With the following stats, it looks like Chad Gaudin did better in 2008 then the rest. Before doing these numbers break down, I had Sean Marshall pencilled in as the 5th starter. But I just erased his name, and I've selected Chad Gaudin as my 5th starter for the Chicago Cubs. Yes I know Chad had back problems at the end of the 08' season, but all of a sudden he's my favorite of the bunch.

Disagree? Discuss about it in the comments!


As I started to write this post, Jake Peavy was on XX Sports Radio in San Diego; Peavy said he's "dang glad" to be a Padre after an offseason of trade talks. Peavy said he understands that business decisions led to a "crazy winter."

It looks to me like GM Kevin Towers "pressured" Peavy to calm the air.


NOTES: Within the next few weeks I'll have example custom made Chicago Cubs T-shirts on the blog.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

10 Reasons to Love the Cubs in 09'....Interesting Notes

Here are my Top 10 reason to love the Cubs in 2009:

TEN: They Play at one of the best if not the best Ballpark in the world in "Wrigley Field."
NINE: They spoil us, by giving us extraordinary games!
EIGHT: They give us the best rivalries in sports (Cubs Vs Cards, Cubs Vs White Sox, Cubs Vs Tigers, Etc.)
SEVEN: They have a great offense which is now balanced, and they have stars in the making (Soto, Marmol, Fontenot, Theriot, and others.)
SIX: Fortunately the Cubs should play the wildcard (now since it wont come out of the Central,) the wildcard should be someone out of east (Phillies, Mets, or Braves) who we match up better with.
FIVE: We have one of the best 8th and 9th inning tandems in baseball.
FOUR: Our starting pitchers are excellent in every way, shape, or form.
THREE: Our offense should rake homeruns with Bradley, Ramirez, Lee, Soriano, and Soto.
TWO: Don't worry about the hitting in the playoffs, because Bradley has 42ABs, .310BA, 4HRs, .383OBP, .667SLG, and only 5Ks (WOW) in his career in the postseason.
ONE: We are lead by the one and only Lou Pinella.

That's what I think? What do you think?
-------------------------------------------------------
A fan sent in an interesting article on "How are WWE superstars and MLB teams similar?" So I checked it out and found a match between a Superstar and the Chicago Cubs.

Jeff Hardy: Chicago Cubs

Ah, the lovable losers. The boys from Chi-town haven't won a World Series since before some of our grandparents were born. Both are tremendously popular no matter how many times they lose chasing the gold. There is always something that eventually stops the momentum whether it's a wellness policy or Steve Bartman.

Both Hardy and Cub fans wait with bated breath for the day they eventually break the "curse" and grab the gold.

Check it out, and see other MLB teams and WWE superstar matches!
I thought is was interesting, but not a big fan of the WWE.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Peavy update, Cubs Sale, Other Notes

Here is some quick news on the Cubs:

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Suntimes said that the Cubs will go into spring training looking for a veteran starting pitching or Jake Peavy and a leadoff hitter, like Chone Figgins or Brian Roberts. (I think if the Cubs get Peavy they will have to settle for Figgins and I think if they really want both they will be able to get both.)

Also Gordon Wittenyer of the Chicago Suntimes said the deal for the Cubs is nearly complete. This is awesome news, and this is where you'll find rumors on the Cubs.

I will keep you posted.

How to Fix the Postseason

I hate how the postseason format is designed, and I have some ideas to fix it. But first lets look at some teams who've gotten screwed over the current format.

1995

Wildcard NL Colorado Rockies 77-67, NL West LA Dodgers 78-66

Teams screwed over by playoff system: California Angels 78-67

1996

NL Central St. Louis Cardinals 88-74, AL Wildcard Baltimore Orioles 88-74

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Montreal Expos 88-74

1997

Cleveland Indians AL Central 86-75, Houston Astros 84-76

Teams screwed over by playoff system: New York Mets 88-74, LA Dodgers 88-74, Anaheim Angels 84-78

1998

AL West Texas Rangers 88-74

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Toronto Blue Jays 88-74, NY Mets 88-74, San Francisco 89-74

1999

AL Wildcard Boston Red Sox 94-68, AL West Texas Rangers 95-67

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Cincinnati Reds 96-67

2000

AL East New York Yankees 87-74

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Cleveland 90-72

2001

NL East Atlanta Braves 88-74

Teams screwed over by playoff system: San Francisco Giants 90-72, Chicago Cubs 88-74

2002

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Boston Red Sox 93-69, Seattle 93-69, LAD 92-70

2003

AL Central Minnesota Twins 90-72, NL Central Chicago Cubs 88-74

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Seattle Mariners 93-69

2004

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Oakland Athletics 91-71, San Francisco Giants 91-71

2005

NL East Atlanta Braves 90-72, San Diego Padres 82-80

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Cleveland Indians 93-69, Philadelphia Phillies 88-74, Oakland Athletics 88-74, Minnesota Twins 83-79

2006

NL Central St. Louis Cardinals 83-78, NL West LAD 88-74, NL Wildcrad San Diego Padres 88-74

Teams screwed over by playoff system: Toronto Blue Jays 87-75, Boston Red Sox 86-76, Chicago White Sox 90-72, LA Angels 89-73, Philadelphia Phillies 85-77

2007

NL Cental Chicago Cubs 85-77

Teams screwed over by playoff system:New York Mets 88-74, San Diego Padres 89-74, Seattle Mariners 88-74, Detroit Tigers 88-74

2008

AL Central Chicago White Sox 89-74, NL West LAD 84-78

Teams screwed over by playoff system: New York Yankees 89-73, Toronto Blue Jays 86-76, Minnesota Twins 88-75, New York Mets 89-73, Florida Marlins 84-77, Houston Astros 86-75, St. Louis Cardinals 86-76,

I think that the playoff format should be the best 4 teams of each league. What are your ideas? What do you guys think?


Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Quick News

The news from around the NL Central. As well as the Cubs have lost out on another player.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the Giants have sign IF Rich Aurillia to a minor league deal. Rosenthal believes that Aurillia pick the the Giants over the Cubs and Phillies which also offer him a minor league deal.

According to Haudricourt, the Brewers have sign P Branden Looper.

According to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Astros are not pursuing OF Adam Dunn and OF Bobby Abreu.

According to Joe Strauss of the St. Louis Dispatch, the Cardinals have release IF Adam Kennedy.

That is some news, I should thought I will pass by. I will keep you updated on the Cubs rumors.

Week Ahead

Monday-How to fix the postseason in general.
Tuesday-Ten reasons to love the Cubs.
Wednesday-Who Will be the 5th starter (with a numbers breakdown.)
Thursday-My top Ten outfielders, first baseman, and third baseman with my stat predictions.
Friday-Pitchers and Catchers report, with possible interviews and updates from Mesa.
Saturday- Spring training update and news. Talkin' Baseball recap.
Sunday-News from Mesa, Arizona.

And of course I'll keep your up-to-date on all Cub rumors and news.


Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

This story was approved by Chicago Cubs Blog-Phil Wilson

Orlando Hudson to Cubs.....

According to Nick Cafardo; Free agent 2B Orlando Hudson is being targeted by 3 teams in the Dodgers, White Sox, and the Cubs. A few Cubs organizational people really want Hudson, but the pending sale and transfer of the Cubs from the Chicago Tribune to Tom Ricketts may handicap GM Jim Hendry's ability to sign him, until the sale is complete.

With Players such as Adam Dunn and Bobby Abreu who might settle for a one or at best two year deal, with an annual salary of 3-8 million dollars. The Cubs may be able to snatch Orlando Hudson for a 1yr/5million or a 2yr/10million dollars. With the recent trades, the Cubs have saved between one and two million dollars, so this might not be so far-fetched.

Everyone has assumed (including me) that Aaron Miles was going to play exclusively at 2B as a platoon guy and a Back-up for SS, 3B, and some possible OF. But Aaron Miles could potentially platoon at SS with the Theriot and serve as Aramis Ramirez's personal back-up. As much as I want Fonty to be our everyday 2B, Orlando Hudson gives us a great number two batter or an OK lead-off batter. Hudson has never been a stolen base guy but he does have a great OBP in .367, so we could potentially have ourselves a lead-off hitter and finally (and I mean finally) have Soriano down in the line-up.

Where ever Soriano bats, he needs someone to protect him in back of him, so he can still hit the Home runs. Possibly 2nd in-front of Bradley or Lee or 5th in-front of Soto or Lee (with tons of possibilities that could be re-arranged.)

I forget to Mention Orlando Hudson is a Switch Hitter.
The comments are there, so use them.

I will have the post on how I would fix the postseason in general on Monday (tomorrow.)

On another note, I didn't have a recap of Talkin' Baseball because Bruce Levine wasn't there, and it was mildly boring.

Don't Forget, every Saturday @ Noon, I will have a Chat on this very website.

Counting the Days...

Spring training is almost here, so Cub fans hold your breath.

Pitcher and Catchers meet in 6 days
Sprig Training starts in 18 days
Opening Day is in 58 days

Note: On talking baseball, today Len Kasper said that they will have 9 Cub games from Spring Training on TV. Bruce Levine was off this weekend, but will be there next week.

Note: The Giants have offer Rich Aurillia a minor league deal, ,n which he is considering. (I think if the Cubs offer him a 1 year deal worth 1 million, I think he will accept it).

When a rumor pops, it'll be here first!

Why the Cubs lose in the postseason.

I've taken it personal from the Chicago Cubs, that they don't wanna win when it comes to the
postseason. So I've composted a list of reasons to why they folded up.

We could say that the players have a lot pressure to win a World series. But you know what?
I don't care, JUST WIN. Yeah it's easy for me to say that, but its been over 100 years. It
has to be harder to not win a World Series every 100 years then to actually win one. Don't
get me wrong, I'll be a Cub fan till the day I day, and I'm proud to be a Cub fan.

It could be worse. Your probably thinking, how could it be worse. But some teams have
never won a world series. Here's the list:

As of the start of the 2008 season:

* San Diego Padres - 2 appearances (1984, 1998)
* Colorado Rockies - 1 appearance (2007)
* Houston Astros - 1 appearance (2005)
* Milwaukee Brewers - 1 appearance (1982)
* Seattle Mariners
* Texas Rangers
* Washington Nationals
* Tampa Bay Rays

Since on this topic, I'd like to tell all you Indian fans out there to shut the hell up.
It's only been 60 years since you've won the Title, talk to me when that reaches 40 more
years, and stop acting all pathetic because you haven't won since 1948.

List of why the Cubs lose in the Postseason:

• Soiano is exposed easily.
• Soriano is not a lead-off hitter.
• The line-up has never been balanced.
• The pitching shrivels up.
• Everybody is nervous.
• Everybody is trying to be the hero.
• The Fans get mellowed out at Wrigley when there loosing.
• Lou gets impatient.
• The defenders forget to defend.
• The Cubs don't scout other players/teams to good.
• The Cubs players don't take fault (**cough** **cough** SORIANO **cough** **cough**.)

That's all for now, that's obviously not all the reasons, but I started to tear up thinking about the Cubs losing.

I know I'm gonna take some heat, but lay it on me in the comments.

Remember, Chat every Saturday @ 12:00 (noon,) starting on the 14Th of February.

Cubs news and around the MLB

The other news will be about old players on the Cubs or in the NL Central:

The Reds have sign ex Cubs Jacque Jones and Daryle Ward to minor league deals. According to Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News.

The Padres have sign Cliff Floyd to a 1 year and about 1 million. ESPN's Jayson Stark reports.

According to Jon Heyman, Ben Sheets is going to have elbow Surgery. He will be out at least until late July, early August. If everything does not go good, he can be out for the whole 2009 season. (At least the Brewers can't get him, but they already said they max out on there spending this off season).

Reed Johnson was one of 21 Chicago sports athletes to win a Comcast Sportsnet award.

The Cubs purchased the contract of catcher Shawn Mcgill from the Lincoln Saltdogs. Mcgill will be at Spring Training to help catch for all the pitchers that are coming.

Ken Rosenthal believes with the new ownership in San Diego, the Padres will still have to trade there ace Jake Peavy.

Cubs special assistant Gary Hughes was inducted in the Professional Scouts Hall of Fame.

Note: The Phillies are interested in Nomar Garciaparra and only want to offer him a minor league deal to play as a backup roll. He already said he wants a full time job somewhere.(I think the Cubs will offer him a major league deal around 1 to 2 million as a back up infielder) His agent says he doesn't expect a decision until spring training begins.

I will always keep you posted.

CUBS CHAT (02-05-09)

Peavy Trade Scenarios, Line-ups, CHAT

In today's Post I'll have my 3 most logic trade scenarios for Jake Peavy and my 3 possible line-ups. So lets get started:

Cubs Get: Jake Peavy
Padres get: Vitters, Stevens, Welington Castillo, Hart, Marshall

Cubs Get: Jake Peavy
Padres get: Vitters, Stevens, Hart, Mitch Atkins, Esmailin Caridad

Cubs Get: Jake Peavy
Padres get: Stevens, Hart, Mitch Atkins, Jay Jackson, Ryan Flaherty


My feasible line-ups.

First up we have:

Fukudome/Gathright CF (Johnson doesn't cut out to be lead-off)
Lee 1B
Bradley RF
ARAM 3B
Soriano LF
Soto C
Fontenot 2B
Theriot SS
pitchers spot

Next we have:

Theriot SS
Bradley RF
Lee 1B
ARAM 3B
Soriano LF
Fontenot 2B
Soto C
Fukudome CF
pitchers spot

Finally, we have:

Soriano LF
Fontenot 2B
Bradley RF
Aram 3B
Soto C
Fukudome CF
Lee 1B
Theriot SS
Pitchers spot

Have a question about my trade scenarios or my possible line-ups? Then just comment, and I'll respond as quick as I can.


Tomorrow is the Live Chat @ 7:00pm on this very website.

Quick Hits

The Phillies and Giants, along with the Cubs are looking at Rich Aurillia.

The Padres and Cubs, have had no recent talks about Jake Peavy. (Probably because the ownership is not resolve yet).

The Cubs still have little interest in Branden Looper along with the Pirates. Looper said that he prefers to stay in the NL.

Aramis Ramirez will not participate in the WBC due to the addition if Alex Rodriguez.

That is all I have right now, but will always keep you posted.

What The Cubs Need.

What do the Cubs need?

The Cubs need a dynamic lead-off hitter, who can steal 40-60 bases, who could also walk 75-100 times, and have an on-base percentage of .360-.400 or better. Well then, do the Cubs have a potential lead-off hitter? Well, lets look at the Cubs options.

Gathright-He had 71 Hits last season, with only 4 extra base hits. His OBP is .311%. While he did have 21 steals with 4 CS. If he were to start 160 games with 600 At bats, he could have potentially 50SB with only 9CS.

Fukudome- He has a fair/good OBP in .359. If he leads off everyday he would have potentially have 25-30 SB with 8-10 CS.

Ryan Theriot- He has a great avg in .307 and a great OBP in .387. His SB % was bad last year, but was OK in the 2 previous years.

Alfonso Soriano- Bad BA for a lead-off hitter in .280. A fair OBP in .344. Good SB percentage with 19 SB and 3 CS.

Out of those four potential lead-off hitters, I'd prefer Ryan Theriot with Alfonso Soriano in that 5th or 6th spot in the lineup. If that doesn't work, expect the Cubs to shop for a lead-off hitter at the deadline.


The Chicago Cubs also need a bullpen arm and they need to trade either Chad Gaudin, Neil Cotts, or Angel Guzman because there all out of options. If one of those three are not traded, Jeff Samardzija will most likely be starting/relieving in AAA. But there isn't any good remaining FA relieve pitchers, so the Cubs bullpen will likely be all in house options if change is needed.

Lastly, the Cubs need an starting pitcher. Who? well, lets get into that.

Peavy- I could see a March or April blockbuster. But is the owner going to sign off.

Wolf- Innings eater, could save bullpen (Marmol) with the amount of innings he eats.

Looper- Innings eater.

Mulder- Diamond in the rough? Could go back to his old ways. But he's extremely red lighted with his injury past.

Sheets- Low risk, high reward.

To me the Cubs won't sign an injury-prone pitcher, so it might be Peavy or Looper. Wolf should sign soon with the dodgers. If the Cubs can't get Peavy, an innings eater would be a potentially the best thing to happen to the Cubs.

Wednesday- I will have my Peavy trade scenarios, and my 3 starting lineups for the Chicago Cubs.

Chat at this very website on Thursday, February 5th @ 7:00pm.

Drafting 5TH in Fantasy Baseball. Other News.

Drafting 5th in fantasy baseball.

I will have the players that I drafted and the round and pick I selected them in. It's a 12 player, 21 round, mock draft. So lets get cookin'.


Jose Reyes SS (R1,P5)
Brian Roberts 2B (R2,P8)
Roy Halladay SP (R3,P5)
Brandon Webb SP (R4,P8)
Magglio Ordonez OF (R5,P5)
Adam Dunn 1B (I drafted him as a 1B) (R6,P8)
Bobby Abreu OF (R7,P5)
Carlos Marmol RP (R8,P8)
Jose Valverde RP (R9,P5)
Melvin Mora 3B (R10,P8)
Mike Napoli C (R11,P5)
Ted Lilly SP (R12,P8)
Milton Bradley OF (R13,P5)
Derek Lowe SP (R14,P8)
Chien-Ming Wang SP (R15,P5)
Adrian Beltre DH/3B (R16,P8)
Jason Giambi Bench (R17,P5)
Mark Reynolds Bench (R18,P8)
Kevin Kouzmanoff Bench (R19,P5)
Mike Cameron Bench (R20,P8)
Todd Helton Bench (R21,P5)

That's it. What do you think about my selections.

Don't Forget, tomorrow I will have a post about what the Cubs need. MUST VIEW POST.

Chat on this very website on Thursday, February 5 @ 7:00pm.

Michael Wuertz

According to the Cubs reporter, the Rangers and the A's are talking about a trade for Michael Wuertz. Michael Wuertz is another player, in the Cubs bullpen that is out of options.

UPDATE: 1:30
Michael Wuertz was traded to the A's for 2 minor league players Richie Robnett and Justin Sellers.

Robnett, 25 year-old outfielder, who ranked 15th among A's prospects. He was said to have "huge raw power," but that hasn't come through in his minor league numbers.

Sellers, a 23 year-old infielder, ranked 14th in the '08 Handbook. He was described as "a solid-average defender who'll hit at the bottom of a lineup." Source

Minor League Totals

Richie Robnett- .260BA, 130GMs, 523ABs, 79R, 136Hits, 29 2B, 2 3B,18HRs, 75RBIs, 146SO, 38BB.

Justin Sellers- .253BA, 439AB, 72R, 111Hits, 15 2B, 8 3B, 6HR, 46RBIs, 47BB, 77SO.

Also the Rich Hill deal is now official with the O's for a PTBNL.

The Cubs have now saved over 2 million dollars with the Michael Wuertz and Rich Hill trades.


Chat at this very site on Thursday, February 5 @ 7:00PM. So just be here, alright!

Rich Hill Update

Here is some news on Rich Hill:

Update: Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun says the deal for Rich Hill is going to be a player to be named later and could get done as early as Monday. Hill is going to, be working with his old pitching coaches (Who were on the Cubs staff).

Peter Schmuck of the Baltimore Sun believes the Baltimore Orioles will complete a trade for Cubs left-handed pitcher Rich Hill by Tuesday -- if the Orioles will do the deal at all.

Schmuck writes that now other organizations are aware that Hill could be made available, additional teams -- including the Royals and Mariners -- could make an offer.

Orioles general manager Andy MacPhail might be waiting to see if he can sign free agent right-handed pitcher Braden Looper, Schmuck adds.

They might be willing to acquire both pitchers, but there is the small matter of moving players off the 40-man roster to make room, so maybe Andy is just going to take one or the other.

Hill, 29 in March, is 18-17 in 57 starts with a 4.37 ERA during a short four-season career. He spend much of 2008 in Triple-A.

Looper, 34, went 12-14 in 33 starts with a 4.16 ERA with the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

Source

That is latest on the Cubs, but I will always keep you posted.

The Week Ahead.

Here are some posts that will come in the coming week (Monday-Sunday.)

• How to draft 5th in a fantasy baseball (with the players I drafted and the rounds I selected them in.)-Monday
• What else do the Cubs need.-Tuesday
• Jake Peavy trade scenarios.-Wednesday
• The Chat.-Thursday
  
• Why can't the Cubs win in the postseason? And how to fix that?-Friday
  
• Talkin' Baseball recap (with Bruce Levine.)-Saturday
  
• What would I do to fix the postseason in general.-Sunday
  

As always I will keep you update to date with all Chicago Cubs rumors and news!

Go Cardinals in Superbowl 43.

On Thursday, February 5th 2009 @ 7:00pm there will be a Chat at this very site.