Game 91 Thread / Reds @ Cubs (2 of 3)

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SP Johnny Cueto SP Carlos Zambrano
  7-8, 4.63, 91 K, 38 BB, 105 IP
9-3, 2.96 ERA, 73 K, 38 BB, 112.1 IP
       
CF *Jay Bruce SS Ryan Theriot
SS Jeff Keppinger RF *Kosuke Fukudome
RF *Ken Griffey Jr. 1B Derrek Lee
2B Brandon Phillips 3B Aramis Ramirez
LF *Adam Dunn C Geovany Soto
3B Edwin Encarnacion CF *Jim Edmonds
1B *Joey Votto 2B Mark DeRosa
C *Paul Bako LF Reed Johnson
P Johnny Cueto P #Carlos Zambrano

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The amazing Wrigley Field All-Stars continue their tour through the Windy City with the Venezuelan Bull taking the mound against the Red Legs of Queen City and their proimising ace-in-waiting, Kid Cueto. Although he dazzled in his first two starts, he ended up with a 5.40 ERA in April and it wasn't until this past month that he put up the ERA that is expected of him, with a strong 3.47 for the month of June. This will be his second start versus the Northsiders, the first one resulting in a win for him and his team back in May.

Zambrano looked strong after a little disabled list rest and kept the Cardinals bats baffled in his start on Friday. He's been baffling the NL Central his entire career. His career won-loss record, ERA and innings pitched versus his Central foes.

Team W-L
ERA
IP
Astros 11-6 2.64 146.1
Cardinals 9-4 2.26 135.1
Reds 12-9 3.19 166.1
Brewers 9-8 3.87 132.2
Pirates 10-6 3.93 126

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let the dominance continue...

Tags: 
Gameday Open Thread
Carlos Zambrano
Submitted by Rob G. on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 6:17pm
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Comments

Submitted by Jumbo
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 7:28pm

Top of the first, Jay Bruce strikes out. Brenly comments that Bruce has been scuffling and made a typical mistake of a young hitter, chasing the high fastball. Brenly goes on to say that his manager would have preferred he clog up the bases than to swing at that pitch.
Dear Bob Brenly: Don't ever change

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 7:34pm

Hey guys, I am heading down to Chicago this weekend to take in the Sunday afternoon game. I have bleacher tickets this time and sadly this will be my first bleacher experience. I also have some time to spend around the ballpark before the game for a change.

Any advice on how to handle the bleachers, where to sit, when to get there? And anything I should for sure try to take in around Wrigleyville, and anything that is over-hyped that I should avoid?

Thanks.

Submitted by Wes
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:23pm

Don't have Wrigleyville advice, but I do have bleacher advice. It kind of depends what you're after. I greatly prefer to sit in right field. That is to say, left field sucks. I started sitting in RF because I wanted to sit behind Sammy. Guess I never changed my mind. Sat behind Burnitz. Sat behind Jacque. Sat behind Uncle Cliffy. Sat behind the F-Bomb.

I think RF is more fun. It's like a 5 hour long party over there. Yes, people are more drunk. Yes, you get Joe FratGuy trying to get stupid sorority bimbo to go home with him after the game, but the heckling is original and really funny.

Although, if you're actually there to care about the nuances of the game and other such things, sit in LF. It's not too bad over there, but when I go over there, I'm the drunkest guy by a mile and I don't enjoy myself nearly as much as when I sit in right. And I feel dirty because I know Yellon is nearby.

If you want to sit close (first couple of rows), you need to get there early. Doors open 2 hours before and you better be standing in line when that happens. You don't necessarily need to sit close to have a good seat - the best views are probably in straightaway center in the last couple of rows of the seating bowl back by the concession stand - but I think it's cooler to sit in the front row. You get a great view of the plate from the back couple of rows in right center up against the batter's eye.

Just my two cents on the issue.

EDIT: I see that below you said you're taking family. If you're taking older folks or young kids, I'd probably go sit in left. It's rated TV-17. Right field is rated TV-MA.

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 7:00am

Thanks to everyone for the advice. "Family" in this case is 4 adult Chicago Irish drunks, so I could sit in either field. I might try LF though because I do like to pay attention to the game, and I get enough of the fat drunk frat boys here at UW-Madison to want to avoid them while on vacation!

Submitted by dB
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:22am

The bleachers are over-hyped. Best bar in Wrigleyville is Johnny O'Hagens but you have to foot it a few blocks north. Avoid Cubbie Bear, Murphys and Hi-Tops like the plague unless you like being face to face with a lot of fat sweaty dudes.

Submitted by djchi
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 8:03pm

How many are in your group? The earlier you go in, the less hassles you'll have finding a good, comfortable seat but if there are only two of you, you'll probably be able to do OK even after the game starts. I don't think it matters much where you sit, but I've always tried to avoid under the scoreboard. I'd rather stand along the fence.

I hate Murphy's but if it's your first time you can be forgiven for wanting to take it in.

Otherwise, just mingle. I've made some phenomenal one-day friends in the bleachers. As for taking stuff in, on game days, I don't think you can really miss. Everything is pretty much the same on game day as far as the bars go.

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 10:26am

How can anyone hate Murphy's? That's like hating Christmas.

Anyway, if you're looking for slightly less crowded than Murphy's, Vines on Clark has a cool rooftop beer garden, as well as a brand new beer garden outside that used to be a parking lot. Fairly laid back, and sitting outside is key.

Submitted by Dmac
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 8:20pm

Hi - Tops and Murphy's are ridiculously crowded after games, and good luck when you have to relieve yourself. Cubby Bear's also nuts, but at least it's a big bar - Wild Hare usually has decent reggae on after games, and John Barleycorn's got a terrific beer selection and decent food. Sluggers has the batting cages upstairs, but if all of those and the others are too packed, just keep on walking south - SW on Clark, you'll find something acceptable within a few blocks.

Oh yeah, if you're planning on driving all the way to the park, you're insane. Park somewhere up north (past Irving/Sheffield) and take the Red Line South (only one - two stops, a few minutes max), or park near Lincoln Square (Lincoln/Western) and take the Brown Line South to Belmont, then transfer to the Red Line North (20 minutes).

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 8:55pm

Hey guys, thanks. I'm going with a group and we are 6 total. My girlfriend and I are going with some of her family who live out in Lombard. So they are locals as far as getting to the ballpark (train and cab) but don't frequent Wrigleyville very often.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 11:48pm

For my money - and I am there a lot - I dig Bernies at Clark and Waveland in back - excellent bar food you can BRING IN TO THE PARK.

TErrific burgers, chicken, brats. Every time I am eating it in the park, people want to know where in the park I got it! That's cause the food is pretty bad in Wrigley, save for the Upper Deck Patio where you can get a decent Scala's beef or sausage.

Other than this - Gingerman Tavern by Metro is more locals. No basketball hoops, pinners, pool tables, etc. A nice "local corner tavern", Less drunk frat boys, too.

Have a great time!

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 10:28am

I had my first upper deck patio experience last night, and was very impressed. I actually didn't have any of the food, but the beer selection out there is great and the imports out there are cheaper than Old Styles in the rest of the park. I can't believe I had never been out there before!

Submitted by Brick
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 10:49am

I had my first visit to that area Tuesday night! I didn't even know it was there before. And it was surprisingly uncrowded.

A++++ would visit again

Submitted by The E-Man
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 10:56am

Glad you guys discovered this little Wrigley treasure.

I am not a smoker. Prior to the smoking ban, this was the Upper Deck hang to light up. In spite of the breeze, it was pretty thick up there sometimes.

Now, it is awesome. As you pointed out, the brew selection is better and cheaper, and the great view on top of Clark and Addison is really sweet.

I am curious what will become of this when the renovation comes...

Submitted by Bleeding Blue
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:32am

I started drinking imports at Wrigley a couple years ago when I discovered they were cheaper than the Old Style and Bud. I'd ask why, but I figure if it was questioned, they'd just raise the price.

There is also an import stand on the lower deck on the 3rd base side, same (relatively) low prices.

Submitted by Tito
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 2:01pm

Are the imports 16 ounces? If not, maybe that's why they're cheaper. If they are, I have no idea. I'll have to check that area out next time.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 9:05pm

Dubois with 2 HRs in 2 at bats tonight, so that's 15 in 109.

Another week, they could have traded him for Sabathia!

Submitted by Q-Ball
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 9:49pm

I laughed when we signed DuBois. Why not Julio Zuleta while were at it? Then I thought, OK, so he can mash AAA pitching, that's nice. Now I am beginning to wonder if he can help us in the stretch. Is that crazy talk?

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:24pm

Let's hope it doesn't come to that.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 11:30pm

29 year olds tearing up AAA...that's always a good sign.

seriously, though...good to see him with his power if anything...was absent last year and in WAS early in the year.

too bad he's a crap hitter. i will never forget seeing the replay of him swinging (and K'ing) at a ball with his cubs tenure...with his EYES CLOSED. sigh.

he sure could mash, though. too bad its all he could do and not consistently enough.

Submitted by billybucks
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:18pm

Cubs win, Z is brilliant again, Cards lose and the Brewers (Sheets!) lose for the 2nd time in 3 tries to the road-kill Rockies.

Except for Marmol, it was a wonderful night of baseball.

Four run lead, two outs, and he walks 2 guys? Sheesh.

Submitted by Wes
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:25pm

Add in Mark Mulder leaving after his 16th pitch of the night with shoulder trouble, and it was a good night for all.

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:21pm

just back from the I-Cubs' nightcap; Dubois went for the hat trick w/ an 0-2 bomb to center in his third trip; Samardzija threw a [seven-inning]CG w/ NO WALKS & 7 k's; had a shutout into the seventh [and last]inning before giving up back to back solos, but he looked good...

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 11:34pm

wow @samninja.

cool.

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:25pm

Dubois' stats are McGwiresque; virtually half of his hits since rejoining Iowa are HR's...

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:28pm

WISCGRAD; recommend you 'ballhawk' on Waveland for awhile during BP if the wind is blowing out when you're there; one of the uniquely Wrigley experiences...

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:30pm

Wow... Dubois. If he hits four in one game can we just call that the cycle?

What a beast.

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:31pm

Only a 7-inning game. nm... blech.

Submitted by Green Lantern
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:34pm

wow....dubois...

btw, i may have missed something but

1) what position player did the cubs bring up to fill murton's spot? i would assume hoffpauir but haven't seen anything official.

2) what pitcher are they sending down/DFA? basically as i reckon it's marshall goes down or lieber/marquis/wuertz gets DFA-ed. this is kinda a big deal, but i would certainly assume marshall is iowa-bound.

3) when the F are they announcing if harden is pitching? since apparently he's going to start game 4 after the break they might just push it back to saturday to give him an extra day off. but i'm going friday so i want it to be then!

i was at the game in person tonight so i probably missed them discussing all this on the broadcast. hope someone knows, bc #1 in particular should have been done tonight....right?

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:45pm

During the post-game interview Lou said Harden would start Saturday.

Submitted by Ryno
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:48pm

Also, there was an idiotic poll on CSN... what should the Cubs do with Marshall & Marquis:

Start Marshall and send Marquis to the bullpen
Start Marquis and send Marshall to the bullpen
Start Marquis and send Marshall to Iowa to keep him as a starter

Naturally, idiotic poll voters said to send Marquis to the bullpen. Marquis in the bullpen would be scary and agonizing. I say trade him to a team who needs a starter due to injuries or something. Maybe the cubs could get a mid-level prospect out of the deal or something.

Submitted by ultrapeanut
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 11:40pm

My assumption is that a Marquis in the bullpen would only see action with leads or deficits of 10+ runs.

Submitted by crunch
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 11:45pm

that's marmol's job.

actually any job is marmol's job. hehe...at least he's not being pushed as much lately even if he's still working blowouts.

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Wed, 07/09/2008 - 10:46pm

Hoffpauir was manning 1B in Des Moines tonight...

Submitted by Chad
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:11am

i heard z sat down the last 20 players he face. that is SICK

Submitted by 10man
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:36am

That sort of gave me an image of Z sitting on people's faces and them getting sick because of it.

Submitted by Chad
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:44am

I don't know what kind of kinky sex you are into but you may like this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHbhjd_4c9s&feature...

THIS IS TOTALLY NOT SAFE FOR WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted by tbone
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:38am

giant cement steps leading up to the scoreboard. It's not hard to climb up on them and it puts you above the rabble. Of course, when we used to sit up there in the 80s it had the added bonus of being a route for the beer vendors to bring cold beer up to the centerfield bleachers. The sight of an untouched cold case slung over the shoulders of a vendor still gets me misty eyed. There are no beer vendors in the bleachers anymore.

As for Hi-Tops, it no longer exists. It's now a Harry Caray's. If you'd like actual good food before a game try Uncommon Ground at Clark and Grace. Not cheap but it is good. From the south there's the El Jardin Cafe at Roscoe and Clark. Not the restaurant, the cafe. Gus, the owner, broke away from family restaurant south on Clark when he thought the quality was dipping too much. Also, Penny's Noodles at Sheffield and Clark is good as a basic Thai-style noodle place.

If you just want burgers, dogs etc., Bernie's, Murphy's and the rest are pretty much interchangeable.

Submitted by SheffieldCornelia
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 2:18am

If you're there looking for grub pretty early, Vines on Clark is also a good option--very good food, and you also have the pleasure of hanging out on the patio people-watching before the game. It (like most other places on Clark) gets real crowded close to gametime, though.

Chen's, also on Clark, is great for Asian food (Chinese/Japanese cuisine and sushi) and doesn't get as crowded as the other places.

Submitted by billybucks
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 8:29am

Late with this -- but, an example of the elusive "chemistry" the Cubs seem to have this year:

Last Friday, Wood in to save a one-run lead against the Cardinals. Two outs, tying run on first, Wood uncorks a wild slider that bounces in the LH batter's box. Soto makes a great block to keep the tying run at first. The camera cuts back to Kerry, who is seen shouting "Attaboy, Geo!"

Fun stuff.

Submitted by Mike Wellman
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 8:46am

RE: #32...I saw that @ the time Billy Bucks & it reinforced this impression I have always had of Wood as a good teammate through thick & thin...

Submitted by jacos
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 10:15am

Looks like Mulder is done-
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news;_ylt=ApjGNIdcuSHv...

Submitted by Ryno
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:17am

That just says he left with shoulder pain. Not good, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's done.

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:51am

Mulder went on the DL today. Likely done for the year (if not beyond).

Submitted by Jace
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:26am

ESPN 1000 says:
Theirot
K-Fuk
Lee
Ramirez
Soto
Edmonds
DeRosa
Fontenot
Lilly

Submitted by dB
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:27am

Perhaps the Shark was just bored in AA. Samardzija is 3-1, 3.55 with 22 K's, 11 BB in 25 1/3 innings (4 starts). He’s also induced 1.58 groundouts for every fly out including 10 GBs last night compared to 4 flyouts. Of course the talent in AA is generally better than AAA with the Trinidad Hubbards of the career minor league castoff world. Still, perhaps he could see some time in the pen in Aug or Sept.

Submitted by crunch
on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 12:23pm

holliday replaces soriano @ AS game.

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