Game 128 Thread / Nationals @ Cubs (1 of 3)

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SP *John Lannan SP Jason Marquis
  6-12, 3.81, 89 K, 54 W, 141.2 IP
8-7, 4.67, 68 K, 49 W, 129 IP
       
2B #Emilio Bonificio LF Alfonso Soriano
SS #Cristian Guzman SS Ryan Theriot
3B Ryan Zimmerman 1B Derrek Lee
CF Lastings Milledge 3B Aramis Ramirez
1B Ronnie Belliard CF Reed Johnson
RF *Ryan Langerhans C Geovany Soto
LF *Willie Harris RF Mark DeRosa
C Wil Nieves 2B Ronny Cedeno
P *John Lannan P *Jason Marquis

Weather note: As of 12:40, it's pouring in the western suburbs, with storms on their way to the city. Could be a rain delay in our future.

The Cubs advance to the next course in the all-meatball buffet, following their series against the Reds with three against the 45-83 Nationals starting today, before moving on to Pittsburgh.

The Nats flew to Chicago following a Thursday night game in Philadelphia, so on top of being awful, they're surely tired. However, as the cliche goes, the most dangerous animal is a desperate one, so maybe the Cubs should beware. That said, Nick Zaccardi (Carrie Muskat's new nom de plume?) assures us the Cubs aren't taking anything for granted this weekend, so forget what I said about being beware—the Cubs should hammer these guys.

The home team is a perfect 7-0, averaging nearly 8 runs per game, in their last 7 games against southpaw starters. Lannan, however, dominated the Cubs (7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER) in a game Washington won when the teams met in D.C. in late April. Marquis hasn't pitched in nine days, last opening the DH at Atlanta with a winning, 5.1 IP, 2 ER effort against the Braves.

The Cubs begin play with a 5 1/2-game lead over the Brewers.

Finally, one more derogatory note about the Nationals, per the Tribune: with Cristian Guzman recovering from an injury to his left thumb, Washington has started seven different shortstops in the last 22 days.

Focus. We need to focus.

 

Tags: 
Gameday Open Thread
Submitted by Cubnut on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 11:42am
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Comments

Submitted by Chad
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 12:47pm

So let us get fat on said meatballs. 6 - 3 is acceptable but a sweep would be grand.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 12:48pm

A four pitch strike out by Soriano
A flare single to right by The Riot
Another DP from Lee?
I'd surely buy it

Reed's single will follow
AramRam's loud out to center
A line out double play by Soto
Well send me on a bender

So, let's ponder DeRosa
Walking ahead of a fielder's choice by Cedeno
Will a Marquis K drive me to drugs
Or will I be able to 'just say no'?

This poem sucks.

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:27pm

A poetic scouting report. Love it.

Submitted by Q-Ball
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 12:49pm

Mmmmmmm, Meatballs......

Interesting SI article mostly on Samardzija:

http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/artic...

Obviously he has been good for us. Is it too late though to make him a starter next year? He has just the one pitch, but the majors is not the place to work on your secondary offerings.

Then again, Harden is basically fastball/changeup only, so maybe Samardzija can still start later on.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:55pm

the 2nd time I've read this on here from someone that Samardzija is a one-pitch pitcher. I've actually seen most of his outings and he has that 2-seamer that comes back across the plate to a lefty that he can throw mid-nineties, another fastball with more downard movement in the mid 90's and a changeup/splitter that's been pretty useful. He has a slider too, which I haven't seen, but no reason to use it if he's relieving.

Am I missing something? 

Submitted by crunch
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:12pm

he has 2 fastballs unique enough to be considered different pitches.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:39pm

right, that's what I've seen and I know I've seen his change/splitter quite a bit too. He doesn't throw it nearly as much as his fastballs, but he shouldn't.

Submitted by dcf
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:14pm

Agree

Just because he doesn't throw an offspeed pitch or a slider or curve does not mean he is a one pitch pitcher

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 6:40pm

Yeah, he mixes it up quite well from what I have seen with him. Also, I've watched most games and I think I've seen 2 sliders so far from him, at least I thought too much side-to-side movement to be his split finger. Overall though, I've been impressed.

Submitted by Indiana JJ
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 12:53pm

Half hour til game time and the tarp is on the field. Can't tell how hard/if it's raining.
http://cubs.truelook.com/face/newface.jsp?func=liv...

Submitted by Chad
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:08pm

http://www.cubworld.com/category/a_cubworld_cam

It's looks pretty rainy out there.

And it don't look like big midwest-over-in-an-hour-storm

pretty gray

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:51pm

Weatherunderground leads me to believe they'll start playing soon.

Submitted by Chad
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:57pm

You don't need a Weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Submitted by Andy
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:17pm

Cory Provis (or whatever the hell his name is) on WGN says a "bit of a delayed start" today, with light rain falling the past 20 minutes or so.

Also, radar looks like this thing is blowing off to the NE and will clear up in the next, oh, 30 minutes.

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:29pm

I maintain that this is a better lineup than the Reds lineup. Not saying that it's good by any means, I'm just saying the Reds lineup was wretched.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:51pm

With a win today, the Cubs will ensure themselves of not ending the year with the worst record in the NL. Silly, pointless, stat...but kinda cool when you think about the fact that it's only 8/22.

Submitted by Mike Vail
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 1:55pm

Kosuke Fukudome had elbow surgery in the off season last year. Anyone else think that maybe he has a barking elbow at this point in the season? That, and it doesn't look like he's made many adjustments in his approach at the plate. Theories anyone?

Submitted by johann
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:27pm

He's a Japanese player who came to the US and MLB has multiple examples of players who couldn't make the switch. No one should be surprised or anything.

Submitted by VirginiaPhil
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:43pm

I have theories about everything, cooked to order.

I would give Fukudome the benefit of the doubt and just say that he's really a rookie and he's hit a wall. He has never broken out of a slump in the major leagues and he's not convinced he can.

Something similar happened to Fontenot last year, and he didn't start hitting again till spring training.

If Fukudome keeps getting at-bats, he'll break out of it.

I'm trying to think what might prevent Fukudome from getting at bats. Lou doesn't seem to want to compromise the defense with DeRosa in right and Fontenot at second, although that could happen. I'm starting to wonder if Tyler Colvin might get called up, who could play right field. Lou might get intrigued by Colvin's HR and triple power.

Submitted by nohit
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:04pm

Hah! Morgana. Forgot about that...

Submitted by blockhead25
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:08pm

2:20 start now?

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:13pm

Yea... WGN said a couple of minutes ago that the game would start "in nine minutes."

Submitted by billybucks
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:44pm

Cubs first run -- double steal?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:54pm

F that!

ridiculous

unexcusable...

burn the place

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:00pm

What's the problem? This is p-p from Yahoo!

- A. Soriano walked
- R. Theriot struck out swinging, A. Soriano stole second
- D. Lee singled to center, A. Soriano to third
- A. Ramirez struck out swinging, A. Soriano stole home, D. Lee stole second
- R. Johnson grounded out to shortstop

The part that confuses me is... "A. Ramirez struck out swinging, A. Soriano stole home, D. Lee stole second". What? Wild pitch? Passed ball?

Submitted by Doug Dascenzo
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:04pm

Lee stole second and on the throw to second, Fonzie took off from third and beat the throw back from second to home. Safe all around except for Aramis striking out.

Very risky play though, considering how often catchers pump fake the throw to second with a man on third. There was absolutely no hesitation before Soriano took off for home. It looked pretty awesome, but could have very easily resulted in being picked off third base.

Submitted by Timmer
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:07pm

Lee took off for second on the third strike pitch to Ramirez. When the catcher threw to second, Soriano broke for home and scored.

Edit -- sorry, DD beat me to it.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:20pm

I was kidding...it seems if the Cubs don't beat the Nats 36-0, yet manage a close win in there in a well-pitched game, some folks won't be happy.

Submitted by Tito
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:25pm

I was also kidding, based on "no excuses for not beating the Reds" et al...

Submitted by Tito
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:02pm

There is no excuse for not beating this team 72-0 by now.

Submitted by Q-Ball
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:02pm

If you liked the first that much, you're probably just loving this 2nd inning.

2 Leadoff Walks
Ronny Cedeno strikes out looking, does not swing ONCE during the AB.
Marquis pops out first pitch.
Soriano grounds out.

UGH! I have heard something like 75% of leadoff walks score.....what is the percentage when you get 2 leadoff walks?

Submitted by Q-Ball
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 2:58pm

DeRosa has been a dominant walker this month it seems.

You can't stop him, you can only hope to walk him.

Submitted by jacos
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:10pm

DEREK LEE HOMERUN ALERT!!!
THIS IS NOT A TEST

DEREK LEE HOMERUN ALERT!!!

Submitted by Ryno
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:15pm

I TOTALLY KNEW THAT WOULD HAPPEN. You know why? On the last thread there was an exchange about how D Lee doesn't have power anymore. So naturally, he hits a home run today. Thanks to all who helped out with this. Navigator, dfc... thank you all.

Submitted by navigator
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:05pm

If you did, you would be concerned.
Wind blowing out.
Pitch right in his wheel-house.
Times it right. Full extension. Squares it up. Hits it flush.

Reaches the first row back of the basket.

We'll take it but, Sorry, we're still waiting for DLee's power to return.

Submitted by mattralph
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 3:27pm

DeRo with another jack. I'm loving it.

Submitted by jacos
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:00pm

And then implosion.

Submitted by Eric S
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:00pm

Grand Slam Willie Harris.
well that sucked.

Submitted by billybucks
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:02pm

"Boy, that Marquis is a great #5 starter."

Nothing like walking 2 guys on a terrible team with a 4-0 lead to get things going.

Sheesh.

Submitted by navigator
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:08pm

Nothing like the National House of Crap scoring 6 in one inning to take the lead.

RIDICULOUS!

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:20pm

walking Guzman? yuck.

walking Zimmerman? gonna happen sometimes

double to Belliard? yuck

let's not forget the shit Neal Cotts brought in with him though or Howry 

Submitted by johann
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:05pm

Marshall certainly couldn't give us that...

Submitted by Jace
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:05pm

Oh, goodie! Home-run Howry in the game!

Submitted by Timmer
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:08pm

Have any decent relievers cleared waivers?

Submitted by billybucks
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:10pm

This is shaping up to be one lousy way to start the weekend.

How many times can we skip Marqis for the rest of the year? With his ERA now at 4.76, can we PLEASE stop all the ridiculous talk about him being a decent starting pitcher?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:15pm

he's a bit below average ERA-wise this year...worse now with this outing. I'll bee happy when he's gone, but if you think Marquis is the problem you need to watch some of the other teams in the league.

 

Submitted by blockhead25
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:11pm

nothing that helps a shitty team more than pitchers that can't find the strikezone. Yeah, everyone was raving about Marquis in chat and how great he was. No, there is no excuse for walking 2 guys on 5 pitches each with a 4 run lead.

I'm sure Lou and Rothschild are thrilled with Marquis outing.

Submitted by big_lowitzki
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:30pm

What the hell? No one in parachat said Marquis was great.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:43pm

"That was a quick hook by Lou"
"He was cruising"
"He's a great #5"
"Think he'll pich a CG shut out"

I didn't say anyone said anything about Marquis being a cy young candidate...but people, including you, were raving about his performance today, when people, inclding me, were ripping him for walking those 2 guys on 10 total pitches with a 4 run lead.

But, on another matter....
The inning before Marquis completely lost it, Theriot, Lee and Aram went down on a total of 4 pitches. I wonder if that can screw with Marquis when he doesn't even get 2 minutes to sit between innings. Not saying that's an execuse, but I do wonder if that could have had anything to do with him completely losing control in the top of the following inning.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 2:06am

Well,

It needs to be noted that the bullpen didn't help Marquis there. It was impossible for him to do any worse than Cotts did.

On the season, going into yesterday the bullpen had saved approximately 2.75 runs for Marquis on the year (2 for Dempster, 3 for Zambrano, even for Lilly, 1 for Harden and cost Gallagher a run), so that will drop a little bit once they count yesterday's blowup.

Cotts had been pitching well, so I can't blame Lou too much for using him there - but I asked it at the time in Parachat: What the hell was Howry warming up for? Should have been Marmol or Gaudin then.

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:11pm

Willie Harris? F that....

come on offense...

Submitted by dcf
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:16pm

Not happy

Submitted by billybucks
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:28pm

Just really, really happy that I went to yesterday's game and not today's.

Submitted by mattralph
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:29pm

Are you kidding me?

Submitted by Rob G.
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:42pm

No seriously, let's burn the place!!!

Submitted by blockhead25
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 4:48pm

recipe for disaster in top of 6th: 9 batters, 7 first pitch balls, 1 first pitch strike, 1 hit in play...6 runs scored.

Submitted by Q-Ball
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 5:00pm

You can't stop Willie Harris. You can only hope to contain him.

Just get this over with for the love of god

Submitted by dcf
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 5:13pm

Wait, I think the Nationals have loaded the bases again

Submitted by Eric S
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 5:34pm

Well, at least it wasn't another loss in a low scoring game.

[que in the cricket and bullfrog noises]

Submitted by Dmac
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 5:47pm

For some reason, this team seems to play over the heads vs. the Cubs.

Submitted by navigator
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 6:14pm

apparently we are what we eat

meatballs

Seriously, When was the last time a Wrigley Field crowd walked out on them like they did today?

Submitted by billybucks
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 6:15pm

Well, that will hurt the 'ol Run Differential.

The team with the best record loses to the team with the worst record by 8 runs, in a sport where scoring 4 runs per game is the norm. What a bizarre sport.

Hopefully, the Nats got it all out of their system.

Submitted by billybucks
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 9:33pm

Hopefully, we can win the next 2 and split the season series with these tough Nats. That would be quite an accomplishment.

Last year, it was the Marlins -- a terrible team that gave the Cubs fits. Weird, man.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Fri, 08/22/2008 - 11:29pm

Some people forget, that indeed the Nats are shit. But to them, playing the Cubs is like playing in the World Series for them. For the entire year, this Cubs team plays to the level of their competition. I expect them to win the next 2.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 12:27am

Cubs have played to the level of their competition?
Cubs are 39-18 against NL teams under .500.

Submitted by 40yrcubsandcounting
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 12:16am

How long is lou gonna put up with Howry and Cotts wizardry ? Has any middle relievers cleared waivers? Cmon Hendry , spend some of the fans money and bail Lou out. Probably need another outfielder that can clutch hit too!

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 12:32am

Panic much? Cubs have won 18 of 24, best offense in the league and one of the best pitching staffs.

Before today, Cotts had given up 4 runs in the past 18 innings or so.

Submitted by jacos
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 9:10am

More clutchieness!!!

Less scrapieness!!!

Abortions for some, little American flags for others!!!

Submitted by Brick
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 12:05pm

If you can think of a better way of exchanging long protein strands, I'd like to hear it.

Submitted by Pell Mell
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 9:40am

Not panicking, but I hate that kind of loss most of all -- somehow more aggravating than the 2-1 job vs. Cincy during the week. I don't know why, but I'm more at peace with getting shut down by mediocre pitching than I am with giving up salamis to the Willie Harrises of the world.

Super-ultra-mega-masta-blasta-pickin'-up-the-Shasta hoping for a nice rebound by Demp & the offense today, as I will be in the bleachers.

Submitted by Dmac
on Sat, 08/23/2008 - 10:29am

"Abortions for some, little American flags for others!!!"

HA! Still one of my favorite episodes.

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