Game 137 Thread / Phillies @ Cubs (4 of 4)

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SP *Jamie Moyer SP *Sean Marshall

11-7, 3.81, 102 K, 50 BB, 160.2 IP
3-3, 3.52, 43 K, 13 BB, 46 IP
       
SS #Jimmy Rollins LF Alfonso Soriano
2B *Chase Utley CF Reed Johnson
LF Pat Burrell 1B Derrek Lee
1B *Ryan Howard 3B Aramis Ramirez
CF #Shane Victorino 2B Mark DeRosa
RF Jayson Werth C Geovany Soto
3B Pedo Feliz RF *Kosuke Fukudome
C Carlos Ruiz SS Ronny Cedeno
P *Jamie Moyer P *Sean Marshall

 

Carlos Zambrano was scheduled to start Sunday for the Cubs, but Z and his dead arm ("muscle fatigue in his triceps," according to the Cubs) are going to skip a turn. WSCR also reported this morning that Rich Harden, whose velocity was markedly down against the Phillies on Friday, will skip his next turn, meaning he won't pitch until sometime after the Houston series. Can I say it? Oy, oy, oy. (Nice to have an 11-game lead in the Wild Card race, however.)

Sean Marshall, who was three years old in 1986 when Jamie Moyer made his Major League debut for the Cubs, will start in Zambrano's place this afternoon against the 45-year-old Moyer.

Marshall is 1-3, 3.97 in four starts this season and last pitched in a starting role two weeks ago in Miami, when he allowed 2 runs over 5 IP in a 2-1 Cub loss.

Moyer, who bettered Steve Carlton (of the Phils, ironically) in that long ago Cub debut, pitched against his former team back in April, and the Cubs knocked him around good. They knocked him around real good.

With a win, the Cubs will clinch the 7-game season series from the Phillies.

 

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Gameday Open Thread
Submitted by Cubnut on Sat, 08/30/2008 - 11:26pm
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Comments

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 12:40pm

Two second basemen - guess we're doing the Howard shift for the whole game? ; )

Is that Gwen Stefani reference? I read an Indian newspaper article that described her as 'buxom'. Obviously that writer had a different point of view than the typical American when it comes to that word.

Submitted by crunch
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 1:24pm

SEE ROB?!??!?

the error of lineups is a TCR institution.

sorry if this is 3/44...also, adam dunn.

Submitted by jacos
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 12:44pm

Luckily Guzman and his trusty sidekick ReLieber will be here tomorrow.

Submitted by Andrew
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 1:11pm

Was the Harden decision a precautionary move or is there some fear that he may already be injured?

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 3:46pm

Cubs offense not exactly hitting on all cylinders last 5 games.
Certainly concerned about the health of our starting pitching, but if the offense keeps it together in September, we'll be fine.

Submitted by Jeff_Pico
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 4:36pm

Got the split. Could have been worse. The offense has gone a little dead. Still happy to have the cushion over the Brewers, I'm sure we're going to need it with the tough September schedule. Gotta keep winning series.

Submitted by johann
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 4:43pm

I love what the Cubs are doing, but I still cannot escape the nagging suspicion that our offense is a house of cards. We have a lot of people hitting who could all easily stop hitting at the worst time...

Still, optimism! Trying to be optimistic! Perhaps it's because I've actually been able to watch our last two losses.

Submitted by Jeff_Pico
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 4:56pm

I agree completely Johann...until I see it with my own eyes in the playoffs I'm still not completely sold on our offense :(

Of course if our pitching can get hot in the playoffs it would help alot.

I agree I am stressing so much less this year than last year....I mean that might change but so far 08 has obviously been the best year in my years of Cub fandom.

Submitted by 10man
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:12pm

If the top scoring offence (John Hill where are ya?) in the NL is a house of cards, then I say "keep dealing!" What's the word again? oh yeah:

RELAX.

We just lost 2 after winning 7 in a row. No team can will ALL of the games. There will be losses and there will also be more wins. This is a very good balanced team. They'll get back on track soon enough.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:40pm

while I don't like what the cubs have been doing at the plate the last 5 games...I think the best part about the Cubs is the fact that 2- guys can have a slump, and the other 5 guys will pick them up. This is a remarkably deep team on offense where 1-8 can be counted on to do damage.

Of course, it would be nice if Lee and Soriano find a consistent power stroke in September. Makes things a lot easier when you know they can get runs on the board with one swing.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 5:02pm

Cubs have scored a total of 6 runs in innings 1-6 over the last 5 games. Puts a heck of a lot pressure on your starters.

I suppose what shows the strength of the team is that even with the offensive struggles, Cubs won 3 of 5, and had the go ahead run at the plate in the 8th of the two losses.

Milwaukee keeps crushing bad teams. They aren't rolling over at all and now with the WC pretty close to in the bag they can really be aggressive and go after the Cubs.

Phillies are the first NL team this year to win the season series from the Cubs.

Submitted by Dmac
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 5:33pm

Would have been nice to get the series win, but this just happens to be a pretty good Phillies team. Sometimes you have to tip your hat to the opposition, no matter your own struggles of late. Go get 'em tomorrow, boys.

Submitted by WISCGRAD
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 5:57pm

The Brewers will call up top prospects Mat Gamel, Alcides Escobar and Angel Salome on Monday. They'll add 10 players in all. The others are pitchers Mitch Stetter, Tim Dillard and Mark DiFelice; infielders Joe Dillon and Brad Nelson; outfielder Tony Gwynn Jr. and catcher Vinny Rottino.

Submitted by nohit
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:02pm

This just in: Nolan Ryan says that Z and Harden are pussies.

j/k

Is Advil a PED?

j/k^2

Submitted by 10man
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:15pm

We could use a solid RHPH with power. Cedeno and Blanco is not nearly enough.

Submitted by The E-Man
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:18pm

I had mentioned last Wednesday that the only NL team that scared me is the Phillies.

I believe Jacos, or Dmac, or someone else perhaps disagreed.

The evidence is there as to why. Very capable starters, improved pen, and THEY RAKE.

In any case - MArshall is no substitute for Z - "tired arm" or not. He will be no more than a 5th starter, imo, on any team.

It was almost amusing watching the "Slowskys" duel at Wrigley. Or - as Cubster said during the game, "Slow and Slower".

Our guys do not fare well against Slowskys. In fact, they usually look bad. We again had chances, but the big two-out hit alluded us (Reed!).

Let's Mow the Stros!

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:37pm

Dbacks scare the heck out of me for a short series with Webb/Haren/Johnson.

Phils are a good team, no doubt, and the playoffs are kinda of a crapshoot once you get there...but I put them clearly behind the Dbacks and Brewers in teams I really fear in the playoffs.

Cubs play good ball, no team is that scary. Cubs have an off day or two, fall behind 1-0 in a 3 game series...it's a crap shoot and could easily be 1-and-done.

Submitted by 10man
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 9:39pm

After how Webb has pitched the last two games, I think it might be the Dbacks fans who are scared :)

Is dead arm contagious?

Submitted by BlueDogEd
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:31pm

Thanks to AZ Phil I know why they made that move. If I remember and understand correctly, we now have the option of putting three or possibly four of the September call ups on the postseason roster -- Guzman because he's been on ML DL and exemptions to replace Fox and Hill with the possibility of a fourth if Lieber is placed on the DL again. I think Guzman and Hoffpauer make the most sense, but wonder if we'll see a couple of right handed bats get a chance to audition for a spot as a RH bat off the bench.

Submitted by BlueDogEd
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:41pm

Sorry, triplicate post. :-) Still tryimg to figure out posting from my blackberry.

Submitted by BlueDogEd
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:36pm

Sorry, duplicate post.

Submitted by Jeff_Pico
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:29pm

Anyone know if Dubois is going to get the call up? Presumably after Iowa's playoff games are over? He could be just the kind out of nowhere player that you see make a September run now and then.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 6:44pm

Cubs go an amazing 20-8 in August...and lose ground to the Brewers (20-7).
Go figure.

Submitted by navigator
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 7:01pm

Sabathia's 6 August starts = 6 Brewers wins had something to do with it.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 8:57pm

not sure the point...but that means the Brewers were 14-7 without Sabathia on the mound. That shows that the team is the real deal.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 7:03pm

Dbacks get David Eckstein from Toronto to play 2nd base (after Hudson is out indefinitely)

(for righty pitcher Chad Beck)

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5jVia...

I thought we were cornering the market on scrappiness?

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 7:05pm

another 117 pitches for Sabathia

...I'm just sayin'

Submitted by navigator
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 7:19pm

0 pitches for our "physically fine" ace

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 2:38am

Looks like Yost had a pretty good reason to let Sabathia finish that one out. They're appealing to get the single called an error, which when you look at the replay is probably the correct call.

Submitted by Chad
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 2:51am

If Sabathia accepts that his a total ass. A blown call is a blown call, but there is a big difference knowing you have a no-hitter in the 8th and 9th vs a one hitter.

IIRC, Wood declined to have Orie's play ruled and error back in 98.

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 8:41am

Yeah, he probably won't show up at the official awards ceremony to accept his trophy...

Official scorers change their calls all the time, and sometimes when they're blantantly boneheaded ones, the league office changes it for them. Carlos Marmol can tell you all about it.

Submitted by 10man
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 11:26am

it was an error

Submitted by The Real Neal
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 11:42am

The bad thing is that if he actually followed up on the play, he probably would have still gotten the out, it wasn't like Usain Bolt was headed down the line.

In the grand scheme of things, one more no-hitter doesn't make a difference anyway. I never saw Orie's play, I'll have to check it out next time I get a chance.

Submitted by Dmac
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 7:54pm

"I believe Jacos, or Dmac, or someone else perhaps disagreed."

Not me - I haven't seen any Phillies games since the April series, which was too early for me to make any kind of evaluation.

Submitted by Cubster
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 8:21pm

looks like Brandon Webb should have been pushed back a few days too

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 8:42pm

3.1, 8 Hits, 8ER. (although it looks like not all runs should be earned?)
Could shake up the Cy Young race a bit.

Submitted by blockhead25
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 8:47pm

heh, gameday now correctly shows 6ER.
12ER in his last 8IP over 2 games.
Lincecum has to be the clear front runner now, and Dempster still has an outside shot if he has a great September.

Submitted by Chad
on Sun, 08/31/2008 - 9:56pm

I am worried about this 2 game losing streak. I could cost us the division. I will let this quote sum up my fears:

Kent Brockman: "Professor, without knowing precisely what the danger is, would you say it's time for our viewers to crack each other's heads open and feast on the goo inside?"

Professor: "Yes I would, Kent."

In other news, I can't say it enough. After the break if we go 2 out of 3 or better against the bad teams and .500 or better against the good teams, the Brewers can't catch us.

We did exactly what we had to do. Split vs. a playoff quality team.

We need to take 4 of the next 6 and we will be fine. The Astos aren't horrible but we get them at home. The Reds are pretty bad and we should be able to handle them.

Let's all put the gas cans and matches down.

Submitted by 10man
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 1:08am

Don't worry. Be Harry!

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 1:37am

per the Sun-Times...

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/11383...

Micah Hoffpauir, Casey McGehee and Three Finger Brown (Koyie Hill)

and expected pitchers Jon Lieber, Angel Guzman and Michael Wuertz

...also procedural stuff, Rich Hill recalled and put on the DL, Chad Fox to the 60 day DL

finally Chad Gaudin wasn't available the last 2 days (oh something about a weak back)

Submitted by Brick
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 2:18am

(oh something about a weak back)

Gee, when did that happen?

Submitted by Cubster
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 1:40am

from that last link...

the last 23 Cub hits have been singles (OK, so the cup is half full so i'll give the Phillie pitching some credit for nada a double)

Submitted by Dmac
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 8:41am

Sooner or later we were going to experience some health problems with our staff (doesn't everyone?) - but geez, did it have to happen at this point in the season?

Submitted by Ryno
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 11:40am

Two consecutive losses and now... Oswalt v Marquis?

Ugh.

There's always tomorrow.

Submitted by Chad
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 12:43pm

Hey Chicken Little

HOU: Oswalt (12-9, 4.11)
CHC: Marquis (9-7, 4.52)

Submitted by Brick
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 12:43pm

I'll be there today, with my mojo.

I'm sitting behind home plate, so look for me - I'll be waving and talking on my cell phone.

Submitted by Ryno
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 12:56pm

You could be the hero of TCR if you flash your chest during the first pitch at the top of the second inning. That would be awesome. It would be more awesome if you were a chick.

Submitted by navigator
on Mon, 09/01/2008 - 11:59am

Steel yourself, we still have the wildcard in the bag.

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