Fuld has MRI
Sam Fuld walked into the clubhouse today with a splint-like device on his right thumb, courtesy of that diving catch he made last night. Turns out he went for an MRI and X-rays. He said he's still waiting to get the MRI results and that the preliminary results showed just some ligament damage.
Lou said they'll know more in a day or two and that if Fuld is going to be out any length of time, they'd call up somebody from the minor leagues. There are no outfielders in the minors who are on the 40-man, and if things get to a point where the Cubs need a body, they won't rule out calling up Tyler Colvin or James Adduci, both of whom are in the Southern League championship series for Tennessee against Jacksonville. Colvin was the Cubs' top draft pick in 2006, and he's come on in the second half after having Tommy John surgery before the season. The Cubs already have an expanded roster, so the need isn't dire. But you know Lou. If the Cubs had 44 men up right now, he'd want that 45th body.
As a procedural move, they also put Alfonso Soriano on the DL retro to Sept. 4. Sori had his left knee scoped today, and the doctors found "acute inflammation" and "expected cartilage degeneration," which they cleaned up. Sori will begin his rehab with the team. He won't go to St. Louis this weekend, but he will be in Milwaukee next week and in San Francisco over the following weekend.
Lineup
Theriot, SS
Fukudome, CF
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Soto, C
Bradley, RF
Fontenot, 2B
Scales, LF
Zambrano, P
Hope you caught our blog earlier today on Big Z:
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/2597
Our little blog cabin tends to get crowded here, so do check it out and comment.
Enjoy the ballgame.
I had the pleasure of sitting in the very first row, right behind the Cubs dugout last night.
Being so close I was able to really study Zambrano.
My observations:
1. He came out throwing everything hard
2. He continued to throw everything hard
He moved the ball in and out but never changed speeds. In the fifth inning they just lit him up.
He's not a pitcher, he's a thrower.
I hope the Dodgers get an early elimination in the playoffs and think they need to add a starter. I'd say Andre Eithier for Zambrano would be worth pursuing.
is offer him arbitration, and try to sign him to a one year extension at 9 million, with a player option which automatically vests if he reaches certain performance incentives like 200 innings pitched, 15 wins, or 30 starts.
Right now, reputation or not, Rich Harden is a pretty good 5th starter. I say that based on his wins(9 right now, could end up with 12 or so), and innings pitched(on pace for somewhere around 160). His Ks are nice. His ERA is decent/solid. He should be paid as such, or maybe a little better because of his potential. If he can cut his HRs down, his ERA could be exceptional.
If he is wanting anything more than the 9 - 10 million a year range, the Cubs should offer him arbitration and let him walk. I don't see any down side in offering arbitration.
...looks worse striking out than Fukudome.
That is how a lefty should not swing.
Spinning like a top.
Cause I sure don't see it.
is just typical Cub fan. Never be happy. Complain about something all the time. Yes, he can look bad. Who doesn't when they strike out? But Fukudome is the least of the Cubs problems.
Wow, they get these out early nowadays.
I see the Cubs are in Houston in June and July. Should be great weather for you, Bruce.
They're also in Houston the last weekend of the year...weather should be better by then.. :-)
Doesn't that usually coincide with mathematical elimination from the post season:)
Yeah, and another series in Arlington after we were just there a couple years ago. Still waiting for a Cubs series in Fenway. One of these years.
means arthritis soon or currently happening. Mark my words, as that's what I have in my left knee. Studies are beginning to show that scoping a knee for this purpose may not provide quite the benefit they thought it did.
I appreciate the perspective.
Cubs should seriously look into the clinic in Denver I went to that use your own stem cells to help regenerate cartilage growth. I had the scope, was told to knock off high impact sports, told my doctor (in my mind) to go fly a kite, and sought alternatives.