Soriano back; Wood delayed; Samardzija coming?
The Cubs went back to taking batting practice this evening as Lou rescinded his ban on BP that lasted one day.
Soriano is off the DL and back in the lineup at leadoff. The Cubs actived Soriano and Scott Eyre and sent Micah Hoffpauir and Kevin Hart to Iowa.
The news isn't so great on Kerry Wood. The closer will see another specialist in Chicago tomorrow to find out why the blister on his right index finger isn't healing. I look for the Cubs to put Wood on the DL today?
So who would come up? How about Jeff Samardzija. Assistant GM Randy Bush said that's "conceivable" and that Samardzija has pitched himself into the picture at Iowa. The Cubs would use Samardzija out of the pen, but not as closer. Those duties would fall to Carlos Marmol. If nothing else, Samardzija would give Lou the "power arm" he likes coming out of the pen. The Cubs brass likes the progress the former Notre Dame football star has made in becoming a pitcher and not just a thrower. Samardzija has watched film of himself and other pitchers to help him with mechanics and how to hide the ball better.
The lineup:
Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Soto, C
Fukudome, RF
DeRosa, 2B
Johnson, CF
Lilly, P
The stats aren't too hot on this road trip:
DeRosa: 3-for-16
Lee: 3-for-21
Ramirez: 0-for-20
Soto: 1-for-19
Jim Edmonds isn't available. Jimmy Ballgame will have an MRI on his left knee tomorrow in Chicago. Lou says Edmonds couldn't "push off" at the plate last night.
Despite his demeaning attitude and prickly nature, I still feel Edmonds has been an important asset to this club. His OPS as a Cub is still over .900, and his bat has helped the Cubs win many games.
Bruce, if he's down for a lengthy period of time, do you see Hendry trying to get another OF bat?
Hoops
I can see that. With Ward there from the left side and Hoffpauir a phone call away, I can see them looking for a right-handed bat. I've had some fun with Jimmy Ballgame, but no doubt about it, he has helped the Cubs.
Did Sori seem confident or tentative to you??
His demeanor seemed fine. He seems to be over the trepidation about his hand hurting after swinging the bat.
Good to hear!
Hope you have some nice jam when you and Jimmy Ballgame sit down for tea.. Hey look Lee hits a homerun, his first since June 20th, both solo ones....Hit one with someone on base please and no more double plays...Samardzija, youre kidding right ? He cant thow strikes.. And Kerry Wood's finger still aint right, can anyone say, "Prior"..The Cubs lie non stop..
Do you all know how easy it could be, for the Cubs to be 6 out of first place by next week ?
Hope Samardzija cut his hair......
He's done better with his control there. He's pitched 37 1-3 innings, with 16 walks and 40 strikeouts.
Lou went back on his word?? I guess he's befuddled too ...
Can't wait to see Sori! He can't do any worse than 0-17 ...
Why is FUKU batting 7th tonite?? Didn't he get on base 3 times last nite? ...
GO CUBS!!
Fukudome is batting sixth. I guess Gerald Perry told Lou BP would be a good idea.
Oops, 6th.
What do you guys think of Gerald Perry?
Glossed over about Samardzija [perhaps in an effort to increase his trade value and for that Jimmy thanks you (again) Bruce] Samardzija has averaged 5 walks per 9 innings this season in the minors.
By comparison Marmol is averaging 4 walks per 9 innings. Howry 1. Wood 2.7.
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Jimmy Hendry:
81.4 average wins
Billy Beane:
90.2 average wins
But being as knowledgeable as you clearly are, you knew that, right?
You've got the job already!
Do you have your own blog? I'd really like to read more of your writing!
You are insightgful, never say the same thing more than once, always stay on track of the discussion, humorous and have a pleasant tone.
Good to see Soriano back, but is he really ready? As a guy two years older than Edmonds and one who still plays competitive sports, I can attest to knee issues as 40 comes (and goes).
Soriano's here. I asked if he's got to guard against trying to do too much. We'll see if he swings at the first pitch of the game.
As to Jimmy Ballgame, I didn't have time to sit down with him for tea and crumpets.