Soto out with hand injury (and other stuff)
Lou greeted us with the news this morning that catcher Geovany Soto is a late lineup scratch because of a hand injury. It apparently bothered Soto yesterday, but not enough to prevent his ninth-inning game-tying homer. He has had hand issues in the past, and we're still awaiting word from the trainer.
The other big issue this morning was how the Cubs would celebrate if they clinch today. If they win, they'll have to wait to see if the Reds beat the Brewers tonight.
It may be that the players gather on their own somewhere away from the ballpark. Last year, they clinched on a Friday night in Cincy, and a wild clubhouse celebration ensued. This year, it may be more businesslike, as the Cubs realize the NL Central is only the first step.
"A happy quiet would be good," said shortstop Ryan Theriot.
"You people are getting ahead of yourselves here," a grumpy Lou said. "We've got plenty of time to talk about clinchings and everthing else once we get the magic number down to zero. You can can I'm cautious. You can say whatever, but that's the way I've always approached it."
Back in a bit with lineups and news on Soto.
...if there is one, is that I like Lou's approach to staying on these guys a$$es until the MN is zero. I'm sure he'll be quite "chippy" after this one.
Bruce, hope you pick out a strategic and safe spot in the "dungeon".
Just as I like it.
I think it's time to shut Z down for a while. Maybe give him some work in the middle of next week, but it's obvious he's not right. Don't know if it's physical or no-no hangover.
The wind blowing out, maybe the Cubs can come up with comeback # 42, but it dont look good right now. Oh well cant win em all..Back to work.
Lets just hope it isnt serious, Soto could probally use a little rest anyway. Good thing I am working today, nice way to come out after a huge win...Zambrano back to his ole Tazmanian Devil antics on the mound. I think the Cubs should get him some prozac.
Wonder if they went out and celebrated prematurly last night, they look flat.
You really have to wonder about that no-hitter now...
And they might not say anything at all.
Was his velocity down? Location off? No movement? No breaking ball? He clearly didn't fool anybody today; something(s) were different.
Looked like he topped out at 91. Arm slot may have dropped, too. But it didn't look like he was "shot-putting" the ball like he was before the last bout with the shoulder.
The Cubs say X-rays revealed some minor irritation in Soto's hand and that they did not see the injury as serious.
They'll go this way:
Soriano, LF
Theriot, SS
Lee, 1B
Ramirez, 3B
Edmonds, CF
DeRosa, RF
Fontenot, 2B
Blanco, C
Zambrano, P