Notes From All Over
Some notes as the Cubs head into the weekend vs. Pittsburgh:
-The Pirates are 20-15 against everyone other than the Cubs, so this isn't a bad ballclub by any stretch.
-The Cubs will face 3 left-handed starters in this series, which means you might not see Jim Edmonds get another start until after this weekend.
-Lou is giving Kosuke the day off he wanted to give him on Sunday (as you recall, Randy Johnson was scratched late due to the weather, so Fukudome ended up playing).
-The Cubs have 4 lefties on the bench and only 1 right-handed hitter available (the backup catcher Henry Blanco). It's significant because the Pirates have 3 LH relievers. Lou says while Carlos Zambrano isn't listed on the "extras" card, he is available to pinch-hit.
-Daryle Ward is still active, although it looks like he'll end up on the DL in the next few days because of his back injury. Look for Micah Hoffpauir to replace him on the roster if/when it happens.
-The Cubs are looking more closely at what other teams' pitchers do at the plate. Lou said the Cubs advance scout will be giving the club more detailed notes on pitchers' tendencies offensively to help get them out. Cubs' pitchers are allowing the other team's 9 spot to hit .
225.
Len