Len & Bob's baseball blog

One of the things we'll spend a lot of time talking about today is the conditions here at Wrigley Field. It's cold and the wind is howling in from the north, really coming hard. This ballpark plays so many different ways - I've said many times when the wind is the other way and howling out, the best thing a pitcher can do is roll it up there. Today, unless it's a low liner, it will be extremely difficult for anyone to take a ball out to left. My old buddy, Mike Krukow, threw a bunch of games here for the Cubs and as the opposition and has always harped that you have to pitch to the conditions and alter what you do to suit the weather when it's like this. If that's the case, Sean Gallagher should be coming inside to the right-handers today. Let's hope he has a good start.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 1:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

When you take a look at the Diamondbacks, it's pretty easy to see they do all things well. It’s close to a juggernaut right now with this team and they are really young as well. With Brandon Webb, Dan Haren, Micah Owings and Randy Johnsonhave a few aces on this staff. One thing about Haren is that he is profiting the 1st time around the National League this year - we saw that with Ted Lilly last year.

One good thing is Cubs have played much better at home, especially hitting the tar out of the ball. Hopefully that home field advantage we've been looking for is here to stay and shows up this weekend.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 12:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the things that has been overlooked a bit during the Cubs recent struggles has been the letdown on defense. As a manager, you hope your defense is a constant that shows up each and every game and for the stretch where the Cubs were hot, that was a key component to the wins. It hasn't been the case recently and let's hope the team returns to error-free ball tonight.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBacks (0)

There has been a lot of discussion about the Cubs bullpen - that's not necessarily a bad thing because the team has been playing so well it's about the only point to pick on. I know Lou Piniella wants to avoid burning those guys out and the Cubs run of extra inning games this month has really put the pressure on the pen.

For Bob Howry, it's a matter of command. He is just not putting his pitches where he wants them which is not like him. I think Lou will look for the right spot to get him an inning or two, hopefully in a Cubs blowout win today, so he can work his way out of his troubles.

One note about this ballpark. It's too early to tell for sure, but after walkoff homer the other night, I won't be surprised if the ball jumps out of here every day after the weather warms up here. They say the park has played fair so far, but I'll be watching closely come June and July to see if that holds up.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

It sure is a good day to look at the team statistics in the National League right now. The Cubs are first in batting average, hits, on-base %, and doubles - I guess back to back 13 run games will do that for you. There are two other categories where the Cubs are 2nd that are even more telling - walks and runs. It's great we're scoring and this team is continuing to show more patience at the plate than we've seen in the past. The results are 12-6.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Starting play today, 6 of the 8 Cub starters were hitting .300 or better. Matt Murton was a .300 hitter at Triple A and the only guy left is Aramis Ramirez. I'm pretty sure he will be OK too before the season is out! That's the type of stretch that will keep a smile on Lou Piniella's face.

It's also great to see Reed Johnson setting the table at the top of the lineup. He hangs in there at the plate, doesn't mind getting hit, and is catching everything in sight.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Today is a sad day for baseball. On this day in 1973, the designated hitter was used for the first time and I don't like it. I never have. We bemoan the loss of 5 tool player, but having guys who never play the field doesn’t help develop good all-around players. I just don’t like the idea of a baseball player who doesn’t need a glove.

Now I'm sure Harold Baines, Frank Thomas, and others would argue with me. It has extended some careers in the American League, but there is no doubt the DH changed the game and not for the better. It also changed the strategy or rather made for a lack of it in the American League, especially since you can stay with a starting pitcher and never have to worry about hitting for him.

It was too drastic a change to the game. No thanks.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 2:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

The Cubs made a switch at the top of the order today and Lou was a bit tired of answering questions about it before the game. I'm not sure what the fascination is with running the same 8 guys out there every day and having their tongues hang out in September. It's a long season and face it, the game has changed. To me it's one of the most overblown topics we have. I know because of Soriano why it comes up here, but it really is insignificant. If a manager isn't getting his bench players in against starters where the numbers favor his team or giving his regulars enough rest, he's not doing his team justice.

We talked about it. Lou used 125 lineups last year - the National League average was 115. The specialization of the game has changed the old notion of 8 regulars.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

In all the Opening Day drama and ceremonies, it's easy to forget the Brewers are the opponents today. They have come on strong and are looking to build on last year's success. The I-94 rivalry is really blooming and the Cubs will want to draw first blood in this series.

Hopefully Kerry Wood will come in and get his first major league save today. It would be really warm this place up if Woody comes in for the 9th and gets a few K's.

It's going to be another fun season and there's nothing like Opening Day.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 1:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the things that has kind of flown under the radar during spring camp is the extra work that Geovany Soto has been putting in. He and the pitching staff need to get to know one another, what pitches work and when, and generally try to get in sync on all manner of things.

We all think Soto will hit - that doesn't seem to be an issue. It's his defense and handling of the staff that will be the most important part of his game. His biggest test starts Monday.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 12:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

I think Cub fans are going to enjoy watching Reed Johnson. He fills a need on this club in not only center field, but he can also play the corner outfield positions. He always plays the game the right way, can do the little things, and always has his motor running, just want you want from your reserve outfielder.

He can also push Felix Pie. That's not a knock on Felix, but it is a good thing to have a guy like Johnson, who has experience, right behind the young center fielder to keep him focused.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 4:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Len and I are working on our stamina by doing back-to-back games on WGN this weekend and with a few more games, we should be all set for the regular season.

Today we are doing the game from the beautiful new ballpark in Surprise. The facility is shared by the Rangers and the Royals and it really is a treat to see.

I'm anxious to watch how Ryan Dempster does today. He's been a man on a mission so far this spring and hopefully he'll have another strong start today.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 2:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBacks (0)

Welcome back - it's our first game of the year on WGN-TV today. The starters may only go a few innings, but Len and I are ready to do the full 9.

The story of the next two weeks in camp will be the Cubs starting pitching. It's a numbers game - 7 guys, 5 spots, and really only 2 weeks of competition. Lou Piniella said before today's game he wants the rotation set by the last week so he can use those final few games to get each pitcher in his slot. Each start is really magnified when you think that the candidates really have 2-3 turns at most to earn a spot. It will be fun to watch.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

I'd like to echo Len's thank yous to everyone who made this year's Bash possible. It truly was a great night and I hope our band didn't damage the hearing of anyone who was in attendance!

Now we're into the madness that is the Cubs Convention and let me tell you, it's as hot inside this hotel with baseball passion as it is cold outside here in Chicago. Meeting all these incredibly loyal fans always gets my blood pumping and I'm going to need that if I have to go outside for anything.

One thing I've noticed over the last few days here and on the caravan is how comfortable Lou Piniella is going into this year. He knows the city, the team, the ballpark - all the things he had to learn on the fly in his first year last year. I think having more things come as second nature this season will make life a lot easier on Lou and really bring out the best in his managing style.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

I watched Game 1 last night with as much interest as everyone else. As I've said many times, this isn't Lou Piniella's first rodeo and he knows first-hand all the second-guessing that comes with decisions you make in the playoffs.

One thing I noticed is that Brandon Webb threw a large number of off-speed pitches in last night's game - probably as many as he would throw in three games during the regular season. I would bet you this is how the D-Backs plan to attack the Cubs and you will see more of the same from Doug Davis tonight.

My friends in Arizona told me there was a huge push this last week telling fans to buy tickets and take back the stadium from the Cub fans. It looked on TV that they had the fans in blue pretty well spread out, not in certain sections like we saw in Cincinnati.

Meanwhile in Cleveland, we'll be talking about the Yankees rally squirrel.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (18) | TrackBacks (0)

The numbers don't always add up. The Diamondbacks have given up more runs than they have scored this season, but still had the best record in the National League. One reason for their success is a National League-best 32-19 record in one-run games. Arizona did hold a 4-2 season advantage over the Cubs.

Buckle up - this is going to be fun. This is what every team has been working for all year and only eight get the chance to go forward. Looks like I will work the Yankees/Indians series for TBS, then hopefully get to see the Cubs in the National League Championship Series.

Enjoy the ride!

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 6:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

To say we had fun last night is an understatement of epic proportions. I can't thank everyone enough for their time and help in making that clubhouse celebration so memorable.

One key to that game last night for me was Carlos Zambrano and his outstanding performance. I think his demeanor on the mound bodes well for the post-season. We talked about how Lou said he was "fidgety" in earlier starts, but he seems to have found a rhythm on the mound the last two times out.

Now let's bring on the postseason. It's going to be exciting.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (10) | TrackBacks (0)

I know that many fans have already started to do a bit of celebrating in what we all hope will be a divisional crown for the Cubs, but as a manager and as a player, you still have to continue to grind. It seems like a cliche, but it is NEVER more true than it is at this time of year. Don't get too far ahead of yourself, just take care of business on the day at hand.

One quick attaboy for young Sam Fuld. You always hear about players who will run through a wall for you. Ideally, a manager would rather have a guy who runs to the wall and makes the play for you. That's exactly what Sam did yesterday and it's the type of play you see when a team is on a roll.

When we hit the road, the Florida Marlins haven't had the year they hoped for, but in that atmosphere it is going to be tough to go in there and play the same kind of inspired baseball we've seen here at Wrigley. You want to get as much of a cushion as you can before the Brewers get back into their ballpark and the Cubs head out on the road.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

Thought for the day.

It's never easy. Nothing worth getting is.

15 to go!

Bob

Posted by Admin at 6:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

Baseball isn't a game for must-wins until maybe the last week of the season, but it would be great for the Cubs to take the opener today, especially with all the momentum created by yesterday's come-from-behind win.

On paper, the pitching match-up favors the Cubs and with Brad Penny and Derek Lowe looming, you know how nice it would be to grab the opener behind Carlos Zambrano. Carlos had four straight starts where he gave up two runs or less, but in his last four starts he has given up 23. We need to see the real Carlos here in September to lead this team to the postseason.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (26) | TrackBacks (0)

Two things stood out for me last night in watching the Cubs staff go after the Milwaukee hitters. The first was a determination to pitch inside all night. Yes, Weeks and Mench were hit by pitches, but pounding the ball in, even on a night when the wind was blowing out, really opens up that outside corner.

The second was a commitment to "climb the ladder" by throwing high and higher fastballs against the aggressive Brewer hitters. On a night when they needed to make things happen and were aware of how the ball was playing, the Brewers continually chased those pitches for strikeouts.

Let's hope tonight that Carlos Zambrano can do more of the same.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (12) | TrackBacks (0)

I know there is clamoring out there for the Cubs to do something drastic or have a shakeup. Lou doesn't like to have meetings and I understand that. Really, what can you say? You know guys are trying and you know that the effort is there. Right now, the results have been real tough to come by.

I look at this roster and I see that on a given day, Lou can put a lineup out there where 4, 5, even 6 guys that can steal a base. If you see a matchup where the opposing pitcher is a bit slow to the plate or the catcher isn't throwing well, maybe you send the track team out there. Let them know before the ballgame everybody has the green light unless I tell you not to run and try to steal a ballgame just to prove to yourself there's more than one way to win a game.

When the Cubs were on their two-month hot streak, they've won in a variety of ways. They've stolen bases, sacrificed, and hit home runs. Since the team is having trouble driving the ball and swinging the bats, maybe one way to jump start things is to try and run one out there.

There's a lot of room in the outfield in Coors, so you can win in other ways than hitting home runs. Who knows? What we do know is that Lou will try anything. The team didn't take batting practice yesterday in hopes of mixing things up and breaking up the bad rhythm we see right now. Let's just hope they find a way to do that.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Len and I have a rare two-day weekend off because Fox has the game today and ESPN tomorrow night. We're both pumped up about heading to Lollapalooza to hear some great music in Grant Park. Now that's summer in Chicago!

Eddie Vedder was with us in the booth yesterday and I was impressed by his passion for the Cubs. He was so focused on the game that I think he barely heard some of our questions. He is a Cubs fan through and through which is always great to see. It's true that all ballplayers want to be musicians and all musicians want to be ballplayers. Listening to his voice as he sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" was also a treat. He has really raised the bar there and I'm glad I don't have to follow him.

Let's hope the Cubs can rebound and win the next two against New York. I'll find a TV out there somewhere to keep an eye on things.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 7:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Ryan Theriot continues to be in the mix every day as the Cubs continue this hot streak. For me, Ryan is a guy who plays bigger than his numbers. He might only have 1-for-5 in the box score, but that "1" is going to usually be a big hit in the game. He might be 0-for-3 but he will have two walks and get himself on base in front of the big thumpers like D-Lee and Aramis.

Defensively, he plays on the verge of being out of control. Lou recognizes that and will get him a day off from time to time. If the Cubs are going to have success, Ryan Theriot is going to be a big part of it.

People ask me if he's like Craig Counsell and while Ryan won't have Little League coaches screaming in the night as kids copy his batting stance like they did with Craig, they are very much alike in their ability to play multiple positions, steal a base, and find a way to contribute every single day. They both have a real grasp of the game.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 10:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the great things we've seen during this Cub run over the last month are the ingredients for winning baseball and staying on a streak. The Cubs are staying away from those plays that give extra outs, that prolong innings, and that take them out of innings. It sounds simple, but as we saw early in the season, it isn't. It's amazing what that solid defense can do along with timely hitting and smart baseball.

There will be days where you tip your hat to the opposing pitcher or run into somebody who is tearing the cover off the ball. That happens. That's baseball. But if the Cubs can consistently stay away from the miscues that plagued them early in the year, there's no reason they can't stay on this roll. Let's hope last night was an aberration and we see that Cubbie swagger real soon.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 12:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBacks (0)

We've seen some great defense from Mark DeRosa over the past week, but the best part about it is that he is doing it all over the diamond. He's played right field, third base, second base, and done it all well. He is a very natural defender no matter where you put him on the field.

It's one thing to be a utility player and be able to play more than one position, but something else to be able to play them the way Mark does. He looks comfortable and natural in each spot and as I have said repeatedly, has a rhythm to his game on defense. I know from experience that when I went to third base or outfield I could knock the ball down and make a play. Mark does it at another level where he's not filling in, he can play and excel at the position and handles it all like a true pro.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (35) | TrackBacks (0)

A lot was made of Carlos Zambrano's pronouncement a few weeks back that he was now pitching like it was a new season, but I actually like it. He found a way to motivate and rededicate himself and you can't argue with the results.

The stuff he was throwing up there yesterday was as good as you will ever see, so let's hope he can keep that second season magic going.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

No word yet on Derrek Lee and a possible suspension so he is in the lineup today. We showed on the Leadoff Man today the incident 20 years ago where Eric Show hit Andre Dawson in the cheek and a brawl ensued.

The one common denominator there was the location of the pitch in question. Any major leaguer worth his salt doesn't mind getting plunked in the backside in those situations. It's the high pitch near your head that brings out the emotions. Once that ball strays above the waist, guys talk about "you're endangering my livelihood" and you see very emotional and understandable reactions.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

We had an adventurous day at Wrigley yesterday with the outfield basket coming into play three times, twice with fans reaching over for balls. I know that some people want to get their shorts in a bunch about it (I know it did happen here before once in a game of some import), but the fact is that fans are going to reach for a baseball. I do all the time in the booth when I think one might be coming back here.

In New York last night, there was a great catch in left field and you could see at least six fans reaching for the ball trying to get a souvenir (or take a swing at the left fielder). It happens everywhere.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

I wanted to point out a gutty effort by Jason Marquis last night. I think we've all seen pitchers who go out there some nights and you just don't see the same kind of competitive fire as we saw from Jason. He realized very early on that he didn't have his good stuff, but he found a way to keep his team in the game.

I had teammates during my playing days who would go out to the mound and when they didn't have good stuff, start pawing at the dirt and keep looking in the dugout, waiting for a pitching coach or manager to come and get them out of the ballgame. Not so with Jason Marquis. He wanted to do everything he could to help the Cubs win. Even though he didn't get the decision, his ability to eat up 5.1 innings and keep his team in the game was very important.

Len and I were saying that the biggest moment of the game might have been getting Geoff Jenkins out right after the entire Cub infield let a pop-up drop between them. That had the potential to be one of those "here we go again" moments that everyone would focus on as "the Cubs have gone and done something sloppy to beat themselves again." Instead, Jason induced an easy groundball to end the inning and the problem.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

Felix Pie is back up with the club today and the plan, as well as the hope, is for him to be here to stay.

We know he can really go get the ball and play good defense, so it's going to be his ability to adapt to big league pitching that will tell the tale. He did a great job of going back to Iowa and putting up good numbers, as well as working hard to get back up which you like to see.

If Felix can get on, he gives Lou Piniella some more options in the running game, which I know Lou has been hoping to exercise more. Let's hope he brings a much-needed spark to the Cubs.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (17) | TrackBacks (0)

I guess you may have heard we had a bit of excitement around here yesterday. The frustration you can understand, having it happen in full view of everyone is not acceptable.

When you have something like this, the next day there is usually a lot of contrition, which we heard. They really feel bad for what they have done and want to put it behind them as quickly as possible, which is not easy to given the Chicago media market, because it's going to be the topic of conversation for the next week.

The reality is players do have very short memories. Things happen in the clubhouse all the time. There has probably been a fight in the clubhouse we don't know about from time to time. Guys come back the next day, shake hands and hug, and move on with their lives. It's a more common occurrence than you might think. Obviously, the most unfortunate thing was that it happened in full view of the public.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (9) | TrackBacks (0)

Looking at the Cubs, there's little doubt that the record should be better than it is. If you look at the stat sheet, the team is doing some things right. It boils down to basic fundamental mistakes every night and the frustrating thing is that it is a different thing each night. It's frustrating for everyone not to be able to get over the hump. The most discouraging thing is that these mistakes are being made by veteran players.

Looking at the standings, it is encouraging that the Brewers have come back to earth and the Cubs are very fortunate that no one has gotten hot in the division. The bottom line is that this team can't worry about the Brewers and needs to take care of its own business.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 5:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBacks (0)

There's a big sign on the hill outside here that says "Think Blue". Believe me, when I do that in Los Angeles, it's in a whole different manner than the spirit of that sign.

I can't help but get a little edgy when we return to Dodger Stadium each year. My Giants teams had so many battles here that it always creeps back whenever I come into this ballpark. I can hear Tommy LaSorda screaming at me and laugh when I think of how my manager, Roger Craig, loved to get under his skin.

This is the only National League Stadium where I didn't hit a home run. I know that probably stuns you with my incredible power numbers, but it's true. Dusty Baker actually took one away from me by reaching over the fence in left once, then two days later, Ken Landreaux did the same thing in center. I'm sad to say that for the rest of my career, I wasn't even close!

Those were great games we had with Los Angeles. Let's hope the Cubs can take it to the Dodgers in the same way today and win this series.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the plays that turned around last night's game was Shawn Green getting thrown out at the plate to end the Mets' 2nd inning. It was a great throw by Alfonso Soriano and a great job at the plate by Michael Barrett.

Barrett didn't allow Green to get to the plate. Michael pushed Green's front leg off the plate and the back leg never got there. That's a play that used to be considered a weakness for Barrett as a late convert to catching. Michael has really worked hard on being able to stay in there, stay focused on catching the ball, and getting the tag down. It's not easy to simulate - it's not like you can have your teammates barreling into as practice.

I don't think any conversations about home plate collisions will come up this weekend with the White Sox at Wrigley, do you?

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

You never look ahead and you never take anyone for granted in this game. That being said, this stretch of the schedule was a place where we knew the Cubs needed to start turning things around, feeling better about themselves and how they played the game, and hopefully, started to develop some of that Cubbie swagger we've been hoping for since spring training. The team has been successful doing so at St. Louis and Pittsburgh, then at home against the Nationals over the weekend. Now the Pirates are here and you'd really like to see the Cubs keep that streak alive so that when they head out for some of these big road tests at Philly, NY, LA, and SD over the next few weeks, they feel confident and are playing better baseball.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

One thing both Will Ohman and Neal Cotts did effectively yesterday was throw some good fastballs inside to the Nationals left-handed hitters. Too many times, left-handed pitchers fall in love with their breaking ball and use it all the time again lefty hitters, forgetting about another effective pitch. Bringing that fastball inside where the hitter can't extend is a tool I like to see from left-handed relievers and our guys made good use of it yesterday.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 7:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

It's no secret I'm a big fan of the energy Ryan Theriot brings to the ballclub. Lou Piniella is looking for the right combination and as long as Ryan doesn't embarrass himself defensively, what he brings to the ballclub offensively as far as swinging the bat, stealing some bases, and making some things happen make the change worth it. I know that he got thrown out at 3rd on a bad play yesterday, but I don't think Lou minds mistakes of aggression. If Ryan keeps getting on base and scoring runs, he will get more playing time.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (15) | TrackBacks (0)

When a team is not hitting, as much as you would like to deny it, at some point frustration sets in. The good news for the Cubs is that the players on this team have enough experience to know that at some point, the light bulb will come on, balls will start to drop, and this team will hit. Like everyone else, you just wonder when.

For a manager, when your team is in a slump, you are kind of walking on eggshells. I know that Lou is not a patient man. He wants results, he wants to win, and he wants to do it yesterday. II know that he took time the other night to circle the wagons and tell his players to try and relax and let their talent take over. t's a time that you have to take the temperature of your team, either do it yourself or have your coaches spend some time in the clubhouse to feel the vibe of the team and then act accordingly. If you sense complacency, it's time to rattle a few cages. If you sense frustration, it's good to reassure your team.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBacks (0)

Len and I spent some time talking about this on the air as it was happening yesterday - I am a big believer in finding a way to slow the game down during an inning where you are in trouble.

In the Reds 5th, I was hoping someone, either Michael Barrett or one of the infielders, would call time and go in to talk with Carlos Zambrano. This serves two purposes: 1) it gives the guys in your bullpen an extra few pitches as they try to get ready in a hurry, which isn't always easy on a chilly day and 2) it can slow or stall the momentum of the offensive team as they try to have a big inning.

When I was with the Giants, I would keep an extra baseball in my pocket. At times of trouble, I would make sure the umpire wasn't looking, then send that ball into the outfield gap to create a bit of a delay. Whoops, that one got away from us in the bullpen - sorry about that. Sometimes, those extra moments can help change things around in an inning.

Bob

Posted by Admin at 11:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (8) | TrackBacks (0)

What a performance by Rich Hill Friday night up here in Milwaukee. He was perfect through five, then really showed his composure in the 6th. After a Corey Hart homer, a bad call at first base, and his own throwing error, Rich dug in and got out of the inning without giving up a run. He was in the strike zone all night, throwing only 78 pitches, 55 for strikes and continuing his great spring - he still hasn't walked anybody this year.

The best part about Hill's performance is that it builds on back-to-back strong starts from Ted Lilly and Jason Marquis. Pitching staffs can get on a roll and there is a friendly competition among the starters. No one wants to be the one to break the chain when things are going well. Hopefully Carlos Zambrano can keep the streak going today.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (16) | TrackBacks (0)

How great was it to see Lou Piniella stroll to the mound in the 9th inning last night after Ryan Dempster started with a walk? As Len said, there was plenty of fun for you lip-readers out there. I don't think Lou saw the next pitch that was also a ball, because Ryan threw it before Lou even got back to the dugout.

Fun aside, the visit showed me that Lou is taking every opportunity in these early games to put his stamp on the team and remind everyone of their responsibilities and accountabilities. The other sight to see was the big hug and smile he had for Dempster after the game.

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 9:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (14) | TrackBacks (0)

One great thing about all the moves the Cubs made in the offseason is that to me, the winter seemed to pass very quickly. There was always something going on and it makes a big difference to have something to look forward to.

The Cub offensive numbers were certainly inflated by the Arizona air, but I really feel that scoring runs is not going to be a problem. We have some guys who have the potential to put up some really big numbers and let's hope it all starts today.

Happy Opening Day

Bob

Posted by WGN Sports at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Lou Piniella talked early in camp about wanting his team to establish a swagger this season. It's like the chicken and the egg - which comes first, the swagger or playing well and earning that swagger? I think what Lou was saying was that he wants the team to take the field every day with confidence in their own abilities and confidence that they can beat anybody on a given night. I think you try to put the swagger in first, then play good baseball to reinforce that swagger. The bottom line is that you get in the habit of playing good baseball every day and build on that.

Bob