Hilbs' Chicago Cubs Dynasty: Let The Bricks Fall Where They May

[Hilbs]

Game: MVP Baseball 2005
Difficulty: All-Star
Sliders: Default
Play Style: Play Until I Win, Sim Until I Lose
*Updated Rosters using MLB 2005 Schedule*
-------------------------------------------
Chicago Cubs Team Info:
Colors: Blue and Red
Owner: Tribune Company
General Manager: Jim Hendry
Manager: Dusty Baker
League: National
Division: Central
-------------------------------------------
Stadium Info:
http://www.chicagofun.com/cubbybear/2002-11-23-wrigley-front-sign-inside.jpg
Address: 1060 West Addison Street, Chicago, IL 60613
Seating Capacity: 39,345
Field Surface: Grass (Merion Bluegrass and Clover)
Cost: 250,000$
Opened: April 23rd, 1914
Architect: Zachary Taylor Davis
Occupants: Chicago Whales (1914-1916), Chicago Cubs(1916-Present)
Former Names: Weegham Park(1914-'20), Cubs Park(1920-'25)
Naming Rights: None-Named After Former Cubs Owner William Wrigley
Dimensions: 355-L, 368-LC, 400-C,368-RC, 353-R
http://www.ballparktour.com/Wrigley_Field_2005_Dia.gif
-------------------------------------------
Wrigley Field Firsts:
Game: 4-23-1914 (Kansas City Packers 1 Chicago Wales 9)
Night Game: 8-9-1988
Ivy Siting: 1937 (planted by Bill Veeck)
All-Star Game: 1947 (also in '62 and '90)
Batter: Chet Chadbourne (ground out)
Hit: John Potts (single)
Run: Dutch Zwilling
RBI: Jack Farrell
Single: John Potts
Double: Rollie Zeider
Triple: Rollie Zeider (04/25/1914)
Home Run: Art Wilson
Grand Slam: Rollie Zeider (05/06/1914)
Stolen Base: Ted Easterly, Chet Chadbourne (04/26/1914)
Cycle: Hack Wilson (06/23/1930 NL)
Win: Claude Hendrix
Loss: Chief Johnson
Shutout: Mike Prendergast, Doc Watson (05/04/1914)
Hit by Pitch: Pete Henning hit Max Flack (04/26/1914)
Wild Pitch: Dwight Stone
No-Hitter: Fred Toney (05/02/1917 NL)

[Hilbs]

Retired Numbers:

#10: Ron Santo
• Number retired by Cubs in 2003.
• Played in 2,102 game at third base for the Cubs from 1960-73.
• Has been the Cubs' WGN Radio color commentator since the 1990 season.
• Santo was a nine-time All-Star.

#14: Ernie Banks
• Number retired by Cubs in 1982.
• Known as "Mr. Cub".
• Cubs' all-time leader in games played (2,528), at-bats (9,421), and total bases (4,706).
• Won the NL MVP Award following the '58 and '59 seasons.
• Banks was a fourteen-time All-Star.
• Elected into The Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977.

#23: Ryne Sandberg
• Number retired by Cubs in 2005.
• Tallied nine gold gloves at second base.
• .285 lifetime hitter, who hit 282 homer runs and had 1,061 RBIs.
• Sandberg was a 10-time All-Star.
• Elected into The Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005.

#26: Billy Williams
• Number retired by Cubs in 1987.
• Won the National League Rookie of the Year in 1961.
• Williams was a six-time All-Star.
• Elected into The Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987.

#42: Jackie Robinson
• In 1947, Jackie Robinson became the first African American man to play in the Major Leagues.
• Number retired throughout baseball in 1997.
• Played for Brooklyn Dodgers from 1947-56.
From his Baseball Hall of Fame Plaque:
"Leading NL batter in 1949. Holds fielding mark for second baseman playing in 150 or more games with .992. Led NL in stolen bases in 1947 and 1949. Most Valuable Player in 1949. Lifetime batting average .311. Joint record holder for most double plays by second baseman, 137 in 1951. Led second baseman in double plays 1949-50-51-52."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hall of Famers:

Pete Alexander 1918-1926
Cap Anson* 1876-1897
Richie Ashburn 1960-1961
Ernie Banks* 1953-1971
Roger Bresnahan 1900, 1913-1915
Lou Brock 1961-1964
Mordecai Brown* 1904-1912, 1916
Frank Chance* 1898-1912
John Clarkson 1884-1887
Kiki Cuyler 1928-1935
Dizzy Dean 1938-1941
Hugh Duffy 1888-1889
Dennis Eckersley 1984-1986
Johnny Evers* 1902-1913
Jimmie Foxx 1942, 1944
Clark Griffith 1893-1900
Burleigh Grimes* 1932-1933
Gabby Hartnett* 1922-1940
Billy Herman* 1931-1941
Rogers Hornsby 1929-1932
Monte Irvin 1956
Fergie Jenkins* 1966-1973, 1982-1983
George Kelly 1930
King Kelly* 1880-1886
Ralph Kiner 1953-1954
Chuck Klein 1934-1936
Tony Lazzeri 1938
Fred Lindstrom 1935
Rabbit Maranville 1925
Robin Roberts 1966
Ryne Sandberg* 1982-1997
Al Spalding 1876-1878
Joe Tinker* 1902-1912, 1916
Rube Waddell 1901
Hoyt Wilhelm 1970
Billy Williams* 1959-1974
Hack Wilson* 1926-1931
* Played more games with the Cubs than any other team.

[Hilbs]

This off-season has come with many changes for the Chicago Cubs. With Nomar Garciaparra moving to the Dodgers to play first base, and Corey Patterson moving to the Orioles in exchange for RHP Jeff Maine and 2B Nate Spears, the Cubs were left with many questions as far as their ballclub.

The Cubs have responded by showing trust in rookie SS Ronny Cedeno and LF Matt Murton (.321 avg. 7 HR 14 RBI in 2005), and instead showing focus on other positions by signing the following players via free-agency:

Juan Pierre CF

http://i.cnn.net/si/2003/baseball/mlb/specials/postseason/2003/10/23/yankees.marlins.game5.ap/p1_pierre_all.jpg

Pierre comes to the Cubs after spending the majority of career with the Florida Marlins. He is known for his blazing speed and is the prototypical lead-off hitter the Cubs have needed for quite some time. Had an off year last year, only batting in the .270's, but usually has a .300 or above average with an on base percentage that flutters near .400.

Jacque Jones RF

http://graphics.jsonline.com/graphics/sports/brew/img/jun02/wall614.jpg

Jacque Jones comes to the Cubs via free agency after parting ways with the Minnesota Twins. Jones had an off-year last year much like Pierre, hitting in the Mid-200's with 23 home runs. However, Jones has hit over .300 three times in his career, and is usually good for 20+ homers and 75+ RBI's.

Bobby Howry RHP

http://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/images/2005/11/29/SWG7CPw4.jpg

Bobby Howry one of the best middle relievers in baseball last year, a great pickup.

Scott Eyre LHP

http://mlb.mlb.com/images/2004/09/21/5frhq3Fl.jpg

You can never have enough Left-Handed bullpen help, especially a good veteran such as Eyre.

[Hilbs]

Opening Day Lineup:

1. Juan Pierre, CF
2. Todd Walker, 2B
3. Derek Lee, 1B
4. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
5. Michael Barrett, C
6. Jacque Jones, RF
7. Matt Murton, LF
8. Ronny Cedeno, SS
9. Mark Prior, SP

Indeed, Mark Prior will start the first game of the season for the Chicago Cubs, hopefully he can avoid injury this year long enough to show his amazing talent in a full MLB season.

Throughout the Year I will be following (posting stats) of these Chicago Cubs Top Prospects:

SP Rich Hill (AAA)
3B Mike Fontenot (AAA)
C Geovany Soto (AAA)
CF Felix Pie (AA)
RP David Aardsma (AA)
LF Adam Greenberg (AA)
RF Ryan Harvey (A)
1B Brian Dopirak (A)

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Arizona Diamondbacks

The Cubs wen't into Arizona confident behind the pitching of young Mark Prior.

Well, they must have been overconfident, because Mark Prior had a horrible outing, allowing 6 runs, 5 of them earned. He worked 6 2/3 innings on the hill and gave up 8 hits and 3 home runs. However, he did strike out 5 and walk 0.

Ronny Cedeno, rookie shortstop for the Cubs made a crucial error during Arizona's 5 run 4th inning, opening the flood gates for Tony Clark's 3-run home run.

On positive notes, Prior showed good control, almost too good at times. Also, Jacque Jones hit his first home run as a Cub, a 418 foot blast in the 8th inning to right center field. Aramis Ramirez also added a home run in the 7th that bended around the right field foul pole.

Asked about the home run and the game, A-Ram said, "It's disheartening to lose our first game like that, but it's a marathon not a race. I really worked on my patience and my opposite field power during the off-season, hopefully we can get this ballclub to where it needs to be, back on the road to the World Series."

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 2 5 1
ARI 6 9 0

Tony Clark: 2-4 HR, 3 RBI
Aramis Ramirez: 2-4 HR, 1 RBI
WP: Russ Ortiz: 9 IP 5H 7K 2 ER
LP: Mark Prior: 6.2 IP 8H 5K 5 ER

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Arizona Diamondbacks

The Diamondbacks only managed two hits in tonights game against the Cubs.

Fortunately, one of them was a home run, in the bottom of the 8th, by centerfielder Eric Byrnes.

Questioned about the loss, Michael Barrett said, "It's tough, it's tough to go out their and know you tried your best, but at the same time Zamb only lets up 2 hits, and we can't even get him a run. This kind of thing can't happen, and I personally won't let it. We need to get back to the fundamentals, bunt some runners over, take more walks."

Hopefully, the Cubs can salvage the third and final game of the series tomorrow and head into their home opened against the Brewers on a high note.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 0 6 1
ARI 1 2 1

Eric Byrnes: 1-3 HR, 1 RBI
Juan Pierre: 1-4, SB
WP: Brandon Webb: 9 IP 6H 7K 0 ER
LP: Carlos Zambrano: 8 IP 2H 6K 1 ER

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Arizona Diamondbacks

Make it a series sweep for the Diamondbacks, as they rack up 7 runs on 15 hits, most of them coming off of veteran starter Greg Maddux. "It just wasn't my day", Maddux said, "I may have over 300 wins, but don't forget that I have over 150 losses too, I'm not perfect, I just didn't have stuff."

Arizona scored 4 of their runs in the 5th when Chad Tracy and Tony Clark hit back-to-back home runs. Luis Gonzalez also added a two run shot in the same inning.

The only bright spot for the Cubs was Aramis Ramirez, who pushed his average up over .400, and hit his second home run for the series. "It will be good to get back to the friendly confines, sleep in my own bed, besides, it's too damn hot here", said Ramirez when asked about the dissapointing series.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 5 1
ARI 7 15 0

Alex Cintron: 4-5
Aramis Ramirez: 3-4, HR, RBI
WP: Orlando Hernandez: 9 IP 5H 10K ER
LP: Greg Maddux: 5 IP 12H 6K 6 ER

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Milwaukee Brewers

The Cubs drop another one to a lone home run by the Brewers pitcher? Boo birds were in attendance after Kerry Wood allowed Chris Capuano to hit a solo home run in the 6th. "I didn't even know he was capable of hitting a home run, or else I sure wouldn't have fed him a 2-1 fastball right down the middle", Wood commented.

Dusty Baker is facing much criticism, after a sub-par season last year, and now a 0-4 start, he desperately needs to get the ship turned around, and fast.

Rookie shortstop Ronny Cedeno continues to struggle, as he is yet to get a hit, and he commits 2 throwing errors in the game, giving him 3 errors on the young season


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 0 4 2
MIL 1 4 1

Chris Capuano: 1-3, HR, RBI
Jacque Jones: 2-3, 2B
WP: Chris Capuano: 8.1 IP 4H 6K
LP: Kerry Wood: 8 IP 4H 3K 1 ER

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Milwaukee Brewers

It's about time.

The Chicago Cubs win their first game of the season. An up and down game, the Cubs went up early, backed by a 2-run home run by Derek Lee, his first of the year, in the bottom of the third inning. It wasn't until the 6th that the Brew-crew got on the board, with a 3-run home run by Carlos Lee, his second of the year. In the bottom of the same inning, pinch hitter John Mabry came to Chicago's rescue and drove in Jacque Jones with a double down the left field line. A double by Damian Miller down the left field line off of Cubs reliever Michael Wuertz tied the game in the top of the eight. Bobby Howry and Glendon Rusch were able to fend off the Brewers, as Aramis Ramirez brought home the win walkoff home run style with a solo shot in the bottom of the tenth off of Brewers setup man Danny Kolb.

Lee and Ramirez look to carry the team offensively once again this year, as both went 3-5, scored a run, and drove in three of the Cubs five runs.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 5 11 1
MIL 4 10 0

Carlos Lee: 1-5, HR, 3 RBI
Derek Lee: 3-5, HR, 2B, 2 RBI
LP: Toma Ohka: 6 IP 9H 4K 4 ER 3 BB
WP: Glendon Rusch: 1 IP

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
MIL-1-0-0-0-0-4-0-1-0 6 13 2
CHC-0-0-0-3-0-0-0-0-0 3 8 0

WP: Rick Helling
LP: Mark Prior
S: Derrick Turnbow(3)

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. San Diego Padres

Ivy: 1 Cubs: 0

Another amazing performance by the Cubs Carlos Zambrano was spoiled tonight, as the Cubs fell to the San Diego Padres two to one in eleven innings.

The Cubs led the entire game after scoring in the 1st inning, but in the top of the ninth with one out, Mike Cameron flyed out deep to left and sent home Brian Giles, who slid around the throw by the young Matt Murton, and was called safe, propelling the game into extra innings.

This is when things got interesting.

In the bottom of the tenth Todd Walker led off with a single, followed by a flyout to deep right by Derek Lee. Que Aramis Ramirez, who hits a BULLET into the right center gap for extra bases, Todd Walker went screaming around second, but before he reached second the ball was already stuck in the ivy. It was ruled a ground rule double, and what would have been the game winnin g hit turned into runners on second and third. Michael Barrett was intentionally walked, to load the bases, and Matt Murton and Jacque Jones both responded by flying out to center and left respectively.

Dusty Baker was obviously downtrodden after the loss and said,"That was a rough one today, everyone in the park knew Todd was going to score, but what are you going to do, those are the field rules. We need to move on, and take the next two games of this series."

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 13 0
SD 2 11 0

Brian Giles 2-5 2B, 2 Runs
Michael Barrett: 2-4, RBI, BB
WP: Scott Linebrink: 3 IP 4H 2K
LP: Glendon Rusch: 2 IP 4H ER

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. San Diego Padres

The Cubs put on a great show against the Padres today.....err....well....in the ninth inning with two outs anyways.

Chan Ho Park rolled over the Cubs all day, retiring batter after batter on the swing happy Cubs using minimal pitches. He remained in the game in the ninth, going for his first perfect game in the National League since winning rookie of the year as a Los Angeles Dodger.

Todd Walker and Derek Lee hit back to back home runs with two outs as the Cubs trailed 1-0 in the bottom of the ninth, and Lee's walkoff won the game and sent the Cub faithful into a frenzy.

Todd Walker, who hit the tying home run stated, "I just went up there looking fastball, he put one up in my zone, and I swung as hard as I could. I'm glad I could help give the fans something to cheer about, and hopefully this can serve as the turning point to our rocky start."

While Park looked good, the game was not all the Padres lost, Ryan Klesko went down with a hamstring pull after he hit a triple in the first inning and came up lame going from 2nd to third.

Tomorrow is the rubber-game of the series, stay tuned Cub fans.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 2 5 0
SD 1 5 0

Freddy Guzman 2-3, 1 Run
Derek Lee: 2-4, HR, RBI
LP: Chan Ho Park: 8.2 IP 5H 2ER 2K 2HRA
WP: Bobby Howry: 1 IP 1 K

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
SD-0-2-0-1-0-0-0-0-0 3 11 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-3-0-1-X 4 8 0

LP: D'Wayne Brazelton(1-1)
WP: Michael Wuertz(1-0)
S: Ryan Dempster(1)

Cubs Hitter of the Game:: Matt Murton, 2-4, Grand Slam, 4 RBI
Padres Hitter of the Game: Mike Cameron, 3-4, HR, SB, RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 4 0
CHC-1-0-0-0-2-0--0-1 4 10 1

LP: Victor Santos(1-1)
WP: Jerome Williams(1-0)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 2-3, 2B, 2BB, 2R, SB
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Jack Wilson, 1-3, 2B, BB, R

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-1-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-X 3 8 1
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0 1 0

LP: Oliver Perez(3-0)
WP: Mark Prior(0-3)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre , 1-4, SB
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Sean Casey, 2-3, 2B, BB, 2R's

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Pittsburgh Pirates

The Cubs lose another as Jack Wilson go deep off of Carlos Zambrano in the bottom of the fourth, high off the pavillion in left field.

"I left him a splitter up in the zone," Zambrano said to Cub reporters, "You just can't do that in this league, 9 out of 10 times they will hit it into the seats, and he did, I give Jack all the credit in the world."

Chicago continues to struggle on offense, even Derek Lee and Aram look confused at the plate. The Cubs are glad to get out of Pittsburgh and move on.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 0 4 0
PIT 1 6 0

Jack Wilson, 2-4, HR, RBI
Juan Pierre: 2-4, SB
WP: Kip Wells(1-1): 8.2 IP, 4H, 2K
LP: Carlos Zambrano(0-2): 8 IP, 6H, 1R, 2Ks
Save: Solomon Torres(1)

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Cincinatti Reds

Poise.

It is hard to find one word to define a player, but the one above more the aptly describes future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux.

"It's amazing to watch," said Cincinatti Reds centerfielder Tony Womack, "I mean we got Griffey on our team, and to have him and Greg on the same stage like this is just special. You just have to tip your hat to Greg, but at the same time, this loss shows that we need to get back to playing the kind of baseball we know we can play."

Maddux was stellar, going 6 innings, allowing only 3 hits, and striking out 2. Cub runs came in the first and the eight, propelling the Cubs to a 2-0 victory over the Cincinatti Reds.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 2 11 0
CIN 0 5 0

Felipe Lopez: 1-3, 2B
Todd Walker: 3-4, RBI
LP: Eric Milton(0-3): 7IP, 9H, 7K, 2ER
WP: Greg Maddux(1-1): 6IP, 3H, 0ER, 2K
Save: Ryan Dempster(2)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
CIN-2-0-2-0-0-0-0-3-X 7 10 1
CHC-0-0-1-2-2-0-0-0-1 6 11 2

LP: Bobby Howry (1-1): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 K, 2 HRA
WP: Joe Germano (2-0): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 K
Save: Ryan Wagner (2)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 1-1, 3 BB, 3 R, 3 SB
Reds Hitter of the Game: Ken Griffey Jr., 2-4, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT St. Louis Cardinals

Coming off a tough loss, the Cubs came into St. Louis with a chip on their shoulder, and on the arms of young right-handed starter Jerome Williams, who was aquirred last year along with Cubs double-A prospect, reliever David Aardsma, walked into St. Louis and began the series with a 2-0 victory.

"Big Slick is what we call him," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker of the 23 year old Williams, "Because everything he does is so smooth and effortless. Many people don't realize that he was the opening day starter for the Giants two years ago, thats a lot of pressure for an organization to put on a top prospect, but we sure are glad he has landed here as our fifth starter.

Williams was almost unhittable, surrendering only 2 hits on the ballgame. Juan Pierre set the tone early, driving the first pitch of the game deep to right field over the head of Juan Encarnacion. He promptly scored on a fielders choice by Todd Walker. The Cubs scored again in the sixth on back to back doubles from Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 2 7 1
STL 0 2 0

Larry Bigbie: 1-3
Jacque Jones: 2-3, 2B
LP: Jason Marquis(0-1): 6IP, 6H, 6K, 2ER, BB
WP: Jerome Williams(2-0): 9IP, 2H, 0ER, 3K
Save: None

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
STL-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1 2 5 0
CHC-0-0-4-0-1-0-0-1-0 6 11 0

WP: Mark Prior (1-3): 8 IP, 3 H, ER, 4 K, BB
LP: Jeff Suppan (1-2): 2.1 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derek Lee, 2-4, HR, 4 RBI
Cardinals Hitter of the Game: Scott Rolen, 1-4, HR, RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-0-0-1-0-0-2-2-0-0 5 15 1
CHC-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-1-0 2 12 1

LP: Carlos Zambrano (0-3): 5.2 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 4 K, 2 BB
WP: Kip Wells (2-1): 6.2 IP, 8 H, ER, 4K, 3 BB
Save: Solomon Torres (3)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 2-5, 2B, RBI
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Humberto Cota, 1-4, HR, 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Pittsburgh Pirates

It's good to be home if your the Chicago Cubs.

They won against the Pittshburgh Pirates by a score of 3-0 yesterday, behind the second quality performance in a row by Greg Maddux, who threw a complete game shutout while allowing only 3 hits on the day.

Also, young second year outfielder Matt Murton hit his first home run of the year in the bottom of the 2nd in the form of a 2-run shot, 409 ft. to deep center field. "It's a great confidence booster, for the team and for Matt," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker, "Your first home run of the year is always a hump to overcome, and Matt may look like a clean cut kid with his red hair, but he is a major league caliber hitter, you can be sure of that."

Murton also drove in his third run of the game two innings later, driving a single up the middle to score Derek Lee from third who had advanced to third on a fielders choice after banging a double into the right-center gap.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 3 5 1
PIT 0 3 0

Humberto Cota: 1-3
Matt Murton: 2-3, HR, 3 RBI
LP: Zach Duke (0-4): 7 IP, 5H, 3 ER, 5K, BB
WP: Greg Maddux (2-1): 9 IP, 3H, 6K
Save: None

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-0-1-0-0-1-0-0-0-0 2 10 0
CHC-0-0-3-0-0-0-3-0-X 6 11 0

WP: Kerry Wood (1-1): 8 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 8 K, 2 BB
LP: Pete Maholm (1-1): 5 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 2K, 5 BB
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Aramis Ramirez, 2-3, HR, 3 RBI, BB
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Jeromy Burnitz, 3-4, HR, RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

*NOTE: Next Game was rained out, game after that scheduled into this double header*

GAME ONE

Linescore: R H E
CIN-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0 1 7 1
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-2-X 2 7 0

WP: Will Ohman (1-0): 1 IP, H
LP: Dave Williams (2-2): 7.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 5K
Save: Ryan Dempster (3)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derek Lee, 1-3, 2B, R, BB
Reds Hitter of the Game: Adam Dunn, 2-4, 2B, RBI

GAME TWO

Linescore: R H E
CIN-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 5 0
CHC-0-0-0-1-0-2-1-0-X 4 10 0

WP: Michael Wuertz (2-0): 4 IP, 3H, BB, 2K
LP: Brandon Claussen (1-2): 5.1 IP, 8 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3K
Save: Ryan Dempster (4)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Neifi Perez, 4-4, 2 RBI
Reds Hitter of the Game: Adam Dunn, 1-3, 2B, RBI, BB

[Hilbs]

Mark Prior Suspended for 3 Games

http://www.chicago-cubs-baseball.com/images/nhlc.jpg

Mark Prior, starting pitcher of the Chicago Cubs was suspended for 3 games following an altercation that took place in the third inning of the second game of the April 26th doubleheader between the Cubs and the Cincinatti Reds.

"Mark is a fiery player," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker, "But it is important that nothing like this happens again, we are lucky he is a pitcher and won't even miss a start."

The altercation was between Prior and Reds centerfielder Ken Griffey Jr., he said something that Prior obviously took offense too, as Prior charged at him and began the bench clearing brawl.

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
CIN-0-0-2-0-0-0-0-2-0 4 10 1
CHC-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0 1 9 1

LP: Carlos Zambrano (0-4): 6.1 IP, 6H, ER, 2 BB, 8K
WP: Paul Wilson (2-2): 7.2 IP, 8 H, ER, BB, 8K
Save: Ryan Wagner (3)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Matt Murton, 2-4, RBI
Reds Hitter of the Game: Jason Larue, 2-2, R, 2 BB

[Herbie]

What are the NL Central standings at this point?
Are you playing the 162 game season?

[Hilbs]

What are the NL Central standings at this point?
Are you playing the 162 game season?

Ya, I am playing the 162 game season, I sim until I lose, and I play until I win.

For future reference I will be posting a monthly report, including prospect info, league info, etc.

[Herbie]

Here are the NL Central Standings, (for future reference I will be posting a monthly report, including prospect info, league info, etc)

IC, I was too lazy to figure up the wins/losses, but monthly reports will give me that info.

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Houston Astros

Matt Murton continues his trend of difference maker in the past two weeks, driving in the Cubs only run of the day with a single in the top of the 4th inning as he drove home Aramis Ramirez.

Another quality performance by Greg Maddux, who defeated Astros ace and also fellow future HOF'er, Roger Clemens. He may not put up up the flashy numbers in terms of strikeouts, but his 1.97 ERA in 4 starts this year speaks for itself. "I'd be lying if I said going out with another Cy Young doesn't appeal to me, but I have a world series championship on my mind, the fans deserve it after so many years, and frankly so does the organization.""

The Cubs continue tomorrow on the road against the Astros.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 6 1
HOU 0 2 0

Lance Berkman: 1-4
Matt Murton: 2-3, RBI
LP: Roger Clemens (3-2): 8 IP, 6H, ER, 4K
WP: Greg Maddux (3-1): 6 IP, 2H, 2K
Save: Ryan Dempster (5)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
HOU-0-0-2-0-0-0-0-1-X 3 11 0
CHC-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 8 0

LP: Kerry Wood (1-2): 6 IP, 8H, 2ER, 9K
WP: Wendy Rodriguez (3-0): 4 IP, 2H, BB, 2K
Save: Brad Lidge (5)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 1-3, R, BB
Astros Hitter of the Game: Craig Biggio, 3-4, RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs Monthly Baseball Report: APRIL

NL Central Standings
W L W% GB STRK RS RA
HOU 16 7 .696 0 W1 110 81
CHC 12 12 .500 4.5 L1 58 61
STL 10 12 .455 5.5 W1 80 90
CIN 10 13 .435 6 W3 99 114
MIL 9 14 .391 7 L3 86 120
PIT 9 15 .375 7.5 L7 72 96

Other Division Leaders:

NL East: Mets (15-9)

NL West: Diamondbacks (18-6)

AL Central: Twins (13-11)

AL West: Mariners (16-8)

AL East: T-Red Sox & Orioles (both 16-8)

Cubs Statistics

Batters:

Derek Lee - .298, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 15 R, 12 2B, 3 Errors

Jerry Hairston Jr. - .167 (6 AB's)

Todd Walker - .204, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 R, 2 2B,

Jose Macias - .000 (2 AB's)

Aramis Ramirez - .295, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 8 2B, 1 Error

Michael Barrett - .269, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R, 2 2B, SB

Henry Blanco - .500 (6 AB's)

Juan Pierre - .234, 2 RBI, 12 R, 5 2B, 3 3B, 9 SB

John Mabry - .250 (8 AB's)

Matt Murton - .276, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 4 R, 4 2B, 1 Error

Jacque Jones - .253, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, 4 2B, SB

Ronny Cedeno - .132, 2 R, 3 2B, 1 3B, SB, 6 Errors

Neifi Perez - .800, 2 RBI, SB (8 AB's)

Pitchers:

Carlos Zambrano - 36 IP, 1.50 ERA, 0-4, 2 CG, 22K, 5 BB, 3 Errors

Kerry Wood - 34.1 IP, 2.88 ERA, 1-2, 27K, 4 BB

Jerome Williams - 29.2 IP, 0.91 ERA, 2-0, 2 CG, 1 SHO, 19k, BB

Glendon Rusch - 6 IP, 1.50 ERA, 1-1, 3K

Mark Prior - 28.2 IP, 4.71 ERA, 1-3, 17K, 5 BB

Greg Maddux - 32 IP, 1.97 ERA, 3-1, CG, SHO, 20K, 0 BB

Michael Wuertz - 12 IP, 1.50 ERA, 2-0, 6k, 5 BB

Todd Wellemeyer - 10.2 IP, 2.53 ERA, 0-0, 8K, 2 BB

Will Ohman - 4.2 IP, 3.86 ERA, 1-0, K, BB

Bobby Howry - 6 IP, 6.00 ERA, 5K, 2 BB

Scott Eyre - 6 IP, 3.00 ERA, 6K, BB

Ryan Dempster - 6 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 Saves, 5K, BB

MLB Leaders:

Average:

1) Luis Gonzalez, ARI: .446
2) Carlos Lee, MIL: .404
3) Barry Bonds, SF: .403
4) David Ortiz, BOS: .400
5) Doug Mienkiewicz, KC: .390

Home Runs:

1) Luis Gonzalez, ARI: 11
2) Richie Sexson, SEA: 10
3) Jermaine Dye, CWS: 9
3) Todd Helton, COL: 9
3) Bobby Abreu, PHI: 9
4) 7 tied with 8
5) 10 tied with 7

Runs Batted In:

1) Richie Sexson, SEA: 25
1) Moises Alou, SF: 25
2) Miguel Tejada, BAL: 23
2) Hideki Matsui, NYY: 23
2) Vernon Wells, TOR: 23
2) Jermaine Dye, CWS: 23
3) Todd Helton, COL: 22
3) Nate Swisher, OAK: 22
4) 5 tied with 21
5) 5 tied with 20

Stolen Bases:

1) Chone Figgins, ANA: 11
2) Ichiro, SEA: 10
3) Juan Pierre, CHC: 9
4) Carl Crawford, TB: 8
4) Carlos Beltran, NYM: 8
5) 8 tied with 6

Runs:

1) Jermaine Dye, CWS: 25
2) Luis Gonzalez, ARI: 24
3) Brian Roberts, BAL: 22
3) Todd Helton, COL: 22
4) Carlos Beltran, NYM: 21
5) 5 tied with 20

Doubles:

1) Derek Lee, CHC: 12
2) Kevin Youkilis, BOS: 9
2) David Ortiz, BOS: 9
2) Hank Blaylock, TEX: 9
3) 8 tied with 8
4) 17 tied with 7
5) several tied with 6

Wins:

1) 10 tied with 4
2) 20 or more tied with 3
3) N/A
4) N/A
5) N/A

ERA:

1) Jerome Williams, CHC: 0.91
2) Tim Hudson, ATL: 1.12
3) Barry Zito, OAK: 1.35
3) Jamie Moyer, SEA: 1.35
4) Victor Zambrano, NYM: 1.45
5) Kris Benson, BAL: 1.46

Saves

1) Francisco Cordero, TEX: 9
1) B.J. Ryan, TOR: 9
2) Trevor Hoffman, SD: 8
3) Luis Vizcaino, ARI: 7
3) Keith Foulke, BOS: 7
4) Eddie Guardado, SEA: 6
4) Jeremy Affeldt, KC: 6
5) 8 tied with 5

Strikeouts:

1) Jake Peavy, SD: 37
1) John Smoltz, ATL: 37
2) Johan Santana, MIN: 36
2) Curt Shilling, BOS: 36
3) Kris Benson, BAL: 35
3) Oliver Perez, PIT: 35
3) Adam Eaton, TEX: 35
4) John Schmidt, SF: 33
4) Dontrelle Willis, FLA: 33
5) Roy Halladay, TOR: 31
5) Daniel Cabrera, BAL: 31

League Transactions:

AL

4/30/05 - TEX Signed 3B Jake Thrower
4/29/05 - DET Signed RF Ruben Sierra
4/29/05 - BAL Signed 1B Adam Tracy
4/27/05 - SEA Signed 1B Adam Riggs
4/26/05 - SEA Signed 3B Russell Branyan
4/26/05 - DET Signed 2B Rey Sanchez
4/26/05 - MIN Signed 1B Randall Simon
4/26/05 - TB Signed 2B Jorge Sequea
4/25/05 - BAL Signed 3B Travis Chapman
4/25/05 - BOS Signed 2B Denny Hocking
4/24/05 - BAL Signed 2B Buzz Hannahan
4/23/05 - TOR Signed 2B Caonobo Cosme
4/22/05 - KC Signed SS Kelly Dransfeldt
4/22/05 - BOS Signed 2B Danny Garcia
4/21/05 - MIN Signed SS Enrique Wilson
4/21/05 - BOS Signed RF Gabe Kapler
4/20/05 - BOS Signed 2B Manny Alexander

NL

4/29/05 - ARI Signed 1B David Segui
4/29/05 - MIL Signed RP Corey Thurman
4/29/05 - FLA Signed SS Jeff Bannon
4/28/05 - FLA Signed 2B Tony Shrager
4/28/05 - WAS Signed 3B Franklyn Garcia
4/27/05 - ATL Signed 1B John Lindsey
4/24/05 - HOU Signed 3B Scott Spiezio
4/24/05 - MIL Signed 2B Wilson Delgado
4/23/05 - MIL Signed 1B Damon Minor
4/21/05 - COL Signed LF Kelly Brown
4/21/05 - FLA Signed 1B Fred McGriff
4/21/05 - WAS Signed RF Mike Ryan

League Injury Reports:

AL

ANA - Bengie Molina, 28 Days, Fractured Toe

CWS - Jim Thome, 49 Days, Torn Rotator Cuff

NYY - Jason Giambi, 11 Days, Strained Left Hip Flexor

TB - Joey Gathwright, 11 Days, Minor Concussion

TOR - Alex Rios, 9 Days, Strained Left Forearm and Jason Frasor, 28 Days, Fractured Hand


NL

ARI - Orlando Hernandez, 57 Days, Torn PCL

LA - Odalis Perez, 3 Days, Minor Concussion

Hou - Andy Pettitte, 7 Days, Minor Wrist Tendonitis

League Suspensions:

AL

CLE - Adam Miller, 6 games

NL

NONE

Cubs Minor League Report

Players of the Month:

AAA Batter of the Month: Cody Ransom, .209 Avg. , 3 HR

AAA Pitcher of the Month: Wade Miller, 2.16 ERA, 29 SO

AA Batter of the Month: Brandon Sing, .243 Avg. , 2 HR

AA Pitcher of the Month: Jason Wylie, 3.28 ERA, 31 SO

A Batter of the Month: Ryan Harvey, .275, 2 HR

A Pitcher of the Month: Raul Valdez, 1.72 ERA, 40 SO

Top Prospect Watch:

AAA:

Mike Fontenot: .220, 7 RBI, 2 HR
Rich Hill:

AA:

Felix Pie: .218, 5 RBI, HR, SB
Adam Greenberg: .239, 5 RBI, HR

A:

Ryan Harvey: .275, 3 RBI, 2 HR
Brian Dopirak: .283, 6 RBI, HR

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Houston Astros

The Cubs hit very well yesterday at the Astros Minute Maid Park.

Too bad everything was right at a fielder, as the Cubs failed to drive runners in time after time, leaving countless runners on base.

The Astros took advantage of their short porch in left field, nailing four home runs, from Berkman, Bagwell, Ausmus, and even the pitcher Brent Backe, who also threw a complete game shutout.

"Giving up home runs to pitchers is a disgrace, let alone giving up a home run to a pitcher for the second time this year," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker.

The Cubs have a day off, and are then on the road again for a 3-game set in Milwaukee against the Brewers.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 0 4 2
HOU 5 8 0

Lance Berkman, 2-4, HR, RBI
Ronny Cedeno, 1-3, 2B
WP: Brent Backe (3-2): 9 IP, 4H, 5K, BB
LP: Jerome Williams (2-1): 7 IP, 7H, 4ER, K, 4 HRA
Save: None

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Milwaukee Brewers

Mark Prior showed his amazing talent, in more ways than one, against the Milwaukee Brewers tonight.

Not only did Prior notch the win with 7 strong innings of work, he hit a two run home run in the 5th inning, just moments after the Cubs had taken the lead on a solo shot by catcher Michael Barrett.

"Mark is a special talent," said Barrett, "Not only can he strike you out any day of the week, he can hurt you with his bat as well." Prior is no stranger to hitting home runs, as he hit many in college as a pinch hitter and even hit 2 in one game as he was coming up in the Cubs organization with the AAA Iowa ballclub.

The Cubs came out with the W tonight, but they are still lacking in offense with only four hits on the night.

"We'll be at the park early tomorrow," Dusty Baker said, "some of these guys need some extra bp work, we need to fix some of the problems with our swings, but we'll be fine."

On another positive note, the Cubs had no errors for the first time in a while, and when the Brewers gave Cubs closer Ryan Dempster a run for his money in the bottom of the ninth, with one runner on base and Carlos Lee at the plate, Matt Murton robbed his attempt at a two run shot from over the left field fence.




Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 3 4 0
MIL 0 4 0

Bill Hall: 1-1, Pinch Hit 2B
Mark Prior: 1-2, HR, 2 RBI
LP: David Bush (1-1): 6 IP 4H 3K, 2 HRA
WP: Mark Prior (2-3): 7 IP 3H 2K
Save: Ryan Dempster (6)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
MIL-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-1 2 8 0
CHC-0-4-0-0-1-3-4-1-1 14 21 1

LP: Ben Sheets (0-4)
WP: Carlos Zambrano (1-4)
S: None

Cubs Hitter(s) of the Game: Todd Walker: 4-4, HR(2), 2B, 3 RBI, BB
Aramis Ramirez: 3-6, 2HR(8), 2RBI
John Mabry: 2-5, 2HR(2), 3RBI
Brewers Hitter(s) of the Game: Carlos Lee: 1-3, HR, RBI, BB

[Hilbs]

INJURY

http://www.bpsports.net/images/PIC9232198.jpg

Many of the Cub faithful wondered why second year outfield sensation Matt Murton was held out of the starting lineup today against the Brewers.

Many thought it was just a routine off-day for the youngster, and as John Mabry filled in admirably with a 2-5, 2 home run, 3 rbi performance.

As it turns out, Murton was injured in the game prior to last night, as he climbed the left-field fence to rob Carlos Lee of a potential ninth inning, rally-starting home run.

"Matt Has been diagnosed with a strained right rib cage," said Cub trainers, "He is in a lot of pain right now, but this is not a brack, we expect him back on the field within the next week and a half to two weeks.

Meanwhile, veterans Jerry Hairston Jr., John Mabry, and maybe even utlity man extraordanaire Jose Macias will platoon in left until Matt is cleared to play.

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: (10 Innings) R H E
MIL-1-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0 2 9 0
CHC-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-1 3 9 0

LP: Derrick Turnbow (1-2)
WP: Todd Wellemeyer (1-0)
S: Ryan Dempster (7)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Jose Macias: 1-1, PH GW Single, RBI
Brewers Hitter of the Game: Brady Clark: 2-5, HR, RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: (10 Innings) R H E
PHI-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 10 1
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-1 2 9 0

WP: Scott Eyre (1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 2K, 2 BB
LP: Tom Gordon (0-1): 1 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Jacque Jones, 2-4, HR(2), RBI
Phillies Hitter of the Game: Abraham Nunez, 3-5, HR(1), 2B, RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PHI-1-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-1 3 6 0
CHC-2-0-1-0-0-1-0-0-X 4 10 0

WP: Jerome Williams (3-1): 9 IP, 6 H, 3ER, 6K
LP: Jon Lieber (1-3): 5.1 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 2K 3BB
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derek Lee, 2-3, HR(7), 3 RBI
Phillies Hitter of the Game: Pat Burrell, 2-3, HR(6), 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PHI-0-0-1-1-0-0-2-0-0 4 11 0
CHC-0-4-0-0-1-0-0-0-X 5 8 2

WP: Mark Prior (3-3): 6 IP, 9H, 3 ER, BB, 2K
LP: Brett Meyers (2-3): 1.2 IP, 5H, 4 ER, BB, 2K
Save: Ryan Dempster(8)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Todd Walker, 3-4, HR(4), RBI
Phillies Hitter of the Game: Chase Utley, 2-4, 2 HR(9), 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
NYM-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0 1 10 2
CHC-0-0-0-0-4-2-0-0-X 6 11 0

LP: Victor Zambrano (4-1): 4.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 4K
WP: Carlos Zambrano (2-4): 6.1 IP, 8 H, ER, 2 BB, 3K
S: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Ronny Cedeno, 2-4, HR(1), 2 RBI
Mets Hitter of the Game: Endy Chavez, 1-2, BB, RBI

[Hilbs]

Cubs Celebrate 7 Game Winning Streak; Walker Sidelined for 10 Days

The Cubs are on a 7 game winning streak, and are quickly climbing up the NL Central standings, taking their record to 19-13, two and a half games behind the Houston Astros, and three games ahead of the trailing Cardinal.

The good news:

Matt Murton is 7 days from returning to the starting lineup. "Everything feels good," Murton stated, "I just want to be careful, this is a long season, and I want to be physically able to help this team all I can.

The bad news:

http://www.prosportspictures.com/images/mlb/chicago-cubs/2005/05-todd-walker-action-1-sm.jpg

Todd Walker is sidelined 10 days with a strained left ribcage. "I took a swing in the 4th inning last night, and I just tweaked it, these things happen, nothing you can really do accept hope that it heals quickly and effectively."

Jerry Hairston Jr. will fill in and bat in Walkers place in the 2-hole, while Macias and Mabry will continue to fill in for Murton until he is healthy.

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
NYM-0-0-0-0-1-1-0-1-0 3 4 0
CHC-0-2-0-0-1-0-0-5-X 8 11 0

LP: Patrick Humber (1-1): .2 IP, 5H, 5 ER, K
WP: Greg Maddux (4-1): 8 IP, 4H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6K
S: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: John Mabry, 2-4, 2 HR(4), 5 RBI
Mets Hitter of the Game: Carlos Beltran, 1-2, HR(8), RBI, 2 BB

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
NYM-0-0-0-0-2-0-2-0-0 4 10 0
CHC-3-3-0-3-0-0-0-0-X 9 13 0

LP: Aaron Heilman (3-2):
WP: Kerry Wood (2-2):
S: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game:
Mets Hitter of the Game:

*accidentally exited the box score, so I have no idea of the stats =[

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
WAS-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3 3 10 0
CHC-1-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0 2 8 0

LP: Scott Eyre (1-1): .1 IP, 2H, ER, K
WP: Luis Ayala (1-0): 1 IP, 2H
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Jerry Hairston Jr., 1-4, HR(1), RBI, BB
Nationals Hitter of the Game: Alfonso Soriano, 2-4, HR(7), 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

Cubs 9 Game Winning Streak Snapped By Nationals; Soriano Comes Up Big in The Clutch

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/msnbc/Components/Photos/051207/051207_soriano_vmed_9p.widec.jpg

The Cubs led for 8 innings behind a strong performance by Jerome Williams, but as Williams departed in the ninth, Scott Eyre came in, surrendering 3 runs before getting more than one out, including a 2-run shot by Soriano, who has been adjusting to playing centerfield this year for the Nationals.

The Cubs were making a bid to stretch their winning streak to double digits, but a 9-gamer is nothing to scoff at as manager Dusty Baker will tell you, "This streak really helped our ballclub, but now it's over, and we gotta try to string another one together."

The Cubs have two games left on the road at Washington, followed by a two game set with the Pirates, before heading home for three games against the white sox, three against the Astros, and three against the Rockies.

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Washington Nationals

The Cubs bounced back well after the Nationals snapped their 9-game winning streak last night, and they bounced back early.

Juan Pierre led off the ballgame with a double, and the game was afoot. Jerry Hairston Jr. followed with a double, Derek Lee followed that with a single, Aram K'ed, Jacque Jones doubled, Michael Barrett singled, as did John Mabry.

Then....Ronny Cedeno hit the first Grand Slam of his career, not to mention his fourth home run of the year. The 6 run first would prove to be enough, as Mark Prior pitched a complete game, giving up a measly 2 runs on 8 hits.

"It's good to see the team respond like that after our streak being broken," Prior said, "We gotta get back to work tomorrow, hopefully we can start a new streak, an even longer one."


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 6 14 0
WAS 2 8 0

Alfonso Soriano: 2-4, 2B, SB, RBI
Ronny Cedeno: 1-4, HR(4), SB, RBI
LP: Livan Hernandez (1-6): 2.1 IP, 9H, 6 ER, K
WP: Mark Prior (4-3): 9 IP, 8H, 2 ER, 2K
Save: None

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
WAS-0-0-3-0-0-1-1-2-X 7 12 0
CHC-0-2-0-0-0-0-1-0-0 3 9 0

LP: Carlos Zambrano (2-5): 5.2 IP, 8H, 4 ER, BB, 7K
WP: John Patterson (2-2): 8 IP, 7H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: John Mabry, 3-4, R, 2B, 3B
Nationals Hitter of the Game: Nick Johnson, 2-5, 2 HR(4), 5 RBI

[Hilbs]

May 15th: First All-Star Ballot Results Released

NL

Catcher:

1) Johnny Estrada, ARI
2) Paul Lo Duca, NYM
3) Brad Ausmus, HOU
4) Brian McCann, ATL
5) Mike Matheny, SF

First Base:
1) Todd Helton, COL
2) Carlos Delgado, NYM
3) Derrek Lee, CHC
4) Jeff Bagwell, HOU
5) Tony Clark, ARI

Second Base:
1) Alfonso Soriano, WAS
2) Chase Utley, PHI
3) Bobby Hill, SD
4) Marcus Giles, ATL
5) Ryan Freel, CIN

Third Base:
1) Chipper Jones, ATL
2) David Wright, NYM
3) Chad Tracy, ARI
4) Scott Rolen, STL
5) Aramis Ramirez, CHC

Shortstop:
1) Hanley Ramirez, FLA
2) Nomar Garciaparra, LA
3) Omar Vizquel, SF
4) Edgar Renteria, ATL
5) Jose Reyes, NYM

Outfield:
1) Luis Gonzalez, ARI
2) Bobby Abreu, PHI
3) Barry Bonds, SF
4) Adam Dunn, CIN
5) Moises Alou, SF


AL

Catcher:

1) Ivan Rodriguez, DET
2) Jason Varitek, BOS
3) Joe Mauer, MIN
4) Jorge Posada, NYY
5) Javy Lopez, BAL

First Base:
1) David Ortiz, BOS
2) Mark Teixeira, TEX
3) Richie Sexson, SEA
4) Mike Sweeney, KC
5) Doug Mientkiewicz, KC

Second Base:
1) Brian Roberts, BAL
2) Luis Castillo, MIN
3) Mark Loretta, BOS
4) Tadahito Iguchi, CWS
5) Mark Grudzielanek, KC

Third Base:
1) Kevin Youkilis, BOS
2) Hank Blalock, TEX
3) Mark Teahen, KC
4) Alex Rodriguez, NYY
5) Troy Glaus, TOR

Shortstop:
1) Derek Jeter, NYY
2) Michael Young, TEX
3) Miguel Tejada, BAL
4) Juan Uribe, CWS
5) Jhonn Peralta, CLE

Outfield:
1) Jermaine Dye, CWS
2) Hideki Matsui, NYY
3) Ichiro, SEA
4) David Dellucci, TEX
5) Vladimir Guerrero, ANA

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Pittsburgh Pirates

The big question entering today's game was whether or not Matt Murton would be in the lineup after coming back from a strained right rib cage. John Mabry had two multi-home run games in the youngsters absence, and is hitting .333 with 10 rbi's as well.

The question was answered, as Murton started and finished the game. "Matt is our guy," manager Dusty Baker said, "He is a great young talent and part of the future of our franchise, and John (Mabry) knows that, he is a veteran and he understands what he needs to do to help this ball club."

Murton delivered early on his trust from Dusty Baker and drove in the first run of the game on a sac-fly that looked like a 3-run home run off the bat.

Greg Maddux was the other story, pitching yet another complete game shutout. "I feel great," says Maddux, "It's like I'm a rookie again, I'm just trying to have fun out there and bring a world series championship to the city of Chicago."

Aramis Ramirez hit a 3-run home run in the third, his 11th of the year.

The Cubs have one more against the Pirates before heading home to play the cross-town rival White Sox in a three game series at Wrigley.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 5 9 0
PIT 0 4 0

Sean Casey: 1-4, 2B
Aramis Ramirez: 2-4, HR(11), 4 RBI
LP: Ryan Vogelsong (0-1): 6 IP, 9H, 5 ER, 4K
WP: Greg Maddux (5-1): 9 IP, 4H, 2K
Save: None

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-0-1-0-1-0-0-0-0-0 2 10 2
CHC-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-5-0 6 10 0

WP: Michael Wuertz (3-0): 3.1 IP, 3H, 3K
LP: Victor Santos (2-4): 7.2 IP, 8H, 5 ER, 3K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derrek Lee, 2-4, HR(9), 5 RBI
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Jeromy Burnitz, 2-4, HR(8), RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

*NOTE: haha, looks like the Sox signed Sammy Sosa right at the beginning of the season out of free agency, hadn't even noticed (of course in real life it is rumored that he is close to coming to terms with the Washington Nationals)

Linescore: R H E
CWS-4-1-0-0-0-0-0-3-0 8 11 0
CHC-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 6 0

LP: Jerome Williams (3-2): 5 IP, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2K
WP: Freddy Garcia (4-2): 7.1 IP, 5H, ER, 2 BB, 4K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 1-3, BB, R, SB(14)
White Sox Hitter of the Game: Sammy Sosa, 3-4, HR(11), 2R, 3 RBI

[Hilbs]

Cubs Sign Murton, Rusch, and Ohman to Contract Extensions

The Cubs had been meeting with the agents of Matt Murton, Glendon Rusch, and Will Ohman, all whom had been voicing contract concerns as their deals were all due to expire at the end of the year.

"We are glad we got these guys signed." said Cubs GM Jim Hendry, "Matt is a great young talent, as is Will, and Glendon has been so valuable to our club since we got him out of free agency, whether it be as a starter or for added bullpen help, he has always been there for us, so we owe it to him."

Here are the details of the new contracts:

Will Ohman: 3 years, 1 mil/year

Matt Murton: 2 years, 300K/year

Glendon Rusch: 2 years, 3.6 mil/year

On a sidenote, Todd Walker was 0-3 in his first game back from a strained left rib cage.

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Chicago White Sox

The Cubs must have forgot their bats today, not managing a hit until the 8th inning against White Sox starter Jose Contreras.

"We gotta get our bats going," said Todd Walker, "I just came off of injury, yeah, but thats no excuse, two hits just isn't gonna get it done.

The only run, and deciding run of the game was scored in the top of the 7th by the Sox, when catcher A.J. Pierzynski banged a double off the right center wall, and Tadahito Iguchi responded by driving him in with a bloop single just out of the reach of Juan Pierre in center.

The Cubs hope to salvage the final game of the series tomorrow.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 0 2 1
CWS 1 7 0

Tatahito Iguchi: 2-4, RBI
Michael Barrett: 1-3
WP: Jose Contreras (4-3): 9 IP, 2H, 3K
LP: Will Ohman (1-1): .1 IP, 3H, ER
Save: None

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Chicago White Sox

They say that in Major League Baseball you live by the home run, and you die by the home run.

The Chicago Cubs lived by it yesterday against the White Sox.

The Cubs cranked three home runs yesterday. Solo shots from Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez, and a 2-run job by Todd Walker who seems to have found his stroke since coming off of his rib injury.

"I felt bad for Pods (Scott Podsednik)," said Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, "The Cubs were tatooing the ball all day, you really have to give them credit, Pods must have ran 4-5 miles with all the balls he had to track down in the gaps, those four runs on nine hits could have been 10 runs on 20 hits."

Brandon McCarthy, the Sox young phenom made a good spot start, but reliever Bobby Jenks blew a save and gave up the home runs that made the difference.

The Cubs are glad to see the Sox head back across town, "They are a great team, and Ozzie really has them focused," said manager Dusty Baker.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 4 9 2
CWS 3 7 0

Juan Uribe: 2-4, RBI
Todd Walker: 2-4, HR(3), 2 RBI
LP: Bobby Jenks (1-2): 1 IP, 3 ER, 2 HRA
WP: Bobby Howry (2-1): 1 IP, K
Save: Ryan Dempster (9)

[Hilbs]

Injury

http://www.cubbiesbaseball.com/images/articles/hairston1.jpg

Jerry Hairston Jr. was injured yesterday in the Cubs 4-3 victory over the White Sox.

He has been diagnosed with a minor PCL sprain, which he suffered sliding into second after hitting a pinch hit double late in the contest.

Doctors say he will be back in about 14 days, but that it is important that he let it heal, so the sprain doesn't turn in to a tear.

The Cubs have put him on the 15 day DL, and have brought up veteran Marquis Grissom from AAA Iowa, where he is hitting .381 with 6 HR's and 3 SB's.

Also, Felix Pie will move from AA West Tennesse to AAA Iowa to fill out their roster, and also test the rookie at the next level.

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT. Houston Astros

The Cubs rolled over the Astros today by the score of 4-1. The Astros scored early, but the Cubs had a 4 run 6th inning, including a three run Derrek Lee home run.

"Hopefully we can use this game to regain some momentum," said Lee, whose home run was his 11th of the year.

Greg Maddux also pitched 6 strong innings en route to his sixth win of the young season.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 4 10 0
HOU 1 9 0

Morgan Ensberg: 2-4, HR(7), RBI
Derrek Lee: 1-4, HR(11), 3 RBI
LP: Andy Pettitte (3-3): 6 IP, 4 ER, 7K
WP: Greg Maddux (6-1): 6 IP, 8H, ER, 2K
Save: Ryan Dempster (10)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
HOU-2-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-3 6 10 1
CHC-0-2-1-3-0-0-0-1-X 7 14 0

WP: Kerry Wood (3-2): 7 IP, 8H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6K
LP: Roy Oswalt (5-3): 5 IP, 11H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 5K
Save: Ryan Dempster (11)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derrek Lee, 2-4, HR(12), 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
Astros Hitter of the Game: Jason Lane, 2-5, HR(7),3 RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
HOU-1-0-0-0-0-3-0-1-0 5 10 1
CHC-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 5 0

WP: Roger Clemens
LP: Jerome Williams
Save:

Cubs Hitter of the Game:
Astros Hitter of the Game:


*accidentally exited instead of viewing the box score again, gotta stop doing that.

[Hilbs]

Alright, I played a bunch of games last night and was too stoned to report them, so here are the scores:

Cubs 0 Rockies 3

Cubs 2 Rockies 3

Cubs 4 Rockies 3

Cubs 3 Rockies 2

Cubs 14 Dodgers 4

Cubs 5 Dodgers 2

Cubs 2 Dodgers 4

Cubs 1 Padres 3

Next up, details of a major trade, then the May report.

[Hilbs]

Major Trade: Hendry Pulls the Trigger


http://thediamondangle.com/archive/july03/tampabay/13b_big.jpg


Today, June 3rd, 2005, the Cubs have pulled off a major deal with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, trading 2B Todd Walker and young LF Matt Murton to Tampa for Carl Crawford.

"Carl was unhappy and Tampa was looking to drop salary, we will miss Todd and Matt, but Carl Crawford is a special player, he has it all, he can hit for power and average, he can steal bases, he is a gold-glove caliber left fielder, he has a major league arm in the outfield, and is an all-around 5-tool player," said Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry.

The Cubs will insert the 23 year old Crawford into the everyday lineup in today's game against the San Diego Padres, he will play left field and bat in the 2-hole.

Also, Neifi Perez will replace Todd Walker at second base until Jerry Hairston Jr. assumes the position when he comes off the disabled list in the next 2-3 days.

To fill the open roster slot, the Cubs have brought SP Rich Hill up from AAA Iowa, presumably for a spot start before Hairston comes off the DL.

Coming up next......May Report

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs Monthly Baseball Report: MAY



NL Central Standings

TEAM W L W% GB STRK RS RA
HOU 34 20 .630 0.0 W1 252 189
CHC 31 22 .585 2.5 L2 182 148
STL 28 26 .519 6.0 L1 234 217
CIN 28 26 .519 6.0 L1 270 251
MIL 20 33 .377 13.5 L1 213 293
PIT 18 36 .333 16.0 W4 160 240


Other Division Leaders:

NL East: Mets (33-21)

NL West: Giants (33-19)

AL Central: Twins (32-21)

AL West: Mariners (29-23)

AL East: Red Sox (35-18)

Cubs Statistics

Batters:

Derrek Lee - .298, 16 HR, 40 RBI, 40 R, 15 2B

Jerry Hairston Jr. - .341, HR, 2 RBI, 7 R, 6 2B

Jose Macias - .231, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R

Aramis Ramirez - .303, 13 HR, 30 RBI, 19 R, 16 2B

Michael Barrett - .269, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R, 9 2B

Henry Blanco - .286, RBI, R

Marquis Grissom - .250 (4 AB's)

Juan Pierre - .269, HR, 5 RBI, 27 R, 13 2B, 4 3B

Carl Crawford - .330, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 32 R, 15 2B, 2 3B

John Mabry - .345, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 4 2B, 2 3B

Jacque Jones - .228, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 17 R, 8 2B

Ronny Cedeno - .194, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 8 2B, 3B

Neifi Perez - .462, 3 RBI

Pitchers:

Carlos Zambrano - 75 IP, 2.40 ERA, 2-7, 2 CG, 45K, 12 BB

Kerry Wood - 66 IP, 3.14 ERA, 3-2, 56K, 11 BB

Jerome Williams - 69.1 IP, 3.25 ERA, 4-3, 3 CG, SHO, 41K, 8 BB

Glendon Rusch - 6 IP, 1.50 ERA, 1-1, 3K, 0 BB

Mark Prior - 73.2 IP, 3.05 ERA, 5-4, 39K, 11 BB

Greg Maddux - 72.2 IP, 2.23 ERA, 6-2, 37K, 3 BB

Rich Hill - (Has Not Played Yet)

Michael Wuertz - 20.1 IP, 1.77 ERA, 4-0, 10K, 6 BB

Todd Wellemeyer - 29 IP, 1.55 ERA, 2-0, 21K, 7 BB

Will Ohman - 15.1 IP, 4.11 ERA, 1-1, 1 SAVE, 8K, 2 BB

Bobby Howry - 17.2 IP, 4.08 ERA, 2-1, 7K, 4 BB

Scott Eyre - 17.1 IP, 2.60 ERA, 1-1, 19K, 5 BB

Ryan Dempster - 12.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0-0, 12 SAVES, 9K, 2 BB

MLB Leaders:

Average:

1) Jermaine Dye, CWS: .386
2) Todd Helton, COL: .379
3) David Ortiz, BOS: .368
4) Luis Gonzalez: .366
5) Carlos Lee, MIL: .362


Home Runs:

1) Andruw Jones, ATL: 18
2) Lance Berkman, HOU: 17
2) Bobby Abreu: 17
3) 4 tied with 16
4) 5 tied with 15
5) 5 tied with 14

Runs Batted In:

1) Veronon Wells, TOR: 53
2) Todd Helton, COL: 46
3) Miguel Tejada, BAL: 43
4) Jermaine Dye, CWS: 42
4) Lance Berkman, HOU: 42
4) Chipper Jones, ATL: 42
5) Hideki Matsui, NYY: 41

Stolen Bases:

1) Ichiro, SEA: 23
2) Chone Figgins, ANA: 18
2) Juan Pierre, CHC: 18
3) Tony Womack, CIN: 14
3) Carlos Beltran, NYM: 14
4) Ryan Freel, CIN: 13
4) Bobby Abreu, PHI: 13
5) 3 tied with 12

Runs:

1) Jermaine Dye, CWS: 53
2) Luis Gonzalez, ARI: 44
2) Matt Holliday, COL: 44
3) Brian Roberts, BAL: 43
3) Trot Nixon, BOS: 43
3) Omar Vizquel, SF: 43
4) Adam Dunn, CIN: 42
5) Andruw Jones, ATL: 41

Doubles:

1) Brian Roberts, BAL: 18
2) Garrett Anderson, ANA: 17
2) Kevin Youkilis, BOS: 17
2) Jose Guillen, WAS: 17
3) 6 tied with 16
4) 7 tied with 15
5) 9 tied with 14

Wins:

1) Tim Hudson, ATL: 8
1) Shaun Hill, WAS: 8
2) 5 tied with 7
3) 10 tied with 6
4) 13 tied with 5

ERA:

1) Tim Hudson, ATL: 1.48
2) Victor Zambrano, NYM: 2.06
3) Dontrelle Willis, FLA: 2.13
4) Jake Peavy, SD: 2.20
5) Greg Madddux, CHC: 2.23


Saves

1) Keith Foulke, BOS: 15
1) Trevor Hoffman, SD: 15
2) 4 tied with 13
3) 8 tied with 12
4) 3 tied with 11
5) 2 tied with 10

Strikeouts:

1) Oliver Perez, PIT: 72
2) David Wells, BOS: 70
2) Brad Radke, MIN: 70
3) 3 tied with 68
4) 2 tied with 67
5) 2 tied with 66

Important Major League Transactions:


6/3/05 - CHC Traded 2B Todd Walker, and LF Matt Murton to Tampa Bay for LF Carl Crawford

5/14/05 - Tampa Bay signed RP Jose Jimenez

[B]League Injury Reports:

AL

ANA - Darin Erstad / 42 Days Left / Separated Shoulder

SEA - Carl Everett / 50 Days Left / Torn Knee PCL

CWS - Jim Thome / 16 Days Left / Torn Rotator Cuff

KC - Mike Wood / 27 Days Left / Concussion

MIN - Scott Baker / 16 Days Left / Fractured Toe

NYY - Octavio Dotel / 16 Days Left / Pulled Groin Muscle

NL

ARI - Orlando Hernandez / 24 Days Left / Torn Knee PCL

ARI - Miguel Batista / 14 Days Left / Inflamed Right Elbow

CHC - Jerry Hairston Jr. / 2 Days Left / Minor PCL Sprain

CIN - Josh Hancock / 10 Days Left / Minor Meniscus Sprain

PIT - Jason Bay / 8 Days Left / Minor PCL Sprain

PHI - Gavin Floyd / 7 Days Left / Fractured Toe

League Suspensions:

AL

NONE

NL

LAD - Brett Tomko / 6 Games Left

Cubs Minor League Report

Players of the Month:

AAA Batter of the Month: Micah Hoffpauir: .304 AVG, 6 HR

AAA Pitcher of the Month: Wade Miller: 1.62 ERA, 74K

AA Batter of the Month: Matt Craig: .276, 3 HR

AA Pitcher of the Month: Jason Wylie: 3.41 ERA, 60K

A Batter of the Month: Luis Montanez: .268 AVG, 5 HR

A Pitcher of the Month: Raul Valdez: 2.66 ERA, 80K

Top Prospect Watch:

AAA:

Mike Fontenot: .236, 4 HR, 13 RBI
Felix Pie: .261, 6 RBI, HR
Rich Hill: Sent up to MLB for Spot Start

AA:

Adam Greenberg: .259, 12 RBI, HR, 7 SB
Ryan Harvey: .305, 4 RBI, 2 SB

A:

Brian Dopirak: .237, 5 HR, 21 RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT San Diego Padres

Carl Crawford didn't waste any time breaking in his new Cubs uniform, as he propelled the Cubs to victory by way of his second inning 2-run home run, his 9th of the year.

"He is a special player, and we are glad to have him," said Dusty Baker, "Carl is kind of like Corey Patterson, if Corey would have blossomed the way we thought he would."

Newly called up starter Rich Hill threw six strong innings, and gained his first major league victory, and everyone got a taste of the Cubs best pitching prospect since Mark Prior.

While both teams accumulated 10 hits apiece, the Cubs were able to capitalize, and clutch pitching by Rich Hill gave the Cubs another victory on the season.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 4 10 0
SD 0 10 0

Ryan Klesko: 1-4, 2B
Carl Crawford: 2-4, HR(9), 2 RBI
LP: Al Leiter (0-2): 6IP 9H 4K 4ER
WP: Rich Hill (1-0): 6IP 7H 2K 0ER

[Hilbs]

Anyone following this, I'm putting quite a bit of work into it.

If anyone wants to see something that I am not doing/forgetting let me know.

Update on your favorite player/team, lemme know.

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
SD-0-1-0-0-0-0-2-1-0 4 9 0
CHC-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-2-2 5 13 0

LP: Trevor Hoffman (2-1): 1 IP, 3H, 2ER, BB, K
WP: Michael Wuertz (5-0): 1 IP, 2H, ER
S: Ryan Dempster (13)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Carl Crawford, 4-5, RBI, R, 2 SB(14)
Padres Hitter of the Game: Mike Cameron, 1-3, HR(8), RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
SD-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-2-0 3 7 0
CHC-0-0-2-0-0-0-0-2-0 4 11 0

LP: Woody Williams (3-3): 6 IP, 8H, 2 ER, BB, 5K
WP: Mark Prior (6-4): 7.2 IP, 7H, 3ER, 6BB, 5K
S: Ryan Dempster (14)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Neifi Perez, 3-4, 2B, R
Padres Hitter of the Game: Vinny Castilla, 2-4, 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

Young Lefty Sent Back Down

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/22/224737.jpg

Even after an impressive performance, the Cubs optioned LHP Rich Hill back to AAA Iowa to make room for Jerry Hairston Jr. who is coming off the DL today.

"Rich made a great start the other night, and we know what he can do to help us in the stretch run, but we just think he will benefit from starting every 5 days at Iowa, rather than trying to make room for him at the major league level," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker.

The Cubs take on the Blue Jays in an interleague match-up two days from now back at Wrigley Field, and Jerry Hairston makes his return, while Carl Crawford hopefully keeps up with his hot hitting since being traded from the Devil Rays.

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
TOR-0-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0 1 4 1
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0 9 0

WP: Josh Towers (2-5) 8.2 IP, 8H, 3 BB, 6K
LP: Carlos Zambrano (2-8) 7 IP, 3H, ER, 9K
S: B.J. Ryan (12)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 2-3, 2 BB
Blue Jays Hitter of the Game: Troy Glaus, 1-3, RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Toronto Blue Jays

The Cubs scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the third, and as Greg Maddux goes seven strong innings for his seventh win of the campaign, the Cubs win another big game.

The run came on back-to-back-to-back singles by Carl Crawford, Derrek Lee, and Aramis Ramirez, Ramirez knocking the run in, his thirty-third RBI of the season, and Carl Crawford coming up big and scoring the run.

The Cubs face Toronto again tomorrow at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 6 0
TOR 0 7 0

Alexis Rios: 2-3
Aramis Ramirez: 1-3, RBI
LP: Ted Lilly (3-4): 6 IP, 5H, ER
WP: Greg Maddux (7-2): 7.1 IP, 7H, 4K
Save: Ryan Dempster (15)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
TOR-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0 1 3 0
CHC-0-0-2-0-0-0-0-0-X 2 10 0


LP: Gustavo Chacin (3-4): 5.2 IP, 9H, 2ER, 6K
WP: Kerry Wood (4-2): 9 IP, 3H, ER, 4BB, 9K
S: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: 1-4, HR(17), 2 RBI
Blue Jays Hitter of the Game: Aaron Hill, 1-2, 2B, RBI, 2 BB

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
BOS-0-1-0-0-0-1-1-0-1 4 11 0
CHC-2-0-0-2-0-0-1-0-X 5 9 0

WP: Jerome Williams (5-3): 6.2 IP, 10H, 3ER, 4 BB, 4K
LP: Tim Wakefield (4-2): 5 IP, 8H, 4ER, 2 BB, 2K
Save: Ryan Dempster (16)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derrek Lee, 2-3, 2R, SB(5), BB
Red Sox Hitter of the Game: Manny Ramirez, 3-5, HR(8), RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
BOS-1-0-3-2-1-0-0-0-0 7 13 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0 3 0

LP: Curt Schilling (5-6): 8.2 IP, 3H, 2 BB, 5K
WP: Mark Prior (6-5): 4.1 IP, 11H, 7 ER, BB, 3K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Carl Crawford, 2-4, 2B
Red Sox Hitter of the Game: Trot Nixon, 3-4, HR(11), 4 RBI, BB

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Boston Red Sox

Wow.

A 14-inning thriller ends with the Cubs on top, as Aramis Ramirez belts a walk-off homerun in the bottom of the 14th with two outs off of Red Sox reliever Jon Lester.

The Cubs trailed 3-2 in the ninth inning, but with one out Derrek Lee launched a solo shot into the right field seats. A-ram followed with a flyout deep to right, but he came back five innings later and set out what he had sought to do then, and ended the ball game.

The Cubs first two runs came off a Michael Barrett 2-run home run.

Each side used at least 5 pitchers, with the Cubs using 6. Todd Wellemeyer picked up the win. "I wasn't even expecting to pitch today," said Wellemeyer, "I had pitched the last 3 games and I was scheduled to rest, but obviously extenuating circumstances came up, and I just went out there and gave it all I had."


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E (14 innings)
CHC 4 10 0
BOS 3 11 0

Mike Lowell: 2-6, RBI
Michael Barrett: 3-5, HR(5), 2 RBI
LP: Jon Lester (1-4): 2.2 IP, 3H, ER, BB, 3K
WP: Todd Wellemeyer (3-0): 1 IP, K
Save: None

[Hilbs]

Most Wins!: Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves

http://images.ewoss.com/MSimages/GAJB10307280031.jpg

Tim Hudson, starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, is the first pitcher to reach 10 wins on this young season.

Hudson's Season Stats:

IP: 100.2
Wins: 10
Losses: 3
E.R.A.: 1.79
SO: 81
BB: 26

[Hilbs]

June 14th: All-Star Ballot Update

NL

Catcher:

1) Johnny Estrada, ARI
2) Paul Lo Duca, NYM
3) Brad Ausmus, HOU
4) Mike Matheny, SF
5) Mike Lieberthal, PHI

First Base:
1) Todd Helton, COL
2) Derrek Lee, CHC
3) Albert Pujols, STL
4) Jeff Bagwell, HOU
5) Carlos Delgado, NYM

Second Base:
1) Alfonso Soriano, WAS
2) Luis A. Gonzalez, COL
3) Chase Utley, PHI
4) Ryan Freel, CIN
5) Rickie Weeks, MIL

Third Base:
1) Chipper Jones, ATL
2) Morgan Ensberg, HOU
3) Chad Tracy, ARI
4) Scott Rolen, STL
5) David Wright, NYM

Shortstop:
1) Omar Vizquel, SF
2) Jose Reyes, NYM
3) Edgar Renteria, ATL
4) Hanley Ramirez, FLA
5) Adam Everett, HOU

Outfield:
1) Adam Dunn, CIN
2) Lance Berkman, HOU
3) Andruw Jones, ATL
4) Carlos Beltran, NYM
5) Barry Bonds, SF


AL

Catcher:

1) Ivan Rodriguez, DET
2) Jorge Posada, NYY
3) Jason Kendall, OAK
4) Jason Varitek, BOS
5) Joe Mauer, MIN

First Base:
1) David Ortiz, BOS
2) Richie Sexson, SEA
3) Mark Teixeira, TEX
4) Mike Sweeney, KC
5) Erubiel Durazo, OAK

Second Base:
1) Brian Roberts, BAL
2) Luis Castillo, MIN
3) Mark Loretta, BOS
4) Tatahito Iguchi, CWS
5) Mark Grudzielanek, KC

Third Base:
1) Alex Rodriguez, NYY
2) Hank Blalock, TEX
3) Kevin Youkilis, BOS
4) Troy Glaus, TOR
5) Jorge Cantu, TB

Shortstop:
1) Derek Jeter, NYY
2) Miguel Tejada, BAL
3) Michael Young, TEX
4) B.J. Upton, TB
5) Carlos Guillen, DET

Outfield:
1) Jermaine Dye, CWS
2) Ichiro, SEA
3) Vernon Wells, TOR
4) Trot Nixon, BOS
5) Hideki Matsui, NYY

[Hilbs]

Royals and Mets Make a Deal

Today, the Mets sent 1B Xavier Nady and RF Victor Diaz to the Royals for 1B Doug Mientkiewicz and C John Buck.

For Mientkiewicz this will be his second stint in a Mets uniform. He began his career for the Twins, for whom he spent 7 years with. He was then traded to the Red Sox in 2004 just in time to help them win a World Series, and promptly traded back to the Twins. Unhappy back with the Twins, he was moved to the Mets, who failed to sign him in the offseason allowing the Royals to pick him up as a free agent.

Mets brass is very happy with the trade, getting a veteran backup firstbasemen in Mientkiewicz, and who they think is one of the premier young catchers in John Buck.

As for Nady and Diaz, both have struggled in their early careers as backups and look to find a home and excel in K.C.

Player Profiles:


KC gets...

Xavier Nady, 1B/OF (26 years old)
http://www.prosportspictures.com/images/mlb/san-diego-padres/2005/05-xavier-nady-action-1-sm.jpg
AVG: .277
HR: 4
RBI: 10
OBP: .347

Victor Diaz, RF/2B (23 years old)
http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20050921/mets_83942.jpg
AVG: .400
HR: 2
RBI: 4
R: 3
SB: 1
OBP: .478
----------------------------------------------------
Mets get...

Doug Mientkiewicz, 1B (30 years old)
http://www.gothambaseball.com/gallery/files/1/meintkiewicz62405_thumb.jpg
AVG: .329
HR: 8
RBI: 27
R: 33
OBP: .429

John Buck, C (24 years old)
http://www.angelfire.com/mb/markssigningbonus/johnbuck.JPG
AVG: .266
HR: 1
RBI: 17
R: 17
OBP: .314

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
FLA-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3-0 3 10 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0 1 5 1

WP: Ronald Belizario (2-3): .2 IP, H
LP: Greg Maddux (7-3): 7 IP, 6H, 3ER, BB, 7K
Save: Anibal Sanchez (9)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Michael Barrett, 2-3, HR(6), BB, RBI
Marlins Hitter of the Game: Pokey Reese, 3-5, 3B, 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

I think I'm going to start taking pictures with my digital camera to spice up the game reports for the games I play. I wish I had the picture taking capabilities that tru has in his Wolverines Dynasty, but I guess my camera will have to do for now.

[Hilbs]

I think I'm going to start taking pictures with my digital camera to spice up the game reports for the games I play. I wish I had the picture taking capabilities that tru has in his Wolverines Dynasty, but I guess my camera will have to do for now.

Nevermind, this is definitely not working, I do have a soft-modded xbox, any programs I can use to take screen shots?

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Florida Marlins

Carl Crawford stole two extra base hits out of the Ivy...the Cubs had 9 hits to the Marlins 6...Kerry Wood pitched a complete game....

And the Cubs still lost.

The Cubs were obviously down after the game, "We are hitting the ball, but we just aren't finding the right holes at the right time," said first basemen Derrek Lee, "It's very frustrating, especially when Kerry goes out there and pitches as well as he did."

On the Marlins side of the ball, Yusmeiro Petit, who was 2-7 entering the ballgame, pitched the first complete game of his Major League career. The Marlins aquirred Petit, a top prospect at the time, in a trade with the Mets involving Paul Lo Duca.

The Cubs have one more against the Marlins tomorrow, and hopefully some of the hard hit balls will start to land for the hometown Cubbies.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 0 9 0
FLA 1 6 0

Mike Jacobs: 1-4, RBI
Jacque Jones: 3-4
WP: Yusmeiro Petit (3-7): 9 IP, 9H
LP: Kerry Wood (4-3): 9 IP, 6H, ER
Save: None

[Hilbs]

Most Home Runs!: Richie Sexson of the Seattle Mariners

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/ABPub/2005/05/08/2002267978.jpg

On June 16th, Richie Sexson has become the first player this year to reach the 20 home run plateau.

Sexson's Season Stats:

AVG. - .313
HR - 20
RBI - 49
R - 38
H - 72
OBP - .394
SLG% - .609

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Florida Marlins

Hairston, to Cedeno, to Lee.

That was the story in last nights 1-0 victory over the Florida Marlins, as the Cubs turned 5 double plays in the 4-6-3 fashion.

The Cubs only run came in the bottom of the 4th. Carl Crawford led off the inning by reaching on an error and promptly stole second base. He was then moved over to third on a fielders choice by Derrek Lee to the right side of the diamond, and was finally driven in via a sacrifice fly by Michael Barrett.

Jerome Williams pitched 8 brilliant innings and Ryan Dempster came through in the 9th with his 17th save of the year.

On a sidenote, Pokey Reese continued to feast on Cub pitching, going 2 for 3 on the day, giving him 8 hits total over the 3 game set.

The Cubs now go on the road for 10 straight games, starting with the Yankees in New York, going to Milwaukee to play the Brew-crew, and returning to Chicago's South Side to play the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Ballpark.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 5 0
FLA 0 6 1

Pokey Reese: 2-3, SB(5)
Michael Barrett: 1-3, Sac Fly, RBI
LP: Trevor Tankersley (2-2): 8 IP, 5H, ER, BB, 3K
WP: Jerome Williams (6-3): 8 IP, 5H, K
Save: Ryan Dempster (17)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
NYY-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-2-3 5 12 2
CHC-0-1-0-1-0-1-0-1-0 4 7 1

WP: Jorge dePaula (4-1): 1.2 IP, 3H, ER, K
LP: Ryan Dempster (0-1): .1 IP, 3H, 2ER, 2BB

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Aramis Ramirez, 2-3, 2 HR(16), 2 RBI
Yankees Hitter of the Game: Hideki Matsui, 2-3, HR(17), RBI, BB

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. New York Yankees

Yesterday was not the first time that the short (314ft.) porch in right field at Yankee Stadium was exploited, but on this particular day it was exploited by both teams equally.

In the second inning, Hideki Matsui popped one over the short porch for his 18th home run of the season, and the Cubs would fail to get a run through on Mike Mussina until the 8th, when a 2-out single by Ronny Cedeno drove in John Mabry who had just doubled down the left field line.

The game went into extra innings, and in the top of the 11th, Juan Pierre did his best Matsui impression and went deep over the same short porch in right.

Glendon Rusch was impressive in extra innings, pitching 2 solid innings, paving the way for Ryan Dempster to rack up his 18th save of the still young season.

Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 2 7 0
NYY 1 7 0

Juan Pierre: 2-5, HR(2), SB(22), RBI
Hideki Matsui: 2-5, HR(18), RBI
LP: Mariano Rivera (0-2): 3 IP, ER, 5K
WP: Glendon Rusch (2-1): 2 IP, K
Save: Ryan Dempster (18)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
NYY-0-0-1-0-0-2-1-0-1 5 11 1
CHC-0-0-0-0-4-0-0-0-0 4 11 2

*no stats, quick simmed by accident

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Milwaukee Brewers

The Cubs jumped on the Brew-crew early in Milwaukee tonight, scoring two runs in the first following back-to-back-to-back singles by Juan Pierre, Carl Crawford, and Derrek Lee, and groundouts by Aramis Ramirez and Michael Barrett.

Kerry Wood threw six strong innings, surrendering no runs and striking out two. The Brewers scored their only run of the game in the 8th off a pinch hit home run by Wilson Delgado off of Cub reliever Will Ohman. The Cubs added a home run of their own in the 8th when Aramis Ramirez finally chased Toma Ohka from the game with an opposite field shot.

Carlos Lee hit a home run as well, but unfortunately for him, just as former Cub Matt Murton robbed his home run last time the two teams met, Jacque Jones did his best Matt Murton impression and stole another from him.

"Apparently I need to hit the ball farther," said Lee jokingly.

On a sidenote, Jose Macias and Neifi Perez started in place of Jerry Hairston Jr. and Ronny Cedeno, who were both given routine days off. Both responded well going 2-4 respectively, with Perez hitting 2 doubles off the left field wall.




Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 3 11 0
MIL 1 8 0

Wilson Delgado: 1-1, HR, RBI
Aramis Ramirez: 1-4, HR(17), RBI
LP: Toma Ohka (3-6): 8 IP, 10H, 3ER, BB, 3K
WP: Kerry Wood (5-3): 6 IP, 6H, 2K 0ER
Save: Ryan Dempster (19)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
MIL-0-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 1 7 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-2-0-0-2 4 7 0

LP: Devin Bush (3-4): 6.2 IP, 5H, 2ER, BB, 3K
WP: Jerome Williams (7-3): 8 IP, 7H, ER, 4 BB, 7K
S: Ryan Dempster (20)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derrek Lee, 3-3, 2 2B, 3B, RBI
Brewers Hitter of the Game: Rickie Weeks, 2-2, BB

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
MIL-1-1-1-0-0-0-0-4-X 7 9 0
CHC-0-0-2-0-0-0-1-0-2 5 8 1

WP: Ben Sheets (5-5): 8.1 IP, 8H, 5 ER, BB, 9K
LP: Will Ohman (1-3): .1 IP, 3H, 4 ER, 3 BB, K
S: Jorge De La Rosa (11)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Michael Barrett, 1-3, HR(7), 2 RBI
Brewers of the Game: Quinton McCracken, 2-5, 2 2B, 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

Unreported/Simmed Games:

Cubs 0 Brewers 5

Cubs 1 White Sox 4

Cubs 2 White Sox 1

Cubs 9 White Sox 3

Cubs 4 Brewers 1

Cubs 10 Brewers 2

Cubs 2 Brewers 1

[Hilbs]

Injury!

http://ism.infinityprosports.com/Uploads/30/MultimediaManager/1057.jpeg


Cubs rookie shortstop Ronny Cedeno suffered a fractured toe in the Cubs 4-1 loss to the White Sox last week, after he completed a sensational diving catch in short left field on a line drive from his shortstop position.

Doctors say he will be out for about three weeks and as a result he has been placed on the 15 day DL.

3B/IF Mike Fontenot has been moved up from triple A Iowa to replace Cedeno for the meantime.

[Hilbs]

Post Deleted, accidentally edited it when I meant to qoute it as a template for my July report. See page 7 for the July report as this was the June report.

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: (13 Innings) R H E
WAS-0-2-0-0-0-0-3-0-0-0-0-0-0 5 10 0
CHC-0-0-1-0-1-1-0-1-0-0-0-0-1 6 14 0

WP: Scott Eyre (2-1): 6.2 IP, 7H, 5 ER, BB, 4K
LP: Matt Hinckley (6-3): 4.1 IP, 4H, ER, BB, 4K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Jacque Jones, 2-5, HR(9), RBI
Nationals Hitter of the Game: Nick Johnson, 2-6, HR(14), 3 RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
WAS-0-0-0-0-0-5-0-6-2 13 15 1
CHC-1-3-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 4 9 0

LP: Jerome Williams (8-4): 5.2 IP, 6H, 5 ER, 5 BB, 5K
WP: Tony Armas Jr. (4-3): 5 IP, 8H, 2 ER, 4K
Save: Luis Ayala (4)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Neifi Perez, 1-2, BB, RBI
Nationals Hitter of the Game: Jamey Carroll, 1-5, HR(5), 3 RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Washington Nationals

"I don't know what they (Jacque Jones and Aramis Ramirez) has for breakfast this morning, but I'm gonna call their wives and make sure they make some more for the rest of us," said Dusty Baker when asked about the two mammoth home runs of 444 ft. and 447 ft. by Aramis Ramirez and Jacque Jones respectively yesterday against the Washington Nationals.

Well, one thing is for sure, Mark Prior must have had the same breakfast as well, because he came 7 outs from a perfect game, before Jose Guillen broke it up by smoking a line drive past the diving Jerry Hairston Jr.

Obviously, Prior picked up the win, and the Cubs picked up the victory as they continue to narrow the gap between themselves and the Astros as the mid-summer classic quickly approaches.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 3 7 0
WAS 1 5 0

Ryan Church: 1-4, RBI
Jacque Jones: 1-3, HR(10), 2 RBI
LP: Livan Hernandez (3-9): 7 IP, 6H, 3 ER, 4K
WP: Mark Prior (8-5): 8.1 IP, 3H, 0 ER
Save: None

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
ATL-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0 3 1
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-1-0-0-0 1 3 0

WP: Carlos Zambrano (4-9): 9 IP, 3H, 0 ER, BB, 6K
LP: Mike Hampton (9-6): 6.1 IP, 2H, ER, 4 BB, 7K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Juan Pierre, 2-4, 3B, R
Braves Hitter of the Game: Chipper Jones, 1-3, 2B

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
ATL-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1 1 8 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-2-0 2 10 1

WP: Greg Maddux (9-4): 8 IP, 6H, BB, 4K
LP: John Thomson (6-6): 7 IP, 10H, 2 ER, BB, 5K
Save: Ryan Dempster (23)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derrek Lee, 2-3, HR(21), BB, 2 RBI
Braves Hitter of the Game: Chipper Jones, 1-2, HR(21), BB

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
ATL-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-1-X 1 4 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 0 6 2

LP: Kerry Wood (6-4): 7.2 IP, ER, 4H, BB, 6K
WP: Horacio Ramirez (5-3): 9 IP, 6H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7K
Save: None

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Carl Crawford, 2-3, 2B, SB(23)
Braves Hitter of the Game: Marcus Giles, 1-4, 2B, RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Atlanta Braves

Jerome Williams only gave up 4 hits and 1 run via an Adam LaRoche home run in the 5th inning over eight and a third solid innings, but reliever Michael Wuertz gave up a walk-off homerun on his second pitch to Andruw Jones, Jones's major league leading 30th of the year.

The Cubs scored their only run off Braves ace Tim Hudson in the top of the 6th, as Michael Barrett drove in Carl Crawford who had been pushed over to third by a Aramis Ramirez fielders choice after he had stolen second base. Hudson had a no decision, but pitched a strong game nonetheless, striking out 9 Cubs along the way.

The Cubs have a 3 game set with the Marlins coming up next.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 6 2
ATL 2 5 0

Andruw Jones: 2-4, Walk-Off HR(30), 2B, RBI
Michael Barrett: 2-4, RBI
WP: Chris Reitsma (1-0): 1 IP, 6H, ER, 9K
LP: Michael Wuertz (5-1): 0 IP, H, ER
Save: None

[Hilbs]

Simmed games:

Cubs 0 Marlins 3

Cubs 2 Marlins 3

Cubs 9 Marlins 1

[Hilbs]

All-Star Rosters Announced: 2 Cubs Make The Team!

http://www.ntcc.edu/Baseball/National%20League%20Logo%202.jpg

Starters:

C: Johnny Estrada, ARI
1B: Albert Pujols, STL
2B: Alfonso Soriano, WAS
3B: Morgan Ensberg, HOU
SS: Nomar Garciaparra, LAD
LF: Barry Bonds, SF
CF: Andruw Jones, ATL
RF: Lance Berkman, HOU

SP: Pedro Martinez, NYM

Bench:

Pitchers

SP: Roy Oswalt, HOU
SP Tim Hudson, ATL
SP: Noah Lowry, SF
SP: Victor Zambrano, NYM
RP: Billy Wagner, NYM
RP: Trevor Hoffman, SD
RP: Chad Cordero, WAS
RP: Ryan Dempster, CHC

Position Players

C: Brad Ausmus, HOU
LF: Adam Dunn, CIN
CF: Carlos Beltran, NYM
1B: Derrek Lee, CHC
CF: Jim Edmonds, STL
3B: Chipper Jones, ATL
SS: Omar Vizquel, SF

http://www.ntcc.edu/Baseball/American%20League%20Logo%202.JPG

Starters:

C: Ivan Rodriguez, DET
1B: Mark Teixeira, TEX
2B: Brian Roberts, BAL
3B: Alex Rodriguez, NYY
SS: Derel Jeter, NYY
LF: Hideki Matsui, NYY
CF: Vernon Wells, TOR
RF: Jermaine Dye, CWS

SP: Randy Johnson, NYY

Bench:

Pitchers

SP: Carl Pavano, NYY
SP: Barry Zito, OAK
SP: Josh Beckett, BOS
SP: David Wells, BOS
RP: Francisco Cordero, TEX
RP: Troy Percival, DET
RP: Bob Wickman, CLE
RP: Antonio Alfonseca, TB

Position Players

C: Jason Kendall, OAK
3B: Hank Blalock, TEX
RF: Ichiro, SEA
RF: Gary Sheffield, NYY
1B: David Ortiz, BOS
SS: Michael Young, TEX
2B: Luis Castillo, MIN

[Hilbs]

*NOTES: The All-Star game of course now decided home-field advantage in the World Series, and as such I will be playing the game as the National League*


Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh

http://www.baseballpilgrimages.com/national/pittsburgh2.jpg

NL All-Stars AT AL All-Stars

Andruw Jones showed why many consider him not only the best centerfielder in the game, but the front-runner for National League MVP. Jones went 3-3 with two singles, a home run, a stolen base, and threw out a runner at the plate that would have been the winning run.

The game went 12 innings, but unlike the debocale of years past, the game did not end in a tie. In the top of the 12th, Derrek Lee led off with a double off the right field fence, went to third on a fielders choice, and scored on a single by Jim Edmonds.

Pedro Martinez, Tim Hudson, Noah Lowry, Trevor Hoffman, and Billy Wagner, all pitched for the victorious National League, with Lowry earning the win and Wagner earning the save.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E (12 innings)
NL 2 9 0
AL 1 11 0

Derek Jeter: 1-4, HR, RBI
Andruw Jones: 3-3, HR, SB, RBI
LP: Francisco Cordero: 4 IP, 3H, ER, 4K
WP: Noah Lowry: 1 IP
Save: Billy Wagner

MVP

Andruw Jones
http://www.thediamondangle.com/archive/july02/asg3/andruw2.jpg
3-3
HR
SB
RBI
Outfield Assist

[Hilbs]

Wild Card Standings

The first Wild Card standings have been announced following the All-Star Game, and are as follows:

NL Wild Card


TEAM GB

CHC 0
ATL 1.5
WAS 6.0
SD 6.5


AL Wild Card


TEAM GB

NYY 0
CLE 4.5
CWS 6.0
TB 8.0

[Hilbs]

First MVP and CY Young Standings Released

NL MVP

POS PLAYER TEAM

1) CF Andruw Jones ATL
2) SP Tim Hudson ATL
3) RF Lance Berkman HOU
4) LF Adam Dunn CIN
5) 3B Chipper Jones ATL
6) 1B Albert Pujols STL
7) LF Barry Bonds SF
8) CF Carlos Beltran NYM
9) CF Jim Edmonds STL
10) 1B Derrek Lee CHC

NL Cy Young

POS PLAYER TEAM

1) SP Tim Hudson ATL
2) SP Noah Lowry SF
3) SP Roy Oswalt HOU
4) SP Victor Zambrano NYM
5) SP Pedro Martinez NYM
6) SP Greg Maddux CHC
7) RP Todd Wellemeyer CHC
8) SP Jason Schmidt SF
9) SP Mark Mulder STL
10) SP Roger Clemens HOU

AL MVP

POS PLAYER TEAM

1) 1B David Ortiz BOS
2) 3B Alex Rodriguez NYY
3) RF Jermaine Dye CWS
4) CF Vernon Wells TOR
5) RF Ichiro SEA
6) 1B Mark Teixeira TEX
7) SS Derek Jeter NYY
8) 2B Brian Roberts BAL
9) RF Gary Sheffield NYY
10) LF Hideki Matsui NYY

AL Cy Young

POS PLAYER TEAM

1) SP Carl Pavano NYY
2) SP Randy Johnson NYY
3) SP Josh Beckett BOS
4) SP David Wells BOS
5) SP Barry Zito OAK
6) SP Brad Radke MIN
7) SP Cliff Lee CLE
8) SP Mike Mussina NYY
9) RP Juan Rincon NYY
10) SP Mark Buehrle CWS

[Hilbs]

Roster Move

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/18/183641.jpg

The Cubs have optioned veteran catcher Henry Blanco to AAA Iowa and have purchased the contract of 23 year old top prospect Geovany Soto.

Blanco had been struggling, and with Soto hitting .315 with 5 home runs at AAA Iowa, the Cubs think that he is ready for some major league experience and that he can help them make a run at the division leading Astros.

The Cubs begin the second half of the campaign at Wrigley Field against the division rival Pittsburgh Pirates. The pitchers will be young lefty Zach Duke (0-10) for the Pirates, and Kerry Wood (6-4) for the hometown Cubs.

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs VS. Pittsburgh Pirates

Zach Duke only gave up three hits yesterday in a bid to get his first win of the season, unfortunately one of those hits was a home run by Derrek Lee, his 22nd of the year, giving Duke his 11th loss of the season.

Kerry Wood looked good getting a no decision, pitching six strong innings, only giving up five hits, and striking out two.

Rookie Geovany Soto pinch hit for Wood in the bottom of the 6th and flyed out to Pirates second basemen Jose Castillo in his first major league at bat.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 1 4 0
PIT 0 6 0

Jeromy Burnitz: 2-4, 2B
Derrek Lee: 1-3, HR(22), RBI
LP: Zach Duke (0-11): 7 IP, 3H, ER, K
WP: Glendon Rusch (3-1): 2 IP, 5H, 2K
Save: Scott Eyre (2)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-2-1-0-0-0-1-0-0-0 4 5 0
CHC-0-6-0-0-0-0-0-0-X 6 8 0

WP: Jerome Williams (9-4): 5.2 IP, 5H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4K
LP: Oliver Perez (8-9): 1.2 IP, 4H, 6 ER, 3 BB, K
Save: Ryan Dempster (24)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Derrek Lee, 1-3, GS HR(23), 4 RBI, BB
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Jack Wilson, 2-4, 2 R

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
PIT-0-0-0-1-0-2-0-0-0 3 9 0
CHC-0-2-0-0-0-0-3-0-X 5 9 0

WP: Michael Wuertz (6-1): 1 IP, H, K
LP: Kip Wells (3-14): 6 IP, 7H, 5 ER, BB, 3K
Save: Ryan Dempster (25)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Neifi Perez, 2-3, 2B, 3 RBI
Pirates Hitter of the Game: Jose Castillo, 2-4, 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
CIN-0-0-0-0-0-2-0-4-X 6 9 2
CHC-1-0-0-0-0-1-3-0-0 5 9 0

LP: Todd Wellemeyer (3-1): 1 IP, H, ER, 2 BB
WP: Josh Hancock (4-3): 1 IP, K
Save: Ryan Wagner (19)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Carl Crawford, 1-4, HR(12), SB(25), 2 RBI
Reds Hitter of the Game: Austin Kearns, 2-3, GW HR(15), RBI

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Cincinatti Reds

The Cubs really gave one to the Cincinatti Reds today, squandering a number of runs and leaving multiple men on base throughout the game.

In particular, the 8th inning, when Juan Pierre led the inning off with a double, was sacrificed over to third on a bunt by Carl Crawford, putting him on third with one out. Dusty Baker put on the contact play, and Pierre was off at the crack of the bat, but about a third of the way down the line he realized he had no chance as the ball had been grounded hard to third by Derrek Lee, and he was promptly tagged out by Ryan Freel as he tried to slide back in to third. Freel completed the double play by firing to first and getting Lee by a step, ending the inning and squandering a potentially game changing inning.

The Cubs three runs came on a Michael Barrett single that scored a run in the second and a Carl Crawford double in the 5th that drove in two runs.

The Reds struck early, as Frank Menechino hit a two run home run in the first, along with Austin Kearns and Felipe Lopez both had rbi singles in the second and third innings respectively.

Kerry Wood takes the hill tomorrow as the Cubs try to get back on track.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 3 7 0
CIN 4 11 0

Frank Menechino: 2-4, HR(6), 2 RBI
Carl Crawford: 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI, Sac. Bunt
WP: Brandon Claussen (5-6): 6 IP, 6H, 3 ER, 3K
LP: Greg Maddux (10-5): 6 IP, 9H, 4 ER, 2K
Save: Ryan Wagner (20)

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT Cincinatti Reds

It was an up and down game last night, but in the end the Cubs were able to come out on top with a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs went up early in the first as Juan Pierre led off the game with a triple, and one batter later Derrek Lee hit his 24th home run of the year putting the Cubs up 2-0.

The Cubs added another in the 3rd, and two innings later Kerry Wood really got into some trouble, and a bases loaded double by Tony Womacj tied the game at three.

The Reds went ahead for the first time in the 7th, but the Cubs quickly tied the game as Carl Crawford hit a single, stole second and third, and was driven in by a single by Derrek Lee a half inning later.

The game went into extra innings, and in the top of the tenth, Carl Crawford belted his 13th home run of the season and Ryan Dempster closed the game out.

On a sidenote, Aramis Ramirez left the game in the 3rd inning after he tried to reach over the 3rd base dugout and catch a foul ball. He left complaining of tenderness in his right rib, as rookie Mike Fontenot responded by going 2-3 in his place.



Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 5 12 0
CIN 4 9 0

Tony Womack: 2-5, 2B, 3 RBI
Carl Crawford: 2-5, GW HR(13), 2 SB(27), RBI
LP: Enrique Ramirez (1-2): 1 IP, H, ER
WP: Bobby Howry (3-1): 1.2 IP
Save: Ryan Dempster (26)

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Started Dynasty before Mike Piazza signed for one year with the San Diego Padres, this is relevant because details of him being picked up via free agency follow*

Inury and League Transactions

http://mirrorimageorigin.collegepublisher.com/media/paper144/stills/6mo20v7a.jpg

Aramis Ramirez was injured last night against the Cincinatti Reds, he will be out 15 days with a strained right rib cage. He has been placed on the 15 day DL. He will be replaced in the lineup by rookie Mike Fontenot.

Felix Pie will fill his roster spot, coming up from AAA Iowa, but is expected to return to Iowa after Ramirez is back. Also, Ronny Cedeno is due back from his fractured toe in 4 days.

Around the league, a few trades have been made, and a few key free agents have recieved contracts, and they are as follows:

http://images.art.com/images/products/large/10106000/10106780.jpg

Mike Piazza signed with the Philidelphia Phillies on 7/18/06, as the Phillies filled a need after they traded Mike Lieberthal to the Marlins.

Piazza's career numbers speak for themselves, a future hall of famer and the best offensive catcher of all-time. However, he is now a bit older and he really has never been a good catcher. He will probably spend a majority of the time playing first base along with some catcher, as the Phillies also aquired Miguel Olivo from the Marlins in the trade.

Several other significant transactions have taken place in recent weeks, and they are as follows:

7/19/06 - WAS traded C Brian Schneider to TEX for C Rod Barajas

7/18/06 - FLA traded 3B Wes Helms and C Miguel Olivo to PHI for RP Eude Brito and C Mike Leiberthal

7/10/06 - COL traded C J.D. Closser to PHI for RP Ugeth Urbina

7/8/06 - WAS traded SP Shawn Hill to ARI for RP Brandon Lyon

[Hilbs]

*NOTE: Simmed Game*

Linescore: R H E
CIN-0-0-2-0-0-0-1-0-X 3 10 0
CHC-0-0-0-0-0-0-2-0-0 2 5 0

LP: Todd Wellemeyer (3-2): 1.2 IP, H, ER, 2 BB, 2K
WP: Aaron Harang (6-6): 8 IP, 4H, 2 ER, 4K
Save: Ryan Wagner (21)

Cubs Hitter of the Game: Michael Barrett, 2-4, HR(9), RBI
Reds Hitter of the Game: Ken Griffey Jr., 3-4, HR(24), 2 RBI

[Hilbs]

July 22nd: Cardinals Deal Molina

http://images.tsn.ca/images/stories/20050525/molina_1359.jpg

Yadier Molina, 23 year old younger brother of Hector and Bengie Molina who both play for the Angels, was traded to the Pirates in a rare intra-league trade for 25 year old starter John Van Benschoten.

Molina will replace Humberto Cota as the Pirates starting catcher.

The move by the Cardinals shows faith in both veteran 33 year old Gary Bennett and 22 year old Matt Pagnozzi, and gives them a good young arm in Van Benschoten, who will work mainly from the bullpen with an occasional
fill-in start.

The Pirates may look to have gotten the better deal right now, but time will tell if Van Benschoten can overcome his struggles and become a good major league starter, which the Cardinals scouts believe he can.

Molina's Stats: .289, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 25 R, .341 OBP

Van Benschoten's Stats: 69 IP, 2-1, 1 SV, 6.26 ERA, 52K, 37 BB

[Hilbs]

Chicago Cubs AT St. Louis Cardinals

The Cubs rebounded today against the Cardinals, as Derrek Lee's 2 run home run, his 26th of the year, put the Cubs ahead for good in the top of the third.

St. Louis also scored in the third via a Larry Bigbie home run to right.

The Cardinals gave the Cubs a scare in the ninth, as Scott Eyre began the inning by giving up a single. Ryan Dempster then came in, and the Cardinals pushed the runner to second via a sac bunt by Larry Bigbie. Dempster then gave up a single to Juan Encarnacion, but the runner couldn't score because it was hit too hard to the strong armed Jacque Jones in right. Albert Pujols was intentionally walked to load the bases giving way for Scott Rolen, who struck out and gave Ryan Dempster his 27th save of the year.

Mark Prior pitched 6 strong innings en route to his 9th win of the season, and Felix Pie pinch hit and grounded out to first in his first major league at bat.


Tail-of-the-Tape


R H E
CHC 2 12 0
CIN 1 13 0

Larry Bigbie: 2-5, HR(15), RBI
Derrek Lee: 2-4, HR(26), SB(9), 2 RBI
LP: Sidney Ponson (5-9): 6 IP, 9H, 2 ER, 2K
WP: Mark Prior (9-6): 6 IP, 10H, ER
Save: Ryan Dempster (27)