8/3 Mets (Hernandez) @ Cubs (Big Z) 1:20 CT, WGN

[C.C.]

Boo...

 

I wanted to see Murton play today.

 

That does suck.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END: Chicago’s bullpen had tossed 21.2 consecutive scoreless innings before Will Ohman allowed 3 ninth-inning runs yesterday … prior to that, Cubs relievers combined to produce scoreless outings in 5 straight games for the first time since May 21-25, 2003 (11.2 IP).

 

The Cubs’ bullpen ranks ninth in the N.L. with a 3.85 ERA (136 ER/317.2 IP) … last season, Chicago’s bullpen had a 4.20 ERA (159 ER/341.0 IP) entering August.

 

I'm thinking it about time Ohman got sent to Iowa and Pignatiello was given a shot.

 

Ohman doesn't have options. He'd have to be placed on waivers and then he could become a FA with the Cubs still paying his salary.

[FergieJ31]

CUBS VS. METS: Chicago is currently tied for first in the N.L. Central while the Mets lead the N.L. East … this marks the first time the clubs have met while leading their respective divisions since April 14, 1998 … the Cubs and Mets have never faced each other in August or later when both teams were in first place.

 

The farthest into the season the teams have played each other when they were both in first place was in 1984 … the clubs played each other May 1 when they led their divisions … thanks to Stats Inc

 

In '84 they where both in the NL East...

 

Maybe they were tied? If that were the case, it should say "division," not "divisions."

 

That, or maybe they screwed up and meant 1994. Did the realignment happen in 94 or 95? I recall 95 being the first playoffs with the new alignment, but I think 94 already had the new divisions/wild card.

 

'94 was the first year w/the realignment, but technically Stats is correct when they say "The farthest into the season the teams have played each other when they were both in first place was in 1984" because in '84 they were tied for first.

 

In '89 the Cubs were battling the hated (and still-potent) Mets for first place this late into the season; in fact, I remember a crucial Cubs-Mets series at Wrigley in late July/early Aug. The Cubs swept the three-game set, with Grace capping off the 3rd game with a walkoff 2-run HR off Aguilera. At the time the Cubs were in 2nd, but that sweep of the Mets was often cited as the spark that propelled them into first shortly afterward. (Kinda like the 5-game set vs the Cardinals in Sep 2003).

[Balsa]

Kinda disappointed about no Murton.

 

He's had some great ABs, I don't see why he can't start, especially with Floyd playing the way he is.

[gflore34]

CUBS VS. METS: Chicago is currently tied for first in the N.L. Central while the Mets lead the N.L. East … this marks the first time the clubs have met while leading their respective divisions since April 14, 1998 … the Cubs and Mets have never faced each other in August or later when both teams were in first place.

 

The farthest into the season the teams have played each other when they were both in first place was in 1984 … the clubs played each other May 1 when they led their divisions … thanks to Stats Inc

 

In '84 they where both in the NL East...

 

Yes. I was at that game four against the Mets when we swept them. I'll never forget the atmosphere of that game.

 

Was that the game in which Jody Davis nearly hit the camera booth in CF? I'm thinking he cranked off of Dwight Gooden.

[gflore34]

ALL GOOD THINGS MUST COME TO AN END: Chicago’s bullpen had tossed 21.2 consecutive scoreless innings before Will Ohman allowed 3 ninth-inning runs yesterday … prior to that, Cubs relievers combined to produce scoreless outings in 5 straight games for the first time since May 21-25, 2003 (11.2 IP).

 

The Cubs’ bullpen ranks ninth in the N.L. with a 3.85 ERA (136 ER/317.2 IP) … last season, Chicago’s bullpen had a 4.20 ERA (159 ER/341.0 IP) entering August.

 

I'm thinking it about time Ohman got sent to Iowa and Pignatiello was given a shot.

 

Ohman doesn't have options. He'd have to be placed on waivers and then he could become a FA with the Cubs still paying his salary.

 

I was wondering about that, its too bad, thanks for the clarification.

[inari]

I really wish Murton would get an actual chance.

[C.C.]

I really wish Murton would get an actual chance.

 

I think 99.9% of Cubs fans wish the same thing.

[CubColtPacer]

Kinda disappointed about no Murton.

 

He's had some great ABs, I don't see why he can't start, especially with Floyd playing the way he is.

 

I would agree that Murton should get a chance to start against one of these right-handers, although Floyd has turned it around recently:

 

8 for his last 21 with 1 BB, 2 2B's, and 3 K's.

In contrast, Murton is 3 for 9 with 2 BB's, 1 2B, and 4 K's since he has been up.

 

I would have liked to have seen Murton start today (then Floyd could start tomorrow and Murton against the left-hander on Sunday) but Floyd is in another hot streak again so I'm not upset that he's starting.

[woodchip2153]

I really wish Murton would get an actual chance.

 

I think 99.9% of Cubs fans wish the same thing.

 

IMHO a lot of Cubs fans have formed their opinion about Murton from just his few at bats earlier this year, since they stopped paying attention last year when he was doing so well.

[CUBZ99]

I really wish Murton would get an actual chance.

 

I think 99.9% of Cubs fans wish the same thing.

 

IMHO a lot of Cubs fans have formed their opinion about Murton from just his few at bats earlier this year, since they stopped paying attention last year when he was doing so well.

 

Its not like Floyd is doing terrible.

[Omar]

Kendall is doing well the last 7 days... 5 games, 20 PA, 14 AB, 3 runs, 5 hits, 1 double, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 1 IBB, 4 K, 1 HBP, and 1 SH. .313/.421/.475... .796 OPS.

[Banedon]

I really wish Murton would get an actual chance.

 

I think 99.9% of Cubs fans wish the same thing.

 

IMHO a lot of Cubs fans have formed their opinion about Murton from just his few at bats earlier this year, since they stopped paying attention last year when he was doing so well.

 

Its not like Floyd is doing terrible.

 

But neither is Murton. Floyd isn't doing what he was brought here to do....hit for power. Murton can put up the same numbers that Floyd is putting up, so why not get a young guy out there and see what he's capable of, instead of running the old, fragile, and powerless veteran out there?

[FergieJ31]

I believe Murton should be in the starting lineup vs every LHP, and maybe 1/3 of the starts vs RHP. I'd have no problem with Cliff starting today as long as Matt starts Sunday vs Glavine.

[CubmanPi]

Any news about whether or not Wood actually gets activated today?

[Balsa]

Any news about whether or not Wood actually gets activated today?

I heard he is supposed to today on Sportsday on CSN.

 

But no definitive proof yet.

[tinkerstoeverstochance]

Derosa in for Fontenot at 2nd

[Balsa]

I would agree that Murton should get a chance to start against one of these right-handers, although Floyd has turned it around recently:

 

8 for his last 21 with 1 BB, 2 2B's, and 3 K's.

In contrast, Murton is 3 for 9 with 2 BB's, 1 2B, and 4 K's since he has been up.

 

I would have liked to have seen Murton start today (then Floyd could start tomorrow and Murton against the left-hander on Sunday) but Floyd is in another hot streak again so I'm not upset that he's starting.

So in less than half the number of at bats, murton has more walks and just half the doubles? And he plays better defense? And he's faster? And he's younger?

 

I just don't see any justification for Murton not starting.

[Balsa]

Any news about whether or not Wood actually gets activated today?

I heard he is supposed to today on Sportsday on CSN.

 

But no definitive proof yet.

Rotoworld has it:

 

Cubs activated RHP Kerry Wood from the 60-day disabled list.

Wood figures to work his way back into the bullpen mix as a middle reliever, but could quickly find himself in a late-inning role if he can remain healthy for once.

[Guest]

I really wish Murton would get an actual chance.

 

I think 99.9% of Cubs fans wish the same thing.

 

IMHO a lot of Cubs fans have formed their opinion about Murton from just his few at bats earlier this year, since they stopped paying attention last year when he was doing so well.

 

Its not like Floyd is doing terrible.

 

But neither is Murton. Floyd isn't doing what he was brought here to do....hit for power. Murton can put up the same numbers that Floyd is putting up, so why not get a young guy out there and see what he's capable of, instead of running the old, fragile, and powerless veteran out there?

 

My main problem with Floyd is he's just not providing any power. I'm surprised, actually.

[Guest]

Any news about whether or not Wood actually gets activated today?

I heard he is supposed to today on Sportsday on CSN.

 

But no definitive proof yet.

Rotoworld has it:

 

Cubs activated RHP Kerry Wood from the 60-day disabled list.

Wood figures to work his way back into the bullpen mix as a middle reliever, but could quickly find himself in a late-inning role if he can remain healthy for once.

 

It's official. Wood activated, Cherry to AAA and Guzman to the 60-day DL.

[CubmanPi]

Any news about whether or not Wood actually gets activated today?

I heard he is supposed to today on Sportsday on CSN.

 

But no definitive proof yet.

Rotoworld has it:

 

Cubs activated RHP Kerry Wood from the 60-day disabled list.

Wood figures to work his way back into the bullpen mix as a middle reliever, but could quickly find himself in a late-inning role if he can remain healthy for once.

 

It's official. Wood activated, Cherry to AAA and Guzman to the 60-day DL.

Welcome back, KW 8-)

[moorecg]

August 3rd.

 

Cubs in 1st.

 

Kerry Wood pitching.

 

Zambrano pitching like an Ace.

 

Jacque Jones putting up acceptable offensive #s.

 

If you would have told me all of these things would be true 2.5 months ago I'd have called you crazy.

[seanimal]

I like the guy and all, but I just want C. Cliff Floyd to break something so a certain adorable redhead would get the PA's he deserves.

[seanimal]

August 3rd.

 

Cubs in 1st.

 

Kerry Wood pitching.

 

Zambrano pitching like an Ace.

 

Jacque Jones putting up acceptable offensive #s.

 

If you would have told me all of these things would be true 2.5 months ago I'd have called you crazy.

 

If you told me this now I'd call you crazy.