04/22 NY Mets (Figueroa) @ CUBS (Lilly) 1:20pm, CSN TV

[rawaction]

A couple things in this game. Do you start Hank because of a night game last night? If so, you're probably gonna do the same thing Thursday with a night-day set in Colorado. How's Aramis feeling after taking a pitch to the elbow? If he is stiff and can't go, that would probably force Soto to be in there. How's Theriot's back? He's been killing the ball. If his back is OK, he should be in the lineup.

 

I'd probably go with Soto today to help get offense for Ted today, with Hank getting the start tomorrow. And Soto back in there Thursday. If Aramis can't go, I think Cedeno's probably back in the lineup, but could be looking at Fukudome in the cleanup spot. In all honesty, this could be a decent day for a makeshift lineup. Getaway day, riding a 4-game win streak. You got Johnson, Derosa, Theriot, and Cedeno all red hot competing for 3 spots. All 4 are likely in the lineup tomorrow vs. a LHP, so do you give one a day off maybe 2 if you start Fontenot again?

[Little Slide Rooter]

This would be a great tim for Lilly to step it up. especially when were about to take a trip to Colorodo and Washington and pick up a quick 4 wins.

[C.C.]

The offense better be clicking today. I don't have much hope for Lilly against this Mets team today.

[otis89]

Just win, losers.

[Banedon]

I've got a bet with a buddy that the Cubs will win the head-to-head matchups with the Cardinals this year. I feel pretty confident on that one, so I made another bet with the same guy that Lilly will finish with an ERA under 4.00. I'm much less confident on that one, but the bets cancel each other out, so what the heck.

 

Anyway, my point being...Lilly needs to start bringing it.

[SouthSideRyan]

I've got a bet with a buddy that the Cubs will win the head-to-head matchups with the Cardinals this year. I feel pretty confident on that one, so I made another bet with the same guy that Lilly will finish with an ERA under 4.00. I'm much less confident on that one, but the bets cancel each other out, so what the heck.

 

Anyway, my point being...Lilly needs to start bringing it.

 

Yeah, I don't like your chances with regards to Lilly. And I think he'll bounce back to have a decent year, but he's dug too big a hole at this point.

 

My baseball gambling thus far has been limited to $100 on the Cubs(-3) vs. White Sox overall season record.

[C.C.]

I've got a bet with a buddy that the Cubs will win the head-to-head matchups with the Cardinals this year. I feel pretty confident on that one, so I made another bet with the same guy that Lilly will finish with an ERA under 4.00. I'm much less confident on that one, but the bets cancel each other out, so what the heck.

 

Anyway, my point being...Lilly needs to start bringing it.

 

You are going to break even. No way in the world is Lilly going to have a ERA under 4.00.

[Garage Party]

It's overcast here. We gonna get this one in?

[wekse]

It's overcast here. We gonna get this one in?

 

 

radar isn't looking too nice.

[bcl412]

I'm already freaking out about the Cubs hot start not being for real. Luckily, the opposite of what I dream usually comes true.

[Bruce Miles]

Haven't see Met, but Cubs go this way:

 

Johnson, LF

Pie, CF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Cedeno, SS

Blanco, C

Lilly, P

[E.J.]

Like seeing Cedeno and Pie in the lineup today. Don't agree with having Pie batting 2nd though, but I guess he'll get some protection batting in front of Lee instead of hitting in front of the pitcher. Hopefully, he has a good day today.

[Outshined_One]

Haven't see Met, but Cubs go this way:

 

Johnson, LF

Pie, CF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Cedeno, SS

Blanco, C

Lilly, P

 

Thanks Bruce!

 

Not a bad lineup, overall.

[erik316wttn]

It's overcast here. We gonna get this one in?

 

 

radar isn't looking too nice.

 

I work till 3. Maybe a rain delay until then?

 

Please?

[Guest]

It's overcast here. We gonna get this one in?

 

 

radar isn't looking too nice.

 

It is starting to break up a bit as it gets closer to Chicago; hopefully not a long delay (if any):

 

http://radblast-aa.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/radar/WUNIDS_map?station=LOT&brand=wui&num=6&delay=15&type=N0R&frame=0&scale=1.000&noclutter=0&t=1208883315&lat=41.84999847&lon=-87.65000153&label=Chicago%2C+IL&showstorms=0&map.x=400&map.y=240&centerx=400&centery=240&transx=0&transy=0&showlabels=1&severe=0&rainsnow=0&lightning=0

 

http://image.weather.com/web/radar/us_ord_closeradar_plus_usen.jpg

[Andy]

I really, really hope Felix can put some good ABs together and scratch out a couple of hits. Hopefully he can make this job his for good.

[jersey cubs fan]

Game will start on time and probably won't be delayed, although the flights out of town may be.

[ctcf]

A very decent lineup, all things considered. Keep it up Lou.

[BleacherBadger]

Haven't see Met, but Cubs go this way:

 

Johnson, LF

Pie, CF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Cedeno, SS

Blanco, C

Lilly, P

 

Interesting placement of Pie. Trying to get him more pitches in front of Lee, Rammy, and Fuku?

[SouthSideRyan]

Haven't see Met, but Cubs go this way:

 

Johnson, LF

Pie, CF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Cedeno, SS

Blanco, C

Lilly, P

 

Should I assume Theriot's back is still an issue?

[rawaction]

Yeah, kinda sucks about The Riot. He was killing the ball. Hate to lose him while he's hitting the ball so well, because we all know he can slump with the worst of them.

[CubColtPacer]

Haven't see Met, but Cubs go this way:

 

Johnson, LF

Pie, CF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Cedeno, SS

Blanco, C

Lilly, P

 

Interesting placement of Pie. Trying to get him more pitches in front of Lee, Rammy, and Fuku?

 

I think it's because Blanco is going to be the 8th hitter pretty much whenever he plays, and Lou doesn't see Cedeno as a top of the order hitter. That leaves 2nd as the only available spot for Pie.

[Roast]

Like the lineup minus blanco - but I understand it's just a day off for soto.

 

I also really like Pie 2nd - not so much because it's a great spot for him but because he'll probably see good pitches hitting in front of Lee - especially with as hot as Lee is.

 

I hope Pie has a good day. Plz.

 

 

Also - Class starts at 3:30 for me. Lets make this one quick, ok cubs?

[BleacherBadger]

Haven't see Met, but Cubs go this way:

 

Johnson, LF

Pie, CF

Lee, 1B

Ramirez, 3B

Fukudome, RF

DeRosa, 2B

Cedeno, SS

Blanco, C

Lilly, P

 

Interesting placement of Pie. Trying to get him more pitches in front of Lee, Rammy, and Fuku?

 

I think it's because Blanco is going to be the 8th hitter pretty much whenever he plays, and Lou doesn't see Cedeno as a top of the order hitter. That leaves 2nd as the only available spot for Pie.

 

I'd ride with Ronny in the 2 hole for today. He's got about a .430 OBP in the last week. Gotta strike while the iron is hot.

 

edit: I completely understand and agree with what you said though.

[Roast]

Yeah, kinda sucks about The Riot. He was killing the ball. Hate to lose him while he's hitting the ball so well, because we all know he can slump with the worst of them.

I agree- But ronny has had good at bats recently. Im hoping he continues and maybe can win a job out of it eventually