8/16: Cubs (Marshall) @ Marlins (Sanchez) 6:10p CDT WGN

[Soul]

What an adrenaline-pumping way to exorcise a demon! After breaking the hearts of the Marlins broadcast team -- who incidentally were also the only Marlins fans in attendance -- in the series opener, the Cubs look to make Dolphin stadium their home away from home by taking the series on Saturday.

 

The job belongs to Sean Marshall:

 

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa250/soulschizm/Sean_Marshall.jpg

Sean's given this ballclub quality spot-starts many times in his career. His big-curve lefty style should be the perfect counterpoint to Z's power/slider combo from the night before. 3.55/127/1.132 shows he's pretty efficient when he's good. Sean's always out to show the Cubs he should get more starts, so expect a solid performance from the lefty Saturday night.

 

The Marlins bring a young, former phenom to bear on the Cubs offense:

 

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/indepth/gfx/anibal-sanchez_392.jpg

Anibal Sanchez was solid when the Marlins brought him to the majors in 2006, posting a no hitter in September of that year. But that was a long time ago. Since then he's struggled, had shoulder surgery and rehab, and is just now returning from the DL to pitch again. His '08 stats aren't worth mentioning for lack of sample size, but he's been reasonable since coming back.

 

We just saw what can happen when Cub hitting goes against Marlins relief pitching:

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/images/2008/08/15/YAL7sWHw.jpg

....so be patient, make Sanchez's surgically repaired shoulder work, and methodically pick the fish apart. ROLL ON

[CubmanPi]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.

 

You heard it here first.

[Little Slide Rooter]

We win this one, we win the season series. And for the record, I didnt even ralize that Anibel "Why the hell would someone name a boy Anibel" Sanchez was even back in the majors.

[Skyballer]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.You heard it here first.

I think this is most likely.

In all seriousness, as previously stated, Marshall has something to prove and I think he will. If his bender is under control like I think it will. I'll say 7 innings with 1-3 runs. Marmol and Wood to follow. Cubs win 8-3.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I hate fish.

 

Let's beat these up!

[Andy]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.You heard it here first.

I think this is most likely.

In all seriousness, as previously stated, Marshall has something to prove and I think he will. If his bender is under control like I think it will. I'll say 7 innings with 1-3 runs. Marmol and Wood to follow. Cubs win 8-3.

Marshall will be on a 5 inning/80 pitch limit, so I really doubt you'll be right.

[Skyballer]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.You heard it here first.

I think this is most likely.

In all seriousness, as previously stated, Marshall has something to prove and I think he will. If his bender is under control like I think it will. I'll say 7 innings with 1-3 runs. Marmol and Wood to follow. Cubs win 8-3.

Marshall will be on a 5 inning/80 pitch limit, so I really doubt you'll be right.

Couldn't we throw someone out there with a longer leash? Isn't this Dempster's scheduled day to start anyway? If that's the case and what you said is true, Piniella isn't making much sense.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.You heard it here first.

I think this is most likely.

In all seriousness, as previously stated, Marshall has something to prove and I think he will. If his bender is under control like I think it will. I'll say 7 innings with 1-3 runs. Marmol and Wood to follow. Cubs win 8-3.

Marshall will be on a 5 inning/80 pitch limit, so I really doubt you'll be right.

Couldn't we throw someone out there with a longer leash? Isn't this Dempster's scheduled day to start anyway? If that's the case and what you said is true, Piniella isn't making much sense.

 

Dempster isn't starting because he's tending to personal business. Shark would be on a similar pitch count, so no, unless we made a roster move and brought up someone from AAA, anyone we would use would have a limited PC.

[Skyballer]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.You heard it here first.

I think this is most likely.

In all seriousness, as previously stated, Marshall has something to prove and I think he will. If his bender is under control like I think it will. I'll say 7 innings with 1-3 runs. Marmol and Wood to follow. Cubs win 8-3.

Marshall will be on a 5 inning/80 pitch limit, so I really doubt you'll be right.

Couldn't we throw someone out there with a longer leash? Isn't this Dempster's scheduled day to start anyway? If that's the case and what you said is true, Piniella isn't making much sense.

 

Dempster isn't starting because he's tending to personal business. Shark would be on a similar pitch count, so no, unless we made a roster move and brought up someone from AAA, anyone we would use would have a limited PC.

I really hate limited pitch counts, darn Dempster and his personal issues. I would venture Marshall or Shark would have a higher pitch count in they pitched Sunday.

[Soul]

I just want to give a huge HOOOOOOORAAAAY! because for once, the Cubs' Saturday game should escape Fox and their insane national broadcast blackouts.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Does anyone have Marshalls stats since returing to the big leagues this year? Hes been pretty solid since that first outing that didnt go so well.

[TysonCBulls423]

Cubs/Bears or go out the night before I move into college.......hmm :-k

[BleacherBadger]

65-3 Marlins. Theriot hits 3 solo home runs.

[RedFlash]

Does anyone have Marshalls stats since returing to the big leagues this year? Hes been pretty solid since that first outing that didnt go so well.

 

Sean Marshall was recalled on June 24th:

 

If my math is correct Marshall since being called up has gone:

 

29.1 IPs

25 hits

.96 whip

4.02 ERA

3: 28 BB:K

 

His first two outings after his callups is what is driving his ERA (7ER between the two appearances), but since then his ERA totals since July 6th are: 1,0,2,1,0,0,0,0,0. So yes, Sean Marshall has done extremely well. Too many hits for my taste, but he is countering that by not walking anybody so........

 

Feel free anybody to correct my math....

[17 Seconds]

I live a few hours from Miami, so we usually go when the Cubs are there and stay at the same hotel as the players. My brother was at tonight's game and he said he was taking a leak in the hotel bathroom and Jim Edmonds came strolling in wearing some questionable attire. It was pretty funny though, I pick up the phone and hear "Haha, I just met Jim Edmonds.........in a bathroom". Figures.

[17 Seconds]

We win this one, we win the season series. And for the record, I didnt even ralize that Anibel "Why the hell would someone name a boy Anibel" Sanchez was even back in the majors.

 

It's not Anibel, it's Anibal. Pronounced differently.

[BigSlick]

Cubs/Bears or go out the night before I move into college.......hmm :-k

Hahahah I sort of have the same problem, except I'm working tonight

[C.C.]

I'm still on a high from last nights game, but I'm jonsin' for more!!!

[kujay]

Ward, Brewers lost.

 

This isn't supposed to happen to us.

 

So Sean and co., keep me in this pleasant mood.

[evv98]

I live a few hours from Miami, so we usually go when the Cubs are there and stay at the same hotel as the players. My brother was at tonight's game and he said he was taking a leak in the hotel bathroom and Jim Edmonds came strolling in wearing some questionable attire. It was pretty funny though, I pick up the phone and hear "Haha, I just met Jim Edmonds.........in a bathroom". Figures.

 

Some old Cardinals workout gear?

[C.C.]

75 wins with 15 more games to go in August. Man, it would be sweet to have around 85 wins before September rolls around.

[98navigator]

FYI, per the news, Marquis will be backing up Marshall in the bullpen (Jason's next start has been pushed back until Friday versus the Nationals). Also, lefties hit Sanchez hard so DWard starts at first base, Kosuke in RF, Fontenot at 2B, and Edmonds in center. The only question is who plays thirdbase.

 

Go Cubs!

[C.C.]

FYI, per the news, Marquis will be backing up Marshall in the bullpen (Jason's next start has been pushed back until Friday versus the Nationals). Also, lefties hit Sanchez hard so DWard starts at first base, Kosuke in RF, Fontenot at 2B, and Edmonds in center. The only question is who plays thirdbase.

Go Cubs!

 

Ram?

[UMFan83]

FYI, per the news, Marquis will be backing up Marshall in the bullpen (Jason's next start has been pushed back until Friday versus the Nationals). Also, lefties hit Sanchez hard so DWard starts at first base, Kosuke in RF, Fontenot at 2B, and Edmonds in center. The only question is who plays thirdbase.

 

Go Cubs!

 

Marquis threw 93 pitches 3 days ago, that's odd. I wish we could DFA Howry and bring up Lieber to back him up

[Choonch]

I still hate the Marlins and think they are a worthless franchise, and I hate to see the Cubs play them, especially in Miami.

 

I think Edmonds and Kosuke get starts this game, Kosuke finds a gap for extras and drives in a run with extra bases in one of his two hits, Marshall will unsuccessfully attempt a sac bunt, but it won't matter because Sori clears the bases on the following pitch. Marshall has a few control issues and his pitch count climbs faster than we'd like, but the only pitch he hangs to Hermida comes with no one on base, and he gets out of six only giving up two runs. Cubs back him with 7, Cotts falters out of the pen but nothing major, Cubs cruise to a 7-4 victory.

 

Either that or an earthquake on a previously-unknown florida fault line erupts and opens up a hole at Joe Robbie stadium and swallows the Cubs dugout and all the players whole, but only after they give up 13 runs in the bottom of the first.You heard it here first.

I think this is most likely.

In all seriousness, as previously stated, Marshall has something to prove and I think he will. If his bender is under control like I think it will. I'll say 7 innings with 1-3 runs. Marmol and Wood to follow. Cubs win 8-3.

 

Wood isn't going to pitch tonight. He's pitched 3 consecutive days and last night he threw 30 pitches.