windycityfan

More on expecting the expected, Cubs will now come out looking to tie with one swing only to go down 6 in a row. Any takers?

Post of the day

Thing is the outfield keeps playing Izturis so shallow.

Soriano to 2B please. Murton should be playing every day.

Indeed. Haven't seen anyone standing as far off the plate since Dave Winfield.

It all started out as a thought, well before it actually became just what is being talked about. Just saying.

Finally someone explains better than I can. Whether it proves to be the solution, who knows. There's certainly no silver bullet approach to this, but I'm all up for bringing Gooz down to the strenghten the pen while Marshall should get the job done as 5th starter. Heck, this is all moot now since it is happening. So let's sit back and let it unfold.

Who in everything that's good and holy is referring to ability? I'm talking about production. Marshall should pick up for Guzman just nicely.

Relax folks. Sean Marshall should match Guzman's production (not potential) as 5th starter and Guzman should provide what Kerry Wood was 'supposed to' coming into the season. All this considered, is only a matter of time until he comes back to the rotation. Being solid (so far), he's ok to move down serve elsewhere in the ailing pen. Having said this, Wade Miller should be no part of this or any mix.

Cause potentially there's more available quality starters (if you consider no marginal drop off production by inserting Marshall into the rotation while removing Guzman) than closer material. Your counterpoint is welcomed, however.

It's just a thought pal, cool your jets. The starting rotation is still in good shape and the bullpen is not. I'd love for Guzman to become a horse for years to come as a starter, but any more blown wins and the wheels of this team fall off. It doesn't make any sense either having no shut down closer when this team's offense will not separate enough through comfortable leads.

Considering Howry and Dempster's come back yesterday, who knows whether Lou will stand pat and keep his bullpen the way it is - or just blow it up and try something different per his 'Monday shake-up'. Some thoughts: Angel Guzman for closer. Papelbon anyone? Guzman has as good repertoire and poise to command this role. His stint as reliever this year tells me he can successfully come into action when called upon. Sean Marshall for 5th starter. .191 against AVG, 8BB in 24 innings. Been there done that. Readiest to join the rotation. Alfonso Soriano to 2B. I understand the defense is as a liability as the bullpen is and putting Soriano here is almost asinine. However, here he'll at least keep himself from killing someone else in the outfield (does he ever look bad out there?), sit down DeRosa (not doing anything at the moment, super-sub role instead and use him as platoon with Jacque Jones) and play the best players (especially Floyd/Murton having the best chance to play together, even Murton going back to LF where he wouldn't look as clueless). Solidifying the pitching corps by strenghtening the end of the bullpen (Dempster is not good folks and Guzman doesn't walk about more than half the batters he faces) and a bottom half lineup of Floyd (possibly our most 'dangerous' hitter), Barrett, Jones/DeRosa/Pagan and Murton should serve better than what we've seen to date. Thoughts?

Moderators, delete or move to appropriate forum if out of place. I'm looking to purchase 5-6 Sox-Cubs Bleachers tickets for Friday May 18, at $75 per. Am I nuts or this is a fair offer? Any of you willing to unload them at this price? Vance, what do you think?

Wait a minute, did he drop a ball as well? Game recap please.

Quick recap please. Other than Murton's gaffe in RF, any other salient points to talk about today's game so far? Much appreciated.

Would the real Zambrano please stand up.

Jesus Christ, where's The Riot! He's also as hot as $hit and sitting on the bench because of Izturis' LH 'bat'?? !@#$%!!!!!!

While his last outing could be considered an aberration based on the early returns and 'stuff', looks like he's starting to get figured out pretty quickly (Seattle is the first team to face him twice and rock him the hardest last time around). 7, 6 and 5 IP in his last three starts, has walked 1, 4 and 5 batters respectively, with 17 earned runs allowed in those contests altogether. He's still among the league leaders in K's, however, 10MM+/year for a pitcher with 5.45 ERA (9.00 in his last two) and I'd kill to listen in to what Boston sports radio has to say about it. Thoughts? I'm sorry, but I can't help but feel good about this, especially in light of how Lilly and Marquis have performed so far vis-a-vis their contracts and what was said about them.

What's so funny about it? Could you please clue me in?

A question more than a suggestion. Is there a way to load up a no frills version of the site, with no images, no avatars, no signature text and no smilies? Unloading pictures does the trick, but the text quality and format takes a hit.

Confirmed or just a guess?

YUCK FEAH!

Unbelievable how this team can't help it but sit on the ledge.

RIOT!

Though trying to clear the fence on every at-bat. Why!