vance_the_cubs_fan

I know people don't want to consider the possibility, but if the Cubs get Wood and Prior back healthy and Marshall continues to impress, there will be a lot of teams that would be interested in trading a bat for Marshall. The more poise he shows here, the more his value rises. Teams likely won't have interest in Wood as his cost will be high in dollars and he has an expensive option. Prior would draw some interest, but it will be Marshall or possibly Guzman that would attract the most attention as the Cubs search for a bat. It's too early to tell which teams will be in or out of the races, but I would think the Phillies might would take Marshall in a package for Abreu. If he can continue to post solid outings, he could interest the Marlins in a package for Cabrera. Right now, it isn't remotely a possibility, but would Marshall not be the type of pitcher the Reds would have interest in in a deal for Kearns or Dunn? All of those could become possibilities.

I'd rather have Stairs.

What if it took both? I think that price could be a little high. In his 32 AB so far, he's only hitting 219/359/406. Last season he hit 304/366/636 and looked to be having a resugence. However his BA for the previous three seasons were 221, 232, 207. His OBP/SLG for those years are equally bad. So, Clark has had one great year following three absolutely horrible years. That being said, I wouldn't mind acquiring him. He is signed for two years but at a very cheap price. Even if you had to release him, the money doesn't make that move prohibitive. Considering he's starting slow, plays only first base, and has hod one good season in the last four, I'd be wary of paying too high a price. I'd give one of Williams or Wuertz as we have the depth to make the move. I think much more would be overpaying.

I'd have no problem trading either Wuertz or Williams for him.

The D-backs might could use a bullpen arm or another starter. I wouldn't mind offering Jerome Williams for him. I'd also be willing to offer Ohman, Wuertz, Novoa, or Aardsma for him as well.

Williams for Hinkse I'd do. Williamson for Hinske, I'm not so sure about. He is hitting well this year: 321/387/321 but is showing no power. He only has 28 AB, so it is hard to judge right now. He's had two sub-par years coming into this one, so it's really hard to know what to make of him. He would give us some additional options at firstbase and when Lee comes back could fill in at third and rightfield. He's not a poor option, but I'd rather get him for less than Williamson.

I always felt the balk was a call that when made the umpire should at least offer some explanation. Bruce Froemming screwing the Cubs is nothing new, however.

All it says is that the Yankees have a May 2nd deadline to add him to the roster or he can demand his release. It mentions the Cubs could have interest in him if he demands the release.

I absolutely must see a video clip of this...

Once again, I vote that these interviews be placed on the front page of the site.

Losing sucks. I hope we never do that again.

Alright, I've been working game threads out of the pen having earned my first save earlier this year. I had to have this start pushed back as I got stretched out, but I'm ready to go six...maybe seven...hell maybe even 145...let's get on a roll Cubbies! So after an off day, the Cubs will take on division foe the Brewers in a 1:20 start. The great Greg Maddux(4-0, 0.99 ERA-- that's right an 0.99 ERA. Holy Kent...did you see that! a 0.99 ERA and he's 40 years old) http://u.univision.com/contentroot/uol/art/images/deportes/bball/2004/08/070804ap_greg_maddux3.jpg takes on Dave Bush of the Brewers. (I did a GIS for "Bush" and forgot to put the safe search on and let's just say the results weren't "family friendly.") However I did like this pic--->http://www.rotten.com/library/bio/presidents/george-hw-bush/george_hw_bush_pitching.gif By the way, Maddux has won a few of these--->http://tripwatch.com/ny/cooperstown/photo/cy_young_award.jpg Let's ask another old guy how many he has. Hey Roger, how many of those has Greg won? http://chronicle.augusta.com/images/headlines/111197/CLEMENS_AL_CY_YOUNGLR.jpg That's right, you old bastard. Stay retired. Ok on to the game thread..... For the record Bush has 0. Edge Maddux. Maddux also has 322 of these-->http://clarkstreetsports.com/images/FL01(1).jpg Bush has 12. Edge Maddux. Maddux has 3070 strike-outs. Bush has 162. Edge Maddux. Maddux's career ERA is 3.00 Bush's is 4.09. Edge Maddux. Maddux is trying to win his fifth consecutive start to begin the season for the first time in...that's right....forever! Cubs are going to roll over the Brewers. Does anyone really think we're going to lose to some chump named "Bush?" Of course not. Who do you think we are, John Kerry? Al Gore? No, we're the Cubbies, for Len's sake...and we're gonna roll!!!

Cubs Game Notes

I'd be there, but I couldn't get a flight soon enough.

I've watched a game with Fred and it was a very enjoyable experience. I hope he can say the same about me.

You're so wrong. We're going to lose three more games. But that's it!

I just love sweeping, broad, over-generalizations.

=D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D> =D>

Looks like Maddux on Friday and [expletive] on Saturday. Link

According to this article by Miles, Wood could be close to returning.

Winning is fun. Let's do it again.

I figure they'll win between 58-62 games. They might even finish ahead of the Nationals.

ESPN.com has a nice blurb on Lidge's struggles. Link. April, 2005 April, 2006 ERA 0.93 6.94 Walks/9 IP, 4.7 7.7 Home runs 1 3 G Allowing a Run 1 5

And the Astros don't score! On to 13 we go...

Miss JoJo's Circus????!?! What a travesty!