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The Chicago Cubs are not looking good in the early goings this season, but on a positive note, the team's gamble on starting Jeff Samardzija is starting to look like it may actually pay off.While things are looking good after two starts, one has to ask:For just how long?People in Chicago know of Samardzija as a promising star dual-sport athlete coming out of Notre Dame, shocking many as he opted for baseball over football. That was after becoming the Fighting Irish's single-season record holder for both touchdown receptions and receiving yards.While many question if his decision of baseball was the ...
Not even Chicago Cubs ace Matt Garza could stop the current skid they are currently in. Garza and the Cubs got shelled by the Miami Marlins in a 9-1 defeat. The Cubs fell to 3-9 and have lost four in a row. Here is what we learned from yet another defeat. Scoring drought continues: The Cubs' offense struggled yet again and on the year they have scored only 42 runs with a batting average of .237. They had problems getting runners over, as they grounded into two double plays and they were 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.It's no secret the ...
The Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins will close out a three-game National League series on Thursday afternoon inside Marlins Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 12:40 p.m. ET.Las Vegas oddsmakers have established the Marlins as -159 home favorites, while the total has fallen by a half run to stand at 7.Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (2-0, 3.95 ERA) has received 13 runs of support in winning his first two starts of the year, but he did allow five runs and 10 hits over just five frames in a 9-5 road victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on April 13.The ...
Nearly two weeks into the Minor League baseball season, there are several notable players who are on the verge of a promotion. While some teams are merely waiting for the right time to call up their big league ready prospect, others are waiting for a positional opening by way of injury or poor performance. Here, I’ve identified 10 players tearing up the minors—either on the mound or at the plate—who could strengthen their respective team in the immediate future.Begin Slideshow
In Ozzie Guillen's first game back since his five-game suspension, the Miami Marlins defeated the Chicago Cubs, 5-2. The Cubs fell to 3-8 on the season and are in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Here is what we learned from this defeat. The Cubs Cannot Win Close Ball GamesThe Cubs do not have the entire package to be able to squeak out ball-games where they are leading 1-0 or even 2-0. Their bullpen is not solid enough to be able to hold these close games because their current bullpen is consisted of unproven rookies and mediocre veteran talent. The ...
Jed Hoyer worried that he rushed Anthony Rizzo, then of the San Diego Padres, to the majors before he was ready.At this point, Hoyer can't pick up the phone soon enough to instill Rizzo into the everyday lineup.Rizzo, a left-handed hitting first baseman, is tearing up Triple-A right now for the Chicago Cubs and is one of the top prospects in the system.Acquired in the offseason for pitcher Andrew Cashner, Rizzo is hitting .391 with five home runs and 13 RBIs. At this point, there is little else that Rizzo needs to prove at that level.Sooner or later, Rizzo needs ...
In the opening series between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, the Cardinals won the pivotal third game 10-3 capturing the series.Sunday's game was won before either team took the field.With a chance to win a series early in the season against the arch-rival Cardinals, Cubs manager Dale Sveum failed at his duty to give his team its best chance to win.Sveum sat half of his regulars Sunday afternoon, including three of his four best offensive players.Joe Mather replaced Alfonso Soriano in left field. David DeJesus had the day off in right and was replaced by Reed Johnson. The ...
There is a quote attributed to both Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein for its origin that summarizes a key characteristic of the Chicago Cubs and their fans: “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.” Maybe that is why Cubs fans are so loyal the north side “Lovable Losers”—we’re both insane.
However, the Cubs, over the last decade-and-a-half or so, have attempted doing something different expecting different results. Yet, we have shown up to the “Friendly Confines,” rain or shine—and some cases snow—to root on our boys no matter how deplorable their play ...
Fans and even the front office are talking up a turnaround for Alfonso Soriano, the beleaguered, maligned and overpaid Cubs left fielder. There is even an article on this site that implies he is on a hot streak. Through nine games—he had and off-day on Sunday—Soriano is batting .313. A legitimate question is whether Soriano is back or whether this is just an illusion. The answer is that it is likely just an illusion. Looking behind the obvious numbers, things are not so rosy. The single biggest stat that stands out is his BABIP, batting average on balls in play. ...
Matt Garza is at an interesting point in his career. He is set to be a free agent after the 2013 season and is essentially auditioning for teams and a long-term deal with the Cubs. He is a true professional, which we saw this offseason, in how he handles his business. Neither side has ruled out a long-term extension, which is good, and Garza's agent recently came to Chicago to meet with Cubs president Theo Epstein. Epstein downplayed Garza's early performance as an indicator of what is to come, but could a hot start reignite the rumors that clouded Wrigley all offseason? From Gordon ...
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