Every opening day is much anticipated for Cubs fans. “Believe” flutters in the winds of Wrigleyville as conversations blossom that either start or end with “this year is the year.” However, this year’s opening day had an eerie feeling of hope building up on the corner of Clark and Addison. The ivy was beginning to bloom, and the sun gleamed down on April 5. It was opening day—but not just any opening day. It was time for the Cubs to take their first step toward a World Series win under new direction of the franchise poster boy, Theo Epstein. ...
In the second part of my interview with former Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lieber, he tells me what it was like to play with Sammy Sosa, why pitchers don't throw inside anymore and what he thinks of the salaries athletes make today. Darrell Horwitz: Would you consider Wrigley Field a good pitchers ballpark? Jon Lieber: Absolutely. I think it's a great ballpark. The one thing I loved was the day games. I think it's a great field to pitch at, and I think it goes to the surroundings. That's what makes it more comfortable. DH: Going back to the day ...
In a stunning turn of events, Alfonso Soriano came through in the clutch—albeit a sharp grounder to the 2B he could not handle—Tuesday night in the Chicago Cubs’ game against their rivals the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the Cubs’ second straight walk-off win against the reigning World Series champions.The surprising aspect of the Cubs’ win Tuesday night was not so much whom they defeated nor how they won. Rather, it was who lifted them to victory. Alfonso Soriano has been much maligned throughout his Chicago career, more so over the past three-plus seasons.Soriano’s first two seasons in Chicago were not ...
The Chicago Cubs will have high hopes for minor league first baseman Anthony Rizzo once he finally makes his move to the major league level, but with his very minimal MLB experience, fans have to wonder who he will resemble best once he does arrive.Rizzo has been tearing things up in Iowa, as he currently is batting .373 with seven home runs and 19 RBI in 75 at-bats. Compared to his .331 batting average, 26 home runs and 101 RBI in 356 at-bats last season with the San Diego Padres' Triple-A affiliate, Rizzo is looking like he is continuing to ...
It didn't take long for Chicago Cubs fans to become smitten with Geovany Soto, following a 2008 rookie campaign that featured an All-Star Game appearance, the Rookie of the Year Award and even a few league MVP votes. That's what 23 home runs and 86 RBI will do for you in Chicago.Unfortunately, in Chicago, not living up to the expectations that follow ends the relationship quicker than it starts.Soto still is considered an above-average offensive catcher, and a change of scenery is best for both parties in this instance.He is hitting a measly .140 and reaching base just a shade over .200. ...
The St. Louis Cardinals avoided a sweep by the Chicago Cubs as they were able to salvage a win in the series with a 5-1 victory. The Cubs' record stands at 6-13.Here is what we learned, along with the questions we have after today's game. Same ole song and danceThe Cubs squandered numerous chances to drive in runs, going 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position. Despite their victory yesterday, the Cubs were only 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.It is a continuing trend for a team that continues to struggle to find its rhythm on offense. They are currently 20th in runs ...
The Chicago Cubs rallied once again to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals in extra innings 3-2 on Tuesday. Bryan LaHair's solo home run in the bottom of the ninth tied the game at two after a dejected Cubs team watched Carlos Marmol blow a 1-0 lead in the top of the eighth by giving up a go-ahead two run home run to Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday.The Cubs were able to escape a shaky 10th inning from relief pitcher Michael Bowden, and Alfonso Soriano provided the decisive blow with an RBI single in the bottom frame.This was the Cubs' first winning series on the ...
Right now, the best two position players for the Cubs are easily star shortstop Starlin Castro and longtime minor leaguer Bryan LaHair.While many called for top prospect Anthony Rizzo to start the season at first, LaHair was given the job. Some questioned this, especially with LaHair missing Opening Day with a back issue, but all he's done to prove his critics wrong is post a .361 batting average, 1.106 OPS, and is the only Cub with multiple home runs.LaHair's power is even more coveted in this lineup than in years past, as this year's Cubs have more triples than home ...
Starlin Castro has quickly established himself as one of the best shortstops in the league.He led the National League in hits (207) and at-bats (674), and also popped 10 home runs while collecting 66 RBI. His slash line of .307/.341/.432 was also very impressive.Early in this season, Castro is putting up great numbers.He's played in all 17 games, while driving in eight runs and posting a line of .358/.389/.478.The only knock on Castro is that he's not a very good fielder. He's already made seven errors through 17 games this season, and has made a combined 56 in two seasons ...
Chicago White Sox pitcher Phil Humber came out of obscurity when he pitched a perfect game this past Saturday. Twenty-seven up and 27 down is a magnificent feat, but I'll show you why it doesn't compare to a 20-strikeout game. There have been 21 pitchers in baseball history to throw a perfect game, but just three pitchers who struck out 20 batters in a nine-inning game.If we go to the modern era, the number goes down to 16, starting with Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series; so it's still five times easier to pitch a perfect game than ...
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