Bleacher Report - Articles by kane simmons

The Curious Case of Carlos Marmol

kane simmons — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 00:11:20 -0400

Whenever Carlos Marmol enters the game, usually in the eighth, so too enters anxiety. It was no different Saturday night when Marmol entered the game against the Marlins in Miami with a one run lead.

Marmol entered the game in the eighth and promptly walked the first batter on five pitches, and hit the next batter with the very first pitch. A sac bunt moved both runners into scoring position with only one out.

Lou Pinella calls for a intentional walk and now the bases are loaded for the consistently wild Marmol. Dan Uggla steps into the batters box and Marmol throws two sliders for balls and then something goes off inside Marmol's head and returns to dominating batters.

Marmol throws three straight sliders, nasty sliders, for strikes and Uggla is called out looking. Jeremy Hermida step into the batter box and Marmol throws him three straight sliders, nasty sliders, and Hermida strikes out swinging to end the inning.

During yet another rocky outing for Marmol WGN announcer Bob Brenly pondered if the Cubs could/should send Carlos Marmol down to the minors to work on his control. To date Marmol has allowed just under twice as many walks (48) as hits (27).

Marmol's command has always been an issue, but this year it has been at its worst. Marmols stats are as follows: 2-2, 3.60 ERA, 55 appearances, 51.0 innings, 27 Hits, one HR, 10 HBP, 48 BB, 60 SO, 24 Holds.

Whatever Carlos Marmol's problem it is in his head because his stuff has never been in question. So I think that a trip to the minors would most likely shatter his confidence.

Tonight, Marmol gained a lot of confidence because Lou left Marmol on the mound and he worked himself out of the jam. More often then not Marmol and his arm can get him out of what Marmol and his head gets him into.

The Cubs would score two insurance runs in the nineth and Kevin Gregg blew the save allowing all three game tying runs with two outs. In the tenth Derek Lee hit a leadoff home run and Aaron Heilman would get the save.

The Cardinals won tonight behind a two home run game by Matt Holliday to beat the Astros 3-1 to stay a half game behind the Cardinals for first place.

Chicago Cubs Take A Step Forward, Then Two Steps Back

kane simmons — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:01:55 -0400

On Monday, the Cubs reactivated Aramis Ramirez, Reed Johnson, and Angel Guzman from the DL. Since then, the team has put two other players on the DL.

Ryan Dempster was the latest of 12 Cubs thus far this season to be bitten by injury. Dempster broke his big toe jumping over the rail of the dugout. Now, Geovanny Soto is heading to the DL after straining his oblique in batting practice.

It seemed like a turnaround was imminent on Monday. The Cubs had just taken three of four games against Milwaukee and got three players back from injury. They had won five of six to begin July.

The Cubs were "back." The middle of the lineup was healthy for the first time in months. Despite the injuries, the Cubs were only a couple of games back in the division.

Then Dempster broke his toe and the offense scored two runs in two games. After that, Soto hurt himself and the Cubs lost two of three against the Braves at home.

As if the injuries didn't hurt enough, Albert Pujols and the NL Central-leading Cardinals come into town for a four-game series.

If Kevin Hart can pitch like he did on Wednesday, the loss of Dempster won't hurt as much. Hart was sent to AAA Iowa to get some more work in, so we will see if he can imitate Randy Wells after the All-Star break.

The loss of Soto could be a blessing in disguise. It provides a spot for Jake Fox to play.

Fox has played catcher in the past, but has yet to play the position in the majors this year. With Soto out until at least the end of July, Fox will get a chance behind the plate.

To stay in the hunt for the NL Central title, the Cubs need to, at the very least, split the weekend series against the Redbirds.

The Cubs will need to limit Pujols's production. Walking him every time, their is a chance Pujols can hurt the Cubs.

The only time the Cubs should pitch to Pujols is if the Cubs are winning by a lot, or if nobody is on base.

Make the rest of the Cardinals beat the Cubs and don't even give Albert a chance, because he will single-handily beat the Cubs.

The Cubs could learn something from the Cardinals. After a bad week, various St. Louis starters and fielders began growing moustaches

The Cardinals did this after a week. The Cubs have been slumping for the entire year.

If the Cubs did this earlier this year, they would look like ZZ Top about now.

Aramis Ramirez: Here He Comes To Save the Day

kane simmons — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:18:27 -0400

The hopes of the Chicago Cubs' 2009 season may rest on the shoulders of one player.

Aramis Ramirez is set to make his return Monday.

Ramirez is coming off the DL after dislocating his left shoulder back on May 9. In rehab assignments, Ramirez was 3-for-6 with three walks. Lou Piniella said that he will insert Ramirez in the cleanup spot behind Derek Lee.

In the last five full seasons with the Cubs, Ramirez has been the offensive leader, averaging 31 home runs, 105 RBI, and batting .302. Along with his offense, his defense has steadily improved since coming to the Cubs in 2003.

Before his injury, he was batting .364 with four homers and 16 RBI in only 18 games this season. With the injury and the two-month layoff, his numbers will decline. But his return is desperately needed for the Cubs' stagnant offense.

With the return of Ramirez also comes the return of other key players like Angel Guzman, who has been the most consistent reliever in the bullpen with a 2.53 ERA. Reed Johnson is also set to return Monday, bringing his stellar glove back to the outfield.

With these returns, there will also be departures to make room on the roster. Jeff Samardzija and Kevin Hart are likely to be demoted. With only one week until the All-Star game, the short bullpen can work.

The position player that will be sent down is a tough decision.

Jake Fox, Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, and Andres Blanco all have played a role in the Cubs still being in the race for the Central Division.

The 2009 Cubs season has rested on the shoulders of Aramis Ramirez, and when his shoulder was hurt, the Cubs were at their worst. Now, with Ramirez healthy, can his shoulders withstand the weight of the Cubs and their fans' hopes for the 2009 season?

We will soon find out.

Geovany Soto's Low Numbers This Season Caused From Getting High

kane simmons — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:10:09 -0400

The blame for Geovany Soto and his struggles this season have been either a sophomore slump or the World Baseball Classic. Now it appears that the latter is true.

On Thursday, a positive marijuana test result, that was taken during the WBC, was made public. Soto quickly made a statement (a la Micheal Phelps) saying "I am embarrassed by my inappropriate behavior."

He "assured the organization this was an isolated incident and a misstep in judgment that will not be repeated."

To make light of this revelation one could blame the marijuana use on his sluggish performance on the field. Saying that Soto couldn't hit because his head was 'high' in the clouds.

Or he couldn't execute a bunt because he was thinking about a blunt instead. The jokes could go on, but I will stop there, for now.

On a serious note, one should realize that players, past and present, have their vices whether it is drugs or alcohol, women, gambling, or a number of others.

Where does Soto and the lack luster Cubs offense go from here is yet to be seen. This could positively effect Soto, now that this embarrassment is out there maybe it will clear his head.

Or Soto and the Cubs offensive woes could continue as they have for the first half of the year and this revelation doesn't effect them at all.

What is sure, at least for Soto, is that marijuana is not a PED, obviously. Marijuana seems not to effect the performance of NBA players, but that's another issue. So what can Soto do to try to turn it around this season?

LSD worked for Dock Ellis in 1970, just saying.

Sosa Tests Positive For Steroids. Really? Breaking News?

kane simmons — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 01:51:06 -0400

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Sosa was among the 104 players to test positive for PED's in the 2003 "annoumous" drug test.

In related news, the Easter bunny and Santa Claus tested positive for being fictional characters.

To baseball fans, or any person in their right mind, sadly this isn't a surprise. Nor would it be a surprise if any other player from the 1990s or 2000s were on that list.

Another sad thing about Sosa's name being on the list from 2003, is that it is just the tip of the iceberg, a very bulky iceberg nevertheless. There are still 102 more players that are yet to be named.

Will the other 102 players on the list be sure fire Hall of Famers as Sosa, McGwire, Bonds, Palmeiro, Clemens, A-Rod were once perceived? No, probably (hopefully) not, as this is only the beginning to the end of the "steroid era."

My feelings towards Sosa are heavily biased, as I am a Cubs fan, but more so because it was Sosa vs. McGwire in 1998 that led me to love (It's more of a love/hate relationship) the Cubs and baseball itself.

In 1998 I was 9 years old and my cousin, whom is one year older than I, was a Cardinals fan, and thus a McGwire fan. Being competitive as I am, I rooted for Sosa to beat McGwire in the homerun race of 1998.

If Sosa, or any player from any team for that matter, challenged McGwire in '98, that would the team whose shirt I would probaly be wearing right now, but alas it is a Cubs' shirt.

When the steroid allegations and later conformations became longer and longer, I knew that Sosa's name would inevitably be on that list.

The fallout now for Sosa is possibly being charged for lying to Congress, and a much longer wait (if at all) to the Hall of Fame. The fallout from the fans is becoming more and more diluted as the list of cheaters become longer and longer.

Fans, in general, haven't cared, they still go to the games, and vote PED users to the All Star game.

Finding out Sosa used PED's, is like finding out Santa Claus doesn't exist. After a while we know Sosa numbers and gift's from Santa aren't real. But once we know Santa doesn't exist that doesn't take away from the spirit of Christmas.

Sosa's numbers are forever tarnished, but what he and McGwire did in '98 shouldn't be tarnished. They "saved" baseball and created a new generation of fans, I ought to know because I am one of them.

Chicago Cubs Call Up Triple-A Hitting Coach Von Joshua

kane simmons — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:51:58 -0400

After another shutout and loss on Saturday to the Twins, the Cubs on Sunday made a change and called down to Triple-A Iowa for help. The Cubs didn't recall Jake Fox or another minor league player for offensive support, but rather the Iowa Cubs' hitting coach.

Von Joshua, who has been a hitting coach since 1984 and with the Iowa Cubs for the last four years, was once the MLB hitting coach for the Chicago White Sox.

As the Triple-A Iowa hitting coach over the last four years, he has already worked with some of the current Chicago Cubs, like Micah Hoffpauir, Mike Fontenot, Ryan Theriot, Geovany Soto, Andrews Blanco, as well as Fox.

Von Joshua will be in uniform for the big-league Cubs when they play the White Sox in Wrigley on Tuesday.

The question now is whether he can change the offensive woes of the Cubs. But there was no question that a change was much needed. It was easier to fire one coach than eight hitters, so that is the move Jim Hendry made.

On Sunday the Cubs won, but it was once again due to a great starting performance from Ted Lilly. Lilly worked 7.2 innings giving up only two runs, scattering nine hits.

The middle of the Cubs' order did most of the work, with Geovany Soto hitting a pair doubles and a single. Ryan Theriot had two hits and two RBI, including the game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth.

Derek Lee scored the game-winning run, going first to third on a soft single to left field, allowing Geovany Soto to advance to second on the play at third. The Twins then walked Mike Fontenot to fill the bases. Theriot then won the game with a single to right.

The firing of Gerald Perry was perhaps the last non-drastic move the Cubs could make, other than team wide "slumpbusters." So now the savior of the Chicago Cubs' offense is on the shoulders of 61-year-old Von Joshua.

I hope he eats his Wheaties.

Carlos Zambrano—on the Mound and at the Plate—Wins Number 100

kane simmons — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 00:15:47 -0400

After serving his suspension, missing a team plane, and being rained out of his return on Thursday, Carlos Zambrano's return to the mound and the line-up and made his presence known.

Zambrano set the tone of the game, and perhaps the rest of his season, by striking out the side in order. Hitting the mid-90s on the gun.

What is notorious a hitters' ballpark, the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, was transformed at least for one night into a pitchers' duel.

Micah Owings allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work, while Zambrano allowed only two hits and no runs in 6.2 innings of work.

At the plate Zambrano hit what would be the game-winning home run in the fifth inning, showing just how important Zambrano's return is for the Cubs, both on the mound and at the plate.

When Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg entered the game in the eighth and ninth innings, respectfully, they were shaky, but both got their job done, and the Cubs beat the Reds, 2-1.

This was Carlos Zambrano's 100th career victory, and he just turned 28 years old. With all the current talk of if their will ever be another 300 game winner in the majors, does Big Z have a shot at 300 victories?

I think he does, providing he stays healthy, which is the hardest part to winning 300 games. I did some number crunching, and here is what I came up with.

Since becoming a full-time starter in 2003, Zambrano has averaged 32 starts per year. Over his sis full seasons as a starter (03-08), he has averaged just over 15 wins per year. These last six years he has averaged 211 innings per season.

To get to the "unreachable" 300 mark, Zambrano would have to average 15 wins a year for the next 13 years to put him at 295 wins, and he will be 41 years old.

Health is the biggest factor, and Zambrano has recently become more injury prone, hurting his hamstring this year and his shoulder last year.

While Zambrano is only at 100 wins and needs 200 more to be join that ever-more-esclusive club, he has a chance.

Sure. Luck, probably more than skill, will play the largest part in whether he reaches 300 wins.

The numbers don't lie, and at his current trajectory Zambrano will win his 300th game in 14 years. Will there ever be another 300-game winner? Yes, either Zambrano or another pitcher playing now or yet to start his first game.

Do You Believe in (the Orlando) Magic?

kane simmons — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:39:04 -0400

The SI cover jinks strikes again, as the Cleveland Cavaliers disappointed and fall short of advancing to the Finals to face the Lakers. The anticipation of Kobe vs. LeBron will have to wait until next year, and so will a title for Cleveland.

On the surface, a LeBron-less Finals is bad for the NBA, but it isn't all bad either. First off, it shuts up NBA conspiracy theorists. Second, Dwight Howard is a well known, marketable star, who is known by the casual fan for his All-Star weekend heroics.

Mike Brown's coach of the year should be revoked because of his defensive matchups (e.g. Ben Wallace on Rashad Lewis late in the game). But most of all, for his Box-and-One offense, with LeBron at the top of the key and everyone else out of his way.

The Coach of the Year award needs to be awarded after the postseason, that's when the coaches make their money. Coaches win playoff series with adjustments and matchups. I have no problem with the players awards to be determined during the regular season.

Howard will need every inch of his Superman cape to beat the Lakers. Howard may have help from Jameer Nelson, the Magic will retest his injured shoulder and consult a doctor on a possible return. Nelson hasn't played since early February.

The bi-polar Lakers will beat the Magic, that's right, the Magic are being written off again. The Lakers have more depth, and star power, both on the court and in the courtside seats. Howard will dominate the Lakers soft interior and Phil should let him.

Phil should not worry so much about the inside and focus on the perimeter, where the Magic have level the odds of upset thus far. Phil will win his one dozenth title, 10th as a coach to pass Red Auerbach and Kobe will win his first title without Shaq, fourth overall.

The Magic will put up a fight and may win a game or two with a excellent three point shooting night, but in a seven-game series I don't think they can beat the Lakers. So in sum, I don't believe in the Magic, this year.

Now Batting for the Chicago Cubs, Mario Mendoza

kane simmons — Thu, 28 May 2009 23:56:56 -0400

The futility of the Cubs offense this year has been duly noted. At first, I chalked it up to slow starts and injuries and said that the offense will work itself out, and it still can. But it is almost June and the Cubs offense is offensive.

For me, Memorial day is the official day to take the cover off of the panic button. I think it is still too early to press the panic button, though it is time to seriously considering it.

The offense ranks in the bottom third in most team offensive statistics; runs:20, hits:29, 2B:25, 3B:26, HR:12, RBI:21, TB:26, BB:17, SO:11 (most), SB:25, CS:15, OBP:21, SLG:19, AVG:25 (.248), XBH:20.

Given the money, talent and expectations in the Cubs lineup those numbers are unacceptable. With Bradley, Soto, and Fontenot, all consistent starters, batting just above or at the .200 Mendoza line.

It is tough to hide three players in the lineup that are not producing, especially with a pitcher in the lineup, unless it is Zambrano who can swing a bat.

Currently the only Cub batting over .300 is Fukudome (.311), the next best hitter on the team is Theriot (.287) everyone else is around or below .250.

Aramis Ramirez, and the cavalcade of rookie call-up's is the only hope, and perhaps the last line of defense before the panic button is pressed.

Aramis's return is still likly another month away, so the offense will rely, for the recent future, on Jake Fox. Who has to be put in the starting lineup to effective, the question is where.

In the minors Fox played the corners in both the outfield and the infield, catcher and DH, so by process of elimination third is most likely. The corner outfield is covered, so is catcher with Soto and Hill. The DH is out of the question until inter-league play. First is occupied by Lee who would make up for a lack of defense by Fox.

If the panic button is pressed, by way of a trade maybe the Cubs try to rehash old trade rumors. Jake Peavy is out there, and my worse fear is the Cardinals or Brewers trading for him.

The Cardinals with Jake Peavy would be really scary but the Cardinals haven't made any moves the last couple of years, so hopefully they continue that trend.

Brain Roberts to the Cubs has been rumored in the pass and would fill a whole at second, provide speed and average at the top of the lineup.

To be hitting at the Mendoza line is embarrassing for a player, whether the player is a minor leaguer, platoon player, and especially embarrassing if the player is making 10 million a year like Milton Bradley.

With the MLB best Dodgers in town, followed by a nine game road trip it could soon be time to push the panic button, and then pull the trigger on a trade.

Hopefully the Cubs offense will return to form and the averages creep up to the Sparta line of .300. Now batting for the Cubs King Leonidas.

Mercury Rising? Temper and Temperature Rise For The Cubs In Wrigley

kane simmons — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:03:32 -0400

The news going into today's Cubs vs. Pirates game was the roster moves made before the game. The Cubs added another player to increasingly expanding disabled list and sent down Neal Cotts and Bobby Scales.

To fill the void, they called up lefty reliever Jason Waddell, whose AAA stats aren't that impressive, 0-1 5.40 ERA 12 SO in 16.2 innings, but he is really the only lefty decent enough to call up.

Andres Blanco takes the place of Aaron Miles/Mike Fontenot, if Jake Fox plays third—which is really the only place for him until the Cubs play in an American League park, where the DH will be in effect. Blanco is a switch hitter with a .342 BA against right handers and .231 against left handers.

Jake Fox's minor league numbers are well known to disgruntled Derek Lee fans. But for those who may not be familiar with his numbers, they are as follows: .423 BA, 17 HRs 50 RBI's in just 40 games. He's leading the Pacific Coast League for the triple crown.

The two biggest questions surrounding Jake Fox are can he hit in the big leagues, and where will he play? The at-bat he had today during the eighth was promising, as he whiffed on some breaking balls, but worked a full count and hit a double to the right field gap.

The news after the game was the highlight eruption from Big Z. It looked like the ump made the right call, but did the wrong thing when it looked like he initiated contact with Big Z. Zambrano responded with a brush of his elbow to the ump.

Umpires are supposed to have the cooler heads and distance themselves from the player in that type of situation. Zambrano has a temper and is the veteran of the team, so hopefully this sparks the Cubs like it did when Lou erupted a couple of years ago.

I didn't have a problem with him venting on the Gatorade machine because of his position as a leader on the team. When Zambrano comes back for his next start, depending on whether he is suspended or not, personally I think a fine will suffice for punishment.

The next two weeks will be both trying and telling of the rest of the 2009 season. The next four home games will be played against the Dodgers, the team with the best record in baseball—33-15.

After that, the Cubs go on a nine game, 10 day road trip. They're 9-14 on the road this year, including a recent abysmal road trip. Will the Cubs rebound against the best team in baseball, at the moment, or on the road? Or will they crumble and fail to make a push to the top of the division? Only time will tell.

Cubs Likely to Be Without Aramis Ramirez for at Least 15 Days

kane simmons — Fri, 08 May 2009 21:50:41 -0400

As rookie Randy Wells made his first career start against the Brewers tonight, Aramis Ramirez left the game in excruciating pain in the third inning. Ramirez dove to his right and landed on the third base foul line.

Ryan Braun pulled a rocket ground ball to the hot corner, and Ramirez quickly dove and appeared to have made the play. But before he could get up and throw to first, he was doubled over in pain laying belly down on the ground.

He landed on his outstretched left shoulder, which is his glove arm and appeared to have injured his shoulder. Lou and the Cubs trainer quickly came out of the dugout. Ramirez laid on the field for a minute and was finally helped off the field by the trainer.

The Cubs announced that it is a dislocated shoulder.

The trainer gingerly helped Ramirez to the dugout, and Miles came off the bench to play second, so that Fontenot could move over to third.

The rookie Randy Wells struggled in his first big league start, but did not give up a run in 5.0 innings of work. Wells was given two runs of support, one off of a Milton Bradley home run.

The other run came after Wells was lifted and pinched hit for fellow rookie Bobby Scales, who promptly hit a lead-off triple. Soriano hit a deep fly ball to center to drive in Bobby Scales.

(At this moment, 8:45 pm CST, the Cubs are beating the Brewers 2-1, J.J. Hardy home runs off of Guzman in the sixth. I have to start a seven page psychology term paper due Monday)

Oh Manny, You Got 99 Problems and Your Jersey Won't Be One, For 50 Days

kane simmons — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:22:31 -0400

How didn't we see this coming? All the signs were there, allegations from Jose Canseco, and an interview in which Ramirez gave, like A-Rod, a quickly and almost scripted "No" pertaining to the question of steroid use.

Hindsight is 20/20, as the saying goes, but thus far Jose Canseco's foresight is 20/20. Canseco said that he was 90 percent sure that Manny would be on the list of 104 players, along with A-Rod, though he had never personally injected or was a teammate of Manny.

Canseco also suspected that Manny wasn't quickly offered a free agent deal because the owners knew or strongly suspected that Manny's name was on the list.

Manny's interview with ESPN's Colleen Dominguez before the season was eerily reminiscent of A-Rod's Katie Couric interview. When asked if he was ever tempted or approach about using steroids he quickly and coldly said "No."

In light of what we now know, any player who played throughout the 1990s was probably approached and definitely tempted to use steroids— and how could they not?

This is like asking a high school kid if they've ever been approached or tempted to drink alcohol or use drugs. Well, yes, this has undoubtedly happened.

Steroids were (I cautiously use the past tense) a part of baseball culture like drugs are a part of high school culture.

Whenever a question begins "Have you ever been tempted..." answer yes, it doesn't matter how the question ends. Temptation is everywhere, and acknowledging that temptation is not an admission of guilt.

In related news, A-Rod will reportedly be back in the lineup this weekend to finish off a turbulent week. The week began when Selena Roberts' book was released, along with leaked information about pitch-tipping and steroid-use allegations.

Then, leading up to A-Rod's return, Manny was suspended for using steroids, which should deflect attention away from A-Rod's return. Depending on how A-Rod and the Yankees do this weekend, he might not be that big of a story.

Steroids in baseball is not over, if not on the field, but in the headlines. Hopefully, the steroid explosion is over and all that is left is the fallout.

There are 102 players (if Manny is on that list) left unnamed and the question years to come from now remains—how many potential Hall Of Famers' are on that list?

Greg Maddux's Number Retired by Cubs, Remembered by Me

kane simmons — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:05:13 -0400

Today, the Cubs honored two all-time greats by retiring the No. 31 jersey, worn by both Fergie Jenkins and Greg Maddux. I am not old enough to have seen Jenkins pitch with the Cubs, nor am I able to remember Maddox's first stint with the Cubs, but I am nonetheless glad to see proper respect given.

Jenkins will be remembered as part of the infamous 1969 Chicago team and for winning 20 games six years in a row.

Maddux will be remembered by most as part of the great Atlanta Braves teams of the '90s and for saying in a TV spot, "chicks dig the long ball."

Looking back on that commercial, it perfectly sums up the "steroid" era of which Maddux pitched.

As you recall, Maddux and fellow 300-game winner Tom Glavine are overlooked by Mark McGwire's penchant for belting batting practice long balls. Of course, as we all know now, Big Mac had a little artificial help hitting the long ball.

Maddux was overlooked because he was not flashy (except for when he flashed the leather), he did not throw in the mid 90's, nor did he buzz the tower of the batter like his contemporary Roger Clemens.

Recent revelations have indicated that Clemens' "rocket" should have faded before it did. Whether or not that breaks the "tie" between Roger and Greg is up to personal evaluation.

Thankfully, Maddux has one more victory (355) than Clemens (354) in the record books, and I think people are slowly realizing who really was the better pitcher.

It is refreshing to look back on Maddux's career and know without a doubt that he was clean; it's certain his numbers aren't tainted in any way. It is also refreshing that our last memory of Maddux is on the field and not in front of congress or in a court room.

Greg was consistent on the mound and consistently overlooked, and now that he is retired, I am glad he is getting his due.

Today the recognition comes from the Cubs, later this summer from the Braves, and in five years from the Hall Of Fame.

After April Showers, Lilly Powers the Cubs Past the Marlins

kane simmons — Sat, 02 May 2009 20:08:22 -0400

After a cold, rainy and just plain dreary and disappointing month of April, the Cubs begin the month of May 2-0. The story of the game was Ted Lilly, on the mound and at the plate.

On the mound Lilly was great, striking out 10, and walking none. He gave up five hits, one of which was a solo home-run by Cody Ross. At the plate Lilly came through with a 2 run double of the right field wall with two outs in the third inning.

Theriot continue his offensive outburst with a triple and a home run. Every Cubs starter had at least one hit, except for Kosuke Fukudome, who had two walks. Lee hit a solo home run but struck out 3 times and left 3 men on base.

The most important stat of the game was the Cubs pitcher, Lilly and Heilman did not walk any Marlins and combined had 13 strikeouts, Lilly with 10 and Heilman with three.

Ramirez did not play again today though he has pinch-hit in recent games and is schedule day-to-day.

Tomorrow, the Cubs look to win the series, which would be their first series victory since they took 2 out of 3 against the Cardinals in mid-April. They are currently tied for third place in the division, 4.0 games behind the Cardinals.

With the month of May now here the cool, damp weather will slowly fade away, and the ivy will begin to return, and hopefully the Cubs of last summer will return with it.

Lou Pinella Officially On Eruption Watch

kane simmons — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 01:07:14 -0400

Lou Pinella tried a new lineup to start the series against the red-hot Redbirds. Lou put Ryan Theriot in the lead-off spot, and the rest of the lineup was as follows: Fukodome, Soriano, Ramirez, Lee, Fontenot, Soto, Johnson and Dempster.

The first half of the ballgame was a pitcher's duel between Dempster and Wainwright, with a slight edge to Wainwright. Dempster gave up three runs in six innings on seven hits while striking out six.

Wainwright went seven innings and gave up three runs, but only one earned. He struck out six and gave up seven hits as well.

In the lead-off spot Theriot went 0-5 and left five men on base. It's hard to say what would have happened if Soriano was in the lead-off spot.

The Cardinals won the game in the bottom of the eighth when Albert Pujols hit a single up the middle off of Carlos Marmol, and then astutly stole second.

Ryan Ludwick then hit a soft single to the outfield, and Pujols scored easily.

Milton Bradley pinch-hit and drew a walk; he was lifted for pinch-runner Joey Gathright, but the Cubs made nothing of the baserunner as Ryan Franklin closed the game for his fifth save of the season.

The Cardinals have now won four in a row, and the the Cubs have lost three in a row.

The Cubs suffered some injuries tonight.

Ramirez left in the fifth inning with a strained left calf. Marmol left the game after getting one out when he tweaked his left leg on a delivery to home.

Jeff Samardzija was in the bullpen tonight, but wasn't used, after being called up on Thursday.

With the Cubs struggling early on with injuries, walks, and a recent lack of offense, Mt. Ve-Lou-vius could erupt very soon, either legitimately or artificial to intentionally light a fire under the Cubs. If they don't right the ship, I give Lou two weeks until eruption.

(On a side note: I really miss Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood)

When All of the Sports World Align

kane simmons — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:10:42 -0400

Like the summer solstice or an eclipse, which will occur on Saturday, is a rare and an once in a year event. The four major sports, football, basketball, baseball, and hockey will take place this weekend.

Football will hold its draft, baseball will play a full slate of regular season games, and both basketball and hockey will continue their playoffs.

If there is something that has to be done tomorrow like mowing the yard or perhaps some spring cleaning, get it done before 10 a.m. (CST).

That's when the marathon that is the draft kicks off, and Detroit will be officially on the clock. Then at noon, basketball and baseball will begin its full day of games. Then at 2 p.m., Pittsburgh and Philadelphia continue their series and the road to Lord Stanley's Cup.

Then on Sunday, NASCAR will get involved at noon in Talladega. The NFL draft will wrap up when the last pick in the draft, a.k.a. Mr. Irrelevant is selected and baseball, basketball, and hockey will continue their schedule as well.

The downside to all of this is that Spring has sprung for most of the country and it is hard to sit on the couch for much of the day, though I have a feeling most of us will.

MLB Should Honor Roberto Clemente Like Jackie Robinson

kane simmons — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:21:49 -0400

Last week Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson Day by allowing all of the players to wear his retired No. 42. Today, I would like to talk about a player who may have been just as important to the way baseball looks today—Roberto Clemente.

I have long been interested in Roberto Clemente largely because of Sammy Sosa. Recently I read a great book about Clemente entitled Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero by David Mariniss.

The book chronicles Clemente’s life and career in detail. it is about 350 pages long. But this is not a review of the book, but rather a brief look back at how great and important Clemente was as a baseball player and ambassador to the game of baseball.

Clemente and Robinson share similar pasts. Clemente was signed by Branch Rickey’s Dodgers and placed on their AAA team, the Montreal Royals. The same Royals that Robinson played for before he changed the course of history.

As a young, raw kid he did not make the major league Dodgers and thus was unprotected in the rookie Rule Five draft. The Dodgers tried to hide him; he wasn’t a regular starter and was used mainly off the bench. The Pittsburgh Pirates drafted him with the first selection in the draft in November 1954.

His first spring training with the Pirates was difficult for him because their spring training home in Florida was segregated. Clemente couldn’t eat, sleep, or go out with his teammates. This persisted for many years until the Pirates became more and more diverse and the owner threatened to move to another city for spring training.

Clemente once said that he felt like a “double (n-word)” because he was both black and Latino. He felt alienated by the white players because he was black, and alienated by the blacks because he didn’t speak very good English.

Clemente's career stats include 12 All-Star games (in one of those games the outfield included Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Clemente) and 12 straight Gold Gloves. His career average was .317, with exactly 3,000 hits and four NL batting titles.

The Pirates won the World Series twice—once in 1960 and again in 1971. Clemente had a hit in all 14 World Series games he played and was the World Series MVP in 1971.

However great Clemente was on the field, he was equally—if not better—off the field. He loved his home country and the people of Latin America, playing winter-league ball even though the Pirates would pay him not to. And as he became older, he managed the Puerto Rican team.

There is one story in the book about how Clemente missed the team bus to the airport because he was signing autographs until everybody had an autograph. A teenage girl who was seeking an autograph while her dad was across the street was there when Clemente was told he had missed the bus.

She gladly offered him a ride and he greatly appreciated it. Clemente made it to the airport before the plane left and Clemente had a new member of his extended family.

He talked with the girl and her family numerous times over the phone and helped her with her Spanish; she later would study Spanish in college. She lived in New York and Clemente would buy her family tickets when the Pirates were in town to play the Mets.

Clemente invited her to visit him in Puerto Rico to stay at his home for New Year's in 1972. His home in Puerto Rico wasn’t in a gated community. People would come to his home and it was always open to them.

Days after Christmas, Nicaragua was hit with a huge and deadly earthquake. Clemente raised thousands of dollars in aid, and rented an airplane to send to Nicaragua.

However, the president of Nicaragua tried to hoard the supplies, and the pilot threatened to tell Clemente. And so the president, out of fear or out of respect, let those supplies go through.

When this happened again, Clemente decided to personally take the supplies to the Nicaraguan people. In the rush, the plane he was taking was overly and improperly loaded with the supplies and was not inspected before takeoff hours before the New Year.

The plane barely lifted off and crashed into the ocean just off the coast of Puerto Rico while everyone was celebrating the New Year. The news was heard early in the morning on the radio and Puerto Ricans feebly went to the shore to find Clemente, but they did not.

They found a sock and his wife Vera just knew it was Roberto’s, and that he was gone. The people and the numerous countries he had touched, mourned.

He was granted immediate consideration for the Hall of Fame. He and Lou Gehrig are the only ones to be granted immediate access to the Hall. He received 91 percent of the votes.

Today nearly 30 percent of MLB players are Latin American, and those who grew up in Puerto Rico likely played on a field with Clemente’s name. It was Clemente’s life goal to have a safe, quality sports complex for the children of his home country.

Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente left their mark both on and off the field. MLB should seriously consider retiring No. 21 throughout baseball—like Jackie’s No. 42—in honor of what Clemente has done for the game of baseball.

Ice Ice Baby: Everyone Should Experience Playoff Hockey

kane simmons — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 23:52:28 -0400

All right stop collaborate and listen.

I am here on a mission.

To inform you on the Stanley Cup Playoffs,

If you are like I am you probably don't pay that much attention to hockey for most of the year, unless you live in a hockey town. The average sports fan doesn't follow hockey, unless it is a Sidney Crosby or Alexander Ovechkin highlight on Sports Center.

But with the hockey playoff just getting started now is the time to watch hockey. It has everything we love in the playoffs and more.

They have upsets galore number one seeds often going out in the first round. There is great fan energy in stands. I have never been to a hockey game, but many say it is the most exciting game to experience live.

You want contact? There are brutal hits both on the glass and in the middle of the ice. Fights and scrums are inevitable, the further along the series goes the more heated the fights.

Hockey has the back and forth pace of basketball with the contact of football, and the scoring of baseball, the three major sports all rolled up in one.

Granted when the playoffs start I know very few names or how to pronounce many of them. But by the time Lord Stanley's Cup is rewarded I am familiar with the names, story lines, and maybe even speak a little Russian.

I could not mention playoff hockey without mentioning the beards, oh the glorious, beautiful playoff beards.

The hockey playoffs are probably the best playoffs in sports, and if you haven't had the experience of watching it, you definitely should. Game 7's and overtime hockey is some of the most intense games in all of sports.

So if you think your not a fan of the NHL give it a try, games are on the VS. network and a little bit on NBC during the weekends plus on regional FSN networks. So give playoff hockey a chance.

Yo man I'm outta here.

Word to your mother.

Ice Ice Baby

Ted Lilly Looks to Give Chicago Cubs Series Win and Division Lead

kane simmons — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 02:47:16 -0400

After losing the first game in the four game series to the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs will try to win the series on Sunday Night Baseball.

For the victory, the Cubs turn to the left arm of Ted Lilly, who will go for his third victory in as many starts. The Cardinals will send former Cubs prospect Todd Wellemeyer to the bump.

Wellemeyer is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA and seven strikeouts in 12 innings of work. Lilly is 2-0 with a 3.86 ERA and 11 strikeouts in 11.2 innings. He flirted with a no-hitter against the Rockies in his last start.

So far in this series, the story has been the bullpen for both teams. Whichever team can get to the bullpen first will have the advantage.

For the Cubs, clutch home runs by Ramirez on Saturday, and Soriano of Friday, have won both of their games. Both homers were the only hits for both players in their respective games.

The Cubs have caught a big break though, with Albert Pujols only hit in 11 plate appearances coming in the first game of the series. Pujols is overdue for a big game and his slumps never last long.

Sunday night's game will have fewer runs on the scoreboard, I think. It is supposed to be cold and wet in Wrigley, with a game time temperature in the lower 50's or high 40's and a 70 percent chance of rain.

With a Cubs victory Sunday night they will take both the series and the Central Division lead away from the rival Cardinals.

Carlos Marmol Closes To Give Chicago Cubs Win Over St. Louis Cardinals, 4-3

kane simmons — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 12:46:24 -0400

For the first time this season the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals squared off, in what turned out to be a very exciting game, that the Cubs won, 4-3.

The Cardinals started a rookie in the place of Chris Carpenter who is on the DL yet again. The Cubs started their ace Carlos Zambrano who has struggled against the Cardinals in recent starts.

The Cubs jumped out in front early scoring two runs in the first inning and one in the second inning, though they certainly could have scored more. With the bases loaded and no out in the second they only managed to score one run.

With the door left opened the Cardinals took advantage scoring on a sac fly by Albert Pujols with the bases loaded. With the collective exhale of Pujols minimal damage Ryan Ludwick quickly followed with a three run home-run to give the Cardinals the lead 4-3.

The Cardinals rookie settled in by striking out seven, and ending his rookie debut after 4.0 innings. With the Cardinals bullpen left to finish the game the Cubs tied the game at 5-5 in the fifth inning.

Carlos Zambrano did not have a good game giving up three long balls and was charged with 7 earned runs and striking out 7 as well. He earned a no decision for his 7 innings of work.

Going into the eighth inning the Cubs were down by one, with Carlos Marmol warming up in the bullpen. The former Cardinal, Aaron Miles, pinched hit for the pitcher and drew a walk. Soriano stepped up to the plate and promptly hit a slider out of the park and into the left-centerfield bleachers to put the Cubs ahead.

With Carlos Marmol already warm, it was up to him to close the game. He walked the first man he faced on four straight pitches. Pujols stepped into the batters box and with the first pitch over threw a slider and plunked Pujols in the elbow.

A call to the bullpen got Gregg getting lose. Marmol overpowered Ludwick with fastballs in the mid 90's and got the save when pinch hitter Khalil Greene grounded into a double play to end what turned out to be a wild roller-coaster ride in Wrigley.

Up, Upton, and the Rays: B.J. Should Carry These Rays to Title

kane simmons — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 04:52:28 -0400

The Rays will continue on their path of destiny to beat the Phillies and win the World Series. On paper, the series isn’t as sexy as the Cubs vs. Red Sox, or the Dodgers vs. Red Sox, but, nevertheless, Rays vs. Phillies is an interesting matchups...someone has to win and make history.

For the historic futile Phillies, if they win it would be their second World Series title in franchise history. Established in 1883, this is their sixth trip to the fall classic, with their one win coming in 1980.

The Rays, on the other hand, have a history that dates back all the way to 1998. All of their history came this year, when the Rays had their first winning season, first division title, first playoff game and first World Series appearance.

The Phillies have a better ace in Cole Hamels, but the Rays have the better staff; advantage, Rays. The Phillies have the best bullpen, which they have had going all year, and a closer who has been perfect in converting saves all season.

The Rays could have the best weapon in their bullpen with dominating lefty David Price, who, in Game Seven of the ALCS, came in to get the last four outs against the Sox. Still, the Phillies win the arm race in the bullpen because of their consistency.

The Phillies have more “stars,” with the last two MVP award-winners in Jimmy Rollins and Ryan Howard. The Rays have future MVP award contenders in B.J. Upton and Evan Longoria.

The Rays have hit 22 playoff home runs to the Phillies' 10, and the Rays can steal bases throughout their lineup. Upton has had a breakout postseason, hitting seven homers after mustering just nine in the regular season.

Since the American League won the All-Star game, the Rays have the home-field advantage. One less game in Philadelphia in front of perhaps the most hostile and championship-deprived fans in all sports, not just baseball.

As a fellow deprived Cubs fan, I want to root for the Philadelphia fans. They have been loyal for years, whereas the Rays fans have shown up when the playoffs came around after leaving Tropicana Field nearly empty during the regular season despite the Rays posting baseball's best home record.

But I do think the Rays will win in six games, losing both games to Cole Hamels, and the World Series MVP will be Upton, who will also break the record for postseason home runs. He only needs two, which will give him nine, passing Carlos Beltran and Barry Bonds' tied record of eight playoff bombs.

Who would have thought at the beginning of the year it would be the Rays and the Phillies in the World Series? Who would have even thought it at the beginning of the postseason?

But the Rays will finish the deal and, unlike the Marlins of '97 and '03, there will not be a fire sale of their players. The Rays look like they could be for real for a long time, win or lose this year.

Chicago Cubs Completely Useless by October?

kane simmons — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:23:31 -0400

Is it better to have made the playoffs and lost, than never to have made the playoffs at all?

The answer is yes. Just ask a Pirates fan what he remembers of the 2008 season, or any year since 1992.

Despite the depressingly anticlimactic postseason, history was made this year, albeit not the one Cubs fans wanted to see.

The total of 97 regular-season wins was the most since 1945, and also the first time in 100 years the Cubs made the playoffs in back to back years. It was also the first time in 102 years that the Cubs and White Sox were in the playoffs at the same time. Carlos Zambrano posted the first no-hitter by a Cubs pitcher in 36 years.

Even though this year's Cubs team ended with the same result as the last 100 teams, this was a once in a lifetime team.

As another season ends, the infamous streaks grow. The World Series drought of 100 years, the NL pennant drought of 63 years, and the postseason losing streak of nine games, after consecutive sweeps in October and losing the last two games to the Marlins in 2003.

That particular streak is tied for the longest current streak in baseball.

The good news—or bad news—is that the Cubs will be back next year, and unchanged for the most part. The two key free agents this year are Ryan Dempster and Kerry Wood, along with old relievers Bob Howry, Jon Lieber, and bench players Daryle Ward and Henry Blanco.

The two key free agents were the best story of this season's Cubs team. Ryan Dempster transitioned well from closer to starter, and Kerry Wood from starter to closer. Both are fan favorites—Dempster for riding his bike to Wrigley, and Wood for striking out 20 Astros 10 years ago.

With the season abruptly over, I find myself waiting until next year, yet again.

The last two seasons have transformed the acronym C.U.B.S.—Completely Useless By September—because the team came through in September. But now a new acronym is more fitting, C.U.B.O.—Completely Useless By October.

The Cubs: Postseason Woes Are Deja Vu—All Over Again!

kane simmons — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 12:24:01 -0400

For the Cubs, it is déjà vu all over again, as Yogi Berra would say. After being swept out of the postseason last year, they are on the brink of being swept again. This would only add to the years of heartbreak already under their belts.

After waiting the whole summer for the Cubs to stumble and break our hearts, they never did, because they were in first place the entire summer. Perhaps Zambrano's missed time, due to a sore shoulder, may have been the catalyst to their downward spiral. But, Zambrano came back to throw a no hitter, which definitely raised my spirits.

The whole summer I had faith in the Cubs. I truly thought that after a summer without heartbreak, this could be the year to, if not win a World Series, at least make it to the World Series.

From the starting lineups of game one, I was screaming at the television, "WHAT IN THE HELL IS KOSUKE FUKUDOME DOING BATTING SECOND AND RYAN THERIOT BATTING EIGHTH?"

This made no sense. Kosuke was batting around .150 for the last two months, striking out and grounding into double plays left and right. Theriot was batting above .300 the whole season, and leading the team in stolen bases. Theriot should be batting first, followed by Alfonso Soriano.

No matter how much the Cubs are paying Kosuke, he should only play if it is late in the game—for defensive purposes.

Normally, I do not agree with back seat driving, but I will make an exception. Mark DeRosa should have been in right and Mike Fontenot at second. Despite his size, he gets hits. Ryan Dempster's season-high walks were certainly unexpected. I think it was the right choice for him to start game one, and despite his inaccuracy, the Cubs simply didn’t score enough runs.

For game two, I didn’t start screaming until after the first hit.

The Cubs desperately needed to get on the board first to build confidence for the players and fans. With Soriano standing on second base with no one out, I would have loved Ryan Theriot to have bunted him over to third, especially with Lee and Ramirez coming up next. But then, Theriot and Lee struck out, killing any scoring opportunity.

Another thing I would have loved to see last night was Ted Lilly in the bullpen to come in when Zambrano fell apart—the errors didn’t help either. He always seems to unravel during every start since his no hitter. Lilly has been the best pitcher over the last few weeks for the Cubs, and now he might not even get a chance to pitch in the postseason.

Now the Cubs are stuck in a deep hole, and it will take a miracle to come back to win this series—especially the World Series. But let's not concede the World Series just yet: the Red Sox came back down 0-3 against the Yankees to end their World Series drought.

So if the Cubs do come back, it would be a miracle and, quite frankly, a déjà vu all over again.

A Case For The BCS

kane simmons — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 06:21:44 -0400

As the college football season officially kicks off this week, one issue will undoubtedly come up through out the year. Which deserving teams will be left out of the BCS bowl games. As the season progresses the demand for a playoff will be voiced by millions.

Like the majority of college football fans I did not like the BCS, and wanted a playoff. A playoff was an obvious solution, a playoff would finally introduce Cinderella to college football.

Every year March Madness produces a underdog to the nation, even if they bust our bracket we still root for them. George Mason, Bradley a couple of years ago, or Stephen Curry of Davidson last year.

College football doesn’t allow for an underdog to seriously contend for a National Championship. Sure a Boise State, or a Hawaii can play in a Sugar Bowl or Fiesta Bowl. But when they lose, like Hawaii, than it reaffirms the BCS system, and the inferior conferences like C-USA or the WAC.

But when they win, like Boise State, and produce an upset in a absolute great game it leaves us to wonder what could have been. Could they have beaten a Florida, or Ohio State? We will never know.

But recently I have changed my mind, the BCS isn’t perfect by I do not hate it. Even if there was an eight team playoff there would still be teams left out, and teams put in because they went undefeated in the WAC.

A playoff diminishes the regular season, the 12 regular season games are important, one loss early could knock a team out of the Championship game.

When was the last regular season game that mattered to a big time program in College Basketball. A Duke vs. North Carolina doesn’t have the same implications as a Ohio State vs. Michigan.

In College Basketball only six games matter, the last games of the year. In football all games matter, the 12 regular season, Conference Championship, and of course the Bowl game. That’s 14 games that determine whether or not a team plays for a Championship.

A playoff would be great, but it would take away from the regular season. So would you want to see a month of playoff football or three months of football that every game matters, and could determine the Bowl game in which a team plays in?

You Just Got To Have FAITH, Cubs Fans

kane simmons — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 07:04:24 -0400

The one difference this year for the Cubs, and me, is faith. I believe the Cubs will win, and have all season. Call me naive, call me young and stupid, but I truly believe in this year's team.

I am fairly young, 19, and have been a Cubs fan since 1998. The home run race between Sosa and McGwire dragged me into the lovable loser's corner. And like a lot of “new” Cubs fans, (older Cubs fans may call them band-wagoners) whenever the Cubs reach the playoffs a new generation of fans emerge.

I have seen this at my school first hand. I used to be the only one at my school caught in a Cubs shirt, or jersey. But last year, my senior year, there was probably 5-8 Cub shirts roaming the hall.

The Cubs are enticing to younger fans. They see the Cubs having a good year and root for them because it is their chance to be a part of history. Some will come out of the wood work for October, and then when the Cubs ultimately lose, usually in heartbreaking fashion, they summon their shirts and jersey to the back of their closet.

This season will be no different and perhaps worse (regarding the band-wagoners) because the Cubs are the best team in baseball, and the favorites in the N.L.

But, this season has been completely different in the sense that I have faith. No matter the deficit, no matter the pitching matchup, no matter a poor performance, whether by the pitchers, or hitters.

The other night when Zambrano had a poor start against the Pirates, and Soriano made another error in the field, I was really never worried. Frustrated sure, but I had the feeling that they would pull through.

Last night against the Phillies when the offense couldn’t get anything going against Cole Hamels, while flipping back and forth between the game and the Obama speech, the Phillies suddenly had a 4-1 lead, late. Going into the 8th with the top of the order coming to bat, there was a feeling deep down that they would pull through.

Like two nights before, when they would score seven runs in the 8th against the Pirates, their rally was sparked with walks. This to me has been the biggest difference with the Cubs, this year they walk a lot more. They lead the Major Leagues with 540 walks. In years past, strikeouts plagued the Cubs offense, too often swinging for the fences and missing, ala Sammy Sosa.

The second half of the season the Cubs have improved with their road record. Winning 13 of their last 14 on the road, starting with the four game sweep of the Brewers. The Cubs have been consistent for the second part of the season, and barring Kerry Wood’s DL stint, the Cubs have been healthy.

As long as the Cubs stay healthy and consistent for the last month of the regular season and the postseason they will keep winning. You just got to have FAITH.

The Cubs Get Rich, and Will Get Richer After the Break

kane simmons — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 10:32:57 -0400

Rich Harden pitched a gem against the Giants, but don’t attribute his success to the unfamiliarity of the National League bats. This was Harden’s fourth time facing the Giants, Oakland's interleague rivals. Against the Giants, he is 2-0 with an ERA of 0.84.

Harden gave up five hits, three walks, and no runs over 5.1 innings, racking up 10 strikeouts. Most importantly, he left the game under the manager's terms, and not his elbow's or shoulder's terms. Harden left after striking out the last batter he faced with a 96 mph fastball for his 96th pitch, earning a standing ovation from his new hometown fans as he walked to the dugout.

The Cubs offense gave Harden a lot of run support, thanks for the most part to Jim Edmonds. Edmonds smacked a two-run home run in the third and a two-run double in the fourth, both to right field. An RBI each from Mike Fontenot, Mark DeRosa, and Derrek Lee also added to the four runs Edmonds drove in.

The bullpen took over from there, and that is when it went downhill. The other piece of the Harden deal, Chad Gaudin, finished the sixth perfect. Recently called-up Kevin Hart pitched the seventh, allowing two runs and three hits. Neal Cotts got out the one man he faced in the eighth, and Bobby Howry finished the eighth without giving up a hit or walk.

Enter the ninth, enter Carlos Marmol, enter disaster. Marmol gave up five hits, one walk, no strikeouts, and, most importantly, five runs, as a costly error by Ryan Theriot allowed the Giants to tie the game.

The Cubs and Giants took the game to extra innings, and the Cubs threatened in the tenth playing small ball with a leadoff walk by Theriot and a sac bunt by Kosuke Fukudome.

But the Cubs big hitters—Lee, Aramis Ramirez, Geovany Soto—couldn’t get the winning run home. Lee flied out to center, Ramirez was intentionally walked with first base open, and Soto hit a ground ball for the final out in the tenth.

In the bottom of the 11th, pitcher Sean Marshall, of all people, started the inning with a single, followed by a walk by DeRosa. Fontenot tried to bunt the runners up a base, but Marshall was out at third. Reed Johnson hit a ground ball past the diving second baseman, and DeRosa beat a throw that was a touch off-line, barely beating the tag to win the game.

Games like today make it feel like the Cubs can't lose, and that they're destined for the World Series.

The favorites to win the pennant by many pundits and magazines, the Cubs keep improving their team, and will get better in the recent weeks. Soriano will come back to bolster the Cubs offense, adding power and speed. That gives them an advantage over any other team looking to add a bat to their lineup; nobody on the trade market is as good offensively as Soriano.

Scott Erye is also expected to return soon after the All-Star break to add to the bullpen.

When Soriano comes back, the question will be where he should bat. He has led off for much of the year, but I think he hits too many home runs and strikes out too much to lead off. I really love Theriot in the leadoff spot; after today’s 3-for-4, two-walk performance, he is hitting a team-leading .322, has an on-base percentage of .396, and leads the team in stolen bases with 15.

I think the every-day lineup should be:

Ryan Theriot
Alfonso Soriano
Derrek Lee
Aramis Ramirez
Geovany Soto
Kosuke Fukudome
Mark DeRosa
Jim Edmonds
Pitcher

Of course, with various pitching matchups, against right- and left-handed pitchers, for example, the lineup will vary.

As long as the Cubs keep a close eye on Rich Harden’s pitch count, which is expected, the Cubs are in the driver's seat, not only in the Central but in the National League.

Chicago Cubs: NL Central Pulls into Rearview Mirror

kane simmons — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:55:32 -0400

This season was suppose to be easier than last season for the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs were supposed to have it easy, at least until the playoffs.

This season started off pretty easy for the Chicago, being in first place for most of the season, with exception to the first couple of weeks.

The Cardinals were “rebuilding” this year, losing key faces from their recent success: Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, David Eckstein. No Chris Carpenter or Mark Mulder for the first part of the year.

They didn’t rebuild for long, currently sitting 3.5 games behind the Cubs. Given that they have arguably one of the best mangers over the last two decades in Tony Larussa, and his incredible cohort, pitching coach Dave Duncan. Both coaches have a serious case for Coach of the Year given what they have to work with.

Going into this season I joked with my friends, who are all Cardinal fans—I live in Northeast Missouri, Cardinal County for the most part—that the Cardinals would be struggling to reach .500. And they put up no argument; they thought that it was going to be a long season for them and the Cardinals.

But the Cardinals have excelled in the absence of Carpenter, Mulder (to make first start this year on Wednesday), Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, and Juan Encarnacion, all keys to their World Series title a couple of years ago.

So with the Cardinals out of the way, it was down to the Cubs and Brewers going into the season. The Cubs were fresh off a comeback to over take the Brewers to win the division down the stretch. The big question going into this season for the Brewers was could they maintain their hot star from last year? Could they keep up with the Cubs' experience, pocketbooks, or popularity?

Answer: no, at least for the first part of the season. Their bullpen was terrible to start the year, headed by Eric Gagne. They were overmatched and the Cubs were hot out of the gates. Sounds a little bit like last year, only the other way around. I hope it doesn’t end up the same way.

But the Brewers have made up part of their deficit to come back to 3.5 games. And with the recent addition of C.C. Sabathia they will contend for the rest of the summer.

The Cardinals appear to be the third wheel in the race and though they have had a good run and have willed their way into contention, I do not see them hanging around through August.

After the All-Star game the Cubs will have 67 games left, 32 of which are at the friendly confines. So if the Cubs are going to win the division they will have to improve away from home, sweet home. And of those 67 games 43 are against the Central Division, 19 of which against the aforementioned Brewers and Cardinals, nine of those games are at Wrigley.

Whoever wins the Central, whether the Cubs, Brewers, or perhaps the Cardinals, the runner-up can take solace in the fact that the Wild Card will more than likely come out of the division.

As it usually does with baseball's long marathon of a season, it will come down to the last 10 feet, when the Cubs end the season on the road, in Milwaukee.

Everybody, Loves the Rays

kane simmons — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:11:56 -0400

The Tampa Bay Rays showed signs of winning before this year even started. There were brawls within their division, first with the Yankees in Spring Training and the more recent fisticuffs with the Red Sox.

The Rays also have a great supporting cast with a good ratio of youthful talent to experienced veterans.

For the last decade the Rays have served as the weak younger brother to both the Red Sox and Yankees. The older brothers are constantly roughing up on little bro any time, and every time they want.

But this year the Rays are considerably stronger, winning at an unbelievable and historic rate, a month ahead of their previous best.

But as shocking as the Rays winning is, it is not a complete shocker to me. It all started seasons ago with Lou Pinella.

Lou did not win with the Rays while he was there, but I think that Lou instilled a feistiness in the players. A few years ago the Red Sox and the Rays were getting into a couple of brawls a year. Though the Red Sox won the games, division, and championships the Rays did not back down from older brother.

The cornerstones of the Rays the last couple years has been ace lefty Scott Kazmir, and speedster Carl Crawford. Last year Carlos Pena added power to the Rays' lineup. This year Evan Longoria has added even more pop to the lineup, to go along with his great defense at the hot corner.

The Rays' pitching rotation has been key, by being both effective and healthy. Couple this with the possibility of adding the arm of C.C. Sabathia, and the Rays could make the postseason for the first time in their history.

So everybody outside of Boston and New York loves to root for little brother to prevail, and finally beat their older siblings.

Real Life Fantasy: A Solution To Salaries In Sports

kane simmons — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:00:33 -0400

I think I have a solution to eliminate holdouts, overpaid rookies, and if we are lucky, Drew Rosenhaus. I cannot take all the credit for this economic solution since it has been right under our noses for years.

Why not pay athletes based on performance? A real life fantasy.

Fantasy sports are tremendously popular. They give an Average Joe a chance to be a G.M. and coach. First by drafting the right players, building a winning team. Choosing who starts and who sits on the bench.

If a player scores a touchdown he earns money, hits a home run, wins an MVP, and so on. Teams can have the ability to set the amount an RBI will be worth each year or two. This will also prevent players from relaxing too much when they receive a big contract. Usually from a stellar year in a contract year.

Then when a player has a breakout year they will be rewarded - like Josh Hamilton, who is making just over league minimum at $396,830. And players like Barry Zito making $14.5 million, that's about $4.8 million for each win this season. Mike Hampton would probably have to take up two jobs just to pay his bills, if this system was in effect.

The best player on each team would be the highest paid player on each team.

Here are some of the highest paid players on some teams - would you consider them the best on the team? In no particular order:

Jim Thome, White Sox, $15.66 million
Mike Hampton, Braves, $15.9 million
Torri Hunter, Angels, $16.5 milliom
Rafeal Furcal, Dodgers, $15.7 million
Eric Gagne, Brewers $10 million (second highest on team)
Jason Giambi, Yankees, $23.5 million ( second highest on team)
Pat Burrell, Phillies, $14.25 million
Steve Francis, Rockets, $16.4 million
Raef Lafrentz, Trail Blazers, $12.4 million
Kwame Brown, Grizzlies, $9 million

The NFL contracts are more complicated, with signing bonuses, and no guaranteed contracts. The NFL salary system needs an overhaul, with over-paid rookies, the rift between the owners and players and players union. The NFL looks to be heading to a strike if things do not change and the collective bargaining agreement isn't re-worked.

If I was an owner, I would not want to put a large sum of money in a first round pick. Remember Ryan Leaf, Todd Marinavich, Akili Smith? Since these busts were drafted the stakes are higher, and the amount a first round pick makes is much, much higher.

It is time for the owners to stop putting their money where the players agents' are, and put their money where it should be, where the athletes arms and legs are.

Philosophy With Don Imus

kane simmons — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:13:09 -0400

The old philosophical question: If a tree falls in a forest and nobody is there, does it make a sound?

The new version: If an old, 'shock jock' radio host makes an offensive comment, and nobody hears him (unless everybody hears him the subsequent days when his comments are repeated over and over again), is it offensive?

Don Imus inserted his foot in to his mouth yet again with his latest offensive remarks. This article, however, is not a Don Imus-bashing article.

No, this is an article more focused to the national attention that remarks, like both of Imus' previous inflammatory statements, have garnered. In an age of paparazzi and camera phones, the simplest lapse of judgement can end up on You Tube, and then on the headlines. Imus' remarks were on air and he knew it. But how many actually were offended the second the words left his mouth?

A couple of years ago, after the tragic death of "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, "South Park" made a joke about it right away. When I watched the episode of South Park, the appearance of Steve Irwin caught me off-guard but did not think about it afterward.

The next morning, when I woke up, I saw "The Today Show" play a clip of South Park as one of the top stories. Instantly, millions of parents and children who were drinking their coffee and eating their breakfast were forced to watch the 'offensive' clip. The audience of South Park were probably not offended by the joke, because, as fans, they come to expect jokes that push the envelope.

Imus is the same way in that he looks to push the envelope to entertain his audience. If people do not like his way of entertaining his audience—and, obviously, being lewd and racist should not be the only tool in his belt—then they have the option of turning to a different station. However, when his comment is repeated in the national media, more people watch and become outraged and offended.

If people come after Imus' job for what he said about the Rutgers women's basketball team, or Adam "Pacman" Jones, then also go after the hip-hop artists who degrade women even more, and rap about the indifference of police treatment of African Americans, which Imus said his last quip was about. Then ask yourself who is more likely to reach a young person's ears: an old, white talk-radio host, or a hip-hop artist?

I do not live near a big city and never heard of Don Imus until he made his remarks last year. I did not even know that he was back on the radio, until his latest remark surfaced nationally.

So one last question: Were you offended the instant the words left his mouth, or were you offended when they were repeated over and over and over...and over again?