Blackhawks & Cubs Trade Differently

The difference between the Blackhawks’ recent trades and the Cubs’ soon-to-be trades is the Hawks knew it was coming all along–Stanley Cup champions or not. If the Cubs were competing, however, we wouldn’t be talking about Lee, Lilly and Fukudome on the trade-block.

The Hawks trade players because they have too…they’re being crushed by the league’s salary cap. The Cubs, unfortunately, will trade players because it’s their best option to compete…next year!

–I’ve said many times Ted Lilly is the staff ace, but the Cubs offense doesn’t act like it. Lilly has the lowest run support in baseball, about two runs per game. He got two more runs and another no-decision Thursday, which, marks the 11th time in 12 starts Lilly has gotten fewer than three runs of support. Awful!

–Is Carlos Marmol better at escaping jams or creating them? He walks three batters in the 10th and escapes a bases loaded jam with one out and the winning run on third. Len Kasper calls it the ‘Carlos Marmol Special’…I like that!

–John Grabow lasts two scoreless innings earning his first win of the year. He hasn’t allowed a run since returning from the DL June 15.

–Andrew Cashner made seven appearances before issuing a run on Thursday. It tied the score at 2-2 and results in Cashner’s first blown save of the season. Although, his ERA is a puny 0.87.

–Cross Town Classic Friday at 1pm. Comcast Sports analyst Todd Hollandsworth likes the Cubs to take 2-of-3…I’m not so sure. But hey, I’d be happy if the Cubs just avoid the sweep!