2008 Chicago Cubs Season

[Scartissue]

Looks like we won't see this year's hot pitching prospect, Johnny Cueto. I guess it's a good thing, but I'm curious to see this kid. Homer Baily got more pre-season press, but Cueto looks to be the one to take off, at least for now. This Reds rotation can get very good soon.

We see CPat back in Wrigley on this trip. Good year for CPat so far, whose career has been defined by streakiness. He's been dangerous, slugging .667 thus far, with 4 homers. Still doesn't get on base, but a danger to steal when he's on.

[nathanKent]

Don't let Wood's ERA fool you--he's pitching a lot better than his ERA would indicate.

I still think the starting rotation overall is so-so, but by year end, our bullpen will prove to be among the best.

I concur. This isn't the 2003 rotation. It's not even the 2007 rotation. But the 'pen looks strong. Eyre is the only question mark for me. I think we need to send Marshall back down as soon as possible to keep him stretched out in case of an injury or trade situation, but I don't see a recall of Eyre as a particularly good thing. I'm almost of the opinion that our best LOOGY is really Bob Howry.

[Scartissue]

Don't let Wood's ERA fool you--he's pitching a lot better than his ERA would indicate.

I still think the starting rotation overall is so-so, but by year end, our bullpen will prove to be among the best.

[nathanKent]

Yep. Marquis did good to get out of the first and second inning jams allowing only one run. It's good to see us winning these extra innings games. We've got our first crack and Dusty and then the Pirates again coming up so hopefully we can get a good winning streak going here.

I thought it was a good sign that he really wanted to fight for the win too. Too bad he didn't get it. Marshall pitched well today too.

[rockin500]

Yep. Marquis did good to get out of the first and second inning jams allowing only one run. It's good to see us winning these extra innings games. We've got our first crack and Dusty and then the Pirates again coming up so hopefully we can get a good winning streak going here.

last year we were losing these games left and right the first two months of the year.

[wrigleybum]

Cubs win!

D-Lee made this game happen. Honorable mention goes to Marquis for a gutsy performance coming off an illness, as well as both catchers. Soto's slide saved Z's boneheaded AB.

Yep. Marquis did good to get out of the first and second inning jams allowing only one run. It's good to see us winning these extra innings games. We've got our first crack and Dusty and then the Pirates again coming up so hopefully we can get a good winning streak going here.

[nathanKent]

Cubs win!

D-Lee made this game happen. Honorable mention goes to Marquis for a gutsy performance coming off an illness, as well as both catchers. Soto's slide saved Z's boneheaded AB.

[rockin500]

Another example on why defense is so important, great play by Lee to save the game and send it into extras.

defense is important true, but so is offense.

and johnson's defense while not stellar, isnt bad either. its probably average for centerfield. Theres nothing wrong with being average.

I think we'll be seeing pie more this upcoming week.

[wrigleybum]

Another example on why defense is so important, great play by Lee to save the game and send it into extras.

[rockin500]

Agreed. Johnson is basically taking Murton's spot in the lineup. The only thing he adds is the ability to play a lousy centerfield. Soriano and Fukudome are both better defensive options as backups in center and Murton should be able to hit as well or better than Johnson. I really don't see much gain in signing Reed Johnson.

what makes you say soriano a better bet in center? he showed last year he wasnt gifted in center. Johnson is better than soriano any day of the week in centerfield.

[Windy City Fan]

Agreed. Johnson is basically taking Murton's spot in the lineup. The only thing he adds is the ability to play a lousy centerfield. Soriano and Fukudome are both better defensive options as backups in center and Murton should be able to hit as well or better than Johnson. I really don't see much gain in signing Reed Johnson.

[Scartissue]

i am very much in disagreement with your disagreement of the reed johnson signing.

My guess is that if we didn't sign Johnson, Murton would be on the roster, and our backup CF would have been Fukudome or Soriano. I'm not saying the Johnson signing was bad, but I think it was unnecessary because I would have been fine with Murton being the extra outfielder, which should give us about the same results but at less money.

[rockin500]

It's a moot point this far into a losing game (bottom of the 7th), but that hit by Utley would have been a double instead of a triple if Pie or Fukudome had been in CF. I'm very much in disagreement with this Reed Johnson signing right now.

very doubtful. that thing had triple written all over it from the moment it left the bat. With Utley's speed, it was a foregone conclusion that he is at third even with a cannon from center.

i am very much in disagreement with your disagreement of the reed johnson signing.

[wrigleybum]

Yea, and the night before, with Fukudome missing that ball in Center, and Ward being horrible in right...I think the Soriano-Pie-Fukudome outfield gives us a tremendous defensive advantage.

[nathanKent]

It's a moot point this far into a losing game (bottom of the 7th), but that hit by Utley would have been a double instead of a triple if Pie or Fukudome had been in CF. I'm very much in disagreement with this Reed Johnson signing right now.