2008 Chicago Cubs Season

[The Splendid Splinter]

Can anyone tell me how Felix Pie is looking so far in the series against the Brewers? Is he swinging better? showing patience or more comfortable at the plate? as well as defensively in CF?

I've been too busy that I didn't see the series...

[nathanKent]

good win today. all facets of the game showed up it appears.

Indeed. Solid start, solid relief (Wood looked nasty against the first two batters), an OBP of 1.000 from Fukudome (!), and power from Aramis. Oh, and STOLEN BASES! I know stealing bases on Jason Kendall probably shouldn't even count, but I'm just happy that we're trying. Thus far everyone who should have one does, with the exception of Derrek Lee.

Also, his numbers aren't showing it yet, but I like the way Soto is playing the game. I expect him to transform into a .275+ hitter soon. His only real flaw today (and Len and Bob pointed it out) was putting the brakes on Demp in the 6th when he was hot.

[rockin500]

good win today. all facets of the game showed up it appears.

[Solair Wright]

Aramis Ramirez sent a 372 foot solo blast to the left field bleachers during the fifth inning, and a two-run sixth helped the Cubs so far avert a sweep. The current score is 6-2 Cubs, in the top of the 8th.

Edit: Make that 6-3 Cubs.

[Scartissue]

Thank God we can at least hit bad pitching!

[nathanKent]

Dempster looks deadly today, especially in the 5th and 6th.

[rockin500]

it didnt take lou long to change his lineup. Soriano back to leadoff and theriot batting second.

[nathanKent]

I expect Lilly will break his slump after a few more starts. I think I've seen him pitch maybe once or twice thus far, but I don't pay a lot of attention during spring training games. Is there anything wrong with his mechanics? Is he showing any signs of injury?

[Scartissue]

Tomorrow is huge...if we start off by getting swept by the Brewers....

I wouldn't look at it that way, especially with Dempster starting--wouldn't be surprised if we lose tomorrow. I'd care more if we can't score against Bush.

I keep hearing baseball analysts say how deep the Cubs' pitching is, but I'm not seeing it. We have a collection of slightly above average starting pitchers, but only one guy who has a shot at being something special. Perhaps Hill will continue to improve, and we can stop comparing him to Zito, (with the way Zito's been pitching lately, that would be a good thing).

[Scartissue]

I liked the Lilly signing when it happened, and he exceeded my expectations last year. I thought he'd be a slightly above .500 pitcher, which for the money in today's market, it would have been a pretty good signing even if he went 12-10 last year. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if he had a significant drop off from last year, since last year was a career year in many respects.

[wrigleybum]

Tomorrow is huge...if we start off by getting swept by the Brewers....

[nightotter]

What happened? I was sleeping. Maybe it was for the best. Geez.

[nathanKent]

Looks like Lilly hasn't gotten over that preseason slump.

[nathanKent]

actually, I have another plus for Pie. The hustle he showed beating out that grounder was nice to see. Of course he was helped by Prince Fielder being lazy, which was the second time in the game he was dogging it (when he didnt run out the ground ball in the early innings)

Pie v. Prince Fielder could yield a lot of interesting results this year.

[rockin500]

actually, I have another plus for Pie. The hustle he showed beating out that grounder was nice to see. Of course he was helped by Prince Fielder being lazy, which was the second time in the game he was dogging it (when he didnt run out the ground ball in the early innings)