Through the first month of the season the Cubs rank 9th in the NL in runs per game. They’ve scored 4.08 runs per game and the NL average is 4.25. The Cubs pitching has allowed 5.27 runs per game, which is 3rd worst in the NL. Only Arizona (5.35) and Houston (5.59) have been worse. The Cubs have the second …
James Russell to start Monday unless someone else does
“That’s what I don’t know,” Quade said. “If we go in-house, then Russ is going to pitch. But if something else has taken place within the last 24 hours, [Hendry] can bring that to me and we can make a decision. Obviously, anybody who pitched [Friday] night wouldn’t be available. But there could be something else.” — cubs.com The depth …
On early season Pythagorean Win Expectancy and the Chicago Cubs
Through the month of April the Cubs have allowed 31 more runs than they’ve scored. This differential ranks 15th in the NL. Only Houston (-34) has been worse. In the American League the White Sox (-37) and Twins (-57) have been worse. Even the Pirates (-24) have been better. The differential between runs score and allowed is important. Runs scored …
Should Starlin Castro move off shortstop?
After Starlin Castro‘s 3-error inning the other day a lot of talk began again about moving the 21-year old to 2nd base. It’s even been suggested that Darwin Barney (also a natural shortstop) be moved from 2nd to short. Mike Quade hasn’t even begun to think about that, which is great news. It’s not going to happen anytime soon and …
Open Game Thread
Because I didn’t know what time the Cubs were playing tonight so you get one sentence preview that’s not even about the game.
Derrek Lee talks about Cubs fans
Derrek Lee had an interview with Bruce Levine that was published in an article on ESPN.com I stumbled across while looking for crap to read prior to bedtime. Here are some snippets: I know the city and the passion they have for the team,” said Lee, who is batting .245 with one home run and 4 RBIs this season. “I …
Chicago Cubs @ Arizona Diamondbacks (and Fish @ Melons, Pies @ Cucumbers, Cheesecakes @ Butternut Squash Soup)
GamedayB-Ref Preview Cubs wOBA wRC RS Diamondbacks wOBA wRC RS Kosuke Fukudome .343 .57 -.06 Chris Young .339 .56 .00 Darwin Barney .293 .38 .03 Kelly Johnson .360 .62 -.01 Starlin Castro .332 .51 -.03 Justin Upton .381 .68 .03 Aramis Ramirez .350 .55 -.03 Stephen Drew .341 .52 -.01 Jeff Baker .312 .41 -.01 Miguel Montero .339 .50 -.01 …
Carlos Pena sits vs righty
The Cubs wagered $10 million that Carlos Pena would return to 2009 form while playing in Wrigley Field, but after going 0-for-4 on Thursday, he’s out of the lienup for the third time in six games Friday. Unlike the previous times he sat, this time it’s happening against a right-hander, Arizona’s Armando Galarraga to be specific. — NBC Sports Pena …
Draft Thread for Fagets
Faget draft thread for rounds 2 and 3
Cubs Insult Their Best Hot Dog Buying Customers
Carrie Muskat had a brief entry in her Cubs.com blog about some promotions the Cubs have come up with, including some deals for the bleacher bums: Beginning May 10, all Tuesday home games will feature Bud Light or Budweiser products at specific concessions stands in the bleachers for $3. Starting May 11, fans sitting in the Bud Light Bleachers for …