Inside the Cubs

As expected, the Cubs activated Scott Eyre from the DL and sent down Sean Marshall.
Here's the lineup for today's game: 1. Soriano, LF; 2. Theriot, SS; 3. Lee 1B; 4. Ramirez, 3rd; 5. Fukudome, RF; 6. Soso, C; 7. DeRosa, 2nd; 8. Johnson, CF.

Continue reading "Eyre activated; today's lineup" »

Posted by Roman Modrowski at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Is it just me, or does the newly clean-shaven Zambrano look like Dr. Evil?

``Ninety-one point five milllllliion dollars...''

Continue reading "Big Z and Mr. Bigglesworth" »

Posted by Gordon Wittenmyer at 01:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Lou says the radio reporter asking that question that set him off Thursday was trying to ``create the news,'' asking something he already knew the answer to. Specifically, that taking Alfonso Soriano out of the game late for defensive reasons is absurd. ``You don't take superstar players out of the lineup,'' the manager said.

But in defense of WSCR-AM's Jesse Rogers, whether the question could have been rephrased, it wasn’t out of line -- especially considering it was Soriano’s first game back from the disabled list and Piniella has been known to do stranger things trying to secure a win.

Continue reading "Lou on playing Soriano, sitting Mariotti" »

Posted by Gordon Wittenmyer at 08:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (19) | TrackBacks (0)

The Cubs made a roster move today with middle relief pitchers Chad Fox and Kevin Hart. Here's the official release:

Continue reading "Chad Fox up, Kevin Hart down" »

Posted by Roman Modrowski at 02:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As expected, the Cubs activated Alfonso Soriano from the disabled list. And he'll return to the leadoff spot. Matt Murton was sent down.

Continue reading "Soriano activated, Murton sent down" »

Posted by Roman Modrowski at 12:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Cubs manager Lou Piniella feels the media fantasize about the Cubs' lineup. Knowing most of the media, Cubs lineups are deep on their list of fantasies. Judging from our e-mail, fans have their own fantasies about lineups.

So here's your chance. With Alfonso Soriano set to come off the disabled list Thursday, there will be a new dynamic to the Cubs' lineup. How would you fill out the top eight?

Posted by Chris De Luca at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (35) | TrackBacks (0)

The Cubs recalled Matt Murton from Class AAA Iowa and optioned Eric Patterson.

Continue reading "Murton up, Patterson down" »

Posted by Roman Modrowski at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Dusty Baker returned. And got booed. Just like the ex-Cubs manager said the fans at Wrigley would do before the game. But that didn't keep the new Cincinnati manager from smiling and looking happier than he has in years, at least around here.

``Life is good,'' he said behind the batting cage about an hour before the game. ``My life is real good.''

Continue reading "Hey, man, booooo!" »

Posted by Gordon Wittenmyer at 07:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

While talking about fiery pitcher Carlos Zambrano's angry outbursts during games gone wrong, Cubs manager Lou Piniella remembered being charged for water coolers he broke with his bat during his playing career -- four or five, by his estimate, at about $250 to $300 a pop.

But he made sure to make a point each time he had to pay up.

Continue reading "Lou's lost investment opportunity" »

Posted by Gordon Wittenmyer at 12:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

He might be off the caffiene and energy drinks but even a better hydrated, less jacked-up Carlos Zambrano is no less hulking, animated and reactionary on the mound than he ever was. Anyboyd watching Friday's game on TV saw that in the Phillies' decisive sixth inning when Pat Burrell drove a run-scoring double over lead-footed Daryle Ward, who was in right field getting his first start of the season.

Continue reading "New year, same Big Z" »

Posted by Gordon Wittenmyer at 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)

Only Bobby Cox has been kicked out of more games than Lou Piniella among active managers, but the Cubs' skipper wasn't about to bite when asked if -- like Ozzie Guillen's public beef with umpire Phil Cuzzi -- he had any problems with particular umpires.

``The umpires are all my buddies,'' Piniella said, smiling.

Continue reading "It's the buddy system for Lou" »

Posted by Gordon Wittenmyer at 11:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Cubs plan to move up ace Carlos Zambrano a day to pitch tomorrow's series opener at Philadelphia, taking the spot of Jason Marquis, who's still recovering from the flu. Zambrano will be pitching on his natural fifth day because of this week's off day.

Continue reading "Zambrano to replace sick Marquis tomorrow" »

Posted by Roman Modrowski at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)