Deal to Keep Cubs at Wrigley

There is a deal in the works to keep the Cubs at Wrigley Field. This is good because most people, including me want to see the Cubs at Wrigley when they win the world series?? Oh well, also in other news, The Cubs non-tendered pitcher Mark Prior.

Free Agent pitcher Mark Prior is finally just that; a free agent. I have been waiting for this day since his atrocious, absolutely horrible 2006 campaign. Oh well, the salary is gone, and the Cubs never again have to worry about saving a spot in their rotation for Mark Prior come July. Good bye, and Good Riddence, Mark Prior!

Ryan

The Mitchell Report is Out

Today the Mitchell Report came out, with 89 past and present player names on it. The names were pretty much the suspected names for me. No current Cubs were on there but there were a few former Cubs that were on the list. Kent Mercker, Matt Karchner, Todd Hundley, and Jerry Hairston, Jr.

Some surprises for me, were that Sammy Sosa wasn't on the list of steroid users, and on the list of people that were users, Washington Nationals catcher, Paul Lo Duca. Well that's all for today, have a great one.

Ryan

The Reports are True, Unless we Read Two Different Reports

The Cubs got their man. Kosuke Fukudome is a Cub, pending a physical for 4 years, 48 million. I would put a link, but that's why I have the RSS Reader. Click on one of those links and you'll get the idea. I'd click the USA Today link if I was you, although it isn't the top link because USA Today foolishly covers all teams.

That was a joke. I do that sometimes. Now, cubs fans, just relax. We got the Ted Lilly of this offseason. (This year's Soriano was A-Rod)

Peace,

Ryan

Get Rid of Wrigley, I Want the Fuku (Fook-Yoo) Dome

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports that Kosuke Fukudome, one of Japan's most elite hitters, is coming to play in the United States. The word at Yahoo! Sports is that the Cubs are frontrunners for the dome's services.



If the Cubs do get Fukudome, which it looks like they have a good chance, then that's 2/3 outfield spots locked up; Center Field remains open. Pie proved he can't hit major league level pitching everyday, so I hope for the sake of everyone that has any cubs spirit.


Well, we'll know soon enough if we get the dome.

Peace,

Ryan

Hey Guys, It's Been A While

Hey, readers, not that you exist, but I'm back from my extended break. To summarize what happened while I was gone, I will take merely 3 paragraphs reading of your time. This, counting as the first, is easy reading. Now comes the hard stuff.

Kaz Matsui signed with the Astros for 3 years, 16.5 million dollars. This isn't a relief to me as I wanted him for two reasons. Reason 1: He could help lure in Kosuke Fukudome as Ko-Fuku probably wants another japanese speaking player on the team if he joins. Number 2: I genuinely believe Kaz is on the rise and on to better things in his MLB career.

Fukudome has decided to play in the U.S., and the Cubbies now pursue Brian Roberts. A deal on the table already exists, which would send Thunder Matt Murton to Baltimore with some other trinkets for Roberts. Cross your fingers to keep thunder Matt here. Not that you will, you don't exist, therefore you have no fingers to cross.

That wasn't so hard, was it?

Thanks for the time,

Ryan

Kaz Meets Exclusively With the Cubs

Kaz Matsui met exclusively with the Cubs on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, at a lunch date 1-on-1 with Jim Hendry. I like Hendry's dedication to getting Matsui. I still think it's a good idea to get Kazuo Matsui, who is coming off a career year.

Kaz rejected a 2 year, $7 million contract from the Rockies. To me this means the Rockies are out of the picture, and a previous report said that the Cubs and Rockies are ahead of the Astros. Well, if the Rockies are out of the picture, than it's down to the Cubs and Astros.

Either way, this is good news to me. Also, the Cubs are still interested in Kosuke Fukudome, who has recieved 2 offers from Japanese teams. He is now said to be turning his attention to U.S. teams, which is also in the sun-times report I have up above for Kaz Matsui's meeting.

That's all for today,

Ryan

John McDonough to the- Blackhawks?

The buzz is confirmed, president John McDonough has left the Cubs to become the president of the Chicago Blackhawks. So I'm thinking that this can only be another distraction in a very uneventful offseason-to-date.

Not only do the Cubs need players, they also need someone to buy the team, and they need a president. That could put a lot of stress on the team. But why would he leave forthe most pathetic of all Chicago teams, the blackhawks?

It just doesn't make sense. I guess if he likes the blackhawks more than the Cubs and can get into it more, which would be good for the hawks, I guess, so 1- blackhawks, 0- cubs. I just wish McPhail never would've left.

That's today's post, so until tomorrow,

Ryan

Luis Castillo Off The Market

Luis Castillo, a suspected cubs prospect free-agent, signed a 4 year pact with the New York Mets. This takes him off the market, but many still remain. Kaz Matsui, who I think would be a good pick-up, is still on the market, as well as outfielder Kosuke Fukudome.

The Cubs also have been said to be "taking a flyer" on Bartolo Colon. Colon would be a decent pickup, although the past two seasons his ERAs have been over 5, and in 2007 it was a staggering, Jason Marquis like, 6.34 ERA.

Well those are some things to think about.

(Tomorrow's story may have something to do with John McDonough, my sources tell me)

Ryan

That's Just Fantastic, 101 Years In The Coming

Not sarcastically either. Lou Piniella says that by the year 2009, the Cubs will be a World Series team. It's truly a great article.

Also, Goatriders.org in it's most recent post brings up a great point. The Cubs have approximately 28 million to spend, and they ask how you would spend it. I don't want to steal their idea, so I'm not going to tell you to answer that in a Cub-ment like on the poll. I'm just going to tell you my ideas.

First of all, I'd sign Kaz Matsui for that 3yr/14.4mm he was offered. That spends about 5 million/year, we'll say, so the Cubs have 23 million left. Then I'd pursue Japanese Chinichi Dragon OF Kosuke Fukudome. That would probably be 8-10 million/year. The Cubbies now have 13-15 million left to spend. I'd re-sign Kerry Wood for a 1 year contract for 2 mm/year with incentives for number of appearances. That leaves the Cubs probably 9-10 million left. I'd then trade one of my favorite Cubs, Matt Murton, and another Cub, Ryan Dempster, along with Rich Hill to relieve some salary for a well-to-do 4 or 5 starter. An example of this would be Cliff Lee. That would add most likely about 3 million to the Cubs payroll, and then I'd trade Marquis for a 5 starter like James Shields.

We'll then assume the Cubs have 15 million to spend. I'd then sign Bartolo Colon for 7 or 8 Million, as no-one in their right minds will ever give him 4 years/51 million again after 2 horrible years. That way, the Cubs have enough money to sign somebody if something doesn't work out, they have enough money to trade and pick up salary, and they have all of their immediate needs filled. That's just me though.

Also, I have to give a shoutout to my favorite quarterback in the NFL Rex Grossman and I want to wish him luck tomorrow, and GO BEARS. If they go 6-1 in their last 7 games, they have a great chance of making a wild card spot.

Until tomorrow,

Ryan

Kaz Matsui, Carl Crawford

Good news, the trade with the Tigers for Omar Infante DOES NOT mean that he will be the starter. Dave Kaplan of Chicago's WGN Radio says the Cubs will have a multi-year deal with free agent Kazuo Matsui later this week. Sources have suggested that the Cubs have offered the former Rockies 2nd baseman around 3 years, 14.4 mm.

Carl Crawford also doesn't seem to be out of the picture. Nick Cafardo says that the Cubs are making a push for Crawford in a deal that would give the Rays Rich Hill, Carlos Marmol, and who knows what else? It seems to me this may be slightly off the mark, especially after all the buzz of Marmol as a closer and the somewhat inconsistency of the bullpen even WITH Marmol. Rich Hill makes sense, as there are starting pitchers on the market, such as Matt Clement, Bartolo Colon. Besides, Rich pitched like me towards the end of the year. He had a little more zip on his fastball, though. Cafardo's theory backs Bruce Levine's theory from a few days ago, although Levine's theory was dismissed by Roger Mooney.

Most of this information comes from http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/chicago_cubs/index.html, the Cubs rumors from MLBTradeRumors.com, but I also have used other sources of information available to me. That's my post for the day, I'll be changing the poll soon, so have a nice day.

Until next time,

Ryan

A-Rod, Barry Bonds Stir Things Up

A-Rod shook up my world today, and I'm sure yours (not that there are and of "you", I have no readers), too. The New York Daily News reports that A-Rod has agreed to a 10-year, 275 MM contract. They aren't the only ones, of course, that say this, they are just the ones I chose to use because of the article. Can you say overpaid? Not that he doesn't deserve it now, but there will be a day in age where he won't be hitting a baseball like it's the sears tower and he can't miss. I think this will be a great deal for the Yanks for the next 3 or 4 years, and then surely, his production will slow down to glacier speed. Well, actually, I believe he'll never have a season for the rest of his career where he doesn't hit at least 25 homers, but still, 27.5 mm for 25 homers isn't good enough.

Barry Bonds, too, shook up the town of San Fransisco, my town, your town, Bud Selig's town, Greg Anderson's town, and many other towns today, as he was inicted with 4 counts of perjury and 1 count of obstruction of peace. I've always been a Bonds fan, so I truly believe this will tarnish his reputation. Maybe he didn't know he was gaining 30 pounds a year because of 'flaxseed oil'. Actually, though, everyday I find it harder to back him up. That is just my observation.

Anyway, on to the Cubs news. Zambrano finished 5th in NL Cy Young award this year. He never had a chance. Nobody did- not when Peavy was striking people out, winning games and shutting teams run producers down. He won the NL Triple Crown for pitchers, and incredible feat. I congratulate him, although it would've been nice to see Big-Z win it.

Well, That Just Burst My Bubble

A-Rod has interest in rejoining the Yankees.



Carl Crawford deal is a bust. That wasn't going to get off the ground, as I figured. I had wishful thinking, however, and I let it consume me yesterday, and I am sorry. Right now, with the info we have my projections for the 08 season are:

1. Alfonso Soriano


2. Omar Infante


3. Derrek Lee


4. Aramis Ramirez


5. Kosuke Fukudome


6. Mark DeRosa


7. Geovany Soto


8. Felix Pie (uhh?), Milton Bradley


9. (Pitcher)

All things considered, that is a fair lineup. Infante, as I discussed a couple days ago, will most likely result in reduced production, but Soriano could make up for some of that if he can hit homeruns in 2008 at a more consistent pace than knocking the crap outta the ball in September but no other month. If Derrek Lee's wrist is back to 100% strength, you can expect the Cubs #3 hitter to hit more homers, and if his average stays up there, then by all means he should make up for the rest of what Infante lacks.

Aramis was amazing this year, and I would expect him to play at that level next year, as he has been fairly consistent since the cubs got him from the Pirates. Fukudome I can't really vouch for, but his stats show he can have a good average, and has some pop in his bat, as well. DeRosa's been an above average hitter the last 2 seasons, but I wouldn't expect him to continue that, as he might go back to his ways of hitting in the mid to low .270s. Geovany Soto is yet unproven in big league play, but he was great in AAA, and he played well in major league play at the end of the year.

I like this lineup, especially if they can get off to a better start than last year. If they can end just as hot, start better than 2007, have a decent to strong middle, they'll be a playoff team in a weak NL Central division. The only problem after that, though, is the playoffs. They Cubs played like a little league baseball team in October, and made Dane Cook's job a whole lot easier. Well, that's all I have for today,

so until next time,

Ryan

Cubs Trade Monroe for PTBNL, and a Great Rumour

Today the Cubs made a move with the Minnesota Twins. That move was giving them Craig Monroe. Smart Idea. Now we'll have 3 outfielders for our push for Carl Crawford, the Tampa Bay Rays outfielder.

Also, The Cubs want to re-sign Prior, and Kerry Wood and have him close. Well, quite possibly Prior, as well. Also, according to ESPN radio, they want Dempster to start in 2008, and they want Marmol, Howry, or obviously Wood close.

Hendry continues to amaze by his interest, along with the Rangers, in Coco Crisp. The Cubs, like I have previously stated, also have interest, along with the Padres, for Kazuo Matsui, the free agent 2ND baseman from the Colorado Rockies.

So, needless to say, it has been a good, if not somewhat surprising off-season so far to date.

Infante to the Cubs... [From 'Yay' to 'Nay' in 30 minutes]

When I first read the article about Infante coming to the Cubs for Jacque, I was ecstatic. It couldn't have gone better. Now we have room for Fukudome in RF, Bradley/Hunter/Jones/anyone else in CF, and SS is taken care of. I changed my mind in 30 easy minutes, and I think I can change yours (I use the term 'yours' loosely because there are none of "you", I don't have readers.)

Last year, Infante played 66 games, had 166 at-bats and hit .271. When he got in the game the Tigers went 36-30, 21-18 when he started. His longest hit streak was 5 games. He had 178 PA this year. He had 17 RBI, and had 118 men on base when hitting. The average hitter with 178 PA in a season has 21 RBI with 5 less runners on base. That's HUGE. Those chances are the ones that change games. He had a 14% success rate of getting runners home compared to a league average of 19%, which leaves him at a -5%.

On the flip side, Jacque had 135 games, 453 at-bats and a .285 average, with a disappointing 5 homers. While I agree he doesn't have enough power to be an everyday outfielder, he hits the ball and faced with oppurtunity, he drives in runs. In his appearances this year, the Cubs went 71-64, 59-54 when he started. He had 495 PA, 66 RBI, with a total 345 men on base when he stepped up to the plate. The average player with 495 PA gets 58 RBI, with 314 on base. This is a 19% success rate for Super-Jacque, compared to a league average of 18%. That leaves Mr. Jones at a +1%.

If Infante has the same amount of PAs next year as Jacque did this year with the same amount of runners on (or if he has more), it would deprive the Cubs of 17+ runs. That's a lot of runs. It might not seem like a lot, but it is essential. If you won a game 3-2 last year, you might not be so lucky this year. For example, July 24th, 2007. Jacque Jones went 1 for 2 with 2 walks and an RBI. In the top of the 2nd inning, he singled home Cliff Floyd. This ended up being an essential run for the Cubs. If not, when the Cubs and Cards both scored in the 9th, we'd have been headed to extras, not Big Z's 13 w of the year.

If I haven't changed your mind, you are a brick wall and you cannot be swayed except by little puppies and ice cream.

Have a good one,

Ryan

Trade Rumor

Sorry that I didn't get to write much today, but an interesting trade rumor has surfaced about Jacque Jones for Omar Infante. That's something to think about. Comment on your thoughts. Would this make sense? You tell me!

Ryan

Off-Season To Do List

First and foremost, the Cubs need the following, [Position- Most Suitable]:

1. SS- Kazuo Matsui



2. SP- Hiroki Kuroda



3. RF- Kosuke Fukudome



4. CF- Torii Hunter

Kaz Matsui just had a season where he hit .288 and fielded 2nd base very well. We all like Theriot, but let's be honest; he didn't get the job done last year. We need someone who can consistently hit the ball and field his position. Theriot had the defense down, but not quite a hero on the offensive side of his game. Kaz may cost more than Theriot, but it will be good to have a producer in there. That said, how do we know that season wasn't a fluke altogether? Well, there isn't any way to tell right now, but that is a gamble worth taking. What's the worst that could happen? Another Alex S. Gonzalez? Nevermind, bad memories, but still, it's a good fit.

Japanese pitching sensation Hiroki Kuroda is a possibility for the rotation. Rumours have been going around about Hendry going crazy trying to get Kuroda, Fukudome and Matsui. Well, Kuroda has his upsides. In 2007, he threw 179 1/3 innings in 26 games. 62 Major Leaguers threw more than him, but all of them had at least 28 starts. Of those 26 games he threw 7 complete games. That amazes me. He averaged going 6.89 innings per start. That is behind Rays pitcher James Shields who averaged 6.93 innings per start, and Blue Jay's ace Roy Halladay who average 7.26 innings per start. He also trailed C.C. Sabathia and Brandon Webb, and Fausto Carmona. Those 5 pitchers, though, are all at the top of their game and 3 of those pitchers are aces in thir respective rotations, except for Shields, who is behind Scott Kazmir, and Carmona, who is behind Sabathia. Kuroda also had a 12-8 record and 3.56 ERA.

Kusoke Fukudome played in 81 games this year, batting at a .294 average. In 269 official at-bats, he had 22 doubles, 13 homers, 48 RBIs, 64 runs, 11 stolen bases vs. only 2 caught stealing, and an average of .318 with Runners in Scoring Position (RiSP). Fukudome's .520 Slugging Percentage was behind that of 20 Major League hitters. That may not be the best SP% out there, but it'll get the job done, as it was only lower than 2 Cubs starters-- Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano. Derrek Lee's was .513, Soriano's was .560, and Ramirez's slugging percentage was .549. He also has speed 11/13 steals. This makes him fit the bill for a 2 hitter-- he has good contact and good running ability.

Torii Hunter hit .287 with 28 homers, 45 doubles and stole 18 bases in 2007. In terms of fielding, he made 2 errors in 394 total chances with 5 assissts, a .995 fielding percentage. He's been known to make a ton of web gems playing center field, and he's definitely a better hitter than the platooned starters, Felix Pie, and Jacque Jones. I would love to see Torii in a Cubs uniform come next season, and he'd complete an outfield that needs completing. He and Fukudome, if both signed, would make a dynamic and very athletic outfield.

Kaz Matsui as a Cub

Torii Hunter as a Cub

Sorry, I couldn't find any suitable photos to use to photoshop Kusoke Fukudome or Hiroki Kuroda with.

Until tomorrow's post,

Ryan

Free Agent Comparison.. Dig In!

Well, here is my post for today, a chart* I created recognizing, in my opinion the top 30 free agents on the market. 15 of them hitters, 15 pitchers, not by coincidence. Enjoy! Tomorrow's post will be about 2 Japanese players, Kusoke Fukudome, as see in this post, and Hiroki Kuroda, who may become Cubs. Also, Kaz Matsui, who Hendry is "aggressively pursuing," will be in that article. Until tomorrow,



Ryan, Die-Hard Cubbie Fan
*To see the chart up-close, click on it with the mouse.

Free Agency

If it was during the season or playoffs, which I completely by passed unfortunately, I'd be doing the nice date header, opponent, pics of the starting pitchers, etc., but instead during the off season, I try to write longer articles as opposed to fancy work.

Free Agency is a wonderful thing. This year, however, it may be a secret agent working against the Cubs. Scott Eyre, Cliff Floyd, Jason Kendall, Wade Miller, Steve Trachsel, Daryle Ward, and Kerry Wood all became free agents this year.

Ward had his option accepted, Floyd had his declined, and so did a Steve-O, who had a horrendous '07 campaign in blue. The Ward deal was a move of genius, meaning that only an idiot wouldn't have exercised his option.

Woody and Scott could be harmful to the friendly confines next year, as Eyre has been a huge piece to the 'pen the past 2 seasons. He and Wood are valuable. If Wood and Eyre leave, and Marquis gets traded (please!! any takers?), the Cubbies are in deep "doo-doo".

That would potentially and most likely result in Dempster to the rotation, Bobby Howry as the closer, maybe Marmolade. That means that the Cubs have 5 starters, 1 closer, and 4 relievers. The 2 out of the puzzle were 2 of the best last year, cutting out Eyre's first half. Still, they are both very talented from the bullpen.

If this happens as I have described it, assuming Sean Marshall gets fed to the dogs, as he well should, there are a good many options:

1. Get Neal Cotts up here for the first month or so to see if he can re-claim a spot in the pen and sign a reliever,
2. OR sign a pair of relievers as if it was 2006 and we were talking about Howry and Eyre.

Those relievers could be any of the following:

1. Alfonseca, the former Cub
2. A. Benitez
3. S. Chacon?? Also could start if Dempster doesn't mesh well as an SP
4. F. Cordero, maybe keep Howry and Marmol as set up men?
5. E. Gagne
6. former cub Latroy Hawkins
7. Todd Jones, who could close and keep Howry and Marmol in da 'pen
8. Jorge Julio
9. Ray King
10. former cub Ron Mahay, pretty amazing in '07
11. Linebrink
12. Jose Mesa
13. Percival, who could close (duh)
14. Mariano Rivera, closer
15. Bob Wickman
16. 2006 Cubbie Scott Williamson

There are tons more, too, and I guarantee that if Hendry isn't hibernating like from the dawn of time until 2007, then we should sign at least one of those hand-picked, cut above the rest (mostly) relievers.

Until tomorrow,

Ryan

Looking Forward to 2008

Hello my (limited amount of) readers.

I am sorry to inform you that Jim Hendry claims that he has no interest in getting A-Rod, the best hitter in all of baseball.

According to an MSNBC report from Tuesday, " 'Doesn’t make a lot of sense,' said Chicago Cubs general manager Jim Hendry."

This isn't good news, but it could be worse. Also, the Cubs have made it clear that Dempster will be moved. I speculate a move to the rotation, which would be fine for me. I'm not crazy, but he is a former All-Star starting pitcher and 15-game winner. Sounds better than 3/5 of our rotation.

I would be OK with a lineup much like this one when opening day comes back around:

1. Alfonso Soriano-- LF
2. Ryan Theriot-- SS
3. Derrek Lee-- 1B
4. Aramis Ramirez-- 3B
5. Mark DeRosa-- 2B
6. Jacque Jones-- CF
7. Matt Murton-- RF OR
8. Kosuke Fukudome-- RF
9. Geovany Soto-- C
10. (Pitcher)-- P

That lineup wouldn't bother me a bit. In my opinion, Murton should've been a starter in right last year. He led the team in BA the year before, and that means it was a Dusty-like move.

Murton also hit well off the bench towards the end of the year after being recalled from Iowa. To me, though, it seems like Lou hasn't really taken to Murton that well. Murton's power numbers have also gotten better in at-bats:homers ratio.

The pitching rotation should look something like this:

1. Carlos Zambrano-- RHP
2. Ted Lilly-- LHP
3. Jason Marquis-- RHP
4. Rich Hill-- LHP
5. Ryan Dempster-- RHP

Also, Bartolo Colon is on the market. Not ace material anymore (posting a 6.34 ERA in 2007 and a 5.11 ERA in 2006), he should come at a discount price for a starter. Other notable starter free agents:

• Tony Armas Jr.
• Roger Clemens
• Matt Clement
• Scott Elarton
• Josh Fogg
• Tom Glavine
• Mark Redman

The bullpen should look like this:

1. Will Ohman-- LHP
2. Michael Wuertz-- RHP
3. Scott Eyre-- LHP**
4. Kevin Hart-- RHP
5. Kerry Wood (SU)-- RHP
6. Bobby Howry (SU)-- RHP
7. Carlos Marmol (CP)-- RHP

There are also free agents availabe for unsure spots in the pen such as Kevin Hart, maybe? They are:

• Antonio Alfonseca
• Armando Benitez
• closer Fransisco Cordero
• Scott Eyre**
• Eric Gagne
• LaTroy Hawkins

**He is actually a free agent right now but I can't see the Cubs NOT re-signing him. He was such a valuable asset towards the end of the 2007 season.

Those are my predictions and projections for the upcoming season, just a little earlier than expected.

For 2007 stats of hitters, go to http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=mlb

For 2007 stats of pitchers, go to http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=mlb&baseballScope=mlb&teamPosCode=all&statType=2&timeSubFrame=2007&sitSplit=&venueID=&Submit=Submit&timeFrame=1

Thanks for reading. Also, www.baseball-reference.com is also a great website to check out for statistics, as are www.goatriders.org and www.baseballalmanac.com.

Until next time,

Ryan

Long Break, A-Rod

After a long break to realize my calling in life, I find myself back here writing for my beloved Cubbies. It's been since the 1st of August since, I've written, not that I have readers to enjoy leaving comments, so I wasn't missed, but I missed writing. I live to write, not just to write but to write about what I understand, and that is baseball. All baseball, but more in-depth, Cubs baseball. And now to the good stuff.



A-Rod is on the market, and causing buzz around Major League Baseball. Every writer for every team like me are asking the same questions: Should we go after A-Rod? Will we go after A-Rod? Could we realistically get him?



Well I am prepared to answer those questions today in this post.



First, Yes we should go after A-Rod. After an atrocious post season where our hitters hit pretty much like my granny with a fungo bat trying to hit a golf ball, I think it would be stupid not to pursue the greatest hitter of baseball all-time.



Next, I highly doubt that the Cubs go after A-Rod but if we are given the money to do it, and Hendry doesn't blow the money on his cupcakes or Marquis clones, then A-Rod will be a Cub in 2008. The bad news is that if he isn't, he won't be. Ten years for a contract should take him to the end of his career. The team that harbors his for 10 years is the team he wears the cap of in his plaque for the hall of fame.



Finally, it is a realistic wager that we do get A-Rod. Don't bet your life on it. Every single team wants him. The teams without money don't have a chance, so that leaves about 10 teams who can realistically get him. We are one of them, as shown by last years shopping spree, if you will. The problem is whether or not the money will be given to us with a post-it note on it that says "Go Crazy!" like last year. If the concern is profits, that will come with the signing of A-Rod. 10 years with him in blue and red will be at least 3 world series. Especially with Lee, Ramirez, Big Z, Lilly, Soriano and a solid bullpen. So, especially since we aren't the Pittsburgh Pirates and we are allowed to spend money from the owners, please take advantage of that right, Jimmy!

Maple or Oak: Wood is Back!

August 3rd, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; 2:20 PM ET; Hernandez, 7-4, 3.02 ERA vs. Zambrano, 14-7, 3.47 ERA

Today is a big game for the Cubs, and the Mets. Today is also the return of a former great Kerry Wood.

Short Post today, but good luck Woody!

The Sun is Shining

August 2nd, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; 2:20 PM ET; vs. Phillies; Sean Marshall, 5-4, 3.10 ERA, vs. Lohse, 6-12, 4.58 ERA

Ah, yes, the sun is shining. Well, actually, it is a quite overcast day. But that was sort of a metaphorical comment any how. I meant the sun is shining on the Cubs, who yesterday, finally tied the Brewers in first place, and are technically 1st place due to winning percentage. The Brewers have a .537 WP and the Cubs have a .538 WP, placing them in 1st place if the season ended today.

The good thing is that right now the Brewers are playing the Mets. If they lose and the Cubs win, hello sole-possesion of 1st place. Nothing could ruin my mood. Except seeing the Cubs get mutilated by the Phillies in game 4 of the set. As long as we don't fall behind 7-1 in the 3rd I'll be OK (Just Kidding, that's so unlikely).

Thanks,

Ryan

The Brewers won. The Mets lost. The Cubs remain.

August 1st, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 8:05 PM ET; vs. Phillies; Moyer, 9-8, 4.75 ERA vs. Hill, 6-6, 3.59 ERA

Yeah, the Brewers won 4-2 in 13 innings, and the Cubs remain 1 behind the Brew Crew. Today is another chance to win a game and hope they lose one. Today, the former Pirate Oliver Perez takes on Claudio Vargas, who's ERA is almost 1.50 points higher (Ollie's is 2.84, Claudio's is 4.30).

If the Brewers lose, and the Cubs win, it means a universe in complete serenity. The stupid "Cubs suck" jokes will stop. Instead the "it's just luck" talk will kick in. That's what you get for being a Cub fan, though, I guess. I'm fine with it. I love the Cubbies. I've been a fan since I was 5 and the Cubs still sucked then, and now I'm older and it looks like the Cubs can do some good here.

Thanks,

Ryan

This Might Be the Cubs Big Break

July 31st, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; August 1st, 8:05 PM ET; vs. Phillies; Moyer, 9-8, 4.75 ERA vs. Hill, 6-6, 3.59 ERA

It is July 31st, the day of the deadline deals, and the free-agents-to-be being traded. In 2007 some big deals were Mark Teixeira going to the Braves, Eric Gagne to the Red Sox, and, surprisngly, Matt Morris went to the Pirates.

Jim Hendry lay silent until 4 PM ET yesterday, the date and time that the trade deadline passed. The fact the Carlos Zambrano remains a Cub still tells me 2 things: a) They are going to try to re-sign him come the offseason, and b) He will help the Cubs come October, and he's been the biggest help to this point as it is.

Carlos has done a phenomonal job this year, not counting the season before June 3rd. Imagine that he had played as well then as he is now. Give the Cubs 4 or 5 more wins, lower his ERA to about 2.20, and Give him a 17-4 record instead of 14-7. I think his chance of a Cy Young are still good, with a 3.47 ERA and leading a playoff contending team to the playoffs with the most wins in the Major Leagues. He is ahead of 6 players who have 13 wins, none of whom start tomorrow, and none won today. His next start is Friday, August 3rd, against the New York Mets' Orlando Hernandez. Then, Ted Lilly faces off against John Maine, and Jason Marquis faces what is presumed to be Tom Glavine on Sunday.

The Cubs won today, 7-3, Marquis got the win as the Cubs scored 3 in the bottom of the inning he gave up his 3rd run, to give the Cubs a 5-3 lead, which was unanswered. Carlos Marmol-ade went the 7th and 8th, and Bobby Howry went the 9th to close it out, a non-save situation.

Tommy G. (Glavine) was shutting down his opponents in Milwaukee, 2 hits, 1 run. Unfortunately, no more, as Guillermo Mota blew the game in the bottom of the 8th, 2-2. The game is now going in to extras, and if the Brewers lose, the Cubs are (tied) in first place. Let's go Mets!! Well, until Friday that is, when the y come over to Chicago.

Thanks,

Ryan

ESPN, The Nationwide Leader in Sports

July 30th, 2007

Cubs; ESPN; 7:05 PM ET; vs. Phillies; Hamels, 11-5, 3.63 ERA vs. Lilly, 11-4, 3.46 ERA

Today, in game 1 of the 7-game home stand, Ted Lilly faces off against the hot Cole Hamels. Hamels has pitched well all year, and while some what inconsistent, Lilly has been very good lately.

The Brewers have an off day today, and are only 0.5 games ahead of the Cubs. If the Cubs win tonight's game against Cole Hamels, then they share possesion of 1st place in the NL Central with the Brewers, which would be a very large divisional comeback, if I may say so myself.

Thanks,

Ryan

Rubber Match

July 29th, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; 1:00 PM ET; vs. Reds; Zambrano, 13-7, 3.69 ERA vs. Belisle, 5-7, 5.28 ERA

Today the Cubs take on the Reds in game 3 of this series in Cincinnati. It is a pivotal game for the Cubs as they can gain ground on the Brewers who are at risk of losing 3 of 4 to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Carlos Zambrano, who was promised an NL Cy Yound by Jim Hendry by the end of THIS season may be well on the road to get it. If he wins today he will lead the MLB in wins, and also his ERA isn't too shabby.

The Cincinnati Reds took game 1 of this series, only to have Aaron Harang leave the game after 1 inning yesterday and take the loss, his 3rd of the season, and today face a rubber match against the red-hot Cubs, who I think have a good chance, as Matt Belisle, (5-7, 5.28) takes on Carlos Zambrano (13-7, 3.69).

Thanks,

Ryan

Losing is News for the Cubs

July 28th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 7:10 PM; vs. Reds; Marshall, 4-4, 3.25 ERA vs. Harang, 10-2, 3.45 ERA

The Cubs lost to the Reds 5-4 yesterday after a 2-run 9th inning comeback that tied them at 4. Bobby Howry then came on to pitch and with 1 out in the 9th, he gave up the walk-off run. That's dissapointing because we played a good defensive, offensive, and pitching game. Hill surrendered 2 over 5 throwing 104 pitches, 63 for strikes.

If we lose another game, expect it to be this one. Harang is a pitcher who wasn't great in Oakland and really came into his own in Cincinnati, where he has a chance to sign as a premier pitcher. He can help the Reds return to glory if the Reds can stabilize their rotation with some other quality pitchers.

No matter what happens, today's game promises to be a good one, so enjoy the game.

Thanks,

Ryan

Hill vs. Arroyo

July 27th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; vs. Reds; Hill, 6-6, 3.58 ERA vs. Arroyo, 4-11, 4.58 ERA

Well, yesterday the Cubs finished off the series against the Cardinals by losing 11-1. The good news is that they won the series, 2-1. Marquis had an awful start, and he's lucky that his ERA remains 4.20.

Today the Cubs start the 3 game series against the Reds, with Marshall pitching tomorrow, then Zambrano. Today though, Rich Hill faces off against Bronson Arroyo, who's ERA is 4.58, exactly 1 run higher than Hill's. Let's hope that this stat comes to life in today's game.

Thanks,

Ryan

The Cardinals Really Do Suck

July 26th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 8:10 PM ET; vs. Cardinals; Marquis, 7-5, 3.92 ERA vs. Looper, 7-8, 5.09 ERA

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Tonight Jason Marquis, having a fair year, faces off against the Cardinals 2nd best starter? Compared to last year's Carpenter's, and Mulder's, and Suppan's, their Looper's, Reyes's, and K. Wells's suck. Their hitters aren't the best in the world either.

Not to say they can't beat Marquis. Afterall, he is the Cubs worst starting pitcher, Marshall being arguably the best, next to the flaming Carlos Zambrano, the streaking Ted Lilly and the tall Rich Hill.

Well, fans, I also have encouraging news. Yesterday the Padres lost, the Brewers, lost and, heck, throw one more loss on the pile for the Brew Crew today and you have the Cubs 1.5 back in the Central, 0.5 back in the Wildcard.

Enjoy the game and I'll post tomorrow.

Thanks,

Ryan

Lilly vs. Wainwright

July 25th, 2007

Cubs; ESPN 2; 8:10 PM ET; vs. Cardinals; Wainwright, 9-7, 4.18 ERA vs. Lilly, 10-4, 3.51 ERA

The Cubs enter play today 3 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central. They also enter 1.5 games back of the San Diego Padres in the Wildcard. Not too shabby considering how much time the Cubs have to actually overtake these teams in the standings.

There are no teams standing in the way of the Cubs in the Central, and in the Wildcard it appears that only the Braves will make a ripple through the quiet water. Not that I am begging for excitement, far from it, I want this to be as easy as possible.

With yesterday's win, Zambrano ties himself for the major league lead in wins. With 13, he is tied with 3 other pitchers. Tonight Ted Lilly aims for his 11th win, which would put him ahead in the un-official stat 'Most Wins With New Team', which just gauges how he's doing with the Cubs so far wins-wise.

Thanks,

Ryan

Wells vs. Zambrano

July 24th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 8:10 PM ET; vs. Cardinals; Zambrano, 12-7, 3.69 ERA vs. Wells, 4-12, 5.75 ERA

Today the Cubs begin a 3-game series against the Cardinals by sending their ace, Carlos Zambrano against an ace-hole, former Pirate, Kip Wells. Last year Kip was traded from the Pirates to the Rangers, where he would spend most of his days in AAA. Over the offseason he was signed by the Pirates as pitching help for their rotation. With Mulder and Carpenter STILL out, and Carpenter not returning until after the start of '08, he's been more key than I thought he would be.

Not to say he has been good, because after his first 3 starts, all quality starts, he would've been better off shoveling coal for a ship sailing away to Norwegian territories. Zambrano, however, has been pitching awfully good this month, a 1.42 ERA, and has just been pitching above amazing since very his 3rd start in June.

The Cubs enter play today with a 1.5 game deficit of the San Diego Padres in the Wildcard, behind the Braves, also, who have play 3 more games than the Cubs. The Brewers, who lost yesterday, hold a 3 game lead against the Cubs entering play this afternoon. There are 2 double-headers today, 1 between the Tigers and White Sox, 1 between Seattle and Texas. Also, Craig Biggio announced his retirement today, making this a sad day for Major League Baseball, and ensuring that in 2013 at the latest, he will be a hall of famer. Enjoy the game.

Thanks,

Ryan

Off Day Topics

July 23rd, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 8:10 PM ET; vs. Cardinals; Zambrano, 12-7, 3.69 ERA vs. Wells, 4-12, 5.75 ERA

Instead of doing a preview of the Cardinals vs. Cubs series, like I had originally planned, I am going to cover a lot of topics relating to the Cubs.

Carlos Zambrano in July this year is 3-1 with a 1.42 ERA, having 4 quality starts in 4 starts. His loss came against the Pirates and Shane Youman. At night, like tonight, his ERA is 2.38. On the road his ERA is 3.13, and against the Cardinals career he is 6-4 in 115 innings with a 2.43 ERA.

The Cardinals are 5-5 in their last 10, and are 21-22 at home. The Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10, and 24-22 on the road. Versus teams in the Central, the Cardinals are 21-15, the Cubs 20-18. The Cubs are 11th in the league in batting average at .269. This is 5th best in the NL and best in the NL Central. The Cardinals are 15th in the league with a .268 team batting average. The Cubs are also 4th in the MLB in team ERA at 3.86, and 2nd best in the NL, trailing the Padres. The Cardinals are 26th in the league in ERA at 4.80, giving up almost 1 more run than the Cubs a game.

The Cubs haven't faced Kip Wells this season yet. The Cardinals hitters have faced Zambrano once this year, getting 7 hits, 1 run, a homerun by Albert Pujols. Total this year, in 178 at-bats against Cubs pitchers, Cardinals hitters have a .258 batting average, 18 runs, 7 homeruns. The Cubs hitters against Cardinals pitchers this year have 181 at-bats against the Cardinals, hitting .276 with 6 homeruns and scoring 29 times.

The Brewers, who lost to the Reds 2-1 today, carry a 3 game lead into play tomorrow, in which Yovani Gollardo, 2-1, 2.34 ERA, faces off against Matt Belisle, 5-6, 5.13 ERA. The Brewers are hitting .229 with 16 runs against the Reds this year, while the Reds are hitting .297 with 18 runs off of Milwaukee pitchers this season.

Matt Murton is hitting .326 with 5 homeruns and 21 RBI in 36 games with the Iowa Cubs. Neal Cotts is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA in 7 games, 6 starts at AAA Iowa, as well. Since returning to AAA following the All-Star Break, Felix Pie is hitting .354 in 48 at-bats. The Iowa Cubs are 57-46 and are 2nd place, as the AA Tennessee Smokies are 14-17 and tied with the Cubs previous AA team, now belonging to the Mariners, the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx.

The Cubs are 2nd in the league in WHIP behind the Padres, with a 1.27 Walks+Hits per Innings Pitched statistic. Cubs pitchers have given up 56 stolen bases, 18th most on the list. The highest is 106 by the San Diego Padres. The Cubs lead the league in batting average against at .238. They are 2nd in the league behind the Dodgers in Ks per 9 innings with 7.51 opposing hitters K'd per game. They have a strikeout to walk ratio of 2.22, which is 9th in the league.

In the series against the St. Louis Cardinals, the Cubs have Carlos Zambrano going up against Kip Wells, Ted Lilly against Adam Wainwright, and then Jason Marquis vs. Braden Looper. After finishing the series at Busch Stadium, the Cubs play the Reds, and then return home to play the Phillies. Also, Derrek Lee returns from his 5 games suspension today which he didn't have a chance to appeal, although he did ask to appeal the suspension after a brawl against Padres starting Pitcher Chris Young in June.

The San Diego Padres lost to Colorado yesterday, putting themselves 2 games behind the Dodgers in the NL West, and 1 game ahead of the Atlanta Braves in the Wildcard. The Cubs are 3rd place in the Wildcard at 1.5 games back.

The Cardinals enter play today against the Cubs to begin a 7 game homestand that includes facing the Cubs and Brewers. They then fly to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates. Albert Pujols has heated up lately, hitting .429 in his last 10 games with 6 homeruns.

Thanks,

Ryan

We Lost 2 of 3

July 22nd, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; Tuesday, July 24th; 8:10 PM ET; vs. Cardinals; Zambrano, 12-7, 3.69 ERA vs. Wells, 4-12, 5.75 ERA

Nothing worse could've happened. We beat their ace and then get kicked in the nuts by the other 2 starters. I don't care about the game 2 loss because the Brewers, NL Central leaders, and Padres, Wildcard leaders both lost. The game 3 loss, though, the Brewers won. The Padres are losing 2-0 right now, so we might not lose a game in the Wildcard, but I'd rather win the Central than have to be the underdogs every series.

The good news? Jason Kendall had his first hit as a Cub today. Also, Derrek Lee comes back from his 5 game suspension Tuesday to face the Cards. Honestly, he chose the best time ever to take his suspension. The Brewers lost just as many times as we did, so we are now 3.5 games back again, but hey, it's only 3.5 games. That's all I have to write today, so have a good day and enjoy the 1 day break, as tomorrow I will do an in depth preview of the Cardinals-Cubs series.

Thanks,

Ryan

For One Night, Everything Clicked

July 21st, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; 1:05 PM ET; vs. Diamondbacks; Owings, 5-5, 4.92 ERA vs. Hill, 6-6, 3.70 ERA

Today I will lay back on my fuzzy couch with my Ernie Banks jersey on, watching the Cubs play on channel 19, Superstation WGN. I will relax, knowing that everything that I had wanted to happen in baseball world happened. Every team that needed to lose to make the Cubs better in the NL Central and the Wildcard lost.

Yesterday, the Cubs won 6-2 after getting down 2-1 on a Chris Young homerun off of Marquis, who had a great start by the way. The Cub game yesterday was at 2:20 PM ET, and there were no other games until 7:05. This gave me plenty of time to check standings, probable starters, stories, and still have time to play with my kitten.

I wanted the Padres or Dodgers to lose. If 1 of them wins, the NL West has 1 sole possessor, and so does the Wildcard. Well, by sheer luck, both of them lost, letting the Cubs be 2 back in the Wildcard. I wanted the Braves to lose also. They lost 4-2 to the Cardinals, a team that hardly matters at all at this point.

Finally, the most important of them all, the Brewers lost, pulling the Cubs to withing 2.5 games of the NL Central lead. The Cubs are 51-44, and have a 3 game win streak, winning 7 of 8 sinc the all-star break. So, back to the title, for one night everything clicked.

Thanks,

Ryan

Bonds vs. Cubs; Webb vs. Marquis

July 20th, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; vs. Diamondbacks; Webb, 8-7, 3.42 ERA vs. Marquis, 6-5, 4.03 ERA

In Bonds' first and only game against the Cubs in the 4 game series, he sure made it very interesting. In the 2nd inning Bonds connected off of Ted Lilly for a solo shot, his 18th of the year, Giants down 4-1. His next at-bat was in the 3rd inning, when he had a 2 RBI single. Giants down 4-3.

His at-bat after that, he walked, but then in the 7th inning, with Will Ohman on the hill, he went deep again. A 3 run shot in the center field basket. 9-8 Cubs. That was the final. 8 runs for the Giants, he drove in 6. He hit 2 shots, 18 and 19 on the year for him, 752 and 753 on the past 2 decades for him.

How'd the Cubs do in all this mess? No homers. Still won, but oddly enough no homers. Players that did good yesterday include Alfonso Soriano (3-5, 2 R, 1 RBI), Aramis Ramirez (3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI), Mike Fontenot (2-4, RBI), and especially Jacque Jones (4-5, RBI), who I can say is doing OK for the first time since 2006. His numbers aren't great, but 2 weeks and 4 days ago he was hitting .227, now he is hitting .244, which is good seeing as he is getting more playing time now.

The bad news is that Daryle Ward, Lee's replacement, and Cliff Floyd went down yesterday. Ward with a calf injury, Floyd was dizzy. Now Jake Fox will probably take over at first, and Pagan will surely play. The game starts at 2:20. The game is on Superstation WGN.

Thanks,

Ryan

Jim-bert Hendry-stein

July 19th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 2:20 PM ET; vs. Giants; Morris, 7-5, 3.86 ERA vs. Lilly, 9-4, 3.51 ERA

The rumors are true, Jim Hendry is a genius. He finally got rid of that son of a short stop Cesar Izturis. The best part, though, is that he went within the division. The Pirates gave up minor league crap that they never used for Izturis, and now their crap that they never used is our crap that we'll never use.

On a serious note, however, this could be what Lou's been waiting for. He can now call up that 12th pitcher he wants. He said he wants 13 hitters and 12 pitchers, and right now it's 14 and 11. Actually, with Izturis gone and Lee suspended, it's 12 and 11. So, Jake Fox was recalled to the majors, probably until D-Lee gets back. Then it will be 13 hitters, and the Cubs can call up that 12th pitcher.

But wait, what do you mean the Cubs have 12 pitchers already? Yes, that's right, Rocky Cherry is off the DL and Dempster will be shortly. But that means that the Cubs will have to option someone. I would hate it to be Gallagher after he wasted those innings for us yesterday, but it has to be him or Petrick, seeing as they are the same type of pitcher, a right-handed long reliever/mop-up pitcher.

Let me tell you something though. If having too many pitchers is a bad thing, then the Cubs are in bad shape, but it isn't. Last year was torture not having enough pitching. We had to call up people that ended up sucking like JKU, well that's how you say it, though it is spelled Jae Kuk Ryu, Juan Mateo, and so on.

Have a nice day and enjoy the game as the Cubs go for 3 out of 4 against the Giants. Bonds is back today and hitting in the 4 slot in the Giants order. Maybe he'll make this game a little more interesting than it already is, as this game is sort of a rubber match, the Cubs trying to win the series in the last game of the series.

Thanks,

Ryan

Well He Really Barretted That Play, Didn't He?

July 18th, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; 2:20 PM ET; vs. Giants; Cain, 3-10, 3.53 ERA, vs. Zambrano, 11-7, 3.83 ERA

When I say that Kendall Barretted* it, I mean not once, not twice, but 3 times. First, he drops the throw from Soriano that scores a run. Next he goes and drops that pop-up that ended up scoring the game winning run. Finally, a "wild pitch" that he certainly should've gotten to rolls away and lets the Giants have someone in scoring position. On offense he went 0-3.

I'm not so worried about THAT though. I'm worried about Barry Bonds returning to the lineup today. Who am I kidding, it isn't today, it's 7 minutes from now. If the bullpen has the kind of night it had yesterday, we are cruising for a bruising. For the Cubs to keep winning and have a shot at the playoffs, the pen needs to be more consistent and have their bad days when we have huge leads or are already getting killed.

In preview of today's game, Cain doesn't give up many runs, he has an ERA of 3.53. However, he doesn't get many either. With that ERA, your record should be great, but 3-10 it stands. On the flip side, Zambrano has a 3.83 ERA, which I would expect him to then carry a record of about 8-8, but he is 11-7, leading the NL in wins, showing that the Cubs give more than adequate run support. If the stats from 2007 were always correct though, the Cubs may have won more games than they have. Let's hope that Matt Cain gets that slow run support today and that Zambrano gets the goods.

*- When I say "Barretted", I am referring to the sloppy defense that Barrett had shortly before he departed from the Cubs.

Thanks,

Ryan

You say, "Good Buy," I say, "I Know,"

July 17th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 8:05 PM ET;vs. Giants; vs. Zito, 6-9, 4.90 ERA, vs. 4-3, 3.48 ERA

My title is speaking of the Jason Kendall and cash for Rob Bowen and minor league trash. Overall, Hendry is having a good year. It goes to show you that 300 million spent is 300 million earned. If you weren't singing it when reading the actual title, it was a take on the Beatles song "You say goodbye, I say hello."

I have some pictures of what Kendall will look like as a Cub, and what Bowen will look like as an Athletic. Here they are.

Today should be a good game as Barry Zito has been pitching like last year's Sean Marshall, and Sean Marshall has been pitching like Cy Young Barry Zito. With the Cubs on a 4 game win streak, let's see how they can do against Zito, in a battle of the southpaws. Also, Bonds returns tonight, as he didn't play yesterday with swollen ankles and knees.

Thanks,

Ryan

Bonds vs. Cubs

July 16th, 2007

Cubs; ESPN; 7:05 PM ET; vs. Giants; Lincecum, 4-2, 4.63 ERA vs. Hill, 5-6, 3.81 ERA

The title, I feel, is fitting, as the Giants have been having an off year to say the least. Barry Bonds may be the only reason people go to Giants games. I don't know, and I don't care. I care about the Cubs and how we may be damaged by Barry. The good news about this 4 game series? 3 lefties start against a slumping lefty. Throw a Zambrano in there and you have yourself a decent chance of a sweep.

From there we go to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who nobody even seems to be giving a chance in the 2nd half. They are 49-45 now, and something that will help them in this series is reigning NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb. He starts against the Cubs in game 1 against Jason Marquis. Game 2 is a sub-par 5-5, 4.92 ERA Micah Owings. He faces Rich Hill, who starts tonight. That game feels even to me even though Hill has the better stats.

Those are my 2 series previews wedged into a paragraph each. They aren't the best series previews in the world, but we don't have an off day so I can't break out the stat sheets and do my detailed previews just yet.

Thanks,

Ryan