Who has the best shot at being a star during the playoffs? Ryan Dempster.
There are a few reasons why I believe that Dempster can shine above the rest of the Cubs pitchers during the playoffs.I would first like to acknowledge that Harden, Zambrano and Dempster are all strong pitchers who show potential.
Zambrano: Inconsistent
Zambrano has had problems all year. When he pitched his recent no hitter, Cubs fans thought he was back and ready to bring us into the playoffs. The fact of the matter is, he hasn't been pitching well lately. One day he is on top, the next day his performance is well...disappointing.
Emotions. As we all know, big Z is an emotional player. It's is great to have competitive spirit and stand by your performance, but the guy is an emotional mess and it often affects his performance.
Harden: Inconsistent
Harden has also had arm problems this year. Harden is a strong player as well, but when players experience frequent arm problems, it's not a good sign for a strong performance. Typically Harden doesn't last too many innings, not a good sign.
Dempster: Our Man
Dempster is the man that Lou has chosen to lead our Cubbies this Wednesday against the Dodgers at Wrigley. Dempster has a calm and collective attitude even in sticky situations. He performs well at home and is even tempered. Oh, and he is healthy to play. He has pitched in playoff games before, he has experience.
Will talk Wednesday after game 1. GO CUBSSSSSSSSS! GOOOOO!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Memorable Moment of the Week
Each Sunday from now on I will feature a Cubs highlight blog.This weeks highlight, is the Cubs will play the Dodgers in game one on Wednesday.The Brewers defeated the Cubs 3-1 today and won the NL Wild Card. The Brewers will travel out east to play the Phillies in round one of the playoffs. Cubs are set to host the Dodgers.
This news gives Cubs fans something to celebrate. Returning to an earlier blog, Chicago performs solid at Wrigley and Ryan Dempster who will be starting on Wednesday has a very good record at home.
The inexperience of some of the players on the Dodgers end gives hope to Cubs fans that this is a positive match up. Although, manager Joe Torre has plenty of experience in the playoffs...he may be able to lead these players enough to win.
The Cubs do have strong bats, but have a majority of right-handed hitters that compose their line up. The down side is that the Dodgers have solid right-handed pitchers, who have stepped up their game.
Manny Ramirez is also having an impressive season and batting .396. He is a vital component of the Dodgers lineup. His batting average is the highest it has ever been in his entire major league career.
Who will be the best pitcher for the Cubs this playoff season?? Stay tuned, I'll have more for you tomorrow.
This news gives Cubs fans something to celebrate. Returning to an earlier blog, Chicago performs solid at Wrigley and Ryan Dempster who will be starting on Wednesday has a very good record at home.
The inexperience of some of the players on the Dodgers end gives hope to Cubs fans that this is a positive match up. Although, manager Joe Torre has plenty of experience in the playoffs...he may be able to lead these players enough to win.
The Cubs do have strong bats, but have a majority of right-handed hitters that compose their line up. The down side is that the Dodgers have solid right-handed pitchers, who have stepped up their game.
Manny Ramirez is also having an impressive season and batting .396. He is a vital component of the Dodgers lineup. His batting average is the highest it has ever been in his entire major league career.
Who will be the best pitcher for the Cubs this playoff season?? Stay tuned, I'll have more for you tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Cubs Memorable Moment of the Week
Starting this week, I will now be adding a new feature to A Girls Guide To Wrigley. This feature will contain my personal favorite Cubbie moment of the week and why I think it's so important.This new feature will be featured on Sundays, but I figured I would give a little preview tonight.
This weeks highlight: Cubs home advantage going into next week's NL division series. This great news followed Jason Marquis' grand slam.
The cubs perform better at home versus on the road.Having home field advantage will put the Cubs in a winning mind set. Plus, Cubs fans are excited that the first game will be in Chicago. The strong fan base in Chicago will hopefully push the Cubs to perform.
Many Cubs fans at the University of Iowa are so excited by this news that they are actually going back to Chicago to cheer on the Cubbies. Maybe I am thinking too far ahead but if the Cubs do make it to the World Series I definitely will want to go back to Chicago to support them.
Fellow Cubs fans: What are your thoughts? Is anyone going to head back to Chicago for the playoffs?
This weeks highlight: Cubs home advantage going into next week's NL division series. This great news followed Jason Marquis' grand slam.
The cubs perform better at home versus on the road.Having home field advantage will put the Cubs in a winning mind set. Plus, Cubs fans are excited that the first game will be in Chicago. The strong fan base in Chicago will hopefully push the Cubs to perform.
Many Cubs fans at the University of Iowa are so excited by this news that they are actually going back to Chicago to cheer on the Cubbies. Maybe I am thinking too far ahead but if the Cubs do make it to the World Series I definitely will want to go back to Chicago to support them.
Fellow Cubs fans: What are your thoughts? Is anyone going to head back to Chicago for the playoffs?
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Last Day At Wrigley
Today was kind of an emotional day for me. The Cubs played their last home game today, defeating the St. Louis Cards 5-1.Their at home records is 55-26; the most wins the Cubs have had at home since 1935.
I hate when baseball season ends. Although the Cubbies still have another eight games to play, their regular season run at Wrigley is over for 2008. On the plus side, we clinched the NL Central on Saturday, in a close game, the Cubs won 5-4.
Things have been looking up for the Cubs lately, they have won their last 6 out of 8 games.An exciting day today for Ryan Dempster, who clenched his 17th win. He is now 17-6 with a 2.99 ERA.
Lou decided to give the regular starters a rest on Sunday after clinching on Saturday, which gave players such as Felix Pie and Casey McGehee a chance to come up. This was kind of funny because I was watching the game in bits and pieces and couldn't help but notice the starting players such as Soriano, kickin' back in the dugout. These boys need their rest, and we won, so all a plus.
I am getting really excited for the next week, although I am really sad that the regular season is ending. All I have to say is, thank god the cubs made the playoffs, or I don't know how much longer this lovely blog would survive! Go Cubs !
I hate when baseball season ends. Although the Cubbies still have another eight games to play, their regular season run at Wrigley is over for 2008. On the plus side, we clinched the NL Central on Saturday, in a close game, the Cubs won 5-4.
Things have been looking up for the Cubs lately, they have won their last 6 out of 8 games.An exciting day today for Ryan Dempster, who clenched his 17th win. He is now 17-6 with a 2.99 ERA.
Lou decided to give the regular starters a rest on Sunday after clinching on Saturday, which gave players such as Felix Pie and Casey McGehee a chance to come up. This was kind of funny because I was watching the game in bits and pieces and couldn't help but notice the starting players such as Soriano, kickin' back in the dugout. These boys need their rest, and we won, so all a plus.
I am getting really excited for the next week, although I am really sad that the regular season is ending. All I have to say is, thank god the cubs made the playoffs, or I don't know how much longer this lovely blog would survive! Go Cubs !
Monday, September 15, 2008
Zambrano Pitches No-Hitter.. I Need To Vent
Carlos Zambrano (14-5) pitched a no-hitter Sunday night against the Houston Astros in Milwaukee, CUBS WIN! 5-0.
First of all I would like to express my disappointment at my cable provider. One of the most exciting games of the year for the Cubbies and it wasn't on my tv!I flipped back and forth between every sports channel last night and was very disappointed that the Cubs game didn't air. Did anyone else in Iowa City have this problem? Maybe I should have gone to the bar to watch the game...??
I did get to see the highlights of last nights game, Zambrano falling to his knees as his team mates rushed the field was an exciting sight to see.
Zambrano has recently taken some time off to rest his tired arm. He made his return last night, the first no-hitter since Milt Pappas in 1972. The Cubs remain 7 1/2 games ahead of the brew crew.
Last nights win is a huge shock because of where the actual game took place.No one was expecting such a monumental game to come from such odd circumstances.
See you soon
First of all I would like to express my disappointment at my cable provider. One of the most exciting games of the year for the Cubbies and it wasn't on my tv!I flipped back and forth between every sports channel last night and was very disappointed that the Cubs game didn't air. Did anyone else in Iowa City have this problem? Maybe I should have gone to the bar to watch the game...??
I did get to see the highlights of last nights game, Zambrano falling to his knees as his team mates rushed the field was an exciting sight to see.
Zambrano has recently taken some time off to rest his tired arm. He made his return last night, the first no-hitter since Milt Pappas in 1972. The Cubs remain 7 1/2 games ahead of the brew crew.
Last nights win is a huge shock because of where the actual game took place.No one was expecting such a monumental game to come from such odd circumstances.
See you soon
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Top 10 Sports Moments in the Last 10 Years
10)Tiger Woods winning the 2008 U.S. Open.
9)Brett Farve's ongoing "retirement." No longer a Packer after 15 years, Farve now plays for the New York Jets.
8)Chicago White Sox winning the 2005 World Series and the celebration that followed in Chicago. This is a personal top 10 for me, it was also funny to see a new group of bandwagon White Sox fans.
7) The ongoing Kobe Bryant rape incident, 2003-2004.
6)The New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots and win Super Bowl 42.
5)The Boston Red Sox defeat the New York Yankees in the American League Central Series. The Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees,after being down 3-0.
4)The Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Michael Phelps record breaking EIGHT gold medals wins.
3)Lance Armstrong.
2)Lifelong Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for a foul ball during game six of the NL Championship series at Wrigley vs. the Florida Marlins. Many believe that Moises Alou could have caught the ball, and the Cubs may have had a shot at winning the game. This is now referred to as the "Bartman Incident."
1)The 1998 homerun chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, both players broke Roger Maris' record of 61 homeruns. McGwire won the chase with 70 homeruns, former Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa hit 66.
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9)Brett Farve's ongoing "retirement." No longer a Packer after 15 years, Farve now plays for the New York Jets.
8)Chicago White Sox winning the 2005 World Series and the celebration that followed in Chicago. This is a personal top 10 for me, it was also funny to see a new group of bandwagon White Sox fans.
7) The ongoing Kobe Bryant rape incident, 2003-2004.
6)The New York Giants defeat the New England Patriots and win Super Bowl 42.
5)The Boston Red Sox defeat the New York Yankees in the American League Central Series. The Red Sox came back to beat the Yankees,after being down 3-0.
4)The Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics. Michael Phelps record breaking EIGHT gold medals wins.
3)Lance Armstrong.
2)Lifelong Chicago Cubs fan Steve Bartman reached for a foul ball during game six of the NL Championship series at Wrigley vs. the Florida Marlins. Many believe that Moises Alou could have caught the ball, and the Cubs may have had a shot at winning the game. This is now referred to as the "Bartman Incident."
1)The 1998 homerun chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, both players broke Roger Maris' record of 61 homeruns. McGwire won the chase with 70 homeruns, former Chicago Cub Sammy Sosa hit 66.
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Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Cubs vs. Cardinals Game 1
The St.Louis Cardinals defeated the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night at Busch Stadium. Brendan Ryan slid past Geovanny Soto in an attempted tag in the ninth, bringing the final score 4-3.
Game Highlights:
* Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez both hit RBI doubles in the first inning, Theriot also hit an RBI, allowing Ramirez to score.
* Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer off Dempster in the sixth, these were the only three runs Dempster gave up before making his exit in the seventh.
* Marmol catches a line shot hit by Ryan Ludwig in the eighth inning, and throws out Albert Pujols at first, double play.
*Marmol takes loss (2-4)
*Lou is less than happy with the Cubs performance last night.
The Cubs have performed well all season, but have lost their last 8 of 9 games. Luckily the Brewers lost to the Reds and the Cubs maintain a 4 1/2 game lead.
Congratulations Soto on your recent Rookie of the Month win.
The Cubs will battle the Cardinals again tonight at Busch Stadium.
Game Highlights:
* Derek Lee and Aramis Ramirez both hit RBI doubles in the first inning, Theriot also hit an RBI, allowing Ramirez to score.
* Albert Pujols hit a three-run homer off Dempster in the sixth, these were the only three runs Dempster gave up before making his exit in the seventh.
* Marmol catches a line shot hit by Ryan Ludwig in the eighth inning, and throws out Albert Pujols at first, double play.
*Marmol takes loss (2-4)
*Lou is less than happy with the Cubs performance last night.
The Cubs have performed well all season, but have lost their last 8 of 9 games. Luckily the Brewers lost to the Reds and the Cubs maintain a 4 1/2 game lead.
Congratulations Soto on your recent Rookie of the Month win.
The Cubs will battle the Cardinals again tonight at Busch Stadium.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Experience and Leadership
Lets Talk Playoffs—Round One.
Who should the Cubs face in round one of the playoffs? I’d say LA.
• The Dodgers record, 73-70, is the worst of the leaders in the National League. ALTHOUGH the dodgers recently bumped the Arizona D-backs out of first place, thankfully, the last thing the Cubs need is to face Randy Johnson
• Both the Cubs and the Dodgers perform better at home, which will be an advantage for the Cubs, who have a 51-24 record at home and home field advantage in the playoffs. The Dodgers have a 28-40 record on the road
• Experience. Although the Dodgers did acquire Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake, The Cubs have more veteran players, including my favorite Alfonso Soriano. Aramis Ramirez has the fourth highest record in the National League for runs batted in, Ryan Dempster is number five for NL wins and has a 2.99 ERA, Ryan Theriot has a .310 batting average, number eight in the NL.
• Leadership. Joe Torre does have World Series experience with the Yankees, but a first year coach for the Dodgers…will he know exactly how to lead his players? He has gotten them this far, but the playoffs are a different story.
I hate to say it but with out Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden, it will not matter who the Cubs face, they have no chance, okay, small chance.
I also hate to say that I DO like Manny Ramirez. Please forgive me. Dempster will start for the Cubs tomorrow night in St.Louis.
Who should the Cubs face in round one of the playoffs? I’d say LA.
• The Dodgers record, 73-70, is the worst of the leaders in the National League. ALTHOUGH the dodgers recently bumped the Arizona D-backs out of first place, thankfully, the last thing the Cubs need is to face Randy Johnson
• Both the Cubs and the Dodgers perform better at home, which will be an advantage for the Cubs, who have a 51-24 record at home and home field advantage in the playoffs. The Dodgers have a 28-40 record on the road
• Experience. Although the Dodgers did acquire Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake, The Cubs have more veteran players, including my favorite Alfonso Soriano. Aramis Ramirez has the fourth highest record in the National League for runs batted in, Ryan Dempster is number five for NL wins and has a 2.99 ERA, Ryan Theriot has a .310 batting average, number eight in the NL.
• Leadership. Joe Torre does have World Series experience with the Yankees, but a first year coach for the Dodgers…will he know exactly how to lead his players? He has gotten them this far, but the playoffs are a different story.
I hate to say it but with out Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden, it will not matter who the Cubs face, they have no chance, okay, small chance.
I also hate to say that I DO like Manny Ramirez. Please forgive me. Dempster will start for the Cubs tomorrow night in St.Louis.
Big Win Saturday, Big Loss Sunday
What a weekend Cubs fans! After an exciting 14-9 win on Saturday, the Cubs fall short on Sunday, losing 4-3 to the Reds.
A quick catch up on the weekend highlights…
Saturday: A Great Piece of Hitting the Cubbies
Alfonso Soriano hits three homeruns, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Mark DeRosa also hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning. Jason Marquis also contributed to the high scoring game by the Cubs, with a lead-off homerun in the eight inning, his first of the season.
Marquis, who usually keeps his cool, (unlike an ill tempered Carlos Zambrano we all know and love) loaded the bases in the 4th and walked in a run, with a questionable call by umpire Brian Runge. What looked like a clear strike, Marquis walked Chris Dickerson and the Red’s third basemen Edwin Encarnacion scored, the first run of the game for the Reds. Marquis questioned the call and Chris Dickerson hesitated before taking first.
The Cubs defeat the Reds 14-9.
Sunday:
A hard loss on Sunday, Jolbert Cabrera hit a single to left in the ninth, bringing the final score 4-3.
The Cubs had a 2-1 lead in the seventh, following Ronny Cedeno’s double, which allowed Giovanni Soto to score.
Edwin Encarnacion hit a single off of Kerry Wood and walked Jay Bruce. Wood intentionally walked Javier Valentin and Chris Dickerson hit a two-run shot, which bounced off Cedeno’s glove in the ninth, tying the game. The RBI single by Cabrera followed, Reds win. After Saturday’s big win, this game was a tough loss. The Cubs still remain 4 games ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central, who lost to the Padres.
The Cubs next six games will be played on the road. Next game: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Tuesday at 7:15.
Who should the Cubs face in round one of the Playoffs? I'll be posting my insight later this evening.
A quick catch up on the weekend highlights…
Saturday: A Great Piece of Hitting the Cubbies
Alfonso Soriano hits three homeruns, including a three-run homer in the sixth inning. Mark DeRosa also hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning. Jason Marquis also contributed to the high scoring game by the Cubs, with a lead-off homerun in the eight inning, his first of the season.
Marquis, who usually keeps his cool, (unlike an ill tempered Carlos Zambrano we all know and love) loaded the bases in the 4th and walked in a run, with a questionable call by umpire Brian Runge. What looked like a clear strike, Marquis walked Chris Dickerson and the Red’s third basemen Edwin Encarnacion scored, the first run of the game for the Reds. Marquis questioned the call and Chris Dickerson hesitated before taking first.
The Cubs defeat the Reds 14-9.
Sunday:
A hard loss on Sunday, Jolbert Cabrera hit a single to left in the ninth, bringing the final score 4-3.
The Cubs had a 2-1 lead in the seventh, following Ronny Cedeno’s double, which allowed Giovanni Soto to score.
Edwin Encarnacion hit a single off of Kerry Wood and walked Jay Bruce. Wood intentionally walked Javier Valentin and Chris Dickerson hit a two-run shot, which bounced off Cedeno’s glove in the ninth, tying the game. The RBI single by Cabrera followed, Reds win. After Saturday’s big win, this game was a tough loss. The Cubs still remain 4 games ahead of the Brewers in the NL Central, who lost to the Padres.
The Cubs next six games will be played on the road. Next game: Cubs vs. Cardinals, Tuesday at 7:15.
Who should the Cubs face in round one of the Playoffs? I'll be posting my insight later this evening.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
On a Positive Note the Brewers Lost....
Last night's game against the Astros marked the fourth straight loss for the Chicago Cubs. With high hopes for a triumphant return by Zambrano on Tuesday night, fans were once again disappointed. The Cubs lost 9-7 in the 11th, following a two-run homer by Geoff Blum off Kerry Wood.
Here are my thoughts: Overall, an exciting (but still not a good) game. Let’s look at a few positives before we proceed to the obvious negatives of last night’s battle...
The Positives:
The game started off on a positive note, Soriano's solo homerun in the 1st inning. Homeruns also followed by DeRosa, Soto and Edmunds game tying homer in the 7th. Thanks for your hard work Jim, although the Cubs couldn't pull through in extras. At least our hitting is improving; the last 27 hits prior have all been singles. Watching the Astros run to the warning tracks, slam into the ivy and turn up empty handed was like a breath of fresh air.
The Brewers also lost in extra innings, Cubs are still 4.5 games up. (Phew!)
The Negatives:
Apparently big Z didn't get enough rest because he was replaced in the 6th by Howry who failed to perform much better. Zambrano gave up five hits and walked three, before reporting arm soreness. Doctors are examining Zambrano today, pray Cubs fans, the postseason approaches... Cubs fans biggest concern is will Zambrano be well enough to bring the Cubs into the postseason?
I will blog more extensively after tonight's game, which the Cubs are going to win.
My last question to you all is will we make it to 100? My answer is YES. The Cubs are doing better on the road the 2nd half. I'm thinking positive.
Here are my thoughts: Overall, an exciting (but still not a good) game. Let’s look at a few positives before we proceed to the obvious negatives of last night’s battle...
The Positives:
The game started off on a positive note, Soriano's solo homerun in the 1st inning. Homeruns also followed by DeRosa, Soto and Edmunds game tying homer in the 7th. Thanks for your hard work Jim, although the Cubs couldn't pull through in extras. At least our hitting is improving; the last 27 hits prior have all been singles. Watching the Astros run to the warning tracks, slam into the ivy and turn up empty handed was like a breath of fresh air.
The Brewers also lost in extra innings, Cubs are still 4.5 games up. (Phew!)
The Negatives:
Apparently big Z didn't get enough rest because he was replaced in the 6th by Howry who failed to perform much better. Zambrano gave up five hits and walked three, before reporting arm soreness. Doctors are examining Zambrano today, pray Cubs fans, the postseason approaches... Cubs fans biggest concern is will Zambrano be well enough to bring the Cubs into the postseason?
I will blog more extensively after tonight's game, which the Cubs are going to win.
My last question to you all is will we make it to 100? My answer is YES. The Cubs are doing better on the road the 2nd half. I'm thinking positive.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Three Day Weekend Ruined by Three Game Loss at Wrigley
Bleeding blue and red....An upsetting weekend for Cubs fans.
Cubs end a seven game winning streak, with three losses at home, the first three game losing streak since August of last year. Although the Cubs began the Phillies series with two wins, they finished with a 2-5 loss on Saturday and a 3-5 loss on Sunday, followed by a 3-0 loss to the Astros on Monday. Despite the devistating weekend, the Cubs are still at the top of the NL Central and lead the Brew Crew by 4.5 games, following a Brewer 4-2 loss to the Mets.
Carlos Zambrano in need of some serious R 'n R...
Here is why I am a little nervous...Zambrano was set to start against the Phillies on Sunday, but was scratched at the last minute to rest his arm. Get your rest now big Z, we need you come September and October. Last season, Zambrano took some brief time off to rest and returned in September rested and ready to go. With the playoffs a month away, Zambrano will need to be at the top of his game.
Next Game: Cubs v. Astros at Wrigley, Tuesday, 7:05 pm. Will talk more on Thursday, see you then.
Cubs end a seven game winning streak, with three losses at home, the first three game losing streak since August of last year. Although the Cubs began the Phillies series with two wins, they finished with a 2-5 loss on Saturday and a 3-5 loss on Sunday, followed by a 3-0 loss to the Astros on Monday. Despite the devistating weekend, the Cubs are still at the top of the NL Central and lead the Brew Crew by 4.5 games, following a Brewer 4-2 loss to the Mets.
Carlos Zambrano in need of some serious R 'n R...
Here is why I am a little nervous...Zambrano was set to start against the Phillies on Sunday, but was scratched at the last minute to rest his arm. Get your rest now big Z, we need you come September and October. Last season, Zambrano took some brief time off to rest and returned in September rested and ready to go. With the playoffs a month away, Zambrano will need to be at the top of his game.
Next Game: Cubs v. Astros at Wrigley, Tuesday, 7:05 pm. Will talk more on Thursday, see you then.
This Is Who I am...
Greetings! And WELCOME to my first blog. Allow me to introduce myself and convince you to read my blog.
My name is Sarah and I am a senior journalism major at the University of Iowa. I am from the suburbs of Chicago and I grew up loving the Chicago Cubs.
A lot of girls out there enjoy following their favorite baseball teams but don't know every detail of the game. That's ok! I will provide the girl friendly version of the latest news on the Chicago Cubs and also some information you can use to impress your friends.
Play Ball!
My name is Sarah and I am a senior journalism major at the University of Iowa. I am from the suburbs of Chicago and I grew up loving the Chicago Cubs.
A lot of girls out there enjoy following their favorite baseball teams but don't know every detail of the game. That's ok! I will provide the girl friendly version of the latest news on the Chicago Cubs and also some information you can use to impress your friends.
Play Ball!
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