March 2011

You are browsing the archive for March 2011.

Laughing Because It Isn’t the Cubs: Cards Blow It Late

Laughing Because It Isn’t the Cubs: Cards Blow It Late

The Cardinals took a 3-2 lead into the 9th today – their Opening Day – but lost the game in 11, after the Padres tied it with two outs in the 9th. Albert Pujols was 0-5 with three(!) GIDP. That’s a double nut punch if I’ve ever seen one. But the icing on the cake [...]

The Opening Day Lineup is Set

The Opening Day Lineup is Set

Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade has announced tomorrow’s Opening Day lineup, and it contains at least two surprises: Kosuke Fukudome, RF Starlin Castro, SS Marlon Byrd, CF Aramis Ramirez, 3B Carlos Pena, 1B Geovany Soto, C Alfonso Soriano, LF Darwin Barney, 2B Ryan Dempster, P The first surprise is Darwin Barney getting the start at [...]

Matt Garza is Almost Certainly Not the Next Milton Bradley

Matt Garza is Almost Certainly Not the Next Milton Bradley

It’s a bit surprising in how little it’s been discussed – including here – but, did you know that Matt Garza is, on paper, a character risk? Known as a hypercompetitive player (on the plus side), Garza has a whole lot of Carlos Zambrano in him. But he’s also known as a great teammate; someone [...]

Mike Quade Offers a Few Words on the Back-Up Catcher Decision

Mike Quade Offers a Few Words on the Back-Up Catcher Decision

Much to our pleasure, Max Ramirez cleared waivers yesterday and will remain in the organization, albeit at AAA Iowa. There, he’ll be joined by the other catcher in Cubs camp this Spring who won’t be on the big club, Welington Castillo. Much to our chagrin, the job on the big club went to nice-guy-bad-ballplayer Koyie [...]

Does it Count as Opening Day if the Cubs Aren’t Playing?

Does it Count as Opening Day if the Cubs Aren’t Playing?

Depending on your bent, today is Opening Day. But, of course, it’s hard to feel that normal level of excitement when the Chicago Cubs aren’t in action. Stil, it’s technically the day, so let’s get the 2011 season underway. Let’s rock. Tweet

Max Ramirez Cleared Waivers

Max Ramirez Cleared Waivers

Inasmuch as one can be excited about back-up-back-up catchers making it through waivers so that they can struggle to find playing time at AAA, I’m pretty excited. Today, Max Ramirez cleared waivers, and the Chicago Cubs outrighted him to AAA Iowa. Ramirez will split time behind the plate with Welington Castillo (you know, that other guy that isn’t Koyie Hill), [...]