Let’s be reasonable adults: in the run-up to today’s game, the only thing that matters is whether Ryan Dempster actually starts today. As of this moment, he’s still scheduled to do so. And I can barely believe it.
We’ll see what happens.
Alfonso Soriano gets a day off (don’t get all excited, this was expected).
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (40-56) at Pittsburgh Pirates (54-42), 11:35am CT on WGN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview for this series lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Ryan Dempster (5-4, 2.11 ERA, 3.28 FIP)
versus
Kevin Correia (7-6, 4.31 ERA, 4.95 FIP)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Alex Presley, LF
2. Neil Walker, 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Garrett Jones, RF
5. Casey McGehee, 1B
6. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
7. Michael McKenry, C
8. Clint Barmes, SS
9. Kevin Correia, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Bryan LaHair, RF
5. Steve Clevenger, C
6. Luis Valbuena, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Tony Campana, LF
9. Ryan Dempster, P
Bruce Levine says there is interest in Soriano.
slack is given no ones upset with you 1st we get theo n Jed which is great then emperor bud changes all the rules so it takes away wht theo does best and will take the cubs tht much longer, then we all knew this season was coming but still it’s hard to accept, then the trade deadline rolls around dempster says I’ll do my best to help the cubs then does not, who knows wht we get for demp or garza now it’s just frustration wondering if we ever get a break.but yu are appreciated.
ESPNChiCubs Doug Padilla
Blow by blow on the Demp meltdown after he was pulled: Threw down the cooler lid, threw the cooler, threw his sports drink against the wall
For the people who missed it.
Did his drink bounce off and hit him in the head?
Good Lord, could he possibly blow it more out of proportion?
doubtful.
maybe he reads bleachernation.com and all the comments about him. that would explain the big z-esque blow up.,
The guy tweeted a list of three actions, each of which actually occurred. Shrug. Okay, the use of the word “meltdown” is excessive, but hardly an extreme of overblowing.
That is literally true. But, Twitter limitations aside, it’s designed to be sensational. “Blow by blow”? He knew exactly how that read.
Yeah I thought the tweet was a little excessive. All I saw was a guy stressed out over a complicated situation, and angry because he let go the leading run. He then threw a water bottle at the wall. That would be my observation of the so called “meltdown.”
I didn’t see the episode/meltdown/tantrum/hissy-fit/occurrence so I can’t judge that tweet, but in general, I liek the way Padilla has covered the Dempster saga. He has acknowledged both sides, and has admitted that fans are justified in being upset.
http://www.twitvid.com/FK3RF
Thanks, just watched it. My only issue is the use of the word “meltdown”. Everything else was fine.
Thanks, looked like he was playing to the camera. He appears to begin his tantrum once he glanced at the dugout camera.
I agree, he did seem to eye the camera at the beginning.
I think Padilla’s been great. I just don’t care for this one tweet. Not a huge deal, and reasonable minds can differ. But, it just rubbed me the wrong way.
I hear ya. To me, everything about Twitter is narcissistic excess, so I don’t delve far into tweet content analysis.
Dempster needs to get some counseling from Bryce Harper on the perils of attacking a wall…
My guess….Demps mad because he wanted last start with cubs to be a win .. after game they announce Dempster has been traded to Atlanta
If only.
was thinking the same thing!!
He didn’t want to be traded without going home to see the family before he went to Atlanta
Now he wouldn’t start before Monday so he can have a couple days