It’s amazing the difference a day makes. The Cubs actually looked like a playoff team last night. We had a strong outing by Zambrano, and lots of timely hitting. Every single person who had an at-bat last night got a hit except for Alfonso Soriano (he did get a walk). This includes defensive sub Angel Pagan and pinch hitter newly called up Mike Fontenot. The obvious story is Aramis Ramirez’s grand slam and Zambrano’s first real dominant start this year. However, I think the real story is the depth of this team really showing through. The Cubs regulars Mark DeRosa and Derrek Lee are currently injured. Their replacements Ryan Theriot and Daryle Ward went a compined 3-7 with 4 BBs last night. Let’s keep the ball rolling and take game three tonight boys. The Bullpen which was one of the bright spots last year has really been disappointing this year. The bullpen has only retired the first batter faced 68.5 percent of the time. The Bullpen has allowed 16.7 percent of inhereted runners to score. Another stat that is a bit scary is the save perecntage. Out of 15 possible save oppertunities this year, the Cubs have only converted 8 of them. That is good for 53%. Now you know why Piniella has been pacing in the dugout. This bullpen will give anyone a heart attack.
As mentioned before Mike Fontenot was called up before the game to add some more depth to the bench with both Derrek Lee and Mark DeRosa day to day. Impressive rookie Rocky Cherry was sent down to make room for Fontenot. I had a chance to watch Fontenot play while he was in the Orioles organization in Ottawa. He was a player who definitely stood out. He was very selective at the plate and always seemed to hit the ball hard. I was happy when I saw his name when was involved in the Sammy Sosa deal. It also made room for my favorite Lynx second baseman Bernie Castro… But that’s a story for another time. I don’t think Fontenot will be up with the team very long, but I think he’ll likely impress a few of you. He’s far too old to still be considered a prospect, but lets see what he can do up in the show.
In Tonight’s rubber match, Rich Hill will hope to recover from his poor last start and take down Jorge Sosa and the Mets.
Rich Hill (4-2, 2.51)
Rich Hill’s last start was easily is worst of the year. He went only 5 innings allowing 5 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks. Even so, Hill still ranks 9th in the league in ERA with 2.51. So far this year he has tossed 46.2 innings struck out 40 and walked only 15. Hill has allowed one run or less in for 4 of his 7 starts. I say this every time, but I really do love watching Hill pitch. He has the wicked slow curve that he sets up with his fastball. Unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll continue his success unless he develops another plus pitch. In his last outing, it seemed the Phillies sat on his curveball to inflict most of the damage. One of the homeruns did occur on a fastball that ended up right in the happy zone of the plate.
Jorge Sosa (2-0, 2.77)
Sosa started the year in AAA New Orleans after several injuries to the Mets starting rotation. He has only started two games this year for the Mets and endurance may be a bit of problem. Sosa has been moved back and forth between starting and relievers roles over the years. I wouldn’t expect him to go more than 6 innings tonight even if he pitches well. Sosa is a hard thrower who will get a lot of strikeouts. He often struggles with control and can be prone to walks. He also has a tendency to give up a lot of homeruns. A lot of walks and a lot of homeruns is usually a recipe for failure and likely the reason he started in AAA. So far he has kept both the walks and the homeruns allowed to minimum but I think tonight is a good night to change that. After last night offensive explosion by the Cubs, I’m sure Sosa is really the last guy Met’s fans want to see out their tonight.
Tonights Line-ups
Cubs (History Vs Sosa)
Ryan Theriot 2B (No History)
Cliff Floyd RF (.167, 1-6)
Alfonso Soriano LF (No History)
Aramis Ramirez 3B (.261, 6-23, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Daryle Ward 1B (.500, 2-4)
Michael Barrett C (.000, 0-1)
Jacque Jones CF (.286, 2-7)
Cesar Izturis SS (.000, 0-1)
Rich Hill P
Mets (History Vs Rich Hill)
Jose Reyes SS (1.000, 1-1, 1 RBI)
Damion Easley 2B (.167, 1-6, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
Carlos Beltran CF (.500, 1-2, 1 RBI)
Carlos Delgado 1B (.000, 0-1)
David Wright 3B (.000, 0-1)
Paul Lo Duca C (1.000, 1-1, 1 RBI)
Shawn Green RF (.250, 1-4)
Carlos Gomez LF (No History)
Jorge Sosa P
