Goodbye to the Goat - THE 2004 Cubs

[Dougiestyle]

Here it is, the 2004 Major League Baseball season. A season like none other, where every team feels it has a chance. A season of hope, as the Red Sox and Cubs are two of the preseason favorites to make the World Series. 2004 is a season of revenge, as the Yankees are hoping to win the World Series for the first time in three seasons, with the newly acquired Alex Rodriguez. The Anaheim Angels think this is their year ... again. With the additions of Bartolo Colon and Vlad Guerrero, this team is deep and talented. This report will focus on the fight against the Goat, Steve Bartman, and other so-called curses in Chicago. Will this finally be the season of the Cub? Or will Cubs fans once again be heard saying, "Wait 'til next year"?

General Manager Jim Hendry thinks this year could be their year with the current roster they sport. However, if things start to get dicey, Hendry will not be afraid to make some moves.

"I know we have some minor holes on this squad, and if players don't perform, we will look to upgrade. After last year's defeat in the NLCS, I saw the faces of the fans, and I do not want to see them again. We will do all we can to put a squad on the field that will have the best chance to win."

Manager Dusty Baker doesn't believe in curses, only performing when fate calls for it. "Last year, these guys busted their humps and came up a little short. This season, you better believe I will be on their butts more than before."

Is all this just talk, or will the Cubs really end the dry spell?

Baker has already announced how the roster will look on opening day:

vs. RHP:

CF C. Patteron (L)
1B D. Lee (R)
RF S. Sosa (R)
LF M. Alou (R)
3B A. Ramirez (R)
2B T. Walker (L)
SS R. Martinez (R)
C M. Barrett (R)

vs. LHP:

CF C. Patterson (L)
2B M. Grudzielanek (R)
RF S. Sosa (R)
LF M. Alou (R)
1B D. Lee (R)
3B A. Ramirez (R)
SS R. Martinez (R)
C M. Barrett (R)

With starting pitching stud Mark Prior still nursing an injury, the pitching staff looks like this:

1. K. Wood (R)
2. C. Zambrano (R)
3. G. Maddux (R)
4. M. Clement (R)
5. S. Mitre (R)

Mop-up:
1. T. Wellemeyer (R)
2. A. Pratt (L)

Middle:
1. K. Mercker (L)
2. M. Wuertz (R)
3. T. Wellemeyer (R)

Set-up:
1. J. Borowski (R)
2. K. Farnsworth (R)

Closer:
1. L. Hawkins (R)

A few of the immediate surprises are LaTroy Hawkins moving into the closer's role, while Joe Borowski moves to a set-up/middle man. Another small surprise is Todd Walker getting the nod against righties, meaning he will be playing far more than Mark Grudzielanek.

While Jim Hendry says shortstop and relief pitching are the too highest worry spots, he proclaims if anyone is playing poorly, he could be dealt. "Sure, we might need some more help in the bullpen, and maybe a move at shortstop, but if anyone is slacking off, things will change."

Hendry and the rest of the Cubs organization seem to be in agreement. The Cubs will do what it takes to win this season. Can they do it?

(editor's note: I have simmed the first series against the Reds, and I will post about it, the Devil Rays-Yanks Japan series, etc. I'm still getting used to 40-man roster and what not. Any advice on how to make the reports look nice, let me know)

[YankeeFanatic04]

Hey this looks good so far I will be reading and good luck... Go Yankees

[Dougiestyle]

Devil Rays in First?

The fans in Boston must be having a hoot, while the fans in New York can only wonder how a team stocked full of talent can lose on opening day to perrenial AL East doormats, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Opening day starter Kevin Brown gave up a three run homer to Tino Martinez in the bottom of the 1st, which would have been enough. However, the Rays added two more in the bottom of the sixth to give a cushion for the bullpen to pitch 3.2 innings of no hit ball. Alex Rodriguez did his part, going 1 for 2 with New York's 2 runs batted in.



Dismantle the Rays!

Could it be true? Could the team that was expected to steamroll the rest of the AL be in last place in their division? Yes, it is true, but there are still 160 games left to be played, and nobody is expecting the Devil Rays to continue their play at this level. However, the last two days in Japan have shown that the Yankees are vulnerable and can be beaten. Devil Rays' starting pitcher, Doug Waechtler pitched 6.1 innings of 2 hit baseball, which stuck as the Yankees only managed one run on two hits. This one was a laugher as the Rays scored eleven runs on 16 hits. Tino Martinez again punished Yankee pitching as he went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs.

[Dougiestyle]

at

Cubs Take Two

The opening series with the division rival Cincinnati Reds will be considered a success, considering the team took two of three, which is always a victory in a long season. However, in Game 1, the Cubs were shown their first, and most pressing, hole: the bullpen. The Cubs could have easily swept this opening series, but it was not to be. The series went like this:

GAME ONE:

Final: Cincinnati 3, Chicago 2

This game started out as if to say to Cubs fans, "This year is your year, this is fate, nothing can stop you." The first batter of the Cubs season was CF Corey Patterson, and in this first batter of a promising, hopeful season, Patterson drilled a solo homer to give the Cubs an early 1-0 nothing lead on Brandon Claussen. Next, Mark Grudzielanek sent a ball to the gap, stretching the hit into a triple. He would later be drove in by a Sammy Sosa grounder. As the top half of the first inning concluded, the Cubs had a 2-0 lead with ace Kerry Wood pitching. Wood would live up to his billing, streaking through six innings, giving up only three hits, allowing one walk, and baffling 8 Reds into strike outs. However, Wood's pitch count was already over 100, so Dusty Baker, not wanting to push his pitchers too far too soon, called for flamethrower Kyle Farnsworth from the pen. The Farns did his job and got the Cubs into the eighth, where new set-up man Joe Borowski would step on the mound. The Reds then stung for three runs, starting with pinch hitter Matt Franco's double. Borowksi struck Jimenez out, then gave up a single to pinch hitter Juan Castro, followed by a walk to Austin Kearns. Dusty Baker had seen enough as he called for Kent Mercker to face Ken Griffey, Jr. Junior blasted a double, scoring both Castro and Kearns. The Cubs would have two on in the top of the ninth, but Ryan Wagner would close the door. The player of the game was Brandon Claussen, giving up only 5 hits in 8 innings after his shaky first inning. His patience and determination helped his team grab a win on opening day.


GAME TWO:

Final: Chicago 4, Cincinnati 1

Carlos Zambrano took the reigns of his #2 starter duty and fired an impressive first start of the season. The youngster threw 7 innings, giving up one run on 4 hits and 2 walks. He also had 8 strikeouts. Zambrano only had trouble in the 5th when Ryan Freel scorched a double, and Jason Larue drove him in. Other than that half inning, Zambrano baffled the Reds hitters. Offensive sparks came in the form of three homeruns from the bats of Moises Alou, Aramis Ramirez, and Ramon Martinez. Not known for his power, Martinez's homerun in the seventh was the end for Reds' starter Paul Wilson. Wilson pitched a solid game, giving up three runs in 6.2 innings. After two games, Sammy Sosa has yet to nab a hit.

GAME THREE:

Final: Chicago 7, Cincinnati 0


In the last 18 years, how many pitchers have we seen like Greg Maddux? Maybe only three or four. Today, Greg Maddux reminded us why he is considered one of the best pitchers to throw off a MLB mound. Maddux threw a gem, crusing to a complete game shut out, giving up only five hits and no walks. The most impressive aspect of his game today was the fact that he had 18 groundball outs. If a pitcher throws a complete game, he accumulates 27 outs, and Maddux got 18 of them on grounders. It makes it a lot easier on the defense to deal with. On the other side of the spectrum, the Cub bats took it to Aaron Harang, clubbing him for four earned runs on nine hits in just 4.2 innings of work, then tagging Jung Bong for three more runs in just 2.2 innings. Sammy Sosa came out of his two-game slump by going 2 for 5 with a homer and two RBIs. Moises Alou and Aramis Ramirez both hit their second homeruns on the season.

Next up on the bill: at Atlanta

(editor's note: this is how I figure I'll set this up. If anyone knows how to spice it up, let me know. I'd like to know how to insert the OOTP small box score with the hits, runs, erros, winning pitcher, losing pitcher, etc.)

[YankeeFanatic04]

For some reason the Yankees never seem to do good in OOTP Solo Leagues.

[CBLCardinals]

In my 2004 solo league the Yankees are 57-30 at the All Star Break....

They also have EIGHT All-Stars!! (pretty similar to real life eh?)

p Mussina, p Gordon, p Rivera, 3b A Rod, ss Jeter, of Matsui, of Giambi, of Sheffield

[DAL 9000]

CBLCardinals,

Really? What roster set are you us--oh, right. Never mind, then.

P.S.: This looks like a pretty decent dynasty. I'll be reading it.

[Dougiestyle]

@

Braves Humble Cubs

A three game series played how baseball is meant to be played. No game was won by more than three runs. Fabulous pitching, late inning heroics, walk-off homeruns, and a marathon? The Cubs lose two of three to the NL East Division Champs, with timely hitting being almost obsolete. Here's how it went:

GAME ONE:

Final: Chicago 2, Atlanta 1 [17 innings]


Officially, Matt Clement was named Player of the Game for pitching 7.1 innings of one run, four hit ball. However, Clement did not even play half of the game. This baby went a full 17 innings, with clutch pitching taking precedent over timely hitting. However, the hero for the Cubbies was Aramis Ramirez, who singled home Derrek Lee in the top of the 17th to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. Hawkins pitched a perfect bottom of the 17th (and a perfect 1.1 innings prior to that) to secure the win. The marathon last six hours and eighteen minutes. After four games, Moises Alou and Aramis Ramirez are the only Cubs hitting the ball with consistency. Todd Walker was 0-8, dragging his average to .063, which has already drawn message board posts from Cubs fans about Dusty's decision to make him the starter versus righties. Interim SS Ramon Martinez was hit by a pitch, which, depending on the severity of the injury, could force the Cubs to either pull the trigger early on a blockbuster trade, or they may have to patch the hole until he comes back. The bottom line, however, is the Cubs win this emotional game 2-1.

GAME TWO:

Final: Atlanta 3, Chicago 0



The story of this young 2004 season has been of pitching. Those who have it feel confident, and those who don't ... want it. On this day when Turner Field was half empty, John Thompson pitched a brilliant game, throwing 7.1 innings, allowing only 7 baserunners, giving up no runs. He completely fooled a solid Cub lineup chomping at the bit to unload. The Braves' bullpen pitched well enough to perserve Thompson's shutout, getting a standing ovation from the 22,000 plus fans in attendance. Even after the losses of Maddux, Glavine, Millwood, and Smoltz (to the bullpen), Atlanta still puts great pitching on the mound. On the Cubs' side of the game, Todd Walker went 0-3, dropping his average to .053. Sergio Mitre pitched for the Cubs, and pitched well for 5 innings. However, in the 6th inning, Mitre gave up homers to Mike Hessmann and Johnny Estrada, signaling the hook for Sergio. After his first start, most fans feel confident enough in him to help until Mark Prior returns from the disabled list.

GAME THREE:

Final: Atlanta 4, Chicago 1



If a Cubs fan was to look in the Chicago Sun Times and see Kerry Wood's line of 7 innings, 4 hits, 1 run, and 9 Ks, this fan would be very excited. Only until he or she saw Russ Ortiz's line: 9 innings, 3 hits, 1 run. In a close to dominant start for Russ Ortiz, he allowed only 6 baserunners (one reached on an error by Mark Derosa). All that said, the game was not decided until the bottom of the ninth inning. Cubs lefty reliever Andy Pratt had pitched a scoreless eighth inning, but had gotten into trouble in the ninth. With two runners on, Dusty Baker decided to let him face the right handed Derosa. The decision was a bad one: Derosa launched a walk-off three-run homer, sending a roar into the crowd. Derosa's teammates mugged him as he crossed homeplate, giving the Braves the 4-1 victory. The Cubs bats continue to struggle as they can only manage three hits. With so many righty power hitters, the Braves and Reds were able to cause problems for the Cubs with continuous righty relievers. The Cubs need someone to step up and put the weight on his shoulders until the early season slumps wear off.

Next on tap: three games at Wrigley with the Pirates

(editor's note: I'm going to tweak the set-up and show each game's pitching match-up and the records of the two teams)

[lgkeeper]

Originally Posted by DAL 9000

CBLCardinals,

Really? What roster set are you us--oh, right. Never mind, then.

Very nice...

[Dougiestyle]

@

Cubs' Bats Defective?

Typically, bears tend to hybernate in the winter, sleeping until it a comfortable time to return. In Chicago, however, the Cub batters are hybernating in early April, causing alarm in the city. Four runs in a three game series? No way, that's impossible. Any team can score more than four runs in three games! Here's the shakedown.

GAME ONE
K. Benson (1-0) @ C. Zambrano (1-0)

So far in this season, Cub pitching has been an incredible phenomenon. The pitching has been so good that Sergio Mitre's 3.00 ERA looks bad. Today against the Pirates, Carlos Zambrano had a 1-hitter through 7 innings. Normally a team would win in this circumstance, but not the Cubs today. In the eighth inning, Bobby Hill's double drove in Chris Stynes from first base, where he had reached on a fielder's choice. Earlier in the fifth, Ramon Martinez knocked in Aramis Ramirez, giving the Cubs an early lead, only to be whiped away by Hill's clutch double. Dusty Baker still liked Carlos's chances, mostly because Carlos had only given up 3 hits and a walk. In the top of the ninth, Craig Wilson, pinch hitting for Kris Benson, skied a solo homer onto Waveland Avenue, giving the Pirates a one-run lead, which would hold up. The Cubs had their chances, as Moises Alou slapped a lead-off double in the seventh, but was unable to reach the plate.
FINAL: Pittsburgh 2, Chicago 1

C. Wilson

GAME TWO
S. Burnett (0-0) @ G. Maddux (1-0)

13 hits. The Cubs managed to nab 13 hits in a game. The problem? They scored two runs. The Cubs' problem may not be getting the bat on the ball, their problem could be getting the back on the ball when it matters most. Two-out singles are good, but when they are followed by lazy flies to short and strikeouts, they are meaningless. The Cubs managed some timely hitting in the 7th and 8th, however, bringing the game to a 2-2 tie. The scoring started in the sixth inning when Chris Stynes drove in Randall Simon and Tike Redman with a two-out double off of Greg Maddux, the first two runs he'd given up this season. In the 7th, pinch hitter Alex Gonzalez laced a double with two outs, leading to Corey Patterson's double to bring the Cubs within one. In the bottom of the 8th, Sammy Sosa blasted one of his four hits over the left field wall to tie the game at 2. This battle would head into the 10th inning, where Joe Borowski, in his new middle relief role gave up a double to Raul Mondesi, followed by a go-ahead single from Jason Kendall. The Cubs couldn't start a rally in the bottom half of the inning to give the Pirates the win.
FINAL: Pittsburgh 3, Chicago 2

J. Kendall

GAME THREE
K. Wells (0-1) @ M. Clement (0-0)

Another close, exciting game from two teams who always seem to play each other very close and exciting. Kip Wells pitched an outstanding game, throwing six strong innings, giving up 1 one run on 3 hits and a walk. His fellow flamethrower Matt Clement pitching strong as well, giving up 7 hits and 3 walks in 7 innings, also giving up only 1 run. The 7th, 8th, and 9th innings were dominated by relief pitchers, including Joe Borowski, making up for his loss the night prior. However, this game would go all the way into the 12th, with the Cubs wasting a lead-off double by Derrek Lee in the 10th. In the top half of the 12th, a rookie pinch hitter, J.R. House, stepped to the plate with two on and one out. In the spotlight, House drove a double to the wall that scored Jack Wilson and Bobby Hill. The Cubs again couldn't rally, as they fall victim to the sweep.
FINAL: Pittsburgh 3, Chicago 1

J.R. House

Next on tap: 4 at home with Cincinnati

[knightni]

Looks like the same old Cubs to me..

[Dougiestyle]

April 16-19, 2004
@

Cubs-Reds Split

In the National League Central, pretty much every team considers the other team a rival. Therefore, most series are played with passion, creating exciting games and plenty of message board talk for fans. This series exemplifies a NL Central four game series. Two extra inning games and two blowouts. Two games decided by a total of 4 runs and two more games decided by 18 runs. Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde series in early April in Chicago:

GAME ONE
B. Claussen (1-0) @ S. Mitre (0-1)

This game got off on the wrong foot fast for Sergio Mitre as he gave up a lead-of homerun to D'angelo Jimenez to give the Reds a 1-0 without recording an out. However, that is all Mitre would give up in the 1st, and in the bottom half of the inning, Mark Grudzielanek's double drove in Corey Patterson to even the game up. Unfortunately, in the top of the 2nd, Jimenez connected for a two-run bomb, giving the Reds a 3-1 lead. The 3rd and 4th innings were calm, then in the bottom of the 5th, Chicago exploded for four runs using a Corey Patterson triple, a Sammy Sosa homer, and a Derrek Lee double, giving the Cubs a 5-3 lead. The Reds would respond in the top half of the 6th when Ryan Freel skied a solo homer, making it 5-4 Cubs. Again, the Cubs would tack on a few more runs, this time with a 2-run homer by Michael Barrett off relief pitcher Juan Cerros, and the Cubs sat pretty at 7-4. But as the story has gone this young season, the game was not put away. Cubs' reliever Michael Wuertz gave up a 3-run homer to Juan Castro in the top of the 8th to tie the game. The 9th and 10th innings were quiet, so the game headed into another extra frame. This time, Reds catcher Corky Miller's single drove in Adam Dunn to give the Reds the lead, which Ryan Wagner would hold onto for the win.
FINAL: Cincinnati 8, Chicago 7 [11 innings]

D. Jimenez

GAME TWO
J. Acevedo (1-0) @ K. Wood (0-0)

Another exciting game from the Reds and Cubs which had early fireworks as D'angelo Jimenez continued to pound the Cubs, this time leading the game off with a double. 1B Sean Casey's following single would drive him in to give the Reds another 1st inning 1-0 lead. Wood would settle down and get out of the inning without further damage. In the bottom of the 1st, the Cubs would score revenge after Todd Walker's single was followed by a Moises Alou double, tying the game. It wouldn't last for long as the next batter, Aramis Ramirez doubles, driving home Alou, and the Cubs had an early 2-1 lead. The Cubs struck again with a Sammy Sosa solo homer in the bottom of the third. In the top of the 5th, Kerry Wood walked Jose Acevedo, who later scored on a Jimenez double. Jimenez then scored on a Sean Casey groundout. The Cubs and Reds would trade scoreless innings until the bottom of the 8th where Moises Alou stroked a single to drive in Sammy Sosa, giving the Cubs a 4-3 lead. The Cubs would call LaTroy Hawkins to close it out in the top of the 9th, but pinch hitter B.J. Surhoff blasted a solo homerun, tying the game, and blowing the save for Hawkins. The Cubs would not respond in the bottom half, and again, the Cubs saw extra innings. Kyle Farnsworth pitched a perfect top half, giving the Cubs the strong part of their order in the lineup. 2B Todd Walker led off with a single, which Sammy Sosa followed with another. Then came player of the game Moises Alou who raked a 3-run walk off homerun off lefty Mike Matthews, giving the Cubs a dramatic 7-4 victory.
FINAL: Chicago 7, Cincinnati 4 [10 innings]

M. Alou

GAME THREE
P. Wilson (0-2) @ C. Zambrano (1-1)

The Cubs have to be wishing they could forget this game. Not only could the Cubs not put the ball on the ball, Carlos Zambrano could not get anyone out. Combined, these two problems made for an excrutiating day for Cub fans and players. In the first inning, the Reds put up 8 runs on Carlos Zambrano, who gave up 7 hits and 4 walks. Interestingly enough, Zambrano gave up 7 hits in that first inning, none of which were homers. One double, six singles, four walks, 8 runs scored. The Reds would put 2 more on the board in the sixth to give them a 10-0 lead. Reds' SP Paul Wilson had a no hitter through 5.1 innings, but Paul Bako's double ended that. Wilson's line concluded as 8.2 innings pitched, 3 hits, 8 Ks, and 0 BBs. The Cubs got blasted, and that pretty much sums up the entire game.
FINAL: Cincinnati 10, Chicago 0

P. Wilson

GAME FOUR
A. Harang (0-2) @ G. Maddux (1-0)

Isn't revenge sweet? A day after the Cubs play the worst baseball a team could ever play, then return the favor to the Reds. In the bottom of the 1st, Sammy Sosa's 2-out solo homer gave the Cubs an early lead. A scoreless 2nd inning was just the quiet before the storm for the Cubs. In the bottom of the 3rd, Corey Patterson's double paid off when Todd Walker drove him in with a single. In the bottom of the 4th, Derrek Lee hit his 2nd homer of the year, this time a 2-run shot, giving the Cubs a 4-0 lead. The next inning, the bottom of the 5th, Sosa hit his 2nd homer of the game, 6th of the year, driving in Todd Walker and himself. The Cubs would take a break in the 6th, but in the 7th, Sosa blasted his 3rd homer of the day, this time a solo shot, giving the Cubs an 8-0 lead. All the while, Greg Maddux pitched a complete game, going 9 innings, giving up 5 hits, no walks, and striking out 5. This game was a perfect rebound game from the abomination the night before. The Cubs and the Reds split the exciting series.
FINAL: Chicago 8, Cincinnati 0

S. Sosa

Next on the board: 3 @ Pittsbugh

[Dougiestyle]

April 20th-22nd
@

Cubs Falter Again

At times this season the Cubs have looked like a World Series team and at other teams they have played like a team that was going to lose 100 games. This series was the tail of both stories, with the Cubs looking great in one game and awful in the other two. The Pirates took 2 of 3 in this series, bring them to 5-1 against the Cubs. Could the Pirates be that much better than the Cubs? This time they were.

GAME ONE
M. Clement (0-0) @ K. Wells (0-1)

This is the kind of game all Cub fans expect from the team every day on the field. The bats were hot and the arms were strong. Matt Clement pitched a strong 6 innings allowing only 5 hits. However, 4 walks created a high pitch count, limiting his work. However, with only one earned run against him, he was in position to get the decision. In the top of the 4th, Moises Alou's lead-off double was almost wasted until with 2 outs and a 3-2 count, Michael Barrett singled him home, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. Barrett had 3 hits on the day. In the top of the 6th, Derrek Lee was driven in by a double from Aramis Ramirez, who was then knocked in on a double by Barrett, upping the Cubs' lead to 3-0. In the bottom of the inning, Tike Redman burnt the basepaths for a 1-out triple, then promptly scored on a Craig Wilson groundout, and the Cubs lead 3-1. In the top of the 7th, the Cubs exploded, putting 5 runs on the board. Barrett got his 3rd RBI of the night, Derrek Lee scored on an error, and Slammin' Sammy hit his 8th HR of the year with a 3-run towering shot, giving the Cubs an 8-1 lead. The Pirates would score two runs off struggling relief pitcher Joe Borowski, but the final went to the Cubs, 8-3. Big games from Michael Barrett (3-4, 3 RBI), Sammy Sosa (2-5, 3 RBI), and Derrek Lee (3-4, 2 R) were the highlights.
FINAL: Chicago 8, Pittsburgh 3

S. Sosa

GAME TWO
S. Mitre (0-1) @ S. Burnett (0-0)
Sergio again gets in trouble with the lead-off batter as he allows a lead-off triple to Rod Mackowiack. The next batter, Raul Mondesi, belted a two-run homer to give the Bucks an early 2-0 lead. In the bottom of the 3rd, Mondesi again drove in Mackowiack, this time with a single. Catcher Jason Kendall followed with another single, and rookie LF Jason Bay bashed a 3-run homer and the Cubs were down 6-0, and Mitre got the early hook. The Cubs would rally for 3 runs in the top of the fifth on Mark Grudzielanek's 2-run double, scoring Mike Remlinger (!!!) and Corey Patterson. Remlinger pitched 2.2 perfect innings in his return from the DL, highlighting his night with his frst ever run scored, closing the gap to 6-3. However, Jack Wilson's RBI double in the 6th and Mondesi's solo shot in the 7th put the score at 8-3. In the top of the 8th, Sammy Sosa singled in PH Todd Walker, then Michael Barrett hit a 3-run bomb that brought the Cubs within a run at 8-7. The rally wouldn't last long as in the bottom of the 8th, Todd Wellemeyer and Joe Borowski gave up 5 runs (no HRs), giving the Pirates a 13-7 which would stick for the win. The bats for the Cubs took a little while to get in gear in this game, but they did enough to win, but the Cubs bullpen could not keep it close. Sergio Mitre has struggled in his two starts in place of injured Mark Prior, but the Cubs believe he can hold the fort for a week or two longer. Sean Burnett for the Pirates did not pitch an exceptional ballgame, but pitched well enough to get the decision over the Cubs.
FINAL: Pittsburgh 13, Chicago 7

R. Mondesi

GAME THREE
K. Wood (0-0) @ K. Benson (1-1)

Another first inning problem for the Cubs as Jason Bay hit a ball to the gap, allowing him to get to 2nd standing up and scoring Mackowiack. Tike Redman knocked him in with a single, and again, the Cubs found themselves down 2-0 after the 1st inning. The Cubs never really were able to hit Kris Benson, as he went 8 innings, allowing 6 hits and 1BB, striking out 5. The Cubs got a solo homer in the 7th from backup catcher Paul Bako, bringing the game to a 2-1 score. However, freshly called up from AAA, RP Gary Glover (Andy Pratt sent down to Iowa) gave up 3 runs in the 7th, and Mike Remlinger gave up another in the 8th. The Cubs couldn't push any more across, and take the loss 6-1. Kris Benson's performance was good enough to receive player of the game.
FINAL: Pittsburgh 6, Chicago 1

K. Benson

Next Cubs Opponents:
3 vs. New York Mets
3 @ Arizona Diamondbacks
4 @ St. Louis Cardinals

(Ed. notes: Kris Benson's Pirate mugshot was unfindable. Also, I have already simmed through the Cardinals series, so I can't tell you about standings, league leaders, team leaders, etc; Sorry, one night I got so into it, I couldn't stop playing. Once I get through the Cardinals series, I will update standings, leaders, and start giving transactions and injuries, and also trade talks.)

[Dougiestyle]

Alright fellas, I'll be out of town until the 15th, so don't forget about this Cubs dynasty! I will update the day I get back!

[Dougiestyle]

Not that anyone reads this, but I am, in fact, going to be back in my hometown on the 15th, so then I can post the next Cubs series. It may be the 16th before I post though. Please read all the other dynasties (including mine), because they are so much fun!

[Dougiestyle]

Today's post will be a quick synopsis of the series with the Mets, the DBacks, and the Cardinals. Then, I will be able to update everyone on standings, transactions, etc.

SERIES ONE
New York Mets @ Chicago Cubs
Probables:
GAME ONE: J. Seo v. C. Zambrano
GAME TWO: S. Trachsel v. G. Maddux
GAME THREE: T. Glavine v. M. Clement

In Game One, 4 Chicago errors allowed New York to score 7 runs and punch Zambrano out in 3 innings, bringing his record to 1-3. The Cubs lose badly, 7-3.

In Game Two, Greg Maddux continued his mastery of his opponents, pitching 7 strong innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 ER, and again, no walks. However, 3 Chicago errors caused the Cubs to fall behind until a 3 run 7th inning highlighted by homers from Corey Patterson and Derrek Lee gave the Cubs the lead, which LaTroy Hawkins held for his 2nd save as the Cubs won 6-4.

In Game Three, the Cubs totally dominated the Mets as Matt Clement went 7 innings of 1 ER work, lowering his ERA to 0.99 and upping his record to 2-0. The Cubs blasted 17 hits on the Mets, scoring 10 runs. The interesting part is that the Cubs hit no homeruns, but were powered by a 5-5 night from Moises Alou, and the Cubs committed no errors after committing 9 in the previous two games. Cubs win 10-2.

SERIES TWO
Chicago Cubs @ Arizona Diamondbacks

The Cubs win Game One 8-6. The Cubs win Game Two 5-2 with a wonderful performance from Kerry Wood. The Cubs lose Game Three 8-3 in another bad outing for Carlos Zambrano, making him 1-4.

(sidenote: for some reason OOTP wouldn't bring up boxscores for these games, weird.)

SERIES THREE
Chicago Cubs @ St. Louis Cardinals

GAME ONE:
No boxscore available, the Cardinals win a dramatic one in 11 innings, 5-4. This was Mark Prior's return from the DL.

GAME TWO:
G. Maddux @ A. Wainwright
The Cubs' Greg Maddux is pitching better than ever for him, which is saying alot. He pitched 8.1 innings, giving up 5 hits, 2 walks, and 1 ER, bringing his ERA down to 1.15 and pushing his record to 4-0. The Cubs got homers from Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou, which was enough for the Cubs to win 4-1.

GAME THREE:
M. Clement @ M. Morris
Another extra inning affair between these two rivals. Alex S. Gonzalez got his first RBI of the season in the top of the 10th to give the Cubs a one-run lead, and would later score to give the Cubs a 2-run lead, which was important as the Cards struck for 1 in the bottom half of the inning, but Farnsworth shuts them down, and the Cubs win 6-5 in 10 innings.

GAME FOUR:
Another masterful performance from Kerry Wood, pitching 7.2 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 walks, and 2 ER as he struck out 12! A 3-run blast from Aramis Ramirez in the 6th ended Woody Williams' day, and put the Cubs up for good, winning 5-2 as they take 3 of 4 from the Cards.

NEXT SERIES:

Arizona Diamondbacks (12-12) @ Chicago Cubs (13-13)

[YankeeFanatic04]

Hey, Just wanted to let you know im still reading.

[Dougiestyle]

Thank you so much for responding!!! I've kept up with your stuff as well.

[Dougiestyle]

League Update:

American Standings 
 
East 
 
Team            W L   PCT GB  
New York (A)   18 8  .692  - 
Toronto        16 10 .615 2.0 
Tampa Bay      14 11 .560 3.5  
Baltimore      13 14 .481 5.5 
Boston         13 14 .481 5.5 
 
Central 
 
Team         W L    PCT GB  
Minnesota    16 8  .667  -  
Cleveland    13 13 .500 4.0 
Kansas City  9 16  .360 7.5 
Detroit      9 17  .346 8.0 
Chicago (A)  8 17  .320 8.5 
 
West 
 
Team         W L    PCT  GB  
Oakland     16 9   .640   -  
Anaheim     12 14  .462 4.5 
Texas       12 14  .462 4.5 
Seattle     11 15  .423 5.5  
 
National Standings 
 
East 
 
Team           W L   PCT  GB  
Montreal      16 10 .615   - 
New York (N)  12 13 .480  3.5 
Atlanta       11 13 .458  4.0 
Philadelphia  11 13 .458  4.0 
Florida       11 14 .440  4.5  
 
Central 
 
Team           W L   PCT  GB  
Houston       16 10 .615   - 
Milwaukee     13 12 .520  2.5 
Chicago (N)   13 13 .500  3.0  
St. Louis     12 14 .462  4.0 
Cincinnati    11 15 .423  5.0 
Pittsburgh    10 15 .400  5.5 
 
West 
 
Team              W L    PCT GB  
San Diego        16 10 .615  - 
San Francisco    16 10 .615  - 
Colorado         14 10 .583 1.0 
Arizona          12 12 .500 3.0 
Los Angeles       7 17 .292 8.0

Notable Transactions:

Wednesday 4/7/2004 :

Trade between Anaheim and Arizona :
Arizona gets :
RF Tim Salmon
P Dan Davidson
$2,100,000 cash.
Anaheim gets :
1B Greg Colbrunn


Trade between Toronto and Milwaukee :
Milwaukee gets :
1B Josh Phelps
Toronto gets :
SS Gilberto Acosta
P Tommy Hawk
C Kade Johnson

Trade between Baltimore and New York (A) :
New York (A) gets :
2B Brian Roberts
Baltimore gets :
P Felix Heredia
LF Rudy Guillen
RF Estee Harris

Notable Injuries:

KCA: Mike Sweeney was injured while running the bases.
Diagnosis: Torn Groin Muscle.
He will be OK in about 4 weeks.

TEX: Hank Blalock was injured while throwing a ball.
Diagnosis: Ruptured Bicep Tendon.
He will be OK in about 5 weeks.

TEX: R.A. Dickey was injured while pitching.
Diagnosis: Torn Ligament Elbow.
He is definitely out for the season!

American League Leaders:

#  TOP 10 AVG AVG 
1  M. Ramirez (BOS) .398 
2  A. Sanchez (DET) .392 
3  J. Valentin (CHA) .388 
4  C. Koskie (MIN) .379 
5  M. Kotsay (OAK) .369 

#  TOP 10 HR HR 
1  M. Ramirez (BOS) 15 
2  C. Delgado (TOR) 10 
2  A. Huff (TB) 10 
4  E. Durazo (OAK) 9 
4  R. Palmeiro (BAL) 9 
4  M. Teixeira (TEX) 9 
4  J. Giambi (NYA) 9 

#  TOP 10 RBI RBI 
1  A. Rodriguez (NYA) 29 
2  E. Durazo (OAK) 28 
3  M. Ramirez (BOS) 27 
4  C. Delgado (TOR) 26 
5  M. LeCroy (MIN) 25 
5  C. Koskie (MIN) 25 
5  E. Byrnes (OAK) 25 

#  TOP 10 RUNS RUNS 
1  S. Stewart (MIN) 26 
1  B. Crosby (OAK) 26 
3  J. Valentin (CHA) 24 
3  M. Ramirez (BOS) 24 
3  A. Sanchez (DET) 24 

#  TOP 10 Wins W 
1  K. Brown (NYA) 5 
1  R. Halladay (TOR) 5 
3  T. Lilly (TOR) 4 
3  T. Hudson (OAK) 4 
3  D. May (KCA) 4 
3  B. Colon (ANA) 4 
3  D. Lowe (BOS) 4 

#  TOP 10 Saved SV 
1  M. Rivera (NYA) 8 
2  T. Adams (TOR) 7 
3  K. Foulke (BOS) 6 
3  D. Riske (CLE) 6 
3  J. Nathan (MIN) 6 

#  TOP 10 Strikeouts K's 
1  R. Halladay (TOR) 51 
2  P. Martinez (BOS) 48 
3  C. Schilling (BOS) 45 
4  J. Santana (MIN) 39 
5  J. Vazquez (NYA) 38 

#  TOP 10 ERA ERA 
1  D. Waechter (TB) 1.83 
2  M. Redman (OAK) 2.12 
3  P. Martinez (BOS) 2.29 
4  E. DuBose (BAL) 2.31 
5  T. Lilly (TOR) 2.36

National League Leaders:

 #  TOP 10 AVG AVG 
1  J. Payton (SDN) .404 
2  J. Edmonds (STL) .398 
3  B. Bonds (SFN) .398 
4  R. Alomar (ARI) .393 
5  T. Helton (COL) .387 

#  TOP 10 HR HR 
1  B. Bonds (SFN) 18 
2  S. Sosa (CHN) 12 
3  A. Pujols (STL) 10 
4  J. Thome (PHI) 9 
5  B. Giles (SDN) 8 
5  R. Sexson (ARI) 8 

#  TOP 10 RBI RBI 
1  B. Bonds (SFN) 29 
2  A. Pujols (STL) 27 
3  J. Payton (SDN) 26 
4  J. Bagwell (HOU) 25 
4  M. Cameron (NYN) 25 

#  TOP 10 Wins W 
1  V. Padilla (PHI) 5 
1  A. Pettitte (HOU) 5 
3  G. Maddux (CHN) 4 
3  R. Ortiz (ATL) 4 
3  J. Seo (NYN) 4 
3  B. Bowles (MIL) 4 

#  TOP 10 Saved SV 
1  T. Hoffman (SDN) 9 
2  L. Ayala (MON) 6 
2  S. Chacon (COL) 6 
4  J. Isringhausen (STL) 5 
4  M. Mantei (ARI) 5 

#  TOP 10 Strikeouts K's 
1  K. Wood (CHN) 55 
2  R. Oswalt (HOU) 46 
3  J. Beckett (FLO) 42 
4  R. Johnson (ARI) 38 
5  B. Webb (ARI) 37 

#  TOP 10 ERA ERA 
1  J. Schmidt (SFN) 1.11 
2  G. Maddux (CHN) 1.15 
3  D. Stark (COL) 1.61 
4  K. Wood (CHN) 1.83 
5  M. Clement (CHN) 1.85

Cubs Team Statistics:

Player AVG HR RBI SB OPS   
CATCHERS                       
Michael Barrett .247 3 11 0 .739   
Paul Bako .400 1 2 0 1.255   
INFIELDER                       
Derrek Lee .248 4 9 1 .786   
Todd Walker .247 0 9 0 .613   
Aramis Ramirez .271 4 14 1 .749   
Ramon Martinez .184 1 7 0 .547   
Mark Grudzielanek .282 0 7 1 .702   
Alex S. Gonzalez .167 0 1 0 .464   
OUTFIELDER                       
Moises Alou .300 4 17 1 .791   
Corey Patterson .318 3 7 8 .888   
Sammy Sosa .327 12 21 0 1.172   
Tom Goodwin .200 0 0 2 .533   
Todd Hollandsworth .217 1 2 0 .742   
 
Player ERA W L S WHIP   
STARTERS                       
Mark Prior 6.00 0 0 0 1.17   
Kerry Wood  1.83 2 1 0 1.04   
Greg Maddux 1.15 4 0 0 0.82   
Matt Clement 1.85 2 0 0 1.26   
Carlos Zambrano 6.84 1 4 0 1.67   
RELIEVERS                       
Mike Remlinger 2.84 0 1 1 0.79   
LaTroy Hawkins  3.38 2 0 3 1.20   
Joe Borowski 5.27 0 2 0 1.10   
Gary Glover 27.01 0 0 0 4.50   
Todd Wellemeyer 2.40 1 0 0 1.13   
Kyle Farnsworth 1.50 1 1 1 1.17   
Kent Mercker 3.00 0 0 0 1.00

[Dougiestyle]

May 4th - 6th

@

Cubs Like Night & Day

The strange Jeckyll and Hyde personality of the Chicago Cubs ballclub struck again in this last series with the Arizona Diamondbacks. In one game, the Cubs were thoroughly thumped, but in the next game, they returned the favor. The last game of the series went 13 innings. Would the Cubs be the victor?

GAME ONE
R. Johnson (2-2) @ C. Zambrano (1-4)

Carlos Zambrano's early game problems struck again in this game as Zambrano gave up a 2-run homer to Richie Sexson right after walking Luis Gonzalez with 2 outs. In the bottom of the 1st, Arizona ace Randy Johnson struck out Corey Patterson, Mark Grudzielanek, and Sammy Sosa to ring up the side, and Cubs fans again began to groan. The Cubs have been underachievers in the 1st inning all season. Zambrano's trouble stuck around as he allowed back to back singles from Alex Cintron and Tim Salmon. After a sac bunt by Randy Johnson moved the runners, Robbie Alomar slapped a 2-run single, putting the Diamondbacks up 4-0. Bacl to back walks to Steve Finley and Luis Gonzalez loaded the bases, which Sexson partially cleared with a 2-run single, and the Dbacks took a 6 run lead. Derrek Lee would hit a solo bomb to put the Cubs on the board, but they still sat back 6-1. In the top of the 3rd, Tim Salmon singled home Machado, pushing the score to 7-1. In the top of the 5th, Robbie Alomar and Steve Finley bashed back to back doubles off Kent Mercker to further extend the lead to 9-1. In the bottom of the 6th, the Cubs would get things going. Sammy Sosa nailed a solo shot off Johnson, which was followed by singles from Moises Alou and Derrek Lee. Aramis Ramirez then doubled both runners home, and the Cubs bring the score to 9-3. Ramirez would score on a pinch hit single by Todd Walker, so at the end of the 6th, the Cubs trailed 9-4. In the top of the 7th, the Diamondbacks would kill the rally with a 2-run inning. The Cubs would strike for two more, but it would not be enough as the Diamondbacks win bigtime.
FINAL: Arizona 12, Chicago 7

R. Alomar - 4-6, 4 RBI, 4 R

GAME TWO
C. Fossum (2-1) @ M. Prior (0-0)

Mark Prior and the Cubs were able to break their 1st inning jinx, creating a 1-2-3 1st inning in the longest time. In fact, the Cubs would even score first as Aramis Ramirez sent a solo shot over the left field wall to give the Cubs the early advantage. Prior would help his cause, singling in the 3rd inning. Corey Patterson followed with a double to put men at 2nd and 3rd. Mark Grudzielanek blasted another double, scoring both. Slammin' Sammy would then belt a 2-run homer to give the Cubs an early 5-0 lead. Moises Alou would add another run to the board in the 5th as he singled home Grudzielanek. In the top of the 7th and 8th innings, the Diamondbacks would string together some singles to score a run each inning, bringing the score to 6-2. However, the Cubs would put the game away in the bottom of the 8th, scoring 6 runs. Alou hit a homerun, and RBI singles were hit by Michael Barrett, Todd Hollandsworth, Corey Patterson, and Mark Grudzielanek, putting the Cubs up 12-2. The Cubs would hold on to give Mark Prior his first win of the season. Prior pitched a good game, allowing 3 hits and 1 ER in 7 innings, but walking 5.
FINAL: Chicago 12, Arizona 2

M. Grudzielanek - 3-5, 2 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R

GAME THREE
[B]S. Reynolds (0-1) @ G. Maddux (4-0)

In the final game of the series, the drama was off the scale. Greg Maddux got the Cubs safely out of the 1st inning for the 2nd straight game, and the Cubs looked like the team they were supposed to be during the bottom half. Corey Patterson led the half inning off with a single, stole second, and scored on a single by Todd Walker. After 2 outs, Derrek Lee blasted a 2-run shot, followed by a solo dinger from Aramis Ramirez, putting the Cubs up early 4-0. Arizona RF Tim Salmon singled home Shea Hillenbrand, putting the DBacks on the board. After a triple by Matt Kata, Richie Sexson belted a 432 foot shot to bring Arizona closer at 4-3. Greg Maddux would not return for the 4th inning, with the team citing an undisclosed injury. Gary Glover would pitch 3 scoreless innings in wonderful relief to hold onto the lead for the Cubs. However, in the top of the 7th, he would grow tired and give up 2 runs on the 3 hits, putting the Diamondbacks up 5-4. The Cubs would respond in the bottom half of the inning with a Todd Walker RBI single to drive in Alex Gonzalez. Chicago RP Todd Wellemeyer would give up 2 runs, though, giving Arizona a slim 7-5 lead. Again, the Cubs would respond, putting 2 on the board with RBI singles from Ramirez and Grudzielanek. The 9th inning would be quiet, and the crowd grew louder as the game went into extras. It didn't take Arizona long to quiet them, because in the top of the 10th, Steve Finley's sacrifice fly put the DBacks up by one. To lead off the bottom of the 10th, Aramis Ramirez walked, Michael Barrett struck out, Ramirez stole second, the Gonzalez struck out. Pinch hitter Ramon Martinez stepped to the plate with the crowd cheering, and he slapped a clutch single to right, scoring Ramirez as the Friendly Confines exploded. The 11th and 12th innings were dominated by pitching, and each team had 2 pitchers left. Kyle Farnsworth had pitched well the last inning, so Dusty Baker had no qualms about leaving him in, but it backfired as Richie Sexson nailed a lead-off homer to put the DBacks up by one. LaTroy Hawkins came in, but gave up an RBI single to rookie Tim Olson. The DBacks led 10-8, and the Cubs could not respond, losing a heartbreaker in 13 innings.
FINAL: Arizona 10, Chicago 8, 13 innings

L. Gonzalez - 2-7, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R

Next Cubs' Opponents:
3 vs. Colorado (15-12)
3 @ Los Angeles (9-18)
3 @ San Diego (17-12)

(ed. note: I had the most fun writing this report, so I hope you all enjoy reading it)