Hey Gang, the Cubs will try to stretch their season-long winning streak to 5 tonight in Los Angeles. The offense has come to life in a BIG way the last 4 days. All kinds of homeruns and quality ABs and it's particularly heartening to see Aramis Ramirez get going. He's been a catalyst during this winning streak. His back is feeling better, he's playing terrific defense and he's showing flashes of last year offensively. Getting him untracked is huge for this team.

I've always enjoyed coming to California on these West coast trips. Dodger Stadium is one of my favorite places to do a game. You walk into the visiting TV booth and you can hear Vin Scully's golden pipes next door, usually taping a billboard or regaling his crew with a classic baseball story. He's the gold standard for baseball broadcasters and he's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. The ballpark, while being over 43 years old, is clean and convenient and you always see lots of famous people. It's just a very laid back atmosphere out here and just a unique baseball experience. We often joke about the late arrivals and early exits, but that's just the way it works in LA! I loved how last night a good majority of the Dodger fans started to leave in the 7th and 8th while the Cubs fans stayed until the final out. That place felt like Wrigley in the 9th!

It was a great way to start the trip last night and hopefully the Cubs can keep it rolling tonight. A series win here is rather essential with the red-hot Padres looming on Thursday.

Len

*On WGN tonight at 9pm Central, Carlos Zambrano (3-3, 3.62) looks to extend the Cubs winning streak to five games. He will be opposed by Brad Penny (2-2, 3.56). The Dodgers have lost four straight series at home.

*The teams have been playing since 1890. With the Cubs win last night, they trail in the all-time series 1,001-998.

* The Cubs’ much-maligned bullpen has done the job since last Monday, helping the Cubs climb back over the .500 mark.

Cubs Bullpen - Last 8 Games (since May 23)

Team W-L 6-2
Indiv. W-L 3-0
Earned Run Avg 2.18 (5/20.2)
Opponents BA .181 (13/72)
K per 9 IP 7.8 (18/20.2)

* When Jim Hendry traded Hee Seop Choi to the Marlins for Derrek Lee in November of 2003, the move was criticized by some as an unnecessary payroll increase at first base. However, the deal has worked out brilliantly for the Cubs, especially lately.

Derrek Lee vs. Hee Seop Choi - Last 2 Seasons (since trade)

Lee Choi
Batting Avg .295 (231/782) .254 (118/465)
Home Runs 48 21
Runs Batted In 144 66
Slugging Pct .549 (429/782) .452 (210/465)
Avg w/RISP .312 (62/199) .228 (26/114)

Lee vs. Choi - Last 2 Weeks (since May 17)

AVG SLG Runs HR RBI BB
Lee: .364 (16/44) .795 (35/44) 13 6 13 8
Choi: .077 (2/26) .077 (2/26) 1 0 2 0

* The Cubs rely on the longball more than any other team in baseball.

MLB, Largest Pct of Runs Scored Via HR - 2005

Chicago Cubs 48.4% (107/221)
Texas Rangers 45.0% (122/271)
Baltimore Orioles 42.3% (113/267)
New York Yankees 42.2% (116/275)
Cincinnati Reds 39.1% (95/243)

--In May, the Cubs are 9-1 when hitting two or more homers in a game and 4-12 when they do not.

* Aramis Ramirez has been much more dangerous this season once he has been able to get a read on a pitcher in a prior at-bat.

Ramirez, 1st PA vs. Pit in Gm vs. All Subsequent PA - 2005

1st PA vs. Pit in Gm All Subsequent PA
Batting Avg .167 (16/96) .363 (29/80)
Slugging Pct .344 (33/96) .688 (55/80)
AB per HR 24.0 (96/4) 13.3 (80/6)

* Carlos Zambrano has been one of the league’s better pitchers this month but has only a 1-3 record to show for it.

Carlos Zambrano in May

Earned Run Avg 2.97 (11/33.1)
Opponents BA .198 (22/111)
HR Allowed 1 (in 33.1 IP)
K per 9 IP 8.6 (32/33.1)
W-L Record 1-3 (Cubs 1-4 in CZ starts)

-- The Cubs have scored a total of 11 runs in Zambrano’s five May starts.

* The top three cleanup hitters in the National League in terms of RBI are new additions to their teams in 2005. Jeff Kent is one of those acquisitions racking up big ribbie totals.

NL, Most RBI as Cleanup (#4) Hitter - 2005

Carlos Lee, Mil 44
Jeff Kent, LAD 38
Troy Glaus, Ari 36
Preston Wilson, Col 27
Phil Nevin, SD 25

Dodger Stadium is one of those ballparks for me that was more of an "event" feel than an actual feel. You come to Wrigley Field, you come to watch the ballgame. If you go to a game at Dodger Stadium, you go to see what stars are there. Usually there's quite a few in the stands. As a player, it's hard not to notice. Recently, they've added a lot of seats closer to the field along with a VIP section behind home plate. They've cut down down on a lot of the foul territory in the stadium and those seats are filled with VIPS, or at least folks who think they are VIPs. You don't want to miss anything in case you need to get an autograph from somebody!

The ballpark itself plays as two completely different types of stadiums. During night games, the ball does not carry well at all, plus the grass gets wet and is very slow. In the daytime, the ball absolutely flies out of there.

Bob

We look forward to your comments on the Cubs news from today courtesy cubs.com):

*The Cubs acquired right-handed pitching prospects Jerome Williams and David Aardsma from San Francisco for reliever LaTroy Hawkins and cash considerations. Williams, who won 10 games with the Giants last season, and Aardsma were both high draft picks. Williams was chosen 39th overall in 1999 and Aardsma was taken 22nd overall in 2003, after leading Rice to a national championship.

Both will be sent to the Minors, but are clearly in the Cubs' plans, with general manager Jim Hendry optimistic that the two could make an appearance with the club later this season. Hawkins' role had diminished after blowing four of his eight save opportunities this year.

* The Chicago Cubs got good news on Mark Prior, who suffered a compression fracture in his right elbow and could be back pitching this year, depending on how quickly he's pain-free.
Prior was hit by a line drive by Colorado's Brad Hawpe in the fourth inning Friday. Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal said Saturday that an MRI revealed a compression fracture of the lateral epicondyl of Prior's right elbow, not a hairline fracture as earlier reported.

The Cubs today placed right-handed pitcher Prior on the 15-day disabled list. In a corresponding roster move, the club recalled right-handed pitcher Roberto Novoa from Iowa (AAA).
Prior suffered the injury in yesterday's contest against the Rockies, when he was hit by a line drive off the bat of Brad Hawpe in the fourth inning. In nine starts for the Cubs, he has gone 4-1 with a 2.93 ERA.
Novoa is in his second stint with the club, as he was also with the Cubs April 27-May 9, seeing action in five games.

I don't think anybody thought at the beginning of the season that scoring runs was really going to be a major problem. Of course, there was some concern with Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou leaving of "how are we going to replace that power?" Well, the Cubs have hit home runs, but they have not been able to manufacture runs and very rarely have been able to take advantage of opportunities that have presented themselves.

We've been critical and the fans have been critical of swinging at the first pitch, being overly aggressive and really bailing the opposing pitcher out of some tough situations. However, nobody says anything when that first pitch is whacked up into the seats or hit into the gap for an extra base hit. I think the biggest problem, and we've talked about this during the telecasts, is getting good pitches to hit on that first pitch. There's nothing wrong with first-pitch hacking as long as it's a pitch you are looking for and there was some thought going into the at-bat before walking up to the batter's box. Just going up there and hacking at the first thing you see, though, is not the way to get it done.

Bob

It can be a boring wait, followed by the rush of adrenaline as a baseball comes flying over the left field screen at Wrigley. For the ballhawks, the wait is always worth it.

If you've watched and listened intently the last week or so, you've noticed we've added a Word of The Day to our telecasts. Cubs LH Will Ohman brought the idea to me as a way to have a little fun with the English language. It's funny because I used to do an occasional Word of The Day when I was with the Marlins. I like the idea because, number one, we have 3 hours a day and it's a fun little diversion that I don't believe takes anything away from the game. It's also a neat way to expand our vocabulary (I definitely need that!).

Will has given mea lot of good words to use so far, including lachrymose (mournful/tearful) last night. I can't imagine that's a word many people use in their everyday speech, but there it was in last night's telecast. I believe I said, "the Cubs are hoping their 3-game winning streak doesn't come to a lachrymose end tonight."

So, if you think of a good Word of The Day throughout the season, email us or post on the blog and we might just use it. Adjectives are usually the best. And the goal is to blend it in to the game somehow w/o having to stretch too much. It's a fun challenge for me for sure!

So, you wordsmiths out there, here's your chance to be heard!

Len

*Carlos Zambrano (3-2, 3.59)looks to start a new winning streak for the Cubs on WGN today as he opposes the Rockies' Jason Jennings (1-6, 7.05) at Wrigley Field today.

* Colorado’s struggles on the road continued in Milwaukee, where the club managed a total of three runs en route to getting swept for the fifth time in eight series away from home this season:

Rockies, Fewest Runs Scored in 3-Game Series – All-Time

@ Giants JUL-04-1997 - JUL-06-1997 1
@ Padres MAY-06-1994 - MAY-08-1994 2
@ Brewers MAY-23-2005 – MAY-25-2005 3 **
@ Marlins AUG-06-1999 - AUG-08-1999 3
@ Giants JUN-29-1999 - JUL-01-1999 3
@ Dodgers MAY-21-1993 - MAY-23-1993 3
@ Blue Jays JUN-07-2002 - JUN-09-2002 3

** Tied with four other clubs for fewest in a 3-game series this season.

* Carlos Zambrano has allowed just a single run over 16 innings pitched in his two outings at Wrigley this month. Zambrano has posted one of the majors’ lowest earned run averages at home since the start of the 2003 season.

MLB, Lowest ERA at Home – 2003  2005
(minimum 15 GS)

Tim Hudson 2.60
Carlos Zambrano 2.64 (70/239.0)
Josh Beckett 2.76
Jake Peavy 2.81
Roy Oswalt 2.85

* Former Colorado infielder, Neifi Perez, has hammered Jason Jennings throughout his career:

Highest Career BAVG vs. Jason Jennings – Active Players
(minimum 15 plate appearances)

Neifi Perez, ChC .571 (8/14)
Jeff Kent, LAD .429 (12/28)
Edgardo Alfonzo, SF .409 (9/22)
Sean Burroughs, SD .406 (13/32)
Paul Lo Duca, Fla .400 (10/25)

* Clint Barmes is well on his way to one the best batting seasons by a rookie shortstop in recent memory:

Highest BAVG as Rookie Shortstop – since 1974
(minimum 2.5 PA per team game; as SS only)

Clint Barmes, 2005 Col .344 (62/180)
Derek Jeter, 1996 NYY .314
Edgar Renteria, 1996 Fla .309
Mike Caruso, 1998 CWS .307
Nomar Garciaparra , 1997 Bos .306

-- Johnny Pesky holds the record for the highest batting average by a rookie shortstop at .331 with Boston in 1942.

* Colorado has struggled with runners in scoring position over the past few days, managing just four hits in 56 at bats in that situation since May 18. Overall, the team has gone over 100 straight plate appearances without an extra-base hit with runners in scoring position.

Most Consecutive Plate Apps. Without an Extra-Base Hit w/ RISP
(MLB, Active Streak)

Colorado Rockies 101
Houston Astros 39
New York Mets 37
Washington Nationals 31
Chicago Cubs 22

* The Cubs have been involved in their fair share of tight contests yet again this season. Chicago’s 49 one-run contests in 2004 were tied for the most in the National League.

NL, Most One-Run Games - 2005

Arizona Diamondbacks 19 (12-7)
Chicago Cubs 18 (9-9)
St. Louis Cardinals 17 (10-7)
Cincinnati Reds 17 (8-9)

Well, the Cubs' rollercoaster ride continues! Back to within 2 games of .500 and now you look at the rest of this homestand and you say, 4-2 the rest of the week would get 'em back to .500 with a big west coast trip coming up next week.

The big buzz right now is, do you go after Danny Graves? I'm sure the Cubs will take a very serious look at Graves and whether or not they think he'd be of help in the bullpen. Could it be the typical "change of scenery" move in which a guy just needs to put on another uniform? Tough call. I'd say this, if he clears waivers and you only have to pay him the pro-rated minimum, why not go for it? Low risk at that point. But a lot would have to happen for that to be a possibility. As far as dealing for him this week, I'm not sure the Reds would want to give the Cubs any breaks.

Tonight's game is key because of who's pitching for Houston--Roger Clemens. Because the Astros aren't scoring runs, you have a chance against the Rocket. Let's hope Sergio Mitre comes up with a solid performance. The starters have been really good lately and Mitre will try to keep that momentum going.

Len

*Sergio Mitre makes his 2005 MLB debut tonight against Roger Clemens (3-2, 1.29) for the Astros.

* All three games of this series will be played at night, the first time that has ever happened at Wrigley Field in a series lasting at least three games.

*The Astros road woes continued Monday night as they dropped a 4-1 decision at Wrigley for their sixth straight loss. They have lost 17 of their last 18 road games.

*The Astros offense and defense have both struggled mightily away from Minute Maid Park.

Largest Home/Road BA Difference, 2005

Home Road Diff
Colorado Rockies .317 .229 .088
Houston Astros .281 .211 .070
Atlanta Braves .285 .230 .055

Largest Home/Road ERA Difference, 2005

Home Road Diff
San Diego Padres 2.42 5.21 2.79
Houston Astros 3.18 5.75 2.57
Florida Marlins 2.44 4.32 1.88

One Astro who has performed better on the road is Roger Clemens, who has yet to allow an earned run in three road starts and 21 innings of work.

Lowest Opponent BA on the Road, 2005
(1.54 BFP/Team G)

Pedro Martinez, NYM .115 (11/96)
Al Leiter, Fla .138 (8/58)
Roger Clemens, Hou .141 (10/71)
Jeremy Bonderman, Det .155 (13/84)
Mike Maroth, Det .179 (17/95)

The middle of the Cubs’ order has had a lot of success against future Hall-of-Famer Clemens.

Career BA & Slg Pct vs. Clemens with Rank**

BA Slg
Jeromy Burnitz .381 (8/21), 9th .762, 7th
Derek Lee .412 (7/17), 7th .706, 8th
Aramis Ramirez .538 (7/13), 1st .769, 6th

** Rank is based on active players with at least 15 plate appearances against Clemens.

Derek Lee has been a consistent bright spot of the Cubs offense.

Players Responsible For Highest Percent of Team's Runs

Total** Team Pct
Derrek Lee, ChC 57 183 .311
Luis Gonzalez, Ari 55 195 .282
Richie Sexson, Sea 51 184 .277
Bobby Abreu, Phi 55 199 .276
Carlos Lee, Mil 52 190 .274

** Runs + RBI - HR

The Cubs and Astros bullpen have been heading in different directions this month.

Cubs & Astros Bullpen Comparison - April & May

April May
ERA
-Cubs 4.30 3.26
-Astros 2.38 7.15

Batting Avg
-Cubs .258 .250
-Astros .216 .332

The Cubs have had trouble producing in clutch situations.

Lowest Percent of Runs Scored With 2 Outs, 2005

2 Outs Total Pct
Chicago Cubs 74 183 .404
Boston Red Sox 96 237 .405
San Francisco Giants 77 188 .410
Los Angeles Dodgers 88 214 .411

Catch a glimpse from Sunday's game where the Cubs pulled through to avoid a sweep by the White Sox in their first Crosstown Classic of the season.

That was quite a performance by Mark Prior yesterday, especially giving the Cubs a badly-needed complete game. For Dusty, I don’t really think it was that tough of a choice. The way the bullpen has pitched – inconsistent is probably being a little too kind to describe their performance – the way Prior was throwing, the look he had in his eye, and the stuff he was bringing up there made it a pretty easy decision on Dusty’s part.

You like a guy that isn’t looking over his shoulder to see if anybody is warming up. You want a guy who isn’t looking in the dugout for any kind of help. He is just looking at his catcher for the next sign and is going to keep flinging until he gets the 27 outs and gets his team a win.

Now, the Cubs really do need to put some kind of a streak together, win 5 of 6 or 8 of 10 and try to get on some sort of roll. With the Astros and Rockies coming into town the rest of week, it’s a great opportunity for the Cubs to do that. I think the players know that, too. They understand which teams are struggling as they come to town and which teams are red-hot when they arrive. Those guys don’t need to be told that we’ve got teams coming to town that for various reasons aren’t hitting on all cylinders right now. I think they understand the gravity of this next week and I don’t think Dusty has to say a word to them.

Bob

Hey Gang, the Cubs will try to salvage the finale after watching the White Sox take the first two games of this series. Clearly, this is a MUCH bigger game for the Cubs than it is for the Sox and with a couple teams in Houston and Colorado coming in who have struggled mightily on the road this year, if the Cubs can win Game 3 vs. the Sox, they still can set themselves up for a big homestand.

On the Cubs-Sox rivalry, I have to say, I've never been around a better, more intense atmosphere than the one on Friday @ Wrigley. There was a buzz in the crowd throughout the day that you normally only get in October. It was tremendous.

Right now, the Sox have the upper hand on the Cubs and based on what both teams have done to this point in 2005, that's not a huge surprise. The Sox are simply the best team in baseball right now. But, the Cubs still have lots of time to right their ship. I know some Cubs fans might not buy that, but there's still more than FOUR months of the season left to be played. So, take a breath and hope the Cubs can get rolling with 8 games left on this big homestand.

* Mark Prior 3-1, 2.93) takes the hill for the Cubs as they try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the White Sox, who will send out rookie Brandon McCarthy for his first MLB start today.

* With the White Sox looking to sweep the series, this cross-town rivalry game should be close if history holds up.

White Sox at Cubs In Interleague Play – Since 1997

White Sox Cubs
Wins 11 12
Runs/Game 4.9 (112/23) 4.9 (112/23)
Team ERA 4.72 (102/194.1) 4.62 (106/206.2)
Team BA .255 (200/783) .275 (206/749)

* Mark Prior has pitched well recently considering he has received no help from the Cubs’ bats or bullpen.

Mark Prior – 2005 Season

First 4 Games Last 3 Games
Record 3-1 0-0
ERA 3.75 (10/24) 2.05 (5/22.0)
Run Support 23 7
Team Blown Saves 0 2

* Yesterday’s game came down to the bullpen where the White Sox have been much better this season.

White Sox Vs. Cubs – Relievers – 2005 (With MLB Ranks)

White Sox Cubs
ERA 3.04 (7) 3.92 (13)
Opp BA .224 (7) .257 (14)
Save Pct 83.3 (T-2) 50.0 (T-26)

* Carl Everett owns the highest lifetime batting average against the Cubs since the beginning of divisional play in 1969.

Highest Batting Average Vs. Cubs – Since 1969
(Minimum 150 PA)

Carl Everett .375 (54/144)
Roberto Clemente .372
Jim Morrison .362
Ralph Garr .359
Willie Mays .352

* Scott Podsednik has more stolen bases than 21 teams this season, including each team in AL Central. He is two shy of his career best for one month.

Scott Podsednik, Most Career SB By Month

September, 2004 18
May, 2005 16
August, 2003 12
April, 2004 12
4 Months Tied With 10

-- Podsednik’s 26 steals this season is more than any White Sox player last season.

* Even with Podsednik getting on base and stealing bases, Tadahito Iguchi still has hit into a lot of double plays this season when batting second.

Most Grounded Into Double Plays When Batting #2 – 2005

Tadahito Iguchi, CWS 6
Royce Clayton, Ari 6
Jason Kendall, Oak 5
Ivan Rodriguez, Det 4
Michael Young, Tex 4

* When Derrek Lee hits a home run, it usually comes at a crucial time.

Most HR To Tie Game Or Give Team Lead - 2005

Derrek Lee, ChC 7
Albert Pujols, StL 7
Brian Roberts, Bal 7
Mike Sweeney, KC 6
Bobby Abreu, Phi 6
Richie Sexson, Sea 6
Melvin Mora, Bal 6

* The Cubs continue to rely on the long ball more than anyone in the majors.

Highest Percent Of Total Runs From HR - 2005

Team HR-R Runs PCT
Chicago Cubs 80 175 .457
New York Mets 85 202 .421
Baltimore Orioles 98 234 .419
Texas Rangers 96 232 .414
Cincinnati Reds 76 188 .404

Since 1999, the Cubs and Sox have gone home and home in interleague play for six games each season. How do you feel about that? Is it a great rivalry that needs to be in each park each year or would it be better served with three games only each year alternating between home parks? Let us know your thoughts and we'll discusson on the air during Sunday's telecast.

*It's Greg Maddux (2-1, 4.15) for the Cubs today against right-hander Freddy Garcia (3-3, 4.02)for the White Sox in the first of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.

*The Sox lead the interleague series 22-20. The Cubs are 12-9 against the Sox at Wrigley and 8-13 at U.S. Cellular Field. The National League holds a 988-960 lead in interleague play since its inception in 1997.

*Maddux is the MLB leader in interleague victories with a 17-6 record.

*Garcia probably welcomes the chance to make his Wrigley Field debut, considering no pitcher since 1972 has posted a better winning percentage in day games.

Best Career Winning Percentage in Day Games – Since 1972
(minimum 30 decisions)

Freddy Garcia 35-11 .761
Randy Johnson 72-23 .758
Tim Hudson 34-12 .739
Mark Mulder 31-11 .738
Roy Halladay 33-13 .717

-- Since 2003, Garcia is 15-3 (.833) with a 2.71 (50/166.0) ERA in day games, compared to 13-25 (.342) with a 4.94 (164/299.0) ERA at night.

* Garcia has demonstrated a big left-right split in 2005, with a particularly large strikeout-walk disparity.

Garcia Vs LHB/RHB – 2005

Vs LHB Vs RHB
BA Allowed .299 (35/117) .200 (17/85)
K-BB Ratio 0.5 (6-12) 5.8 (29-5)
HR Allowed 5 0

-- Garcia also has fashioned a 2.54 (8/28.1) ERA in road games this season, compared to 5.68 (16/25.1) at home.

*Maddux has pitched better in his last four starts, particularly with runners on base.

Greg Maddux – 2005
Thru 4/23 4/29 & Since
Games Started 4 4
Record 0-1 2-0
ERA 4.50 3.80 (10/23.2)
K/9 IP 4.9 7.6 (20/23.2)
BA Allowed, Bases Empty .210 .309 (17/55)
BA Allowed, Runners On .407 .216 (8/37)
BA Allowed, RISP .389 .130 (3/23)

-- For the season as a whole, Maddux has thrown 85.9 (687/8) pitches per start, the second fewest among NL pitchers with at least eight starts (Paul Wilson, 84.4).

* After compiling a 4.39 ERA through May 5, the Cubs’ bullpen has been very stingy the past couple weeks.

Cubs Bullpen – 5/6 & Since

ERA 1.62 (6/33.1) – best in MLB
BA Allowed .198 (24/121)

-- However, while Cubs relievers have surrendered a .127 (10/79) batting average through the eighth inning since May 6, they’ve allowed a .333 (14/42) mark from the ninth inning on.

* Derrek Lee is hitting a robust .438 from the seventh inning on.

*Softball star Jennie Finch will sing the 7th inning stretch today.

With the Cubs and Sox ready to do battle tomorrow, what do you think of interleague play?

In general, I am in favor of it. There are some built-in inequalities. Some years, you are going to play much better teams than some other teams in your division will face in interleague. I think, in general, it has served its purpose. The idea was to generate more fan interest and to get people back into the ballpark. I think certainly it has accomplished that.

I've said from the very beginning the one thing I would change about interleague play are the rules. I think they should play National League rules in the American League ballparks and vice versa. Use the DH in the National League parks so the fans can really get a taste of what the other league is like.

I think a lot of the players have enjoyed interleague play. They get an opportunity to see a lot of ballparks they wouldn't ordinarily get the chance to play in. This year, the Cubs will get the opportunity to visit Yankee Stadium which is always a big thrill for a big league player to play there for the first time.

There is a different look in the TV schedule for the Sox/Cubs series this weekend. For the first time since 1997, there will be both home and road television for the games. On Friday, WGN-TV will carry the game as a Sox contest with Hawk & DJ beginning with "Showdown in the City" at 12:30pm, while Comcast SportsNet has the Cub telecast with Len & Dan Plesac (Bob is in Arizona at his son's graduation). On Saturday, the game is a network telecast with Fox. On Sunday, WGN has the Cub telecast with Len & Bob beginning with the Leadoff Man at 1p, while Comcast SportsNet has the Sox crew of Hawk & DJ.

Friday 5/20- Jennie Finch & the Chicago Bandits softball team
Sat 5/21 - Jamie Denton (Desperate Housewives)
Sun 5/22 - Roy Jones Jr.
Mon 5/23 - TBD
Tue 5/24 - Jeff Gordon
Wed 5/25 - Digger Phelps
Thu 5/26 - Kathy & Judy (WGN Radio)
Fri 5/27 - NIU football coach Joe Novak
Sat 5/28 - Mickey Morandini
Sun 5/29 - Illinois basketball team

Tonight, the Cubs start a quick 2-gamer in Pittsburgh against a Pirates team that is suddenly hot--the Bucs have won 9 of 12 to get to within 2 games of .500. The Cubs are 4 under and are desperately looking for some consistency. Through 36 games, the Cubs have had just 1 3-game winning streak. The good news--they haven't even hit the quarter-pole of the season, Joe Borowski and Todd Walker aren't far away from their return and the bullpen is in its best stretch of the season, having slammed the door on the Nationals Saturday and Sunday (save for the 1 huge unearned run Sunday). The bad news--the Cubs lost both of those games by 1 run, there are new injury concerns (Zambrano and Ramirez, although in both cases, hopefully they're minor concerns) and they're still half a week away from reaching .500 at the earliest.

This week would be a good time to start a roll. After this series, the Cubs have their longest homestand of the season--10 games--and after the big White Sox series, a couple of teams that are off to really rough starts (Hou/Col) come to Wrigley. You look at the homestand and you really need to see the Cubs go 6-4 at the absolute worst and preferable at least 7-3. Bottom line, if the Cubs can be at .500 by June 1, I think they would be fine. At that point, hopefully Walker and Borowski will have been back, Kerry Wood might be a couple weeks away and hopefully Aramis will be in a groove. The first two months have been about survival for this team. Getting back to break-even by the end of the month is a good short-term goal for this club.

Len

Today marks the anniversary of Wrigley Field's greatest slugfest, as the Phillies outlasted the Cubs 23-22 on May 17, 1979. After the Cubs roared back from a 17-6 deficit, Mike Schmidt's 10th inning homer of Bruce Sutter proved to be the difference in the 4 hour, 3 minute contest.

The line score

PHI 708 240 100 1 23 24 2
CHI 600 373 030 0 22 26 2

HRs in the game:

PHILLIES
Mike Schmidt - 2
Bob Boone - 2
Randy Lerch
Garry Maddox

CUBS
Dave Kingman - 3
Steve Ontiveros
Bill Buckner
Jerry Martin

*It's Mark Prior (3-1, 2.77) trying to end the Cubs two-game skid against Josh Fogg (3-2, 3.96) for the Pirates tonight.

* Chicago has won three of the first five meetings this season. Three off the five meetings were decided by just one run.
* Chicago has lost eight of its last 10 road games.
* Seven of the Cubs’ last 11 games have been decided by just one run (2-5 record).
* Chicago’s Michael Barrett is batting .377 in the past 16 games, raising his average from .167 to .271.
* Pittsburgh is 9-3 in its last 12 games to move within two games of .500.
* The Pirates have 23 home runs in May, which are the most in the National League.
* Pittsburgh’s Daryl Ward has 12 home runs and 30 RBIs in 32 May games beginning last season.
* Pirates pitcher Josh Fogg is 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in his last two starts. He was 0-2 with a 10.00 ERA in his previous two starts.

* The Cubs have come to depend a lot on the longball this season already.

MLB Teams, Pct. of Total Runs Scored from Home Runs - 2005

HR Runs Runs Pct.
Chicago Cubs 77 164 .470
New York Mets 77 181 .425
Baltimore Orioles 84 201 .418
New York Yankees 91 223 .408
Cincinnati Reds 71 176 .403

* But, the Cubs pitcher has had no problems handling Pittsburgh in the past.

Active Pitchers, Best Career Win Pct. vs. Pirates
(Min. 5 GS)

Mark Prior 1.000 (5-0)
Jon Lieber .875 (7-1)
Russ Ortiz .875 (7-1)

* And he’s been the best road pitcher in baseball since he joined MLB in 2002.

MLB Pitchers, Best Road ERA – 20022005 (Min. 200 IP)

Mark Prior 2.58 (66/230.1)
Johan Santana 2.68
Pedro Martinez 2.70
Curt Schilling 2.98
Randy Johnson 3.07

* Prior’s very first MLB start ended up being a 7-4 win vs. Pittsburgh at Wrigley Field. Today he will need to be aware that this Pirate team is playing much better ball of late.

Pirates’ 2005 Number Breakdown

1st 24 Games Last 12 Games
Record 8-16 9-3
Team BA .226 .284 (120/422)
Home Runs 15 19
Runs per Game 3.0 (72) 5.3 (64)
Team ERA 5.04 2.72 (32/106.0

* But the Bucs are still having some problems pushing baserunners across the plate this season.

NL Teams, Lowest Pct. of Baserunners That Score in 2005

Pittsburgh Pirates .268 (102/381)
Philadelphia Phillies .274 (125/457)
Houston Astros .288 (115/399)
San Diego Padres .290 (142/489)
Arizona Diamondbacks .291 (135/464)

* As if on cue, Daryl Ward started hitting better when the calendar turned to May.

Ward’s Number Breakdown Since Coming to Pittsburgh in 2004

May All Other Months
Batting Avg. .357 (46/129) .215 (58/270)
Home Runs 12 11
RBI 30 46

*Ward in hitting .385 since May 6th and is 8-for-16 in his last four games.

Hey Gang, greetings from our nation's capital. Pretty interesting weekend thus far here in DC. Of course, it's the Cubs' first trip to RFK and the first trip for the Cubs to Washington DC in the modern era.

The city is obviously a great tourist attraction with all the historic sites to explore. I suggest a future roadtrip here to see some Cubs-Nationals action at some point if you're thinking about traveling to see the Cubbies.

The ballpark is nothing to write home about--a typical 1960s superstructure/multi-purpose facility. But I'll say this, they did what they could to make it work in the short time they had over the winter. The field seems to be in decent shape, although with the DC United soccer team plays here, so they have to convert the field quite a bit.

As far as the fan base, well, they're averaging over 31,000 per game and there was a lot of energy in the park for Game 1 Friday night. Of course, having several thousand Cubs fans here didn't hurt! P.S., They're looking at having a new park ready for 2008.

Bottom line, it's good to see this franchise have a solid home base, even though it is still owned by MLB. And it's a team that has some very solid players--guys like Jose Vidro, Brad Wilkerson, Nick Johnson, Brian Schneider and Livan Hernandez. My guess is that baseball's return to DC will be a successful one.

Len

45 years ago today, Don Cardwell made one of the most impressive debuts in sports history as he no-hit the St. Louis Cardinals in the second game of a doubleheader at Wrigley Field. Cardwell was traded to the Cubs on Friday the 13th and made his first start two days later. The game ended in dramatic fashion with Moose Moryn making a shoetop catch of a line drive off the bat of Joe Cunningham to save the no-hitter. Jack Brickhouse screamed "C'mon Moose!" and the crowd rushed the field after Moryn's superb play.

Don still remembers the day fondly:

I had just been traded on a Friday the 13th from the Phillies to the Cubs. Two days later, I got my first start with the Cubs. Actually, when I got traded I was supposed to pitch that night in Cincinnati. I guess the extra days of rest may have helped.

As it turned out, like all pitchers you know to a certain point where you are in a ballgame and what's happened. You try to not think about it. I was fortunate to have a veteran catcher named Del Rice and he came out and said I know how you can throw. Let's just go with the good thing you've got going. I think he came out to the mound in about the seventh inning and said "how are you feeling" and I said "fine". "Great, then let's keep doing what we've been doing."

Then in the 8th, they sent up Stan Musial to pinch-hit and I was saying to myself "oh, man". I made some really good pitches on Stan and years down the road, I've talked to him and he said to me "you know, I didn't even see those pitches".

The last play of the game, Joe Cunningham was a good left-handed hitter for the Cardinals and he hit one of those semi-line drives to left field. Your head just pops instantly when you see it's going there, but there came Moose. I had never played with Moose, except for watching him a few times, but he made a terrific catch.

Then all you-know-what broke loose with people coming on the field. The ushers tried to hold people back, but there was just no way. I was trying to get off the field, because there was just so many people right on top of you. For years, I've told people I just didn't want to spike anybody.

It was a great feeling. I didn't really realize it until later because I didn't have time to let it sink in. But then, it was "hey, there is it. It's a no-no." It was great and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. All my career, people have come up to me and said "did you pitch a no-hitter" and I can say "yes, yes I did."

*Greg Maddux (2-1, 3.80) goes for the Cubs today on WGN-TV as they try and take the series from the Nats who will send out John Patterson (2-1, 2.45).

* In its first season of baseball in more than 30 years, RFK Stadium is proving to be one of the most difficult parks in which to hit a home run.

Fewest HR/Game, 2005 NL Parks

RFK Stadium 1.13 (17/15)
Dolphins Stadium 1.25
PETCO Park 1.25
Shea Stadium 1.39
SBC Park 1.57

* The Nationals might wish RFK were a little bit more homer friendly. They’ve been awfully hard to beat in games in which they hit at least one long ball.

Best Record When Hitting 1+ HR, 2005 NL

W-L Pct.
Florida Marlins 11-4 .733
Washington Nationals 15-6 .714
Atlanta Braves 15-7 .682
Los Angeles Dodgers 17-9 .654
St. Louis Cardinals 17-9 .654

* The Nationals are a perfect 7-0 in games when they hit multiple home runs.

* Greg Maddux has 24 career wins against the Nationals franchise, the fourth highest total all-time.

Most Wins vs. Expos/Nationals, All-Time

Tom Glavine 28
Steve Carlton 26
Rick Reuschel 26
Greg Maddux 24
Tom Seaver 22

* Aramis Ramirez has shown the same inconsistency as the Cubs team this season, and when Ramirez has fared well, so have the Cubs.

Aramis Ramirez in Wins and in Losses, 2005

Wins Losses
Games 14 19
Batting Avg. .373 (19/51) .169 (13/77)
Home Runs 4 3
RBI 14 4
Runs 13 9
OBP .458 (27/59) .229 (19/83)

* Derrek Lee always has had talent, but never in the past did he show quite what he’s showing at the plate in 2005.

Most Improved BA, 2004 à 2005 MLB
(Min. 200 AB in 2004 and 2 AB/G in 2005)

2004 2005 Diff
Justin Morneau, Min .271 .390 .119
Brian Roberts, Bal .273 .385 .112
Chipper Jones, Atl .248 .337 .089
Derrek Lee, ChC .278 (168/605) .364 (47/129) .086
Miguel Cabrera, Fla .294 .372 .078

* Among regular major league starting pitchers this season, nobody has been tougher to get an extra-base hit against than John Patterson.

Fewest Extra-Base Hits Allowed, 2005 MLB
(Pitchers with min. 6 starts)

John Patterson, Was 6
Al Leiter, Fla 7
Four players tied 8
* The Cubs bullpen will need to be at its best to hold off the Nationals, who hit their best in the late innings.

Highest Team Batting Average in Inning 7+, 2005 MLB

Washington Nationals .304 (125/411)
Florida Marlins .289
Colorado Rockies .277
St. Louis Cardinals .275
Toronto Blue Jays .274

* The Nationals' 71 runs scored from the seventh inning on is also the highest total in the major leagues.

*Lefthander Glendon Rusch (2-1, 2.70) goes for the Cubs tonight as they open a three-game series in Washington, DC. Esteban Loiaza (1-2, 3.69) starts for the Nationals.

*The Nats have two players, Jose Vidro (10/21) and Jeffrey Hammonds (9/17), who have had success against Rusch in the past.

*The Cubs have suffered seven losses in the last team AB, tied for second most in baseball.

*Washington has dropped three of its last four games but is still off to the franchise’s best start since the 2002 season (18-16).

*The Cubs last played in Washington on August 10, 1899.

* The Cubs split their six-game season series each of the past four seasons with the Expos. The last team to win the season was the Expos, 5-4, during the 2000 campaign.

*On this date in 1969, Ernie Banks reached the 1,500-RBI milestone for his career by driving in 7 runs as the Cubs pounded the San Diego Padres 19-0.

35 years ago today, Ernie Banks hit one of the most memorable home runs in Cubs history. Mr. Cub lined a pitch from Atlanta's Pat Jarvis into the left field stands for his 500th home run, the crowning achievement of his Hall of Fame career. It was also another memorable call by the great Jack Brickhouse:

It's a ball 1-1. The wind is not a big factor, it's out of the southeast at 7 miles per hour. Jarvis fires away. (CRACK) There's a fly ball deep to left...back...BACK...THAT'S IT! THAT'S IT! HE DID IT! ERNIE BANKS HIT NUMBER 500! A LINE DRIVE SHOT INTO THE SEATS IN LEFT...THE BALL DROPPED INTO THE BULLPEN. EVERYBODY ON YOUR FEET! THIS IS IT! WHHEEEEE!

Happy Anniversary Ernie!

*Today is also the 50th anniversary of Sam Jones' no-hitter for the Cubs as he beat the Pirates 4-0 on May 12, 1955.

Chicago's own Gary Sinise was the guest conductor for yesterday's 7th inning stretch at Wrigley. After a rousing rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," Gary stayed for talk of his work with the troops overseas, garage bands and various acting projects. He was a great guest and we wish him well in all his endeavors.

I think yesterday's win was huge for a number of reasons. Number 1, the bullpen let another game get away and for the offense to snatch it back like they did was certainly big for the morale of the team. Number 2, it was big for Derrek Lee. It's been just an honor to watch a guy as hot as he has been through the first part of this season and he really picked up his teammates yesterday.

I think the Cubs do need to take heart in the fact that they continue to battle. If you look back over the course of the season, they haven't really been blown out of any games. I've said it before. They've been in every game - one hit here or one defensive play or one pitch has kind of swung the game, unfortunately too many times the wrong way. I'm a firm believer that this is a game of cycles and those cycles will turn in their favor at some point.

We'll continue to watch Jason Dubois. They will probably give him a good stretch of games here. I think a lot of it will depend on matchups - they won't completely disregard Todd Hollandsworth at this point. If there's a history and Hollandsworth has good numbers, he'll get the opportunity to get four or five at-bats. But for the most part, I think it's a good idea and a fair one to give Dubois a couple of weeks here to show what he can do.

I will miss Friday's game in Washington to be in Arizona for my daughter Lacey's college graduation. We're all very proud of her, but it does make me feel a little old!

Bob

(Dan Plesac will fill in for Bob on the Comcast telecast.)

Hey Gang, gonna answer some posts on the blog from this week...here goes.

Oh great, Ryan Dempster to the bullpen. All our problems have been solved!!!! He has a 5.35 ERA, opponents bat .280 against him, he's walked 22 batters in 33 innings...I feel much better now. Especially with Jon Leicester in the starting rotation.
Hey, at least Sammy's gone (please note sarcasm).
Posted by Ron Albertson at May 9, 2005 10:13 AM

Len: Ron, are you the guy who was played by Fred Willard in "Waiting For Guffman"? Same name, just wondered...to reply, I can understand your frustration, but keep in mind that Dempster was going to be in the closer mix in spring training before the Wood and Prior injuries and at this point, the Cubs don't have a lot of other options. As far as Leicester goes, he was optioned to AAA Tuesday with Sergio Mitre taking his roster spot (he'll pitch out of the bullpen).

I think if Borowski gets healthy he can get back to where he was a couple of seasons ago and be fairly reliable. We need him back in a bad way or the office better get on task and find a way to trade towards a better bullpen. That or the bats have to get REALLY hot.
Posted by Scott at May 9, 2005 03:23 PM

Len: Scott, while the Cubs need Borowski back in a bad way as you put it, it might be too much to expect him to be the savior, especially early on. I think the Cubs would like to see Dempster grab this job for good, or at least for awhile. They don't want to keep moving him back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen if at all possible.

THANK GOD,anybody but letroy hawkins.how many times can u put a guy in a game to blow it,what took baker so long,also with dempster being a closer and wood hurt are starting rotation is falling apart,they need to bring back glendon rusch as a starter not john leicster.
Posted by leo surprenant at May 9, 2005 04:57 PM

Len: Leo, Dusty's options have been rather limited. Again, I feel the frustration, but with the Wood and Borowski injuries, two key guys are missing, putting other guys in spots they're either struggling with or are unfamiliar with.

Let's give Ryan Dempster a try as the closer. Being a closer is a different role and I think he will excel at the position. I mean who would have thought that borowski would have been such a success.
I'm not saying that Ryan will eclipse eric gagne, but if you look at the stats Ryan's numbers are pretty close to what gagne did as a starter. We won't know how well Ryan can do as the closer unless we give him the ball.
Keep the faith.
Posted by Jim Reisz at May 9, 2005 06:41 PM

Len: Jim, "keep the faith," I like that line!

Hey guys

Your right, that was a bad stratch of games there. I dont think any one should blame dusty for the cubs mastakes, the players have to take the blame, so if i hear any one say everything is dusty's falt i'll get very upset.
jeff berta
Posted by jeff berta at May 9, 2005 07:07 PM

Len: Jeff, it really does come down to the players and how they execute. Dusty has made changes in the lineup, he's moved guys around in the bullpen, he's tried to shake things up. Bottom line, the Cubs can't sustain anymore injuries and need the healthy guys to pick up the pace.

I was wondering what dusty baker's problem with Jason Dubois is? He gives ben grieve a start over dubois. Do they have some problems or what? Dubois is batting almost .300 Holly is around .221 you would think dubois would get a shot. Not that I dont like holly just you got to do what is best for the team and if one guy is hitting better that give him some chances. I think that is my only issue with Dusty this year other wise I think he is doing ok. Just come on dusty give jason a shot.
Posted by Derek at May 9, 2005 07:55 PM

Len: Derek, I think you're going to see Dubois get more playing time. He hit a HR Tuesday night and it looks like he's gonna get a shot at playing more in LF.

Ok I know its early but the Cubs need to pull a major trade or quite honestly start a scrap with someone. This team has no heart and no quick desire. Yes I never played, my "bust" isnt in Cooperstown. But ive been a fan my whole life(38) and looking back at the history at stuff that did work. The Cubs pulled two major trades in 1984 and made the playoffs. C.C. Sabathia would be my choice as the (pocket gm of the cubs). Plus with interleague play coming up C.C. has some experience with the American league. I shouldnt say they dont have desire but they need to overtake the redbirds because i see the wild card coming out of the east. They simply need to play with more energy.
Posted by Mike Battista at May 9, 2005 09:28 PM

Len: Mike, if Jim Hendry could get CC Sabathia, he'd make that deal immediately, believe me. But he's exactly the kind of player that NO team will give up. The Indians are building their team around young players like him and Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner. It's like asking the Cubs if they want to trade Carlos Zambrano. Not gonna happen. Now, if you want to give up Zambrano, maybe you can get Sabathia, but you get my point.

My comment doesnt really have much to do with the game or Leicester. It has more to do with the broadcast today.I looked it up and if anyone was wondering about the left-handed catchers thing, here is the list of left-handed catchers and the number of games they have played.
1,073 Clements, Jack
272 Trott, Sam
202 Tate, Pop
186 Sutcliffe, Sy
128 Harbridge, Bill
99 Hines, Mike
75 Humphries, John
71 Tenney, Fred
52 Twineham, Art
50 Baker, Phil
45 Donahue, Jiggs
35 Oldfield, Dave
34 Householder, Charlie
21 Malone, Fergy
16 McMahon, Jack
12 Krehmeyer, Charlie
7 WallL, Joe
5 Foster, Elmer
3 DiStefano, Benny
3 Hillebrand, Homer
2 Egan, Jim
2 Long, Dale
2 Squires, Mike
1 Cassidy, John
1 Eden, Charlie
1 Marr, Lefty
1 Mullen, John
1 Powell, Martin
1 Redmon, Billy
1 Short, Chris
Posted by George Patterson at May 9, 2005 10:22 PM

Len: Thanks George!!!

*Mark Prior (3-1, 3.09) goes for the Cubs on WGN today against Victor Zambrano (2-3, 5.63) for the Mets on a cold, wet day at Wrigley Field. Gametime temps are supposed to be in the upper 40s to low 50s.

*Prior threw 7 2/3 innings of four-hit shutout ball in his last start against the Mets last September 25. However, LaTroy Hawkins gave up a 2-out, 3-run homer to Victor Diaz in the 9th to send the game into extra innings on the way to one of the Cubs' most painful losses of the year.

*The Cubs haven't faced Victor Zambrano since 2003 in an interleague game against Tampa.

*Carlos Beltran was only 1/5 against Prior last year, but did have a homer to go with 3 walks.

*Actor Gary Sinise is scheduled to sing the 7th inning stretch today.

*The Cubs send out Greg Maddux (1-1, 4.50) against right-hander Kris Benson (0-0, 3.86) for the Mets tonight.

*While Carlos Beltran has been tearing up Cub pitching since his moved to the National League last summer, tonight will be his first time facing Maddux.

*With last night's win, the Mets narrowed the Cubs lead in the all-time series between the two teams to three games. The Cubs lead 326-323.

*WGN-TV has tomorrow afternoon's series finale at 1p. Our next game is Sunday from RFK Stadium at noon Central as the Cubs wrap up their series with the Washington Nationals.

*Finally, to see who's really brave enough to read the game notes on a non-WGN day, we'll send out a very insignificant WGN bauble (probably a hat) to the first correct post to this admittedly ridiculous question. On this day in 1997, the Cubs turned their last triple play. Who were the batter, the pitcher, and the three fielders involved?

OK, we finally won a game - what do we do now? First, come back in off the ledge. It's going to be all right. It's a long baseball season and every team goes through good cycles and they go through bad ones. It's just unfortunate when it happens early in the season, but Carlos having that big game I think got the team turned around emotionally. I think they're ready to bounce back today and make good things happen.

I think we should be heartened by the fact that the Cubs have been right in all these ballgames. They haven't been blown out. They have struggled offensively from time to time, but the starting pitching has been just good enough to keep them in the ballgames. It seems like every game has turned on one defensive play, one at-bat, one pitch. When you're that close, you have to feel good about your chances when you get everybody back to full health.

Now that Ryan Dempster is set to take over the closer role, one of the keys to watch is his ability to bounce back. I would imagine, at least initially, that Dusty wouldn't extend him to two or three days in a row depending on how many pitches he threw the day before. I think more than anything else, Ryan has to keep his emotions under control. Demps is usually a level-headed guy, but as we've seen, those last three outs of the game are the toughest three to get. I'm sure he can handle it, but he's going to have to keep his emotions in check.

After bringing down the house at Saturday night's WGN-TV Bozo Ball, Jim Belushi was the guest conductor for Sunday's 7th inning stretch and he gave us all he had. Wearing his honorary grounds crew uniform, Jim helped the Cubs break a seven-game losing streak and was a great guest with Len & Bob.

*In the Mets last six trips to Wrigley, Chicago has held New York to just 0.8 runs per game, and has allowed just one hit with runners in scoring position.

Mets Vs Cubs at Wrigley Field, Last Six Games

Mets Cubs
Wins 0 6
Runs/Game 0.8 (5/6) 3.2 (19/6)
ERA 3.19 (17/48.0) 0.67 (4/54.0)
- Starters 4.36 (16/33.0) 0.77 (4/46.2)
- Relievers 0.60 (1/15.0) 0.00 (0/7.1)
Batting Avg .161 (30/186) .232 (43/185)
- Scoring Pos .037 (1/27) .167 (8/48)
Home Runs 3 7
Errors 7 1
Runs, Inning 1 0 8

* Aaron Heilman has not pitched well in his career on the road.

Highest Career ERA on the Road, Active Players
(Min 10 Road Starts)

Dewon Brazelton 8.04
Matt Perisho 7.78
Aaron Heilman 7.45 (45/54.1)
Brandon Duckworth 6.61
Wes Obermueller 6.40

The Mets are 3-8 in Heilman’s 11 career road starts.

* Carlos Beltran has terrorized the Cubs throughout his career.

Carlos Beltran Career Batting Vs Cubs with MLB Ranks
(Min 50 AB)

BA .443 (27/61) (1)
OBP .547 (1)
SLG .934 (1)
AB/HR 7.63 (61/8) (1)
AB/RBI 3.59 (61/17) (2)

* And Mike Cameron has been a huge boost to the Mets since returning on May 5. Cameron has two hits in each of his four games thus far.

Most Consecutive Multi-Hit Games, Mike Cameron Career

AUG-06-1999 - AUG-10-1999 5
MAY-05-2005 – current 4
Seven Streaks Tied 3

* The Mets are the only team in the majors with five different players with five or more home runs: Floyd 8, Beltran 6, Wright 6, Mientkiewicz 5, and Piazza 5.

Most Different Players with 5+ Home Runs, 2005

Mets 5
Cubs 4
Orioles 4
Rangers 4
Dodgers 4

* Jon Leicester makes his first career start today for the Cubs. In 18 career relief appearances at Wrigley, Leicester has not fared well.

Jon Leicester Career at Home/on Road

Home Road
W-L 2-2 3-1
ERA 6.95 (17/22.0) 2.10
K/BB 15/14 24/9

* Ryan Dempster, today’s original scheduled starter, has been moved to the bullpen and will serve as the Cubs closer. He’ll anchor the quickly sinking ship that is Chicago’s bullpen.

Worst Bullpen ERA Since April 21

Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6.80
St. Louis Cardinals 6.00
Cincinnati Reds 6.00
Houston Astros 5.87
Chicago Cubs 5.40 (24/40.0)

Some cleanup from comments over the weekend:

*The Cubs were wearing a small ribbon over their logo yesterday as part of MLB's program to promote awareness for breast cancer research on Mother's Day. Dusty Baker, Derrek Lee, and others also wore pink wristbands to show their support.

*Tonight's game is being televised on WCIU in Chicago.

*Jon Leicester is the Cubs starting pitcher tonight with Ryan Dempster being switched to the bullpen for closer duty.

*Happy Mother's Day to all.

*Carlos Zambrano (2-1, 4.23) takes the mound for the Cubs today hoping to end their seven-game losing streak. Zambrano is looking for his first career win against Philadelphia. He will be opposed by righthander Brett Myers (2-1, 1.34)for the Phillies on a warm, breezy day in Chicago. Opponents are hitting just .192 against Myers this year.

*Derek Lee is 7/13 lifetime vs. Myers with 2 HRs. During his 18-game hitting streak, Lee is hitting .455 (30-for-66)

*Jim Belushi sings the 7th inning stretch today.

*On May 8, 1973, Cubs coach Ernie Banks became the first African-American to manage during a major league game. When Cubs manager Whitey Lockman was ejected in the third inning, Banks took over for the rest of the game and the Cubs beat San Diego 3-2.

One of the few bright spots yesterday was comedian Will Ferrell's appearance at the ballpark.

Both on and off the air, he professed to being a dedicated sports fan and talked about how often he catches Cubs games on WGN while in California. His Harry Caray impersonation was a big hit, as was his visit to the booth, part of which is below:

WILL: It's quite a thrill to be here, I have to say.

LEN: Not a bad view up here.

WILL: No, and I love the temperature. Perfect baseball weather - 22 degrees. I'm sure you guys hear it all the time, but I'm such a sports fan and this is such a mecca for baseball, so it's a thrill to be here.

LEN: When did you start doing Harry?

WILL: I started doing Harry at the Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles. The Groundlings is to LA what Second City is to Chicago, kind of an improv theatre sketch club and I worked close enough at my job to come home for lunch. I would turn on the Cubs game and being from Southern California, I had no knowledge of Harry Caray. I was immediately fascinated by this announcer and that's where it kind of started.

LEN: You've had so many great roles. Is there a particular role that you're most proud of or where you had the most fun?

WILL: Well, they're all pretty fun. The one that seems to have, especially I'm hearing from this crowd is "Old School". I'm getting a lot of Frank the Tank. I'm being asked to take my pants off a lot today, which I'm not gonna do because I'll be arrested and then I'll miss the game.

BOB: I think streaking is legal here at Wrigley, kind of an oasis.

WILL: Oh is it? Good to know. When you guys see me in the outfield after this, I'll blame it on Brenly here.

LEN: Bob can tell you - "Old School" has been played in many clubhouses.

WILL: Yeah, I was lucky enough to be in the clubhouse before the game today and the guys said the same thing. It's a thrill, especially that lot of athletes love the movie.

LEN: It's interesting when big-time actors and comedians come to the ballpark, the players always want to talk about you and you want to talk about sports.

WILL: That's exactly the case. I had an odd situation, because I went through the training area first and there was Nomar, Kerry Wood, and Jerry Hairston all getting worked on and I felt slightly odd. So I started massaging Kerry Wood's calf. I didn't know what else to do.

Looking forward to a great homestand of baseball and I know we'll have a lot of fun in the booth with our 7th inning stretch singers, including the tandem of Will Ferrell and Mike Ditka on Saturday, Jim Belushi Sunday, George Wendt Tuesday and Gary Sinise Wednesday. Honestly, it was one of the things that I was nervous about when I took this job--interviewing non-baseball celebrities. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make them feel comfortable, but a funny thing happened during the first homestand--I realized that EVERYONE who comes into that booth to sing that song and to chat with us is in awe of the view, the atmosphere, the game, everything. They're like a kid in a candy store. So that put me at ease right off the bat.

And while certainly we'll go "off-topic" on occasion with the non-baseball celebs, for the most part, they WANT to talk about the Cubs and the game, which is awesome.

What an incredible perk for two of the luckiest people on the planet--Bob and me--to be able to welcome all those big names into the booth, and into your living room.

Len

It wasn't a great day for the Cubs yesterday, but that didn't stop the thousands of faithful fans in blue who trekked to Miller Park. Lots of sunshine made for great tailgating and a great day, except for the final score.

*It's Mark Prior (3-1, 3.75) looking to bounce back against the Phillies' Corey Lidle (2-2, 4.88) today at 2:20pm on WGN at Wrigley Field.

*Both the Cubs and Phillies have struggled recently, going 4-6 in their last 10 games.

* The Phillies have dominated their recent series with the Cubs, thanks mostly to their relievers.

Phillies vs. Cubs – Last 15 Meetings

Phillies Cubs
Wins 11 - 4
1-Run Wins 5 - 1
Runs/Game 5.1 (76/15)- 3.5 (52/15)
Relief ERA 2.10 (8/34.1)- 5.30 (22/37.1)
BA, Runners On .273 (60/220)- .208 (35/168)
Pitcher Walks 35 - 76
Runs, Inning 7+ 27 - 15

* While the Cubs were able to tie up yesterday’s game in the ninth inning, neither of these teams has won a single game this season when trailing after seven innings.

NL Teams, Worst Record When Trailing After 7th Inning, 2005

Philadelphia Phillies 0-13 .000
Chicago Cubs 0-11 .000
San Diego Padres 0-11 .000
Houston Astros 0-10 .000
Florida Marlins 0-8 .000

* Mark Prior has certainly buckled down with runners on base this season.

Lowest Opponent BA, Runners on Base, NL, 2005 Season
(min 50 AB)

Brett Myers, Phi .140 (7/50)
Mark Prior, ChC .160 (8/50)
John Thomson, Atl .169
Shawn Estes, Ari .176
Tim Hudson, Atl .194

*With nobody on base, hitters are batting .283 (13/46) off Mark Prior this season.

Hey Gang,

It's always great for me to come back to Milwaukee, where I lived from 1989-2002. I attended Marquette and then began my broadcasting career here. It's also great to see all the Cubs fans make the trek north for these games. I definitely get the impression that the Brewers and their fans get some extra "juice" when the Cubs come in because they bring so many of their fans with them. I have a feeling a few of those fans are former MU classmates of mine. I went to school with a TON of Cubs fans from the Chicago area. It seemed like I was one of the few students who wasn't from Wisconsin or Illinois!

I recall when the Brewers moved to the NL in 1998 how big a deal it was because of the Cubs being so close. Certainly, there was a rivalry with the White Sox, but I don't think it was the same as the Cubs-Brewers rivalry is now in these parts. And I think Milwaukee's history in the NL when the Braves were here from 1953-65 made it a no-brainer to make the switch.

Now, the Cubs need to put an end to their 4-game skid and stop Milwaukee's 6-game winning streak.

WGN-TV is proud to be sponsoring with the Cubs Care Charity what promises to be a very unique event on Father's Day, June 19.

Fan can spend an hour playing catch in the outfield and running the bases in beautiful Wrigley Field. Participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, photograph, and lunch in the Friendly Confines Cafe.

Tickets are $150 per person. Space is limited and available on a first come, first-served basis. There are also $15 spectator tickets available that include lunch only.

Tickets go on sale Thursday, May 5 at 10:00 a.m. by calling 773-404-CUBS. All proceeds benefit Cubs Care, a fund of the McCormick Tribune Foundation.

You can cry a lot or laugh a little - the way the Cubbies are going right now, a smile is in order. One of the things we love about working with Bob is that he knows the game is supposed to be fun and never hesitates to laugh at himself. We were hoping to have Bob write up an account of his most embarassing moment at some point this summer, but since it came up on the air last night, we thought we would blog it today for anyone who missed it. It goes back to 1986 when manager Roger Craig put our favorite catcher at 3rd base. Bob was watching Derrek Lee handle a tough grounder when the memories came flooding back.

BOB: There's no panic. I played a little third base back in the day and I didn't look anything like that, let me just put it that way.

LEN: You've met panic before, then?

BOB: And stared it straight in the face...many times.
I was known for a lot of things when I was a player, but probably none more than my four error in one inning game at third base. Fortunately, it had a very happy ending.

LEN: Yes it did. Well, you've got to finish the story now. You made four errors at third base...

BOB: ...allowed four unearned runs to score against the Atlanta Braves, but then went on to hit a solo home run to put us on the board, a two-run single to tie the game, and then a game-winning home run with two outs in the ninth inning. What is remarkable to me is that Roger Craig didn't take me out of the game way before then! He gave me an opportunity to redeem myself and it was one of the few times I was able to do so.

LEN: So would you say it's your most embarrassing moment and maybe your proudest as a player, the way that game ended?

BOB: I definitely think so. My manager, Roger Craig, said I should have been awarded Comeback Player of the Year for that one game.

LEN: The Comeback Player of the Night - Bob Brenly. Did your teammates even acknowledge you? Did they stay away after that one inning - what was the protocol there?

BOB: They stayed far, far away. I was known to have a bit of a temper in those days and I think they were afraid they were going to get hit with some prime shrapnel.

LEN: Four errors in one inning. Whew. Were there any errors that were close to not being errors or did you know every one of them was?

BOB: No, everyone of them was. Two on one play - I booted a ball and threw it away as well. I could've actually had a fifth error. I missed a head-high line drive that tipped off the webbing of my glove and went into left field. They called that one a hit, which ultimately with FIVE errors, my name would have been alone in the record book. With four, there were actually a couple of other stiffs that made four errors in one inning.

For the record, Bob's line for the day: 5 ABs, 3 hits, 2 runs, 2 HRs, 4 RBI, 4 errors. His errors were on balls hit by Bob Horner, Glen Hubbard, and Dale Murphy.

Other third basemen in the record books with four errors in an inning: Jimmy Burke in 1901 and Lew Whistler in 1891.

Here's the schedule for the upcoming homestand:

Friday- May 6th - Scott Sanderson
Saturday- May 7th - Will Ferrell & Mike Ditka
Sunday- May 8th - Jim Belushi
Monday- May 9th - TBA
Tuesday- May 10th - George Wendt
Wednesday- May 11th - Gary Sinise

Tonight the Cubs face Chris Capuano. He's a lefty with a herky-jerky, deceptive delivery. Pitch-wise, he features an average fastball, above average curveball, and a pretty good changeup that he will use against right-handed hitters. He does have a real good pickoff move to first base but he tends to use it to excess.

What is the "downward angle" Mark Prior talks about with his pitching?
Generally what that means, especially for a tall pitcher like Mark, is your ability to stay tall on the mound. From your release point to the catcher, it's just that - a downward angle. It gives the batter less look at the pitch and it makes it much tougher for him to pick up spin, especially late.

What do you think of Roberto Novoa so far?
The early indications are that he can be a very effective middle-to-late reliever. He's got a really good fastball, seems to have good composure on the mound and he's an intimidating presence out there on the mound.

How would Kerry Wood fare as a closer?
Current health issues aside, I don't have any doubts that he could be a closer at some point, but the fact is that he's been a starting pitcher his whole life. It would be something that would have to begin in the offseason and go through spring training. It would totally change the between-starts routine he goes through now. Closers need to be more resilient and pitch at maximum effectiveness for one inning at a time. It would involve a lot of different preparation on his part, not only physical, but mental as well. If that was the process they chose to go, I have no doubt that he could be successful.

*Carlos Zambrano (2-0, 4.31) leads off the series in Milwaukee tonight against Brewer lefty Chris Capuano (1-2, 4.76). Zambrano's best effort of the year came April 9 against the Brew Crew when he threw one-hit ball for 7.1 innings at Wrigley Field. Zambrano has a 1.71 ERA in his last seven starts vs. the Brewers, allowing just one home run in those contests.

*Capuano started agains the Cubs on April 8, going 5.1 innings, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs. Capuano has a 14.73 ERA in his last three starts vs. the Cubs. Chicago batters are 8/17 (.471) with runners in scoring position in those contests, with 4 HRs and 17 RBI.

*The Brewers are on a 4-game winning streak(including 3 one-run wins), but are only 5-6 at Miller Park this year. They are next-to-last in the NL with .242 team batting average, 13th in overall fielding percentage, but 6th in team ERA at 3.91.

*Zambrano will have to cool off Lyle Overbay, who is 9/11 with 3 homers since missing a few days with a gash on his left jaw. Overbay set a career with five hits on Sunday.

*Derrek Lee hopes to stay hot - he is 5/10 against Capuano with 8 RBIs in their career meetings. Lee is batting .490 during his current 13-game hitting streak. Lee also has four HR and 13 RBI in his last six games.

*Michael Barrett is batting .429 in his last six games, raising his average from .167 to .240.

*Happy Birthday to Cubs starter (yes, he's still in the rotation) Ryan Dempster who turns 28 today.

Our next WGN-TV telecast is Thursday at noon in Milwaukee. Please send us some musical ideas for our Budweiser FanCam segment. We've used the "Laverne & Shirley" theme a few times in the past and worn out our polka CD! We look forward to your suggestions.

No game today, but some various notes:

*There was a question about the Cubs in one-run games - they are 4-4 this season, 19-30 in 2004, and 27-17 in 2003.

*The Cubs do not expect to issue any sort of Kerry Wood update until tomorrow at the earliest.

*We'll have the 7th inning singers for the upcoming homestand soon. Saturday promises to be interesting with your favorite Anchorman/Coach combo.

*As mentioned by many on the Derrek Lee discussion, you can go to www.cubs.com and begin voting for your All-Star favorites.

*The Cubs are currently 2nd in the league in runs per game (5.08), 3rd in batting average (.280), but only 11th in ERA (4.60).

*On this day in 1917, Wrigley Field was the site of one of the great pitching days in MLB history as Fred Toney of the Cincinnati Reds and “Hippo” Vaughn of the Chicago Cubs hooked up for baseball's only double no-hitter. Toney and Vaughn both threw no-hitters for the first nine innings. The Reds broke through to score 1 run in the 10th. Toney set down the Cubs in order, completing his no-hitter.

We were talking the other night about Derrek Lee's month of April and it dawned on me that of all the things Derrek has accomplished--a World Series ring, a Gold Glove--he's never been an All-Star. I'm thinking this would be a good year for his first All-Star appearance. The problem for Derrek in that regard has been two-fold in his career--he's been (until this year) a notorious slow starter, hence the lack of All-Star attention. The All-Star Game really is more about who's had a good first half than anything. Secondly, he's in a league that boasts guys like Bagwell, Helton, Thome and Pujols, just to name a few. It's a tough position at which to get attention. Now, hitting over .400 for the first month of the season is a good way to get attention, but those factors more than anything have kept Derrek from being an All-Star. I think anyone who follows the game at all realizes that he's deserving of being an All-Star at some point in his career. Maybe his red hot first month will propel him into the All-Star spotlight, an honor that he definitely deserves.

Len

P.S., After winning the Gold Glove in 2003, he missed out on it last year. As you know, offense seems to affect this award, so I'm thinking his offensive prowess this year may win him his second Gold Glove, even though he's probably been the best defensive 1B in the NL for the last SEVERAL years.

*It's Mark Prior (3-0, 0.95) against the National League's only 20-game winner, Roy Oswalt (3-2, 3.25) on WGN this afternoon from Minute Maid Park.

*Aramis Ramirez has homered 3 times in his career off Oswalt, batting .235 (8/34). Todd Hollandsworth is 5/14, Corey Patterson .324 (12/37).

*Jose Vizcaino has been a thorn in Prior's side, hitting .409 (9/22) off Mark with a pair of HRs.

*Going into Saturday night's game, the road team had won 13 of the last 17 games in this series.