No, not the White Sox announcer. Andre Dawson, the regal Cubs right fielder, was back at Wrigley on Friday to lead the crowd in the singing of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".

Andre Dawson sings 7th Inning Stretch

Round 1 goes to the White Sox with a 6-2 win at Wrigley Field on Friday. After the game, all the principals met with the media.

White Sox and Cubs React to 6-2 Sox Win

The World Champion Chicago White Sox invaded Wrigley Field this weekend for the final interleague series of the year. We took a few snapshots of the Chicago civil war at the Friendly Confines today.

Derrek Lee is happy to be back in time for the White Sox/Cubs second series of the season. Before today's game he sat down with Len Kasper in the Cubs dugout to talk about the weekend.

Derrek Lee Talks With Len Kasper Before Crosstown Series

On today's "Showdown In The City" pregame show, Dusty Baker sat down with WGN's Bob Brenly to discuss the Cubs season and how they can possibly move forward.

Dusty Baker Talks With Bob Brenly

It's always intense when the Cubs take on the Sox and this weekend should be no different. Here are some keys for the Cubs going into the weekend, in my opinion:

1) Keep the White Sox in the ballpark. Inexplicably, the Cubs have been outhomered by a WIDE margin at Wrigley and this Sox club is a powerful one. Keeping the ball down in the zone will be key, especially if the wind blows out.

2) Give the starters some early run support. You know your starters will be challenged to shut down this high-powered White Sox offense, so it's essential that the Cubs offense give them some runs to work with. Having Lee and Barrett both in the lineup will help a lot. Along those lines, coming through with RISP is big, something that has been a challenge for the Cubs.

3) Don't get comfortable with any sort of lead, no matter how late. The White Sox can come back from large deficits, so you can't feel like it's over until it's REALLY over.

4) Don't get caught up in any funny business. My gut feeling is that nothing will happen as a result of that brawl on the South Side, but you never know. The last thing either team needs is another suspension. If you're the Cubs, turn the other way if Pierzynski
tries to get under your skin.

Should be a fun weekend!

Len

* The White Sox hold a slim edge in their all-time series against the Cubs.

White Sox vs. Cubs in Interleague Play, Since 1997

White Sox Cubs
Wins 27 24
Runs/Game 4.8 (245/51) 4.6 (235/51)
Relief ERA 3.34 (60/161.2) 3.95 (61/139.0)
BA, RISP .269 (106/394) .239 (99/415)
Stolen Bases 29 20
Pitcher Walks 164 194
Errors 38 28

* The White Sox have pounded NL competition in interleague play, averaging over seven and a half runs per game in 15 contests this season:

Single-Season, Most Runs Per Game in Interleague Play

2003 Red Sox 8.39
2006 White Sox 7.67 (115/15)
1998 Astros 7.29
2006 Red Sox 7.27
2004 Cardinals 7.08

* The White Sox have spent a lot of time this season chasing the Tigers in the AL Central standings. Last year they chased no one.

White Sox – Days Out of 1st Place, Last 2 Seasons

2005 0
2006 53

* The Sox have been dominant in the early innings this season, unlike the Cubs.

Run Differential in Innings 1-3, 2006

Chicago White Sox +81 (best in MLB) (186/105)
Chicago Cubs -61 (2nd worst in MLB) (89/150)

* Paul Konerko has loved facing the Cubs during the Crosstown Classic.

Most HR vs. Interleague Opponent, All-time

Barry Bonds vs. Athletics 18
Carlos Delgado vs. Expos 12
Paul Konerko vs. Cubs 11
Sammy Sosa vs. White Sox 11
Gary Sheffield vs. Angels 11

* Meanwhile, Jim Thome’s pinch hit home run yesterday was the 50th of his career during interleague play.

Most Home Runs in Interleague Play, Since 1997

Jim Thome 50
Carlos Delgado 43
Rafael Palmeiro 41
Manny Ramirez 41
Ken Griffey Jr. 40

* After spending seven seasons in Minnesota, Jacque Jones has seen his share of White Sox pitching.

Jacque Jones, Most Career Home Runs by Opponent

Vs. Chicago White Sox 19
Kansas City Royals 16
Detroit Tigers 13
Cleveland Indians 11

* While the Sox have received solid production from A.J. Pierzynski this season, Cubs catchers have hit particularly well over the last month.

NL Catchers, Highest Batting Average in June 2006
(min 45 AB)

Miguel Olivo, Fla .408 (20/49)
Michael Barrett, ChC .404 (19/47)
Brian McCann, Atl .367
Henry Blanco, ChC .365 (19/52)
Josh Bard, SD .340

* There may be a major battle on the base paths today.

Most Stolen Bases Since 2003

Scott Podsednik 196
Juan Pierre 191
Carl Crawford 186
Chone Figgins 136
Ichiro Suzuki 128

* Even with Kerry Wood and Mark Prior battling injuries most of the season, Cubs pitchers continue to pick up their strikeouts.

Strikeouts Per 9 Innings Pitched, 2006 (with MLB ranks)

Chicago White Sox 5.81 (28th) (451/699.0)
Chicago Cubs 7.63 (1st) (581/685.2)

The Cubs have led the majors in strikeouts per 9 innings in every season since 2001.

* At the same time, Cubs pitchers have given up tons of homers during interleague play.

Most Home Runs Allowed Per Game, Interleague Play, 2005-06

Chicago Cubs 1.74 (47/27)
Philadelphia Phillies 1.63
Cincinnati Reds 1.30

* Jon Garland has received some serious support on the road this season.

Most Runs of Support on Road, 2006 Season

Randy Johnson, NYY 52
Jon Garland, CWS 49
Kenny Rogers, Det 48
Josh Beckett, Bos 45
Tom Glavine, NYM 45

* Sean Marshall would love to get some run support as well.

Sean Marshall, Run Support, 2006 Season

8 Team Wins 32 Runs
7 Team Losses 2 Runs

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Yesterday, I was given the honor of leading the fans in the singing of Take Me Out To The Ballgame and while I had done it twice WITH Bob last year, doing it on your own is a completely different animal. I totally understand why people come up here and get nervous. People who are used to being in front of other people get a little anxious because this is unlike anything they've likely ever done. First off, if you're not used to the view, it's a little daunting, because you have 40,000 people staring straight up at you and they can hear every missed note and/or word.

But, the great thing is, it's like a big group hug. That's how I'd describe it once you actually start it. Everybody sings, they're all on your side and if you just have fun with it, it's a piece of cake, bad singing or not. But again, I have to admit, I had some butterflies with 1 out in the top of the 7th knowing that it was coming. That's actually a fun feeling because it means it's something important coming up and it gives you an edge.

Now, if I hit any of the notes, it was by an inch, but I DID get the words right. All I know is, I have a lot of respect for anyone who jumps in here to do it. It's like jumping on a big rollercoaster and while the ride is fantastic, it can be a little scary waiting to do it because you don't want to be that person that ends up on all the blooper reels.

Len

IOWA CUBS (37-41) - AAA Pacific Coast League
*Iowa had a late rally to upset New Orleans 2-1.
*Glendon Rusch tossed 4 innings, allowing 2 hits and 1 earned run in a rehab outing.
*OF Angel Pagan went 1-4 with a double.
*RHP David Aardsma earned the win with 2 scoreless innings in relief.

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (43-27) - AA Southern League
*Tennessee handed West Tenn their 3rd straight loss, 6-2.
*LHP Sean Gallagher took the loss, giving up 9 hits and 3 runs in 5.2 innings.
*OF Chris Walker was 2-4 to extend his hitting streak to 8 games.

DAYTONA CUBS (35-35) - A Florida State League
*Daytona scored in the top of the 8th to nip Vero Beach 1-0.
*INF Jemel Spearman broke up a no-hitter for Vero Beach's Scott Elbert in the 8th inning driving in the only run of the game.

PEORIA CHIEFS (41-28) - A Midwest League
*Wisconsin defeated Peoria 5-1.
*INF Ryan Norwood went 2-4 - he has 28 multi-hit games this year.

BOISE HAWKS (2-8) - A Northwest League
*Boise lost to Salem-Keizer 8-4.
*Russell Canzler hit his 4th HR of the season for the Hawks.

MESA CUBS (1-5) - Rookie Arizona League
*The Cubs scored seven runs over the 7th and 8th innings to edge the Angels 8-7.
*INF Ryan Lilly was 3-4 with a stolen base.

With the Cubs rotation still in a state of uncertainty, it doesn't go unnoticed by anyone that Rich Hill has been dominant since going back down to Triple A.

The big key for him based on what we've seen of him in his first two times with the big club is his need to develop and have command of a third pitch. We know he has a good fastball and a GREAT breaking ball. In the minor leagues, you can often get by with two pitches, but at this level, you have to have that third pitch to get the hitters off of sitting on the other two.

Bob

It was great to see Cubs left-hander Ken Holtzman back at Wrigley Tuesday night. He and his daughters did a great job leading the crowd during the 7th Inning Stretch.

Ken Holtzman Sings 7th Inning Stretch

As promised:

Friday- Andre Dawson
Saturday- Chicago
Sunday- Ron Santo

While it's great to see D Lee back in the lineup, unfortunately it hasn't translated into improved team play at this point. There just hasn't been any sustained momentum offensively as a collective group
(i.e., we haven't seen a bunch of guys hot at the same time for any lengthy periods). The starting pitching has been beaten up and racked with inconsistency. Yes, the defense has failed at times too, but in my opinion, the numbers don't lie and if the Cubs were scoring more runs (by 1) getting on base more and 2) hitting for more power-- they're last in the NL in OBP and SL%) and stopping the other team from scoring more often (14th in the NL in ERA into Monday), they could make up for any defensive deficiencies and their record would be a lot better.

The defense plays into run prevention, so I won't
take the defense off the hook totally certainly. But, walks and HRs have been the pitching staff's undoing many times and those things aren't affected by defense. So, what's the solution? Well, if I could dial it up, it would be simple: 1) more patience, 2) more power 3) more quality starts. Easier said than done, but we can go around and around on what this team needs and I'm convinced that those 3 things would equal a lot more wins. You can talk chemistry and
fundamentals all you want and while it's true those things help, you CANNOT be last in the league in OBP and SL and 14th in ERA and expect to win. It just doesn't happen.

Len

On this week's edition of Len & Bob's podcast, our intrepid duo again offer up some great baseball thoughts for your enjoyment. Our Cubs baseball podcast can be downloaded to your iPod or mp3 player in the audio format this week, or watch the lads via the video version, or you can call it up on your computer and enjoy it there.

This week, Derrek Lee is back, Michael Barrett will be, and who knew Bob is a closet ballpark architect? Check it out and let us know what you think. We look forward to hearing from you.

* Since the Brewers’ 8-game losing streak in late May/early June, they’ve righted the ship with quality pitching---both from the starters and bullpen.

Brewers’ 2006 Pitching Number Breakdown – With NL Ranks

Thru 6/4 Since 6/5
Record 26-31 (12) 12-8 (3)
Overall ERA 5.32 (Last) 3.89 (3)
Bullpen ERA 5.42 (Last) 3.55 (4)

* Last night, however, it was both the pitching and the hitting that got to the Cubs as the Brewers cranked out 4+ home runs in a single game for the sixth time this season (tops among all NL teams).

MLB Teams, Most Games with 4+ Home Runs – 2006

Milwaukee Brewers 6*
Detroit Tigers 6
Toronto Blue Jays 6

*The Mets are the only other NL team with as many as five games with 4+ HR in 2006.

* Carlos Lee was one of the Brewers with a long ball yesterday---but that has become commonplace for Milwaukee’s slugger when visiting Wrigley Field.

Active MLB Players, Lowest Career AB/HR Ratio at Wrigley
(Min. 100 AB)

Bobby Abreu 9.00 (108/12)
Adam Dunn 9.47 (161/17)
Carlos Lee 10.09 (111/11)
Brian Giles 10.90 (109/10)
Phil Nevin 11.22 (101/9)

* Lee has had his way here the last five games.

Carlos Lee – Last Five Games at Wrigley Field

Home Runs 5
RBI 7
Batting Avg. .333 (7/21)
Slugging Pct. 1.095

* Cubs’ fans saw Greg Maddux give up four dingers at Wrigley for just the third time in his career (150 starts at Wrigley)---despite the setback, chances for a good start by its pitchers remain best when either Maddux or Carlos Zambrano is on the hill.

Cubs’ 2006 Starting Pitcher Number Breakdown

Maddux/Zambrano All Others Combined
Total Starts 32 43
Record 13-11 8-26
ERA 3.85 6.90
IP per Start 6.1 4.2

* Getting Derrek Lee back in the lineup is sure to help Chicago’s cause sooner or later.

2006 Cubs – With/Without Derrek Lee in Starting Lineup

With Without
Record 9-7 (.563) 19-40 (.322)
Team BA .277 (152/548) .254
Runs per Game 4.8 (77) 3.7

* Chicago fans haven’t seen this bad a start to a Cubs’ season in a very long time.

Cubs’ Worst Rec. Thru 1st 75 Games of Season – Last 40 Years

1981 26-49
2006 28-47
1982 29-46
1997 29-46

*The worst start for the Cubs’ thru 75 games all-time came in 1966 when they were 23-52 to begin the season.

* The key to Chicago’s winning or losing appears to be making it to the four run threshold.

NL Teams, Best Record When Scoring 4+ Runs in 2006

Cincinnati Reds 35-10 .778
New York Mets 40-12 .769
Chicago Cubs* 25-8 .758
St. Louis Cardinals 37-14 .725

*Chicago has scored 4+ just 33 times this season---fewest among all MLB teams.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Here's our schedule for the weekend:

Friday-June 30
12:30p Showdown In The City Special
1:00p White Sox @ Cubs (Len & Bob)

Sunday-July 2
12:30p Pregame Show
1:00p White Sox @ Cubs (Hawk & DJ)

*Stephen and Jazzfan have their shorts in a bunch because we didn't post the 7th inning singers for this weekend. The Cubs have not confirmed the talent yet - we promise to post it when they do.

* The Twins have won 12 of their last 14 games.

Best Record in Baseball, Since June 8

Twins 12-2 (.857)
Athletics 12-2 (.857)
White Sox 12-3 (.800)
Tigers 12-3 (.800)
Marlins 10-3 (.769)

* And Justin Morneau is a major reason for the Twins’ success lately.

Justin Morneau, Since June 9 (w/ MLB Ranks)

Batting Average .462 (1st)
Home Runs 8 (T-1st)
Runs Batted In 23 (T-1st)
Hits 24 (3rd)
On Base Pct. .492 (5th)
Slugging Pct. 1.019 (1st)

* A major difference between these clubs this year has been their ability or inability to win the close ones.

Twins and Cubs in 1-Run Games, 2006

Twins 10-5 (T-4th best MLB)
Cubs 5-13 (2nd worst MLB)

* Mark Prior looks to rebound from his tough first outing. Prior has been great when pitching in American league parks in his career.

Mark Prior in ROAD Interleague Games, Career

Starts 5
W/L 4-0
ERA 1.57 (5/28.2)
Opp BA .181 (19/105)
K/9 IP 10.4 (33/28.2)

* Because Prior and Kerry Wood have been injured so much this season, it has been tough for the Cubs to settle on a starting five.

Cubs, Most Starting Pitchers Used Thru 1st 72 Gms – Since 1960

1966 13
1976 12
2006 11
1984 10
2005 10
1990 10

* Whether it is Henry Blanco or Michael Barrett behind the plate, the Cubs have gotten production from the catcher position.

Cubs, Offensive Numbers By Catchers, Since 6/1/2006
(With MLB Ranks)

Batting Average .449 (1)
On-Base Pct. .511 (1)
Home Runs 6 (t-1)
RBI 18 (1)

-- Blanco’s .484 batting average this month is by far his best in any single month in his career (minimum 25 AB). His previous best was July of 2005 when he hit .379.

* A couple of batters in this series have been locked in when putting the first pitch in play this season.

Highest Batting Average, First Pitch In Play, 2006
(Minimum 25 AB)

Jacque Jones, ChC .636 (21/33)
Craig Wilson, Pit .613
Joe Mauer, Min .548 (17/31)
Curtis Ganderson, Det .520
Corey Patterson, Bal .519

* Minnesota’s starter Boof Bonser has been gotten to early in games in his short career, but has settled down after the first couple of innings.

Boof Bonser By Inning, 2006

ERA OppBA
Innings 1-2 9.90 .349
Innings 3+ 3.31 .250

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Monday - June 26 Skating silver medalist Sasha Cohen
Tuesday - June 27 Ken Holtzman
Wednesday - June 28 Len Kasper
Thursday - June 29 Bob Uecker

* The Cubs have won the last five meetings, out-homering the Twins by a 13-4 margin.
* Chicago only has eight come from behind victories this season, the second fewest in the majors.
* Chicago’s Henry Blanco is hitting .538 (14-26) with three home runs and 11 RBIs in his last seven games.
* Chicago’s Carlos Marmol is 1-1 in his first two big league starts. Marmol has 17 strikeouts in 16 total innings pitched this season.
* Minnesota’s Jason Bartlett has an eight game hitting streak since being called up from the minors on June 13.
* Minnesota’s starters have not walked four or more batters in their last 19 games, tied for the second longest active streak in the AL.
* Minnesota’s Johan Santana is 14-4 all-time in June, including 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA this month.
Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

With the Cubs off today, I wanted to throw out a question. Since it appears the Cubs will only have a single representative on this year's National League All-Star game, who should go?

On our Cubs podcast this week, we took to the road (OK, if you consider moving 100 feet out of the broadcast booth and down to the dugout "the road). Our Cubs baseball podcast can be downloaded to your iPod or mp3 player in the audio format this week, or check out our heroes via the video version, or you can ramp up your computer and enjoy it at your desk.

In the dugout this week, we talk about the Cubs ever-sagging fortunes, take a peek at the worst view of the the game, and spend some time talking about Father's Day and baseball. We look forward to hearing from you.

More injury updates for you as several Cubs are on the mend.

First off, Kerry Wood threw a simulated game today and while he felt
good for the first 60 pitches, he started to fatigue at that point and
ended up throwing 70 pitches in 4 simulated innings. It's very
doubtful he'll be back this weekend at this point. The Cubs will wait
to see how he feels tomorrow before they make their next move, but it
appears as though he'll have to at least throw one more simulated game
or go out and pitch in a minor league game before he will be back. And
of course, it could be longer than that, depending on how he feels.
So, we seem to be in a bit of a holding pattern with Kerry.

Derrek Lee took some swings during BP today (in fact, I'm watching him
hit right now as I write this and he just hit a HR and cranked another
off the left-center field high wall). He swung at pitches in the
batting cage the last couple days and today was his first BP session on
the field. The key now is to get his strength back. He's anxious to
move it along but the Cubs will be cautious with their best player.

Scott Williamson isn't back yet and will throw again for Iowa this
week. Wade Miller will make his first minor league rehab appearance
Thursday with Peoria. He'll throw 2 innings.

And Angel Pagan played 5 innings today with Mesa in his first game
since going on the DL with the hamstring injury in April.

So, there you have it...

Len

There is no doubt that the level of frustration everywhere with the Cubs is high to say the least. We talked about this on the air all weekend. There is no quick fix.

It's not an excuse, but the Cubs are outmanned with Derrek Lee gone, the starting pitching in flux, and different injuries coming up. But, it goes much deeper than that.

This team has not been able to put anything together; to hit the ball well when they have good pitching or to get a well-pitched game on a night when they are scoring some runs. Only the defense has been relatively solid for the most part this year. The baserunning has been abysmal.

I said it today - this team has earned their spot in the standings right now. Each player has to look inward, do their work above and beyond each day, and look at changing every routine because things are not working.

Bob

Hey Everybody, it's been a very frustrating homestand to say the least, just another rough week in what has been a rough, inconsistent season for the Cubs. Mark Prior is back today and while it's foolish to expect him to be any sort of savior, it is great to see him back on the big league mound and hopefully he can give this club a boost. He has been terrific in starts coming off the DL (unfortunately, he's done it a lot), going 4-0 in those outings. Great pitching matchup this afternoon as Prior opposes LH Kenny Rogers, who seeks career win #200.

There is no official pitch count for Mark today, but you can expect him to throw no more than 90-100 pitches max considering he threw 90 pitches in his last minor league rehab start. The word on Kerry Wood is that he could possibly be back next weekend in Minnesota, so at that point, you have potentially the starting rotation the Cubs have wanted all along, one that includes Zambrano/Maddux/Wood/Prior. Sean Marshall has more than earned the right to stay in the rotation, so you look at it 1-5 and you can see potentially a starting staff that can hopefully give you some consistent quality innings from top to bottom. But, of course, we're not quite to that point yet (Prior is just getting going and Wood is still on the DL) and therein lies the problem - the Cubs haven't been to that point in the first 2 1/2 months of the season and it's really hurt this club.

But, at this point, the what if's don't pile up to anything. This is a club that is 15 games under .500 and can't look back now. It can't really look ahead either for that matter. It has to look at today and say, "We need to stop this thing RIGHT NOW." I don't know what will happen the rest of the way, but this team has to, at the very least, play a lot better baseball than it has. It may not translate into a 10-game winning streak, but it just has to be better in all facets.

What's gone on lately isn't acceptable to anyone associated with this club.

Len

Lost amidst the Jeff Samardzija throwing session, Adam Morrison's batting practice, and the visiting Detroit Tigers was the fact that Michael Barrett had his appeal heard regarding his pending ten-game suspension for hitting AJ Pierzynski. Jim Hendry talked about the process.

Hendry Discusses Barrett's Appeal

WGN-AM broadcasters Pat Hughes and Ron Santo led the sellout crowd at Wrigley Field in "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" on Friday.

Pat and Ron sing the 7th Inning Stretch

Notre Dame wide receiver and Cubs 5th round draft pick Jeff Samardzija was at Wrigley Field Friday for a workout in front of Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild and others. Afterward, he talked about his desire to play two sports and his impressions of the Friendly Confines.
ND WR Samardjza works out for Cubs

The Cubs dropped their 4th straight game Friday afternoon as the Detroit Tigers put up 4 runs in the first two innings en route to a 5-3 win at Wrigley Field.

Cubs Lose 4th in a Row

There was plenty of pregame excitement at Wrigley Field on Friday, mostly of the college variety. Notre Dame football/baseball star and Cubs draft pick Jeff Samardzija was on hand to throw off the Wrigley Field mound. Gonzaga basketball star Adam Morrison was in the batting cage taking some hacks. All that was missing was the University of Michigan marching band to serenade the Tigers. Take a quick look at some photos of the pregame happenings at Wrigley today.

Gonzaga basketball star Adam Morrison interrupted his whirlwind tour of NBA front offices today to visit Wrigley Field. Morrison is scheduled to work out with the Bulls on Monday, but first wanted to see the Cubs and take a few swings in the cage. Take a look - you'll see why he should stick to hoops!

Gonzaga Basketball Star Adam Morrison Takes BP At Wrigley Field

Interleague play returns this weekend as the team with the majors' best ERA comes in, the Detroit Tigers. The quick scouting report on the Tigers is this: maybe the biggest surprise in all of baseball this year, they're a club that hasn't had a winning season since 1993, but have already matched their 2003 win total (43). They have great pitching, led by veteran Kenny Rogers, who will start Sunday and a bunch of youngsters, many of whom throw very hard. You may see 100 hit the radar this weekend with guys like Verlander (Saturday's starter) and Zumaya (RH reliever) on the hill. Their offense is one predicated on power. They hit a lot of HRs and strikeout a lot. They don't have much team speed. And they're led by fiery manager Jim Leyland, who's in the AL for the first time as a manager, but of course, this weekend, will certainly be back in his comfort zone under NL rules, having managed many years in the senior circuit.

It goes without saying how important it is for the Cubs to get it together very soon. After getting swept by Houston, they need to really step up against one of the best teams in baseball.

Len

* Over the last couple years, the Cubs have given up plenty of homers during interleague play.

Most Home Runs Allowed Per Game, Interleague Play, 2005-06

Chicago Cubs 1.67 (30/18)
Philadelphia Phillies 1.67
Minnesota Twins 1.29
San Diego Padres 1.29

* Ronny Cedeno has kept plenty of innings going so far this season.

Highest Batting Average with 2 Outs, NL, 2006 Season
(min 60 PA)

Ronny Cedeno, ChC .407 (24/59)
David Wright, NYM .400
Jack Wilson, Pit .365
Jeromy Burnitz, Pit .357
Nomar Garciaparra, LAD .356

* While most clubs feature their #3-#5 hitters as the heart of the order, the Tigers have found a new heart of the order this season.

Home Runs, 2006 Season

Tigers #6-#8 Hitters 40 (most in MLB)
Cubs #3-#5 Hitters 24 (t-3rd fewest in MLB)

* While Aramis Ramirez and Juan Pierre are hitting below .250 this season, very few of their outs have come via the strikeout.

Most PA per Strikeout, BA Below .250, 2006 Season

Player, Team PA/K BA
Aramis Ramirez, ChC 13.32 (253/19) .248 (57/230)
Juan Pierre, ChC 12.87 (296/23) .245 (67/273)
Cliff Floyd, NYM 8.71 .238
Adam Everett, Hou 8.15 .210
Frank Thomas, Oak 7.55 .239

* While Juan Pierre may be able to get on base against Nate Robertson, we’ll see if anyone can knock him in off Nate Robertson.

Nate Robertson, Opponent BA by Situation, 2006 Season

Nobody On/Out .375 (30/80)
Runners On .238 (31/130)
RISP .208 (16/77)
RISP/2 Outs .138 (4/29)

* No catcher has tallied more hits in interleague play than Ivan Rodriguez has.

MLB Catchers, Most Hits in Interleague Play, Since 1997

Ivan Rodriguez 185
Mike Piazza 172
Javy Lopez 131
Jason Kendall 120

* The Tigers find themselves in first place this late into the season for the first time in 13 years and for just the fifth time since their 1984 World Series title:

Tigers, Latest Dates in First Place – 1985  2006

W-L on Date
1987 – Won Division 98-64
1988 – September 4 75-61
1991 – August 26 69-57
1993 – June 25 43-29
2006 – June 16 43-24

* Glendon Rusch has been hit hard at Wrigley Field this season.

Highest Opponent Batting Average at Home, 2006 Season
(min 60 AB)

Glendon Rusch, ChC .387 (24/62)
Josh Towers, Tor .384
Ryan Madson, Phi .365
Miguel Batista, Ari .363
Dontrelle Willis, Fla .358

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

Maybe it was the crowd. Maybe it was the help from daughter Shelby. Maybe it was the timing (almost 21 years to the day that he became a Cubs). Whatever it was, Rick Sutcliffe showed he is still a big-game talent with a scintillating performance in singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" at Wrigley Field Tuesday night.

Rick Sutcliffe Sings 7th Inning Stretch

With the Cubs back in town and summer closing in, it's time to take a stroll around Wrigley and peruse a few snapshots of the pregame atmosphere tonight.

Rehabbing Cubs pitcher Mark Prior met with the media at Wrigley Field this afternoon one day after his strong outing for the AAA Iowa Cubs.

Mark Prior Updates his Progress

OK, here's the quick injury update, in case you're wondering.

Derrek Lee has tested his wrist with a few swings of a fungo bat and a regular bat. He definitely can still feel it. He also took grounders and did a little throwing, which is good, but this thing will take some time.

Mark Prior is back with the club after a terrific outing last night in New Orleans pitching for Iowa. Here's the deal - the Cubs will sit down with Mark over the next couple of days and determine the next course of action. It's possible he could start on Sunday here vs. Detroit. It's also possible he could make one more start in the minors. Dusty said it will come down to where things stand on Friday, which would be Mark's in-between starts "throw" day.

Kerry Wood threw yesterday in the bullpen, Wade Miller is back with the club this week to throw for Larry Rothschild and get an idea of where things stand in his rehab. Scott Williamson will go out on a rehab assignment Thursday and pitch for Class A Peoria @ Kane County (1 inning). Then the plan is back-to-back outings w/Iowa Saturday and Sunday. Angel Pagan has been cleared for all activity as he recovers from his hamstring injury. So, he could be in some minor league games soon.

Len

Mark Prior had a strong outing for the Iowa Cubs Tuesday night in New Orleans as he continued his rehab assignment. No word yet on when he will rejoin the Cubs, though it appears a Sunday start against the Tigers could be an option.

Prior Impressive in AAA Start

There are a number of comments that are very critical of Ryan Dempster for popping Carlos Marmol in the face with a shaving cream pie right after Carlos had started his postgame interview with Len & Bob.

To be fair to Dempster, he did see Carlos put on the headphones and then waited several minutes before introducing the rookie to an old baseball tradition. Ryan did not know WGN was in a commercial break for the time he was waiting. He was not trying to take away from Marmol's time in the spotlight and thought he was catching him at the end of the interview.

Carlos Marmol Takes A Pie In The Face After First Win

* The Cubs and Astros have matched up twenty times since the start of the 2005 season, and have been virtual equals in those contests.

Cubs vs. Astros, Last 20 Games

Cubs Astros
Wins 10 10
Runs/Game 3.3 (66/20) 4.2 (83/20)
BA .245 (163/664) .247 (159/643)
HR 20 20
Starter ERA 4.10 (56/123.0) 3.69 (52/126.2)

* If the Astros can prevail in one of the final two games of this series it will be only their second series won on the road this year.

MLB Teams, Fewest Series Won on Road - 2006

W-L-T
Houston Astros 1-6-2
Baltimore Orioles 1-7-1
Kansas City Royals 1-9-1
Pittsburgh Pirates 1-9-1

-- Houston has lost each of its last five road series, with only the Colorado Rockies (6) having a longer current streak.

* The Astros have won 6 of their last 7 games to climb back above .500 after enduring a tough 13-game stretch from May 23 to June 5:

Houston Astros - Since May 23

5/23 – 6/5 Since
W-L 2-11 6-1
Runs/Game 3.5 6.3 (44/7)
Batting Avg .229 .302 (69/228)
Home Runs 8 11
Overall ERA 5.98 2.43 (17/63.0)
Starter ERA 7.49 2.42 (13/48.1)

* Roy Oswalt returns to the mound tonight after two weeks on the DL with a sore back. Oswalt has been baseball’s winningest pitcher over the last 2+ years.

MLB Pitchers - Most Wins Since 2004

Roy Oswalt 45
Johan Santana 42
Chris Carpenter 41
Kenny Rogers 41
Randy Johnson 40

* The Cubs have a few hitters who have had some success against Oswalt.

Highest Career BA vs. Roy Oswalt, Current NL Players
(min. 15 PA)

Pedro Feliz, SF .474
Ray Durham, SF .467
Juan Pierre, ChC .412 (7/17)
Neifi Perez, ChC .400 (6/15)
Jason Bay, Pit .389

- In addition, Aramis Ramirez’s 3 HR and 9 RBI career vs. Oswalt are more than any other player.

* Greg Maddux takes the hill for the Cubs at Wrigley, where he has posted a sparkling 2.01 ERA this year. And although the away results haven’t been pretty (6.50 ERA), at least he has remained efficient.

Fewest Pitches Thrown per Batter, NL 2006
(min. 1 IP/Team G)

Greg Maddux, ChC 3.31 (1069/323)
Aaron Cook, Col 3.39
Brandon Webb, Ari 3.41
Mark Mulder, StL 3.48
Jamey Wright, SF 3.49

* Houston super-sluggers Lance Berkman and Morgan Ensberg (who is expected back in the lineup Wednesday night) have been merely human away from Minute Maid Park.

Berkman and Ensberg Combined, Home vs. Road, 2006

Home Road
BA .315 (74/235) .245 (48/196)
HR 24 12
RBI 56 39
OBP .425 .336
SLG .672 .490

* Todd Walker may want to consider taking two strikes each time up to the plate.

Todd Walker Hitting by Strikes in Count, 2006

2 Strikes 0 or 1 Strike
BA .341 (31/91) .252 (30/119)
HR 2 1
RBI 16 13
OBP .421 .323
SLG .484 .311

- Walker’s .341 batting average with two strikes is the highest in the National League (minimum 50 PA)

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

IOWA CUBS (28-36) - AAA Pacific Coast League
**In his fourth rehab start this season, RHP Mark Prior struck out 10 in 6.2 innings, including the first four batters he faced, while giving up one unearned run.
*Iowa staged a late comeback, scoring runs in the eighth and ninth innings, and defeated New Orleans 2-1.
*OF Buck Coats hit a double with two out in the ninth inning to plate the winning run, INF Mike Fontenot, who had reached base via a walk.
*INF Micah Hoffpauir singled in the eighth to score INF Ryan Theriot, who doubled to lead off the inning.
*RHP Michael Wuertz (2-0) picked up the win after allowing only one hit while striking out three in 1.2 innings of relief.

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (39-26) - AA Southern League
*West Tenn won their third straight, defeating Huntsville 1-0 in 10 innings.
*West Tenn held the Stars to only four hits in the contest. RHP Rocky Cherry (3-1) earned the win after not allowing a hit and striking out one in 2 innings.
*INF Scott Moore and OF Chris Walker each had a pair of hits in the contest. Walker scored the winning run on a sac fly from OF Miguel Negron in the 10th inning.
*In addition, Walker also swiped his 21st bag of the season, which is tied for second best in the Southern League.

*DAYTONA CUBS (32-33) - A Florida State League
*Daytona split a doubleheader with Jupiter … the Cubs beat the Hammerheads 7-6 in the first game, but were defeated 4-3 in the second contest.
*In Game 1, C Jake Fox was perfect at the plate, going 4-4 with a two-run homer, 3 RBI and 2 runs.
*RHP Adalberto Mendez (2-0) earned the win, allowing three hits, one walk, and striking out one in 1.2 innings of relief.
*In Game 2, OF Jeff Culpepper was 2-for-4 with a double and a RBI. Daytona collected four two-baggers in the game - OF Sam Fuld, INF Matt Craig, and INF Jemel Spearman also had doubles.

PEORIA CHIEFS (38-27) - A Midwest League
*Peoria had their seven-game winning streak snapped by Clinton as they were defeated 4-2.
*INF Robinson Chirinos was 1-for-3 with a two-base hit. His 19 doubles are fourth-best in the Midwest League.
*OF Yusuf Carter hit his first double, going 2-for-4 on the day with a run scored.

BOISE HAWKS (0-0) - A Northwest League
The Hawks’ season begins on June 19th when they take on Eugene.

MESA CUBS (0-0) - Rookie Arizona League
The Cubs face off against Anaheim on June 22nd in the season opener.

The Cubs are on a three-game winning streak, and as always, a number of burning questions linger. Fortunately, it's podcast Tuesday again this week, as Len and Bob sat down to discuss several varied topics in the Cubs world. Our baseball podcast can be downloaded to your iPod or mp3 player in the audio format this week, or listen to the announcers via the video version, or you can just let the podcast flow over you from your computer.

This week from Cincinnati explore the world of Henry Blanco, handling the role of designated hitter, thoughts on cheerleaders in baseball, and the best fans in baseball. So give a look or a listen and let us know what you think.

* The Astros hit the road after going 5-5 in their recent homestand---however, Houston won the last two series (vs. the Cubs and Braves) and went 5-1 in its last six games at Minute Maid.
* Dating to last season, these two teams have split their last 10 games, each beating the other five times.
* The Cubs return to Wrigley following a 6-4 roadtrip---Chicago has won three straight overall.
* Phil Nevin hit his 2nd home run as a Cub on Sunday and is hitting .238 in his first seven games back in the NL.
* Andy Pettitte is 0-2 with a 4.40 ERA in six career starts vs. the Cubs. The only other team that Pettitte has faced in his MLB career and never defeated is San Francisco (0-3).

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

The Cubs have run a lot of rookies through the lineup this year and have had mixed results with those in the starting rotation. You can't measure poise, but it was so much to do with the success that Sean Marshall and now Carlos Marmol have had. Yes, they are both great athletes, but to me, the difference is that ability to carry yourself and keep your poise at this level.

Now the Cubs need work on improving their record at Wrigley Field this week. Having a losing record at home is totally unnecessary. Other teams come to Chicago knowing what a cathedral of baseball Wrigley Field is - it's up to the Cubs to make sure their stay is in no way pleasant.

Bob

Carlos Marmol was magnificent in his first big-league start yesterday, giving the Cubs 6 strong innings. What did he get in return? Check out his interview on the 10th Inning Show.

Carlos Marmol Takes A Pie In The Face After First Win

Carlos Marmol, the 23-year-old righthander, gets the nod today, his first major league start and his third big league appearance as he takes the spot, at least for one outing, vacated by the DL'd Kerry Wood. He looked very good in his first two outings out of the bullpen, but it's a little different when you wake up in the morning and know you're going to throw your team's first pitch.

Marmol has a good fastball, although as a starter, he probably won't consistently sit at 96-97, which he hit a lot as a reliever. We've seen a nice curveball from Carlos, who also has a good changeup, although he didn't need it as a reliever.

This could potentially be a good matchup for Marmol against a team that will strike out. He should coax some swings and misses from the Reds. However, he really has to work to keep the ball in the park against a club that has already gone deep six times in the series.

I'll leave you w/this--Marmol becomes the 5th rookie pitcher to make a start for the Cubs this year (yup, the 5th), following Sean Marshall, Angel Guzman, Rich Hill and Jae Kuk Ryu. I know what you might be thinking...wow.

Len

*It's no secret that the Cubs have played poorly since the end of April, but they also have been playing in bad luck. Yes, poor play tends to do that.

Maybe there's a little hope on the horizon after Austin Kearns gift-wrapped the Cubs some runs with his lost fly in right field. Then, there were the theatrics in last night's 9th inning, aka as BB called it "Ryan Dempster's best Mitch Williams imitation". With the bases loaded, a run in and no one out, Dempster went 3-2 on Felipe Lopez, but then got the benefit of the doubt on a VERY close pitch on the outside corner for the much-needed strikeout. Next up, David Ross hit an absolute rocket, but it went right to Aramis Ramirez. One Junior groundout later and the Cubs had escaped.

*It was a nice week for Clemson's Tyler Colvin. On Tuesday, the Cubs made the Tiget outfielder their first pick in the amateur draft. Last night, with his team down in the 9th inning, Colvin launched a walkoff grand slam to lead his team to the 11-8 victory over Oral Roberts in the NCAA baseball tournament.

bob v

This game of baseball is played so much between the ears. We've seen the Reds several times this year and we've seen them look really bad. But when you start winning ballgames, suddenly things can fall into place for you. You can use your bullpen the way you planned, your fast guys seem to get on base to lead off innings, and your power hitters suddenly hit for power. Right now, the Reds feel like they can't lose a ballgame.

There are very few things in all of sports that are more fun than when your team is on the kind of roll that the Reds have right now. It doesn't matter who the opposing pitcher is or what you try to do, they have the ultimate confidence right now that they are going to win every game that they play. It won't last all season, but for right now, they are as hot as it gets.

Let's hope the Cubs can get on one of those streaks and soon.

Bob

IOWA CUBS (25-33) - AAA Pacific Coast League
*Iowa lost to Round Rock 3-1.
*RHP Jae Kuk Ryu started and took the loss, going 6 innings while allowing 6 hits and 2 runs.
*OF Michael Restovich was 1-3 with a triple and a run scored.
*INF Micah Hoffpauir was 1-2 driving in Iowa’s only run of the night.

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (36-25) - AA Southern League
*West Tenn lost defeated Birmingham 6-4.
*Mark Prior gave up an early 3-run HR, but got the win with 5 innings of work, allowing 3 hits.
*INF Eric Patterson was 3-4 with a double, a run scored and 1 RBI.
*OF Nic Jackson was 1-3 with a home run.
*C Jose Reyes was 2-3 with 1 RBI and a run scored.
*LHP Clay Rapada picked up the save pitching 1 scoreless inning and is tied for the Southern League lead with 18 saves.

*DAYTONA CUBS (30-30) - A Florida State League
*Daytona was shut out by St. Lucie 2-0.
*LHP Carlos Perez took the loss, going 7 innings while giving up 6 hits and 2 runs.
PEORIA CHIEFS (34-26) - A Midwest League
*Peoria won for the 3rd straight game, beating Burlington 2-0.
*DH Ryan Norwood went 2-4 with a run scored.
*INF Kyle Reynolds went 1-3 with a run scored and 1 RBI.
*INF Jonathan Mota went 1-2 with 1 RBI.
*LHP Edward Campusano picked up his league leading 18th save by pitching a perfect ninth inning.

BOISE HAWKS (0-0) - A Northwest League
The Hawks’ season begins on June 19th when they take on Eugene.

MESA CUBS (0-0) - Rookie Arizona League
The Cubs face off against Anaheim on June 22nd in the season opener.

The Cubs tonight run into the hottest team in baseball here in Cincinnati. The Reds haven't lost since that 8-3 defeat to the Cubs at Wrigley over a week ago. So, for the second time on this trip, the Cubs will play a first place team in their division. The Reds shaved all 5 G off in the standings in the last 8 days, going into tonight tied with St. Louis.

Couple of keys tonight...1) keep Bronson Arroyo in the park! The Reds righthander has already homered twice off tonight's Cubs starter Glendon Rusch... 2) keep the rest of the Reds in the park as well. This isn't so easy, but what Glendon can do to help himself is limit the walks. Ken Griffey Jr. did not play Wednesday because of a tight left quad, so it's possible he'll be limited again tonight...and 3) get some early runs. The Cubs did that Monday night in Houston, but over the last two games, we've seen just one run on ten hits.

We hope to have a Kerry Wood update for you tonight. Also, Mark Prior pitches for AA West Tenn tonight as he continues his minor league rehab assignment. I know, I know, too much injury news...but we just report what's going on. Believe me, I look forward as much as you do to NOT have to keep giving health updates.

Time to break the WGN losing streak.

Len

Gee, the last time the Cubs were in Cincinnati, things were certainly different. Opening Day was one to remember and not just because the Cubs put up 16 runs in a win over the Reds.

We had received word several weeks in advance that President Bush would be in town to throw out the first pitch. Since WGN has been fortunate enough to have several presidents on during our telecasts (including a play-by-play stint by President Reagan in 1988), we contacted the White House to see if President Bush would be willing to join us. We were told no numerous times, including several times by the press office at the Stadium that day.

In the third inning, the President did come to the press box to talk with Cincinnati legend Marty Brennaman. There was a glass divider between our two booths and the Prez laughed as Bob and I kept waving him to come over. Bob not only spent some time with the President at the 2001 World Series, but also had dinner with him in Arizona that winter and visited the White House with the Diamondbacks.

Between innings, the door suddenly swung open and in popped the President, who as you all know is a huge baseball fan. He shook hands with everyone in the booth, wished the Cubs well for the season, declined my request to stay for an interview (3 times), then grabbed us and said "let's take a photo".

We received this picture through the Cubs before the road trip started. Regardless of your politics (and I know there will be some angry posts), meeting the leader of this country is still a great thrill.

bob v

* If Cincinnati wants to continue battling for the NL Central title, winning home games against division opponents is a must.

Reds At Home vs. NL Central – 2006

Reds NL Central
Wins 10 4
Runs/Game 6.3 (88/14) 5.3 (74/14)
ERA 4.64 (65/126.0) 6.11 (79/116.1)
Batting Avg .310 (145/467) .264 (127/481)
Home Runs 21 19
Runs, Inning 9+ 1 13

* Glendon Rusch has already given up six home runs in two starts against the Reds this season. He joins Greg Maddux as another Cubs pitcher who has allowed quite a few home runs to Cincinnati in recent years.

Most Home Runs Allowed vs. Cincinnati – Since 2002

Greg Maddux 19
Woody Williams 18
Glendon Rusch 15
Josh Fogg 13
Oliver Perez 13

* Cincinnati’s starting rotation has walked four or more batters on only two different occasions this season and haven’t since April 28.

Most Consecutive Games With 3 BB Or Less By Starters – Active

Cincinnati Reds 36
New York Yankees 25
Texas Rangers 15
New York Mets 13
Boston Red Sox 12

* Bronson Arroyo has been nearly untouchable once he gets through the first two innings.

Bronson Arroyo, First 2 Innings vs. Innings 3+ - 2006

ERA Opponent BA
First 2 Innings 6.00 (16/24.0) .333 (35/105)
After 2 Innings 0.92 (6/58.2) .193 (41/212)

* Arroyo’s ERA after the second inning is the best in the majors among pitchers with at least 10 starts this season.

Lowest ERA In Innings 3+ - 2006
(Minimum 10 Starts)

Bronson Arroyo, Cin 0.92 (6/58.2)
Brad Penny, LAD 2.01
Jose Contreras, CWS 2.29
Pedro Martinez, NYM 2.38
John Lackey, LAA 2.44

* Ronny Cedeno is hitting .298 in his first 97 games of his career and is looking to join Matt Murton who recently joined this list.

Cubs, Highest BA In First 100 Career Games – Since 1980
(Minimum 250 AB)

Dwight Smith, 1989 .314
Mark Grace, 1988 .308
Jerome Walton, 1989 .307
Matt Murton, 2004-2005 .303 (90/297)
Doug Glanville, 1996-1997 .287

* Cedeno has also found a home towards the end of the batting order.

Highest Batting Average – 8th Batting Slot – 2006
(Minimum 80 PA in 8th Batting Slot)

Ronny Cedeno, ChC .368 (32/87)
Aaron Hill, Tor .306
Aaron Miles, StL .302
Brady Clark, Mil .286
Jason Kendall, Oak .283

* Good things have come to the Reds when Brandon Phillips or Edwin Encarnacion gets involved in the offense.

Best Team Record When Player Has 1+ RBI - 2006
(Minimum 1 RBI Per 2 Team Games)

Brandon Phillips, Cin 14-1 .933
Richie Sexson, Sea 17-2 .895
Jose Reyes, NYM 15-3 .833
Brandon Inge, Det 17-4 .810
Edwin Encarnacion, Cin 16-4 .800
Jason Giambi, NYY 20-5 .800
Johnny Damon, NYY 16-4 .800

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

IOWA CUBS (25-32) - AAA Pacific Coast League
*Iowa had the day off.

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (35-25) - AA Southern League
*West Tenn lost to Birmingham 5-4.
*OF Nic Jackson hit a pair of doubles, going 2-4 with 2 RBI.
*OF Chris Walker was 2-4 with a triple and a run scored.
*RHP Thomas Atlee (2-3) suffered the loss after allowing 1 run on 3 hits in 1 inning.

*DAYTONA CUBS (30-29) - A Florida State League
*Daytona lost to Jupiter 7-2.
*C Jake Fox was 2-4 with a two-run homer (13)in the eighth. He has hit in six straight games, batting .423 (11-for-26) with a double, 2 homers, 3 runs and 9 RBI. His 53 RBIs lead the league.
*OF Ryan Harvey went 3-4 and has hit safely in 9 of his last 11 games.
PEORIA CHIEFS (33-26) - A Midwest League
*Peoria defeated Burlington 5-2.
*C Jake Muyco went 3-3 at the plate with a double and a run scored.
*OF Jesus Valdez had three hits in the contest, going 3-5 with 2 runs and an RBI.
*LHP Scott Koerber earned his first save after tossing a perfect ninth inning.

BOISE HAWKS (0-0) - A Northwest League
The Hawks’ season begins on June 19th when they take on Eugene.

MESA CUBS (0-0) - Rookie Arizona League
The Cubs face off against Anaheim on June 22nd in the season opener.

I laughed out loud when I saw the posts from Robert, Trevor, and others about the Cubs record on WGN. Not that we ever notice such things, but my count has the last Cub victory on WGN on April 23 with 15 non-winning telecasts following. (We have produced a win on WCIU in Chicago and broadcast the win over the Sox with Hawk & DJ calling the game, but I am willing to be a stickler with you on this one.)

Like Aramis against lefties, we're due for a big day.

bob v

Tuesday, June 13 - Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis

Wednesday, June 14 - Rick Sutcliffe

Thursday, June 15 - Carlos Bernard from "24"

Friday, June 16 - Pat Hughes & Ron Santo

Saturday, June 17 - Andy Pafko

Sunday, June 18 - Jeremy Piven

IOWA CUBS (25-32) - AAA Pacific Coast League
*Iowa shut out Oklahoma 3-0.
*RHP Kerry Ligtenberg picked up his 3rd save with a hitless 9th.
*OF Felix Pie went 2-5 with a HR (6).

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (35-24) - AA Southern League
*West Tenn beat the Tennessee 1-0 despite getting only 2 hits.
*RHP Randy Wells went 7 innings, allowing only 5 hits.
*Chris Walker hit his 1st HR of the year.

*DAYTONA CUBS (30-28) - A Florida State League
*Jupiter beat Daytona 2-1.
*C Jake Fox was 3-for-4 with 1 RBI. His 51 RBIs leads the Florida State League

PEORIA CHIEFS (32-26) - A Midwest League
*Peoria scored five runs in the first to pave the way to their 6-4 defeat of Burlington, snapping a three-game losing streak.

BOISE HAWKS (0-0) - A Northwest League
The Hawks’ season begins on June 19th when they take on Eugene.

The Cubs are still on the road and hopefully can continue to turn things around a bit. It's podcast Tuesday again this week, as Len and Bob sat down before the Cubs opened their series in Houston. Our baseball podcast can be downloaded to your iPod or mp3 player in the audio format this week, or check out the baseball boys using the video version, or it's to give the podcast a try on your computer.

This week from Houston, hear some thoughts about Derrek Lee's return, who might be the Cubs All-Star representative, Houston's gamble on the Rocket, and the Astros roof.

So give a look or a listen and let us know what you think.

What a night for Carlos Zambrano last night. I really thought he was going to no-hit the Astros. But it goes to show just how difficult it is to get 27 outs unscathed. The only hit of the night was a 99 hopper
that was perfectly placed by Preston Wilson to the right side in the 8th inning.

Z's slider was magnificent all night. And you add the
3-run HR and 4 RBIs at the plate and you have one of the best all-around performances by Carlos in his career.

I'm not saying the Cubs ARE back in the race because they're still 10 games under .500. However, it's clear they're playing much better baseball over the last week and they're catching Houston at a good
time. The Astros have dropped 5 straight and are going through a stretch very similar to the one the Cubs endured in May (Houston has dropped 22 of 30).

Big start for Kerry Wood tonight. If he can give the club 6 quality innings tonight and the offense can continue to surge, they have a chance to really grab some momentum.

It's a loooooonnnnnnnng road back to .500 from where the Cubs have been, but rattling off 10 of 12 would certainly help, especially if you can do most of it on the road.

Len

Both the Cubs and Astros have been spiraling downwards of late.

Worst Records, May 5  Present

Astros 8-22
Royals 8-21
Cubs 9-20
Brewers 11-18
Rockies 11-17

For Houston, things have fallen apart after a very strong start, as both the starting pitching and the offense have been mired in tailspins.

Astros, 2006 – Through May 4 & Since (with MLB ranks)

Through 5/04 5/05 & Since
W-L 19-9 (t-3rd) 8-22 (last)
ERA 4.09 (7th) 5.59 (28th)
Starter’s ERA 3.33 (2nd) 6.71 (28th; 123/165.0)
Runs/Game 5.14 (8th) 3.87 (t-27th)
Home Runs 37 (t-8th) 23 (t-28th)

During the team’s slide, Roy Oswalt has a 3.52 ERA, while the other starting pitchers have a hideous 7.44 mark (111 ER in 134.1 IP).

In the month of April, the Cubs were a solid 6-5 on the road. Since then, it’s been a struggle when the team has ventured outside Wrigley Field. The Cubs’ lack of hitting with runners in scoring position has been a big part of the problem on the road.

Cubs on the Road, 2006

April May/June
W-L 6-5 5-14
Runs/Gm 5.64 3.32 (63/19)
Average .270 .251
Avg w/RISP .379 .175 (28-160)
ERA 4.28 5.48 (101/166.0)

The Cubs have swung the bats very poorly with runners in scoring position this season. The Astros have struggled to get the opposition out in those situations in 2006.

Lowest Avg With Highest Avg Allowed
RISP, 2006 With RISP, 2006

A’s .229 Marlins .308
Phillies .233 Royals .302
Devil Rays .238 Yankees .291
Cubs .239 Angels .288
Mets .240 Astros .287

The Cubs’ Michael Barrett and the Astros’ Brad Ausmus both rank in the top five among NL catchers in hits this season.

Most Hits by NL Catchers, 2006

Paul Lo Duca, NYM 52
Michael Barrett, ChC 50
Johnny Estrada, Arz 50
Brad Ausmus, Hou 49
Brian McCann, Atl 42
Ronny Paulino, Pit 42

Since the start of last season, only three National League players have more home runs than Morgan Ensberg.

Most Home Runs by NL Players, 2005-2006

Albert Pujols 66
Andruw Jones 65
Adam Dunn 57
Morgan Ensberg 54
Carlos Lee 51

Ensberg has not exactly flexed his muscle vs. the Cubs in recent years. Dating back to July 26, 2003, he has just two longballs in his last 123 at-bats vs. Dusty Baker’s team.

Wandy Rodriguez has certainly benefited from run support this season.

Astros’ Starting Pitchers – Run Support per 9 IP, 2006

Rodriguez: 6.82 – 2nd highest in NL (M.Batista – 7.14)
All Others: 4.28

It’s been eight years and multiple arm surgeries since Kerry Wood first faced the Astros, back on May 6, 1998, when all he did was fan 20 Houston hitters. Wood won his first five career decisions vs. Houston, but hasn’t defeated the ’Stros in over four years.

Wood – Career vs. Astros

1st 7 Games Last 9 Games *
W-L 5-0 0-6
ERA 2.08 7.40 (34/41.1)
Opp Avg .162 .318 (55-173)
HR Allowed 2 9

* includes 1 relief appearance

Aramis Ramirez has had a miserable time vs. lefty pitchers this season.

Lowest Average vs. LHP, NL Players, 2006 (minimum 40 PA)

Mike Jacobs, Fla .114
Geoff Jenkins, Mil .127
Aramis Ramirez, ChC .154 (6-39)
Randy Winn, SF .177
Marlon Byrd, Wsh .182

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

* Chicago has won six of its last 9 games against the Astros.
* After going 0-2 through his first 7 outings this season, Carlos Zambrano is now 3-1 in his last five starts with a 2.27 ERA.
* Craig Biggio has 31 career home runs against the Cubs, the most against any opponent in his career.
* The Cubs have scored the second fewest runs in the majors (221).
* In his last five starts Taylor Buchholz is 1-3 with a 10.08 ERA.
* After starting the season 19-9, Houston has now lost 21 of its last 29 games.

Copyright 2006 STATS LLC

IOWA CUBS (24-31) - AAA Pacific Coast League
*Iowa scored 2 runs in the top of the 9th to beat Oklahoma 4-2.
*LHP Rich Hill went 7 innings, giving up 2 runs.
*INF Casey McGehee was 2-5 with a run scored and has hit in 15 of his last 18 games.
*OF Buck Coats went 1-4 at the plate with 1 run and 1 RBI.
*RHP Kerry Ligtenberg (2-1) was credited with the win after tossing a hitless eighth inning while RHP Michael Wuertz got the save after striking out 3 in 1 inning of relief.

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (34-23) - AA Southern League
*West Tenn beat the Tennessee Smokies 4-1.
*INF Eric Patterson was 2-4 with a double, 2 runs, 2 RBI and a stolen base. His 16 stolen bases are fourth in the Southern League, just two behind teammate Christopher Walker. Patterson has gone 4-8 with 2 doubles, 3 runs and 3 RBI over the past two games.

*DAYTONA CUBS (29-27) - A Florida State League
*Daytona defeated Ft. Myers 8-4.
*•INF Matt Craig tied a season-high with 4 RBI, going 2-4 with 1 double, 1 triple and 2 runs.
*INF Nate Spears was 3-for-4 at the plate.
*DH Jake Fox and OF Ryan Harvey each went 2-4 with two-run homers.

PEORIA CHIEFS (31-24) - A Midwest League
*Fort Wayne shut out Peoria for the second straight game 6-0.
*Peoria has been shut out by Fort Wayne in four of seven contests this season. The Chiefs have defeated the Wizards only twice.

BOISE HAWKS (0-0) - A Northwest League
The Hawks’ season begins on June 19th when they take on Eugene.

* No matter where they sit in the standings, the Cubs will be up for their traditional rivals. Chicago has won 15 of the last 21 games between the two clubs, doubling the Cardinals’ long-ball output in the process.

Cubs Vs. Cardinals, Head-to-Head -- Last 21 Games (7/23/05)

Cubs Cardinals
Wins 15 6
Runs PG 4.8 (101/21) 3.9 (82/21)
BA .291 (211/724) .255 (184/721)
HR 30 15
ERA 3.52 (75/192.0) 4.19 (87/186.2)

* Tony Womack has given the club a boost since joining the team a week ago.

Cubs With Womack in Starting Lineup – 2006

W-L 3-1
BA .331 (56/169)
OBP .390 (73/187)
SLG .491 (83/169)
Runs PG 8.0 (32/4)

* Pitchers need to be careful about trying to slip a first-pitch fastball past Jacque Jones, who is one of four big leaguers hitting over .600 when putting the initial offering in play this season.

Highest BA When Putting 1st Pitch in Play, MLB -- 2006
(minimum 15 AB)

Jacque Jones, ChC .652 (15/23)
Ben Broussard, Cle .650
Matt Diaz, Atl .611
Craig Wilson, Pit .609
Nick Markakis, Bal .563

* Despite just a 6-5 career record against St. Louis, Kerry Wood has certainly done a fine job of keeping Cardinals hitters off base.

Lowest Opponent Batting Average vs. Cardinals, Since 1960
(min 100 IP)

Kerry Wood .194 (74/381)
Wade Miller .194 (82/422)
Sandy Koufax .204
David Palmer .212
Bobby Bolin .213
David Cone .217

* The Cardinals’ offense could be hurting with the injury of Albert Pujols. Pujols currently leads the majors in home runs, RBI and runs scored. Should he still lead those categories through the end of the season, he would become the first player since Roger Maris to hit that trifecta, and just the seventh in the modern era. It should be noted that Babe Ruth accomplished this feat six times in a 10-year period.

Led Majors in HR, RBI & Runs in a Season – Since 1900

Babe Ruth – 1919-21, 1923, 1926, 1928
Lou Gehrig -- 1931
Ted Williams -- 1942
Johnny Mize -- 1947
Mickey Mantle -- 1956
Roger Maris -- 1961

The Cardinals have won nine World Series and only one of those clubs featured a player with more home runs than Pujols already has hit this season (Ripper Collins had 35 in 1934).

* With Jim Edmonds out, So Taguchi will take over in center field. Over the course of his career, Taguchi has proven to be tough in the clutch.

Highest Career BA With RISP – Active Players
(minimum 200 PA)

So Taguchi .369 (69/187)
Ichiro Suzuki .358
Todd Helton .351
Albert Pujols .348 (274/788)
Aaron Miles .341 (73/214)

* After leading the National League in ERA last season, the Cardinals are again leading the pack in the Senior Circuit. The last time they led the league in back-to-back years was in 1968-69.

You may tune in today and say, "Hey, where's Kerry Wood???" The answer? In the Cubs dugout. He's going to start Tuesday in Houston after feeling some more stiffness in his right shoulder following his outing Monday vs. Cincinnati.

Couple of things...1) as far as the rotation is concerned, it sets up just fine because Greg Maddux goes today on normal rest as will Carlos Zambrano Monday in Houston. So pushing back Wood a couple days doesn't interrupt the flow of the rotation. 2) Most importantly, Kerry is fine, this is along the lines of what we have talked about before--normal stuff he will go through coming off shoulder surgery.
He said he felt great before and during his last start, but that it has taken him longer than normal to recover from it. So, while you have a chance to give him a couple extra days (last Thursday's off-day helped in that regard, allowing the other guys to move up), take advantage it.

* No matter where they sit in the standings, the Cubs will be up for their traditional rivals. Chicago has won 15 of the last 21 games between the two clubs, doubling the Cardinals’ long-ball output in the process.

Cubs Vs. Cardinals, Head-to-Head -- Last 21 Games (7/23/05)

Cubs Cardinals
Wins 15 6
Runs PG 4.8 (101/21) 3.9 (82/21)
BA .291 (211/724) .255 (184/721)
HR 30 15
ERA 3.52 (75/192.0) 4.19 (87/186.2)

* Tony Womack has given the club a boost since joining the team a week ago.

Cubs With Womack in Starting Lineup – 2006

W-L 3-1
BA .331 (56/169)
OBP .390 (73/187)
SLG .491 (83/169)
Runs PG 8.0 (32/4)

* Pitchers need to be careful about trying to slip a first-pitch fastball past Jacque Jones, who is one of four big leaguers hitting over .600 when putting the initial offering in play this season.

Highest BA When Putting 1st Pitch in Play, MLB -- 2006
(minimum 15 AB)

Jacque Jones, ChC .652 (15/23)
Ben Broussard, Cle .650
Matt Diaz, Atl .611
Craig Wilson, Pit .609
Nick Markakis, Bal .563

* Despite just a 6-5 career record against St. Louis, Kerry Wood has certainly done a fine job of keeping Cardinals hitters off base.

Lowest Opponent Batting Average vs. Cardinals, Since 1960
(min 100 IP)

Kerry Wood .194 (74/381)
Wade Miller .194 (82/422)
Sandy Koufax .204
David Palmer .212
Bobby Bolin .213
David Cone .217

* The Cardinals’ offense could be hurting with the injury of Albert Pujols. Pujols currently leads the majors in home runs, RBI and runs scored. Should he still lead those categories through the end of the season, he would become the first player since Roger Maris to hit that trifecta, and just the seventh in the modern era. It should be noted that Babe Ruth accomplished this feat six times in a 10-year period.

Led Majors in HR, RBI & Runs in a Season – Since 1900

Babe Ruth – 1919-21, 1923, 1926, 1928
Lou Gehrig -- 1931
Ted Williams -- 1942
Johnny Mize -- 1947
Mickey Mantle -- 1956
Roger Maris -- 1961

The Cardinals have won nine World Series and only one of those clubs featured a player with more home runs than Pujols already has hit this season (Ripper Collins had 35 in 1934).

* With Jim Edmonds out, So Taguchi will take over in center field. Over the course of his career, Taguchi has proven to be tough in the clutch.

Highest Career BA With RISP – Active Players
(minimum 200 PA)

So Taguchi .369 (69/187)
Ichiro Suzuki .358
Todd Helton .351
Albert Pujols .348 (274/788)
Aaron Miles .341 (73/214)

* After leading the National League in ERA last season, the Cardinals are again leading the pack in the Senior Circuit. The last time they led the league in back-to-back years was in 1968-69.

IOWA CUBS (23-32) - AAA Pacific Coast League
*Iowa lost to Oklahoma City 2-1.
*Michael Restovich hit a solo HR for the Cubs.
*RHP Angel Guzman went 6.2 innings allowing 7 hits and 2 runs in taking the loss.
*OF Felix Pie went 2-4.

WEST TENNESSEE DIAMOND JAXX (33-23) - AA Southern League
*West Tenn shut out Tennessee 4-0.
*RHP Bobby Brownlie went 5 innings for the win.
*2B Eric Patterson was 2-4 with his 10th double of the year and an RBI.

*DAYTONA CUBS (28-27) - A Florida State League
*Daytona scored 3 runs in the 8th to beat the Miracle 8-7.
*INF Jemel Spearman went 3-for-4 with a double, 4 RBI and 1 run.
*OF Sam Flud was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and 1 RBI for the night.
*RHP Jonathan Hunton (2-2) picked up the victory in 2.1 innings of relief.
*RHP Adalberto Mendez collected his 12th save of the season in 1.0 inning of relief.

PEORIA CHIEFS (31-24) - A Midwest League
*Fort Wayne shut out Peoria 2-0.
*In his second rehab outing, Mark Prior started and went 5 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 run.

BOISE HAWKS (0-0) - A Northwest League
The Hawks’ season begins on June 19th when they take on Eugene.

He won't want to brag, but Len Kasper set a personal milestone by not leaving the booth for, um, any reason during the entire 5:04 contest in St. Louis last night. Congratulations Len!

bob v

PS - Carrie and Thomas, I accidentally deleted your posts as I was cleaning out spam today. My apologies!

With the Cubs dropping their last four one-run games before last night, we've talked a lot about how it's those basic, little things that turn those games. If you're going to get back in it or get a streak going, those are the things you have to do to win the close games.

It looked for awhile like that might do the Cubs in last night with things going against them like Sean Marshall failing two sacrifice tries or Ronny Cedeno getting caught off third before the attempted squeeze play. But in the 14th, it was execution that got the winning run. Juan Pierre did what you need your leadoff man to do - drive a ball in the gap for a double. Neifi Perez exectuted the sacrifice the right way. Todd Walker might have been 0-7, but he got the ground ball to first that allowed Pierre to score.

Let's hope this win is the start of doing those things better.

Bob