Need to Stop a Run? Go to Number One
In this photo: Derrick Rose Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Mar 17, 2009
The night wasn’t all gravy though, as the Bulls once again let a bad team stay close and make a late run. If Chicago wants to hold onto that number one seed they’ll have to do a better job closing out games. Also, come playoff time Chicago will not be able to give teams like Boston, Miami or Orlando second chances in games. Overall the night brought another victory for Chicago and another reason to vote Derrick Rose for MVP. He showed the ability to shut down another elite point guard, while leading a late push to seal the game.
Player of the Game: Although Rose had another brilliant performance; the nod for player of the game goes to Omer Asik. Asik registered his first double-double on 11 points and 16 rebounds.
Highlight Reel Moment: Derrick Rose had a stuff on Deron Williams that made all of Chicago jump out of their collective seats.
Posted by bobby, on Mar 18, 2011 • Category: Bulls, Featured, Uncategorized• Tags: bulls, chicago, Nets, Rose • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Gorzelanny looks for support
Pitching (Cubs) Tom Gorzelanny (6-6) vs (SF) Barry Zito (8-6)
Tom Gorzelanny will face off against left handed veteran Barry Zito in a 9:15 CST matchup against the San Francisco Giants tonight. In Gorzelanny’s last appearance where he pitched against the Reds, he threw seven strong innings and gave up three earned runs on four hits. For his career, Gorzelanny is 3-0 against the Giants with an impressive 1.29 ERA. Barry Zito enters the game with a poor 1-4 record and 4.66 ERA against the Northsiders. Chicago is looking to build some momentum, coming off of an offensive surge during their 8-6 victory last night, which was also interim manager Alan Trammel’s first win with control of the bench.
With the season winding down to about 50 games for both clubs, San Francisco currently sits 2 1/2 games back of the NL West leading Padres, and is now in a three-way tie with NL Central rivals Reds and Cardinals. The Cubs, needless to say, are not in any sort of post season contention, and are comfortably sitting in 5th place at 15 1/2 games back with only the always struggling Pirates behind them.
At the plate, 8 of 13 Cub hitters have faced Zito before, with Aramis Ramirez holding a .375 average in 8 at bats against the left. Alfonso Soriano, who leads the Cubs in at bats against Zito with 12, has gone hitless against him in his career. Soriano will look to change that statistic today.
Posted by michael, on Aug 11, 2010 • Category: Cubs• Tags: barry, chicago, cubs, giants, san francisco, zito • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Cubs outslug Giants
W: Ryan Dempster (10-8)
L: Tim Lincecum (11-6)
After being swept by the Reds at Wrigley, and dropping a close night game with the Giants Monday, the Cubs bounced back Tuesday night with an 8-6 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Starting in the first inning Chicago’s bats were hot, starting with a Starlin Castro line drive that brought in Tyler Colvin and gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead after just two batters. After a Micah Hoffpauir groundout, Aramis Ramirez singled, allowing Castro to score. Kosuke Fukodome finished off the inning with a 2-run shot (10), giving the Cubs a 4-0 lead off of Giant’s ace Tim Lincecum.
Ryan Dempster got the nod today, and after giving up a run in the first and second inning, settled into the game to throw a strong 6.2IP and giving up 4 runs (three earned) on 8 hits.
As Lou Piniella takes time off to be with his hospitalized mother, long time Cub bench coach Alan Trammel has been named the interim manager. With the Cubs defense giving up three errors, Trammel had a few words to backup his starting pitching stating that “We make too many errors, we make too many mistakes” which lead strong starts to crumbling losses. These mistakes and inconsistent ball play have been appearing on both the offensive and defensive ends, showing that it has been a long season for both the players and Cubs faithful.
Happy for Trammel, who got his first win as manager in five games, noting that Piniella should be set to return to the bench by the beginning of the Cardinals series Friday.
Giant’s ace pitcher Tim Lincecum was unusually roughed up by the Cubs offense, and no one appreciated it more than Dempster, adding that “these guys came out and put a four-spot up against Lincecum and that’s not an easy thing to do” and the run support did not stop there. Giving up four runs in the first was the most Lincecum had ever allowed through his young career. After four innings the young right hander was pulled for his second earliest departure of his inconsistent season.
Dempster was pulled with two-outs in the 7th when San Francisco attempted a comeback off of what should have been the Cubs fourth error of the game when Tyler Colvin dropped a fly ball, allowing two runs to score. Mike Fontenot quickly got those runs back in the 8th when he doubled to drive in Alfonso Soriano and Koyie Hill.
Carlos Marmol, who has been one of few bright spots for the Cubs bullpen, had some trouble in the 9th allowing two runs off of a Buster Posey double that drove in a run, and was followed by a Pablo Sandoval single that brought Posey around the bases to score.
This victory was only the Cubs third win in fifteen games, and Geovany Soto is one player who does not want to get used to losing “Sometimes I just go to my room and get [ticked off].”
Tonight Chicago looks to begin a winning streak when Tom Gorzelanny (6-6) battles Barry Zito (8-6) in the third of a four game series against the Giants.
In the top of the 4th inning Starlin Castro drove in two more runs, giving him three for the afternoon, after singling to center to drive in Tyler Colvin and Ryan Dempster, putting the Cubs up 6-2.
Posted by michael, on Aug 11, 2010 • Category: Cubs, Featured• Tags: chicago, cubs, dempster, fukudome, kosuke, lincecum, ryan, tim • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Stubbs snubs Cubs in series loss
W: Logan Ondrusek (3-0)
L: Randy Wells (5-10)
For the first time in 30 years the Cubs were shutout one game after scoring 15 runs, when they beat Milwaukee 15-3 earlier in the week, a feat that most MLB clubs never experience. After an uninspiring offensive showcase yesterday, the Cubs looked to get back on track against the Reds this afternoon at Wrigley.
Randy Wells took the mound for the Cubs, throwing an impressive 7.0IP and giving up 3 earned runs on 5 hits. From the get go Wells was pitching nicely, retiring Cincinnatii in order through the first two innings. In the top of the 3rd Ramon Hernandez would single up the middle to drive in Drew Stubbs and give the Reds a 1-0 lead. Chicago would answer back in their half of the inning when Derrek Lee hit a sacrifice fly to right field to allow Kosuke Fukudome to tag up and score from third.
This game was more of a chess match through the first seven innings with Randy Wells and Edinson Volquez in a pitchers duel. Volquez, making only his fifth start of the season since Tommy John surgery, threw a solid 6.2IP surrendering just one earned run on six hits. His control through the first few innings was questionable, but he settled in and pitched pivotal double play balls to limit the Cubs to just one run against him.
The Reds, who hold winning records in each month of baseball this season, offered timely hitting and scoring to backup their pitchers. In the top of the 8th Drew Stubbs, who has already hit 4 homeruns against the Cubs this season, including a 3 homer game at Wrigley last July, cranked a leadoff homer (14) to give the Reds a 2-1 lead and force Wells out of the game. Cincinnati would increase their lead off of a Paul Janish single that drove in Bronson Arroyo, pitch running for Ramon Hernandez, and giving them a 3-1 lead.
Going into the 8th Chicago looked to creep back into the ballgame when Derrek Lee led off the inning with a walk, but no runner would make it passed 1st base as Ramirez, Berg and Soriano failed to get a hit.
In the 9th Cubs 2nd basemen Blake DeWitt made an error by dropping a shallow outfield popup that would allow Laynce Nix to make it second base. Drew Stubbs would get his third hit and second RBI of the game by singling to left field.
Wilson Cordero came in to pitch the 9th for the Reds, but could only produce one out before being yanked by Dusty Baker. Cordero gave up four walks, including a high fast ball that hit Starlin Castro with the bases loaded. After a pitching change, Derrek Lee would strikeout, but in the following at-bat Aramis Ramirez would draw another walk, the 5th of the inning. With the score now 4-3 and the Cubs scoring two runs without putting a ball in play, Marlon Byrd would strikeout to end the ballgame. Chicago now stands at 13-26 in one-run games, and drops to 47-63 on the season.
Posted by michael, on Aug 07, 2010 • Category: Cubs, Featured• Tags: chicago, cincinatti, cubs, reds • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Cubs blanked by Arroyo
W: Bronson Arroyo (12-6)
L: Tom Gorzelanny (6-6)
Chicago had their opportunities to put some runs on the board this afternoon at Wrigley, but failed to do so against Cincinnati pitcher Bronson Arroyo, who improved to 12-6 on the season in the Reds 3-0 victory on Friday.
In what has become a season to forget for Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee, who are posting the lowest numbers in their career, the Cubs 3-5 hole hitters have not been able to step up to the call of duty, except for Marlon Byrd.
Tom Gorzelanny settled into a good rhythm after walking Jay Bruce and serving up a 2-run homerun to Ryan Hanigan (3) in the top of the second. That would be Gorzelanny’s biggest mistake this afternoon, throwing 7.0IP and giving up only 4 hits, and receiving no support from the Cubs offense. Cincinatti would tack on one more run in the top of the seventh when Brandon Phillips singled to left field, scoring Paul Janish, to give the Reds some extra insurance. It would not be needed.
Bronson Arroyo was masterful, throwing a 7.0IP five hit shutout, adding that “it makes it a little easier to pitch through that lineup” when Ramirez and Lee are off of their game. All-Star reliever Arthur Rhodes and Francisco Cordero would pitch a hitless 8th and 9th innings for the hold and save.
The Cubs had plenty of chances, including a no-out situation with runners at 2nd and 3rd, but were unable to push any runs across in the bottom of the fifth inning. The club would finish going 0-6 with runners in scoring position. Chicago’s offensive woes continue, which has been as inconsistent as can be the entire season. Chicago left a combined 13 men on base and also had 9 strikeouts, which is not the formula to win games. Blake DeWitt, whom the Cubs acquired last week in the Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot trade, has been consistent so far in his stint with the Cubs, having seven hits through his first five games.
Andrew Cashner would pitch in relief of Gorzelanny in the 8th, giving up one two hits and no runs. Justin Berg would fair the same in the 9th, giving up only one hit.
Now faced with 17 straight games against the top NL ballclubs, the Cubs look to get back on track tomorrow when Randy Wells faced off against Edison Valquez at 12:05.
Posted by michael, on Aug 07, 2010 • Category: Cubs, Featured• Tags: arroyo, bronson, chicago, cubs, gorzelanny, tom • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Bulls sign veteran guard Bogans
The Bulls are making the finishing touches on their roster, which now stands at 12, after the signing of veteran guard Keith Bogans. Bogans will receive a 2-year deal worth approximately 2.5million the first year, with the second year not full guaranteed, which should allow the Bulls more cap room to make one more signing. At this point, if it was not obvious weeks ago, the Bulls will be passing on Tracy McGrady. No matter how well T-Mac thought he would gel with the Bulls, the front office did not feel the same way, who admittedly stated that they were not at all impress with McGrady’s workout last Monday. Chicago is still pursuing Portland guard Rudy Fernandez, who recently asked the Trail Blazers for a trade, so do not be too surprised if the Bulls land the explosive 6-6 guard.
Bogans will not provide the bench with an offensive spark, but the 6-5 seven-year vet does hold a 7.1ppg average through his career. He is also an above-average three-point threat in his career at 35%. The former University of Kentucky standout joins a remodeled Bulls roster whom have already signed Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson, Kurt Thomas and Omer Asik this summer. The former second-round pick and NBA journeyman has had stints in Orlando, Houston, Milwaukee, San Antonio and Charlotte, with whom he was the most productive with back in 2005.
Adding Bogans gives new head coach Tom Thibodeau some more defensive toughness, which the Bulls upgraded last week with the signing of veteran big man Kurt Thomas. The front office has done their homework this summer, building a defensively minded team who is sure to be dangerous offensively with Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer now together. The addition of Bogans will now allow the Bulls to stretch the perimeter even further with Kyle Korver and Ronnie Brewer behind the line.
Posted by michael, on Aug 07, 2010 • Category: Bulls, Featured• Tags: Bogans, bulls, chicago, Keith • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Bulls add Bogans
The Bulls added what looks to be the final piece they were looking for in Keith Bogans today. ESPN writer Sam Smith is reporting that the deal is for 2 years, with only one guaranteed, at $2.5 million. Bogans played for the Spurs last year averaging 4.4 points and shooting nearly 36% from behind the arc.
The signing puts an end to speculation over who would fill out the final spot on the Bull’s 12 man roster. Many names were thrown around including Rudy Fernandez and Tracy McGrady. The Bulls wanted to add one more good shooter to round out their roster.
Posted by bobby, on Aug 07, 2010 • Category: Bulls, Featured• Tags: agency, Bogans, bulls, chicago, free, Keith • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Cubs breakout bats in win
W: Ryan Dempster (8-7)
L: Manny Parra (3-9)
The Cubs snapped a seven-game losing skid Wednesday afternoon when they pounded the Brewers 15-3 at Wrigley.
Within the last week the Cubs had been embarrassed in high run ballgames, losing 18-1 and 17-2 respectively, and seemed to be throwing in the towel for the season. Their bats woke up today after teeing off on Brewer’s pitching for 15 runs on 16 hits.
Ryan Dempster pitched for the Cubs, going a strong 6IP and only giving up 3 hits and 3 runs, none of which were earned. His first set of run support came in the 3rd inning off of a Tyler Colvin solo homer (17) that put the Cubs up 1-0. Milwaukee struck back quickly in the 5th off of a Jeff Baker throwing error that allowed Jim Edmonds to score tieing the ballgame 1-1. The Brewers would then take the lead in the following at-bat when Corey Hart doubled to left field scoring two runs (75) and making the game 3-1.
Chicago would take the lead back for good in the 6th behind a 3-run (52) Aramis Ramirez home run (16) that would wrap up a 6 run inning and give the Cubs a 7-3 lead.
Carlos Zambrano would pitch a scoreless 7th in relief of Dempster, giving up one hit and one walk. This will probably be one of Big Z’s last relief appearances before he makes his first start since June 25th next Monday against the Giants.
In the 7th the Cub offense would continue behind a Geovany Soto 3-run (45) blast of his own (15) that would increase the Brewer deficit 10-3. The fireworks would not stop there, as the Cubs posted a 5 run 8th inning that was marked by Blake DeWitt’s first homerun as a Cub when he hit a 3-run shot to give the Cubs a final 15-3 win. Behind all of the Cubs offense, Starlin Castro missed hitting for the cycle by a homerun, as he set a career high in hits with four.
Sean Marshall and Mitch Atkins would pitch scoreless 8th and 9th innings to closeout the ball game, each giving up one hit a piece and a combined five strikeouts.
Manager Lou Piniella enjoyed the Cubs big win as much as the fans did, as he noted that “It’s good to win a ballgame, it’s been awhile.”
Posted by michael, on Aug 05, 2010 • Category: Cubs, Featured• Tags: 15, aramis, august, chicago, cubs, geovany, ramirez, soto • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
NBA.com’s Top 10 Bulls Plays 2010
Earlier today I was getting my daily does of NBA.com, and they compiled a collection of the Chicago Bulls top 10 plays during the 2009-2010 season. This really can be retitled to the “Top 10 Derrick Rose Plays” as D-Rose is featured in almost every clip. Together the plays represent Rose’s ability to beat you in various ways. His dynamic game-play is what sets him apart from most of the leagues point guards. With many of the clips showing a 2-man game with Noah and Miller, they should be viewed only as samples to what fans should expect from Carlos Boozer. Clips 10, 7, 6 and 2 were my favorites.
Posted by michael, on Aug 05, 2010 • Category: Bulls, Featured• Tags: 2010, boozer, bulls, carlos, chicago, Derrick, joakim, noah, Rose • No Comments • Spread on Twitter
Walk-off homer spoils Zambrano comeback
W: Huston Street (2-2)
L: Sean Marshall (6-3)
For the first time since Carlos Zambrano’s breakdown in the Cubs dugout during a match up versus the White Sox, Big Z took his spot in the Cubs bullpen, albeit his comeback would not be so sweet.
After an embarrassing 17-2 loss last night to Colorado, the Cubs looked for revenge as they bid farewell to their traded teammates Ted Lilly and Ryan Theriot.
Tom Gorzellany started for the Cubs, giving up 5 ER over 6.1IP, needless to say, he did not display the same pitching dominance he held in his previous start. Colorado got on the board early when Miguel Olivio (13) launched a three-run homer in the 2nd, scoring Melvin Mora and Ryan Spilborghs. The scoring continued in the 3rd inning when Melvin Mora singled to left field to drive in Carlos Gonzalez and put the Rockies up 4-0.
Rockie’s hurler Jason Hamel battled Cub hitters through 7.1IP, giving up 6 hits and and 4 ER. Though he received a no decision in the contest, Hammel managed to strike out 5 while giving up no walks, making very few mistakes from a pitchers standpoint.
Chicago would not go down lightly when they cut the lead in half in the 5th when Alfonso Soriano doubled to left field, driving in (53) Marlon Byrd. Soriano would advance to 3rd base on a heads up base running play. Geovany Soto would step up to the plate, hitting a sacrifice fly (39) to allow Soriano to trot home from 3rd base, making it a 4-2 ball game.
Colorado would add one more insurance run in the 7th inning off of a Carlos Gonzalez sacrifice fly (68), allowing Dexter Fowler to score. Zambrano was impressive in his return, going 0.2IP with 1 hit and walk in relief of Gorzellany in the 7th. Big Z would inherit one runner on 2nd, and would walk Troy Toluwitzki, the first batter Zambrano would face. With two on and only one out, Zambrano would strike out Seth Smith, and get Brad Hawpe to pop-out and end the inning.
Mike Fontenot, who should see an increase in playing time with the Ryan Theriot trade, led off the 8th with a single, and after a Kosuke Fukudome strikeout, would move to 2nd base off of a Tyler Colvin single. After a Starlin Castro strikeout, Derrek Lee would come to the plate with two outs and tie the game at 5-5 with a three-run (48) homer (13). Sean Marshall would come in to pitch a scoreless 8th, but would give up the pivotal hit in the 9th.
Carlos Gonzalez, the star of the game, would be the first batter Marshall would face in the bottom of the 9th. Enjoying the most memorable game of his young career, the 24 year old left fielder hit a single in the 1st, triple in the 3rd, double in the 5th, and finished with a walk-off home run to hit for the cycle, leading the Rockies to a 6-5 victory. Going 4-4 with a sacrifice fly, Gonzalez became the 6th player in Rockies history to hit for the cycle. The modest youngster enjoyed the victory as much as his performance, remarking that “I hope I’m not going to be the last one.”
The Cubs were aware of the recent surge in Gonzalez’s play, who finished July batting .357 with 20 RBIs and 8 HRs. After the game, Marshall stated “He’s the guy in the lineup that we didn’t want to beat us, and I went in and challenged him and he beat us.”
Chicago will try to avoid the sweep in the series finale tomorrow at 3:10 CST
Posted by michael, on Aug 01, 2010 • Category: Cubs, Featured• Tags: carlos, chicago, cubs, cycle, gonzalez, rockies, zambrano • No Comments • Spread on Twitter