If I could choose a pitcher that I’d want the Cubs to acquire for the stretch run, it would be today’s starter, Brad Penny. Despite the fact that he pitches for a team that enters the game just four games out of first, Penny is in the last year of his deal, assuming the Dodgers didn’t decide to exercise their $8.75 million option on him for ‘09. Because of that and the fact that the Dodgers are loaded with some big money that hasn’t really delivered the type of success they had hoped, I believe Penny will be available before the deadline. Penny is off to a bit of a tough start to this year and would probably benefit from the change to scenery. Let’s not forget that this is a guy that started the All Star game in 2006. He’s been an above average ERA+ guy in all but two of his seasons in the Majors would be a nice power guy in that rotation. Let’s take down the Dodgers today and get us closer to the Brad Penny era in Chicago.
Jason Marquis picked up the win in his last start against the Padres in spite of himself. The right-hander gave up three runs on four hits and five walks over five innings, and also was called for a walk, and made a throwing error. He got a spirited lecture from Lou Piniella on the mound in the fourth after walking the leadoff batter. Marquis needs to go deeper in the games because the bullpen is overworked.
Brad Penny Artificial Intelligence: AI move returned to form Tuesday against the Rockies, giving up two runs on six hits in six innings with the help of a good splitter. He also struck out five and walked four. Penny threw his first quality start in his last seven outings. He is still winless in his previous six starts, but he lowered the 9.43 ERA he had compiled his last five times out. Penny has not won since May 2.
- Brings heat and a nasty sinker to the mound, plus a big, sweeping curveball. He can be especially tough on right-handed batters.
- Has had control trouble in the past, and he also tends to wear down after the fifth inning. Needs to find a greater level of consistency.
- A good No. 2 starter.
- 0-2, 6.30 in last 10 IP
News & Notes
- Dylan Johnston was 3-for-3
- Matt Camp was 3-for-4
- James Adduci was 3-for-5
- Kevin Kreier did not allow a run in 4 innings pitched
- William Muldowney struck out 7 batters and allowed one run in 4 innings pitched
- Jeff Samardzija walked 4 batters and allowed 4 runs in 5 innings pitched
- Felix Pie was 2-for-4 with a double
Organizational Roundup
(AAA) – Iowa Cubs – Won vs. Omaha (4-3)
(AA) – Tennessee Smokies – Lost vs. Chattanooga (7-8)
(High A) – Daytona Cubs – Won vs. Lakeland (4-3)
(A) – Peoria Chiefs – Won vs. Clinton (7-5)
(SS) – Boise Hawks open their season June 17th
(RK) – Arizona Cubs open their season June 22nd
(RK) – Dominican Summer League Cubs – Won vs. Diamondbacks (3-2)
View the full organizational report courtesy of First Inning here.
according to Peter Gammons during the game last night, the cubs will more than likey be going after a lefty to replace Rich Hill, who Pinella had banked on for 15 victories and 200 innings this season.
One name mentioned was lefty Randy Wolf – oh please no – and I can’t recall the other name mentioned. Don’t settle for anything less than Sabathia!
the other name gammons mentioned was gil meche
Rosenthal of Fox said Hendry’s looking at Sabathia and/or Haren.
As long as he doesn’t stand pat, which I doubt he will.
Haren? could that be right? Why would AZ be moving Haren already?
^ No that’s not right. I’m getting him confused with another A’s pitcher.
I think you meant Rich Harden. But let’s hope for Sabathia or Bedard, to get another lefty in the rotation and a legitimate top of the rotation starter to slot in behind Zambrano. With the way Dempster is pitching this year, Zambrano, Sabathia, Dempster, Lilly, and Gallagher/Marquis would be a nice R/L/R/L/R rotation the rest of the season. And Zambrano, Sabathia, Dempster would allow the Cubs to match up quite well to any team in the playoffs.