Quick Hits

  • NEWSFLASH – Kevin Gregg? Still Sucks
  • NEWSFLASH Part II – Carlos Marmol is a terrible interview…and he’s kind of sucky as a pitcher too. When asked about his control problems, hit batters and the possibility of being the first releif pitcher in ML history to lead the league in hit batters, Marmol replied “I don’t want to do that,”….”I don’t know what’s going on,”….”I’ve just got to throw more strikes.”. Well, I’m glad we got that cleared up.
  • Lou & Carlos may fight. Piniella has mentioned the idea of pitching Z out of the pen in the Cincy series to give the other guys some rest. When asked to comment, Z simply said “I’m not a reliever”. My money’s on Z in the fight.

Minor League Notes

  • Casey Fossum only allowed 2 runs and 2 hits over 5.2 innings pitched
  • Jeremy Papelbon only allowed one run in 6.0 innings pitched
  • Robert Hernandez only allowed 2 runs and 2 hits over 5.2 innings pitched
  • Craig Muschko struck out 5 batters and only allowed 2 earned runs over 5.0 innings pitched yesterday

Top Prospect Tracker


Photo Op

Former first-round pick Tyler Colvin tied a Southern League record during Tennessee’s 11-0 rout of Carolina by collecting hits in 11 straight at-bats. The left-hander singled five times on Friday, went 3-for-3 with a homer on Saturday and opened Sunday’s game with two singles and a longball before lining out in his final two at-bats. Tennessee right fielder Tyler Colvin has 15 hits in his last 21 at-bats. (Tony Farlow/MiLB.com)

SCOUTING REPORTS – Cubs vs. Reds

Monday

Randy Wells gave the Cubs exactly what they needed in his last start against the Astros. The bullpen had been worn out in two straight games, and the rookie went eight scoreless innings, his longest start of the season, for the win. It helped that the Cubs scored six runs in the first so he could relax. For the game, Wells gave up six hits and walked two. He kept the ball on the ground as the Astros hit into three double plays. He has won seven of his last eight starts.

Aaron Harang had a rough first inning that he couldn’t recover from last Wednesday against the Padres. He gave up five runs including two homers to put his team in an early hole. With the loss, Harang now hasn’t won a game since May 25 when he beat the Astros to improve to 5-4. Over the 12 starts, Harang has gone 0-7. He will look to break his long losing streak against the Cubs, who beat him July 24. In that start he gave up four runs over six innings in an 8-5 loss. (MLB.com)

He uses his size to his advantage and is fairly durable, able to pitch effectively beyond the fifth inning. Can strike batters out with aplomb.
Has trouble getting ahead in the count and struggles against right-handed hitters. Injuries are also a concern moving forward. A good mid-rotation right-hander. (TSN.ca)

Tuesday

Tom Gorzelanny – The Cubs acquired Gorzelanny on Thursday from the Pirates, and the lefty will make his debut and return to the big leagues in this game. He’s been pitching for Triple-A Indianapolis, and was 4-3 with a 2.48 in 15 games. In July, Gorzelanny had a 1.11 ERA, giving up four earned runs over 32 1/3 innings in five games. Former Pirates GM Dave Littlefield, now a special assistant to Cubs GM Jim Hendry, had scouted Gorzelanny, who did pitch for Pittsburgh from May 18-June 9, but only in relief. He was strictly a starter in the Minors. In fact, Gorzelanny picked up a win in relief against the Cubs on May 25.

Johnny Cueto had another rough outing against the Padres last Thursday. He gave up six runs in just five innings as he lost his fourth consecutive game. The big blow to Cueto came in the fifth when he allowed a three-run homer to Will Venable which gave the Padres a 6-1 lead. Cueto has given up 26 runs over his last five starts while throwing just 22 2/3 innings. He will look to break out of his slump against the Cubs who beat him July 25. In that start, Cueto allowed four runs over six innings. (MLB.com)

Has an impressive arsenal of pitches, tremendous command and poise. Understands how to work hitters and displays the ability to dominate. Lacks experience at higher levels. Is a diminutive right-hander, so arm injuries down the road will always be a concern. A future ace starter.(TSN.ca)

Wednesday

Rich Harden matched a career high with 11 strikeouts in his last start against the Marlins, but didn’t get the win. The right-hander threw 99 pitches over five innings and left with the score tied. He’s got to be more efficient as far as his pitch count is concerned. Harden now has fanned 11 three times in his career, and has nine double-digit strikeout games. He gave up two runs on five hits and three walks.

Justin Lehr – Walks ended Justin Lehr’s start Friday against the Rockies earlier than he had hoped. Lehr walked six batters in just five innings, accumulating 97 pitches before he left. Lehr gave up two runs in the first and then walked the bases loaded in the second before escaping with just one run. He settled down over the next three innings and didn’t allow a run. Lehr will make his second career start, and look for his first win against the Cubs. (MLB.com)