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Chicago Cubs / MLB:NL - ARCHIVE

Little-used Blanco comes up big for Cubs
Friday, July 25, 2008
First sighting of veteran catcher in months spurs team to victory
Has anyone wondered where Henry Blanco has been the last two months? Ok, probably not, but the veteran catcher finally got a start Thursday night, going 2 for 4 with a home run as the Cubs snapped a 10-game losing streak to the Florida Marlins.
Cubs avoid sweep in Arizona as bats finally come alive
Game recap from Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Howry does his best to keep things interesting in 10-6 win
Sometimes the best things come from where you least expect them, like the No. 8 spot in the lineup. That's where Reed Johnson was planted Wednesday night. He came through big time, going 3-for-4 with a grand slam as the Cubs offense finally showed some life in a 10-6 sweep-avoiding win over the Diamondbacks.
The Heckler offers Bartman $1 million to stay in hiding forever
Thursday, July 24, 2008
'Here's hoping we can all move on and never speak of the poor guy again'
Just a day after some third-rate memorabilia Web site offered Steve Bartman $25,000 to show up at a suburban collectors' convention next week, The Heckler has announced it will offer the infamous Cubs fan a cool $1 million to go away forever.
Cubs struggling to avoid sweep in Arizona
Game recaps for Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Offense continues post-break slumber
In the five games since returning from the All-Star break, the Cubs have scored just 13 runs. Take away Sunday's nine-run effort and the number is just four. After losing five of six, including their last pair in Arizona the last two nights and with the Brewers just a game out, the bats better wake up in a hurry or things could get ugly.
Wood still out with 'blister' as Cubs drop two of three in Houston
Weekend recap from Monday, July 21, 2008
Road woes continue despite Sunday victory
The Cubs came out of the All-Star break with a comfortable cushion over the Cardinals and Brewers in the NL Central, but all three teams were determined to do something about that over the weekend, with St. Louis and Milwaukee posting series wins, and the Cubs dropping two of three to the last place Astros.
Boy injured by Lilly foul ball now world's third most-famous Cubs fan
Friday, July 18, 2008
Child trails only Harry Caray and Woo-Woo in popularity
When a local 7-year-old boy attended a Cubs game at Wrigley with his father last week, neither family member expected to leave the game a celebrity, but that's just what happened when the boy was hit in the head by a foul ball off the bat of pitcher Ted Lilly.
Piniella blames dry cleaner after jersey gets tighter
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Expanding skipper now wearing a 3XL
Despite muggy conditions, Cubs manager Lou Piniella was forced to wear a wind breaker to a recent game earlier this month in St. Louis after he was unable to fit into his jersey. The skipper is blaming faulty dry cleaning.
Looking Back: Cubs first-half historic for all the right reasons
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Cubs Nation 'aflutter,' according to Cubs.com
Cubs fans are in a tizzy--or as a recent Cubs.com headline read: "aflutter" -- and rightfully so. Their team marched to the best first-half record in the National League, sent eight players to the All-Star game and lost only 12 of 49 home games. They've also done it with their prized superstar Alfonso Soriano either disabled or ineffective most of the season. The future bodes well for the 2008 Cubs.
Radio Brief: Selig spends last hour of All-Star Game in a cold sweat
Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2008
The Commissioner's worst fears almost come about: another All-Star Game tie.
Santo gets lost in Home Depot for nearly eight hours
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Provis to do all of Cubs Legend's future shopping
Nearly half a day after he disappeared on Monday morning, Cubs radio broadcaster Ron Santo turned up safe but confused in a Chicago-area Home Depot.
Radio Brief: Brenly goes nuts after Comcast misspells his name
Tuesday, Jul. 15, 2008
The Cubs announcer is tired of people spelling his name Brenley.
On Deck Radio Report: Zambrano will throw 134 pitches in All-Star Game, blow out his arm and other predictions
Monday, Jul. 14, 2008
This week's predictions: Lou Piniella's advice to manager Clint Hurdle will hurt his ace, the Bears will pick up a Green Bay QB, and a work of art will be created at Wrigley.
Marmol's All-Star selection proves you don't have to be good at your job to succeed
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hard work and positive results only get you so far
For the first two months of the season Carmol Marmol was virtually unhittable. Since then, however, he's been anything but. Yet he was named as a last-minute All-Star game replacement, proving you don't have to be good at your job to be successful at it.
Cubs take 2 of 3 from the Giants
Weekend recap for Monday, July 14, 2008
First half ends the way it started: with a rare loss at Wrigley
The Cubs were unable to complete a sweep against the mediocre Giants Sunday, but ended the first half on a very strong note, taking two of three from both the Reds and Giants during this week's six-game homestand.
Cubs consider shutting Wood down due to blister
Monday, July 14, 2008
'We don't want to take any chances' says Piniella
Cubs closer Kerry Wood was unavailable the last two games and will skip the All-Star game due to a blister on his finger. While the injury doesn't sound serious, the Cubs are considering shutting him down for the rest of the season as a career-saving precaution.
Radio Brief: Theriot added to All-Star team as batboy
Friday, Jul. 11, 2008
Cubs shortstop's dream of making All-Star team comes true, though he won't actually play.
Radio Brief: Harden trade forces Rothschild to get towels out of storage
Thursday, Jul. 10, 2008
Looks like pitching coach was wrong in assuming he wouldn't need towels this season.
Zambrano masterful in win over Reds
Thursday, July 10, 2008
NASCAR's Montoya lights fire under Big Z
Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano shut down the Reds on one-hit over eight innings for his 10th win of the season.
Harden to take Mark Prior's spot in Cubs rotation
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Oft-injured former A's pitcher good for a couple quality starts
Ever since the Cubs let Mark Prior go during the off-season after his injury-riddled career in Chicago, GM Jim Hendry has been searching for a starter with great potential who is always hurt to fill Prior's spot in the rotation. On Tuesday, Hendry got his man.
Radio Brief: Counsell maimed in tragic Sabathia/Fielder belly-bump accident
Wednesday, Jul. 09, 2008
Shocking incident takes place in Brewers clubhouse as skinny infielder gets in between massive stomachs.
Radio Brief: Selig changes course, encourages steroid use for Home Run Derby
Tuesday, Jul. 08, 2008
MLB commissioner decides he liked the contest better when the participants were juiced.
The Heckler's July '08 Issue is out
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Among the headlines: Big Z goes nuts and Santo gets lost at Home Depot for 8 hours
The July 2008 edition of The Heckler is out on the streets and is guaranteed to make you laugh or your money back. Pick up your free copy in Chicago today, or subscribe and get it delivered to your home, office, email address or prison cell.
Wood saves Cards from sweep by Cubs with 3-run meltdown Saturday
Weekend recap from Sunday, July 6, 2008
Nearly perfect weekend ruined by one bad inning
Kerry Wood made the All-Star team this year, but almost by default: There's a shortage of good closers in the NL this season. He proved he doesn't deserve to make the team this weekend when he was the sole reason the Cubs didn't sweep the Cardinals and instead had to settle for taking two out of three and leaving the Loo with a 3.5 over their fat, sweaty brethern in Missouri and Wisconsin.
Sabathia traded to Brewers; average weight of Wisconsinites goes up five pounds
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Wisconsin is generally regarded as the beefiest state of the union and it got a little fatter when the Brewers acquired C.C. Sabathia from the Indians Sunday.
Radio Brief: Tech glitch suspected as Murton gets 4.3 million votes in final hour of All-Star balloting
Thursday, Jul. 03, 2008
The Cubs outfielder surprises everyone with late surge.
Lil' Mike Fontenot powers Cubs to big win in SF
Game recap from Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Half pint comes up huge in 6-5 win
Mike Fontenot is listed at 5-foot, 8-inches and 170 pounds. There's no way that he physically should be able to hit a Major League home run. It just doesn't make sense. But he did last night, a solo shot in the eighth inning to break a 5-5 tie and help the Cubs beat the Giants 6-5.
Radio Brief: Cubs radio main reason people still buying fax machines
Wednesday, Jul. 02, 2008
Hughes and Santo still receive messages old-fashioned way for some reason.
Overpaid Zito continues serving meatballs as Cubs roll to easy win in SF
Game recap from Monday, June 30, 2008
DeRosa knocks in 6 filling in for Aramis
Two off-seasons ago, the Giants signed one-time Cy Young winner Barry Zito to a seven-year, $126 million deal. Many observers thought San Francisco was grossly overpaying for the lefty. They were wrong, but only because "grossly" doesn't accurately describe how bad this deal was for the Giants.
Cubs tell Zambrano to eliminate food intake
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
'Food-Free Pyramid Diet' recommended immediately
Less than two months after Cubs medical personnel instructed Carlos Zambrano -- scheduled to return from a short stint on the DL Friday -- to eliminate his caffeine intake, which they said was causing him cramps, team doctors went a step further, ordering the 6-foot, 5-inch, 255-pound pitcher to eliminate everything from his diet that contains calories.
On Deck Radio Report: Pat Hughes will again prepare for game by reading entire dictionary and other predictions
Monday, Jun. 30, 2008
This week's predictions: the Cubs radio announcer will brush up on his knowledge of every single word, the Bulls GM will get a call that makes him think twice about his draft pick, and Prince Fielder will binge on the 4th.
North Side Perspective: Listless Cubs get swept da hell outta Bridgeport
Weekend recap for Monday, June 30, 2008
Oh boy was that ugly
When your team can't hit, can't pitch and several of its best players are banged up, your team's not going to win, particularly in an environment so hostile its fans should probably be wearing kevlar. That's what the Cubs were up against this weekend as the White Sox swept them handily, giving Sox fans something to brag about for the next year of their sad little lives.
Cubs bounce back against Orioles
Thursday, June 26, 2008
MacPhail tries to fleece Cubs be reopening Roberts trade talks
After dropping a sloppy game to the Orioles the night before to end their 14-game home win streak, the Cubs bounced back Wednesday to take the middle game against Baltimore.
Brian Roberts shows up Mark DeRosa as Cubs' home winning streak ends
June 24, 2008
Cub players pin loss on Daryle Ward for scarfing down entire pregame buffet
The Cubs lost their first home game in over a month Tuesday night, despite charging back from a six run deficit. Afterward, several Cubs players blamed veteran Daryle Ward for the defeat, who'd been recalled from the DL before the game. Why was it Ward's fault?
Piniella installs electronic lift in dugout
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Manager needs help getting to field
Interested in taking care of their manager in any way possible, the Cubs installed an electronic lift to help Lou Piniella out of the dugout during games at Wrigley Field.
Radio Brief: Hawk hoping to call games for Cubs this weekend
Wednesday, Jun. 25, 2008
The Sox announcer is looking to change sides for the weekend so he doesn't have to go silent every time the Cubs hit a homer.
Radio Brief: Piniella gives birth to twins
Tuesday, Jun. 24, 2008
The Cubs manager discovers the real reason for his distended belly.
North Side Perspective: Eat that Sox fans!
Series recap from Sunday, June 22, 2008
Cubs sweep dirty Sox out of Wrigley as terrific season continues
The Cubs' great season got even better after the North Siders swept the Sox at Wrigley this weekend, giving their fans bragging rights over Sox fans who were sent slouching back to Homewood, Cal City or whatever god-foresaken smelly town it is they call home, left to ponder their meager existence while sucking down yet another Marlboro Menthol.
On Deck Radio Report: Cubs will up beer prices for 'premium innings' and other predictions
Monday, June 22, 2008
This week's predictions: the Cubs will announce a new way to make more money, female fans on both sides of town will prepare for Cubs-Sox part two, and Sunday night's game will get physical.
Sox fans work on politically, factually incorrect Fukudome heckles
Friday, June 20, 2008
'Go back to China!' and 'Me love you long time' sure-fire misses
Ever since the Cubs signed Kosuke Fukudome, White Sox fans have feverishly been brainstorming politically incorrect heckles for the Cubs-Sox series, which starts today. White Sox street marketing guru Mickey O'Sullinski claims they have some real gems this year for the Japanese native.
Zambrano to join Tiger on the shelf
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Loss to Rays doubly bad as Big Z leaves game early with shoulder soreness
On a day when it was announced to the world that golf superstar Tiger Woods would be out for the rest of the year due to knee surgery, the Cubs may have gotten some bad injury news of their own, when their ace, Carlos Zambrano left Wednesday's game with shoulder soreness.
Wrigley gets 'Culverized'
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Historic scoreboard painted brown, grill marks added
Fans attending this weekend's Cubs-Sox series at Wrigley will soon find another corporate sponsor had left its mark on the Friendly Confines, as the famed scoreboard had been "Culverized."
Radio Brief: Fans agree winning Crosstown Series more important than World Series
Thursday, Jun. 19, 2008
Taking the majority of games against their crosstown rivals is the most important thing their team can do this year, according to fans on both sides of town.
Dickie V skips Jon Scheyer weight training session to watch Rays edge Cubs
Game recap from June 17, 2008
Cubs lose opener at Tropicana Gulag, I mean Field
The Cubs' three day sentence to Tropicana Prison, err, Field, began in shaky fashion, as baseball's best team fell to the home Rays, 3-2. ESPN college basketball analyst and Tampa Bay Rays super-fan Dick Vitale took a brief hiatus from covering voluntary Duke basketball summer workouts to take in the dreary, bleak atmosphere that is the Rays' home park.
Rothschild removes warm-up jacket for the first time in six years
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Reveals tattoo from crazy 2005 road trip
In an event that rivaled the anticipation of the Al Capone vault unveiling, Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild removed his warm-up jacket yesterday for the first time in six years.
Hall of Fame Game rainout allows WGN to air classic Maury episode
June 16, 2008
TV scheduling change gives me excuse to watch 'My boyfriend swears he had sex with my mother!'
Projecting basement-level TV ratings for the annual Hall of Fame Game, WGN was relieved when a rain out allowed the network to pull the plug on its coverage of Monday's Cubs-Padres telecast, instead deciding to air the highly-anticipated Maury episode: "My boyfriend swears he had sex with my mother!"
Radio Brief: Cubs out do themselves with B-List celebs for stretch during Sox series
Tuesday, Jun. 17, 2008
The Cubs-Sox series will feature Chicago area celebrities some people may have heard of singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."
Cubs take two of three from Blue Jays
Series recap from Sunday, June 15, 2008
There is still Major League Baseball in Canada, but it ain't pretty
The big Cubby Blue Machine kept on rolling this weekend, taking two of three from the Blue Jays. In case you're thinking what I'm thinking: Yes, there still is a Major League Baseball team north of the border. And they suck.
Passport problems keep Woo-Woo from making trip to Toronto
Friday, June 13, 2008
Cubs vs. Blue Jays -- June 13-15
From San Francisco to Atlanta, Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers somehow finds a way to visit ballparks across the county to root on his beloved Cubbies. But the unofficial team mascot, who annoys fans nationwide with his high-pitched wooing shrieks, will not be making the trip north of the border this year due to recent visa problems.
Cubs throttle Braves as Soriano goes down with broken hand
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Team's error total sure to drop significantly over next six weeks
In their easy victory over the Braves on Wednesday night, the Cubs lost one of their main offensive cogs when outfielder Alfonso Soriano was hit on the left hand by a Jeff Bennett pitch in the third inning.
Felix Pie demoted to Lane Tech
June 11, 2008
Struggling Iowa CF designated to IHSA summer league
The Iowa Cubs have optioned struggling outfielder Felix Pie to Lane Tech High School, GM Jim Hendry announced Wednesday.
Lilly uses old-school 'yacker' to lead Cubs past Braves
Game recap from Tuesday, June 10, 2008
If you're not familiar with the term 'yacker' then keep reading
The Cubs looked sharp after an off-day Monday, tomahawk-chopping the once-mighty Braves in half, 10 to 5. Despite an enormous strike zone that would've made Hawk Harrelson cry umpire conspiracy, the Cubs managed double-digit runs for the ninth time this season.
Radio Brief: MLB makes deal with T-Mobile, all signs to be sent by text
Wednesday, Jun. 11, 2008
New sponsor means teams will do away with hand signals.
The June '08 issue of The Heckler is out
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Among the headlines: Cubs go green, Sox Park to serve as city's 3rd airport
The June 2008 edition of The Heckler is out on the streets and is guaranteed to make you laugh or your money back. Pick up your free copy in Chicago today, or subscribe and get it delivered to your home, office, email address or prison cell.
On Deck Radio Report: Theriot will try to vote self onto All-Star Team and other predictions
Monday, Jun. 09, 2008
This week's predictions: Theriot's computer time will make him late for a game, Benson will actually set an NFL record, and the Cubs will turn a baseball problem into a giveaway.
Cubs fire grounds crew
Friday, June 6, 2008
Unpaid contest winners replace staffers in cost-cutting move
The Cubs announced another cost-cutting move last week, firing the entire Wrigley Field grounds crew and replacing them with unpaid daily contest winners, who will have the chance to labor manually on historic Wrigley Field in the Briggs & Stratton Push a Mower at Wrigley Field Dream Day Giveaway, Presented by Citibank.
Cubs' winning streak halted as Brenly makes deal to save mustache
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Announcers' secret pre-game meeting with umpire helps silence Cub bats
When TV analyst Bob Brenly agreed to shave his mustache if the Cubs won 10 games in a row, he made a deal with the devil. When the Cubs ran their win streak to nine on Tuesday night, a petrified Brenly held a secret meeting with home plate umpire Bill Hohn.
Brenly one game away from shaving world-renowned mustache
June 3, 2008
Barrett's incompetence, Cubs' power surge help extend win streak to 9
On the night Barack Obama clinched the Democratic party's nomination for President, another event of historic and far-reaching proportions became a day closer to reality: the potential shaving of Bob Brenly's longtime, well-groomed mustache.
Zambrano does it all in Cubs' 8th straight win
June 2, 2008
Brenly agrees to shave mustache if Cubs sweep series (not a joke)
Carlos Zambrano used his arm (5 INN, W), bat (3 for 3, RBI) and legs (triple, bunt single, foot-stomping temper tantrum) in helping the Cubs – who remain baseball's best team at 37-21 – to their eighth straight win in front of a raucous pro-Chicago crowd.
Radio Brief: Selig hopes replay replaces steroids in legacy
Tuesday, Jun. 03, 2008
Selig wants to be known as "Replay-Era" Commissioner.
Fukudome fans show up to work Monday with weird headband tans
Monday, June 2, 2008
Cubs Japanese right fielder not sympathtic
Following great weather this weekend, Cubs fans returning to work Monday are sporting some unique tan lines, particularly those who actively support right fielder Kosuke Fukudome by wearing Japanese-style headbands to games Saturday or Sunday.
Soriano silences critics for one night only as Cubs sweep Dodgers
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Game-winning single trumps recent outfield misplays
For one night only, everything came up roses for Alfonso Soriano, who made a solid running catch in foul territory in the second and hit a game-winning bloop single in the 10th to finish off a sweep of the Dodgers.
Erin Andrews outshines Cubs on Fukudome Bobblehead night
May 28, 2008
Cub win overshadowed by presence of ESPN sideline reporter
As usual, the presence of ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews overshadowed everything that occurred on the field Tuesday night. The light haired goddess' three on-camera appearances and seven in-game reports -- not that I was counting -- brought meaning and purpose to an otherwise dull evening. Oh yeah, the Cubs won 3-1.
Fan with 'Fukudome for President' sign isn't kidding
May 28, 2008
Delusional Cubs enthusiast believes outfielder has ability to unite nation
Die hard Cub fan Ron Plous says he wasn't kidding when he held up a "Fukudome for President" sign at the Cubs-Dodgers game Tuesday night.
Radio Brief: Soriano diagnosed with rare spitting disorder
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
The Cubs left fielder has a medical reason to explain his constant spitting.
Soriano's baseball IQ drops below Mendoza Line
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Pair of weekend gaffes solidifies outfielder's mental shortcomings
The Alfonso Soriano soap opera took another major dip this weekend in Pittsburgh when the $136 million man was responsible for two major miscues in a pair of losses in Pittsburgh.
Stars and stripes align for Cubs in Memorial Day win
May 27, 2008
Zambrano leaves due to cramping, dehydration even though he was in dugout all game
Proof that this would be the Cubs' day came early on, when Alfonso Soriano -- whose anemic defense has suddenly turned Cub fans into staunch advocates of the DH -- hustled into the gap to make a running catch. Another rare occurrence came in the sixth, when Soriano patiently coaxed a walk to lead off the inning. Video replays of these historic events are currently being tested for authenticity.
On Deck Radio Report: Piniella will decide even Ramirez running better than Soriano and other predictions
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
This week's predictions: the Cubs skipper will make a lineup change, the Bulls will investigate combining their coaching and draft pick searches, and more Patriots cheating allegations will surface.
Billy Williams statue to be erected in shadow of Ernie Banks statue
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monument also to be smaller than Mr. Cub's
The Cubs have announced they will erect a small statue of Hall of Fame outfielder Billy Williams at Wrigley Field next year, and it will be placed in the shadow of the much-larger statue of Ernie Banks.
Cubs win game 2-0 if you don't count bottom of the fourth
Game recap from Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Unfortunately that part was factored into final score
Aramis Ramirez's two-run homer in the top of the fourth inning helped the Cubs to a 2-0 victory if you don't count the bottom of that frame, when Hunter Pence (is that seriously his real name?) hit a grand slam. Wednesday’s official standings, unfortunately, have taken the latter hit into account.
Radio Brief: Fukudome shirts lead to more offensive merchandise
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
A hawker of offensive Fukudome t-shirts proves he'll go even further to make a buck.
Drama-filled Cubs win takes back seat to Orel Hershiser in-booth pitching clinic
Game recap from Monday, May 19, 2008
Soto's inside the park homer, Edmonds' spectacular catch highlight on-field action
Jim Edmonds had a spectacular, Willie Mays-like catch Monday night and Geovany Soto had an unlikely inside-the-park homer, but nothing during the Cubs' convincing win matched the excitement of ESPN analyst Orel Hershiser's inning-long pitching tutorial on the intricacies of gripping a baseball. Where's Erin Andrews when you need her?
Cubs continue tradition of beating Pirates
Series recap from Sunday, May 18, 2008
Homestand ends on high note with series win
They say that the two things you can depend on in life are death and taxes. Perhaps Cubs victories against the Pirates should be added to that short list.
On Deck Radio Report: Sox camera crew will stay home to watch Cubs and other predictions
Monday, May 19, 2008
This week's predictions: a White Sox game will go untelevised, the Cubs will try to cool off Lance Berkman, and Urlacher will get a new endorsement deal.
Edmonds falls, can't get up
May 15, 2008
New Cub collapses during routine physical, still likely to replace Pie
Edmonds – a 37 year old veteran and four-time All Star whom the Cubs just claimed off waivers from the lowly San Diego Padres – was reportedly jogging on a treadmill during his routine physical when he lost his balance, shrieked in agony, and collapsed to the training room floor. He still hasn't gotten up, doctors say.
With Edmonds on their mind, Cubs fall to Padres
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Washed-up Shawn Estes beats former team for first win since '05
On a rainy night at Wrigley, the Cubs appeared to be more preoccupied with the impending arrival of the aging, decrepit and hated Jim Edmonds -- who will most likely be signed to a deal on Wednesday to take over partial center field duties -- than taking care of the lowly Padres, as the North Siders squandered an early 3-0 lead, eventually falling to their washed-up former teammate Shawn Estes, making his first start in the big leagues in two years.
Years of pent-up frustration finally boiling over for mild-mannered Sandberg
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Peoria Chiefs' skipper suspended three games for inciting brawl
During his Hall of Fame career with the Cubs, Ryne Sandberg rarely displayed any emotion on the field, silently going about the business of playing the game he loved. He was so quiet, in fact, many wondered if the mild-mannered second baseman even had a tongue. But all has changed for the nine-time Gold Glove winner.
Announcer of love: Kasper cast in new reality TV show
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
15 women fight for heart of Cubs' play-by-play man
Cubs' play-by-play man Len Kasper is one step closer to becoming a bona-fide rock star, as opposed to his current wannabe rock star status. The quirky and quotable Kasper has just scored his first reality TV show, starring in Comcast SportsNet's "Announcer of Love."
Cubs pitchers turn Great American Ballpark into launching pad
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Surrender seven home runs to Reds in 9-0 whitewash
In baseball, 9-0 is a forfeit score. The Cubs should have waved the surrender flag early Wednesday morning but instead stood by idly as the Reds teed off on Jon Lieber -- making his first and last start of season -- and the two Seans (Marshall and Gallagher) to the tune of seven home runs.
Soriano to begin every at-bat with 0-2 count
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Umpires figure this will stop wasting their time
Since Alfonso Soriano returned to the lineup late last week after his most recent leg injury, the Cubs $136 million man has been consistently awful. The latest news has umpires saving time by starting Soriano's at-bats with his inevitable 0-2 count.
Error, base running blunder by diminutive second baseman contributes to Cubs loss
Game recap from Monday, May 5, 2008
Oh no Fontenot!
With his short stature and scruffy hair, Cubs second baseman Mike Fontenot resembles a Hobbit more than a Major League ballplayer. A hot start to his '08 campaign, however, has given Fontenot extra playing time off skipper Lou Piniella's bench. Unfortunately, Monday was simply not his day, as a costly first inning error and a ninth inning base running gaffe left the little guy scurrying for his Hobbit hole, as the Cubs dropped a tough one to the Reds in Cincinnati.
On Deck Radio Report: Brenly will ruin new WGN Podcast Studio and other predictions
Monday, May 5, 2008
This week's predictions: an early game time means Ward won't get to eat all his meals, the Cubs broadcaster will pick a horrible time to leave a jacuzzi running, and Ozzie will find someone new to slur - his own team.
On Deck Radio Report: Bonds, Sosa to start 'anything goes' baseball league and other predictions
Monday, Apr. 28, 2008
This week's predictions: two former sluggers start a league where they can do whatever they want, Soriano's return from the DL is brief, and a Maddux physical leads to an interesting conclusion.
Cubs toy with Rockies, win in 10 innings
Game recap from Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Cubs are so good these days that they can simply toy with teams, like they did with the defending NL champion Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night, to run their winning streak to six.
Santo banned from pronouncing name of new Japanese player
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
FCC wants to make sure Cubs' radio broadcasts are clean
Perhaps no one was more excited about the Cubs' offseason acquisition of Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome than radio broadcaster Ron Santo. However, observers have noticed major problems with the phonetically challenged Cubs radio man's attempts to pronounce the name so far this season.
Cubs thrash Mets again behind 'Honus' Cedeno
Game recap from Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Less-than-mediocre infielder lights up the Mets
Ho-hum, another day at Wrigley Field, and another thrashing of the hated New York Mets by the Cubs behind the hot bat of Ronny Cedeno. Yes, that Ronny Cedeno, who capped off easily the best two-game series of his big league career with a grand slam and five RBI Tuesday afternoon.
Radio Brief: Dempster still talking about catching first pitch from model
Tuesday, Apr. 22, 2008
Other players getting annoyed as the Cubs pitcher has spent the last week talking about catching a ceremonial first pitch from a swimsuit model.
After win over Mets, Cedeno readies for World Series
Game recap from Monday, April 21, 2008
With their fourth win in a row, an early season stronghold on first place in the NL Central, and most of the team hitting over .300, youngster Ronny Cedeno -- who is having success for the first time in his big league career -- is already preparing for October.
Offense explodes as Cubs sweep Pirates
Weekend recap for Monday, April 21, 2008
If the Cubs could play the Pittsburgh Pirates for 162 games, they'd be a lock for the NL Central crown. The North Siders moved to 5-0 against the lowly Bucs this season with a sweep this weekend at Wrigley Field. The Cubs scored a combined 29 runs in the three-game series and have won the past nine games straight against the Bucs going back to last season.
Wrigley rooftop owner sells naming rights
Friday, April 18, 2008
10-year-deal brings fans 'ChicagoWhiteSox.com Rooftop'
Cubs fans should get used to seeing a new corporate logo over the left field wall. Rooftop building owner Tom Sajackson sold the naming rights to his building.
Lilly continues generosity on the mound as Cubs get blown out by Reds
Game recap from Thursday, April 17, 2008
Dusty's squad leaves town without being swept
Dusty Baker left town Thursday afternoon in better spirits, as his Reds team blew out the Cubs 9-2 thanks to the continued suck-fest that is Ted Lilly's early season performance on the mound. The North Siders must have out-hit themselves from Wednesday's night's action, in which the Cubs scored 12 runs off Cincinnati.
Soriano blames injury on Zambrano's caffeine intake
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Alfonso Soriano blamed Carlos Zambrano's recent decision to reduce his caffeine intake to avoid arm cramps for the $136 million outfielder's right calf injury while doing his trademark annoying "Hop-Catch" move in the first inning of the Cubs 9-5 victory over Cincinnati Tuesday night.
Radio Brief: Zambrano's banana diet leads to Chiquita tie in
Wednesday, Apr. 16, 2008
The Cubs manage to turn their ace pitcher's cramping problems into sponsorship dollars.
Dusty's return equals win for Cubs
Game recap from Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Soriano injured catching routine fly ball
As expected, Dusty Baker was greeted by boo birds in his much ballyhooed return to Wrigley Field. While the 39,000 fans in the stands wondered how Paul Bako -- who started behind the plate for Dusty's Reds -- could still be in the league, the Cubs showed no mercy for their former manager in the series opening win over Cincinnati.
Baker, Reds sign six new players off scrap heap to face Cubs
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Hopes 'veteran presence' gives his new team added boost
Reds manager Dusty Baker has never hidden the fact that he prefers a roster full of veterans over a bunch of youngsters. Baker is taking it to extremes this week in order to beat his old team, the Chicago Cubs, by convincing Reds GM Wayne Krivsky to sign six of his former players just for the series at Wrigley Field.
Radio Brief: Piniella looking for overtime pay after string of extra inning games
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Cubs manager can't believe he doesn't get time and a half.
Baker expects to conduct '7th Inning Stretch' in first visit to Wrigley as Reds manager
Monday, April 14, 2008
Former Cubs manager confident fans will celebrate return
Dusty Baker defied logic and history by becoming the first person in 15 years to manage a Major League team after being skipper of the Chicago Cubs. That fact is not lost on Baker, who is now leading the Cincinnati Reds. As Baker returns to Wrigley this week, he believes anything is possible--including him singing the "7th Inning Stretch."
Cubs avoid sweep thanks to errors in judgement and extra inning baseball
Weekend recap for Monday, April 14, 2008
Umps blown HR call favors Cubs
Apparently, the Cubs need more than nine innings to have success on the road as they showed in Pittsburgh last week. The same held true for the North Siders in Philadelphia, as the Cubs lost the first two games in regulation, winning the third in 10 innings Sunday. That extra inning in the final game of the series helped avoid the sweep at the hands of the Phillies.
Radio Brief: Derosa complains hitting behind Fukudome makes him look bad
Friday, Apr. 11, 2008
The Cubs second baseman would like to bat somewhere else in the lineup.
Cubs complete 3-game sweep of Pirates in 36 innings
Game recap from Thursday, April 10, 2008
Fans feel cheated after North Siders win third game in regulation
Geovany Soto may not be able to throw out base-stealers, but the guy can hit--amazingly in clutch positions when the game actually matters, unlike some higher-paid players on the team. A five-run sixth helped propel the Cubs to their fifth victory in a row as they finish their first sweep of the young season.
Pie shocks the world, delivers game-winning hit
Game recap from Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Cubs' ugly winning streak reaches four
Do you believe in miracles? Yes. In perhaps the biggest shocker since the U.S. hockey team defeated the Soviets at the 1980 Olympics, light-hitting Felix Pie delivered a 15th inning two-run, game-winning single late Wednesday night, to lead the Cubs to their fourth consecutive win.
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