Game 37: The Definition of Insanity = Cubs Bullpen

Source: View From the Bleachers by joe@viewfromthebleachers.com (Joe Aiello)

What is the definition of insanity? Some would say it's doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results each time. I say it's watching the Cubs bullpen.

To read the rest of the post, be sure to visit us at www.viewfromthebleachers.com

With Worley out, Kendrick proves capable yet again for Phillies (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies' arrival in Chicago came on the heels of a three-game winning streak, the longest for the underachieving, five-time reigning National League East champs this season. But it also came shortly after the news that right-hander Vance Worley would be scratched Wednesday night in Chicago with a right elbow injury.

Anthony Rizzo Nearing Call To Chicago Cubs

Source: Ivy Report by Randy Holt

It’s only the middle of May, but this Chicago Cubs team has been a bit mroe exciting to watch than many expected them to be. If it wasn’t for an abysmal bullpen, they’d actually be a pretty decent ballclub, at least in terms of their record. In fact, they may actually have an All Star not named Starlin Castro.

Bryan LaHair has been an absolute force in the Cubs’ lineup this year, making a statement that perhaps he should have been in the bigs before 2012. LaHair has done the work this year both with a steady bat as far as his average goes, as well as the big power numbers. He likely won’t maintain his absurd .352 average and .445 on-base percentage, but his power numbers (10 home runs) are legit.

At this point, it’s pretty much established, finally at 29 years old, that LaHair is a Major League first baseman, and not the “AAAA player” that most assumed he was. Most fans and experts figured that LaHair would be nothing more than a placeholder for Anthony Rizzo. Instead, the Cubs could have a good problem on their hands within the next couple of weeks.

Anthony Rizzo has been spending his days with the Iowa Cubs mashing Triple A pitching. He has 13 home runs on the year, and is hitting .339. He might be up at this point, if it weren’t for the emergence of LaHair. But at some point, and it’s going to be soon, Rizzo and LaHair are going to be in the same batting order.

Scenarios abound as to how the Cubs can get the already anointed ”first baseman of the future” into the Chicago lineup. Some involve a trade of LaHair at some point, or of Alfonso Soriano, but neither of the two sound very likely to be going anywhere anytime soon. It’s also been suggested that Rizzo could move to third base. He throws lefty, though, so that’s out.

So how do the Cubs get Rizzo and LaHair into the same lineup? Any potential lineup features Rizzo at first regardless, given his outstanding defense and the fact that LaHair is more than capable in the outfield. Do they bench Soriano? Move David DeJesus to center field? The latter seems more likely there, given that money talks and the team is much more likely to bench Tony Campana than Soriano, who isn’t going to be benched, cut, or traded any time soon.

No matter how the lineup shakes out, it’s going to be an exciting day when the Cubs send out a lineup dressing both Rizzo and LaHair in the batting order. Rizzo is going to force the Cubs to call him up, and once he is up he is going to stay, which is likely part of the hold up in calling him up. With the front office already looking at ways to get both of them into the lineup, it shouldn’t be long before we see both in the lineup.

Bullpen Sputters In Loss to Phillies

Source: Cubbies Crib by Andrew Denny

 

Being a Cubs fan is a tough gig.

Some games you have it, some games you don’t.

And then there are some games where your favorite baseball team gives up grand slams in the top of the 9th, which makes you want to go drink an entire of … [visit site to read more]

Bullpen Sputters In Loss to Phillies - Cubbies Crib - Cubbies Crib - A Chicago Cubs Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

Cubs Down on the Farm Report - 05/17/12

Source: Chicago Cubs Online by Tom U.

With the return of some players from injuries, the system took a turn for the better, going 8-2 to start the week. Peoria welcomed back Anthony Giansanti, as he played a big part in their three wins. Daytona had an off-day and a rainout, but won on Monday thanks to Austin Kirk. Junior Lake has reached base in all nine of his games since returning from injury, as Tennessee won two of three. And out on the west coast, Iowa received great hitting from Anthony Rizzo, as well as an outstanding pitching performance by Chris Rusin.

As Jack Brickhouse used to say ... for the happy totals come look in today's Down on the Farm Report.

Note: Monday's report will cover games from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday's report covers games Sunday through Tuesday.

Low Class-A - Peoria Chiefs (18-21)
With a new week there is a new mission, as Peoria started off on the right foot by beating Burlington 5-3 on Sunday. The Chiefs are playing teams in the lower part of the Midwest League's Western Division, so the time to make up ground is now. Starter Jose Rosario began to show the promise he had when the season started. Rosario blanked the Bees for six innings while striking out seven batters. Manager Casey Kopitzke did the right thing to get Rosario out of the game on a high note, and brought in dependable Luis Liria. Liria did surrender and earned run, but held the lead by striking out three over two innings. The game almost got away as the relatively inexperienced Charles Thomas. Thomas gave up two earned runs in 0.2 innings. But Jeffrey Lorick was able to collect his fifth save by striking the last batter out.

The Chiefs' hitters took on Sean Murphy, one of the best pitchers in the Midwest League, but were able to give Rosario some breathing room as they scratched out a run. Wes Darvill (0-for-2, three walks, two runs scored) was able to come home on a Paul Hoilman (2-for-4, RBI) single. Rafael Lopez had an RBI as he was 1-for-2, while Ryan Cuneo and Anthony Giansanti each drove in a run while going 1-for-4.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Pitching dominated Monday's contest, as the Chiefs were able to squeak past Burlington 2-1. Kyler Burke was on the hill for Peoria and struck out four in six innings. Burke allowed an earned run during his outing. Austin Reed continues to thrive in his bullpen role, as he kept the Bees in check for two innings and struck out three batters. Closer Yao-Lin Wang was able to pick up his second save after striking out two in the ninth inning.

Six hits were all that the Chiefs were able to manage, but they also received good situational hitting from Taiwan Easterling and Taylor Davis, whose sacrifice flies scored Peoria's only runs. Anthony Giansanti was 2-for-4, while Pin-Chieh Chen was 1-for-3 and a run scored.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

It was some fun in the sun on Tuesday's get-away day, as Peoria was able to scratch out a 2-0 victory over Burlington. Zeke DeVoss had a coming out party of sorts, as he was 2-for-2 with two walks and four stolen bases, scoring both runs for the Chiefs. Taiwan Easterling was 1-for-3 with an RBI, and Taylor Davis was 2-for-4 including a triple.

Gerardo Concepcion was able to get out of the first inning unscored upon for the first time in his professional career, as he tossed six innings and struck out three batters. Ben Wells also struck out three as he earned a save the hard way by pitching three scoreless innings.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

High Class-A - Daytona Cubs (14-22)
For those who like offense, you could have left after the first inning of Monday's 2-1 over Brevard County. However, if you like pitching, this was your kind of game. Austin Kirk continues to shine, as he lowered his ERA to 1.75 by allowing only an earned run in seven innings, striking out five Manatees. AJ Morris and Tony Zych cleaned up, each with a scoreless inning as Morris was awarded a hold and Zych recorded his fourth save. There wasn't a lot of hitting, as Nelson Perez had two of the D-Cubs' four hits, going 2-for-4 with two RBI and a stolen Base. Arismendy Alcantara was 1-for -4 with two steals, while pinch-runner Elieser Bonne swiped his tenth base.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Double-A - Tennessee Smokies (17-22)
With a rainout on Sunday, Monday saw Tennessee playing two against Jackson. The Smokies were all over the Generals in the opener, drubbing them 15-4. Logan Watkins (2-for-3, double, home run, two walks, four RBI) set the tone by belting a two-run homer in the first, with Junior Lake (2-for-2, double, home run, three walks, stolen base, RBI) aboard. Joining in the fun were Jae-Hoon Ha (3-for-5, double, RBI), Rebel Ridling (1-for-3, four RBI), Justin Bour (2-for-3, two doubles, two RBI), and Michael Burgess (1-for-4, double, three RBI). Starter Trey McNutt had his best outing of the season, striking out five in five innings while allowing two solo home runs. Brian Schlitter was assigned mop up, and gave up two runs, one earned) in the final two innings.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Tennessee may have wished to save some of those runs from the first game, as they dropped the nightcap 3-1 to Jackson. Dallas Beeler went the whole seven innings and gave up three earned runs on two home runs, while striking out three batters. Elliot Soto drove in the only run for the Smokies as he was 2-for-3.

With an off-day on Wednesday, the Smokies decided to clear out their bullpen in order to secure a 10-8 victory over Jackson on Tuesday. Dae-Eun Rhee started and was the victim of some shoddy defense, including two of his own errors, as he allowed six runs (two earned) in four innings. Jeffry Antigua gave up two earned runs in an inning of work, but the scoring stopped there. Three pitchers combined to put up zeroes the rest of the way, as Marcus Hatley pitched an inning, Casey Weathers tossed two and ended up with the win, and Alberto Cabrera closed things out for his second save.

The Smokies recaptured some of the thunder they displayed in game one the previous day, as Junior Lake was 3-for-5 with a double and three RBI. James Adduci also drove in three on two doubles as he was 2-for-3. Slugging his sixth homer of the season, Justin Bour was 2-for-4, including a double. Matt Cerda was also 2-for-5.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

Triple-A - Iowa Cubs (17-21)
Iowa nearly threw away a gem on Sunday, but was able to hold on to a 4-3 victory over Sacramento. Chris Rusin had another great outing, striking seven while holding the River Cats scoreless over eight innings. Scott Maine was called on to finish things up, but got into trouble and gave up three earned runs in 0.1 innings. Blake Parker was able to put down the rally and ended up with his fifth save.

Lining up at DH, Anthony Rizzo hit two doubles, and was 3-for-4 for the afternoon. However, it was Ty Wright that ended up coming through, as he drove in two with his second homer of the season, while going 2-for-4. Blake Lalli (1-for-4, double) came home on Wright's blast, while Luis Valbuena's sacrifice fly scored Matt Tolbert (1-for-4) in the eighth with what proved to be the winning run.

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Some struggling pitchers were able to put things together on Monday, as they were able to stave off Sacramento 3-1. Rodrigo Lopez is what he is, a spot starter/long relief man who can give you a few good innings, like he was able to this night. Lopez went five innings and struck four as he allowed an earned run. Demoted Jay Jackson was also able to post four strikeouts, as he held the River Cats scoreless for two innings. Nate Robertson had struggled this season, but had it going as he held Sacramento without a run, while Scott Maine picked up a save as he shut them down in the ninth.

The longball was the key for the Iowa offense, as Anthony Rizzo (1-for-4) put the I-Cubs on the board with a solo shot in the first. Blake Lalli (1-for-4) was able to put Iowa ahead for good as he led off the fifth with his own home run. Alfredo Amezaga (1-for-4) added the clincher as he drove in Ty Wright (1-for-4). Luis Valbuena was also 2-for-4.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

With a travel day on Wednesday, Iowa had an afternoon start on Tuesday, and looked like they were more concerned with getting on the road than the game in their 9-4 loss to Sacramento. Randy Wells had a couple of good outings in his previous two games. But on Tuesday, he looked like, well, Randy Wells as he surrendered seven earned runs in five innings while striking out five in the process. Manny Corpas sat down the River Cats in order for an inning, but recently signed Mike MacDougal was only able to go 0.2 innings, a gave up two earned runs off four walks and a hit. Esmailin Caridad got the I-Cubs out of MacDougal's jam, while Jeff Beliveau struck out the side in the eighth. The lone shining star was Anthony Rizzo, whose two-run blast in the first gave him 13 for the season, as he was 3-for-4, including a triple. Alfredo Amezaga added his own homer in the eighth inning, bringing in Gioskar Amaya, who collected his first Triple-A hit earlier in the inning.

News and Notes
The Chicago Cubs signed RHP Mike MacDougal, who was assigned to the Iowa Cubs. Infielder Gioskar Amaya was assigned to the Iowa Cubs from Extended Spring Training. The Iowa Cubs placed IF-OF Jonathan Mota on the 7-day disabled list with a sore right elbow. The Peoria Chiefs recalled RHP Bryce Shafer from Extended Spring Training; LHP Willengton Cruz was assigned to Peoria from Extended Spring Training.

The Chiefs added LHP Hunter Cervenka and RHP Larry Suarez. RHP Bryce Shafer was sent to Extended Spring Training. The Cubs released RHP Charles Thomas. Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa. Scott Maine was recalled from Triple-A Iowa.

CCO's Prospect Watch
Note: Outfielder Reggie Golden is out indefinitely with a knee injury. Replacing Golden on the list is the next highest player available in the fan vote: pitcher Tony Zych.

• Javier Baez (IF) - Extended Spring Training
• Jeimer Candelario (3B) - Extended Spring Training
• Zeke DeVoss (2B) - .248, six doubles, triple, two home runs, 11 RBI, six stolen bases (Peoria Chiefs)
• Junior Lake (IF) - . 344, three doubles, triple, home run, four RBI, two stolen bases (Tennessee Smokies)
• Dillon Maples (RHP) - Extended Spring Training
• Matt Szczur (OF) - .250, nine doubles, two triples, seven RBI, 16 stolen bases (Daytona Cubs)
• Ronald Torreyes (2B) - .178, three doubles, two triples, five RBI, four stolen bases (Daytona Cubs)
• Josh Vitters (3B) - .244, six doubles, three home runs, 17 RBI, stolen base (Iowa Cubs)
• Dan Vogelbach (1B) - Extended Spring Training
• Tony Zych (RHP) - 1-1, 3.320 ERA, 19.0 innings, 16 strikeouts, 4 walks, 1.21 WHIP, 4 saves (Daytona Cubs)

Follow ChicagoCubsOnline on Twitter: @TheCCO

NL Capsules (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ATLANTA (AP) Giancarlo Stanton hit a two-run homer and possibly saved two runs with a diving catch and the Miami Marlins beat the Braves 8-4 on Wednesday night, adding another win to their impressive May record.

Volstad hopes long-awaited win comes vs. Phils

Source: MLB.com by Jon Star

On Thursday, the Phillies seek to sweep the two-game set with the Cubs and win their fifth straight to move over the even mark for the first time since Opening Day. Chicago counters with Chris Volstad, who seeks his first win since July 10.

Young relief corps takes lumps as Cubs fall late

Source: MLB.com by Carrie Muskat

Carlos Ruiz hit a tiebreaking home run with one out in the eighth off Shawn Camp, and Hector Luna came out of nowhere to add a pinch-hit grand slam in a six-run ninth off Michael Bowden, powering the Phillies to a 9-2 victory Wednesday over the Cubs.

Soriano clubs second homer in as many days

Source: MLB.com

Alfonso Soriano was glad he finally hit his first home run. And he wasted no time hitting his second.

Phillies-Cubs Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Roy Halladay let out some frustration during his last start after the Philadelphia Phillies lost for the fifth consecutive time he'd taken the hill.

Chicago Cubs Can't Put All the Pieces Together: Fan's Take (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

You know those days when, no matter how hard you try, you can't quite get all the pieces of your life to work together? Maybe it's a job, a relationship, your car, or your kids, but whenever you seem to get one problem squared away, another surfaces. Such is the life for the 2012 Chicago Cubs.

Garcia strikes out nine, Freese homers for Cards (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Jaime Garcia matched his career high with nine strikeouts, David Freese hit a go-ahead solo home run in the seventh inning, and the St. Louis Cardinals gave manager Mike Matheny a victory against his old Giants team with a 4-1 win Wednesday night.

Brewers-Astros Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Now that Milwaukee's lengthy winning streak in Houston has ended, the Brewers hope Shaun Marcum can help them get back on track.

Cubs put Lendy Castillo on DL, recall lefty Scott Maine

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

The Cubs got what amounted to another arm in their bullpen when little-used Rule 5 pick Lendy Castillo (groin) went on the disabled list Wednesday.But the bullpen gave up seven runs in the last two innings of a 9-2 loss to Philadelphia. ‘‘We had all the matchups, whatever kind of matchup you want,’’ manager Dale Sveum said. ‘‘But [ Scott ] Maine just couldn’t throw a strike.’’ Maine, the left-hander called up from Class AAA Iowa, gave up a double, hit a guy and walked another without getting an out in the ninth. He was replaced by Michael Bowden, who …

5/16 Garza’s yips

Source: Muskat Ramblings by mlblogsmuskat1

Matt Garza had no problems throwing the ball over the plate. Throwing it to first was a little tricky. The Phillies’ Juan Pierre bunted on Garza in the first and he bounced the throw to first baseman Bryan LaHair for an error. Pierre bunted again in the third, and Garza again bounced the ball to LaHair.

“The first one, I had no time,” Garza said. “[Pierre] was out of the box I think before I even released the ball so I just picked it up and flipped it over as quick as I could.

“The second one, I get up and I’m about to throw it, and [Geovany Soto] tells me, ‘Don’t throw it, don’t throw it,’ and I was like, ‘I’m already going forward,’” Garza said. “Right there, if you’re thinking about ‘don’t throw it’ and you’re going, you’re not going to throw it where it needs to go.”

Soto checked on Garza after the play but the pitcher was fine.

“I said, ‘That was hilarious,’” Garza said. “I said, ‘You tell me ‘don’t throw’ and I’m already going through the motions.’ It’s not a big thing. I’ll keep going. If all teams are going to do is bunt against me, we’re going to have some quick games. I’m not too worried about that. They’ll have to hit a single to score.”

Dale Sveum was asked if Garza’s yips were more of a mental problem than physical.

“I’m not a psychologist,” Sveum said. “I don’t know what it is.”

– Carrie Muskat

Matt Garza solid again, but Cubs’ bullpen implodes again

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

During a game this spring against the Colorado Rockies between starts, Matt Garza was at the end of the dugout with a group of Cubs prospects who seemed to be doing more laughing than watching the game. Garza looked at minor-league left-hander Jeff Beliveau and asked him if he knew anything about the lefty hitter who was batting for the Rockies. ‘‘No,’’ Beliveau said. ‘‘Then you better start paying attention and watch this guy,’’ Garza told him, ‘‘because when you get up here, this is the guy you’re going to be facing.’’ Beliveau got serious and started focusing more on …

Cubs, Garza let down by bullpen again

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO -- Once again the bullpen let the Chicago Cubs and starter Matt Garza down in a 9-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies on Wednesday. Garza left the game with two outs in the seventh inning, and James Russell closed out the inning. But Shawn Camp, making his 18th appearance in the Cubs’ 37th game, gave up a solo home run to Carlos Ruiz in the eighth, and Scott Maine and Michael Bowden combined to give up six runs in the ninth inning. The big blow was a grand slam by pinch-hitter Hector Luna off Bowden.

Phillies pull away late for rout of Cubs (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO -- Late-inning heroics have become habit-forming for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Phillies beat Cubs 9-2 for 4th straight win (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO (AP) Kyle Kendrick got less than a day to prepare for his first start in a couple weeks, and he thought that was plenty of time.

Wrigley a source of strength for Garza

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO –Another outing removed from a nasty flu bug, Matt Garza looked to be back at full strength. The right-hander still wasn’t at his best, needing 107 pitches to get through 6 2/3 innings, but he continues to move in the right direction. “I’m just getting my legs back to where I need to be,” Garza said. “When I finish out the sevens, eights and nines (innings) I’ll get used to it. I’m not too worried about it.

Garza's throws to first base an adventure

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO – Matt Garza’s throws to the plate seem fine, it’s the ones off flat ground to first base that are an adventure. Garza added two more odd throws to first base Wednesday, both on balls out in front of home plate by the Philadelphia Phillies’ Juan Pierre. In the first inning, Garza appeared to guide the ball to first base, throwing it in the dirt. Pierre was called safe at first base and Garza was given the error, although television replays showed that first-base umpire Gerry David missed the call.

No Relief for the Cubs - Cubs 2, Phillies 9

Source: Chicago Cubs Online by Neil

Game Thirty-Seven - Cubs 2, Phillies 9
WP - Jose Contreras (1-0) LP - Shawn Camp (2-2) Save - None

Wednesday night's game between the Cubs and Phillies was tied at two going into the eighth inning. Matt Garza labored through a 6 2/3 inning start but allowed only two runs and kept his team in the game. Alfonso Soriano (1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI) drove in the Cubs' two runs with his second home run in as many games, a two-run line drive homer to left center in the fourth and gave the Cubs a brief 2-1 lead.

Carlos Ruiz broke the 2-2 tie with his seventh longball of the year with one out in the eighth off Shawn Camp ... then the Cubs' pen imploded in the ninth. The Phillies scored six runs in the ninth and turned a close ballgame into a blowout.

After the Phillies loaded the bases with no outs against the recently recalled Scott Maine, Michael Bowden gave up a two-run single to Ty Wigginton then a pinch-hit grand slam to Hector Luna.

Matt Garza admitted after the game that he is not back to full strength from his bout with the flu. Garza allowed two runs on eight hits with a walk and two strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. If not for two inning ending double plays turned in by the Cubs' defense, Garza's final line might have looked a lot different. Garza could not put hitters away early, coupled with his yips, he ran up his pitch count and left in the seventh after throwing 107 pitches, 70 for strikes.

While the Cubs' pen was horrible again, the offense was a no show on Wednesday night. There were only two highlights in nine innings ... a two-run home run by Alfonso Soriano in the fourth and a 14-pitch at bat by Bryan LaHair that preceded Soriano's second longball in as many games.

The Cubs managed just three hits and no walks Wednesday night. Phillies' pitching retired the last 17 batters they faced. The Cubs did not manage a single baserunner after Soriano's homer in the fourth.

Bryan LaHair (0-for-4 with a run scored) reached on an error by Juan Pierre and scored on Alfonso Soriano's home run but his streak of reaching base safely ended at 32 games.

With Wednesday's loss, the Cubs dropped to 15-22 on the season ...

Matt Garza came out throwing strikes and looked more like Matt Garza than in his last outing. Garza did not allow any runs but his fielding issues caused him to face one more batter than he should have in the opening frame.

Jimmy Rollins popped out to second (1-1 pitch) for the first out. Juan Pierre bunted right back to the mound. Garza fielded and threw a limp noodle to first. Pierre took advantage of the defensively challenged Garza and reached on the error. Pierre then took off for second on a 2-0 pitch to Shane Victorino. Soto's throw sailed toward the first base side of second. Pierre slid in safe. Victorino ended up grounding out to second. Pierre advanced to third and was stranded when Hunter Pence grounded out to third (2-2 pitch) to end the inning. It took Matt Garza 17 pitches, 11 for strikes, to get three outs in the first.

David DeJesus led off the bottom of the first with a double to the right field corner. Tony Campana dropped down a bunt on a 1-1 pitch. Campana did not get the ball far enough from Ruiz, who threw him out at first. DeJesus advanced to third with one down.

Starlin Castro continued his struggles with runners on third and less than two out. Castro foul tipped a 0-2 offering from Kendrick into Ruiz's glove for the second out. Bryan LaHair flied out to Pierre in deep left on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning.

Carlos Ruiz ripped Garza's first pitch of the second inning into centerfield. Placido Polanco flied out to left center (2-2 pitch) for the first out. John Mayberry tapped out in front of the plate. Soto threw Mayberry out at first as Ruiz advanced to second. Freddy Galvis pulled a 0-1 pitch into the right field corner. Ruiz scored and the Phillies took a 1-0 lead. Garza struck out Kendrick looking to end the inning ... 34 pitches for Garza through two, 23 for strikes.

The Cubs did nothing in the second.

Jimmy Rollins lined a 0-2 pitch into right to start the third inning. Juan Pierre bunted a 1-1 pitch up the first base line. Garza fielded and threw the ball into the ground. Pierre was given a single and the Phillies had runners on first and second with no outs. Shane Victorino helped out Garza by blooping his first pitch to Barney in shallow right. Garza fell behind Pence 2-0 and eventually walked him to load the bases (3-2 pitch).

With the bags juiced and one down, Carlos Ruiz bounced into a 6-3 twin killing to end the innings. Garza threw 52 pitches in the first three innings, 36 for strikes.

Darwin Barney led off the third with a single to right (3-1 pitch). Garza got the bunt down and advanced Barney to second. David DeJesus flied out to deep left, Barney tagged and advanced to third on Pierre's arm. For the second time Wednesday night, the Cubs left a runner at third when Campana struck out swinging for the third out.

Matt Garza retired the Phillies in order in the fourth ... 68 pitches for Garza after four, 46 for strikes.

Starlin Castro hit a routine grounder to third to begin the Cubs' fourth. Bryan LaHair put together an impressive 14-pitch at bat that resulted in a routine fly to left. Juan Pierre missed the ball, it fell to the ground and LaHair ended up at second on the two-base error.

Once again a long at bat by Bryan LaHair paid dividends for one of his teammates. Alfonso Soriano lined a 2-2 pitch into the first row of the bleachers in left center. Soriano's second homer in as many games gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead.

Ian Stewart grounded out to short and Soto grounded out to third to end the inning.

After four, the Cubs led 2-1.

For the third time in five innings, the Phillies put the leadoff runner on against Matt Garza. Kyle Kendrick blooped a 1-0 pitch down the right field line. Jimmy Rollins fouled out to Castro near the Cubs' bullpen for the first out. Juan Pierre made up for his blunder in the bottom of the fourth. Pierre slashed a 1-1 pitch down the third baseline for a double.

With runners on second and third with one out, Shane Victorino punched a 2-2 pitch toward second and past a diving Matt Garza. Barney fielded the ball and threw to first as Kendrick was scoring the tying run. Victorino was called safe ... but replays clearly showed Victorino was out. The mistake cost Garza only two pitches because Pence hit a 1-0 pitch to Castro ... and the Cubs turned their second inning ending double play (6-4-3). Garza threw 83 pitches in five innings, 55 for strikes.

The Cubs did nothing in the fifth ... and Garza retired the Phillies in order for the second time on the night in the sixth. After six, Garza's pitch count stood at 97, 64 for strikes.

The Cubs went down in order quickly in the sixth.

Matt Garza started the seventh. Freddy Galvis tried to bunt and popped Garza's first pitch to Geovany Soto in foul ground. 'Little Babe Ruth' as Ron Santo used to call Mike Fontenot hit for Kendrick. In his second at bat in a Phillies uniform, Fontenot ripped a 3-2 pitch into right center for a single. Garza retired Rollins on a lineout to left for the second out.

Dale Sveum made his way to the mound and brought in James Russell to face Juan Pierre. Charlie Manuel went to his bench and sent up Ty Wigginton to hit for Pierre.

James Russell walked Wigginton on four pitches and Fontenot advanced to second with the go ahead run. Russell fell behind Victorino 2-0 before receiving a visit from Chris Bosio. Russell fooled Victorino on a 3-2 slider and struck him out to end the inning.

The Cubs did nothing against Jose Contreras in the seventh ... 1-2-3 on 13 pitches, nine for strikes.

Shawn Camp took the hill in the eighth and retired Pence on a fly to left (1-2 pitch). Carlos Ruiz did not miss the 1-1 pitch from Camp and put the Phillies up for good. Ruiz's seventh homer of the season gave the Phillies a 3-2 lead. Camp struck out pinch-hitter Pete Orr and John Mayberry, Jr. to end the inning.

Despite a long, 10-pitch at bat from Darwin Barney to start the bottom of the eighth, Antonio Bastardo sat down the Cubs in order.

The recently recalled Scott Maine started the ninth and the game got out of hand. Maine pitched like he has so many times for the I-Cubs this season. Freddy Galvis doubled to left to start the inning. Maine then plunked Mike Fontenot and walked Jimmy Rollins on four pitches to load the bases with no outs.

Dale Sveum decided he'd seen enough and went to his pen for Michael Bowden.

Ty Wigginton went with a 0-1 pitch and drove a single into right. Galvis and Fontenot scored ... 5-2 Phillies. With runners on first and second with no outs, Shane Victorino popped out to Castro in shallow left. The Phillies pulled off a double steal on the first pitch to Hunter Pence. The Phillies' right fielder popped out to Barney for the second out. Bowden intentionally walked Carlos Ruiz to load the bases with two down.

Charlie Manuel went to his bench and sent up Hector Luna to hit for Antonio Bastardo. Luna launched a 0-1 pitch from Bowden into the second row of the bleachers in left for the first grand slam of his career. The first slam for the Phillies since October 1, 2010 turned a close game into an embarrassment. Bowden struck out Mayberry swinging to end the inning ... and the Cubs went to the bottom of the ninth trailing 9-2.

Raul Valdes pitched the ninth ... and retired the Cubs in order. Bryan LaHair struck out swinging to end the game and his streak.

Box Score from Yahoo Sports

Chris Volstad is scheduled to face Roy Halladay in the series finale on Thursday night.

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Minor Moves: Zavada, DeWitt, Cubs, Diamondbacks

Source: MLB Trade Rumors by Zach Links

Today's minor moves..

• The Cardinals have signed Clay Zavada to a minor league contract and released left-hander R.J. Swindle, according to the Pacific Coast League's transactions page.  Zavada, 27, was recently let go by the Reds.
• Cubs infielder Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa, tweets Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.  The Cubs designated the 26-year-old for assignment ten days ago.  Across parts of five big league seasons, DeWitt owns a .257/.324/.380 slash line.
• The Diamondbacks outrighted minor league outfielder David Winfree to remove him from the 40-man roster, tweets Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.  Winfree, 26, has hit .285/.331/.476 in four Triple-A seasons.

Ruiz leads Phillies past Cubs (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO (AP) Carlos Ruiz hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the eighth inning and the Philadelphia Phillies used Hector Luna's first career grand slam to pull away for a 9-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday night.

Phillies 9, Cubs 2 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO -- Carlos Ruiz hit a solo home run in the top of the eighth inning Wednesday night to break a 2-2 tie, and the Philadelphia Phillies pulled away for a 9-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Soriano homers again, but 'pen crumbles late

Source: MLB.com by Carrie Muskat

Carlos Ruiz hit a tiebreaking home run with one out in the eighth off Shawn Camp, and Hector Luna added a pinch-hit grand slam in a six-run ninth to power the Phillies to a 9-2 victory Wednesday night over the Cubs.

Cubs again let down hard-luck starter

Source: Chicago Tribune

Garza gives up only 2 runs but bullpen allows 7 in 8th and 9th of Phillies 9-2 victory

Matt Garza walked off the mound with his glove covering his face Wednesday night, leaving his legion of lip readers guessing once again.

Cubs Weekly Report

Source: Scout.com

Northsiders Report publisher Chris Emma joins Fox Sports Next's Beth Long to discuss the latest on the Chicago Cubs.

Rapid Reaction: Phillies 9, Cubs 2

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO – The Cubs’ bullpen gave up seven runs over the final two innings and the Phillies walked away with a 9-2 rout Tuesday. HOW IT HAPPENED: This one was much closer than the final score indicated after the Phillies poured it on with six runs in the ninth inning with four coming on a Hector Luna grand slam. Alfonso Soriano hit his second home run in as many days, a two-run shot in the fourth inning, but the Phillies overcame the brief deficit.

Cubs Game Day: Phils pour it on bullpen

Source: Chicago Tribune

After pitching seven innings of one-hit ball the last time he faced Philadelphia, Matt Garza took the mound against the Phillies again tonight in the opener of a two-game series at Wrigley Field.

Cubs Minor League Wrap: May 16

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Josh Timmers

Light night tonight as the Iowa Cubs were coming home from their California Adventure and the Tennessee Smokies were taking the bus down to Jackson, Mississippi.

Daytona Cubs

The Daytona Cubs swam past the Brevard County Manatees (Brewers), 6-2 in eight innings.The second game of the scheduled double-header was rained out.

Matt Loosen had a great start, but failed to get the win when he tired in the sixth inning. Loosen allowed only one run on

Cubs Game Day: Phils take lead on Ruiz HR

Source: Chicago Tribune

After pitching seven innings of one-hit ball the last time he faced Philadelphia, Matt Garza took the mound against the Phillies again tonight in the opener of a two-game series at Wrigley Field.

Sveum serene in face of stress

Source: Chicago Tribune

Cubs manager doesn't wear postgame emotions on sleeve

Perhaps the biggest difference between manager Dale Sveum and his three immediate predecessors — Dusty Baker, Lou Piniella and Mike Quade — is Sveum's postgame demeanor.

Soriano's home-run swing getting warm

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO – Maybe Alfonso Soriano can teach Albert Pujols a thing or two. Yes, that Soriano. And yes, that Pujols. After finally delivering his first home run of the season Tuesday following a 119 at-bat drought to start the season, Soriano connected for the second consecutive day when he went deep in the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. Pujols started his tenure with the Los Angeles Angels by going 111 at-bats without a home run, finally delivering on May 6.

Cubs Game Day: Phils pull even on Victorino hit

Source: Chicago Tribune

After pitching seven innings of one-hit ball the last time he faced Philadelphia, Matt Garza took the mound against the Phillies again tonight in the opener of a two-game series at Wrigley Field.

Minor Moves: DeWitt, Cubs, Winfree, Diamondbacks

Source: MLB Trade Rumors by Zach Links

Today's minor moves..

• Cubs infielder Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa, tweets Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.  The Cubs designated the 26-year-old for assignment ten days ago.  Across parts of five big league seasons, DeWitt owns a .257/.324/.380 slash line.
• The Diamondbacks outrighted minor league outfielder David Winfree to remove him from the 40-man roster, tweets Steve Gilbert of MLB.com.  Winfree, 26, has hit .285/.331/.476 in four Triple-A seasons.

Up and down Cubs have avoided goose egg

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO –The fact that the Cubs have yet to be shut out this season could be a statistical oddity, or it could actually be a sign of something much different. The Cubs might have been 11th in both runs scored (134) and on-base percentage (.309) heading into play Wednesday, but they still have managed to avoid getting blanked. They scored their first runs of Wednesday’s game in the fourth inning on a two-run home run from Alfonso Soriano.

Cubs Game Day: Soriano's two-run HR puts Cubs ahead

Source: Chicago Tribune

After pitching seven innings of one-hit ball the last time he faced Philadelphia, Matt Garza took the mound against the Phillies again tonight in the opener of a two-game series at Wrigley Field.

Soriano hopes homer is sign of things to come

Source: MLB.com

Alfonso Soriano is glad he finally hit his first home run. Soriano tied Tuesday's game at 6 with a leadoff homer in the ninth against the Cardinals, who won, 7-6, in the bottom of the frame.

Sveum keeps perspective in face of defeats

Source: MLB.com

Dale Sveum never seems to get rattled after losses. "I think my personality allows me not to take it home with me," the Cubs' manager said Wednesday. "I take it home [thinking] maybe could we have done something differently."

Marmol, Clevenger progressing in rehab stints

Source: MLB.com

Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol was able to play catch Wednesday, and catcher Steve Clevenger swung a bat for the first time since going on the disabled list.

Cubs place RHP Castillo on DL with groin injury (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Cubs have placed reliever Lendy Castillo on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain and recalled left-hander Scott Maine from Triple-A Iowa.

DeWitt clears waivers and is outrighted

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO – Blake DeWitt, who was designated for assignment earlier this month, cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa. DeWitt can still decline the outright and become a free agent, but that move would void what is left of the $1.1 million deal he signed this past offseason. The utility man batted .138 (4-for-29) in limited duty and was designated for assignment after Matt Garza came down with the flu and Travis Wood had to be recalled to take his spot in the rotation for a day.

Phillies pitcher Worley put on 15-day disabled list (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

(Reuters) - Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Vance Worley has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of an inflamed right elbow, the Major League Baseball team said on Wednesday.

5/16 Injury, roster updates

Source: Muskat Ramblings by mlblogsmuskat1

Carlos Marmol was able to play catch Wednesday and catcher Steve Clevenger swung a bat for the first time since going on the disabled list. Marmol has been on the DL since May 12 with a strained right hamstring. He said it’s the first time he’s experienced that kind of injury. The good news for Marmol is that the MRI he had showed the injury wasn’t severe. Dale Sveum said the right-hander could be ready in 10 days. And Marmol?

“I should be ready to go,” Marmol said. “The way I’ve been working, I think I’ll be fine.”

* Clevenger has been sidelined since April 26 with a strained right oblique, and on Wednesday, took 15 swings off a batting tee and another 15 swings on the side. Both he and Marmol have had enough of the athletic trainer’s room.

“I’ve never really been on the DL before in my career,” Clevenger said. “I’m bored. I don’t like being in the trainer’s room.”

Clevenger is ahead of schedule and could be activated as early as May 25.

* Lendy Castillo, the Cubs’ Rule 5 pick, was placed on the disabled list with a strained left groin and lefty Scott Maine recalled from Triple-A Iowa. Castillo apparently felt something Sunday while running and it was tender on Tuesday. The addition of Maine gives the Cubs a second lefty in the bullpen.

* Blake DeWitt, who was designated for assignment on May 6, was outrighted to Triple-A Iowa. It’s up to him as to whether he accepts the assignment. He was batting .138 when designated.

– Carrie Muskat

Cubs place Castillo on DL, recall Maine

Source: ESPN Chicago

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs rookie reliever Lendy Castillo was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain, and left-hander Scott Maine was recalled from Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday. Castillo, a Rule 5 selection who can’t be sent down without first being offered back to his former team, the Philadelphia Phillies, has a 7.04 ERA in limited use this season. He has made just seven appearances with his last coming Friday at Milwaukee when he hit two batters and took the loss in a 13-inning game.

First Pitch Thread: Cubs vs. Phillies, Wednesday 5/16, 7:05 CT

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

Go get 'em, Matt.