Ticket Exchanges: June 7-13, 21-23 Homestands

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

The first one of these homestands is against divisional rivals; I'd expect a fair number of Reds fans in for the four-game set, even though it's weekdays.

I'm including the three-game series against the Astros -- now an interleague rival -- in this post because it's an entire "homestand" by itself, surrounded by a seven-game trip before it and a nine-game trip after it. After the Houston series, the next home game isn't until July 5.

Dates and times:

Pirates: June 7 (1:20), May 30 (3:05), June 9 (1:20)

Reds: June 10 (7:05),

Baseball results (Reuters)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

May 24 (Infostrada Sports) - Results from the MLB games on Thursday (home team in CAPS) PITTSBURGH 4 Chicago Cubs 2 TORONTO 12 Baltimore 6

Report: Chang-Yong Lim Targeting a July Return

Source: Chicago Cubs Online by Neil

According to a report from the Yonhap News Agency, Chang-Yong Lim is eyeing a return to action later this summer. Lim signed a two-year minor league contract with the Cubs last December and he has been rehabbing at the Cubs’ facility in Mesa. Lim had his second Tommy John surgery in July of 2012. Reports suggested when Lim signed that he could be ready to pitch late this season. At the time the Cubs were targeting for him to be ready to pitch in

The Top Five Sworn Enemies of the Milwaukee Brewers (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Wisconsinites are angry. They are angry that the Milwaukee Brewers are playing really bad baseball right now. They would rather the Brewers weren't battling with the hated (and rebuilding) Chicago Cubs for last place in the NL Central.

Cubs lock up Anthony Rizzo for seven years

Source: Examiner.com by Miriam Romain, Chicago Cubs Examiner

President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer recently locked down another young player as a face of the future Cubs by signing Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a seven-year, $41 million contract.According to...

Cubs lock up Anthony Rizzo for seven years

Source: Examiner.com by Miriam Romain, Chicago Cubs Examiner

President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and General Manager Jed Hoyer recently locked down another young player as a face of the future Cubs by signing Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo to a seven-year, $41 million contract.According to...

Chicago Cubs Activate Right-Handed Starter Matt Garza

Source: Yardbarker

The Chicago Cubs have been waiting for this moment for quite some time, nearly 10 months to be exact, as they have activated right-handed starter Matt Garza, who has looked goo on his minor league rehab stint, from the disabled list on Tuesday. Expect him to jump right into the starting rotation with someone being bumped, most likely Carlos Villanueva. I’m not trying to play devils advocate, but if he can prove himself before the trade deadline, expect Garza to find himself playing elsewhere if the Cubs are offered the right deal. The post Chicago Cubs Activate Right-Handed Starter Matt Garza appeared first on FFLockerRoom | Fantasy Sports Advice | Sports News | Sports Talk |.

Frustration mounts with 1-7 Jackson

Source: ESPN Chicago

PITTSBURGH -- Before the Chicago Cubs lost 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday afternoon, manager Dale Sveum sounded like a man getting frustrated with some of his lineup issues. After the loss he seemed to direct some of that frustration to the team's $52 million offseason signing, Edwin Jackson. He had little command on the mound, giving up four runs to the Pirates in the first two innings while Pittsburgh completed a series sweep. "(He) seems to be not coming out with a whole lot of conviction early in games," Sveum said.

Cubs Swept Out of Pittsburgh – Cubs 2, Pirates 4

Source: Chicago Cubs Online by Neil

Game Forty-Six – Cubs 2, Pirates 4

WP – Vin Mazzaro (3-0) LP – Edwin Jackson (1-7) Save – Jason Grilli (19)

Rain just delayed the inevitable on Thursday afternoon at PNC Park as the Cubs dropped the third game of the series and were swept out of Pittsburgh.

The Cubs offense was pretty much a no show and once Edwin Jackson gave up four runs in the first two innings the game was basically over. Edwin Jackson was hit hard again and gave up four runs on six hits in just three innings. Andrew McCutchen (3-for-4 with two RBI, a run scored and two stolen bases) squared off on Jackson. McCutchen saw only two pitches in his two at bats against Jackson on Thursday and he drove both offerings into the outfield for run

You Have Just One Day Left to Join Tomorrow’s $300 BN Fantasy Contest

Source: Bleacher Nation by Brett

This week’s free, $300 fantasy baseball contest runs based on tomorrow’s games. That means, by definition, you have only one day left to sign up. The contest has cash prizes, and signing up helps support Bleacher Nation – so, like, do it.

The contest kicks off with tomorrow night’s games, at which point the live scoreboard goes up, and you cant see if you’re doing well, or getting crushed by, for example, me (“acecubbie”).

Cubs-Reds Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Cincinnati Reds rolled through a nine-game road trip, and with the struggling Chicago Cubs coming to town Friday night, there's little reason to think one of the best home teams in the majors won't continue its success.

Series preview: Cubs at Reds

Source: Chicago Tribune

All games on WGN-AM 720.

Pirates pounce on struggling Jackson (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Chicago Cubs believe Edwin Jackson can be a big part of their future, which is why signed him to a four-year, $52 million contract as a free agent in the offseason.

Cubs can't dig out of early hole in Pittsburgh

Source: Chicago Tribune

Jackson allows four runs in first two innings as Pirates complete sweep with 4-2 victory

PITTSBURGH — Manager Dale Sveum had one word Thursday morning for the statistical oddity of the Cubs' start.

Feldman aims to continue hot month against Reds

Source: MLB.com by Jeremy Warnemuende

Coming off back-to-back scoreless outings, Bronson Arroyo leads the streaking Reds back to Cincinnati to face the Cubs and an equally hot Scott Feldman.

What is Jeff Samardzija’s trade value?

Source: Yardbarker

Before anyone freaks out, we’ll preface this with a disclaimer.  Among many reports, the Cubs have been trying to hammer down an extension with Jeff Samardzija for a while, but Jeff has been resistant to a long-term deal at this time.  Part of the reason is that he has been paid handsomely over his career so far and doesn’t really need the money, and part of it is because he knows he is better than whatever lowball offer the Cubs are trying to get him to sign as they did with Anthony Rizzo this season and Starlin Castro last season.  Jeff is going to be in the Cubs’ plans for the foreseeable future and thus a trade is very unlikely. That doesn’t mean we can’t use this as a thought exercise.  If Jeff Samardzija is the top-of-the-rotation pitcher we think he is–or rather, who the Cubs think he is since they’re the ones who matter–then he will be worthy of the big money coming to him.  However, if there is any question as to his sustainable production, then it’s in the interest of the ...

Feldman's trade value is on the rise

Source: Chicago Tribune

Cubs starter has bounced back from rough start to season

PITTSBURGH — Scott Feldman knows he doesn't have a say in the matter.

Cubs swept out of Pittsburgh (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

On a rainy day in Pittsburgh, the Pirates swept the Cubs, who dropped their fourth straight game. Starlin Castro had two hits in the loss, which was delayed almost two hours by rain.

Jackson roughed up early, Cubs fall to Pirates

Source: MLB.com by Carrie Muskat

Right-hander Edwin Jackson was limited to three innings before rain intervened and delayed the Cubs' game against the Pirates nearly two hours. Pittsburgh had scored all it needed by then, as Andrew McCutchen hit a pair of RBI singles to lead the Pirates to a 4-2 victory over Chicago at PNC Park on Thursday.

Cubs swept out of Pittsburgh

Source: CSN Chicago by tandracki

On a rainy day in Pittsburgh, the Pirates swept the Cubs, who dropped their fourth straight game. Starlin Castro had two hits in the loss, which was delayed almost two hours by rain.

Jason Grilli: Notches Another Save (Rotowire.com)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Update: Grilli notched his MLB-leading 19th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning against the Cubs on Thursday.

Pirates 4, Cubs 2 (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH -- The Chicago Cubs aren't getting much return on their investment in Edwin Jackson.

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 2, Pirates 4 – May 23, 2013

Source: Bleacher Nation by Brett

Edwin Jackson struck out a lot of Pirates, but that’s about all the positive you can say about his rain-abbreviated start. The Pirates did enough damage off of Jackson in the first two innings to secure a sweep of the Cubs, despite a great effort from the bullpen thereafter.

At least something near historic happened …

Full box.

Related posts:

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 4, Pirates 5 – May

Photos: Cubs swept by Pirates

Source: Chicago Tribune

McCutchen, Pirates beat Cubs for 4th straight win (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Andrew McCutchen had three hits and two RBIs to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on a rainy Thursday for their fourth straight win.

Cubs swept away in 4-2 loss to Pirates

Source: Chicago Tribune

PITTSBURGH -- Edwin Jackson has only one win and a 5.76 earned-run average in his first ten starts for the Chicago Cubs, after signing a four-year, $52 million deal over the winter.

5/23 Pirates 4, Cubs 2

Source: Muskat Ramblings by mlblogsmuskat1

Edwin Jackson needed the rain to come a little earlier on Thursday. Jackson was limited to three innings before nature intervened and delayed the Cubs’ game against the Pirates nearly two hours. Pittsburgh had scored all it needed by then as Andrew McCutchen hit a pair of RBI singles to post a 4-2 victory over Chicago.

With the win, the Pirates completed the sweep and improved to 14-6 in May. The Cubs, on the other hand, have lost five of their last six games.

Jackson had struggled with one bad inning in previous starts, and the Pirates got to him quickly. Starling Marte led off with an infield single that Starlin Castro knocked down, then stole second and scored on Andrew McCutchen’s single. McCutchen swiped second as

Rapid Reaction: Pirates 4, Cubs 2

Source: ESPN Chicago

PITTSBURGH -- Here's a quick look at the Chicago Cubs' 4-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Thursday: How it happened: Before the rains came, the Pirates jumped all over starter Edwin Jackson, who once again wasn't sharp. Jackson gave up a pair of runs -- on six hits -- in each of the first two innings, raising his ERA back over 6.00. Most were hard hit balls as Travis Snider, Andrew McCutchen and Michael McKendry had the runs batted in. The Cubs got on the board in the fourth inning when an Anthony Rizzo ground out drove in David DeJesus.

Pirates 4, Cubs 2: A Loss In Haiku

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

Nice day in Pittsburgh
Cubs and Pirates, a day game
Could it be a win?

Jackson on the mound
Cubs starter has not done well
New game, same old Ed

First inning, three hits
One run, then another, scores
New game, same old Cubs

Len and JD bored
Spent much time talking about
Hockey. Who wouldn't?

Again, Cubs can't hit
A Soriano single
No no-hit streak lives

Cubs, affiliates to raise money for tornado victims

Source: MLB.com by Carrie Muskat

Double-A Tennessee will join outfielder Ty Wright in his efforts to raise funds for the victims. The Smokies will hold several events throughout the current homestand with proceeds going to the American Red Cross relief efforts for the Oklahoma tornado victims.

No quick fixes for Cubs if game-changers are years away

Source: CSN Chicago by tandracki

Some stats indicate the Cubs should have a better record than their 18-27 start, but Dale Sveum and Co. know there's no quick fixes. Top prospects like Javier Baez are still years away from "The Show."

LIVE on CSN: Cubs-Pirates battling in finale

Source: CSN Chicago by tandracki

The Cubs and Pirates were caught in a rain delay in the fourth inning, but have resumed action and conclude the series in Pittsburgh.

No quick fixes for Cubs if game-changers are years away (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Some stats indicate the Cubs should have a better record than their 18-27 start, but Dale Sveum and Co. know there's no quick fixes. Top prospects like Javier Baez are still years away from "The Show."

Marlins-White Sox Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Even though John Danks is about to begin his seventh season in the majors, he admits he will have some nerves heading into his first outing in more than a year for the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago Cubs Continue to Waste Quality Starting Pitching (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | When you are a team like the 2013 Chicago Cubs, you need a lot to go right on a daily basis to win baseball games. The offense has been generally under-powered, the defense inconsistent, and the bullpen is a train-wreck. The lone, consistent bright spot has been the starting pitching.

5/23 Cubs help tornado victims

Source: Muskat Ramblings by mlblogsmuskat1

* Double-A Tennessee will join outfielder Ty Wright in his efforts to raise funds for the victims. The Smokies will hold several events throughout the current homestand with proceeds going to the American Red Cross relief efforts for the Oklahoma tornado victims.

“After watching the coverage of the tornado, it was tragic to see,” Wright said. “I played baseball for Oklahoma State for four years and Oklahoma is like a second home to me.”

The Smokies will donate $10 for every hit they collect during their current five-game series. On Saturday, the Smokies will hold a memorabilia auction on the concourse, featuring signed memorabilia from the team, the Cubs, and other Minor and Major League teams with 100 percent of

Overflow Thread 4: Cubs vs. Pirates, Thursday 5/23, 11:35 CT

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

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Cubs Game Day: Jackson yanked after rain delay

Source: Chicago Tribune

PITTSBURGH -- Edwin Jackson has only one win and a 5.76 earned-run average in his first nine starts for the Chicago Cubs, after signing a four-year, $52 million deal over the winter.

LIVE on CSN: Cubs-Pirates resume play

Source: CSN Chicago by tandracki

The Cubs and Pirates were caught in a rain delay in the fourth inning, but have resumed action and conclude the series in Pittsburgh.

White Sox to skip Sale (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Chicago White Sox left-hander Chris Sale will miss his scheduled Wednesday start because of tendinitis in his left shoulder.

Overflow Thread 3: Cubs vs. Pirates, Thursday 5/23, 11:35 CT

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

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LIVE on CSN: Cubs-Pirates in rain delay

Source: CSN Chicago by tandracki

The Cubs and Pirates are stuck in a rain delay in Pittsburgh. In the middle of the fourth, the Bucs lead the Cubs 4-1 as Edwin Jackson is off to a rough start to his outing.

Overflow Thread 2: Cubs vs. Pirates, Thursday 5/23, 11:35 CT

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

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BC-BBN--Cubs-Pirates Delay,ADVISORY, BBN (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The game between the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates has been delayed by rain in the top of the fourth inning. Pittsburgh leads 4-0.

Samardzija: Urlacher was 'perfect' for Bears

Source: ESPN Chicago

PITTSBURGH -- Count Chicago Cubs pitcher -- and former football player Jeff Samardzija -- as another person who will miss Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher. Urlacher announced his retirement on Wednesday, after 13 years in the NFL, the same day Samardzija threw seven innings of one-run ball against the Pittsburgh Pirates. But the news of Urlacher's retirement didn't escape Samardzija. "What a perfect guy to have in that spot on that team," Samardzija said.

Cubs Game Day: Rain delay at PNC Park

Source: Chicago Tribune

PITTSBURGH -- Edwin Jackson has only one win and a 5.76 earned-run average in his first nine starts for the Chicago Cubs, after signing a four-year, $52 million deal over the winter.

Northside Archives: Persona Non Regatta

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

Since being dropped from the 40-man roster, Ian Stewart has been accused of many things. Perhaps unjustly. But the Archives has no use for him anymore, and wants to show you why - in Stewart's own words.

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

Braves-Mets Preview (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The surging Atlanta Braves have thrived at home, but haven't enjoyed the same success on the road.

5/23 Cubs vs. Reds

Source: Muskat Ramblings by mlblogsmuskat1

The Cubs open a three-game series against the Reds on Friday. Here are the pitching matchups:

Friday: RHP Scott Feldman (4-3, 2.19) vs. RHP Bronson Arroyo (4-4, 3.28)
Saturday: LHP Travis Wood (4-2, 2.24) vs. RHP Homer Bailey (2-3, 3.09)
Sunday: RHP Matt Garza (0-0, 0.00) vs. RHP Johnny Cueto (2-0, 3.22)

* If you’re looking ahead to the Cubs vs. White Sox Interleague series, Chicago will go with Jeff Samardzija on Monday, Edwin Jackson on Tuesday, Feldman on Wednesday and Wood on Thursday.

Overflow Thread 1: Cubs vs. Pirates, Thursday 5/23, 11:35 CT

Source: Bleed Cubbie Blue by Al Yellon

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