2008-07-31

Cubs 7, Brewers 1; Two down...

The Cubs used a big five-run 6th inning, and a Cy-Young caliber performance from starter Carlos Zambrano to dispatch the Milwaukee Brewers 7-1 on Tuesday. The win assures the Cubs of not only at least a series split, but that they will return to Wrigley Friday still in 1st place.

You know, when I was scouting this series initially, it was hard to imagine the Cubs taking the first two games of this set, mostly due to Milwaukee starters CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets. But this is why they play the games. First the Cubs beat CC quite handily Monday - apologies for not posting, by the way - then actually did pretty much the same thing last night, and in much the same manner.

Ben Sheets was great through five, dropping fastballs in the mid-90s on a dime at the outside corner, and really doing a nice job with the curveball. He made some mistakes in the sixth that were going to cost him regardless, but what really blew the game open was defense, particularly in left field with Ryan Braun. First, with two on and no outs, Ryan misplays a ball hit by Kosuke Fukudome, which then goes all the way to the wall, allowing both runners to score and giving Kosuke a triple. It was a generous call. Then, apparently not picking up the ball off the bat well on consecutive hits from Mike Fontenot and Geovany Soto; both looked like plays that a more competent fielder would have caught. And this came back to bite the Crew when a Carlos Zambrano infield hit and Alfonso Soriano sac fly would laater score DeRosa and Fontenot. And as for the Zambrano infield hit to J.J. Hardy, I'm still not sure what possessed him to try to throw that ball side-arm and off-balance from deep in the hole to home. There may have been a better play at third, and with still no one out at the time, an errant throw had the potential to crack the game wide open; not that I would have minded. Fortunately for him, it merely hit DeRosa.

This was a good game for the Cubs. Everyone got a hit, including Carlos. Zambrano was very sharp through eight innings of work, and the bullpen was able to collect a nice rest. Jeff Samardzija came in for a quick inning of work in the ninth, giving up the only run of the game. I'm sure they'll be a kangaroo court appearance for the rookie blowing the shutout, but it was good to see someone not named Marmol in late. My only quibble was with Geovany Soto, who was batting eighth last night. The way that pitchers have been expanding the strike zone on him outside is getting a touch embarrassing. He went 2-4 last night, which is great, but with two strikeouts. I'd really love to see him back off those pitches for a bit, and force pitchers to come more inside.

In other quick news and notes, the Angels have acquired Mark Teixeira from the Braves for Casey Kotchman and prospects. Putting aside the fact that I never understood the Braves acquiring him in the first place, it's a deal that probably has all parties a bit annoyed, except maybe Mark, who should be able to turn a playoff showcase into a much bigger payday. The Braves gave up a lot to get Mark - they don't appear to have gotten equal return back - and I sense that Anaheim preferred not to part with Casey. But fear the Angels; the only hole they had going into the season was power. With Tori Hunter and Mark batting around Vlad, I think the best just got better. Also, rumor has it that Scott Eyre is on the block. Sounds like some serious bullpen housecleaning may be on the way, but a trade here could actually net a pretty nice return. It's a touch troubling to imagine relying on Neal Cotts for the duration, but hey; there relievers. Ride them while they're hot.

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