With Ryan Dempster leading the charge, the Cubs tied an MLB record by winning their first two games after the All Star Break. That record is also held by other teams who won their first two games after the ASB. And with six shutout innings yesterday, Dempster has the longest streak of consecutive innings for a Cubs pitcher since 1969 (Ken Holtzman). So was this his last start in a Cubs uniform?
‘‘There’s that possibility, but you’re in the moment of pitching a game,’’ Dempster said.
‘‘He’s just one of those guys [with] a presence about him and how he goes about his business and how he can talk to the younger guys and even the older guys,’’ manager Dale Sveum said.
‘‘He’s the ultimate professional and the kind of guy who always tries to make himself better no matter what he’s accomplished. He’ll do whatever he can to compete and help the team.’’
That doesn’t answer my question! How does Dempster feel about the scoreless streak?
‘‘It’s pretty crazy,’’ Dempster said. ‘‘When you do something like that as a reliever, it’s more realistic because you’re going out there an inning at a time.
‘‘It’s pretty humbling because you’re not thinking about that. You’re just trying to win a game.’’
That’s a better answer. Bruce Levine is reporting that there are no fewer than 10 teams interested in Dempster.
“You see a guy like that struggle with command and pace, at the same time get all the important outs,” said an American League scout. “Dempster makes it easy for me to call my GM and say ‘get this guy now because he has such a great sense of how to get the job done (and) he will help you win each time he goes out there.’”
That should improve the return Jed/Theo will get back from whatever trade they make.
On to today’s game, which will feature Diamondbacks starter Trevor Cahill (7-7, 3.64) and Cubs starter Matt Garza (4-7, 4.32). Lineup:
DeJesus CF
Castro SS
Rizzo 1B
Soriano LF
LaHair RF
Clevenger C
Barney 2B
Valbuena 3B
Garza P
Game time is 1:20 Central, and you can watch on WGN today.
Bruce Levine also listed all the reasons the Cubs should keep Soriano in an article a few days ago . . . so . . .
He used to be a pretty good beat reporter…but he’s gotten kinda all “ESPN” on us lately. He’s no Bruce Miles.
We’re 2.5 games ahead of the Astros, and withing 6 of the Brewers. Closing in.
I’m so glad the Astros are finally playing the way I always thought they would, even though it means we won’t get the 1st all-around pick in next year’s draft.
4th place here we come!!
Who’s this Michael McDermott hippy character?? He’s no Kate Smith, amirite, Doc??
I know nothing about these crappy music artists of today. As a result, I can’t say that he’s no Kate Smith with any certainty…but I’m guessing he’s not.
The DNA of Kate Smith should be dug up and used to create clones of Kate Smith so that that every ballpark can have its own Kate Smith to sing, live, the Kate Smith version of God Bless America.
“Get off my lawn, you kids!!”
He actually did a very nice rendition of that and the Anthem.
I can’t believe they haven’t gotten Wilco to do it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbZ9rLY4xXQ
Rizzo with a TOOTBLAN? Welcome to the Cubs young man.
Send him down! Learn him how to play baseball!
It’s pretty damn obvious he was promoted way too early.
So, what’s the score? Unfortunately, the Angels game is on now too, and mom has hijacked the tv for that….
3-0 Cubs, Rizzo with a RizzoBI, Barney with a 2 run shot to left.
And the GoodGarza is pitching today.
2 run lead for Marmol heading into the ninth if the Cubs can’t score here…
Or James Russell. Still doesn’t relax me.
I fucking hate Carlos Marmol.
He doesn’t think too highly of you either.
Cubs win AGAIN!
Don’t call it a comeback!
We’ve been here for years!
Like . . . seriously. a Shit – ton of years.
How much it a shit-ton?
They showed the Cubs score at Dodger stadium, and the fans cheered. Scully mentioned how the Cubs are on a tear…
Another 12-4 streak and we are back in this thing!
Not really.
48-56 doesn’t put this team back into anything accept a mid-round draft pick. Whoopee!
2012 REGULAR SEASON RANKINGS
Batting | Pitching
RUNS
329 29th Overall
BATTING AVERAGE
.249 20th Overall
ON BASE PERCENTAGE
.301 28th Overall
SLUGGING PCT
.387 22nd Overall
To quote Casey Stengle “Can’t anyone here hit the ball?”
I’m stunned that this team isn’t in last place in any of those categories. I’m guessing the Pirates are behind the Cubs in at least 2 or 3 of those categories.
I’m watching the Cards and the Reds. God only knows why.
Your secret crush on Orel H. ? You yearn for the voice of Terry Francona? Or just because it’s baseball….
First you start loving A.J. Pierzynski…now you’re starting to watch the Cardinals…next thing we know, you’ll be pining for Matt Holliday.
you mean Yadier Molina….
I’m not going to talk to any of you anymore.
Yes you will. We all are in on this hopeless Cubs train wreck …
Just wait until she all of the sudden decides that Ryan Braun is the greatest person on earth.
I entered a contest at some gas station in WI to win lunch with Ryan Braun. If I win, I’m going to ask him 1) if he has herpes, 2) how it feels to have gotten away with cheating, and 3) why his t-shirts are so douchey.
4) Why do you find him so dreamy.
Now I do want Rolen beaned…
Oh…so you are watching that game too?
>:(
No other game on…
Just looking at some stats. Dempster is 1st in the majors in ERA, 6th in WHIP, and 81st in wins. That’s messed up.
That just show that pitching needs defense, as well as offense…