Cubs busy making roster moves and staffing changes

Even though it's the off-season for the Cubs, the team has been busy making roster moves and looking for a replacement for former Cubs TV broadcaster Bob Brenly, who accepted a job as the TV analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this month.

Bob Brenly has accepted a job with the Arizona Diamondbacks

Brenly said, "Working here in Chicago was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career.  The Ricketts family, everyone associated with the Cubs and WGN and, most importantly, Cubs’ fans everywhere, will always be in our hearts, and Joan and I wish nothing but the best for the organization moving forward.  I was very blessed to have the best play-by-play man in the game as my partner for eight years and Cubs’ fans are very fortunate to have Len Kasper as the voice of the Cubs.  I’ll miss working with him and we look fondly toward returning to Chicago in the future."

The Cubs outrighted Joe Mather, Justin Germano, Manuel Corpas and Blake Parker to the Iowa Cubs today.  Corpas then elected free agency.

The Kansas City Royals claimed right-handed pitcher Chris Volstad off waivers on Friday.

On Thursday, the team assigned infielder Adrian Cardenas and right handed pitchers Miguel Socolovich, Jason Berken and Marcos Mateo to Triple-A Iowa. 

The Cubs also claimed right handed pitcher Carlos Gutierrez off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.  In a corresponding move,  catcher Anthony Recker, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.

The Cubs claimed RHP Carlos Gutierrez off waivers from the Twins (photo from cubs.com)

On October 23rd, the Cubs named David Bell as their third base coach and removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson.  The 2013 coaching staff is now set.  Bell & Rowson join Chris Bosio (pitching coach), Dave McKay (1B coach), Jamie Quirk (bench coach) & Lester Strode (bullpen coach). 

On October 16th, the Cubs acquired right handed pitcher Marcelo Carreno from the Detroit Tigers to complete the 8/5 trade for Jeff Baker.

On October 14th, Blake DeWitt, Randy Wells and Alex Hinshaw all elected free agency.

The Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 33.  I'm sure there will be many more roster moves to come!  Meanwhile, Cubs fans all over the world are happy the St. Louis Cardinals were eliminated by the San Francisco Giants from winning the National League division.  It was fun tweeting with fellow Cubs fans while cheering for the Giants (or against the Cards, depending on how you look at it!)

Are you rooting for the Giants or the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series?  The Giants are currently two games up on the Tigers.  Game three will be played in Detroit on Saturday.

Volstad strikes out six, but Cubs offense missing as they lose 3-0 to Astros in final night game

The Cubs lost 3-0 to the Houston Astros in the second to last game of the season, which was also the final night game of 2012 on Tuesday night.  I was at Wrigley to witness the non-eventful game, but was lucky enough to sit in the 2nd row behind the Cubs' bullpen.

Carlos Marmol warming up in the bullpen Tuesday night (photo by Karen Burchell)

It was pretty amazing to be watching the game right by James Russell, Shawn Camp, Carlos Marmol and the rest of the relief pitchers.  The highlight for us came in the 4th inning, when Alfonso Soriano's foul ball was hit to Andrew Lane, the Cubs bullpen catcher, who picked it up threw it to my friend, who had her one-year old baby with us at the game. 

Shawn Camp actually came over to us to tell us that he saw us on TV because we were holding the foul ball.  It was also my friend's first foul ball ever, which was perfect since it was also her birthday!

Glove, towels and Gatorade cooler in the Cubs bullpen (photo by Karen Burchell)

Anyway, back to the game.  Chris Volstad made his final start of the season and was impressive as he gave up two runs on five hits and struck out six batters, which was the most since his first start on April 9th, when he also struck out a half dozen.  Volstad said, "It did feel good to finish that way, just being myself.  I could've used a few more of those.  It felt good to have one that way, especially to end [the season] and go into the offseason with a positive."

Chris Volstad finished on a strong note, as he struck out six batters on Tuesday night (photo from cubs.com)

Too bad the Cubs couldn't get their offense going to back Volstad, as they only had four hits during the game, which came from Soriano, Castro (2) and Jackson. 

Today the Cubs will face off in their final game of the season against the Astros, who will play their final game as a NL Central team.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try for his seventh win of the season.  I will be at Wrigley for the finale and hope to sing "Go Cubs Go!" for one last time as this tough season comes to an end.

Cubs lose 3-0 to Astros and reach 100-loss mark for the first time in 46 years

The Cubs lost 3-0 to the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field Monday night, which means that the team has reached the 100-loss mark in a season for the first time since 1966, when they went 59-103.  This is only the third time the franchise has had 100 or more losses during a season.

The silver lining in the Cubs' won-loss record this season is that the team has secured the #2 draft pick position.  Gotta look at the positives, right?  That's the spirit of a true Cubs fan!

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "(We're) definitely going the right direction.  There are some growing pains with that, as well.  We're all confident in the plan Theo (Epstein), Jed (Hoyer) and their guys are putting together.  We understand where we'll get to.  Sometimes it just takes some time, but we're all confident in the procedures of it.''
 
Jason Berken pitched for the Cubs Monday night and allowed two runs on four hits while walking one and striking out two batters over 4.2 innings pitched.

Jason Berken pitched against the Astros at Wrigley Field on Monday night (photo from cubs.com)

In other Cubs news, their 7-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday at Chase Field was their first win on the road against a NL West team this season.

Tomorrow Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try to end his season with a 4-11 record. 
The Cubs and Astros will play the second game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  I will be at the Friendly Confines to hopefully witness the team's 61st win of the season.

Anthony Rizzo's HR and grand slam lead Cubs to 13-9 victory over Pirates in comeback game

The Cubs won 13-9 over the Pirates in an exciting comeback game on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field which was also one of the longest games of the season at four hours and four minutes.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs didn't fare too well as he allowed six runs on ten hits while striking out three and walking four batters over 4.2 innings pitched.  Volstad left the game with the Cubs trailing 6-1. 

The Cubs then used six pitchers after Volstad and Jeff Beliveau ended up earning his first career MLB win in one of the more exciting games this season.

Anthony Rizzo was the highlight of the game and was showered with Gatorade just as he was about to give his post-game interview on the field.  Rizzo hit two homers, one of which was his first career grand slam, which lifted the Cubs to a 10-9 lead in the sixth inning.  He also had 6 RBIs today.

Anthony Rizzo acknowledges the fans after his first career grand slam in the sixth inning against the Pirates (Getty Images photo)

Manager Dale Sveum said, “There were a lot of great things that happened in that game, obviously Rizzo’s day is spectacular.  I think Joe Mather's leadoff home run (in the sixth) got things going after we weren’t really doing anything. That inning snowballed into a five-run inning, and obviously Rizzo’s blast.”

Bryan LaHair congratulates Anthony Rizzo after his grand slam against the Pirates (photo from cubs.com)

Alfonso Soriano put the Cubs on the board in the first inning with his 100th RBI of the season.  This was the first time Soriano has reached the 100 RBI mark as a Cub.  His 2 RBI put him at 101 for the season.

"I'm just feeling good," Soriano said.  "I had a lot of opportunities to drive guys in.  I'm very happy with what I did.  Personally, it's good, but it's not enough.  It could be better if we had a winning record.  Now, everybody is trying to have fun the last two, three weeks of the season."

I just love it when the Cubs can play spoiler and it's fun to see them still trying their hardest to win games, even though we all know that this is not going to be "the year."

Alfonso Soriano's 100th RBI of the season was an RBI single in the first inning against the Pirates (Getty Images photo)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play the final game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Travis Wood will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his seventh win of the season.

Cubs win 4th in a row as Dave Sappelt leads 4-1 victory over Astros

The Cubs won their fourth game in a row when they beat the Houston Astros 4-1 at Minute Maid Park Monday night.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed one run on four hits while striking out four batters and walking five over five innings pitched.  Volstad earned his third win of the season.

Dave Sappelt was hands-down the outstanding player of the game as he had a hand in all four Cubs runs and was 2-for-5.  His RBI double in the second inning put the Cubs on the board.  Then his two-run double in the seventh inning gave the Cubs a 4-1 lead, which was eventually the final score.

Dave Sappelt had a part in all four Cubs runs scored against the Astros on Monday night (photo from cubs.com)

Relief pitchers Miguel Socolovich, James Russell, Jaye Chapman and Shawn Camp held the Astros to just one hit and a walk over their three combined innings pitched.

By the ninth inning, there were more Cubs fans at Minute Maid Park than Astros fans.  Chants of "Let's Go Cubbies" could be heard as Carlos Marmol recorded his 19th save of the season.  Love it!

Tomorrow the Cubs and Astros will play the second game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Justin Germano will start for the Cubs and try for his third win this season.

Cubs win third game in a row and sweep the Pirates

The Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates for the third day in a row Sunday afternoon, which also completed the series sweep.  This was the Cubs first series win since August 1-4, 2011 in Pittsburgh, coincidentally.

Chris Rusin started for the Cubs and allowed one run on five hits while striking out four batters and walking three over five innings pitched.

Third baseman Josh Vitters homered in the fourth inning to break his 0-for-27 streak.  Catcher Anthony Recker then hit his first major league homer in the same inning to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead. 

James Russell balked in the seventh inning which allowed the Pirates to tie the game at 2-2 since a runner was on third.  

However, the game wasn't tied for long as Alfonso Soriano's two-run homer in the eighth inning gave the Cubs a 4-2 lead, which was eventually the final score.  Carlos Marmol threw 11 balls and 12 strikes in the ninth and loaded the bases with one out, but was able to survive and earned his 18th save of the season.  Russell earned his seventh win of the season. 

Alfonso Soriano's 2-run homer put the Cubs ahead against the Pirates on Sunday (photo from cubs.com)

Next the Cubs will travel to Houston to play a three-game against the Astros starting at 7:05pm CT. Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win of the season. 

Cubs bounce back and win 12-2 over Pirates; Brett Jackson's extraordinary catch

The Cubs bounced back from being swept by the Washington Nationals by winning 12-2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park Friday night.

Travis Wood started for the Cubs and ended his losing streak by allowing just one hit and striking out five batters and walking three over six scoreless innings.  The Pirates committed seven errors tonight.

Starlin Castro got his 500th and 501st career hits and became the 28th MLB player in history to make the accomplishment before turning 23 years old.  Castro was 3-for-5 in tonight's game.

Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano both scored against the Pirates Friday night (US Presswire photo)

However, there was a scary moment in the sixth inning when outfielder Brett Jackson crashed into the fence with his face after making an amazing catch on Andrew McCutchen's fly ball to end the inning. 

“That’s the type of player I am,” Jackson said.  “I’ve always been that way.  I’ll go through a wall for the team and that was a big moment for Travis (Wood) and for us.  We’d lost six in a row, and seven runs didn’t seem like it was enough at the time.  I don’t really have a second gear.  I’m going to go for those balls.  I’m sure people will tell me to take care of my body, but making that play was a little more important at the time.”  Gotta love BJax's ambition!

Cubs outfielder Brett Jackson's extraordinary catch in the sixth inning against the Pirates Friday night (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Thankfully Jackson was able to walk off the field and his x-rays were negative.  He does have a bruised and swollen knee, though.  Manager Dale Sveum tonight's big win was important for the team's “mental state,” and Jackson’s catch was one of the components.  “That was one heck of an effort, and at a very crucial time in the game,” he said.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play the second game of the three-game series at 6:05pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs before being shut down for the rest of the season since he's already pitched double the amount of innings since he was converted from a relief pitcher to a starter this season.

Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija will make his last start of the season Saturday before he will be shut down to protect his arm (US Presswire photo)

"It's going to be tough watching," the "Shark" said.  "It's not something I'm accustomed to.  I'm used to playing, and I'm used to playing all the time.  You have to respect what they're planning on doing, what their plans are for the organization and for the team.  This is the right move for the right reasons."

This means that the rotation will consist of Chris Volstad (the only starter left from opening week), Travis Wood, Justin Germano, Chris Rusin and Jason Berken, who was claimed on waivers from the Baltimore Orioles Friday.  It should be an interesting rest of the season and as much as it stings to say it, I think it will be a challenge for the Cubs to not lose 100 games.

Chris Volstad earns 2nd win in a row as Cubs win 6-4 over Giants

The Cubs won 6-4 over the San Francisco Giants this afternoon at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on five hits while walking three batters and striking out two over 5-2/3 innings pitched.  Volstad earned his second straight win after finally breaking free of his 24-game winless streak in his previous start on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies.

Volstad addressed the streak and said, "Winning two in a row, or losing 24 in a row, I'm still going to pitch in the rotation the next five days and I have to get ready for that, just like I would any other time."

Alfonso Soriano had an amazing game as he drove in three runs and also hit his 24th home run.  Anthony Rizzo also hit his 10th homer today, which was under video review before the umpires deemed it a home run.  Wellington Castillo also ended up with an inside-the-park homer in the third inning.

The Cubs finished August on a high note, despite an 8-21 record for the month.  The team is motivated to not lose 100 games this season, so they are prepared to play hard in September.  This is especially important, because it would make it even harder for everyone if they were not even trying, but that's definitely not the case.

Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano both hit homers in Friday's game against the Giants (photo from cubs.com)

Joe Mather scores on Friday against the Cubs' win against the Giants (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, the team recalled left-hander Jeff Beliveau from Triple-A Iowa and optioned left-hander Brooks Raley to Iowa.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Giants will play the second game in the three-game series at 12:05pm CT.  Justin Germano will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win of the season.  He will face right hander Tim Lincecum. 

Cubs overcome 6-run deficit for a walk-off win against the Brewers

The Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 12-11 in the final game of the four-game series Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field, which was one of the crazier up-and-down games of the season.

Brooks Raley started for the Cubs and allowed seven runs on ten hits while walking two batters and striking out two over four innings pitched.  The Cubs then used four relief pitchers before Carlos Marmol came in as the Cubs' final pitcher and ended up earning the win today.

The Cubs celebrate their walk-off win against the Brewers on Thursday (photo from Chicago Cubs)

The Cubs were down six runs and tied the game and then fell behind 11-9 and then scored three runs in the ninth to walk-off with the win.  Alfonso Soriano's deep RBI single drove home Starlin Castro who scored the winning run. 

"Obviously our best win of the year," manager Dale Sveum said.

The Cubs celebrate their walk-off win against the Brewers on Thursday (Getty Images photo)

Alfonso Soriano had the game-winning walk-off RBI on Thursday against the Brewers (photo from cubs.com)

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at 1:20pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win of the season, after winning his last start and breaking free of his winless games streak.

Chris Volstad gets first win as a Cub and ends winless streak on a soggy Sunday at the Friendlly Confines

After a 2 hour and 23-minute rain delay plus another 30-minute delay, and a game that was called after eight innings, the Cubs ended up shutting out the Colorado Rockies 5-0 and also won the series. 

Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and finally earned his first win as a Cub, which also ended his 24-game winless streak that dated back to July of 2011 when he was on the Marlins.  Manager Dale Sveum said, "I know that's a huge monkey off his back.  The team was incredibly happy for him.  When the game got called, you could see the emotion from the players." 

Chris Volstad finally earned his first win as a Cub and ended his 24-game winless streak against the Rockies on Sunday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Volstad's teammates got a chance to prepare for his victory shower during the 30-minute delay after the eighth inning.  "It was fun," said Darwin Barney.  "He was real excited.  The thing about it, when you're an offensive position player and you have that game when your team wins and you contribute and have a couple knocks, you go home feeling pretty good about yourself.  He hasn't had one of those days in a while — a day where everything worked out.  They didn't get a cheap hit off him today, and the defense picked him up.  I was really happy for him.  He's been pitching really consistent of late and he's just been getting some bad luck here and there.  I think he liked that little shower we gave him."

Volstad allowed just three hits and no runs while striking out three batters and walking three over 6-2/3 innings pitched.  It also helped that Volstad received more than three runs of support today, since the Cubs had scored one or no runs in eight of his 12 starts before today.  As he exited the field in the sixth inning, he received a standing ovation from the crowd at Wrigley Field.

I was at today's game and can say it was definitely a long day, since we arrived when the gates opened and watched the Cubs take batting practice before it was cut short, and ended up staying until the game was called after eight innings (and over seven hours since we had arrived at Wrigley).  It was a bummer not being able to sing "Go Cubs Go", though.

Following are some photos I took at the game:

First base coach Dave McKay and second baseman Darwin Barney during batting practice (photo by Karen Burchell)

It was a soggy Sunday at the Friendly Confines (photo by Karen Burchell)

David DeJesus warms up after the two hour and 23-minute rain delay (photo by Karen Burchell)

Anthony Rizzo uses eyedrops before the rain-delayed game started on Sunday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Maybe Samardzija and Russell have been hanging out a little too much? (photo by Karen Burchell)

Chris Volstad received a standing ovation after he was pulled in the sixth inning (photo by Karen Burchell)

Rain delay, take two - the tarp is back on after 8 innings (photo by Karen Burchell)

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a four-game series against the Brewers at Wrigley Field starting at 7:05pm CT.  Justin Germano will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win.

Brett Jackson with 3rd HR but Cubs fall 4-3 to Rockies on a sweltering Saturday at Wrigley Field

The Cubs lost 4-3 to the Colorado Rockies today in the second game of the three-game series.  Brooks Raley started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on five hits and walked three batters and struck out four over five innings pitched.

Brooks Raley started for the Cubs against the Rockies on Saturday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Pitcher Chris Rusin was optioned to Triple-A Iowa as the corresponding move when Raley was recalled before Saturday's game.  Rusin gave up just one hit over five innings against the Brewers last week, which happened to be an infield single that had deflected off his foot.  Rusin is expected to be called back up when rosters expand in a week.

Brett Jackson hit his third home run since being called up from Triple-A Iowa, which scored two runs in the fourth inning.  Today's loss was the team's 19th in their last 24 games.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Rockies will play the final game in the series at 1:20CT.  Chris Volstad will make the start for the Cubs and hopefully will finally get a win.

Chris Volstad's winless streak continues as Cubs lose 5-4 to Reds; Alfonso Soriano's milestone; Starlin Castro's extension update

The Cubs lost 5-4 to the Cincinnati Reds this afternoon at Great American Ballpark.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed four runs over seven hits and struck out four batters and walked one over six innings pitched. 

Volstad has now gone 24 consecutive starts without a win, as he received a no-decision today since relief pitcher Shawn Camp was tagged with the loss.

Starter Chris Volstad has now gone 24 consecutive starts without a win (photo from cubs.com)

The right-hander said, "If you've won five in a row and you've got a five-game win streak, are you going to worry about not wining your next game?  Or if you've lost five in a row, are you going to worry about losing?  No, you're going to go out there and compete and try and win each individual time you're out there.  That's all I'm doing."  Well, I sure hope he can get a win soon.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "Not some of the smartest baseball I've ever seen today," when asked to comment on today's game.  He might have been referring to outfielder Brett Jackson trying to steal third base with one out in the ninth and the game tied.  Jackson was thrown out and the Cubs ended up losing the game by a run.

There were some highlights to the game, which include outfielder David DeJesus, who had three hits, a double, an RBI and also scored two runs.  Alfonso Soriano had two RBIs.

In other Cubs news, the team claimed left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from the San Diego Padres.  In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Arodys Vizcaino was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Also, worth mentioning, outfielder Alfonso Soriano earned his 1,000th career RBI in yesterday's first doubleheader game against the Reds.

Alfonso Soriano drove in his 1,000th career RBI on Saturday against the Reds in Cincinnati (Getty Images photo)

On another note, the reported 7-year, $60 million contract extension for Starlin Castro hasn't been finalized yet.  When asked about the deal, Castro said, "I like it, but I don't know if it is sure yet. (My agent) will let me know right away.  He hasn't called."

Soriano's advice to the young shortstop was, "I just talk to him about staying humble, you know," Soriano said.  "Love the game and work hard to get better.  Money is good, but it won't make you better.  Always the money is there if you play hard and play good."

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park at 7:10pm CT.  Justin Germano will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win since joining the Cubs.

Chris Volstad's winless streak extends to 23 games as Cubs lose 10-1 to Astros

The Cubs lost 10-1 to the Houston Astros on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and was unable to help his team and his winless streak continues at 23 games. 

Chris Volstad can't shake his winless streak of 23 games (photo from cubs.com)

Volstad allowed four runs over eight hits while striking out three batters over five innings pitched and is now 0-14 with a 5.51 ERA since his last win on July 10, 2011 when he pitched for the Marlins against the Astros.

The Cubs offense included Starlin Castro singling and scoring on a fielder's choice by Darwin Barney.

We are all aware that this is a "rebuilding year" for the Cubs, but it still isn't fun to witness the tough losses such as tonight's.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein said, "Sometimes you get upset not just at a loss, but when you see someone make the same mistake twice.  And at the same time it's just not the wins that make you excited.  Sometimes you see a young player make an adjustment and do something better that next time.  You see some improvement and it gets you excited."

Tomorrow the Cubs and Astros will play the rubber game of the series at 1:20pm CT.  Justin Germano will make the start for the Cubs and try for his second win of the season.

Jeff Samardzija vents his frustration by snapping his bat as Cubs lose eighth straight

The Cubs lost their eighth game in a row when they were shutout by the San Diego Padres, 2-0 in the final game of the three game series at Petco Park.  Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed one run over four hits and struck out six and walked two batters over seven innings pitched. 

The Shark pitched well enough to win, but the Cubs just couldn't get their offense going.  Manager Dale Sveum said, "The bottom line is we're not getting anything going with the bats."  He reminded his young team to try to have some fun and said, "You have to go out and play like it's Little League."

Samardzija ended the Cubs seventh inning by striking out and immediately broke his bat over his knee to vent his frustration.  "It just felt good to snap it like a toothpick," he said.  Samardzija apparently did the same thing when he was eliminated in the bunting tournament during Spring Training.

Jeff Samardzija broke his bat in frustration after striking out to end the Cubs seventh inning in San Diego on Wednesday (photo from cubs.com)

"Right now, when you start losing games and a lot of things aren't going your way, you're going to see some frustrations come out," Sveum said.  "That's part of the game.  It's OK to see guys with emotion and fire.  Those are guys you want around, too." 

This was a horrible roadtrip for the Cubs in the Golden state.  They were 0-10 in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

Tomorrow the Cubs return to Wrigley Field to start a four-game series against the Cincinnati Reds.  Chris Volstad will start Thursday's game at 7:05pm CT and try to earn that elusive first win of the season.  The good news is that Volstad's last outing in Los Angeles was his best one of the season, but it was unfortunate he was matched up against Clayton Kershaw and the Cubs weren't able to come through with their offense.

Cubs lose 3-1 to Dodgers; Matt Garza might return to start Tuesday

The Cubs lost 3-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in game two of the three-game series at Dodger Stadium tonight.  Chris Volstad made the start for the Cubs and allowed two runs on six hits while striking out three and walking one batter over seven innings.

Volstad left the game trailing 2-1 and also is tagged with his eighth loss of the season, even though he had a decent outing and went at least six innings, which is what manager Dale Sveum was hoping for.  Volstad now hasn't won a game in his last 21 MLB starts.

Chris Volstad started for the Cubs against the Dodgers on Saturday (photo from cubs.com)

Darwin Barney scored off of Alfonso Soriano's RBi double in the third inning to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead.  But the Dodgers countered back in the fourth inning with a leadoff single by Mark Ellis followed by a two-run homer by Matt Kemp to make it 2-1.

Clayton Kershaw was excellent as the Cubs could only get three hits over seven innings against him tonight.  The Cubs are now 0-4 since the trade deadline has passed, but Sveum isn't letting the team use that as an excuse for not executing.

In other Cubs news, Matt Garza threw a full bullpen session today and thinks he'll be ready to start for the Cubs on Tuesday in San Diego.  Garza hasn't pitched in a game since leaving his start early on July 21st in St. Louis with cramps in his triceps and then took time off because his wife gave birth to their fourth child on Tuesday in Chicago.

Sveum said Garza would be limited to 70-80 pitches in his first start back, but will wait to see how he feels Sunday before making the decision on whether he'll start.

Dale Sveum will decide on Sunday whether Matt Garza is ready to start on Tuesday (photo from cubs.com)

Garza is anxious to get back and said, "I'm just champing at the bit and ready to go.  Not doing anything for three days didn't set me back but didn't work out too well.  Today I felt great, threw a whole bullpen and we'll wake up tomorrow."  Garza also tweeted, "Bullpen went great, looking forward to getting a chance to toe it up again... #anxious" on Saturday.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Dodgers will play the final game in the series at 3:10pm CT.  Justin Germano will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win since being acquired by the Cubs.

Cubs lose 8-4 to Pirates; The latest roster changes

The Cubs lost the rubber game 8-4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field this afternoon, which I witnessed in person. 

Travis Wood started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on three hits while walking three batters and striking out six over 98 pitches in five innings.  This was Wood's fourth straight loss.

Travis Wood sports his new haircut while making the start against the Pirates on Wednesday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Wood said, "It was a battle early.  I was missing location, and just off and throwing balls. Unfortunately, we came up short.  I felt like I took a stride today, even though I didn’t go deep into the ball game and threw a lot of pitches, I still felt like I kept them off-balance and keep our team in the ball game.”

Very true, the game was close until the Pirates scored five runs off reliever Shawn Camp, who wasn't able to get anyone out.  This was a departure from the usually reliable Camp, who had give up on ly two runs in his last 20 outings.  Camp's ERA jumped from 2.70 to 3.54.

The Cubs rallied in the ninth and scored three runs, but it was too little, too late.

Starlin Castro is congratulated by his teammates in the dugout after his homer against the Pirates on Wednesday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, Chris Volstad was called up from Triple-A Iowa and is scheduled to start on Saturday.  Let's hope he can turn his season with the Cubs around and finally earn a win (his record is 0-7 with the Cubs this season).

Relief pitcher Alberto Cabrera was also called up from the Iowa Cubs and made his major league debut by striking out two batters in a scoreless inning in Wednesday's game.

Casey Coleman was optioned to Triple-A Iowa after starting for the Cubs on Tuesday and allowing a grand slam in the first inning.

Second baseman Darwin Barney,  who was hit in the helmet with a slider by pitcher A.J. Burnett during Tuesday night's game is predicted to be back in the lineup on Friday against the Dodgers in Los Angeles.  Thankfully, tests showed that Barney is ok.

Second baseman Darwin Barney had to leave the game Tuesday night after being hit in the head by a pitch (photo from Chicago Tribune)

This has been a busy week for the Cubs President of Baseball Operations, Theo Epstein, as the team dealt top pitchers Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm, as well as utility player Reed Johnson and catcher Geovany Soto.  Dempster and Soto have landed with the Texas Rangers and Maholm and Johnson have ended up on the Atlanta Braves.

"They're great guys -- outstanding pitchers, outstanding teammates," Wood said of the ex-Cubs. "When you lose people like that, it's hard to replace them.  They're moving on and we have to, too."
"We lost a lot of good friends, good teammates and on top of that, good baseball players," Baker said. "We put ourselves in a situation where we got off to a slow start and didn't play well.  I still believe in the guys in the room and it's an opportunity for some guys to prove themselves so they can play and be part of the plans going forward.  We still have to play good baseball.  Everyone in here is a big league player, and now it's time to step up and run with it."

Dempster said, "I definitely don't close doors on possibly coming back to the Cubs.  It was just an unbelievable nine years of my career and of my life.  It's been more than just a baseball team to me. It's been a city and a way of life."  We'll miss you, Demp!

Starting pitcher Matt Garza, who has been out with a triceps injury since July 21st, will throw a bullpen session over the weekend and could start on Tuesday in San Diego, if things go well with the bullpen session.  Garza and his wife also welcomed a baby daughter, who they named Summer, on Tuesday.

The Cubs have an off-day tomorrow and will play a three-game series against the Dodgers in Los Angeles starting Friday night at 9:10pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start on Friday and try to earn his eighth win of the season.

Matt Garza has short outing as Cubs lose 7-3 to the Braves; Could Ryan Dempster pitch on Sunday?

The Cubs lost 7-3 to the Atlanta Braves in the series finale at Turner Field on Thursday night.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and fare so well, as he lasted only four innings and gave up five runs on five hits and three walks while throwing 94 pitches. 

Matt Garza wasn't on his game tonight in the loss to the Braves (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Garza had trouble from the first inning, where he had to throw 44 pitches before he could get out of the inning.  He did strike out six batters tonight.

The Cubs were scoreless until Geovany Soto homered in the fifth inning to put the Cubs on the board.  The Cubs added two more runs in the seventh, but couldn't score beyond that. 

Tomorrow the Cubs will travel to New York to play a three-game series against the Mets starting at 6:10pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to extend his winning streak to four games.

During the series in New York, Ryan Dempster is a possibility for starting Sunday's finale.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said he wants to see how Dempster handles a bullpen session on Friday in New York before making a final decision.  Sveum also said that since the game is the final one before the All-Star break, nearly the entire pitching staff can back up Dempster if needed out of the bullpen.

Dempster said that because of the extremely warm temperatures expected in New York this weekend he will not have a problem getting loose.  If Dempster does pitch Sunday, Chris Volstad will most likely return to Triple-A Iowa.

Chris Volstad is back to old ways as Cubs lose 10-3 to Braves

The Cubs lost 10-3 to the Atlanta Braves tonight.  I guess 5 wins in a row was being too hopeful.  Oh well, tomorrow's a new day!

Chris Volstad was called up from Triple-A Iowa to start for the Cubs and gave up six runs on seven hits with two walks over 4-1/3 innings.  In a corresponding move, Casey Coleman was optioned to Triple-A Iowa today, which also happens to be his birthday.

Chris Volstad couldn't lead the Cubs to a win Tuesday and now has a winless streak of 20 games (photo from cubs.com)

Volstad was back to his fifth inning troubles, when he gave up five runs.  He wasn't better than Randy Wells or Casey Coleman, who were both sent down to Iowa within the past week.  Volstad fell to 0-7 with the Cubs with a 7.94 ERA.

Ryan Dempster will have his second bullpen session in three days on Wednesday at Turner Field, and will be re-evaluated Thursday to determine the next step.  Most likely, the Cubs will still have to cover Dempster's spot in the rotation one more time on Sunday against the New York Mets.  We'll see who Dale Sveum decides to go with for the start.

On a side note, Wells made his first start tonight since going back to Iowa and allowed one run on three hits and struck out four and walked two batters over five innings pitched.  Wells earned the win tonight against the Nashville Sounds.

Randy Wells earned the win in his first start since going down to Triple-A Iowa (photo from Iowa Cubs)

On a side note, Anthony Rizzo recorded the game-winning RBI in three of his first five games and became the first Cubs player in franchise history to accomplish this since the RBI was made an official stat in 1920.  Of his five RBIs, four have given the Cubs the lead, and the other has tied the game. 

Tomorrow the Cubs and Braves will play game two of the four game series at 6:10pm CT.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs and try for his sixth win of the season.  In his last start, he was excellent as he gave up just four hits over 8-1/3 innings.

Cubs beat the Braves 4-1 and win their 4th in a row for the first time this season; Ian Stewart and Ryan Dempster injury updates

The Cubs are in Atlanta for a four-game series against the Braves and started off the roadtrip on the right side by beating the Braves, 4-1 tonight at Turner Field.  This is the first time the Cubs have won four games in a row this season.

Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed one run on four hits and struck out a career-high 11 batters, while walking one over seven innings pitched.  This is a nice change from the month of June, when Samardzija went 0-4 with a 10.41 earned-run average in five starts.

Jeff Samardzija threw a career-high 11 strikeouts in Monday's game against the Braves (photo from cubs.com)

First baseman Anthony Rizzo hit his second homer since joining the Cubs in the fourth inning.  Third baseman Luis Valbuena hit the game-winning three-run double in the seventh inning.

Anthony Rizzo is congratulated by Alfonso Soriano after hitting his second homer with the Cubs on Monday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, third baseman Ian Stewart, who has been on the disabled list with a sore left wrist, is going to undergo surgery and will most likely be out for the rest of the season.  Stewart, who is regularly on Twitter, announced the news late Sunday through a tweet.

Outfielder David DeJesus was out of the lineup with a stiff neck tonight, but should be back Tuesday.

Ryan Dempster, who has also been on the disabled list since June 16th with a tight right lat, is expected to return to the starting rotation after the All-Star break.  Dempster threw 40 pitches off a mound today and Sveum said he doesn't expect him to go to the minor leagues for a rehab start.  "The kind of guy he is and how he knows his body and the command of his pitches, I think as long as the bullpen goes good and we have a simulated game, that'll be enough," Sveum said.

Dempster and Braves catcher Brian McCann met with families of children with 22q at Turner Field before today's game as part of the Dempster Family Foundation's effort to raise awareness of the disorder, which Dempster's daughter, Riley, was born with.  This is a wonderful charity, so please visit http://dempsterfamilyfoundation.org/ for more information.

Ryan Dempster and members of his Dempster Family Foundation at Turner Field on Monday (photo from @DempsterFnMedia on twitter)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Braves will play game two of the four-game series at 6:10pm CT.  Chris Volstad, who will be called up from Triple-A Iowa, will make his first start for the Cubs since May 17th.

Volstad was optioned to Iowa after starting the season with the Cubs with a 0-6 record and a 7.46 ERA.  After making eight starts at Iowa, Volstad is 2-3 with a 4.44 ERA.  We'll see if his time in Iowa has paid off.  It's expected that Casey Coleman will be optioned to Iowa in a corresponding move.

Cubs win 3-2 over Astros and secure the series win; Anthony Rizzo hits first homer as a Cub; Jorge Soler deal finalized; No more shaving cream pies by Garza

The Cubs beat the Houston Astros 3-2 at Wrigley Field to secure the series win.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and gave up two runs on nine hits and issued three walks over 5-1/3 innings.

Matt Garza stretches before starting Saturday's game against the Astros (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Anthony Rizzo hit his first homer as a Cub in the fifth inning, when Starlin Castro was on base, which gave the Cubs the 3-2 lead.  "It's good to come here and help us win," Rizzo said.  "It's a lot of fun when you can do that.  It's good for us to win and get that monkey off my back by hitting a home run."

Anthony Rizzo is congratulated by Bryan LaHair after hitting the game-winning home run on Saturday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, Jorge Soler has officially signed a 9-year, $30 million deal with the Cubs.  “He provides a ton of power potential for us,” Cubs General Manager Jed Hoyer said.  “We scouted him heavily and it obviously is a significant commitment for us.  He fits very well into what we’re trying to do.  He’s the right age, the right talent and we’re excited to get him started.”  Soler is 20 years old and hails from Cuba.

Hoyer also said that negotiations with first-round draft choice Albert Almora are ongoing.  The Cubs have until July 13th to sign Almora.

It was also announced that Chris Volstad, who has been at Triple-A Iowa after a 0-6 start to the season, will be called up to start on Tuesday against the Braves in Atlanta. 

Hoyer also said today that Ian Stewart will most likely have to get surgery on his left wrist, since the cortisone shots in his hand haven't helped to resolve the pain.

After today's game, during Anthony Rizzo's postgame interview on the field, Matt Garza emerged from the dugout with a shaving cream pie ready for Rizzo, but opted to cover the camera lens instead and then removed Rizzo's headset and put it on himself and said for Rizzo to come inside, it's hot out here.

Apparently Garza's antics didn't go over very well and he tweeted tonight, "Thanks for the love all of you... Sad to say I shall be retiring from the pies! Certain individuals don't enjoy it as much! #terrible"  Garza definitely brings a lot of energy to the clubhouse and personally, I get a charge out of the guy!

Matt Garza puts shaving cream on a camera during Anthony Rizzo's postgame interview (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Luis Valbuena and Anthony Rizzo celebrate the Cubs' 3-2 win over the Astros (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Astros will play the final game of the series at 1:20pm CT.  Travis Wood is scheduled to start for the Cubs and will try for his third win of the season.