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.

Cubs stomp on Pirates 14-4 on a crazy night at Wrigley Field; Johnson, Maholm and Soto traded during game

The Cubs stomped on the 2nd place Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on an eventful night at Wrigley Field. 

Justin Germano started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on four hits while walking two batters and striking out three over five innings pitched.  Germano was acquired from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations on July 19th and earned his first Cubs win tonight. 

Germano confirmed the trade craziness happening during the game and said, "It seemed like every time I turned around, someone else was leaving." 

Justin Germano earned his first Cubs win against the Pirates on Monday night

The Cubs scored 9 runs in the 5th inning and there was also a wedding proposal that was missed and re-broadcasted on the scoreboard, in addition to the trades happening during the game.

Anthony Rizzo and Darwin Barney each hit three-run home runs, and Starlin Castro hit a two-run homer.  This was the most runs the Cubs have scored in an inning since they scored 10 on August 14, 2009. They also scored eight runs in an inning on September 8, 2009.  All three big inning games were against the Pirates.

Reed Johnson was pulled in the 5th inning for a pinch hitter and was seen shaking hands and exchanging hugs with his teammates in the dugout, which was fueling the theory that he might have been traded.  It's now been confirmed that Johnson and LHP Paul Maholm have been traded to the Atlanta Braves for Arodys Vizcaino and Jaye Chapman.

LHP Paul Maholm has been traded to the Braves (Reuters photo)

Reed Johnson has been traded to the Braves

Around the same time that Johnson was pulled, Brett Jackson, who was the Cubs first draft pick in 2009, was pulled from the Iowa Cubs game.  It's predicted that Jackson will be added to the Cubs roster on Tuesday.

Top prospect Brett Jackson is expected to be called up from the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday

In the 6th inning, Geovany Soto was pulled and also seen exchanging handshakes and hugs with teammates in the dugout before leaving.  During the 8th inning, news surfaced on Twitter that Soto had been traded to the Texas Rangers for Double-A pitcher Jacob Brigham.

Catcher Geovany Soto has been traded to the Texas Rangers

Alfonso Soriano has reportedly told the Cubs he will not go to the San Francisco Giants in a trade.  Sori was pulled in the 8th inning, but wasn't seen giving hugs or handshakes, so it was unclear if he was about to be traded.

Alfonso Soriano doesn't want to go to the Giants

Darwin Barney was a double away from the cycle in tonight's game and was offensively on fire.

Darwin Barney after his three-run homer in the fifth inning against the Pirates (photo from cubs.com)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play game two of the three-game series at Wrigley Field at 7:05pm CT.  For now, Ryan Dempster is scheduled to start for the Cubs and he has been preparing for the game, although there is still a large possibility that Demp will be traded before the 3pm trade deadline tomorrow.  We shall see! 

Dempster said, "I've enjoyed every moment I've played here, and I'm super proud to be a Chicago Cub and I understand that's always a possibility (to stay with the Cubs), and if that's the case, I'm going to give everything I have starting [Tuesday] night.  Whatever ends up happening in 24 hours or 23 hours from now, we'll find out then.  It could be sooner, it could be wearing my uniform and going out and pitching [Tuesday]."

Will Ryan Dempster be traded on Tuesday?

If Demp is traded, Casey Coleman is the most likely pitcher to be called up from Triple-A Iowa, since he's scheduled to start there anyway.  Again, we shall see what happens tomorrow!

Cubs lose 9-6 to Cardinals as Ron Santo Day takes place at Wrigley Field

The Cubs lost the first game of the three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, 9-6 at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon.  Travis Wood started for the Cubs and was dealt his third straight loss (and sixth loss of the season) as he also became the first major league starting pitcher to give up a homer in each of the first five innings of a game.  Yikes.  This also tied a franchise record, along with Carlos Zambrano.

Wood allowed seven hits on eight runs and also walked two and struck out two batters over five innings pitched.  They hit every pitch I had," said Wood.  "I was on a roll (for three games) and now I'm on the other side of it," he said.  "It's nice I (had the three good ones) because the confidence is still there."

Travis Wood started for the Cubs against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday (Getty Images photo)

Highlights of the game were Anthony Rizzo going 2-for-4 with a 2-run homer and RBI single.  Starlin Castro was 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs and an RBI.  Geovany Soto and Alfonso Soriano also had RBIs.  The Cubs did hit for the cycle in the first inning against the Cardinals' Lance Lynn.

Anthony Rizzo is congratulated after hitting a 2-run homer in the first inning against the Cardinals (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Today the Cubs celebrated Ron Santo's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame since today was the first home game since Santo was inducted last weekend.  Santo's No. 10 was mowed into the center field grass and blue No. 10 flags were spread throughout the roof of Wrigley Field.  Santo's grandson threw out the first pitch to Kerry Wood, who was Santo's favorite player, and Santo's family sang the seventh inning stretch.

#10 flags fly above Wrigley Field's roof to celebrate Ron Santo (photo from @M_Montemurro on Twitter)

Cubs players click their heels as they take the field on Friday in honor of Ron Santo's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame (photo from cubs.com)

In other Cubs news, Matt Garza won't make a start until after the trade deadline, due to slight fluid buildup found in his triceps from an MRI.  The earliest he could pitch is late next week, according to Cubs manager Dale Sveum.  So this means that Garza most likely won't be traded before the trade deadline on Tuesday, July 31st.  It's also up in the air as to whether Ryan Dempster will be dealt before Tuesday.

Right handed pitcher Randy Wells, who was put on the 7-day disabled list last week by the Iowa Cubs, underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow on Tuesday in Chicago.  He will most likely be out for the rest of the season.  Wells cleared waivers in June after he was designated for assignment and would have been an option to rejoin the Cubs rotation if Garza or Dempster were traded.  Personally, I hope Wells has a full and quick recovery and wish him the best.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Cards will play the second game of the series at 12:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try for his eighth win of the season.

Cubs beat Marlins 5-1 after game called due to rain delay; Rizzo and Campana visit kids with cancer; Randy Wells placed on DL by Iowa; Jorge Soler to make debut Thursday

The Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 5-1 Wednesday night at Wrigley Field to even up the series.  The game was halted in the eighth inning after thunderstorms moved into Chicago.  After a one hour and 17 minute rain delay, the game was called and Cubs fans were able to sing "Go Cubs Go!"

Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed one run on six hits and struck out nine batters and walked three.  He lasted just five innings and was pulled after 97 pitches.

Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs on Wednesday at Wrigley Field (photo from cubs.com)

Starlin Castro tied the game 1-1 in the fourth inning by hitting a solo home run.  The Cubs then scored four more runs in the seventh inning.  Geovany Soto's RBI single drove home Alfonso Soriano to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead.  The Cubs then scored three more runs when Jeff Baker hit a two-run pinch double and David DeJesus hit a sacrifice fly.

The Cubs were leading the Marlins 5-1 in the eighth inning when heavy thunderstorms forced a rain delay that lasted one hour and 17 minutes before the game was called.

In other Cubs news, Anthony Rizzo and Tony Campana, who are both cancer (Hodgkin's lymphoma) survivors, visited young patients at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago for a couple of hours on Wednesday.

Tony Campana and Anthony Rizzo visited patients at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago on Wednesday (photo from cubs.com)

"Sometimes, we'd go into a room and just say hi, cheer them up," Rizzo said.  "Other times, we'd talk to them a little more and tell them Tony and I are both survivors and what we went through, and we know it's not fun.  Kids were sitting there getting chemotherapy as we're talking to them.  We just tell them to have fun."

"The situation I'm in now, I have a chance to go out and show kids that, hey, there's a light at the end of the tunnel and keep fighting no matter what and always have fun," Rizzo said.

Right-handed pitcher Randy Wells has been placed on the disabled list by the Iowa Cubs retroactive to July 15th with a right elbow strain.  Wells has a record of 1-2 in 12 games and an ERA of 5.34, including four starts with the Cubs.  He was designated for assignment in June and outrighted to Triple-A Iowa.  

Jorge Soler, who signed a nine-year, $30 million deal with the Cubs earlier this month, will make his pro debut in an Arizona Rookie League game on Thursday. 

Tomorrow the Marlins and Cubs will play the final game in the three-game series at 1:20pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs and try to earn his eighth win of the season.

Ryan Dempster returns from DL and is outstanding as Cubs win 7-0 over Mets and take the series

The Cubs shutout the Mets 7-0 and win the series against the New York Mets on Sunday at Citi Field.  Ryan Dempster returned from the disabled list and had another outstanding start as he allowed just four hits and struck out four batters and walked none over five innings pitched.

Dempster threw 63 pitches today and his scoreless streak was extended to 27 innings.  It's the longest streak by a Cubs pitcher since Kenny Holtzman's 27-inning streak in 1971.  Demps finishes the first half with an impressive 1.99 ERA.

Ryan Dempster returned from the disabled list and pitched five scoreless innings against the Mets on Sunday (photo from cubs.com)

As expected, pitcher Chris Volstad, who was with the team and made a spot start for Dempster on Tuesday against the Braves, was optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room on the roster for Dempster. 

The Cubs got off to a great start by scoring four runs in the first inning.  Alfonso Soriano had an RBI single, followed by Jeff Baker's RBI double, then Geovany Soto's 2-RBI single.  In the seventh inning, Starlin Castro hit a three-run homer to give the Cubs a 7-0 lead.

Paul Maholm made his first career relief appearance after 201 starts and pitched one scoreless inning, followed by scoreless innings by Manny Corpas, James Russell and Shawn Camp.  The Cubs ended up with a 4-3 record on the road trip, and have won 9 of their last 13 games heading into the All-Star break.

When asked who his first half MVPs were, manager Dale Sveum said Shawn Camp and James Russell.  Camp was 2-4 with a 2.86 ERA and one save, while Russell was 2-0 with a 2.43 ERA going into Sunday's game.  Russell had a 2.30 ERA in 101 games since the start of 2011, the second-lowest mark by a National League left-hander.

"Those guys have been phenomenal in the first half," Sveum said.  "Without those two guys, we would've been in a lot of trouble.  The combination of both of them has been tremendous.  They've been consistent all season long.  To have the numbers they have, and handle a position they've been put in [that they aren't used to] speaks volumes for what they've done for this team this year."

Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair will be the Cubs' representatives in Kansas City at this year's All-Star game on Tuesday at 6:30pm CT on FOX.  "You're always ready for a break in this game," Sveum said.  "[Four] days off will be nice."

Bryan LaHair and Starlin Castro were selected to play in the 2012 All-Star Game in Kansas City (photo from cubs.com)

LaHair said, "This morning, I woke up and I'm like, 'Hmm, I've got a game today, and I'm going to Kansas City,' and it's kind of cool -- I'm going to meet my brother and wife there."  Go NL!

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.

Cubs lose 6-1 to Diamondbacks; Anthony Rizzo won't be called up this weekend

The Cubs lost 6-1 to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in the first game of the three-game road trip.  Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed five runs on seven hits and walked two and struck out six batters over five innings pitched.

Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs against the Diamondbacks on Friday (photo from cubs.com)

One last minute change to tonight's game was that lefty Joe Saunders was scheduled to start for the Dbacks, but was scratched at the last minute because he couldn't get loose in the bullpen before the game, so right hander Josh Collmenter was called on to start at the last minute.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum had gone with his usual lineup against left handed pitchers, leaving Bryan LaHair and David DeJesus on the bench, but it was unfortunate when the Dbacks switched to a righty just before game time.

Geovany Soto's solo home run in the fourth inning gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead and was the team's only offense in tonight's game.  Jason Kubel countered with a two-run homer in the bottom of the fourth to give the Dbacks a 2-1 lead and they never looked back as they tacked on 4 more runs during the game.

In other Cubs news, Sveum said that Randy Wells will remain in the starting rotation in Ryan Dempster's spot and is scheduled to start in Tuesday's game against the New York Mets at Wrigley Field.  "We'll stick with Wells for right now," Sveum said today.  "Something could change, but right now Wells will pitch on Tuesday."  In 24.2 innings pitched against the Mets, Wells has a record of 0-1 and an ERA of 2.92 with 14 strikeouts.

Sveum did confirm that the Cubs' top prospect Anthony Rizzo won’t be called up during their roadtrip in Arizona.  “I don’t know if there’s a date on it,” Sveum said. “It’s obvious he’s coming soon but we don’t have a date yet.”  Rizzo is batting .350 with 59 RBIs in 66 games with the Iowa Cubs this season and leads the Pacific Coast League with 23 homers.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Dbacks will play game two at 9:10pm CT.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs and is looking for his fifth win of the season.

Cubs crush White Sox 12-3 to kick off Crosstown Classic; Ryan Dempster to DL; Geo Soto is back; other roster moves

The Cubs crushed the White Sox 12-3 to open the three-game Crosstown Classic series at U.S. Cellular Field tonight.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and allowed three runs on five hits while striking out six and walking one batter over six innings pitched.  Out of Garza's 87 pitches, 59 were strikes.

The Cubs celebrate their 12-3 win over the White Sox on Monday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Bryan LaHair, Starlin Castro, Alfonso Soriano, Geovany Soto and Luis Valbuena all hit home runs tonight to add to the Cubs' offense.

Bryan LaHair crosses home plate after his two-run homer in the third inning against the White Sox (Getty Images photo)

Regardless of the Cubs' record this season, it's always fun to watch the Northsiders beat up on the Sox!

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein before the Crosstown Classic game Monday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, right handed pitcher Ryan Dempster was placed on the 15-day disabled list today for tightness in his right lat (near his shoulder).  Randy Wells will move from the bullpen to the starting rotation while Dempster is on the DL and will make the start for the Cubs on Wednesday against the Sox.  Scott Maine was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take Wells' spot in the bullpen.

Catcher Geovany Soto was activated from the DL today and was in the starting lineup tonight.  In a corresponding move, Wellington Castillo was optioned to Triple-A Iowa.  Guess all that talk from Cubs manager Dale Sveum about the possibility of using three catchers was just that...a possibility. 

Having Bryan LaHair play right field tonight suggests that the Cubs may be getting ready to call up first baseman Anthony Rizzo from Triple-A Iowa soon.  Last season when LaHair was called up to the major leagues, he played in right field nine times and in left field five times, so this is somewhat familiar to him.  But this also makes me think if the Cubs might be thinking of trading right fielder David DeJesus?  Unless DeJesus will play center field (like he did tonight) and share the position with Tony Campana?  Hmmm, the next month or so should be interesting!

Tomorrow the Crosstown Classic will continue at 7:10pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his first win of the season.  Let's Go Cubbies!

Cubs lose 7-4 to Red Sox; Geovany Soto expected to return soon

The Cubs lost 7-4 to the Boston Red Sox in the final game of the three-game series tonight at Wrigley Field.

Paul Maholm made the start for the Cubs and allowed three runs on six hits while walking one and striking out five batters over six innings pitched.  Maholm ended up with a no decision and reliever Shawn Camp was charged with the loss.

Paul Maholm started for the Cubs tonight (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Starlin Castro was a homer shy of the cycle in tonight's game, going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and two RBIs.

Starlin Castro runs to third base in tonight's game against the Red Sox (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, the Cubs are going to try to go with three catchers on the roster, which may be bad news for Adrian Cardenas.  Geovany Soto, who is expected to be reactivated from the disabled list on Monday, would be joined by Steve Clevenger and Wellington Castillo.

Catcher Koyie Hill did not accept his outright to Triple-A Iowa and is now a free agent.

Tomorrow the Cubs will head to the South Side to play the first of a three-game series against the White Sox at 7:10pm CT.  Matt Garza will start for the Cubs and try for his third win of the season.

Ryan Dempster and the Cubs win 8-2 over the Twins and head back to Chicago to prepare for the Tigers and Red Sox

The Cubs beat the Minnesota Twins, 8-2 and avoid being swept at Target Field.  Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs and had another excellent outing as he allowed four hits and no runs.  He also struck out six and walked one batter on 117 pitches during eight innings pitched and earns his second win of the season.

Ryan Dempster earned his second win of the season today against the Twins (photo from cubs.com)

Joe Mather congratulates Reed Johnson after he scores against the Twins during the first inning (Getty Photo)

Starlin Castro and Darwin Barney celebrate the Cubs' win against the Twins (photo from Chicago Tribune)

James Russell came into the game in the ninth inning to close out the game, but gave up two runs and spoiled the shutout.  The Cubs finished this road trip with a 2-8 record and are now 20-40 for the season.

In other Cubs news, catcher Geovany Soto, who has been on the disabled list since he had arthroscopic surgery for a meniscus tear in his left knee, will begin his rehab assignment on Monday at Triple-A Iowa.  He's expected to play between three to five games with the Iowa Cubs and could possibly come back to the Cubs roster this weekend against the Red Sox.

Tomorrow the Cubs have an off-day before they start a six-game homestand against the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox at Wrigley Field.  Paul Maholm will start against the Tigers at 7:05pm CT and try to earn his fifth win of the season.  Let's hope the Cubs can do better from the Friendly Confines than they did on the road.

Lots of changes on Cubs roster; Crosstown Classic game 2 recap

There continued to be lots of changes to the Cubs roster today.  Kerry Wood formally retired and held his retirement announcement on the field at Wrigley today at 2pm.  His wife Sarah and three kids were in attendance on the field, as well as the entire Cubs team.  Laura Ricketts spoke on behalf of the Ricketts family and presented Wood with a framed photo of Wood hugging his son after his last strikeout in yesterday's game.  Ricketts also gave Wood the flag that was hanging at Wrigley Field that represented his 20-strikeout game during his rookie season in 1998.

Kerry Wood makes his official retirement announcement at Wrigley Field today (photo from cubs.com)

Kerry and Sarah Wood at a celebratory retirement dinner (photo from Kerry Wood's twitter account)

Kerry Wood posted the photo above to his twitter account in a tweet that said, "Thanks for the warm wishes & amazing send off. A day my family & I will never forget. Cheers! #Newbeginning #Gocubs"

Catcher Geovany Soto was placed on the 15-day disabled following a left knee arthroscopy.  Backup catcher Wellington Castillo has a has a mild MCL sprain in right knee and may miss 4-7 days.  In a somewhat surprising move, the Cubs acquired former Cubs catcher Koyie Hill acquired from the Reds for cash considerations.  During tonight's game, Darwin Barney was the emergency catcher again.

The Cubs also recalled right-handed pitcher Randy Wells from Triple-A Iowa.  Wells takes Kerry Wood's spot on the 25-man roster and will pitch in long relief.  Wells is 27-31 with a 4.05 ERA (229 ER/509.0 IP) in 88 major league appearances, all but four as a starter.  He spent most of the last three seasons in the Cubs rotation, posting a 7-6 record with a 4.99 ERA (75 ER/135.1 IP) in 23 starts last year after missing nearly two months in April and May due to a right forearm strain.  Wells went 6-3 with a 4.04 ERA (40 ER/89.0 IP) in 14 starts after the All-Star Break.

Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs tonight and had his worst outing of the season as he gave up four runs on seven hits over six innings, which increased his ERA from 1.74 to 2.28.

Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs on Saturday (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs ended up losing 7-4 to the White Sox.  For a complete game recap, here's a link to cubs.com.

Pitcher Blake Parker, who was just called up on Thursday, was pulled from his second career outing in tonight's game with tightness in his right hamstring.

Tomorrow the final game of the Crosstown Classic will be played at Wrigley Field at 1:20pm CT.  Paul Maholm is the scheduled starter for the Cubs and will go for his fifth win of the season.

Cubs don't give up, but cannot get the win against the Phillies; Blake Parker called up; Crosstown Classic on deck

The Cubs lost to the Philadelphia Phillies, 8-7 at Wrigley Field tonight.  The Cubs were hoping that starting pitcher Chris Volstad would turn his season around and help lead the team to a win, but Volstad lasted just two innings and allowed four runs on six hits and also walked three batters.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said if Chris Volstad is pulled from starting rotation, Travis Wood would be called up from Triple-A Iowa.

Sveum brought in Casey Coleman, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa, in the third inning of tonight's game.

For more details, here's a link to a game recap from the Chicago Tribune.

Catcher Geovany Soto was scratched from tonight's lineup because of inflammation in his left knee.  His status is day to day.  Wellington Castillo took Soto's spot in the lineup.

The Cubs called up right handed reliever Blake Parker from Triple-A Iowa today and Scott Maine was sent back down. 

RHP Blake Parker was called up from Triple-A Iowa today (photo from cubs.com)

Relief pitcher Carlos Marmol will throw three to four innings on a brief rehab stint with Triple-A Iowa next week before returning from the disabled list.  He is due to come off the disabled list on May 27th and said,  "I'll be ready soon.  I have to figure out how to pitch good again, and I don't know what will happen after that."

The Chicago Police Department has confirmed there will be a larger-than-normal security presence at Wrigley Field this weekend with the two-day NATO summit set to begin in Chicago on Sunday.  Before Wednesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, uniformed law-enforcement personnel had dogs sniffing throughout the entire park.

Tomorrow the Cubs will kick off a three-game series with their crosstown rivals the Chicago White Sox.  Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to start for the Cubs and will try for his fifth win of the season at 1:20pm CT.

The Shark leads #Cubs to a 5-1 win over the Braves at a foggy Wrigley Field; Travis Wood optioned to Iowa and Adrian Cardenas called up

The Cubs start their 3-game series against the Atlanta Braves with a 5-1 win at a foggy Wrigley Field tonight.  (even Geovany Soto said this was the foggiest he's ever seen it at Wrigley during his postgame on-field interview).

Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and struck out seven batters and gave up five hits over seven innings pitched.  He earned the win for tonight's game, bringing his record to 4-1.

Bryan LaHair, Ian Stewart, and Soto all hit home runs to back up Samardzija.  

Bryan LaHair runs the bases after hitting his 8th homer of the season (photo from cubs.com)

Samardzija hit Jason Heyward with a pitch in the seventh, and Eric O'Flaherty retaliated by plunking David DeJesus with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, prompting a warning to both benches from home-plate umpire Chris Conroy.  Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez argued the call and was ejected. DeJesus then scored on Castro's single.

Carlos Marmol walked two batters in the eighth, but was able to retire the Braves' 3-4-5 hitters and escape. He seemed very pleased with himself after getting out of the inning.  James Russell came in to close the game in the 9th, but it was not a save opportunity.

Carlos Marmol reacts after getting out of the eighth inning (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs optioned Travis Wood to Triple-A Iowa, after he was called up over the weekend to pitch in place of the flu-stricken Matt Garza.  In turn, the Cubs called up infielder Adrian Cardenas to replace Blake DeWitt, who had the misfortune of being designated for assignment due to Garza not being able to pitch and Wood needing a spot on the roster in order to pitch Sunday.

Cardenas had 18 family members and friends at tonight's game in case he got to play, which he did.  This is Cardenas' first trip to Chicago.  He had a chance to come up earlier when the team claimed him, but wanted to wait until he got the call.  "I wanted the first time I get here to be when I got called up," he said.  "I didn't realize Lake Michigan is so big."

Chicago Cubs third baseman Adrian Cardenas leans back to make a catch on a pop fly by Colorado Rockies' Todd Helton during the third inning of a spring training baseball game on Thursday, March 15, 2012, in Scottsdale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

During early batting practice, Cardenas tested the ivy on the outfield walls, pushing it a little just to see how thick it is.  "I'm a little overwhelmed," he said.  Welcome to the team, Adrian!

Today is the two-year anniversary of when shortstop Starlin Castro made his Major League debut at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.  On May 7, 2010, Castro went 2-for-5 in that game, hitting a three-run homer in his first plate appearance.  Castro added a three-run triple that game, and his six RBIs were the most recorded by a player in his first career appearance.

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the Braves in game 2 of the series at 7:05pm CT at Wrigley Field.  Ryan Dempster will start for the Cubs and hopes to get his first win this season, even though he has an ERA of 0.95, which leads the Majors.

Dempster returns with a gem of a start for the Cubs, but bad Marmol also returns and blows the game

Ryan Dempster returned to the Cubs' roster from the 15-day disabled list today and pitched a gem of a game, but unfortunately Carlos Marmol was not on his game today and contributed to the Cubs loss to the Reds, 4-3 in 10 innings.

Dempster was excellent allowed just three hits and no runs and walked only one and struck out six batters during eight innings pitched.

Ryan Dempster pitched an excellent game on his birthday today, but his efforts were wasted by Carlos Marmol (photo from cubs.com)

Marmol was charged with all three runs in the ninth inning without recording an out, which allowed the Reds to tie the game.  The Reds then won the game in the 10th inning on a sacrifice fly.  Rafael Dolis was the losing pitcher.

Starlin Castro, Bryan LaHair, and Geovany Soto each hit solo home runs during today's game.

Today was the first time in major league history two opposing pitchers have shared the same birthday, according to the Elias Sports Bureau (Dempster turns 35 today and Homer Bailey turns 26 today).  Dempster also pitched well on his birthday last season but ended up with a no-decision.  The last Cubs pitcher to record a victory on his birthday was Randy Wells on August 28, 2010.

Since the Cubs activated Dempster and reliever Kerry Wood off the disabled list today, they also made corresponding moves and optioned Scott Maine and Wells to Triple-A Iowa.

Wells said, "The walks are the only thing really that spoils this whole thing.  I thought I pitched pretty good against the Reds, just the five walks look (terrible).  Obviously the fourth inning at Philly unraveled, and I let it get away from me.  But I'm no different than I have been the last three years.  I just had a bad inning.  Whatever.  Chalk it up as a bad day and go back to work."  It seems like Wells wasn't even being seriously considered in Spring Training for a position in the starting rotation, since he didn't get a chance to start in Arizona.  I think it's mostly a matter of too many starting pitchers and there not being enough room on the 25-man roster. 

Tomorrow the Cubs will open a six-game homestand and play the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field at 1:20pm CT.  Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs and Chad Billingsley will start for the Dodgers.

Samardzija excellent and Cubs offense comes through to get a "W" over the Reds, 3-1

The Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds, 3-1 to win game 2 of the 3 game series at Great American Ball Park.  Game 1 was cancelled yesterday after a rain delay that lasted over two hours.

Jeff Samardzija earned his third win of the season tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Jeff Samardzija pitched brilliantly and allowed only three hits, one run and walked two and struck out seven during 7.2 innings pitched.  Carlos Marmol earned the save, which was his second of the season.  Bryan LaHair and Ian Stewart both hit solo home runs tonight to back up Samardzija's excellent outing.  This was the "Shark's" third win of the season.

Fun shot of Geo Soto, David DeJesus, Tony Campana, and Jeff Samardzija in the dugout during tonight's game

The Cubs' defense also helped out Samardzija tonight, including a great stop by third baseman Stewart of Drew Stubbs' hard-hit ball in the fourth inning, and a quick flip by second baseman Blake DeWitt after a diving stop in the dirt ignited a double play with Starlin Castro to end the Reds fifth inning.

Tomorrow Ryan Dempster will return from the disabled list and start for the final game against the Reds at 11:35am CT.  Reliever Kerry Wood is also expected to come off the disabled list tomorrow, so the Cubs are expected to make two corresponding roster moves to make room for Dempster and Wood.

Cubs shut out the Brewers, 8-0; Matt Garza one out away from pitching a complete game; Soriano steals second!

The Cubs shut out the Milwaukee Brewers, 8-0 today at Wrigley Field which prevenedt a series sweep by the Brew Crew.  Matt Garza was excellent and was one out away from pitching a complete game.  Garza allowed three hits and zero runs and walked two batters and struck out nine in 8.2 innings pitched.

Matt Garza was impressive again and shut out the Brewers at Wrigley Field today (photo from cubs.com)

Manager Dale Sveum sent in reliever Shawn Camp in the ninth inning with two outs and Camp was able to get the last out for the Cubs' second win of the season.  The Cubs scored six runs in a very exciting third inning.

One interesting fact is that Cubs' catcher Geovany Soto is 3-for-17 so far this season and backup catcher Steve Clevenger is 5-for-7. 

An unexpected highlight of today's game was when Alfonso Soriano stole second base in the third inning!  It had Cub fans saying to themselves, "Who was that guy and what did they do with Sori?" 

In today's game, every Cubs starting position player had at least one hit.  How often do you see that?  Let's hope the Cubs can keep it up when they play the St. Louis Cardinals for their home opener tomorrow at 2:15pm CST.  Jeff Samardzija will make his second start for the Cubs.  

Paul Maholm doesn't fare well in his first start; Cubs lose 7-4 to the masked Brew Crew

The Cubs lost 7-4 to the Milwaukee Brewers at a chilly Wrigley Field tonight.  Most of the Brew Crew was wearing matching balaclavas/face masks during the game.  I understand that it was a cold night, but the masks just made them look wimpy. 

Left-handed pitcher Paul Maholm had his first start for the Cubs and didn't do well.  He gave up five runs in the first inning, including a three-run homer by Alex Gonzalez.  He also hit two batters and walked two in the inning.  The Cubs weren't able to recover from the rough first inning.

Paul Maholm didn't fare well in his first start for the Cubs tonight (photo from cubs.com)

On the bright side, Geovany Soto hit his first home run of the season in the ninth inning and Alfonso Soriano was 2 for 4 with two RBI.  

The Cubs will play game 3 of 4 against the Brewers tomorrow at 1:20pm at Wrigley Field.  Ryan Dempster will start for the Cubs in his second start of the season.  Let's hope he can pitch as well as he did on Opening Day!

On another note, Tom and Laura Ricketts hosted a luncheon at Wrigley Field today where more than $1 million in grants was given to Chicago area non-profits through Cubs Care and Chicago Cubs Charities.

Cubs Beat the Rockies; Dempster Named Opening Day Starter; Spring Roster At 40

The Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies, 10-8 in Scottsdale.  Jeff Samardzija gave up 10 hits and 7 runs during 4 innings pitched and gets the win, although his ERA went from 2.70 to 6.43.  Casey Coleman allowed no earned runs in three innings.  Geovany Soto was 3 for 3 and hit two home runs and 5 RBIs.  Bryan LaHair was also 3 for 3.  Marlon Byrd was 2 for 3.

Geovany Soto was 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in a 10-8 win vs. the Rockies today (AP photo)

The Cubs optioned Anthony Rizzo and Adrian Cardenas to Triple-A Iowa today.  They also sent Brett Jackson, Jay Jackson, Jim Adduci, and Michael Brenly to minor league camp today.  The spring roster now stands at 40 players.

Brett Jackson was sent to the Cubs' minor-league camp on Friday. (photo from US Presswire)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum announced that Ryan Dempster will be the Opening Day starter.  This will be Dempster's 2nd consecutive year as the Cubs' Opening Day starter and his 4th career Opening Day start.

Matt Garza will be the Cubs' #2 starter and Paul Maholm will be 5th starter.  Dale Sveum won't name starters #3 and #4 until Wednesday, March 28th.  The candidates for spots #3 and #4 are Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, Jeff Samardzija, and Rodrigo Lopez.

The new rooftop building owner of the former Lakeview Baseball Club building is debating whether or not to get rid of the Eamus Catuli and numbers signs and is looking to Cubs fans for their input.

Travis Wood will start tomorrow for the Cubs-Padres game, which will be televised on WGN-TV at 3:05pm CST.  Randy Wells, who has not walked a batter or given up a run over 5 2/3 innings in two Cactus League games, will follow Wood.  Meanwhile, Chris Volstad will pitch in a Minor League game at Fitch Park on Saturday.

Only 13 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs don't have luck of the Irish as they lose both split-squad games

On the warmest St. Patrick's Day in Chicago that I can remember, the Cubs lost both of their preseason games today out West.  They lost 4-3 to the Oakland Athletics and 12-7 to the Texas Rangers. 

Highlights of the split-squad games include Geovany Soto hitting his first homer of the spring in the game against the A's and Steve Clevenger and Junior Lake also homered in the game against the Rangers.

Paul Maholm allowed three unearned runs on two hits and two walks against the A's over three innings.  Jeff Samardzija allowed one run on three hits over four innings against the Rangers in Las Vegas.

Paul Maholm started against the Oakland A's today in Phoenix (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs will play split-squad games again tomorrow.  Andy Sonnanstine will start against the White Sox at HoHoKam Park, while Chris Volstad will start in Las Vegas against the Rangers.  Both games will be at 3:05pm CST.  You can listen to the Cubs-Sox game on cubs.com.  Only 19 more days until Opening Day! 

Cubs beat their Crosstown Rivals, 5-1 in Glendale; Single-Game Tickets Go on Sale to the Public

The Cubs beat the White Sox 5-1 at Camelback Ranch today.  Even though it's a preseason game, it's still fun whenever the Cubs can beat the Sox!  Darwin Barney drove home Alfonso Soriano in the first to give the Cubs an early 1-0 lead.  Edgar Gonzalez hit a two-run homer in the second inning after Junior Lake was walked.

Travis Wood pitched 2 1/3 innings and gave up just a sacrifice fly.  However, he got into a bases-loaded one-out jam in the third, but Randy Wells came in to pitch in relief and was able to get the Cubs out of the jam by getting Paul Konerko to hit into a double play.  Wells pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings and gave up just one hit and struck out one batter.  When asked about the Cubs-Sox series without Ozzie Guillen, Wells said, “It’s quieter.”  Wells definitely helped his case for making the starting rotation after his impressive performance today.

Marlon Byrd homered in the sixth and Steve Clevenger homered in the seventh.  Rodrigo Lopez threw two hitless innings. 

The Cubs will play the Brewers in Maryvale tomorrow, where Ryan Dempster will be the starting pitcher.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said the following about his old team, “It’ll be fun facing them.  I’m looking forward to it, to see the guys and say hello. We’ll try to beat their butts, but it’ll be good to see everybody.”  You can watch the game on WGN-TV and also listen on WGN-Radio at 2:05pm CST.  Catcher Geovany Soto is expected to play tomorrow, after being sidelined due to a groin injury.

On another note, Cubs single game tickets went on sale today.  Here are some photos from the Cubs' twitter account:

Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts greets the first Cubs fan in line this morning to buy single game tickets at Wrigley Field.

Cubs Board Member Laura Ricketts offering coffee to Cubs fans buying tickets at Wrigley Field.

 27 more days until Opening Day!  The Cubs "W" over the Sox is a great way to start the weekend!