Cubs lose series finale to the Phillies, 6-4; Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster injury updates

The Cubs lost the series finale 6-4 to the Phillies and end up with a 2-2 split for the series.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs but didn't get off to a good start when he gave up four runs in the first inning to put the Cubs in a 4-0 hole.  Volstad was replaced in the sixth inning with Scott Maine when the score was 4-1.

Chris Volstad didn't get off to a good start against Phillies in the series finale tonight (photo from cubs.com)

However, the Cubs came alive and scored three runs in the eighth inning to tie the game at 4-4 from Bryan LaHair's two-run homer, which was his fifth of the season.

But in the bottom of the eighth inning, reliever Scott Maine hit Juan Pierre with a pitch and then Rafael Dolis came into the game and gave up a two-out single to Jimmy Rollins and a two-run double to Placide Polanco, which gave the Phillies a 6-4 lead.  The Cubs couldn't recover after that and ended up losing the series finale.

Kerry Wood, who has been on the 15-day disabled list since April 14th with shoulder fatigue, threw a bullpen session today with 22 pitches, including six sliders.  Wood gave a thumbs up when asked how he was feeling and is expected to return to the roster this Thursday.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said that he plans to ease Wood back into the setup role so he may pitch in the seventh inning upon his return. 

Cubs reliever Kerry Wood is scheduled to return to the roster on Thursday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Ryan Dempster is also on track to return to the roster and make the start for the Cubs on Thursday.  He threw a successful bullpen session today and said, "I feel good and ready to go." 

Cubs starter Ryan Dempster is also scheduled to return to the roster on Thursday (photo from cubs.com)

Since Wood and Dempster are both scheduled to return to the roster on Thursday, the Cubs will have to also shift two players off the 25-man toster.  Randy Wells, who was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take Dempster's spot in the rotation, also threw a bullpen session today and will be available to pitch out of the bullpen starting Tuesday.  Sveum said he will decide Thursday whether they will utilize Wells in the bullpen or have him go to Iowa to stay stretched out as a starter.

Cubs pitcher Randy Wells could either stay on the roster in the bullpen or go to Iowa to stay stretched out (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The Cubs will travel to Cincinnati tomorrow to play the first of a three-game series against the Reds at 6:10pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will get the start for the Cubs and try for his third win of the season.

Matt Garza was outstanding as he led the Cubs to a 5-1 win against the Phillies

Matt Garza pitched an outstanding game against the Philadelphia Phillies and led the Cubs to a 5-1 victory today.  Garza allowed only one hit and no runs while striking out ten batters and walking one during seven innings pitched, which ended up being his best outing so far this season.

Matt Garza had his best outing of the season today (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Joe Mather hit his first home run as a Cub today.  Manager Dale Sveum decided to give right fielder David DeJesus (who has started 18 of the Cubs' 21 games) the day off.  "It's a good opportunity to get [Jeff] Baker and [Joe] Mather some at bats," Sveum said, adding that Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick's numbers against right-handed hitters weren't overwhelming, and that the Cubs won't face a left-handed starter for awhile.  Tony Campana took DeJesus' leadoff spot in the lineup today.

Rafael Dolis pitched a perfect eighth inning, but Carlos Marmol came into the game in the ninth and gave Cub fans something to stress about when he loaded the bases on two walks and allowed an infield hit before walking Ty Wigginton to force in the Phillies' only run.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Phillies will play the final game of the 4-game series at 6:05pm CT.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and is still looking for his first win this season.  Currently the Cubs lead the series, 2-1.

Cubs lose in Philly tonight; Wellington Castillo called up to replace Steve Clevenger, who was put on the DL

The Cubs lost game 2 of the 4 game series against the Philadelphia Phillies tonight by a score of 5-2.  Randy Wells made his second start this season in place of Ryan Dempster, who is on the disabled list.  Wells got off to a good start and didn't allow a hit during the first three innings, but then allowed four runs on three hits and walked four and struck out three batters during 3.2 innings pitched.

Randy Wells made his second start of the season tonight against the Phillies (photo from cubs.com)

Wells' future is uncertain, since Ryan Dempster seems to be on track to return to the rotation on May 3rd.  Cubs manager Dale Sveum said, "We'll make those decisions on Thursday, if (Kerry Wood) bounces back from the simulated game on Monday, then obviously we'll have two decisions to make.  But we'll wait, depending on how the bullpen works out.  You never know what's going to go on in the five games up until that day."  Wells could either remain with the Cubs as a reliever or go back to Triple-A Iowa to stay stretched out as a starter.

Cubs backup catcher Steve Clevenger was put on the 15-day disabled list today for a right oblique strain and is out for an indefinite amount of time.  Wellington Castillo has been called up from Triple-A Iowa to take Clevenger's spot on the roster.

Clevenger flew back to Chicago Saturday to be treated and said the injury happened on his last swing of batting practice Friday in Philly.  Clevenger said, "I kind of waited a little bit to tell anybody," he said. “I went in between innings to go swing and I just couldn’t swing, so I had to let them know I couldn’t play.”

The Cubs will play their third game against the Phillies tomorrow at 12:35pm CT.  Matt Garza will be the Cubs' starting pitcher.

Paul Maholm and the Cubs get a W against the Phillies, 5-1

The Cubs win game 1 of their 4 game series against the Philadelphia Phillies tonight.  Paul Maholm was excellent and earned his second straight win.  He allowed five hits and one run and didn't issue any walks and threw one strikeout during 6.1 innings pitched.

Paul Maholm led the Cubs to a 5-1 win against the Phillies tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Tony Campana was fun to watch tonight as he reached safely on a bunt single and also had a stolen base. 

Tony Campana scores as Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz waits on the throw during the fourth inning. (Howard Smith-US PRESSWIRE)

The Cubs will play game 2 of the 4 game series against the Phillies tomorrow at 6:05pm.  Randy Wells will make his last start for the Cubs before Ryan Dempster is expected to come off the disabled list.

Injury updates on Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster; Enter to win tickets to the Dempster Family Foundation Casino Night

The Cubs will play the Philadelphia Phillies tonight at 6:05pm, where Paul Maholm will try for his second win this season.  In the meantime, following is an update on Cubs players currently on the disabled list.

Kerry Wood threw a bullpen session today and is scheduled to throw a simulated game on Monday.  He could come off the disabled list on Thursday, May 3rd.

Kerry Wood could return from the disabled list on May 3rd (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Ryan Dempster is on track to come off the disabled list on time (also Thursday, May 3rd).  This means that Randy Wells would make one more start on Saturday before Dempster comes back next week.

Starter Ryan Dempster could return on May 3rd from the DL (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Randy Wells is expected to make one more start in place of Ryan Dempster on April 28th (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Jeff Samardzija's next start has been pushed back one day to Tuesday, May 1st and a reason hasn't been given.  Chris Volstad will pitch on Monday's game against the Phillies.

Former Cubs centerfielder Marlon Byrd says that he will miss being a Cub and told Tony Campana, whom he mentored in Campana's 2011 rookie season, that he can call Byrd anytime with any questions.  What a genuinely nice guy!

Pitcher Ryan Dempster and his wife Jenny's Dempster Family Foundation will be hosting the third annual Casino Night on Wednesday, May 9th at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago.  WGN-TV is giving away a pair of tickets online.  Click on this link to enter the giveaway from now through Friday, May 4th at 11:59am CT.  Guests at Casino Night will get the chance to mingle and play casino games with Ryan and Jenny, Chicago Cubs players, coaches, and front office personnel, and other celebrity friends from the sports and entertainment industries.  For more information on the event, you can visit http://dempsterfamilyfoundation.org/casinonight/

Cubs raise over $1.25 million at 2nd Annual Bricks and Ivy Ball; Cubs travel to Philly on off-day

The Chicago Cubs held their second annual Bricks and Ivy Ball last night in Navy Pier's Grand Ballroom, where all of the 2012 Chicago Cubs players and coaching staff mingled with more than 900 guests.  The evening raised more than $1.25 million to benefit Chicago Cubs Charities.

The 2012 Chicago Cubs team and staff on the stage at the 2nd Annual Bricks and Ivy Ball

In addition to supporting youth sports, health and fitness throughout Chicago and particular needs of the Lakeview Community, Chicago Cubs Charities will donate a portion of the net proceeds to charities supported by Chicago Cubs players, including the Wood Family Foundation, Theo and Paul Epstein’s A Foundation To Be Named Later, The Greater Chicago Chapter of the ALS Association and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

"We owe the success of this event to our extraordinary Cubs fans, our players and coaches, their wives and the Cubs staff,” said Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts.  “We are tremendously grateful to those who participate alongside us in the efforts to make the Bricks and Ivy Ball a success."

The Cubs had an off day today and will play a four-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies starting tomorrow at 6:05pm, where Paul Maholm will be the starting pitcher.

Cubs lose 5-1 to the Cards today, but still win the series; Jason Alexander at Wrigley; Cubs Bricks and Ivy Ball tonight

The Cubs lost 5-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals at a soggy Wrigley Field today, but they still win the series.  After a 15 minute rain delay, Cubs starter Chris Volstad ended up getting his third loss this season after giving up four runs on six hits during the six innings he pitched.

Volstad gave up an RBI single to Matt Carpenter in the third inning to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.  Then Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair the tied the game with his fourth home run of the season.  But the Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth on an RBI double by Carlos Beltran and a two-run home run by David Freese.

It was definitely a letdown after the Cubs just had back-to-back walk-off wins on Monday and Tuesday against the Cards at Wrigley for the first time since July 26-27, 1961.  But we'll definitely take the series win against the World Champions.

I was at today's game and below are some of my photos from the game:

Actor Jason Alexander (George Costanza from "Seinfeld") threw out the first pitch today

Jason Alexander in action

Joe Mather hands Jason Alexander his first pitch ball

Starter Chris Volstad in action

Second baseman Darwin Barney behind Volstad

Third baseman Ian Stewart

One event I wish I was going to is the Cubs Bricks and Ivy Ball, which is tonight at Navy Pier.  The second annual fundraiser will feature dinner, music, and silent and live auctions, as well as a chance to mingle with Cubs players, coaching staff, owners and front office management.  Proceeds will benefit Chicago Cubs Charities.

The Cubs have an off-day Thursday and will travel to Philadelphia to play a four-game series against the Phillies starting Friday at 6:05pm CST, where Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs.

Cubs get 2nd straight walk-off win against the Cardinals

The Cubs got their second straight walk-off win against the Cardinals tonight (and their first series win of the season), thanks to Alfonso Soriano's single in the 10th inning, which scored speedy Tony Campana.  The final score was 3-2 and the Cubs also win their first series this season!

Alfonso Soriano is surrounded by teammates after his hit to give the Cubs the walk-off win two nights in a row against the Cardinals (photo from cubs.com)

Jeff Samardzija was impressive tonight and pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings and gave up only four hits and struck out a career-high nine batters.  He was in line for his second win over the Cardinals, but Carlos Marmol came into the game in the eighth and gave up a two-run homer to Matt Holliday to give the Cardinals a one-run lead.

Jeff Samardzija was impressive in his start tonight against the Cardinals (photo from cubs.com)

James Russell was also impressive tonight and showed his potential in the relief pitcher role.

Bryan LaHair hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning.  LaHair was also the last one to hit a home run for the Cubs before tonight.

The Cubs will play the final game in their series against the Cardinals tomorrow at 1:20pm CST at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and try for his first win of the season.

Joe Mather's walk-off hit gives the Cubs the win against the Cardinals; Michael Bowden excited to join Cubs

What a game the Cubs had tonight!  Joe Mather delivered with a 2-run walk-off single in the ninth inning to win the game, 3-2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.  Matt Garza was the starting pitcher and allowed four hits and two earned runs and issued three walks and struck out five batters through seven innings pitched.  Here's a link to a video of Joe Mather's game-winning hit.

Joe Mather, Tony Campana and Alfonso Soriano celebrate their walk-off win against the Cardinals (photo from cubs.com)

Second baseman Darwin Barney scored the first run for the Cubs tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Since Tony Campana was called up from Triple-A Iowa over the weekend, he's had three hits in five at-bats, which is the same amount of hits Marlon Byrd had in 43 at-bats before he was traded to the Boston Red Sox over the weekend.  Right now, Theo Epstein and Co. are looking pretty wise!

Cubs manager Dale Sveum used right-handed hitters in the lineup tonight against left-handed Cardinals' pitcher Jaime Garcia, and sat third baseman Ian Stewart and first baseman Bryan LaHair out for Mather and Jeff Baker.

In other Cubs news, the team officially added Michael Bowden to the 25-man roster today and in turn, designated pitcher Rodrigo Lopez for assignment.  The Cubs hope that Lopez will clear waivers and accept a job at Triple-A Iowa to be in the starting rotation.  “Hopefully that happens, and hopefully he elects to go down there,” Cubs' manager Dale Sveum said.

Bowden is 25 years old and grew up in the Chicago area as a Cubs fan.  He said, "This is a dream come true.  I'm very blessed and fortunate and extremely excited."  Bowden currently resides in Oswego and attended high school in Aurora. Bowden was drafted in 2005 by the Boston Red Sox when Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein was the General Manager for the Red Sox and Jed Hoyer was Epstein's Assistant GM.   “They know me well and I know them well,” Bowden said.  “So it’s a nice level of comfort.”  Welcome home and welcome to the Cubs, Michael Bowden!

Tomorrow the Cubs will play game 2 against the Cardinals at 7:05pm, where Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs.

Randy Wells returns; Cubs lose 4-3 to the Reds; Starlin Castro ok after taking a pitch to elbow

The Cubs lost to the Reds today, 4-3 at a chilly Wrigley Field.  I was at the game and can attest that the wind was definitely blowing in and hardly let up throughout the game.

Randy Wells made his first start of the season and ended up with a no-decision.  He gave up just two runs over five innings.  Unfortunately, the Cubs' offense couldn’t score more than twice in today's game to win the series.

Wells was pitching in place of Ryan Dempster, who was put on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right quad.  Wells started the 2012 season at Triple-A Iowa, after competing for a spot in the Cubs' starting rotation. 

"It's always tough to watch your teammates on TV, but we were down there [with Iowa] and it was what had to happen and you can't sit there and dwell on it," Wells said.  "You have to do what you can do down there to help your team win.  It's good to be back up.  The circumstances are rough. Hopefully I can pitch better the next time out and we'll see what happens."

Randy Wells made his first start of the season today in place of Ryan Dempster, who is on the DL

Manager Dale Sveum said, "He got some big outs when he had to.  He made some pitches and did a good job for five innings and did a good job getting out of some jams."

The Cubs had one scare in the seventh inning when Starlin Castro was hit on his left elbow by Cueto's pitch.  “I felt like it broke my whole arm the first time he hit me,” Castro said.  “But after I lay down [on the dirt] and ran the bases, the hurt was gone and I felt pretty good.”

Starlin Castro receives applause after he recovers from being hit in the elbow during the seventh inning

Castro ended up staying in the game and wore a protective brace on his elbow in the ninth when he tripled off former Cub Sean Marshall.  “I think [Castro] was more shocked [after he was hit],” Dale Sveum said. “I don’t think it got him on the bone — it got him more on the flesh, thank God.”

It was a chilly but beautiful day for Cubs baseball today

Tomorrow the Cubs will face the Cardinals at Wrigley Field at 7:05pm CST, where Matt Garza will be the starting pitcher.  The team will also have to make another roster move to make room for relief pitcher Michael Bowden, who was acquired yesterday in the trade with the Boston Red Sox for Marlon Byrd.

Cubs trade Marlon Byrd to Red Sox; Tony Campana and Randy Wells added to roster; Ryan Dempster goes on DL

It's official:  The Cubs have traded centerfielder Marlon Byrd to the Boston Red Sox for RHP Michael Bowden and a player to be named later.  The Cubs will pay most of Byrd's $6.5 million salary for this season.

Also, Tony Campana was called up from Triple-A Iowa today to replace Ryan Dempster, who went on the disable list with a strained right quad.  Randy Wells will take Dempster's spot in the starting rotation and will also replace Byrd on the roster.

Wells was 7-6 with the Cubs last season but lost a spot in the rotation in the spring to Chris Volstad.  "I'm excited to be back," Wells said. "Unfortunately, it's under these circumstances.  Nonetheless, it's an opportunity to get up here and I'm ready to go and show them I can pitch at this level.  You can't sit there and dwell on the negative," he said. "I went to (Iowa) and worked on some stuff and got some stuff straightened out.  The ERA obviously doesn't do it justice, but the pitch quality (was good)."

Veteran pitcher Randy Wells will make his first start for the Cubs this season tomorrow (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs will play the final game in their 3-game series against the Reds tomorrow at 1:20pm CST.  Randy Wells will make his first start this season, in place of the injured Ryan Dempster.

Cubs win 6-1 over Reds; Ryan Dempster on DL; Marlon Byrd could be traded

The Cubs ended their 6-game losing streak today by beating the Reds, 6-1 at Wrigley Field.  Paul Maholm earned his first win with the Cubs, which was also his first win since July of 2011, when he won over the Cubs when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Maholm only allowed four hits and one run during the six innings he pitched. 

Paul Maholm earned his first win as a Cub today against the Reds (photo from cubs.com)

David DeJesus, Darwin Barney, and Starlin Castro combined for seven hits, four runs, and three RBIs today.  Steve Clevenger had three singles and raised his batting average to .588.  While he was being interviewed on the field after the game, Clevenger was showered with ice from a fellow teammate, which was fun to see.

Today, the Cubs officially put Ryan Dempster on the 15-day disabled list for a right quad strain.  Randy Wells is scheduled to start in tomorrow's game against the Reds and will take Dempster's spot in the starting rotation. 

Tony Campana was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take Dempster's spot on the roster, so one more roster spot needs to be cleared in order to add Wells.  There has been talk of a Marlon Byrd trade with the Boston Red Sox.  Byrd is hitting .070 this season and wasn't in today's lineup, but he was in the Cubs' clubhouse.  Byrd is scheduled to make $6.5 million this season, so the Cubs would most likely have to eat most of that salary.

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the rubber game against the Reds at 1:20pm and Randy Wells will get a chance to impress Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, and Dale Sveum.  Let's go Cubbies and and let's start a winning streak!

Cubs lose 9-4 to the Reds; Kerry Wood on DL; Randy Wells could start for Ryan Dempster on Sunday; 8 Cubs on All-Star Ballot

The Cubs lose 9-4 to the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of the three game series.  Chris Volstad was the losing pitcher and gave up six runs and seven hits and walked two batters and struck out four during five innings pitched.

In his post-game press conference, Volstad said, "We're not going to back down from anybody...we know the kind of talent we have...just really haven't shown it yet."  Well, let's hope they show that talent sooner rather than later!

Chris Volstad couldn't bring the Cubs a win today against the Reds at Wrigley Field (photo from cubs.com)

Reliever Kerry Wood was placed on the 15-day disabled list today for shoulder fatigue.  Lefty reliever Scott Maine takes Woody's place on the 25-man roster.  Ryan Dempster had a MRI on his right quad today and his next start is in question.  Randy Wells was called up from Triple-A Iowa to be available in case the Cubs need him to start for Dempster on Sunday.

Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney, Ian Stewart, Geovany Soto, Marlon Byrd, Bryan LaHair, Alfonso Soriano, and David DeJesus are on the All-Star ballot for the Cubs.  Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times at MLB.com and on all 30 teams' websites until Thursday, June 28, at 11:59 pm EST.  Here is a link to the 2012 MLB All-Star ballot.

The Cubs will play Game 2 against the Reds tomorrow at 12:05pm CST, where Paul Maholm will be looking for his first win with the Cubs.

Cubs lose 5-3 to the Marlins; Inside Theo Epstein's mind; Bryan LaHair signing

The Cubs couldn't avoid being swept and lost 5-3 to the Miami Marlins today.  Jeff Samardzija had his shortest outing of the season, lasting only 3 2/3 innings, during which he gave up five runs and eight hits and issued five walks and threw three strikeouts.

Jeff Samardzija had his shortest outing of the season in Miami today (photo from cubs.com)

The only highlight of today's game was when second baseman Darwin Barney hit a three-run bases loaded triple in the 2nd inning to give the Cubs the lead.

The Cubs have started out the season by losing their first four series and have a record of 3-10.  They are also in last place in the National League Central division.

"You never want to start out poorly," Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein said. "There are a lot of things we can improve upon, and we will.  But you also don't want to read too much into one homestand and one road trip.  Certainly crystallize some areas we need to continue to strive to get better at."

Epstein said he isn't going to make any sudden moves, such as calling up Anthony Rizzo or Brett Jackson from Triple-A Iowa.  "Baseball is best understood from bigger samples and a distance sometimes," he said.  "No one wants to get off to this kind of start.  The lineup is not performing really well right now.  It's a little bit early to be thinking about those kind of moves, specifically with your better prospects."  However, Epstein did confirm that the team will make smaller moves during the season to make the Cubs more competitive while keeping the big picture in mind.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein is focusing on the big picture (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Cubs' first baseman Bryan LaHair will sign autographs at Sports World, located at 3555 N. Clark Street, across from Wrigley Field after Saturday’s game against the Reds.  Proceeds will benefit the Chicago Urban Initiatives program.  Fans will have the opportunity to purchase wristbands for $10, which will serve as a donation to the charity and allow them to receive one autograph and a photo with LaHair.

The Cubs will travel home and play a six-game home stand at Wrigley Field, starting with tomorrow's game against the Cincinnati Reds at 1:20pm CST, where Chris Volstad will try to get his first win with the Cubs.

Cubs lose another one to the Marlins, 9-1; Kerry Wood already feeling relief from cortisone shot in shoulder

The Cubs lost game 2 of the 3 game series to the Miami Marlins tonight, 9-1.  Matt Garza allowed six runs in five innings, including a pair of two-run home runs in the fifth inning.

Matt Garza during tonight's game against the Marlins (photo from cubs.com)

Kerry Wood was sent back to Chicago yesterday to receive a cortisone shot in his shoulder.  "He said he already felt relief from [the shot], so that's good," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said today.  If everything goes well after the shot, Wood may be back in the Cubs' bullpen by Friday for the series against the Cincinnati Reds.  The team will be careful in how they use Wood when he is back in commission.

Game 3 of the series is scheduled for tomorrow at 11:40am CST, where Jeff Samardzija will be going for his third win of the season.

Cubs lose 5-2 to the Fish in Miami; Kerry Wood back to Chicago for cortisone shot

The Cubs lost to the Miami Marlins, 5-2 tonight at Marlins Park.  Ryan Dempster started for the Cubs and pitched six innings and allowed four hits, two runs, and threw eight strikeouts and issued two walks.  Dempster has a 1.33 ERA in 3 starts this season.

Ryan Dempster made his third start tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Starlin Castro stole his 7th base this season in the 4th inning of tonight's game to tie for the most stolen bases in the Majors with Dee Gordon of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In other Cubs news, relief pitcher Kerry Wood was sent back to Chicago this afternoon for a cortisone shot in his right shoulder.  General Manager Jed Hoyer said Wood has had shoulder issues "on and off" since he was shut down for 10 days in mid-March during spring training.  "We're 10 games into a 162-game season.  We're trying to be smart about it and try and get right here, and hopefully he'll be back very soon," Hoyer said.

The Cubs are hoping the cortisone shot will work and Wood will be pitching this weekend.  If not, Hoyer admitted that a trip to the disabled list is not out of the question.

The Cubs and Marlins will play game 2 of the 3 game series tomorrow at 6:10pm CST, where Matt Garza will make his third start for the Cubs.

Chicago Mayor wants to relax Wrigley Field's landmark status in order to renovate the ballpark

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to make sure the Chicago Cubs organization gets the money it needs to renovate Wrigley Field.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has a plan for renovating Wrigley Field

Emanuel's plan involves relaxing Wrigley Field's landmark status, which would pave the way for the Cubs organization to raise as much as $150 million in revenue from advertisers and sponsorships from the stadium and surrounding streets.  The plan also calls for more concerts and non-baseball sporting events such as football games.  The plan is similar to the one that saved Fenway Park in Boston, which is where Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein came to the Cubs from.

Emanuel wants to renovate 98-year-old Wrigley Field without overburdening taxpayers.  The plan includes shutting down the area near Sheffield and Waveland for game-day street fairs.  There has also been talk of sponsored gateway arches on area streets that would welcome people to Wrigleyville.  The plan would add more outfield signage behind the bleachers. Another possibility could be a JumboTron in right field.

Cubs lose to the Cardinals 10-3 in St. Louis; Paul Maholm tweets about today's game

The Cubs lost the rubber game against the St. Louis Cardinals 10-3 today.  Paul Maholm had his second start for the Cubs and didn't fare well again.  "Obviously I'd much rather be 2-0 with a zero (earned-run average) right now, but that's not how it is," Maholm said.  "For me, I'm going to learn from it.  It's a long season. I'm going to get it going.  All these guys in here are busting it and expecting to win, and that's how we're going to do it."

Starting pitcher Paul Maholm didn't have a good outing today against the Cardinals (photo from cubs.com)

Maholm was pulled after four innings and gave up six runs and six hits today.  He hasn't had a win since July 10, 2011 and is winless in his last nine starts.

Cubs manager Dale Sveun said, "It wasn't real pretty again.  He's just not keeping the sinker down.  He did get some double-play balls there, but we weren't able to turn them.  The command, making the pitch when he needed to make the pitch, he hasn't been able to do that so far."

Paul Maholm posted some tweets on twitter tonight:

"Yes I had another bad outing. Thanks for reminding me everyone. It happens. We r about to go on a roll. #GoCubsGo"

"Trust me I am not down at all. 2 starts doesn't make a season. Part of the ride u learn from it and get better. #BEASTMODE #GoCubsGo"

"Heading to bed. Thanks to all the support it's awesome. No one is more disappointed than me in the 2 outings but keep working and #GodBless"

You can follow him on twitter at @paul_maholm.  You can also follow me at @kcburchell, where I tweet mostly about the Cubs and baseball.

The Cubs have an off day tomorrow and will travel to Miami to take on the Marlins on Tuesday at 6:10pm CST, where Ryan Dempster will make his third start.

Cubs lose game 2 to the Cardinals, 5-1 on a rainy Saturday in St. Louis

The Cubs lost game 2 today of the 3 game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, 5-1 after a rain delay.  Chris Volstad was the starting pitcher for the Cubs and threw 101 pitches which was the first time he’s gone over 100 pitches since July 22, 2011 against the New York Mets.  He also gave up more than three runs for the first time since August 19th.

Chris Volstad pitched well enough to win, but didn't get enough run support (photo from cubs.com)

One of the bright spots of the team so far this year is David DeJesus, who is excelling at his job as the Cubs' leadoff man.  He's 7-for-17 (.412) with a .556 on-base percentage and has scored seven runs since Tuesday.  He also has a six-game hitting streak. 

Tomorrow, the Cubs will play the Cardinals in the rubber game of the series at 1:15pm CST, where Paul Maholm will try to earn his first Cubs' win.

Cubs spoil Cardinals' home opener by beating them 9-5 on a rainy Friday in St. Louis

The Cubs beat the St. Louis Cardinals, 9-5 during a wet and rainy afternoon at Busch Stadium after an one-hour, 44 minute rain delay and a half hour ceremony celebrating the Cardinals' 11th World Series win. 

Cubs' third baseman Ian Stewart hit his first home run with the Cubs, which was also his first since Aug. 23, 2010.  I joke about that a lot," Stewart said. "It's one of the first things I said.  I almost haven't hit a home run in two seasons.  It was nice to finally get that one." 

First baseman Bryan LaHair hit his first career grand slam in the third inning.  It was the Cubs' first grand slam since Aramis Ramirez hit one on October 2, 2010 in Houston.

Bryan LaHair gets high fives from teammates after hitting his first career grand slam (AP photo)

Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and gave up four hits over four scoreless innings and got the win today.

Jeff Samardzija pitched four scoreless innings today against the Cardinals (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs tomorrow as they play game 2 of the series against the Cards.  The game will start at 2:05 pm CST.  Let' hope Volstad can get his first win with the Cubs and the team can get their third win in a row!

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.  

Ryan Dempster pitches well, but doesn't get much run support in Cubs 2-1 loss to Brewers; Bleacher-view photos from the game

The Cubs lost 2-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers in the third game of the four game series today at Wrigley Field.  Ryan Dempster struck out five batters and gave up two runs and five hits over 6 2/3 innings.  The Cubs held the lead until 7th inning, when Dempster gave up a 2-run homer to George Kottaras and the score remained 2-1 until the end of the game.

Although it was a chilly day in Chicago, it was very comfortable (even hot at times) in the bleachers, where I sat, thanks to Cubs tickets that Billy Dec was giving away via Facebook and Twitter.

The team has a 1-5 record this season, which is the worst start since 1997, when the Cubs set a National League record with an 0-14 mark.  Let's hope the Cubs can get a win tomorrow so that they aren't swept by the Brew Crew!

Here are some photos I took during today's game:

Ryan Dempster warms up before starting today's game against the Brewers

Ryan Dempster warming up during batting practice

Third baseman Ian Stewart takes batting practice

Jeff Samardzija and Kerry Wood during batting practice

The new right field electronic billboard displays "April 2012 Opening Week"

Cubs upon finishing batting practice

Gallardo vs. Dempster

Demps in action

Marlon Byrd doing "step" exercises inbetween innings

Relief pitcher James Russell warms up in the bullpen

Meeting on the mound in the 7th inning

Cubs outfielders hanging together while James Russell warms up

Sign outside Murphy's Bleachers

The Cubs will play their final game against the Brewers at 1:20pm tomorrow.  Matt Garza will start for the Cubs and let's hope he can lead the team to their second "W" of the season!