Cubs vs. Nationals an up and down game after a rain delayed start

After a two-hour rain delay, the Cubs and Nationals were able to start the final game of the four-game series Thursday afternoon at Wrigley Field.  The Cubs never held a lead in the game but then managed to tie the game at 4 in the bottom of the ninth inning, thanks to Donnie Murphy, who hit a homer with two outs.

The game then went on for four more innings, until the Nationals scored and ended up winning 5-4 over the Cubs.

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

Cubs players and coaches lined up during the National Anthem before Thursday's game against the Nationals

Wayne Messmer singing the National Anthem before Thursday's Cubs game

All-Star Travis Wood pitching during Thursday's game against the Nationals

Darwin Barney and Anthony Rizzo chat while reliever Blake Parker warms up

Former Cub David DeJesus playing for the Nationals

For a complete recap of the game, here's a link to the story on cubs.com.


Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the Padres in San Diego.  First pitch is scheduled for 9:10pm CT.  Edwin Jackson will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his eighth win of the season.

Cubs win 11-1 over Nationals and David DeJesus as Samardzija pitches complete game and Schierholtz has 6 RBI

It was an interesting day for Cubs news as word first surfaced that outfielder David DeJesus had been traded to the Washington Nationals around 2:30pm CT this afternoon.  DeJesus said that it felt like time stopped for him when talking to Cubs President Theo Epstein on the phone when during complimenting DeJesus, Epstein told him he had been traded to the Nationals.  DeJesus' wife Kim, a Chicago area native from Wheaton and lifelong Cubs fan, reportedly cried when DeJesus broke the news to her.

Outfielder David DeJesus was traded to the Nationals today (Yahoo Sports photo)

At least DeJesus didn't have far to go, as the Cubs started the first game of a 4-game series against the Nationals tonight at Wrigley Field.   We wish David and Kim nothing but the best in the future.

The Cubs went on to crush the Nationals 11-1 as Jeff Samardzija pitched a complete game and Nate Schierholtz homered twice and had 6 RBI.  Donnie Murphy also hit two homers and Dioner Navarro hit a homer. 

Nate Schierholtz is congratulated by Dioner Navarro as he crosses home plate (Chicago Sun-Times photo)

In the top of the 8th inning, DeJesus was called on to pinch-hit for the Nationals and he received a warm greeting from Cubs fans as he stepped up to the plate.  Navarro gave him a hug and after he flied out, second baseman Darwin Barney and other of his former teammates gave him encouragement.

DeJesus was a leader in the Cubs' clubhouse and will surely be missed.  But Cubs General Manager Jed Hoyer said there's a chance DeJesus could return to the Cubs in 2014....we shall see!

Tomorrow the Cubs and Nationals play game two at 7:05pm CT.  Left-handed pitcher Chris Rusin will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win of the season.

Cubs earn third consecutive win as they beat the Marlins 3-2

The Cubs earned their third consecutive win (woohoo!) as they beat the Miami Marlins 3-2 on Saturday night at Marlins Park.  Travis Wood made a strong start for the Cubs and allowed two runs on three hits and walked one batter and struck out five over six innings pitched.

Travis Wood earned the win against the Marlins on Saturday night (photo from Chicago Tribune)

The game went back and forth as the Cubs started with a 1-0 lead and then Giancarlo Stanton's home run in the first inning tied the game.  The Cubs then got a 2-1 lead when Luis Valbuena hit an RBI single in the second inning.  However, Miguel Olivo proceeded to homer off Wood to tie the game once again.

The two teams were tied until David DeJesus's RBI single broke the tie and gave the Cubs the lead for good in the seventh inning.

Worth mentioning:  Nate Schierholtz had an amazing diving catch in the game and Starlin Castro made a diving, inning-ending play to Darwin Barney to shut the door and get the Cubs out of an 8th inning jam.  Kevin Gregg earned his third save since coming back to the Cubs.  Honestly, who knew that Gregg would make such a difference!

In other Cubs news, third baseman Ian Stewart was supposed to play with Triple-A Iowa Friday night as part of his rehab, but he was hit in the elbow earlier in the week and was too sore to throw on Friday, so we'll see how things go.

Starting pitcher Matt Garza tweeted the other day, “5/1 is my day."  This is in reference to his first minor-league rehab start, which will be with Double-A Tennessee next week.  Hopefully Garza will remain on track for his return to the Cubs.  It seems like it's been forever since he's pitched a game.

Carlos Villanueva will make the start as the Cubs and Marlins play the fourth and final game in the series at 1:10pm CT Sunday.  Villanueva will try to earn his second win of the season.  Can the Cubs make it 4 W's in a row?  What do you think?

Cubs with 4-3 walk-off win against Giants in emotional game; Darwin Barney gets his Gold Glove award

Wow, what an (Opening) week it's been for the Cubs and Wrigley Field.  First off, the Wrigley renovation talks are still ongoing, but seem to be making progress.  Secondly, if you haven't heard about the severed goat head that was delivered in a box to Gate K at Wrigley Field and addressed to Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, you don't follow the Cubs all that closely.  Also, Cubs top prospect Jorge Soler was ejected from the Daytona Cubs Class A game earlier this week after a bench-clearing incident and has been suspended for five games.

Lastly, the Cubs blew another lead in the ninth inning against the San Francisco Giants today, but were able to come back with a walk-off win.  The final score was 4-3 Cubs.

David DeJesus and his Cubs teammates celebrate after he scores the game-winning run on Friday against the Giants (Chicago Tribune photo)

How it happened:  Carlos Villanueva had a great start as he allowed just three hits and no runs and walked one and struck out three batters over 7.1 innings pitched.  When newly named Cubs closer Kyuji Fujikawa came into the ninth, he must've been channeling Carlos Marmol as he blew the 2-0 lead for Villanueva.

Entering the bottom of the ninth, the Cubs were trailing the Giants 3-2 but Dioner Navarro got things started with a home run while pinch-hitting.  David DeJesus then had a two-out single and Starlin Castro followed by hitting a double for DeJesus to score the game-winning run.  DeJesus and Castro both also homered earlier in the game.

It was very satisfying to see the Cubs come back after losing the lead and watch them jump around on the field with so much enthusiasm after the walk-off win while "Go Cubs Go" could be heard in the background.  On a side note, Villanueva said the following about not getting credited with the win today, "Personal stats will come.  Keep doing my job and they'll come eventually.  But the atmosphere in our clubhouse right now...I wouldn't change that for the world.  I'm happy."  Glad to hear it, Carlos!

Before today's game, second baseman Darwin Barney received his Gold Glove award in a ceremony on the field, since he will be rehabbing at Triple-A Iowa starting tomorrow through Monday and is expected to rejoin the Cubs lineup on Tuesday.  Hooray!

Darwin Barney poses with his Gold Glove award at Wrigley Field on Friday (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

Tomorrow, the Cubs and Giants will play the rubber game of the series at 1:20pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win of the season.

Cubs win 6-3 over the Brewers in first home win of the season; Photos from the Home Opener

The Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3 in their first home win of the season tonight.  It was also the first night game at Wrigley Field this year.

Travis Wood started for the Cubs but ended up with a no-decision as Carlos Marmol earned the win and Kyuji Fujikawa earned the save.  If you're looking for more details on the win, you can go to cubs.com.

The Cubs broke their 4-game losing streak with tonight's win and the fans that braved the cold night were rewarded with being able to sing "Go Cubs Go."

Yesterday was the Cubs home opener, which I was lucky enough to attend and sit in the 4th row behind the Cubs bullpen.  Even though they couldn't pull off a "W" yesterday, it was still really special to be back at Wrigley taking in a game and enjoying the beautiful weather.  Although it was pouring rain earlier that morning, the skies cleared and the sun came out and for most of the game it was in the mid-60's.  It was definitely one of the nicer weather home openers I've been to at the Friendly Confines.  Anyway, following are some photos I took at the game.  Hope you enjoy them!

Cubs players warming up before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Edwin Jackson warming up before starting the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

David DeJesus warming up before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano greet each other during player introductions (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs warming up before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Cubs players on the field during player introductions before the home opener (photo by Karen Burchell)

Beautiful Wrigley Field  (photo by Karen Burchell)

The Wrigley Field marquee welcomes fans to Opening Day (photo by Karen Burchell)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Brewers will play the rubber game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Scott Feldman will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his first win with the team. 

David DeJesus defends Bunting title; Cubs reduce spring roster to 53 players; Injury updates

David DeJesus is the winner and defending champion of the 2nd Cubs bunting tournament.  Congrats to the Cubs outfielder, who beat Nate Halm, a video staffer, in the final round.

The first place prize was $3,400, of which $1,000 will be donated to the family of Tom Pratt, who is a longtime Cubs Minor League coach who passed away last December.

David DeJesus proudly wearing the Cubs bunting tournament championship belt

Since there are just a few weeks of Spring Training left, the Cubs made some roster moves today, which include:

Alberto Cabrera, Brooks Raley, Trey McNutt and Logan Watkins have been optioned to the Iowa Cubs.  Robert Whitenack has been optioned to the Tennessee Smokies and Nick Struck has been sent to minor league camp.  The current Cubs roster stands at 53 players, which includes 25 pitchers (nine non-roster invitees), five catchers (two non-roster invitees), 13 infielders (five non-roster invitees) and 10 outfielders (three non-roster invitees).

Last Friday, March 8th, the Cubs optioned Matt Szczur to the Smokies and assigned Dayan Diaz and Michael Brenly (both non-roster invitees) to minor league camp.

As far as the Cubs performance this spring, manager Dale Sveum isn't satisfied with the team's low on-base percentage.  "We've got to start kicking it in.  It's getting to that time in Spring Training where the core players will play quite a bit, longer innings and get more at-bats," Sveum said.

First baseman Anthony Rizzo will miss a few more days as he has been playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic and shortstop Starlin Castro is expected to return on Wednesday, after being sidelined since February 27th with hamstring tightness.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been playing for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic (Chicago Tribune photo)

Sveum is optimistic about the core starting players for the team and said, "You've got a lot of young kids, raw kids, who aren't very patient at the plate and making quick outs.  That's a concern for another day.  I'll be more concerned [if there are problems] when I'm putting my regular eight guys out there and Rizzo is here and Castro is here."

I definitely agree with him and am curious to see how the team does with the regular starting players.  Hopefully there will be more wins, even if they are exhibition games!

Utility player Brent Lillibridge is also expected to return Wednesday, after suffering a strained groin on February 27th.

Third baseman Ian Stewart, who left an intrasquad game on February 21st with soreness in his quad is expected to return and play this Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Glendale.

Sveum said the following about Stewart's chances to make the team, “He came in knowing it was a job he was going to have to play well and produce (to start).  There are still 16, 17 possible games left starting Thursday, so hopefully cram 30 at-bats into that, and some minor league at-bats, too.  Go down there and lead-off and get 7-8 at-bats in a day.”

Josh Vitters, who has also been sidelined with a quad injury will also return Thursday as a reserve.

Can you believe there are just 22 days until the Cubs open their season in Pittsburgh against the Pirates?  Go Cubs Go!

Cubs beat Rockies 4-2 to win third spring training game: Bunting Tournament down to Sweet Sixteen

The Cubs won their third spring training game this afternoon at HoHoKam Park when they defeated the Colorado Rockies 4-2.

Edwin Jackson made his pitching debut with the Cubs and gave up a pair of two-out hits over two scoreless innings.  Jackson said, "Today was pretty much evaluation, and see where I am.  It's all mental.  You keep the ball down and you execute pitches, and everything is pretty much good.  And you can have a lot of success with the ball down in the zone."

Here are the scores from the other Cubs spring training games so far this year:

2/25 - Cubs lost 7-6 to Dodgers
2/24- Cubs win 4-3 against Giants
2/23 - Cubs win 11-2 against Angels

Here are some photos from some of the spring training games:

Jeff Samardzija pitched the Cubs to a 4-3 win against the Giants on Sunday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus in the outfield during Sunday's win against the Giants (Chicago Tribune photo)

An update on the Cubs' Bunting Tournament:

Brent Lillibridge, Michael Brenly, Jeff Samardzija and Blake Parker advanced on Tuesday.  The players who have reached the sweet 16 and their next match is listed below:
Pitchers: 
Travis Wood vs Nate Halm (video guy)
Jeff Samardzija vs Blake Parker

Position players:
Brent Lillibridge vs Michael Brenly
Edwin Maysonet vs Andy Lane (bullpen catcher)

On Wednesday, left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley will start for the Cubs against the Dodgers at HoHoKam Park.

Photos of Cubs pitchers and catchers getting to work in Mesa

Cubs pitchers and catchers had their second official workout of spring training today at Fitch Park in Mesa.  Here are some photos from yesterday and today:

Darwin Barney prepares to enter the batting cage as Anthony Rizzo finishes on Tuesday (photo from @RaferWeigel on Twitter)

Scott Feldman is sporting Ryan Dempster's old number 46

Cubs players and staff at a team meeting before the team's first workout for pitchers and catchers on Tuesday (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

The field is set for the second Cubs Bunting Tournament (photo from @CarrieMuskat on Twitter)

Any guesses as to who will win the second Cubs bunting tournament?  My early predictions are Travis Wood, Darwin Barney or David DeJesus.  I'd love to hear YOUR guesses in the comments section.  Anyway, it sure is nice to have baseball to get excited about again, isn't it?  Only 48 more days until Opening Day, Cub fans!

28th Annual Cubs Convention a success at new venue (recap and exclusive photos)

A couple of weeks ago, I attended my sixth consecutive Cubs Convention and I wanted to share my experience with everyone.

Although this was the 28th Annual Cubs Convention, this year was unique because of the new venue at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.  Personally, I welcomed the new location and thought the space was nicely laid out, even though at times there were bottlenecks when trying to get into the autograph/photograph ballroom.  I'm pretty sure this is something that will be remedied by the 2014 Convention.

Before the opening ceremonies started on Friday, January 18th, the two huge screens in the ballroom were set up to display people's tweets that included the #CubsCon hashtag.  Of course, I had to try it out and alas, it was pretty cool to see my tweet posted on the screens and then to have people around me say, "Hi, Karen!" as they recognized me from my Twitter profile picture.

My tweet posted on one of two screens at the 2013 Opening Ceremonies

When the players were introduced during the ceremony, they walked in from the back of the room and down the red carpet as they high fived and interacted with fans on their way to the stage in the front of the ballroom.  This was a nice touch - and mental note: Try to get a spot by the red carpet next year! 

Here are some photos I took during the Opening Ceremonies:

 

Here's a link to a video of highlights from the 2013 Opening Ceremonies from WGN-Radio.  There's always a warm, fuzzy feeling to see former players interact with current players and coaches and also when they look genuinely happy to be at the Convention with their teammates and fans.

On the second day of the Cubs Convention (Saturday, January 19th), I was able to get both autographs and photographs with many players.  One new thing this year for the photograph line was that fans received a free 4x6 photo of them with the player, which had "28th Annual Cubs Convention, January 18-20, 2013" printed at the bottom of the photo.

This was a noticeable improvement from former conventions, where you had to either give your camera to a Cubs staff member to take a pic of you, or if you wanted a professional photo, you had to pay $15 to get a cardboard photo jacket (which the player would also sign).  Something about having to pay $15 for the photo jacket and a photo that wasn't usually be best quality just bugged me.  Anyway, kudos to whoever thought of the complimentary photo idea.  And these photos were also very high quality, which was great!  The line also moved much faster with the new setup and there were no stairs to climb, which also saved time.

My photo with former Cub catcher Jody Davis, which I also got signed in an autograph line later

The Cubs also had preprinted backdrops at all of the autograph and photo stages/lines, which made for better looking photo ops.  Also new this year, there were two lines at every autograph stage.  Line 1 was usually for the current player signing and Line 2 was for the upcoming signing.  15 minutes or so before the player was due to sign, the Cubs staff would hand out a limited amount of vouchers good for "one autograph with XX player."  This way, fans had to remain in line and present this voucher in order to obtain an autograph.  This prevented line hoppers who were just there to get as many autographs as possible (mostly for resale purposes, I'm guessing.)

Autograph voucher for Jeff Samardzija

For some reason, the staff working the convention seemed a lot friendlier all the way around than in previous years.  I don't know if they had a more stringent screening process to determine which staffers would work the convention, or if they emphasized the importance of having a good attitude to the employees.  Either way, it made for an enjoyable weekend!

Here are some more photos I took over the Convention weekend:

Outfielder David DeJesus signing autographs

First baseman Anthony Rizzo signing autographs

Third baseman Ian Stewart at an autograph table

Outfielder Tony Campana signing autographs

We ran into Crane Kenney getting coffee in the Sheraton

Shortstop Starlin Castro signing autographs for fans

There were also numerous panels and presentations throughout the weekend, as well as vendors.  The Cubs museum display room was really enjoyable and it would be pretty exciting if they opened a Cubs museum near Wrigley Field (they were getting signatures to support this).  Here's a look at some of the displays in the "museum" room:

All in all, the 2013 Cubs Convention is now a fond memory.  Only 8 more days until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Mesa!  Time to look ahead to Spring Training!  Let's get 'em in 2013!