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 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. 

Cubs' bats and the weather both cold in Pittsburgh as they lose 3-0 to Pirates

In what looked like a promising start to the game for the Cubs and newly acquired starting pitcher Edwin Jackson, turned out with the Cubs getting their first loss of the 2013 season.  Jackson struck out the side in the first inning, but the Cubs' bats were as cold as the 35-degree weather in Pittsburgh, as they were only able to get two hits during the entire game off Wandy Rodriguez.

Jackson allowed two runs on three hits over five innings and was pulled from the game for a pinch-hitter in the sixth inning.

Edwin Jackson made his Cubs debut against the Pirates (USA Today photo)

The Cubs had a chance to score in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases with one out.  But Brent Lillibridge was called out on strikes after a long at-bat and Alberto Gonzalez popped out to end the inning.

Needless to say, the Cubs lost 3-0 to the Pirates.  The good news is that they are even with all four other teams in the NL Central, with each team winning one game and losing one.

There was a panic moment in the seventh inning when Wandy Rodriguez's pitch drilled Anthony Rizzo and he fell to the ground, losing his helmet.  I think everyone watching the game thought the Cubs' first baseman might have been seriously hurt.  But thankfully the ball hit Rizzo's arm and not his head and he was able to get up on his own and continue playing.

Anthony Rizzo after being hit by a pitch in the seventh inning against the Pirates (USA Today photo)

In other Cubs news, pitching prospect Robert Whitenack, who was designated for assignment by the Cubs, was claimed by the Indians on waivers today.  Whitenack tweeted, "Thank you @Cubs for the excellent 4 years!!! Excited to start a new journey with the @Indians" earlier today.  The Cubs also signed infielder Donnie Murphy and outfielder Ryan Sweeney to minor league deals today.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play the rubber game of the series at 11:35am CT.  Travis Wood will make the start for the Cubs.

After that, the Cubs will head to Atlanta to play a three-game series against the Braves before heading home to Chicago to get ready for the Home Opener at Wrigley Field on Monday at 1:20pm CT.  Five more days! 

Cubs win 5-2 against Padres; Spring roster cuts; Opening Day lineup

The Cubs won 5-2 against the San Diego Padres in today's spring training game at the Peoria Sports Complex.  Edwin Jackson was excellent as he allowed just one run on three hits with one walk and three strikeouts over six innings.

Dave Sappelt hit a three-run homer against the Padres on Monday (photo from cubs.com)

Dave Sappelt's three-run homer helped bring the Cubs their victory.  Utility player Brent Lillibridge (who played first base in today's game) had two hits, including a triple to lead off the seventh inning.

As expected, the Cubs reduced their spring roster from 53 to 46 players today.  Junior Lake and Josh Vitters were optioned to Triple-A Iowa, Christian Villanueva was optioned to Double-A Tennessee and Jorge Soler was optioned to Single-A Daytona.  Non-roster spring training invitees Barret Loux, Javier Baez and Rafael Lopez were assigned to minor league camp.

In other Cubs news, pitcher Scott Baker had soreness in his right elbow so he underwent an MRI today.  The Cubs will find out the results of the MRI on Tuesday.

Tomorrow, Chris Rusin will make his third start of the spring when the Cubs play the Texas Rangers at HoHoKam Stadium.  Manager Dale Sveum is planning on using his projected Opening day lineup in tomorrow's game, which will be: DeJesus (CF), Castro (SS), Rizzo (1B), Soriano (LF), Schierholtz (RF), Castillo (C), Valbuena (3B), Barney (2B).  The game can be heard on cubs.com at 3:05pm CST.

Dale Sveum will use his projected Opening Day lineup in Tuesday's game against the Rangers (photo from Jesse Rogers, ESPN.com)

And speaking of Opening Day, it's just 14 days away!  Go Cubs Go!

Cubs win 8-1 over Dodgers; Dale Sveum announces starting rotation

The Cubs get a "W" in their exhibition game against the Los Angeles Dodgers this afternoon.  Chris Rusin had a great outing as he allowed just one hit and no runs while striking out one and walking one batter over five innings pitched.  The final score was 8-1.

Left handed pitcher Chris Rusin allowed just one hit over five innings against the Dodgers on Thursday (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs bats returned today as Brent Lillibridge and Darnell McDonald had hits in their first two at-bats.  Welington Castillo also had a two-run triple and Brian Bogusevic had a two-run double.  Josh Vitters also made his first appearance in a spring training game since he was out for a quad injury.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum announced that the starting rotation at the start of the season will be (in the following order):

Jeff Samardzija, Edwin Jackson, Travis Wood, Scott Feldman and Carlos Villanueva.  Once Matt Garza and Scott Baker are healthy, they are both expected to join the starting rotation.  This means that the "Shark" will pitch when the Cubs open their season on the road in Pittsburgh on April 1st.  Edwin Jackson will get the call for the Home Opener at Wrigley Field on April 8th.  

Edwin Jackson will be the starting pitcher for the Cubs Home Opener on April 8th (AP photo)

Just 19 more days until Opening Day and 26 until the Home Opener!  Can't wait to sing "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.

A New Year Brings New Cubs faces, New Convention venue and exciting fundraisers

Happy New Year, Cubby News readers!  As we are almost finished with the first week of 2013, there has been a lot of Cubs news during the holidays.  Here's a list of some of the players the Cubs have signed in the last month:

OF Nate Schierholtz – one year, $2.25 million
3B Ian Stewart – one year, $2 million
P Scott Baker – one year, $5.5 million
P Shawn Camp – one year, $1.35 million
P Scott Feldman – one year, $6 million
P Kyuji Fujikawa – two years, $9.5 million
C Dioner Navarro – one year, $1.75 million
P Chang-Yong Lim - minor league deal
P Edwin Jackson - four-year, $52 million
P Carlos Villanueva - two years, $10 million 
P Dontrelle Willis - minor league deal
P Hisanori Takahashi - minor league deal

Here's a link to the current 40-man roster.

The 28th annual Cubs convention is less than two weeks away!  This weekend packed with all things Cubs will take place on Friday January 18th through Sunday January 20th at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, located at 301 E. North Water Street in downtown Chicago.  This is a new venue for the convention, which I think will be nice, as this will be my 4th year in a row attending the Cubs Convention.

The Cubs have yet to release the official list of current and former players and coaches that will be in attendance, but once that information is available I will post it on Cubby News.  Here's a link to purchase passes to the convention.  Included with each pass is weekend access to all of the hotel convention space, which will hold the autograph and photo sessions, question and answer seminars, interactive area, memorabilia and vendor booths, as well as exciting new exhibits.

Tying in with the convention are two separate fundraisers hosted by David DeJesus and Kerry Wood and their foundations, which are both listed below:

David and Kim DeJesus will host the inaugural "Strike a Pose" fundraiser on Thursday, January 17th, 2013 at the River East Arts Center in downtown Chicago.  Current and former Cubs players and their spouses will walk the runway and the show will feature fashion by 900 N. Michigan Shops.  There will also be a live auction and raffle, as well as heavy appetizers provided by some of Chicago's hottest restaurants, including Chicago q, RPM Italian, Bull and Bear, Shaw's and Glazed & Infused.  For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/chc/community/strike_a_pose.jsp

Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood will host his second annual "Woody's Winter Warm-Up" at Harry Caray's Navy Pier on Friday, January 18th, 2013.  Cubs players and local celebrities will serve as bartenders throughout the night and proceeds will benefit the Wood Family Foundation.  The night will also feature opportunities to meet and mingle with Cubs players, a silent auction, premium open bar, dinner buffet, and a raffle, as well as a concert, for which details will be announced soon,

I was at their inaugural event in January 2012 and it was definitely worth attending, so I hope to see some of you there!  Tickets are limited and can be purchased at:  http://woodfamilyfoundation.org

Spring Training tickets for games that will be played at HoHoKam Park went on sale Friday.  Here's a link to Spring Training tickets and info.  The Cubs will also play the Texas Rangers in Las Vegas, NV, on March 16 and 17.  Tickets for these two games will be put on sale at a date to be determined.

Meanwhile, only 35 more days until Cubs pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training!  Hope to see some of you at the Convention!