Rich Harden is due for a Win

Rich Harden is back on the mound for the Cubs today as the team is looking for the 4-game sweep of their divison rivals. I wrote this post at http://blog.CubHub.net following Harden's last outing...

 

Hard Luck Harden

Man, what more can you ask from a guy than what Rich Harden has provided since coming to the Cubs?  In three games, they guy has been ridiculous; 17.1 innings, 30 k's, just 8 hits, a 1.04 ERA and all he has to show for it is an 0-1 record.  With the exception of two solo homer runs, Harden has been absolutely lights out as a Cub.  Its unrealistic to expect him to be this good, but if he's anything close to this good for the remainder of the year, his wins will come in a big way.

Right now all the focus is on CC Sabathia's three straight complete games and 4-0 record since joining the surging Brewers. But Rich Harden has been every bit as good for the slumping Cubs team. This will even out to be sure. Sabathia does have 8 losses this year, so the guy is mortal.

On a side note, Harden is batting .000 with 6 strikeouts in 6 at-bats.  CC is is 2-for-13, but has a double and a homer. He's no Carlos Zambrano!  Big Z is hitting an astonishing .356 with 3 doubles, a triple and 2 homers. Might as well starting engraving the Silver Slugger award for Big Z!

What's Missing from Cubs-Brewers Rivalry

Where is the venom?  Where is the competitiveness?  Why aren't these teams taking it personally? 

What's missing from the Cubs-Brewers rivalry is some old fashioned animosity. We need some bean-balls, some hard slides, a bench clearing brawl to spice up this rivalry.  There is just too much respect and professionalism between these two ballclubs. It just doesn't fit for how they beat each other up on the scoreboard and how they always seem to rise to meet the occasion when playing each other. 

There was another story today about arrests following a brawl in the stands during last nights game at Miller Park. The fans get it, why don't the teams?  Its very different when the Cubs play the Cardinals or the White Sox - even the Astros. But its all niceness when they play the Brewers.  What's up with that?  C'mon guys!

see more posts at http://blog.CubHub.net

MLB 2008 - the Vegas odds

I wrote a couple posts recently on the Vegas casino odds as set (pre-season). Interesting to see both the pennant & World Series odds at several casinos in LV. Also, there is a very compelling prop bet set by Venetian on the potential home run king for 2008.  See the posts here:

 

Odds Part 1

Odds Part 2 

Plan your game at Wrigley!

There is a whole new section on CubHub.net dedicated to planning your game at Wrigley!

Topics include navigating Wrigleyville (getting in and out quick on Game Day), parking tips at the ballpark, getting the seats you want, traveling to Chicago, maps & directions, and more! 

Check it out at CubHub.net/wrigley - let me know what you think, what your experiences and tips are, and what I'm totally off base on!

Plan Your Game! http://www.CubHub.net/wrigley

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Tommy on Piazza

I loved this post from Mr. Tommy Lasorda on Mike Piazza. He tells the story of how Mike got to the big leagues and how it helps to have a guy in Lasorda's position on your side.  Check it out here:

http://tommy.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/05/michael_piazza.html

Edmonds in & Pie out?

Within the past week, I posted blog entries on my main blog site at CubHub.net discussing Felix Pie going down and Jim Edmonds coming in. At the time, I was advocating moving out Pie for additional seasoning at AAA to make room for Scott Eyre's return from the DL.  Now this move seems inevitable as by all reports, Jim Edmonds will be signed today off waivers. 

 

Felix Pie preparing to strike out