The Cubs get back at it tonight in Houston. I'm excited for the stretch run with the team 4 games up on the competition in the NL Central Division. Of the several keys to the second half, I think...
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* The Cubs and Astros have split six meetings so far this season. Five of the six games have been decided by two runs or less. * At 57-38, the Cubs have their best record through 95 games since...
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With the Cubs having lost 3.5 games on their lead going back to last Sunday, the question I have today is, which team behind the Cubs do you think will pose the greatest threat down the stretch? Milwaukee now...
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SOUTHPORT, England (AP) _ Padraig Harrington's wrist hurt so much he wondered if he could even play in this British Open. Well, it was strong enough to hoist the silver claret jug.

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Soriano set for rehab with Mesa
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Must. Win. Today.

(And before you start, yes, I am well aware that the Cubs are still in first place by 2.5 games, and will still be in first place even if they lose. But winning this game is pretty much a "must", if only to prove to themselves that they can win in that horrid excuse for a ballpark in Houston.)

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Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano will begin a rehab assignment on Monday with Chicago's rookie league team in Arizona and is expected to come off the disabled list on Thursday. Soriano has been on the DL since June 12 because of a broken left hand. He took batting practice in Houston on Friday and felt good enough afterward to target a return this week.
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Once again, this box is telling us the weather conditions outside the Juice Box. There's no way the roof is going to be open with weather like that.

Rick Morrissey, whose columns are often headscratchers, wrote this mishmash today. Can any of you tell me what the point of this is?

You may remember that for the last month or so of the 2003 season, Eric Karros had a home video camera with him, recording the memorable events of that time. Now he's not sure what he's going to do with them:

"I have not edited them at all, and nobody else has seen them," said Karros, a first baseman on the '03 team and currently a baseball analyst for Fox. "I don't even let my buddies see them. No other player has seen them. But I don't know what I'm going to do with them. It's not all for public consumption."

...

"It wasn't because I was trying to chronicle the Cubs," Karros said. "It was more or less, 'I don't think I'm going to play after this year, so I'll just do the last month for the heck of it.' That's how it started.

"It has not only the players, but Eddie Vedder is on there talking, and Michael Jordan spraying champagne in Atlanta (after the division series clincher) and acting like a little kid. And Ron Santo giving an emotional speech."

Don't know about you, but I'd love to see some of that.

Today's Boston Globe has has a long article on Boston-area native Rich Hill and even asked him about Steve Blass Disease:

"I don't even know what Steve Blass Disease is," said the 28-year-old Hill. "I hurt my back. You can ask anyone who's ever played the game that when you suffer an injury, especially a pitcher, it throws your mechanics off. That's what's happened to me. I don't have anything structurally wrong with my back, but I've had back spasms and I've had to do my rehab and stretching. I'm much better."

The problem isn't mental?

"Absolutely not," he said. "I can still throw strikes. When I had the back issues, I couldn't throw my changeup where I wanted. I was just off. Now I'm getting my rhythm back. I'm becoming more aggressive. I know I'm only pitching at A ball, but that doesn't matter. It feels better. I'm more in control. I just feel like I'm getting back to where I was."

If he's telling the truth -- that it's all due to a back injury -- then maybe we will see the "old" Rich Hill back soon.

Today's Starting Pitchers

R. Dempster Cubs vs. B. Backe Astros 10-4 W-L 6-9 3.25 ERA 4.76 104 SO 83 50 BB 50 11 HR 22 vs. Hou -- vs. Cubs

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Ryan Dempster has been a revelation this year, as you know. Here's one of the best numbers: in 66.2 IP last year he allowed 8 HR. In almost twice as many innings so far this year -- 124.2 -- he's allowed 11. I know, I know, the type of pitching isn't really comparable. His WHIP is a solid 1.179. He struck out the side in the 9th inning on Tuesday in the All-Star Game. One of those 11 HR was by Hunter Pence on May 20 in Houston, one of Dempster's three road losses so far this season.

Brandon Backe threw a fairly solid six innings at Wrigley Field on April 6 in a game the Cubs won 3-2 off Houston's bullpen. They haven't had much chance to get into the Astro pen this weekend yet. He is working on a 10-inning scoreless streak. WAY past time for this Cub team to have an offensive outburst, particularly the slumping Aramis Ramirez, who is .438/.500/.625 (7-for-16, 1 HR) lifetime vs. Backe.

I've given up predicting the result based on TV channel. You can watch on WGN, or check the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Today's first pitch thread will post at 1:00 pm CT and the overflow comment threads will post at 2:15 pm and 3:15 pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Carlos Zambrano homered last night, his second of the year, the fourth one he's hit in his career in Houston, and his 14th lifetime dinger, breaking Fergie Jenkins' club record for career HR by a pitcher.

And that was the sum total of the Cub offense last night as they lost their third in a row, 4-1 to the Astros. Z must have felt as if he had to do everything himself, and he was uncharacteristically wild (for this year, anyway -- the six walks he issued is a season high), probably overthrowing, getting back into bad habits from years gone by. Z acknowledges he may have lost control:

Zambrano dropped to 5-1 in 10 starts against the NL Central this season. He often seemed exasperated and [Lou] Piniella wants his fiery ace to work on controlling his emotions.

"There is no reason to show your frustrations," Piniella said. "All you can do is pick up the other team and hurt yourself. He’s a really good competitive guy, he loves to win. All that does is take away from his greatness."

Zambrano conceded that Piniella might be right.

"I wasn’t controlling myself. That’s the most important thing," he said. "You can be mad at yourself, you can be mad at the batter, but you have to stay in control."

The Cubs had plenty of chances to take the lead or even break the game open early -- they left RISP in the second, third and fifth innings (not that I'm complaining about a Z home run, but it would have been more productive with two men on in the second inning), and all seven LOB for the game were in the first five innings. Meanwhile, of Z's six walks, two of them scored as the Astros went out to a 3-0 lead by the end of the third.

And essentially, although I, and most of you probably too, followed or watched the rest of the game, we might as well have done something else with our Saturday evening.

Speaking of which, if you were watching Baseball Tonight after the Cubs game last night, the 2003 game that they were all discussing -- and I hadn't seen the "highlights" from that eventually rained-out game since then -- that was what I've called the "Typhoon Game", played on Mother's Day, May 11, 2003 (there's no boxscore or recap link because they called it, with the Cubs down 11-9, after four innings, so it wasn't official and wound up being rescheduled to September, helping to create the memorable five-game series vs. St. Louis at that time; the Cubs won four of the five, helping send them to the NL Central title). The wind and rain really were that bad, blowing balls that should have landed foul in the seats into the middle of left field. It was raining sideways and so windy that I couldn't even hold up my umbrella. Here's what I wrote about it at the time, and I stand by that five years later. That game should never have even been started -- conditions were appalling, and the Cardinals' Eli Marrero suffered a serious ankle injury, which may have been the impetus for finally calling the game. Check out Marrero's career stats -- after 2003, except for one year as a decent part-timer in Atlanta, he was never really the same player. I have to say that Eduardo Perez was pretty funny on BBTN, expressing how much he did NOT want Tony LaRussa to send him into that game!

One more TV-related event: after BBTN, I flipped on the Orioles-Tigers game on EI, which had, rather comically, gone into extra innings tied 10-10. Luke Scott hit a walkoff HR, went around the bases to his teammates awaiting him at the plate, flipped off his helmet as players now do when they do that (because otherwise it hurts when the happy team bashes you on the head!) -- and then slid into home plate. I thought that was an appalling display of showing up the other team. Wouldn't be surprised to see Scott get knocked down today by a Detroit pitcher.

This recap is just about done. What more can be said? This, for one: Chad Gaudin threw well in relief, and that's a good thing, because you can never have too many capable relief pitchers. For all the criticism he sometimes gets, and yes, he can be extremely maddening -- this team badly misses Alfonso Soriano. Including the game in which Soriano was injured (since he didn't play past the bottom of the first that day), the Cubs have treaded water at 16-16. He appears on target to return next Thursday at home vs. the Marlins (and I am going to bring our secret weapon, my son Mark, whose personal record is 8-0 this year, back to at least one, hopefully two, games in that series). Thanks to Jessica for pointing out that the Cubs catch a break the next week because they won't have to face Dan Haren or Brandon Webb in Arizona, usually a house of pain for Cub teams (they are only 13-25 in the former BOB, and that doesn't even include the two NLDS losses last year), and won't face Ricky Nolasco, Florida's best pitcher, next weekend.

Enough. Salvage one from this series and move on. It's hard for just about any team to win on the road these days -- just look at Tampa Bay, who looked horrid while losing seven in a row on the road (including being swept by the Indians at Cleveland, not a good team this year), and who have righted their ship at home. The pregame thread will be up at 11:30 am CT.

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A SWITCH IN TIME

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HOUSTON -- The Cubs look like they'll be without their closer until at least early in the week in Arizona, but the disabled list remains only a last-resort consideration should the problem with Kerry Wood's finger persist much longer than that.

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Both of our baseball teams remain in first place, and our Hot Fans contest is hotter than ever. We've had more than 7 million online page views and nearly 50,000 votes as to whether the Cubs or White Sox have the hottest fans. Vote at suntimes.com/sports and send your pictures to webphotos@chicagosuntimes.com.
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Not too many Chicagoans can say they were around when the Cubs won the World Series in 1907 and 1908. Louise Braklow is one of them, and she is pretty sure it'll happen again in her lifetime. "For the first time in a long time, I think they're going to ride it to the top. They're going to win," she said Saturday while celebrating her 106th birthday at a Northwest Side retirement community.

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HOUSTON -- Sam Zell and company have made it clear that the pending sale of the team won't affect the Cubs' efforts to chase a World Series this year.

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At the plate Cubs got nine hits but scored only once for the second time in two games out of the break -- which makes four runs in their past three games, all losses. Leadoff man Ryan Theriot had three hits, and pitcher Carlos Zambrano had a homer for all the scoring. Nobody else had more than a single.

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A Baseball Hall of Fame executive warned early on it "can kill baseball.'' A newspaper headline dubbed it a "Menace to Sports."

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Maybe the Cubs need to add a hitter at the trading deadline after all. Or at least a capable bat or two they can check with the luggage when they go on the road. Because just when the Cubs seemed to have this home-road thing figured out, it looks worse than ever following another bleak performance by the hitters in a 4-1 loss to the Houston Astros on Saturday night at Minute Maid Park.

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The opening of Bears training camp always breeds optimism — but there could be a few hurdles ahead

It's impossible to know whether the good football feelings will last until the end of training camp. We can, however, make some other predictions about what might happen to the Bears during the three weeks at their summer home.

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Oakland deals 3 pitchers, jump-starts trade market

In or out? Buyer or seller?

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Norman's 3-day charge reminds golf fans of what put him among the greats

Greg Norman is leading the British Open? After three rounds? By two shots? At 53?

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The White Sox have ruled the American League Central for 90 days, every day since May 17.

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Offense's struggles on road perplex Piniella

After losing 4-1 to Houston, the Cubs are venturing back into gloom and doom territory. "We don't score many runs," Lou Piniella said. "Our road record needs to improve. We don't score many runs on the road." Closer Wood will miss entire Houston series

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No immediate plans to put closer on DL

Kerry Wood's blister problem has not receded so he will miss the entire series in Houston.

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Sox manager: Baines is 'Mr. White Sox'

When the White Sox unveil a bronze statue of Harold Baines along the right-field concourse Sunday, no one will be prouder than longtime teammate Ozzie Guillen.

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Lou Piniella is beginning to worry about the Cubs' sputtering offense. Wandy Rodriguez struck out seven, and the Houston Astros again stifled Chicago's bats in a 4-1 victory on Saturday night. Rodriguez (5-3) allowed nine hits, including a solo homer by Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano, but Chicago stranded seven runners and dropped its third straight game.

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Cubs aim to end road woes in Houston
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Zambrano's Cubs fall to Astros
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Franchise's moves spark surge in sales

In the world of the Blackhawks, a franchise pulling out all the stops in an effort to rebuild its fan base, a hockey rink in the middle of a baseball field and thousands of fans chanting "Let's Go Hawks" in mid-July are standard operating procedure.

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Houston Astros' Miguel Tejada (10) celebrates with teammates after their baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston, Texas. Tejada had two hits and an RBI in the Astros 4-1 win over the Cubs.

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The Tribune Co. receives last bidders
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Chicago Cubs' Aramis Ramirez breaks his bat hitting a ground ball during the eighth inning of their baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2008, in Houston, Texas. Ramirez was thrown out on the play.

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Kerry Wood's rested the blister long enough. Save time!

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Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, left, reacts after scoring on his solo home run during the seventh inning of their baseball game against the Houston Astros Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston. Home plate umpire Paul Emmel is at right.

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Houston Astros second baseman Kazuo Matsui (3) puts out Chicago Cubs' Kosuke Fukudome (1) and throws to first to complete a double play on a ground ball hit by Cubs' Ronny Cedeno during the fourth inning of their baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston, Texas.

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Houston Astros pitcher Wandy Rodriguez, right, scores from second on a single by Carlos Lee as Chicago Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, left, waits for the throw during the third inning of their baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston.

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The Houston Astros' Wandy Rodriguez delivers a pitch during the third inning of their baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston, Texas.

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Houston Astros' Miguel Tejada hits a single off of Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano during the second inning of their baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston, Texas.

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Time to end this mini-losing streak. Now.

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Can Soriano spark slumping Cubs?
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Blister could send Wood to DL
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Chicago Cubs second baseman Ronny Cedeno, left, tags out Houston Astros' Kazuo Matsui (3) on a steal attempt during the first inning of their baseball game Saturday, July 19, 2008 in Houston.

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Struggling Fukudome drops to seventh
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Play ball! (And win!)

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Here are a few more notes on the upcoming sale of the Cubs, listing the seven most likely bidding groups and individuals -- I'm very glad to see Don Levin, owner of the Wolves, still on this list. He's my #1 choice -- a Chicago native, lifelong Cubs fan with deep pockets who already owns a successful sports team in this town. There are a few more details in this Fran Spielman article in today's Sun-Times, and yet another take from the Wall Street Journal.

Our old friend Dayn Perry is at it again, this time with a Baseball Prospectus article ($, I think) trotting out every old North Side/South Side stereotype you can think of. It's so bad that it's worth a read.

Now, onward to more pressing business -- winning tonight's game.

Today's Starting Pitchers

C. Zambrano Cubs vs. W. Rodriguez Astros 10-3 W-L 4-3 2.84 ERA 3.48 78 SO 65 38 BB 23 8 HR 8 vs. Hou -- vs. Cubs

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Z has pitched well against the Astros both this year and in his career -- 10-6, 2.67. The Juice Box is also one of his favorite parks to hit in; though he has only four hits there, three of them are homers. He handles Lance Berkman well (8-for-54, but 4 HR), and Carlos Lee hammers him (not a surprise, as El Caballo hits just about every Cub pitcher: 16-for-44, 5 doubles, 4 HR vs. Z). So many of the supposed "expert" sportswriters wring their hands because Z's strikeout total is down, but that's Z realizing he doesn't have to throw the ball 9,000 MPH against every single hitter; his sinker has been devastating this year and that's one of the reasons he's allowed only eight HR.

Somehow, Wandy Rodriguez has turned himself into a decent pitcher. I'd never have expected that from a guy who seemed to have no velocity, little control and a career ERA over 5.00 coming into this year. He has failed to get out of the sixth inning in his last three starts, though. Derrek Lee (7-for-16) and Ryan Theriot (5-for-10) hit him hard, and expect Jim Edmonds (and maybe the slumping Kosuke Fukudome) to get the night off vs. the LHP Rodriguez.

Today's game is a cable extravaganza in Chicago and Houston, on EI and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)

Baseball-reference.com game preview

Today's first pitch thread will be up at 6:00 pm CT and the overflow comment threads will post at 7:15 pm and 8:15 pm CT.

Discuss amongst yourselves.

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Philadelphia's Jamie Moyer fooled the Florida Marlins with his deceptive stuff for the 10th straight time. Ten in a row is where the Mets' streak ended after they couldn't figure out the Reds' Bronson Arroyo. The 45-year-old Moyer beat Florida for the 10th time in 10 career starts, pitching six innings Friday night to help the visiting Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-2 victory.
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