Chicago Cub Micah Hoffpauir has been awarded by Minor League Baseball for his 4 Home Run game back on August 9 in a game between the Iowa Cubs and the Round Rock (Texas). Micah was 4-5, hitting 4 homers in his first 4 at-bats.
Hoffpauir was given the "Game of the Year" in Minor League Baseball overall and in Triple-A baseball. This season he hit .362 with 25 homers and 100 RBIs for Iowa.
With Chicago he played in 33 games and hit .342 with 2 homers and 8 RBIs.
Hoffpauir did not make the Cubs postseason roster for the series versus the Dodgers, but he looks to garner a spot on next year's opening day roster.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
TOP 10 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM 2008 CUBS SEASON...
Here is my TOP 10 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS from the Cubs 2008 Season…
10.) Ted Lilly Takes No-Hitter Into 7th---September 15---Miller Park
Cubs fans were experiencing “Déjà Vu” as Ted Lilly took a no-hitter into the 7th after Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter the night before. (See # 2) The left-hander gave up one hit through seven while striking out nine against the Astros in a game that was moved to Milwaukee because of Hurricane Ike. Three Cubs relievers finished the final two innings in the Cubs 6-1 win.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809153481468&c_id=chc
9.) Geo Soto’s Inside the Park Homer---May 19---Minute Maid Park
Geovany Soto became the first Cubs catcher to hit an inside the park home run in 49 years with his 3-run shot off the wall in the 4th inning. The Cubs beat the Astros 7-2.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805192731882&c_id=chc
8.) Reed Johnson’s Spectacular Catch---April 25---Nationals Park
The Cubs lost this game 5-3 to the lowly Nationals, but Reed Johnson made one of the greatest grabs you will ever see by a centerfielder. The distance he ran to catch the ball in simply unbelievable.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200804252587970&c_id=chc
7.) Blanco’s Walk Off---August 8---Wrigley Field
Henry Blanco sent the Wrigley faithful home happy with his RBI single in the 11th inning to beat the rival Cardinals 3-2.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200808083274953&c_id=chc
6.) Fukudome Awes the Crowd on Opening Day---March 31---Wrigley Field
The Cubs lost the Opening Day game against the Brewers 4-3, and this was certainly Kosuke Fukudome’s best moment of the year. However, there was something special about this that made you think this could be a special season. Fukudome’s first MLB game was memorable as he went 3 for 3, including a 3-run homer that tied the game in the 9th.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w=2008/open/tp/archive03/033108_milchn_fukudome_hr_tp_400.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2008/03/31/milmlb-chnmlb-1&vid=7758&mid=200803312476798&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp400&v=2&id=637653
5.) DeRosa Brings Them All the Way Back---May 30---Wrigley Field
Mark DeRosa’s two run homer in the 7th inning gave the Cubs the lead in a game they trailed 9-1 after five innings. The home run capped off a 6-run 7th inning, and the Cubs won 10-9 over the Rockies.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805302800246&c_id=chc
4.) Ramirez’s 2nd Homer Beats Sox---June 20---Wrigley Field
Aramis Ramirez’s 2nd Home Run of the afternoon in the last of the 9th inning downed the Sox 4-3. Ramirez and Derrek Lee went back to back in the 7th inning to tie the game. This was game one of a 3 game series that the Cubs would sweep.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200806202968467&c_id=chc
3.) Series versus the Brewers---July 28-31---Miller Park
I’m including this whole series because it was probably the most critical moment of our season. By sweeping the Brewers the Cubs put a stranglehold on the division that they would never relinquish. Going into the series the Cubs held a 1-game lead and left Wisconsin with a 5-game lead. Beating Sabathia and Sheets were great moments, but the video is of Jim Edmonds’ grand slam in the fourth game.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200807313231155&c_id=chc
2.) Big Z’s No-Hitter---September 14---Miller Park
With the Cubs playing the Astros in Milwaukee, Big Z made the Cubs fans who made the drive up north very happy and feeling it was worth the gas money. Carlos Zambrano was dominant. He struck out 10 and walked one in the first Cubs no-hitter in 36 seasons.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809153478790&c_id=chc
1.) Cubs Clinch---September 20---Wrigley Field
The Cubs wrapped up the division championship with a 5-4 win over the Cardinals. It was the 1st time in 100 years that the franchise had been to the postseason in back to back years. Unfortunately, this would be the lasting memory for the team as they swept out of the playoffs by the Dodgers.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809203515598&c_id=chc
Let's here what everyone thinks!
10.) Ted Lilly Takes No-Hitter Into 7th---September 15---Miller Park
Cubs fans were experiencing “Déjà Vu” as Ted Lilly took a no-hitter into the 7th after Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter the night before. (See # 2) The left-hander gave up one hit through seven while striking out nine against the Astros in a game that was moved to Milwaukee because of Hurricane Ike. Three Cubs relievers finished the final two innings in the Cubs 6-1 win.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809153481468&c_id=chc
9.) Geo Soto’s Inside the Park Homer---May 19---Minute Maid Park
Geovany Soto became the first Cubs catcher to hit an inside the park home run in 49 years with his 3-run shot off the wall in the 4th inning. The Cubs beat the Astros 7-2.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805192731882&c_id=chc
8.) Reed Johnson’s Spectacular Catch---April 25---Nationals Park
The Cubs lost this game 5-3 to the lowly Nationals, but Reed Johnson made one of the greatest grabs you will ever see by a centerfielder. The distance he ran to catch the ball in simply unbelievable.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200804252587970&c_id=chc
7.) Blanco’s Walk Off---August 8---Wrigley Field
Henry Blanco sent the Wrigley faithful home happy with his RBI single in the 11th inning to beat the rival Cardinals 3-2.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200808083274953&c_id=chc
6.) Fukudome Awes the Crowd on Opening Day---March 31---Wrigley Field
The Cubs lost the Opening Day game against the Brewers 4-3, and this was certainly Kosuke Fukudome’s best moment of the year. However, there was something special about this that made you think this could be a special season. Fukudome’s first MLB game was memorable as he went 3 for 3, including a 3-run homer that tied the game in the 9th.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/player/mp_tpl_3_1.jsp?w=2008/open/tp/archive03/033108_milchn_fukudome_hr_tp_400.wmv&pid=mlb_tp&gid=2008/03/31/milmlb-chnmlb-1&vid=7758&mid=200803312476798&cid=mlb&fid=mlb_tp400&v=2&id=637653
5.) DeRosa Brings Them All the Way Back---May 30---Wrigley Field
Mark DeRosa’s two run homer in the 7th inning gave the Cubs the lead in a game they trailed 9-1 after five innings. The home run capped off a 6-run 7th inning, and the Cubs won 10-9 over the Rockies.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200805302800246&c_id=chc
4.) Ramirez’s 2nd Homer Beats Sox---June 20---Wrigley Field
Aramis Ramirez’s 2nd Home Run of the afternoon in the last of the 9th inning downed the Sox 4-3. Ramirez and Derrek Lee went back to back in the 7th inning to tie the game. This was game one of a 3 game series that the Cubs would sweep.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200806202968467&c_id=chc
3.) Series versus the Brewers---July 28-31---Miller Park
I’m including this whole series because it was probably the most critical moment of our season. By sweeping the Brewers the Cubs put a stranglehold on the division that they would never relinquish. Going into the series the Cubs held a 1-game lead and left Wisconsin with a 5-game lead. Beating Sabathia and Sheets were great moments, but the video is of Jim Edmonds’ grand slam in the fourth game.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200807313231155&c_id=chc
2.) Big Z’s No-Hitter---September 14---Miller Park
With the Cubs playing the Astros in Milwaukee, Big Z made the Cubs fans who made the drive up north very happy and feeling it was worth the gas money. Carlos Zambrano was dominant. He struck out 10 and walked one in the first Cubs no-hitter in 36 seasons.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809153478790&c_id=chc
1.) Cubs Clinch---September 20---Wrigley Field
The Cubs wrapped up the division championship with a 5-4 win over the Cardinals. It was the 1st time in 100 years that the franchise had been to the postseason in back to back years. Unfortunately, this would be the lasting memory for the team as they swept out of the playoffs by the Dodgers.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?mid=200809203515598&c_id=chc
Let's here what everyone thinks!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
REVIEWING THE RICH HARDEN TRADE
The Cubs traded for pitchers Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin midseason, and both pitchers helped the Cubs clinch the Central Division.
I'm going to look at the trade for both the Cubs and the A's and see how all players fit into future plans for both teams.
THE TRADE
CUBS GET--SP RICH HARDEN, RP CHAD GAUDIN
A'S GET----OF MATT MURTON, UTL ERIC PATTERSON, SP SEAN GALLAGHER, C JOSH DONALDSON
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CUBS:
The Cubs picked up Rich Harden's option for 2009. It was a $7 million option, and I think the Cubs will reap the benefits with Harden. He can be a great number starter for the Cubs when healthy. Gaudin will be a good part of the 2009 bullpen. The Cubs will be very happy with both of these right arms.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE A'S:
Gallagher made 11 starts for the A's in the 2nd half. He went 2-3 with a 5.88 era. He did make an appearance on the disabled list, however. I think the A's will be very happy with Gallagher. Will he ever be a number one starter? Probably not. Can he be a very solid number 3 starter eventually? Definitely. Gallagher has the mentality that you love as a starter. He won't back down to anyone and is a "gamer." Matt Murton was basically what we saw with him as a Cub. He only had 30 at-bats for the big league team, getting only 3 hits. He spent most of his time in Triple A. Eric Patterson struggled, as well. He didn't do enough to solidify a starting spot for 2009, like the A's were hoping. He batted .174 in 30 games for Oakland. Donaldson played at High-A Stockton and improved his hitting over the 2nd half.
This deal could work out for both teams if Gallagher develops. Patterson could eventually be a good starter in the Majors, but it might be a while. Murton looks to be a career "tweener," where he bounces from Triple A to the big leagues. With Donaldson, it's too early to tell how well he will become.
I'm going to look at the trade for both the Cubs and the A's and see how all players fit into future plans for both teams.
THE TRADE
CUBS GET--SP RICH HARDEN, RP CHAD GAUDIN
A'S GET----OF MATT MURTON, UTL ERIC PATTERSON, SP SEAN GALLAGHER, C JOSH DONALDSON
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CUBS:
The Cubs picked up Rich Harden's option for 2009. It was a $7 million option, and I think the Cubs will reap the benefits with Harden. He can be a great number starter for the Cubs when healthy. Gaudin will be a good part of the 2009 bullpen. The Cubs will be very happy with both of these right arms.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE A'S:
Gallagher made 11 starts for the A's in the 2nd half. He went 2-3 with a 5.88 era. He did make an appearance on the disabled list, however. I think the A's will be very happy with Gallagher. Will he ever be a number one starter? Probably not. Can he be a very solid number 3 starter eventually? Definitely. Gallagher has the mentality that you love as a starter. He won't back down to anyone and is a "gamer." Matt Murton was basically what we saw with him as a Cub. He only had 30 at-bats for the big league team, getting only 3 hits. He spent most of his time in Triple A. Eric Patterson struggled, as well. He didn't do enough to solidify a starting spot for 2009, like the A's were hoping. He batted .174 in 30 games for Oakland. Donaldson played at High-A Stockton and improved his hitting over the 2nd half.
This deal could work out for both teams if Gallagher develops. Patterson could eventually be a good starter in the Majors, but it might be a while. Murton looks to be a career "tweener," where he bounces from Triple A to the big leagues. With Donaldson, it's too early to tell how well he will become.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
WORLD SERIES PREDICTIONS
2008 WORLD SERIES
I’ve been holding off my World Series prediction because, frankly, I can’t decide who I think will win. Philadelphia gets set to take on the Rays in Game 1 in St. Pete tonight on FOX.
Let me start off my saying this could be a classic series. I think both teams are evenly matched. I think most fans want to see Tampa Bay win the series, except for fans of the Phillies. Fans love to root for the little guy, the underdog.
But, Tampa Bay is certainly no underdog in this series. They have proven they were the best team in the American League all season long. Beating the Red Sox in Game 7, even if it was in Tampa, shows this team is the real deal.
Tampa has great young pitching and young superstars who are fun to watch, like Evan Longoria and BJ Upton.
That being said I am picking the Phillies. Cole Hamels is the best pitcher in this series. Even though he will probably only pitch twice in the series, he can lead this team to the title. The Rays haven’t seen a team with the offensive firepower that Philly possesses.
Rollins, Howard, Utley, Burrell…Scary…
Not to mention the Hawaiian sensation Shane Victorino, who has seemed to be the spark plug for Philadelphia through the postseason.
Philadelphia’s bullpen is slightly better with Madson and Lidge on the back end. Tampa’s is no slouch either with the emergence of David Price though.
I could very well be wrong with this prediction, but I see the Phillies in 6. I look for Philly to get at least 1 in Tampa. Then go and take 2 at home before closing it out on the road.
PHILLIES IN 6 GAMES…
Let me know what everyone else out there thinks!
Let me start off my saying this could be a classic series. I think both teams are evenly matched. I think most fans want to see Tampa Bay win the series, except for fans of the Phillies. Fans love to root for the little guy, the underdog.
But, Tampa Bay is certainly no underdog in this series. They have proven they were the best team in the American League all season long. Beating the Red Sox in Game 7, even if it was in Tampa, shows this team is the real deal.
Tampa has great young pitching and young superstars who are fun to watch, like Evan Longoria and BJ Upton.
That being said I am picking the Phillies. Cole Hamels is the best pitcher in this series. Even though he will probably only pitch twice in the series, he can lead this team to the title. The Rays haven’t seen a team with the offensive firepower that Philly possesses.
Rollins, Howard, Utley, Burrell…Scary…
Not to mention the Hawaiian sensation Shane Victorino, who has seemed to be the spark plug for Philadelphia through the postseason.
Philadelphia’s bullpen is slightly better with Madson and Lidge on the back end. Tampa’s is no slouch either with the emergence of David Price though.
I could very well be wrong with this prediction, but I see the Phillies in 6. I look for Philly to get at least 1 in Tampa. Then go and take 2 at home before closing it out on the road.
PHILLIES IN 6 GAMES…
Let me know what everyone else out there thinks!
Monday, October 20, 2008
JIM HENDRY BREAKING NEWS
As expected the Cubs have resigned General Manager Jim Hendry to a contract extension. The deal is for 4 years, meaning he will be the GM of the Cubs through the 2012 season.
If Hendry stays till 2012, he will have been the GM for over 10 years. He began his duties back in July, 2002.
The announcement was made by Cubs chairman Crane Kenney today at the club's organizational meetings in Mesa.
If Hendry stays till 2012, he will have been the GM for over 10 years. He began his duties back in July, 2002.
The announcement was made by Cubs chairman Crane Kenney today at the club's organizational meetings in Mesa.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
JIM HENDRY
It looks like Jim Hendry will sign an extension soon that will keep him as the Cubs General Manager. His contract is up at the end of December. Hendry is the first GM to lead the Cubs to 3 playoff appearances. Last week the Cubs denied the Mariners' request to interview Hendry for their GM position.
The Cubs open their organizational meetings in Mesa, Arizona today so an announcement could be made early this week.
I think resigning Hendry is a good idea. He has made some great deals that have brought good teams and players to the north side.
Here are a few of Hendry's top moves:
--Trading for Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton in 2003
--Trading for Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin in 2008
--Resigning Carlos Zambrano
The Cubs open their organizational meetings in Mesa, Arizona today so an announcement could be made early this week.
I think resigning Hendry is a good idea. He has made some great deals that have brought good teams and players to the north side.
Here are a few of Hendry's top moves:
--Trading for Aramis Ramirez and Kenny Lofton in 2003
--Trading for Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin in 2008
--Resigning Carlos Zambrano
Monday, October 13, 2008
WHAT TO DO ABOUT FUKUDOME...
Kosuke Fukudome had a less than impressive year for the Chicago Cubs this season. Things went downhill after his opening day performance where he hit a home run to tie the game against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field.
FINAL STATS:
.257 Average, 10 HR, 58 RBI
No one really knew quite what to expect coming into the season, but with his lucrative four year contract Cubs fans wanted much more.
I am not ready to give up on Fukudome quite yet. I will give him another season to adapt to American baseball. He had to get used to the travel, the language barrier, the pitching, and the expectations of Chicago. I'll give him a mulligan for those reasons alone.
I think that Kosuke can become a productive player for the Cubs next season so that is why I hang onto him.
He showed very good plate discipline at times, even though he struck out 104 times to 81 walks.
He showed that he can play great defense, in arguibly the toughest right field to play in baseball. He only had 5 errors in 137 games.
Lou showed his displeasure with Fukudome towards the end of the year. If he starts out sluggish next season, look for Lou to pull him out of the starting lineup sooner. I expect Kosuke to be starting in right field when the Cubs start 2009.
So to answer the question: What should the Cubs do with Fukudome?
Keep him, and be patient. Let him go into year number two with the opportunity to show that he has adjusted to the States. He was productive in Japan. There is no reason he can't be productive over here. He won't hit a lot of home runs for us, but I think his average will improve as he has had a full season to see the pitching. His defense never faltered, and it will not next year either.
FINAL STATS:
.257 Average, 10 HR, 58 RBI
No one really knew quite what to expect coming into the season, but with his lucrative four year contract Cubs fans wanted much more.
I am not ready to give up on Fukudome quite yet. I will give him another season to adapt to American baseball. He had to get used to the travel, the language barrier, the pitching, and the expectations of Chicago. I'll give him a mulligan for those reasons alone.
I think that Kosuke can become a productive player for the Cubs next season so that is why I hang onto him.
He showed very good plate discipline at times, even though he struck out 104 times to 81 walks.
He showed that he can play great defense, in arguibly the toughest right field to play in baseball. He only had 5 errors in 137 games.
Lou showed his displeasure with Fukudome towards the end of the year. If he starts out sluggish next season, look for Lou to pull him out of the starting lineup sooner. I expect Kosuke to be starting in right field when the Cubs start 2009.
So to answer the question: What should the Cubs do with Fukudome?
Keep him, and be patient. Let him go into year number two with the opportunity to show that he has adjusted to the States. He was productive in Japan. There is no reason he can't be productive over here. He won't hit a lot of home runs for us, but I think his average will improve as he has had a full season to see the pitching. His defense never faltered, and it will not next year either.
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