One step forward … BACK SPASMS!
*via Chicago Tribune
When we here at The Curse accepted the responsibility of blogging all things Cubs baseball, we were sent a two-page contract stating everything we had to do. It was nice and professional and, quite frankly, made us feel like a Major League ball player. What we didn’t realize is that by being a Cubs blogger, we’d also be a part-time obit writer. Granted, the year hasn’t even begun, but we have a feeling that many seasons, hopes and dreams will die this year and we’ll be obliged to give each and every death a proper send off. We’ll even send some flowers.
Why bring this up, you ask? Because Kerry Wood’s season has already taken its first trip to the doctor thanks to back spasms.
The pain began Tuesday and kept him out of yesterday’s exhibition game. Hey, that’s alright. It’s not like Lou Piniella practically named him the closer, right? … Wait, he did? Crap. Oh, well there’s always Carlos Marmol who walked two batters and gave up a run in 1.2 innings for a blown save against the Oakland A’s split-squad. In Marmol’s defense, he came in a tough spot, inheriting three runners. Still, he allowed all three to score. Not exactly closer material.
So now Chicago’s closer role is dependant on the back of a pitcher that has been only slightly injury prone in the same way that Britney Spears is only slightly crazy. There’s still plenty of time to get that back healed up Cub Nation. Which naturally means he’ll do something to make it worse.
Oh, and while we’re on the subject of things you didn’t want to read about …
What would you buy with $48 million? We’d like to think our prize package would include video games, multiple flatscreen HD TV’s and Wrigley season tickets. What we wouldn’t want is a .225 hitter with one double and one homerun. But that’s what the Cubs have right now with Kosuke Fukudome. It’s only spring training, so we’re not going to get too riled up. But we’ll also be watching almost all the games from the comfort of our own home, so if you have bleachers seats on a 40-degree day and he’s 0-3, you have every right to boo.
Two spring training games yesterday afternoon. One win. One loss.
Against the Giants, Jon Lieber looked solid, going five innings and allowing just one run while striking out four. During the losing effort against the A’s, starter John Dempster was also strong, striking out seven in 5-1/3 innings while allowing zero runs. Derek Lee belted his first homerun in the seventh inning and that lone hit raises his average to a whopping .163.
Lieber’s and Dempster’s performances mean they’re still in the running for the final two spots in the pitching rotation. The third pitcher vying for a starter’s role is Jason Marquis and he’s also looked good. Definately a problem worth having during Spring Training.
I missed Tuesday’s action, but Lou Piniella played his probable Opening Day lineup against the Royals. Nothing too surprising: Ryan Theriot, Alfonso Soriano, Derrek lee, Aramis Ramirez, Kosuke Fukudome, Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto and Felix Pie. Piniella did not leave out the possibility of a trade (*cough*Brian Roberts*cough*) happening between now and then, but barring that or a major injury (knock on Wood … ha!) this is your 2008 Chicago Cubs.
Finally, a little (OK, a lot) of self promotion. We wrote a column for Michigan baseball’s Opening Day, which should take place today unless the weather stays bad.
