Carlos Zambrano is good to pitch on Saturday against the New York Mets.  It was unknown for a while if Zambrano would be making his start after getting hit in the elbow with a fungo bat swung by Joey Cora during batting practice at the 2006 All Star Game.  The injury caused Zambrano to miss pitching the third and fourth innings in the game like planned.

Can Carlos stay hot and help the Cubs?  I think he comes out strong and shuts down the Mets but can the Cubs give him enough run support to get the win?

Check out StubHub for all your Ticket Needs! Top Notch!

If you were wondering why Carlos Zambrano did not pitch in last nights All Star Game, look at Joey Cora of the White Sox.  Zambrano was doing interviews with members of the Venezuelan media when he backed up into the swing of White Sox third base coach Joey Cora, who was hitting infield grounders.

Carlos’s right elbow was hit by the bat but luckily the x-rays came back negative.  Phil Garner said that Carlos was unable to throw after the incident and it is uknown if Zambrano will be able to pitch his spot in the rotation when the Cubs get back to action against the New York Mets.

Buy and Sell Cubs Tickets at StubHub!

The bad news just keeps on coming in for the Chicago Cubs.  Mark Prior was scratched from Sunday’s scheduled start because of a strained left oblique, which happened during batting practice the day before.

After going back into the clubhouse after taking batting practice, Prior sat down on the clubhouse couch and tried getting up afterwards and noticed the pain.

Prior will be reevaluated on Thursday when the Cubs have a workout at Wrigley Field.  Prior’s next start is in question depending on how he feels after the workout.

Glendon Rusch filled in for the Cubs today and pitched the Cubs to the win over the Milwaukee Brewers.  The last game before the All Star break, the Cubs won 11-4 behind Aramis Ramirez and Glendon Rusch.  Wow did I just say the Cubs won behind Glendon Rusch?

Is Kerry Wood’s career over with the Chicago Cubs?  It sure is looking more likely after learning that Kerry does have a torn rotator cuff in his right throwing shoulder.

Kerry will more then sure sit out the rest of this season, and the Cubs have a option on the contract that they will not excersise for 2007.  Wood would be due 13 million next year and there is no way that Hendry will give him that kind of money. 

I could see Wood and the Cubs resigning on a 1 year deal for 2007.  Make it 2-3 million and then incentives to pad the contract.  Will Wood take something like that from the Cubs, the only pro team he has played for?  I think he will showing his support for the team and ownership.  He also plays a big roll in the community with his charity so I am sure he would love to stay in the city of Chicago. 

What ever happens with Wood, I wish him the best of luck in his recovery and will hope for him to do well just like I do with Corey Patterson one of my favorite ex Cubs.

Cubs Blog

I’ve been talking with other Cubs fans and we have all been wondering how much longer it will be before Jim Hendry begins the Cubs fire sale this year.  With the team already out of it (unless some miracle happens) within a few weeks you will probably see the Cubs make some trades dumping some salary.

So what players do we think the Cubs will be trading to playoff contenders?  (In no particular order)
1.  Todd Walker ( Good Hitter, decent defense, can help out at 2nd or even a DH)
2.  Scott Williamson (Doesn’t like Dusty, middle relievers are in much need)
3.  Phil Nevin (Dh type hitter with some power, can play multiple positions if needed)
4.  Juan Pierre ( Really hasn’t done much for the team, will be a FA after this season)
5.  Greg Maddux (All teams would love to grab Maddux for their playoff run. Will be a West coast team)
6.  Jacque Jones (Yankees have been rumored with Jones for the past month)

That is just a sort list right now, I’m sure a few others in the bullpen Howry, Dempster, Eyre will also be mentioned.  It will be a crazy July that is for sure, expect 3-5 trades happen and lets hope the Cubs can get some decent prospects in return!

Cubs Blog

With the tight race going on in the National League West Division, the Los Angeles Dodgers are looking to add a starting pitcher with some playoff experience.  They have called the Cubs a few times about Greg Maddux.  Maddog loves the west coast and I can see him fitting in well there.

Maddux has a home in Las Vegas and absolutely loves the West coast.  The Dodgers would be a good fit for him I think, and would give them the extra push they need to make the playoffs.  As long as the Cubs can get a few decent prospects for Maddux I say go ahead and make the trade as long as Maddux agrees to the trade. 

Cubs Tickets Sold Here!

Wade Miller’s best fastball was clocked at 85 m.p.h. in his rehab outing Monday at Class A Peoria, leading to doubts over whether he ever will pitch for the Cubs.  Miller signed a one-year, $1 million deal last winter with no option year and was expected to recover from shoulder surgery by mid-May.

Hendry called Miller a “gamer,” but added: “Everything is coming back except his velocity. Obviously he’s not going to be successful in the big leagues at 84-85 (m.p.h.). It wasn’t a huge risk financially. I thought it was a good gamble, and it still may pay off.”

Hendry said there’s a “chance” Miller could be brought up in September.

“He knows he has to get better,” he said. “He’s a stand-up guy.”

Chicago Sports Article

ESPN.Com is reporting that Jim Hendry will really be thinking about Dusty Baker’s future with the Chicago Cubs over the All Star Break.  This really isn’t big news for Cubs Fans though, we have all known something would happen soon as the team just hasn’t played great all year. 

When you have your own players going on radio shows, pretty much calling out the manager like Scott Williamson did, you know there are problems in the clubhouse once again.  Sounds familiar doesn’t it?  Look at that Cubs the past few years, it is the same stories over and over.  Injuries, poor coaching, and problems in the clubhouse.

It is time for a change in Chicago and look for Bob Brenley to take over the manager spot for the rest of the season.  Atleast that is who I would put in there.  ESPN is saying that the leading candidates would be former managers Lou Piniella, Tom Kelly, Jimy Williams, Gene Lamont and Braves third base coach Fredi Gonzalez though.  Out of any of those managers, I would like Gonzalez chosen if Brenley is not offered the job.

Click Here To Buy or Sell MLB Tickets

Cubs Blog

Congratulations to Carlos Zambrano on being selected for the National League All Star Game that will take place in Pittsburgh on July 11.  Zambrano is the lone Cubs player to be selected to this years All Star Game.  Due to injuries, All-Star players like Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Derrek Lee, and Greg Maddux will not be playing in the game this year.

Buy Your MLB All Star Game Tickets Here!