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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2011 21:28:59 GMT -5
Chicago Cubs 56-36 @ Houston Astros 52-41
"Space City" is hot with anticipation tonight as the Chicago Cubs travel to Houston to take on the Astros at Minutemaid Park.
Speaking of hot, the Cubs are white hot at the moment, winning nine of their last ten games. This is due in large part to MVP candidate RF Jay Bruce's recent production since arriving from Cinncinati last month. The 27 year old slugger is having a 2011-like year and is batting even better now that 1B Prince Fielder and his league leading 26 HR is providing protection in the lineup.
On the mound tonight for the Cubs is a bit of a mystery. Michael Pineda is scheduled to start but David Price is also rested and ready to go. Looking for his 13th win of the season, Price will definately want the ball tonight to beat his younger, 'uglier', cousin Gary.
In the other dugout, the Houston Astros are one of PBL's surprise teams. After the new hiring of ?Sean McGee?, the stros look like contenders deep into the summer. Even more appealing, they atcually might be fun to watch!! 1st overall pick Troy Bates finally singed his big contract and he will be in uniform for tonight's game!! Bates, known for his leadership in College, is no stranger to the big stage and wil most likely provide some heroics in tonight's Game of the Week.
So, who do you have winning this big game? The big-spending Chicagoans from the NOrthside, or the upstart Astros with the face of their franchise making his Professional debut??
Questions to follow for both GMs
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2011 21:36:25 GMT -5
To Houston's GM:
1. No cliche's, no BS answers. How did you turn things around in Houston so quickly?
2. Where is Troy Bates batting in tonight's lineup and what do you expect from him this season and beyond?
3. 'The Ugly' Price has an impressive ERA but his lack of K's are a concern aren't they? I mean, he was your number 1 pick a couple years back and he was projected to have 200 Ks a season. Any comments?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2011 21:39:40 GMT -5
To Chicago's GM:
1. You are having the season you expected at this point, but nobody thought you'd only be up 4 games by the trade deadline. Do you have any plans to make additional trades and create more distance between your team and the rest of the NL Central?
2. Who is your starting pitcher tonight?
3. Will this series have a playoff atmosphere, or will it be just another game for your squad?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2011 22:49:53 GMT -5
To Chicago's GM:
1. You are having the season you expected at this point, but nobody thought you'd only be up 4 games by the trade deadline. Do you have any plans to make additional trades and create more distance between your team and the rest of the NL Central?
We may be having the season we expected but I don't think a lot of GM's picked us to win this division this year. Many had picked the Pirates over us with us making the wild card or not even getting to the playoffs. Its been a much tougher season then I had expected myself....I didn't think Houston would be this good. As for trades I really don't see many moves for us. Not saying I won't be trying but I don't know that anything will come to fruition. We need some help in the pen...I think everyone knows that...I'm just not sure we have the talent in the farm to get another big piece to make an impact!
2. Who is your starting pitcher tonight?
Its going to be Pineada. I know its not the sexy match up everyone wants to see but I don't want to mess with the rotation.
3. Will this series have a playoff atmosphere, or will it be just another game for your squad?
Well it seems like every time we face a NL Central team this season it feels like a playoff game. Its been a tough division this year and in my opinion we are lucky to still be leading it. Pittsburgh just swept SF in impressive fashion and are facing the Mets...we definitely need to bring are A game this week!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2011 1:19:29 GMT -5
Thanks for getting this done!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 20, 2011 20:11:52 GMT -5
C'mon Astros, Game of the Week time!
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Post by Chicago(N)GMMike on Jun 20, 2011 21:07:06 GMT -5
To Houston's GM: 1. No cliche's, no BS answers. How did you turn things around in Houston so quickly? We haven't done anything yet-we're improving and as we all know, your fortune could change like that!! We could not have been worse the last 4 seasons. Our pitching, primarily the bullpen, has been outstanding. 2. Where is Troy Bates batting in tonight's lineup and what do you expect from him this season and beyond? Contrary to previuous reports from the Houston Chronicle, Bates will not be in the Houston lineup tonight. We are confident Troy will provide the defense and timely hitting we desperately need here. 3. 'The Ugly' Price has an impressive ERA but his lack of K's are a concern aren't they? I mean, he was your number 1 pick a couple years back and he was projected to have 200 Ks a season. Any comments? LOL, Gary is a machine. He will be a ton of fun to watch the next decade. He's been getting better movement on his pitches and the K's will come when he improves that Changeup. I am sorry this is postgame. My bad. Hope we get another crack. Also, "Ugly" and Pineada battle was a great one!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2011 10:54:51 GMT -5
Postgame Wrap
Astros 5 - Cubs 3
Scouts have said that Gary Price has beautiful stuff. The Cubs would say it was downright ugly. Ugly Price struck out nine Cubs hitters over 6 innings, allowing only two runs in the process. The sinker-cutter pitcher's ERA floated to 2.90 while his record improved to 10-5.
Price struck out two in the first, two in the third, two in the fourth, and with the tying run in scoring position in the fifth, struck out Prince Fielder to end the threat. Though Price is young, he continues to master the steps needed to become a dominant ace.
The Astros offense chipped away at Michael Pineda, tagging him for eight hits in 4.2 innings. Brian Bogusevic had the big hit in the game. With the score tied and one in the bottom of the fourth, Bogusevic singled through the right side to bring home two runs, giving the Astros a 3-1 lead. Lonnie Chisenhall homered to start the fifth, Adeiny Hechevarria hit an RBI double later in the frame and the Astros were on their way.
The Astros pounded 11 hits over the course of the game, three from Bogusevic. Juan Nicasio worked two innings for his first big league save.
Questions for the GM's. For Garrett Cubbies, this is the first Game of the Week where Prince Fielder didn't have a big game. What was off with him today?
You brought Evan Longoria off the bench as a pinch hitter. Are there any plans to permanently make him a backup?
Finally, your offense couldn't touch Ugly Price. What about him is so tough to hit?
For Mike Meagher, after four straight disappointing seasons, your team is playing important baseball in the second half. What has been the difference between this season and last?
Price had a great game against a good Cubs lineup. How good can he be in the future?
You had a two run lead but the Cubs had gotten a run back and had two on base for Prince Fielder. How important was that strikeout of him to keep the lead?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2011 11:46:56 GMT -5
Cubbies, this is the first Game of the Week where Prince Fielder didn't have a big game. What was off with him today?
I really have no idea! This team is baffling....they come out of the gate like gangbusters and lead the division by eleven games. Then they fall to pieces only to get hot as of late then to go cold again! Its been pretty frustrating to say the least...now with Pittsburgh 2.5 games back who knows!?!? If things don't change soon I'm just going to hang out with the bleacher bums and drink!
You brought Evan Longoria off the bench as a pinch hitter. Are there any plans to permanently make him a backup?
Yep there are plans....he is now the back-up to Anthony Hewitt. I don't know what is wrong with Longo...maybe he drank the PBL kool-aid that brings many of our stars back down to Pee-Wee talent. It hurts we gave up a lot to get him in a Cubbie uniform and .... well .... I don't know...ugg. If he starts to return to form you will see him back but until then he can count his millions on the pine!!
Finally, your offense couldn't touch Ugly Price. What about him is so tough to hit?
I think its pretty obvious....he doesn't throw anything straight! Everything has tremendous movement...dips, dives, in, and out! FFS if you get a hit off the guy its prolly going on the ground! He's a good kid...Houston better keep him around long term is all I can say!
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