Chicago Cubs Should Keep Milton Bradley On Short Leash

by Tyler Franz

The Chicago Cubs knew exactly what they were getting into when they signed OF Milton Bradley to a three-year deal: The arguments with umpires, countless injuries, and absolute quotable gems that Bradley gives out like food stamps to the media.

For the Cubs, Bradley's performance on the field was enough to cause them to overlook these less-than-favorable characteristics, but the time is coming (if it hasn't already) when Bradley will inevitably cross the line.

Thus far, Bradley has had two injury stints, an ejection, and has rapidly developed an extremely negative relationship with the Chicago media. Recently, there have been reports that Bradley is a negative influence in the clubhouse (shocker). In other news, he is also batting .042 with one RBI and .281 OBP.

As a Cubs fan, I was gung-ho about signing Bradley and truly wanted to believe that the old Bradley was gone and that he had changed. Even after his ejection, I was quick to praise Bradley for his competitive fire and genuine desire to win.

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Milton Bradley a hit in return to Chicago Cubs' lineup

By Paul Sullivan

The day before the season began in Houston, coming off a red hot spring, Milton Bradley said he was ready to show Cubs fans what he was all about.

"Hopefully they can realize the kind of player I am, and realize I'm worth every penny I'm making," he said.

Nearly one month later, Bradley now is hoping first impressions aren't lasting.

The $30 million outfielder returned again from his lingering groin injury Tuesday night at Chase Field, trying to prove his first month as a Cub was just a mirage.

Bradley had a promising return, going 2-for-4 in the Cubs 11-3 victory over Arizona.

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Chicago Cubs' Inconsistency Is Leading to a Dissapointing Season

by Joe Willett

The Chicago Cubs came into this season with the expectation of at least contending for a World Series title.

However, they have struggled mightily this season, and they have been unable to live up to the high expectations that accompanied a seemingly unstoppable pitching rotation and batting order.

As of late, the Cubs have been even worse, as they have gone 3-5 in the month of May. What the problem has been for the Cubs is an inability to be consistently strong.

When they have great offensive days, they have been accompanied with great pitching days, and bad offensive days have been accompanied with dismal pitching.

In the Cubs' three wins this month, they have scored seven, 10, and 11 runs in each game, but in their five losses, they scored zero, one, three, two, and two runs. Compare that to the two, three, and three runs allowed in the three wins, and the three, seven, four, eight, and seven runs in the losses.

The Cubs need to be able to put together more wins, and that starts with both sides of the ball being held responsible when both sides are dismal in the same game.

One of the main reasons for the Cubs' woes so far this season is the awful offensive production by players who were looked at as people who needed to contribute for the Cubs to be strong.

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Cubs give more than $1 million in grants

By Carrie Muskat

CHICAGO -- The Cubs and the McCormick Foundation on Tuesday announced $1.06 million in grants through Cubs Care, a fund of the McCormick Foundation, to non-profit organizations serving the Chicago area.

Since 1991, the team has distributed more than $14 million to Chicago non-profit organizations. Cubs pitcher Sean Marshall helped present the grants at Tuesday's luncheon to representatives of non-profit organizations which aid children with special needs, provide youth sports programs, assist victims of domestic violence and serve the Lake View community.

"We are so proud of these 41 agencies and the tremendous work they do to help those in need in our community," said Mike Lufrano, Cubs senior vice president of community affairs. "Today's grants highlight the Cubs' ongoing partnership with organizations making a difference in the lives of people throughout Chicago."

Lufrano noted that in its first year, Cubs Care donated $65,000 but has been able to distribute more than $1 million each of the past four years.

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Obama disses Cubs

Gromer Jeffers

I realize that Barack Obama is a White Sox fan. It happens when you move to Chicago's South Side and start a political career.

But is it right for President Obama to use his office to promote the White Sox, Chicago's least favorite professional sports franchise, by allowing members of the team to visit the White House?

The trip is set for today, when the team should be preparing for an upcoming series with Baltimore.

I hope Obama remembers the challenge I made to him after an interview last year.

I asked him if he would invite the Cubs to the White House, when they won the World Series.

He responded that he would be long gone from the White House by the time the Cubs won it all.

We'll see, Sox fan.

Source: dallasnews.com

What we know about Chicago Cubs after 11 games

Bullpen starting to take shape; Lee, Fukudome making strides at the plate

By Dave van Dyck

After the first two weeks of the season—11 games for the Cubs—what do we know about the two-time defending Central Division champions as they prepare to play host to Dusty Baker's Cincinnati Reds?

"It's going to take us a little longer [to know]," manager Lou Piniella said. "I've got 40 percent turnover on this team. That's a lot."

Technically, Piniella is correct, but most of his core lineup and starting rotation is the same as last summer.

So to help Piniella, here's what we know so far:

The bullpen ... is not nearly as jumbled as many believe and is sorting itself out quickly, with Aaron Heilman the bridge to Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg.

But the future of David Patton is in doubt and the annual problem with left-handers is surfacing early.

Like Will Ohman two years ago and Scott Eyre a year ago—both gone at season's end—Neal Cotts is quickly working his way into the manager's doghouse.

Piniella does like lefty Sean Marshall, who is in the rotation—for now. But with Jeff Samardzija starting and doing well in Iowa, could he be promoted and Marshall returned to his bullpen role that Piniella favored last year?

Milton Bradley is ... well, what is he?

Is he a question mark because of the small sampling? Or just what was expected, given his tight lower body and history of leg problems?

Forget about the infamous temper, Bradley's physical status could become an on-going saga.

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Chicago Cubs have decisions to make regarding Jeff Samardzija, Milton Bradley and Jake Fox

By Paul Sullivan

Jeff Samardzija

Samardzija pitched six one-hit innings on Saturday, and appears to be back to the old Samardzija after a rough spring in Arizona. If Neal Cotts continues to struggle, the Cubs could bring up Samardzija as a starter and make Sean Marshall the left-hander in the bullpen, though nothing appears imminent.

"Jeff is stretching out fine and working on his other pitches," Hendry said. "That was really encouraging. You can always go from starting back to the pen. We’re just going to try and keep him really tuned up and get him a little better, and whenever we need him, in whichever role we need, we’ll get him up here."

Marshall has made only one start and hasn’t gotten a chance to prove himself as a starter. But the Cubs know Marshall will do whatever’s best for the team, even if it means going back to the bullpen for a while. It’s all up to Cotts at this point. He’s looked nervous on the mound ever since manager Lou Piniella sent Larry Rothschild out to yank him in Milwaukee, claiming he wanted to “change the karma.”

Milton Bradley

While Bradley awaits word from Major League Baseball on when he’ll get his hearing on his two-day suspension for making contact with umpire Larry Vanover, the Cubs are being extra cautious with his groin injury.

Recall that this originally was termed a "mild" strain that would force Bradley out for only 3-5 days. It’s already eight days, and counting, though Bradley may play on Tuesday night against Cincinnati.

"He’s a well built guy and has an extremely muscular lower half," Hendry said. "He’s susceptible to some tweaks and pulls. I think he’s OK. We’re being real cautious. I’m sure if it were late in the year he could’ve played this week. I’m certainly counting on him hitting in that four-hole most of the year."

Hendry also is unconcerned about Bradley’s slow start, and his infamous temper that was on display last Thursday.

"Nobody knows what people are like unless you actually play with him or work with him," he said. "And all those people involved are certainly glad he’s here."

Jake Fox

The converted catcher already is hitting .478 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs at Triple-A Iowa while playing first base and right field. The Cubs haven’t used fifth outfielder Joey Gathright much in the early going, but Gathright doesn’t seem to be in danger of being sent down to make better use of Fox’s hot bat.

Sooner or later though, Fox will get a chance with the Cubs if he continues to hit like this.

"Jake is swinging the bat well, which he could always do," Hendry said. "We knew all along we’re not going to win with the 25 (players) we have now. It’s going to take a collective effort.

"At least four or five other pitchers will be here during the year, and I’m sure it’ll be the same for (position) players. You just try to keep the guys as sharp as you can, and when we need somebody, we know who to get."

Cubs/Cardinals Game Postponed

The Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field has been postponed due to the forecast for inclement weather throughout the evening.

The game has been rescheduled for Sunday, July 12 at 12:05 p.m. as part of a day-night, separate admission doubleheader. The regularly scheduled game will follow at 7:05 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to retain their tickets from tonight’s game until further information is available regarding ticket policies for the make-up game.

Information regarding ticket policies for the make-up game will be posted on www.cubs.com as soon as it is available.

Source: vivaelbirdos.com

It's a great time to be a Chicago sports fan

by Dan McGrath

The Blackhawks and Bulls are back at it in the playoffs Monday night, the Hawks in Calgary, the Bulls in Boston.

The Cubs are off Monday, resting up for a Tuesday night reunion with Dusty Baker, after Sunday's series finale with St. Louis was washed out.

The White Sox, after flexing their muscles against Tampa Bay, are in Washington to visit the new home of an old friend.

The trip to the White House residence of First Sox Fan Barack Obama is unrelated to the small piece of history the team helped make Saturday. That history might be insignificant in the big picture, but it sure provided a feel-good moment for world-weary Chicago sports fans.

In order, the Bulls, Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks won their Saturday games, the Bulls and Hawks in the playoffs, the Cubs and Sox over significant rivals, ancient and recent.

A lot of Chicago fans grow up believing they'll never see such a day in their lifetimes, even though it's not nearly as unusual as, say, a Chicagoan getting elected to the White House.

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14-pitch at-bat flustered Chicago Cubs' Rich Harden

Starter lost concentration after striking out first 4

Rich Harden started out like he was going to match Kerry Wood's 20-strikeout game in 1998, fanning the first four Colorado batters.

But Harden struggled with his control in the second inning Wednesday, falling behind hitters and running up his pitch count.

Manager Lou Piniella didn't seem to blame Harden for the outing, which was his first loss in Wrigley Field.

"It was a cold, blustery day," Piniella said. "His stuff was good. The results weren't."

Harden had eight strikeouts in only three innings but wasn't sharp otherwise. A 14-pitch at-bat by Garrett Atkins in the second, when Atkins fouled off eight straight before striking out, was the start of the downfall.

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Cubs find a warm embrace in the Friendly Confines

On a cold, wet opening day at Wrigley, the faithful show up early to drink and will their team to succeed. 'This just might be the year' is said without a trace of humor

by Chris Erskine

There's a lot to like about this year's version of the Chicago Cubs, last spotted curdling like milk against the looser, more-confident Dodgers (last fall). To counter right-handed pitching, the Cubs have added the leftist Milton Bradley, a stabilizing influence to any organization.

Of course, here at Guthries Tavern in Chicago's Wrigleyville, they've got a pool going on who will throw the first dugout punch -- Carlos Zambrano or Bradley. The smart money is on Uncle Milty. Stay tuned. Footage at 11.

Meanwhile, they are having a certain amount of buyer's remorse over this 2016 Olympics, which they stole fair and square from L.A. two years ago. The conventional wisdom seems to be that only Mayor Daley and his cronies will benefit from acquiring the summer event from international rivals.

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Chicago Cubs relievers learning Lou Piniella life lessons

Basically, throw strikes or face his wrath

By Paul Sullivan

When the season began in Houston, Lou Piniella repeatedly said it will take some time to learn his bullpen and how he will use it this season.

Carlos Marmol is the only reliever who was with the team at this time last year. Neal Cotts became a mainstay by mid-summer, and Angel Guzman returned from the minors in September.

Kevin Gregg, Aaron Heilman, Luis Vizcaino and David Patton are all newcomers with diverse résumés, though all but Patton—a Rule 5 pickup—are veterans.

While Piniella is learning his relievers, his relievers are busy learning him.

Just seven games into the season, they already have learned he likes to walk backward to the mound, rants at his pitching coach in the dugout, drops more profanities than Eminem, believes in karma, doesn't always remember your name and doesn't shave every day.

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