CUBS - 5/07/02

LATEST TEAM INFO (by Jeff Brown): 13-18, Fifth in National League Central.

Though the record hardly shows it, improvement abounds for the Chicago Cubs recently. Mark the date, May 2, as the beginning of the new season.

The Cubs, at their lowest point of the season, at 8-17, saw their season begin to change in this final game of their three-game stint in San Diego. Not only did Chicago end a five-game losing streak, and a 3-10 run, with a 6-1 victory over the Padres that day, it sparked a string of five wins in six games that saw not only a spark from the Cub bats, but a blend of solid pitching with solid hitting and defense. The culmination came May 6th and 7th - first, in the Cubs' second one-run victory in 11 tries, as Alex Gonzalez's walk-off home run with one out in the ninth gave the Northsiders a 6-5 win over St. Louis, and second, in Kerry Wood's complete-game four-hitter as Gonzalez's bases-loaded triple sparked the Cubs to a 8-0 victory over the Cards.

During this six-game run, the Cubs have hit at a .265 clip, up from their .254 BA for the first three weeks of the season, while the Cub pitching staff held its opponents to a .236 BA. Also highlighting this six-game set is the combination of 17 innings of scoreless ball pitched by the Cub bullpen, and, after a rash of errors marred the first month of the season, the defense committed only four errors in six games, which resulted in just one unearned run.

Rotation:

The make-up of the Cubs' rotation for the next few months (barring injury) is becoming a bit more clear.

Juan Cruz still can't shake that monkey off his back, as he is the owner of an 0-5 record. After a run of hard-luck performances, the strain appeared to begin to take its toll on the young righthander in his last performance. For the first time, on May 3rd, Cruz had a poor outing - not horrendous, but it's the one nick in the rotation's armor that Mark Prior watchers are pining for. Cruz allowed seven hits, two walks and three runs in a five-inning stint at Los Angeles, a game that the Cubs' bats came to life late in the game for an 8-3 win and a no-decision for Cruz. Despite this set-back, Cruz still maintains a fine 2.81 ERA, but saw his WHIP raise a bit from 1.48 to 1.56. Chances are the 23-year-old will be moved into the bullpen once Prior arrives.

The other name mentioned in the rotation worries is Jason Bere, who lost his fourth game in five starts the next night. However, Bere did pitch well as it was an unearned run that made the difference. Bere scattered nine hits, but walked just one, and allowed two earned runs in five IP. But despite a 6.00 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP, the veteran would be the one most likely to retain his spot in the rotation.

Jon Lieber, surprisingly, is the Cubs' starter that has been the most unsteady of late. Lieber pitched eight innings May 1 against San Diego, having allowed only six hits and one walk, but allowed four runs in the 4-3 Cub loss. Then, on May 6th, Lieber allowed 11 hits (but no walks) and five runs in a seven-inning outing against the Cardinals that became a no decision. That win was, surprisingly the first in 16 Lieber starts for the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Despite the last two rough starts, Lieber has seen his ERA rise slightly to a very respectable 3.08 and his WHIP to 0.98.

Kerry Wood, who was shelled in his last Wrigley start, has sparked the Cubs' recent run. On April 26th, while the Cub bats were held to one hit by Odalis Perez, Wood allowed five hits and walked seven as he allowed five runs in a 5 1/3-inning stint in the 10-0 loss to the Dodgers. On May 2nd against the Padres, however, Wood regained his form, as he allowed just one run on three hits and three walks in six IP in the 6-1 victory. Wood followed that up with the four-hit gem May 7th in which he walked just two and struck out nine in the 115-pitch effort. Wood's ERA is a starting staff-leading 2.51, while his WHIP dropped to 1.33.

The Cubs had quite a scare on May 5 as Matt Clement took a 93-MPH Kevin Brown fastball off the inside bicep of his pitching arm, knocking him out of the game after four innings of no-hit ball against the Dodgers. While it wouldn't be a surprise if Clement missed his May 10th start, due to having a knot the size of a golf ball in his bicep, Clement has been quoted as saying regarding missing that next start, "Somebody would have to pull me off the mound, like they did (May 5th). I'm planning on going back out there. There's no other thought in my mind." That was the third straight no-decision for the Cub righthander, but he had improved his ERA to 3.34 and his WHIP to 1.17. As long as the huge bruise doesn't cause a problem, Clement should still remain a strong play

Bullpen:

The string of 17 scoreless innings by the Cubs' relievers is a prime reason the pitching staff's ERA has dropped from 4.47 to 3.60, while maintaining a consistent 1.31 WHIP.

Antonio Alfonseca has continued to pitch very well, having converted all five save opportunities while dropping almost two runs off his ERA (2.19) and lowering his WHIP (0.89).

Joe Borowski continues to be the star of the Cubs' middle relief. In 16 appearances, Borowski has picked up a win and a save, plus two holds, while lowering his miniscule ERA to 1.66 and maintaining a strong 1.11 WHIP.

Ron Mahay took Jesus Sanchez's roster spot when he was sent down to AAA and has responded by picking up two big wins in Los Angeles in his five appearances with a 0.52 WHIP and without allowing an earned run.

Carlos Zambrano (3.72 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) and Donovan Osborne (6.91, 1.74) have had their ups and downs, but it's Jeff Fassero (6.91, 1.53) that continues to plague the Cubs in the late innings. Although credited with the win May 5th, Fassero is the only reliever with two losses and a blown save.

Infield:

The "new addition" to the Cub infield was the return of third baseman Bill Mueller May 6th. He responded with a 2-for-4 night and his first home run of the season. Mueller's return solidifies the team's defense as well as provides a proven No. 2 hitter behind Corey Patterson.

Alex Gonzalez's bat had cooled off on the six-game road trip, but once the Cubs returned home, he responded with two extra-base hits and five RBI. His BA has dropped to .272, but if he keeps it above .270, the Cubs will be happy with that.

Mark Bellhorn has semi-unofficially been handed the second base job, with spot starts by Augie Ojeda and Delino Deshields. Bellhorn, who had been spending most of his time at third, has been hitting the ball well, hitting four HR and 12 RBI thus far in the season.

Fred McGriff's BA is still pitiful (.213), but the first baseman has added two HR and 10 RBI in the last two weeks, so hopefully the BA will come around.

Todd Hundley was placed on the DL when Mueller came off due to his thumb injury. Joe Girardi and Robert Machado's contributions are not those that help out in fantasy ball.

Outfield:

Moises Alou has finally seen day-to-day action in left field, but with a .158 BA, it hasn't been very effective action. He does have two HR and eight RBI.

Corey Patterson continues his upward ascent. That ascent matches the one he took up the batting order. Cubs manager Don Baylor wanted to keep the pressure off of the young centerfielder by starting the season with him in the eight hole. Soon, Patterson started blossoming in the No. 2 spot, and since moving to lead-off, Patterson has seen his batting average raise from .290 to .327. In the last two weeks, he has added three doubles, a triple and his first home run of the season, while still maintaining a perfect 7-for-7 mark in stolen base opportunities.

Sammy Sosa exploded on the west-coast road trip, as he usually does. His batting average rose from .297 to .345, and he hit seven of his 13 HR and drove in 11 of his 20 RBI in the last two weeks. Sosa even stole his first base since 2000.

INJURIES (Jeff Brown):

Tom Gordon - Nothing new. His rehab schedule has him looking for a June return to the Cubs.

Todd Hundley - On the DL as of May 6th. Will see a hand specialist on the 8th. It was also a convenient move for the Cubs as Mueller came of the DL on the same date.

Kyle Farnsworth - Farnsworth threw from flat ground May 6th for the first time since breaking the bone in his foot, throwing 30 times from up to 45 feet. Still no idea when he will start throwing from the mound, but it is still hopeful that he will make his return to the Cubs by the end of May.

Corey Patterson -- Missed a couple of games due to being hit square on the knee with a pitched ball, but has returned to the line-up. May slow his basestealing numbers a bit for a while.

RUMOR MILL (Jacob De Young) :

No trade rumors to speak of at the time. But if the Cubs stay out of the race don't be surprised if they try to trade veterans to get the young guys up (i.e. Hee Seop Choi instead of McGriff)

Don Baylor's head is being called for in the media. This actually may have a positive fantasy impact on your Cubs. Because the new manager will probably not change the line-up as much. It won't affect Prior and Hill coming up as that was a management decision. Juan Cruz is having extra pressure with Prior's rise to AAA. This doesn't make much sense because Cruz (0-5) is pitching decent, but the Cub offense is terrible.

Late news: The rumor is that Baylor is increasingly disgusted by the performance of his catchers, and the Cubs are realizing the need for a healthy, veteran catcher. One team that could fit into the mix is Seattle, a team that is looking for starting pitching. For a Jason Bere/Matt Clement type, the Mariners may part with one of their catchers - Dan Wilson or Ben Davis. A few other names mentioned include Ivan Rodriguez, Brent Mayne and Sandy Alomar.

ON THE FARM (Jacob De Young):

Class AAA Iowa

Bobby Hill (2B)- He's the speedster 2nd basemen. He's hitting .197 for the Iowa Cubs. But is 13 for his last 45. This could slow his progression to the big club. Hill does have 6 stolen bases. Bobby will still probably be up before the end of the year, but don't expect great stats right away.

Hee Seop Choi (1B)- The slugging 1st basemen is tied for the team lead with 5 homers. He also has a very respectable 17 RBI's, but again a less than impressive .247 batting average. Rumor has it McGriff will be traded (although I don't know why anyone would want him) and if that happens Hee Seop will put up good enough numbers to warrant a back-up role in deep leagues or NL only leagues.

Jayson Bass (OF)- He's not what you would call a young prospect at 28. But his 5 homers and .316 average deserve mention. He has also hit in 10 of the last 12 games. Not a big deal, but he may be called up since Moises Alou is made of paper.

Mark Prior (SP)- In AA there are a few hot prospects. One of them goes by the name of Prior. He has just been called up to AAA. He took the no decision in his last outing. This keeps his record at 4-1. He has a 2.22 ERA. If you think it's wise reserving your #1 waiver spot for him isn't a terrible idea. He will be up in the bigs by June or July at the latest barring any kind of injury.

Late News: In his first AAA start at Iowa, Prior allowed just three hits, two walks and one unearned run while striking out 10 in 7.2 IP May 7th as the Iowa Cubs defeated Tucson, 6-1. To add to his stellar night on the mound, Prior also hit two home runs to help his cause.

Class AA West Tennessee

Dave Kelton (3B)- Is doing pretty good with 3 homers and 13 RBI on the young season. You probably will only see him in AA/AAA this year, but next year take a chance on him towards the end of a keeper league draft.

QUICK VIEW (Jeff Brown):

Add:

Matt Clement - Be wary of his next start, but he's still a strong play.

Corey Patterson - Is blossoming in the lead-off role. Once the bruise on his knee is no longer a factor, watch out!

Joe Borowski and Ron Mahay - If your league has holds or favors having a good middle relief guy on your team, these two are pitching very well.

Bill Mueller - Off the DL. Hit well on rehab assignment and hit a homer his first game back with the Cubs.

Hold:

Jason Bere, Jon Lieber, Kerry Wood, Mark Bellhorn, Alex Gonzalez, Fred McGriff, Sammy Sosa, Moises Alou, Antonio Alfonseca.

Drop:

Jesus Sanchez - In AAA.

Joe Girardi - Hitting way below his weight.

Jose Cruz - Despite pitching well, will be the odd-man out of the rotation soon.

Jeff Fassero - You still don't want him anywhere near your starting line-up.

Todd Hundley - On the DL.

Kevin Farnsworth - On the DL.

Delino DeShields and Chris Stynes - Odd men out with the return of Mueller.