Cubs Lose, Soto out, more talk....

- The Cubs lost yesterday in extra innings but that was not a big blow compared to Soto leaving the game with shoulder discomfort. He left the game after a throw down to 2nd base causing him some shoulder discomfort. He is likely to be out for only a couple games as a precautionary procedure. Soto said this also happened in Spring and if he keeps up on his exercises he should be fine and will not happen again for the rest of the year. Soto even said he could play today if it was an emergency. Koyie Hill will get the start the next couple of games. I think the Cubs will be fine with him behind the plate.

- Former Cub Chad Gaudin is getting some interest since the Cubs released him. The Padres and Rockies have both contacted him.

- The Cubs are still considering signing Dallas McPherson and Mike Lamb to minor league deals in case Aram goes down for an extended time during the year.

- According to multiple reports the Cubs will have "significant flexibility" in payroll to add a player or two at the deadline if needed.

That is all for now, Go Cubs!!!!!

Opening Day Thoughts- CUBS WIN!

The Cubs won their Opening Day game yesterday in Houston. It was a game full of good offense, OK defense, and good pitching. Zambrano went 6 innings of 5 hit one ER baseball with 6 punch outs. The players of the game were Aram and Soriano with big homeruns and Hoffpauir with an insurance run late in the game.

I also want to say how good Heilman looked by using just one pitch to get a double play ball. Yes, he did surrender one run that was charged to Z but he threw a great pitch, it just was an awkward unusual hit to get that run acrossed.

My one big disappointment in the game was Fukudome. This guy has to be one of the most frustrating things for the Cubs and their fans to watch. He does well in the WBC for Japan (and in Japan in general) and does nothing for the Cubs in Spring Training or on Opening Day. Lee did not get a hit either but at least he hit the ball hard when he was up. If this 0 -4 stuff keeps happening do not be surprised it Hendry starts to shop him and Johnson and Gathright get more time in CF. I still think the Cubs should see if the Angels would trade Matthews for Fukudome with the Cubs paying about 3 million of his contract.

The great news is the CUBS WIN!

Shark To Iowa, Gaudin Gone...

- The Cubs have released Chad Gaudin today and optioned Jeff Samardzija to AAA Iowa. This giving the final two spots to Angel Guzman and Rule 5 pickup David Patton. Gaudin has had an awful Spring allowing 19 ER in just under 17 innings of work. He did so bad that the Cubs could not even deal him for a PTBNL. I think they should have placed him on waivers instead of out right releasing him. It is nice to see Angel staying put in the pen and Patton winning the final place in the pen. The Cubs have a great mix in their bullpen this season and expect Jeff to not be in Iowa for long, especially if anyone goes down with an injury or falters early.

- The Mariners could be having a fire sale in July and I expect the Cubs to be buyers especially if Ichiro or Bedard get placed on the block. Another guy would be Jose Lopez, but I am not sure where he would play if Fonty has a good season like I think he will.

- By the way Cub fans, do not look at the recent games in New York as a sign of things to come. It was basically a Spring game and the Cubs pitching and bats are better than that. I do think the new Yankee Stadium is quite beautiful.

- The Cubs also released Esteban German on Friday, his time as a Cubs was just a little bit longer than Bill White's.

Cubs Opening Game Monday!