SB Nation Chicago - Cubs Vs. Giants: Chicago Falters Late In Game 3 Defeat, 7-5https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2012-09-04T13:42:27-05:00http://chicago.sbnation.com/rss/stream/30467632012-09-04T13:42:27-05:002012-09-04T13:42:27-05:00Chicago Cubs Manager Dale Sveum Impressed By New Hitting Coach
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<p>The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a> are not going anywhere in 2012, but it appears as if interim hitting coach James Rowson may not be going anywhere, either. Rowsen took over as the interim hitting coach in June when Rudy Jaramillo was fired. the progress has so far been slow. The Cubs rank 26th in hitting in the majors with a .240 average and are 29th in runs scored. Manager<a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/14916413-573/interim-hitting-coach-james-rowson-not-necessarily-a-goner.html"> Dale Sveum is still positive, however</a>:</p>
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<p>‘‘I think [Rowson’s] done a good job,’’ Sveum said. ‘‘I don’t think we judge anything like that on numbers or anything like that. But he’s got the right mentality, the work ethic, all that. He’s done a great job for stepping in in a tough situation.’’</p>
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<p><span>Starlin Castro</span>, who is batting .275, leads the Cubs at the plate and is only 30th in the National League batting title race.</p>
<p><i>Visit <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Bleed Cubbie Blue</a> for more <a href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/8/mlb/teams/chicago-cubs">Cubs</a> news, and make sure to check out <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a> for even more coverage from around the league.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/4/3291860/chicago-cubs-manager-dale-sveum-impressed-by-new-hitting-coachTravis Miller2012-09-04T12:39:32-05:002012-09-04T12:39:32-05:00Cubs Prospect Jorge Soler Adjusts To American Baseball
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<p>When the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> won the bidding rights for prized prospect <span>Jorge Soler</span> for nine years and $30 million they knew they were getting a talented, but extremely raw prospect. The 20-year old has since moved up from the Arizona Rookie League, where he batted .241 with two home runs and 10 RBIs in 14 games, to the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League.</p>
<p>The Class A level has been even more kind to Soler. He is now batting .338 in 20 games with three home runs and 15 RBI. he has a hefty .513 slugging percetnage and an on-base percentage of .398.</p>
<p>Comcast Sportsnet recently talked about his adjustment to the American <a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago-cubs/cubs-talk/Raw-talented-Soler-growing-accustomed-to?blockID=767687&feedID=661">game after defecting from Cuba</a>:</p>
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<p>"Soler is a 20-year-old kid. He is not a 20-year-old mature guy, he is a 20-year-old kid," said Peoria Chiefs hitting coach Barbaro Garbey, who is spending time working with Soler on a daily basis. "He has the power, he has the talent and he has the time because he is only 20 years old. Like him, I came from Cuba and it takes time to make adjustments especially when you don’t speak English and he doesn’t yet understand how hard you have to play every single day."</p>
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<p>SB Nation's Bleed Cubbie Blue has also <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/2012/9/3/3289936/cubs-lose-to-nationals-watching-jorge-soler">been a supporter of Soler</a>:</p>
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<p>No monster home runs for Soler on what was the final day of the season for the Cubs' Midwest League affiliate in Peoria, and from what we've heard, likely the last day for Peoria as that affiliate. It's ironic, then, that they finished the season at Kane County, likely to be the home for Cubs prospects in the Midwest League once the team finally gets an affiliation agreement signed.</p>
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<p><i>Visit <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Bleed Cubbie Blue</a> for more <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> news, and make sure to check out <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a> for even more coverage from around the league.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/4/3291686/cubs-prospect-jorge-soler-adjusts-to-american-baseballTravis Miller2012-09-04T08:00:43-05:002012-09-04T08:00:43-05:00Cubs Vs. Giants Preview: Chris Rusin Will Make 2nd Major League Start
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<p>After dropping the first game of the series 2-1 on Monday, the Chicago Cubs will try to take Game 2 against the <a href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Nationals</a> Tuesday.</p>
<p>Chicago has lost six of its last eight games including their last three. The Cubs will attempt to snap their losing streak with <span>Chris Rusin</span> (0-1, 1.80 ERA) getting the start. It will be Rusin's second career Major League start. Rusin made his Major League debut Aug. 21, tossing five innings against the <a href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Milwaukee Brewers</a> while allowing just one run.</p>
<p>The Nationals will counter with <span>Edwin Jackson</span> (8-9, 3.53 ERA) who will be making his first start against the Cubs this season. Jackson is coming off one of the best starts of his season, an eight-inning performance against the <a href="https://www.vivaelbirdos.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">St. Louis Cardinals</a>. Jackson struck out 10 and didn't allow an earned run.</p>
<p>Tuesday's first pitch from Nationals Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.</p>
<p><i>Visit <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Bleed Cubbie Blue</a> for more <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> news, and make sure to check out <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/">Baseball Nation</a> for even more coverage from around the league.</i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/4/3290302/cubs-vs-giants-score-update-lineupsMark Sandritter2012-09-02T17:12:33-05:002012-09-02T17:12:33-05:00Chicago Cubs Call Up Triple-A Relief Pitcher Miguel Socolovich
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<p>After designating reliever <span>Alex Hinshaw</span> for assignment, the Chicago Cubs called up Triple-A relief pitcher <span>Miguel Socolovich</span> on Sunday, <a href="http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120902&content_id=37759920&vkey=pr_chc&c_id=chc">according to a press release by the team</a>.</p>
<p>The 26-year-old Socolovich was claimed off waivers by the Cubs less than two weeks ago after Baltimore deemed him expendable, but was only able to pitch a mere 10.1 innings with the <a href="https://www.camdenchat.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Orioles</a> before getting the axe. Although he currently owns a 6.97 ERA with eight earned runs and six walks to his credit, the Venezuelan-born right-hander features an impressive arsenal of pitches and could prove valuable to Chicago's bullpen if he's able to overcome his command issues.</p>
<p>Socolovich is 36-27 overall as a minor leaguer with 432 strikeouts over 498 innings, and appears to be needed mainly in a long-relief role with the Cubs going forward. While his MLB numbers are hardly what anyone would consider eye-popping on the surface, it's likely the Cubs were interested in his impressive 4.07 K/BB ratio this season in Triple-A.</p>
<p><i>Visit <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com">Bleed Cubbie Blue</a> for more <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> news, and make sure to check out <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a> for even more coverage from around the league.</i></p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/2/3287689/cubs-miguel-socolovich-september-call-up-chicago-triple-aDave Ryan2012-09-02T16:32:18-05:002012-09-02T16:32:18-05:00Cubs Vs. Giants Final Score: Chicago Edged By San Francisco In 9th Inning, 7-5
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<p>The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a> dropped yet another three-game series on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field, after the visiting <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> pulled off a 7-5 victory with a clutch ninth inning rally.</p>
<p>Cubs reliever <span>Carlos Marmol</span> took the mound with the game knotted at five apiece in the top of the ninth, but struggled with his command per usual and walked a pair of batters. Marmol's early control problems would quickly prove costly, as the inconsistent right-hander soon gave up consecutive RBI singles to San Francisco hitters to put the Giants ahead on the scoreboard.</p>
<p>Starter Travis Wood scattered seven hits over 5.2 innings, but took the loss to drop to a woeful 4-12 on the season. Offensively, outfielder <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> continued his second-half power surge despite the outcome, by belting out his 25th home run of the season in the fifth inning. The 36-year-old Soriano now has nine RBI over his last 10 games and could be in store for his first 30+ homer season since his debut in a Cubs uniform back in 2007.</p>
<p><i>Check out <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com">Bleed Cubbie Blue</a> for more Cubs news, and visit <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com">McCovey Chronicles</a> for more on the Giants. Also head over to <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a> for even more coverage from around the league.</i></p>
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https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/2/3287646/cubs-vs-giants-final-score-chicago-san-francisco-recapDave Ryan2012-09-02T14:33:06-05:002012-09-02T14:33:06-05:00Chicago Cubs Outright Alex Hinshaw To Triple-A
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<p>The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a> have outrighted relief pitcher <span>Alex Hinshaw</span> to Triple-A Iowa, according to the <a href="http://www.milb.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?sid=milb&t=l_trn&lid=112">Pacific Coast League's official transaction</a> page. The left-hander was designated for assignment by the Cubs last Tuesday, just nine days after the team claimed him off waivers from the <a href="https://www.gaslampball.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Diego Padres</a>.</p>
<p>Hinshaw has pitched 28.1 innings in the big leagues this season, but he only recorded one out with the Cubs before being removed from the 40-man roster. He posted a solid 4.50 ERA in 28 innings with the Padres before they let him go, but he allowed five runs without recording an out in his final appearance with Chicago.</p>
<p>Overall, Hinshaw has appeared in 90 total games in the big leagues, posting a 5.11 ERA with 85 strikeouts and 57 walks in 74 innings. In 153 innings of Triple-A ball, he's posted a 4.23 ERA with 187 strikeouts and 97 walks.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #03406b; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Bleed Cubbie Blue.</b></a> For the latest on the Giants, visit <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #03406b; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14.44444465637207px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">McCovey Chronicles.</b></a></i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/2/3287440/cubs-outright-alex-hinshawSatchel Price2012-09-02T11:08:21-05:002012-09-02T11:08:21-05:00Cubs Vs. Giants Lineups: Chicago Tries To Get Win Against Matt Cain
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> face Cy Young candidate <span>Matt Cain</span> (13-5, 2.82 ERA) and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/">San Francisco Giants</a> today at 1:20 p.m. CT. Chicago starts <span>Travis Wood</span> (4-11, 4.71 ERA). Each team has won once during the three-game weekend series. San Francisco <a target="_blank" href="http://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/1/3285818/cubs-vs-giants-big-first-inning-propels-san-francisco-to-win/in/3046763">got off to a fast start in the team's win</a> over the Cubs last night.</p>
<p>Here are the lineups for today's game:</p>
<p>Cubs:</p>
<p>1. RF <span>David DeJesus</span> (L)<br><br>2. 3B <span>Luis Valbuena</span> (L)<br><br>3. 1B <span>Anthony Rizzo</span> (L)<br><br>4. LF Alfonso Soriano (R )<br><br>5. SS Starlin Castro (R )<br><br>6. C <span>Steve Clevenger</span> (L)<br><br>7. CF <span>Brett Jackson</span> (L)<br><br>8. 2B <span>Darwin Barney</span> (R )<br><br>9. P Travis Wood (R )</p>
<p>Giants:<br><br>1. CF <span>Angel Pagan</span> (S)<br><br>2. 2B <span>Marco Scutaro</span> (R)<br><br>3. 3B <span>Pablo Sandoval</span> (S)<br><br>4. C <span>Buster Posey</span> (R)<br><br>5. RF Hunter Pence (R)<br><br>6. SS Joaquin Arias (R)<br><br>7. LF Xavier Nady (R)<br><br>8. 1B <span>Brett Pill</span> (R)<br><br>9. P Matt Cain (R)</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #03406b; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Bleed Cubbie Blue.</b></a> For the latest on the Giants, visit <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #03406b; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">McCovey Chronicles.</b></a></i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/2/3287028/cubs-vs-giants-lineups-chicago-tries-to-get-win-against-matt-cainPatrick Hayes2012-09-02T08:14:01-05:002012-09-02T08:14:01-05:00Cubs Vs. Giants Preview: Travis Wood Takes The Mound For Chicago In Sunday's Rubber Match
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<p><span>Travis Wood</span> will lead the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a> Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field as they attempt to take the series from the NL West-leading <a href="https://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco Giants</a>.</p>
<p>Wood has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, losing eight of nine starts to drop his overall record to 4-11 with a 4.71 ERA. Despite the poor second half record, Wood has pitched better of late, allowing only three runs through seven innings in each of his last two starts. He still managed to take the loss in both contests.</p>
<p>For the Giants, Cy Young hopeful <span>Matt Cain</span> will lead a San Francisco team victorious in seven of its last ten, and 5-1 on the year against the Cubs. Cain picked up a no decision last time out but pitched very well, allowing only two runs in 7.1 innings. He is currently 13-5 on the season with a 2.82 ERA.</p>
<p>Cubs outfielder <span>David DeJesus</span> is 4-7 with four RBIs and a home run so far this series.</p>
<p><i style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'Liberation Sans', FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">For more on the Chicago Cubs, check out <a href="http://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #03406b; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Bleed Cubbie Blue.</b></a> For the latest on the Giants, visit <a href="http://www.mccoveychronicles.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #03406b; font-weight: bold;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">McCovey Chronicles.</b></a></i></p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2012/9/2/3286701/cubs-vs-giants-preview-travis-wood-takes-the-mound-for-chicago-inJack Cassidy