Coleman Solid as Cubs Offense Stymied

Battling for a 2012 roster spot and possibly his major league career, Casey Coleman (3-9) threw five and two thirds innings, allowing just two runs. His effort was not enough, however, as the Cubs offense was shut down by San Diego starter Mat Latos (9-14) who allowed just two hits in seven innings.

Coleman, who has struggled with his command at times this year, walked two batters against seven strikeouts. Reports out of the Cubs organization are saying that he has made a few mechanical changes and that his velocity is up. Coleman, though, faltered in the bottom half of the sixth inning allowing a lead-off Home Run to Padres left fielder Will Venable on a four-seam fastball. He then gave up a double to Jesus Guzman before recording a strikeout of Padres catcher Nick Hundley. The next batter, Cameron Maybin, doubled on an 0-1 pitch, scoring Guzman and ending Coleman’s night. Cubs reliever Rafel Dolis retired Chase Headley to end the inning.

But the show on Monday night was all about San Diego Padres Ace Mat Latos, who like Coleman, has also struggled this year.

Latos (9 K’s, 1BB) baffled Cubs hitters all night. He mowed down the first twelve batters he faced before allowing a lead-off walk to Carlos Pena in the top half of the fifth inning. Latos’ no-hit bid was not to be, however, as he allowed a one out triple to Cub’s starter Casey Coleman in the Cubs’ sixth. Cub’s All-Star shortstop Starlin Castro added his NL leading 202^nd base hit of the season leading off the seventh inning. He stole second, before eventually being stranded as Pena and Coleman had been earlier in the game.  Padre reliever Chad Qualls recorded a perfect eighth inning before Padres All-Star closer Heath Bell came in and recorded a perfect ninth inning for his 43^rd save of the season.

Up Next: Cubs ace Matt Garza (9-10, 3.35ERA) battles Padres rookie Anthony Bass (2-0, 1.66ERA). First Pitch is scheduled for 9:05CT. Broadcast will be on WGN 720AM and Comcast SportsNet. 

After an extremely long delay, The 2nd String Utility Outfielder returns.

I have reinstated myself as chief editor and will now be updating the page on a regular basis. Frankly, Cubs fans, we did not miss a whole lot this season, as this has been one of the worst Cubs teams in recent memory.

A couple of points to highlight that summarize the Cubs season:

- Starlin Castro is the only real positive to come from this season. He leads the NL with 202 hits and is batting over .300 for the second consecutive season. He has also developed some 2nd half power that is sure to improve in future years.

- Also, Jeff Samardzija has developed into a reliable option in the bullpen and will likely contend for a position in the 2012 rotation

- Carlos Zambrano is still a 5 year-old and will likely never again don Cubbie Blue. And I'm more than Ok with that. Though Zambrano's contributions to the team are definite, he never lived up to his potential while a member of the Cubs. His career in Chicago was always overshadowed by his emotional breakdowns, both on and off the field. His latest antics caused his immediate suspension by General Manager Jim Hendry and likely the end of his Cubs Career.

- Speaking of Jim Hendry, he is no longer the General Manager of the Cubs. Though this does not come as a surprise to me or other Cubs fans as his recent track record has been questionable at best, we all still owe Jim Hendry a debt of gratitude. He was probably the most successful GM in Cubs history and he led the team to three Central Division Titles.

- Mike Quade likely will not be back. The only General Manager in Baseball willing to give Quade an opportunity to manage is no longer here. He has been ejected 9 times this year, which in my opinion is awesome, but we will not even delve into some of his very egregious managerial decisions.

More to come in the next few days, as we mercifully wind down the 2011 season, one which I think most of us would prefer to forget about.

Where Have I Been for so long?

That is a fine question. I spent this summer working for the Lake County Fielders of the North American Professional Baseball League. I began the summer as a Baseball Operations intern and finished the season as the Manager of Baseball Operations.

The team struggled through many ups and downs, details may or may not be disseminated in future posts, but I was grateful for the opportunity to make a name for myself in the baseball industry and the experience that I gained.