4/4 Cubs @ Reds 6:10 PM CT CSN+/WGN Radio

[ryno4ever]

Hmmm, I don't get CSN+!!!!

Pitchers:
Cubs: Ted Lilley (Cubs Debut)
Reds: Bronson Arroyo

Cubs.com preview:
If Ted Lilly wants to win over Cubs fans, he will not let Bronson Arroyo get a hit.

Lilly and Arroyo square off Wednesday night in the second game of this three-game series between the Cubs and Cincinnati Reds. The Cubs lost the opener, 5-1, on Monday.

Arroyo will be starting for the Reds, and last year, the right-hander hit home runs in consecutive starts against the Cubs, doing so April 5 in Cincinnati, and again April 11 in Chicago. They were his only homers of the season.

Lilly will be making his first start for the Cubs and his first against the Reds. The 31-year-old left-hander, who signed a four-year, $40 million deal with the Cubs in December, began his career with the Montreal Expos in 1999. His National League totals are limited to nine games that year, including three starts. He was 0-1 with a 7.61 ERA.

In his six-plus seasons in the big leagues, Lilly has pitched just two-thirds of an inning against Milwaukee, 1 2/3 innings against Colorado, 2 1/3 innings vs. Pittsburgh and six against Houston. There's two schools of thought: Lilly has an edge because hitters haven't seen him, or the hitters have an edge because Lilly doesn't know them. We'll have to wait and see.

By the way, the Reds batted .271 against lefties last year compared to .252 against right-handers.

Lilly will forever be linked with Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, who was linked up to an EKG machine the day he finalized the deal with the left-hander. Hendry was in an Orlando, Fla., hospital during the Winter Meetings, settled the details, and then underwent an angioplasty. Lilly was unaware of Hendry's predicament, but impressed by his work ethic. After losing 96 games last season, Hendry had a lot of work to do.

The Cubs were a surprise team in the bidding for Lilly, who has a career 59-57 record.

"It wasn't one of the teams who I expected would come after me," Lilly said of the Cubs. "It certainly worked out very well. I guess playing in the American League for so long, those were more of the teams I was thinking of. This worked out, and I would have loved to have played in the National League my whole career. Six years later, I get a chance."

Can he hit?

"I like to hit," he said. "I think if they throw it in the same spot consistently, I'll do OK."

His last -- and only hit -- came Sept. 19, 1999, off Kevin Millwood, who was pitching for Atlanta at the time. But the Cubs didn't sign Lilly for his ability to drive in runners. His record isn't great, and he knows it. He's a competitor, and the Cubs lineup should give him enough runs.

"I'm not satisfied with what I've accomplished," Lilly said. "I've had some expectations that I haven't met in my career, and I'm going to have a chance to do that from a personal standpoint. But more important and more special is that I'm going to be part of an organization that is going in the direction of winning."

Lilly has been tabbed as the starter for the Cubs' home opener April 9 against Houston. The lefty will be followed in that series by Jason Marquis and Rich Hill. First, he's got to deal with Arroyo, who was 4-0 with a 1.01 ERA last year against the Cubs.

"I'm excited, not only for my first start as a Cub but first start of something special," Lilly said.

Pitching matchup
CHC: LHP Ted Lilly, 15-13, 4.31 ERA in 2006
Lilly was 2-1 with a 3.72 ERA last April, and has a career 3.78 ERA in the first month of the season. The lefty totaled the most Cactus League innings among Cubs pitchers -- 23 2/3 innings -- over six games, including five starts. He was 2-1 with a 3.42 ERA.

CIN: RHP Bronson Arroyo, 14-11, 3.29 ERA in 2006
Last year, Arroyo struck out 26 over 35 2/3 innings in his five games against the Cubs. They hit .191 against him. Aaron Harang already picked up a win against the Cubs in the season opener. He and Arroyo last year became the first Reds to record at least 200 innings and 184 strikeouts each.

Player to watch
Derrek Lee has a career .356 average at Great American Ball Park, and has hit nine home runs there. Lee batted .471 this spring, going 32-for-68. He was the only Cub with more than one hit Monday, collecting two singles.

On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio
• Gameday
• Official game notes

On television
• Comcast Sports Net Plus

On radio
• WGN 720 AM

[VanMan]

Uh, the date of this game is April 4, not 5. On April 5, the game starts at 11:30 a.m.

[ryno4ever]

Thanks for the catch... I have been off on my days all week! I went to the DMV today to get my license renewed and put April 4th on the check!

I'll edit it.

[ARamfan]

Heather, I think the return of baseball and the Cubs has made you so happy that you're having a hard time remembering what day it is! I think the rest of us are all a little giddy as well. :p

[ryno4ever]

My son is on spring break this week, so I have had to juggle my work schedule around and it has thrown my "routine" off... but, yeah, I the fact that my whole week is super-exciting due to baseball finally being here doesn't help my state of mind.

[CubsFan23]

Who cares what date you put on there as long as the Cubs Win!

[cubbie_kern]

i don't have that station! wish they were all on wgn.

[ryno4ever]

i don't have that station! wish they were all on wgn.

I don't usually get CSN+, but a local cable channel usually used for advertising local events is going to carry it. (For anyone who has Mediacom out of Geneseo, it is going to be on Channel 50 tonight starting at 5:30pm)

[ryno4ever]

I have to try to find where I just read this, but this morning I read that Lilly has been battling the flu all week and that the only reason he was at the game on Monday is because he didn't want to miss Opening Day!

[WrigleyFielder]

I'll be going to the Sports Bar to watch tonights game

[ryno4ever]

NL Central Standings as of April 4, 2007 (yeah, I know it's early!)
Team W L PCT GB
Milwaukee 2 0 1.000 -
Pittsburgh 2 0 1.000 -
Cincinnati 1 0 1.000 0.5
Chi Cubs 0 1 .000 1.5
Houston 0 2 .000 2.0
St. Louis 0 2 .000

[ryno4ever]

Okay fellow Cub fans! It's a new day! Pep Rally time! The bats will come alive in a very cold Great American Ballpark today! It's about 3 hours until game time! Time to get pumped up!

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I am hoping for a Cubs victory. I live an hour North of Cinci so the weather is usually pretty close. We had highs in the 40's today and it has struggled to stay above freezing most of the day. I stepped outside about noon and it was snowing. Very little flakes but enough to realize it was snow. Aram better bring 6 layers of clothes to the ballpark today cause if not he will freeze his nads off!!

[ryno4ever]

I bet we see Aram with his ski mask today!

[Ivy Killa]

I'll be listening on mlb.tv....it's kinda hard to watch when you only see a frame every 5 seconds.

[ryno4ever]

I just subscribed to MLB tv....is it worth the $20/month?

[scuba]

Yeah, I hate it when the Cubs are on CSN+ and WCIU. Good thing the majority of the games aren't limited to those two.

[Ivy Killa]

I just subscribed to MLB tv....is it worth the $20/month?

Not unless you have at leat a 400k connection...otherwise you'll see a frame every 5 seconds. According to dishnetwork mlb.tv was supposed to have a free trial....i dont see that anywhere....i used my friends login information and this is what it says

We're Sorry!
Your data indicate that you are prevented from watching this game LIVE due to local live broadcast restrictions. Please try an MLB.TV game that doesn't include this team.
In addition, during national TV broadcasts, fans in the US, Japan, US Virgin Isls, Guam and S. Korea are blacked out. These games are indicated on the schedule with a grey icon:

If you still feel you have been restricted in error, please call our Customer Support team at 1-866-800-1275.

MLB.TV Full Game Replays are available to subscribers without blackout restrictions shortly after games are over.

So i guess i'm not watching the Cubs after all tonight...thank you bud fuc*ing selig...you truly do care about your fans........Go Cubs

[scuba]

Is anybody watching or listening to the game? I'm just wondering how it's going.

[VanMan]

Well, the Cubs just got retired in the first inning. Soriano K'd, Jones flew out, Lee walked, Ramirez singled in front of Freel, and then Floyd (playing instead of Murton, who's the emergency catcher tonight) grounded to second.

Lilly just froze Freel to get his first backwards K as a Cub. (Of course, everyone would be frozen by the end of this game. :D)

[VanMan]

Is anybody watching or listening to the game? I'm just wondering how it's going.
I'm watching the game on CFU Channel 17, which carries all the CSN+ games. Mediacom would have the game on its Connections channel (Channel 22 in Waterloo/Cedar Falls).

Two up and two down so far. Grounder to Ramirez for the second out.

[ryno4ever]

My internet connection keeps going down, but I will try to help update those who don't have access to the game....

Score is 0-0, bottom of 2, Encarnacion is up to bat...strike one by Lilly

[ryno4ever]

Offense isn't really "hot" yet.

[ryno4ever]

Encarnacion is struck out looking. 1 out

[ryno4ever]

Lilly has some good stuff tonight. Junior is up.

[scuba]

Yeah VanMan, usually it's on channel 22 (Mediacom) when the games are on CSN+, but for some reason it isn't tonight. Hopefully it's just not on tonight and not a whole season thing.

[ryno4ever]

Griffey is walked. (my internet connection just went down again :()
Conine is up....popped up to Izturis .....2 outs.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

For anyone that can't see the game the gameday audio is only $15 and well worth being able to listen to Pat and Ron.

[ryno4ever]

3 outs...pop up to Dee Lee... no score. Griffey left on base.

Going to the top of the 3rd....

[ryno4ever]

Soriano is up to bat.... popped up to right field. One out

[VanMan]

Yeah VanMan, usually it's on channel 22 (Mediacom) when the games are on CSN+, but for some reason it isn't tonight. Hopefully it's just not on tonight and not a whole season thing.
Well, the local Cubs Network affiliate here, 1650 The Fan (KCNZ-AM), is not carrying Pat and Ron tonight because they have a local wrestling show, Waterloo Black Hawks (USHL juniors) hockey and a local soccer match all to broadcast over two stations (1650 as well as 1250 KDNZ Radio Bueno). I called the station and talked with their news director. Usually, if there are two events happening, one's on 1650 (their sports station) and one is on 1250 (the Spanish music station).

[Ivy Killa]

I'm listening.....sounds like Lilly is doing outstanding so far.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I'm listening.....sounds like Lilly is doing outstanding so far.

Yeah he seems to be doing quite well but so is Arroyo.

[ryno4ever]

lilly's stuff is pretty good!

[ryno4ever]

got freel! nice

[Ivy Killa]

Lilly...no hits allowed, 5 strike outs.

[ryno4ever]

ram a base hit! NOW let's get something going!

[ryno4ever]

Yeah! 2 on, no outs! First hit for Floyd as a Cub!

[VanMan]

Maybe we can scratch across a run and see Lilly throw a no-no. Only Griffey's walk represented the Reds' only base runner thus far.

[VanMan]

Barrett was fooled on that offspeed pitch.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

I wasn't much for the Floyd signing but his bat has been hot. If he can stay healthy he could be an important part of this team!!

[dundeecub]

Good evening all.

(Barrett Ks)

Looks like a potential cubbie night this one.

(DeRosa Single)

Anyone know how to change the audio stream on mlb.tv or am i stuck with the Reds coverage?

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

WOOOO HOOOO its great to hear Pat and Ron get excited for the first time this year!!!

[VanMan]

I don't know what Lilly was thinking when he tried to bunt that one with the bases loaded! At least the Reds gave the Cubs that second run by throwing down to second rather than stepping on the plate to force Floyd at home. I was surprised the umps didn't call infield fly as well.

Lilly's cruising so far, too.

Anyone see all the snow flurries in Cincy? Len had to quip that the Bears got a safety and are leading the Bengals, 2-0! Of course, Bob had to start singing "Winter Wonderland."

[ryno4ever]

Now, this is starting to get to be exciting!

[ryno4ever]

Lilly is ON tonight! That play at first base was pretty ugly, but not as ugly as the Lilly pop up bunt!

[ryno4ever]

One thing I did notice, our "big bats" need to relax a little at the plate. Lee seems to have lost his timing, which, yeah, it's early, but I hope they aren't trying TOO hard.

[ARamfan]

I noticed on Monday that they were trying too hard, at least Rammy was! :(

[Brutus T Manstrength]

Click where it says "listen" and it gives you two options.. wwg and wgn.. pick wgn. That'll give you pat and ronny

[VanMan]

Arroyo just bunted his way on, as Lilly tried to smother the ball but slipped. Then the Cubs almost turned two on Freel on a one-hopper to DeRosa.

[VanMan]

CSN had a poll asking should Big Z pitch on the second game of the season instead of the first. The fans said he should, by a 2-to-1 margin.

Freel just stole second with two outs.

[dundeecub]

Adam Dunn: Cub Killer

[dundeecub]

Click where it says "listen" and it gives you two options.. wwg and wgn.. pick wgn. That'll give you pat and ronny

Nah, I mean on the video stream. I think the only way i could do it is with two comps. Grr.

Not a great inning for Barrett here.

(But Hank IS in the dugout, for those of you eager to see Murt behind the plate)

[VanMan]

Good thing that Dunn bomb wasn't high enough to go for a HR. We're still in the lead, 2-1.

[VanMan]

Lilly will start the 7th. I wonder how much of a leash he's going to have after the long-ish 6th inning when the Reds scratched a tally on the board. And, who'd you have up in the pen?

Soriano with a double over Dunn's head. Too bad Dunn didn't misjudge it like he did opening week last year.

[dundeecub]

I'd let Howry go 1.1 or 1.2 here. I think he's the guy if one is needed.

[dundeecub]

Well, Lilly does go 7, but he has to be gone now. Time for the IceMan to cometh in chilly Cinci.

[dundeecub]

Woof, Lee and Aram on.

Arroyo's out. Mike Stanton in.

[VanMan]

The Riot lays down a sac bunt, putting Lee and Ramirez in scoring position with one out.

Now they're going to IBB Barrett and probably bring in someone to face DeRosa.

[dundeecub]

DeRosa single off Coffey, 2 runs in.

4-1!

[VanMan]

DeRosa finds a hole to drive in a pair! 4-1 now, going to the bottom of the 8th.

[Brutus T Manstrength]

Haha.. so I'm listeing to the game online.. and its about 10-15 seconds slow.. and vanman's on aim telling me whats happening in real time.

[VanMan]

Howry now to set up in the 8th.

[VanMan]

Nice debut for Lilly as a Cub. 7 IP, 3 H, 10 K, 1 ER.

[VanMan]

Lou's emptying the bench now. Daryle Ward walked, then Cedeno came in to run for him.

[VanMan]

Cedeno caught stealing second! :(

[VanMan]

Soriano walks with one out. Just think how things would be if Cedeno wasn't cut down. Jones now trying to get off the schnyde.

[VanMan]

Now Burton walks Jones. Two on, one out for Lee. The Reds are now going to the pen again.

[VanMan]

Dang! DLee Ks! Of course, strike two happened when Soriano does a bluff go, distracting Lee.

[dundeecub]

No runs out of that. Boo!

C'mon Demp!

[VanMan]

Here comes Demp! First save opp of the season.

[dundeecub]

Oh God, its last seasons Demp, walks and Ks, walks and Ks.

[VanMan]

Dunn strikes out swinging at a slider, but then Encarnacion walks to bring up Griffey. Lou's coming out now to talk to Demp.

[VanMan]

Junior popps to Theriot for the second out.

[dundeecub]

pheuf, did you see Lou tear out of the dugout there? you'd never see Dusty do that...

[VanMan]

CUBS WIN!!!
CUBS WIN!!!

First win for Lou as the Cubs' manager!

[dundeecub]

Victory!

[ryno4ever]

I don't read lips very well, but I think I read Pinella's lips pretty darn well that time

[ryno4ever]

cubs.com recap:

CINCINNATI -- Ted Lilly struck out nine and gave up three hits over seven innings to help the Chicago Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds, 4-1, Wednesday night and give new manager Lou Piniella his first win with the team.
Mark DeRosa made a stellar defensive play and hit a two-run single in the eighth for the Cubs, who had dropped the season opener, 5-1, on a sunny 72-degree day Monday. Game time temperature Wednesday at Great American Ball Park was a bone-chilling 39 degrees and more pitcher friendly. There were even snow flurries spotted in the bottom of the fourth.

Lilly (1-0), one of the free-agent acquisitions in the Cubs' $300 million offseason spending spree, was impressive in his first start. He walked one, and fell one shy of posting his ninth double-digit strikeout game.

Lilly walked Ken Griffey Jr. with one out in the Reds second, and Griffey notched the first hit with a single to lead off the fifth. Bronson Arroyo bunted for a hit leading off the Reds' sixth but was forced at second on a great defensive stop by DeRosa, who snared Ryan Freel's hard-hit grounder from his knees. Freel was safe, and eventually scored on Adam Dunn's single.

Lilly helped himself in the fourth. The Cubs loaded the bases with one out in the inning on singles by Aramis Ramirez, Cliff Floyd and DeRosa, and Cesar Izturis followed with an RBI single. Lilly then popped up, and Arroyo and catcher David Ross converged on the ball but it dropped between them. Instead of trying to tag Floyd, Ross threw to shortstop Alex Gonzalez for the force at second. Lilly was safe at first and credited with his first career RBI as Floyd scored.

The Cubs finally beat Arroyo (0-1), who was 4-0 last season against Chicago. The right-hander struck out nine and gave up four runs on eight hits over seven-plus innings.

Ryan Dempster pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his first save of the season


It should be noted, we saw Lou give his first on field butt chewing (short and sweet)---presented to Ryan Dempster! It seemed to work.

[NeifiPerezMVP2007]

Its about time they win a game! LOL just joking. Good game all around. Considering Arroyo had pretty good stuff and they made adjustments at the right times. Good game, too many k's but better at bats and less free passes.

[ryno4ever]

I love pitcher's duels just as much as I love big offensive games. I have to admit, I couldn't take my eyes off the tv when I realized that Lilly had a no no going. Of course, as soon as Len mentioned the only baserunner for the Reds was a walk it was gone!

[scuba]

Way to go Cubbies! Sounds like Lilly pitched one hell of game. Good way to start out with a new team. And to top it off, the Cards are getting smacked again too! :D

[ryno4ever]

Houston's getting beat by the Pirates, too!

[WrigleyFielder]

Just got home from watching it. Lilly's performance in one word: Wow

[ryno4ever]

Welcome to the Cubs, Mr. Lilly! I can't wait to see him pitch in the home opener! He deserves a HUGE Wrigley Faithful Standing Ovation when he is announced.

[Sheffield_&_Waveland]

Welcome to the Cubs, Mr. Lilly! I can't wait to see him pitch in the home opener! He deserves a HUGE Wrigley Faithful Standing Ovation when he is announced.

When you go to the opener keep track of how many standing ovations you see because I would be willing to bet there is going to be a ton of them and not all for Lilly. ;) ;) ;)

[ARamfan]

When you go to the opener keep track of how many standing ovations you see because I would be willing to bet there is going to be a ton of them and not all for Lilly. ;) ;) ;)

I agree. I expect there will be more. I'm at least hoping for one for Rammy for giving us the hometown discount and for some of the important things he said during his press conference regarding the fans. :)