Game 39

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• Tuesday May 13^th – Wrigley Field

• Padres 4 – Cubs 3

• Record (23-16) – 1^st place in the NL Central

• Season-high 10-game homestand – (4-1)

The skinny: This afternoon I opened my mail and discovered a letter from a Chicago pizza company. Apparently, I’ve ordered enough pies to become a preferred customer (they’re located half a block from the apartment).

Not exactly sure what that means, but they took the time to personalize the letter with my name. And, there’s a coupon for two dollars off a one-large one-topping. I guess I’ll celebrate this lofty achievement with a pizza party: Friday evening, my place, BYOB.

As for the Cubs, they should anoint the Padres preferred customers of Wrigley Field. After all, the Dads enter the north side rock-bottom in the league in runs scored and team batting average. So, the Cubs should count tonight’s loss as the ‘on the house’ coupon for San Diego.

That being said, Jason Marquis would be out of the Cubs’ rotation if the team had someone to replace him. It’s not that far out of the question should Rich Hill stay on track in Triple-A Iowa. And Lou already stated Hill has a spot in the rotation with his return from the minors.

Moreover, I believe the Cubs intend to run Sean Gallagher out to the bump every five days too. That sets the starting rotation with Zambrano, Lilly, Dempster, Hill and Gallagher. Alas, no more room for Marquis whose lost his last three starts.

It’s not that Marquis was horrible this evening (5.2 IP, 4-R, 9-H, 1-BB and 3-K), but you can’t call it a good outing after serving up a go-ahead RBI double against a guy who’s not even batting his weight (Jody Gerut), and especially following Kahlil Green’s game-tying three run shot.

It’s not the way you want to get beat, especially after your teammates hand you an early three run lead.

However, I still thought the Cubs would win even after Marquis departed in the fifth trailing by one run. Lately, playing from behind has been the trend for Chicago; they’ve battled back for four straight wins until tonight.

Tomorrow, the Cubbies will wish they had come from behind against Shawn Estes when they’re staring down Jake Peavy, a true ace and one of the best hurlers in baseball.

Obviously, the Cubs best chance to win is if Ted Lilly reminds the Padres what a poor bunch they are at the plate. Plus, you can expect Peavy will give up no more than a couple of runs, leaving Lilly the challeng of throwing one of his better games this season.

I’m also expecting the Cubs to make headlines tomorrow by signing former Padres outfielder Jim Edmonds. Jimmy is expected to clear waiver leaving the Cubs as the favorite to sign the 38-year-old. I like the move because it gives the Cubs both an in-game and future trade options, plus it’s an affordable move as well.

W: Estes (1-0) – Hoffman (7)

L: Marquis (1-3)

• Notes: Estes made his first start since April 5, 2006

• Alfonso Soriano’s leadoff home run is the 45^th of his career, good enough for third all-time in the category.

• Rich Hill pitched 5.2 shutout innings in his last start for the Iowa Cubs; he also walked four and struck out eight.

• During Hill’s previous start he also lasted five innings while allowing two runs on seven hits, one walk and five K’s.

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