Friar Watch

Padres are in Chicago for a two game series at Wrigely. I have no idea what’s going on in Cubbie land so let’s take a look at what some Cubs blogs are saying:

Bleed Cubbie Blue reports that Sunday’s game had the “nicest weather of the year”, 51 degrees. That’s icebox conditions for San Diegans. I expect some of the Padres will be shopping for balaclava masks before the game.

A poll shows that the eternally optimistic Cubs fans are starting to lose faith after a 4-7 start, 64% say it’s time to panic or will be soon. It’s a testament to their optimism that 36% say it’s not time to panic. Personally I thought they should feel free to panic right around the time the Padres shelled Kerry Wood in relief in a spring training game, right before his latest injury was announced.

In a League of Her Own thinks the Padres will provide help for the Cubs woes in the form of Clay Hensley and his 9.00 ERA and predicts two stolen bases for Soriano. Clay has pitched well but has run into trouble due to a blister problem. According to the NC Times he’s “pain free” and arrived in Chi Town ahead of the team in order to rest up. He’s due for a strong outing and some good luck for a change. Keep an eye on him between pitches though, if he keeps checking that finger it could indicate the blister is back. Look for Heath Bell out of the pen if that’s the case, or possibly Thompson. Kevin Cameron and Doug Brocail are probably unavailable. Trevor hasn’t pitched in a while so he may get some work regardless of the score.

If Soriano has two opportunities to steal, he’ll have two stolen bases. The Padres haven’t show any ability to stop the running game. Every team should run against them until they put a stop to it.