Rockies-Cubs game postponed by rain

[April 28, 2011]  CHICAGO (AP) -- The Cubs ended April in a fitting manner -- with a rainout.

The series finale scheduled between the Colorado Rockies and the Cubs on Wednesday was postponed because of rain. The game will be made up at 1:20 p.m. on June 27 at Wrigley Field. Colorado was making its only scheduled trip to Chicago this week, but both teams had off days on the 27th.

It was the Cubs' second postponement this season after not having one last year. Chicago's game April 19 against San Diego was called and made up as part of a doubleheader the next day. Many other contests have been played in windy, cold and wet conditions.

"It's been a tough stretch," said Cubs manager Mike Quade. "Even by Chicago standards."

Quade, a Chicago native, was asked if he could remember a worse April in terms of weather.

"Everybody's been talking about that," Quade said. "No, I can't. The length of time and the amount of rain...the cold is one thing, but mix in the moisture...I guess I'm just happy it wasn't snow. Warmer weather when we get back will be nice."

So far 17 major league games have been postponed this season four fewer than all of 2010.

The Cubs begin a seven-game road trip on Thursday in the warmer -- and drier -- environs of Arizona and Los Angeles.

"We know the conditions are going to be better, you know what to expect in Arizona," said Quade. "It can wear on you when you get 10 days of this kind of weather. We'd love to have the conditions we're going get (in Arizona) right here at home. Warm weather will not be frowned upon."

The rainout saved Quade a decision on who would start the Cubs' game Sunday in Arizona. The club was pondering its options after injury replacement James Russell lasted just four innings for the second straight start.

Quade said the postponement means that Wednesday's scheduled starter, Casey Coleman, will now be held back for Sunday's game. That will allow the club to keep its frontline starters on their normal work schedule.

Wednesday's game was originally scheduled to begin at 2:20 p.m. EST, but was delayed before either team's pitchers began warmups. The announcement to postpone the game was made after a 54-minute delay.

Colorado won the first two games of the series, winning 5-3 on Monday night and 4-3 on Tuesday night. The Rockies are 16-7, the best 23-game start in franchise history.

The weather also provided some needed rest for the Rockies.

Colorado manager Jim Tracy had planned to hold Ty Wigginton out of Wednesday's game. Wigginton injured his left side sliding into second base in the eighth inning on Tuesday.

"Wiggy is a little uncomfortable today," said Tracy. "I don't think it's anything serious at this time, but when he stole that base last night, he's a little bit sore on the left side."

Tracy added that he really wanted to get Wigginton in the lineup after his three-hit performance on Tuesday, his first multi-hit game of season.

"That's the reason why I was very interested in plugging him right back in there today, but he's not available," Tracy said.

Tracy also said relievers Huston Street and Rafael Betancourt both would have been unavailable Wednesday game after pitching two days in a row and three of last four.

"We're not going to ride on Betancourt, we're not going to ride on Street," said Tracy. "It (doesn't) make sense to do so."

Tracy was also "more than likely" not going to use Matt Lindstrom, but would have used him before Street or Betancourt.

The Rockies have an offday on Thursday before beginning a three-game series at Coors Field against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday.

Tracy said he plans to start Jhoulys Chacin, Wednesday's scheduled pitcher, on Friday, followed by Jason Hammel on Saturday and Ubaldo Jimenez on Sunday.

NOTES: Quade said the soft-toss session by injured pitchers Andrew Cashner (strained right rotator cuff) and Randy Wells (strained right forearm) was "all good" and that their rehab program is going according to schedule. Both pitchers, who were placed on the disabled list on April 7, were due to be examined by the team's medical staff on Wednesday. No timetable has been established for their return. The Rockies are one short of matching the franchise record of 17 wins in April, set in 1997.

[Associated Press]

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