Astros starter Chris Sampson, who came into today's game at Wrigley Field having allowed just one earned run in 15 IP lifetime against the Cubs (0.60 ERA) while letting up 69 earned runs in 140 2/3 IP lifetime against the rest of Major League baseball (4.41 ERA), shut-out the Cubs for the first six innings this afternoon while throwing 56 pitches.

Six innings, 56 pitches:

11 pitches in the first inning.
6 pitches in the second.
8 pitches in the third.
8 pitches in the fourth.
12 pitches in the fifth.
11 pitches in the sixth.

Ryan Theriot saw 8 pitches in his first three at-bats; Aramis Ramirez saw three pitches in his first two at-bats.

That's how a pitcher manages to throw 56 pitches over six full innings.

And that's one good reason the Cubs were able to go six innings today before scratching out a couple runs against Chris Sampson on their way to a 4-3 loss and their third defeat in four games this season.

Here's what the immediate future of Cubs GM Jim Hendry holds:

Under majestic, climate-controlled glass atriums, you'll be surrounded by nine acres of lush indoor gardens, winding rivers and pathways, and sparkling waterfalls where you can unwind, explore, shop, dine, and be entertained to your heart's content. Highlights include a 44-foot waterfall, fountain shows, and tours aboard our Delta Flatboats - right inside the hotel.

So says the Web site for the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, where the Cubs and the rest of Major League Baseball will convene for the Winter Meetings, which begin on Monday.

Carrie Muskat's latest report at cubs.com seems designed to lower Cub fans' expectations of what the team might accomplish in Nashville. ("Cubs expect minor tweaks at meetings"; is that an expectations-lowering headline or what?) One thing the Cubs definitely won't accomplish at the meetings is signing free agent infielder Kaz Matsui since the Astros beat them to it, pending a player physical and agreement on a few contractual details.

For the Cubs, I think this is a case of addition by non-addition: Matsui was a disaster for the Mets from 2004 through early '06, hitting .256 with a dismal .308 OBP in 239 games. Exposed to the grass fields in America for the first time, he struggled defensively as well. Wrote the New York Times early in Matsui's first season with the Mets...

Many of Matsui's errors have come from waiting for ground balls, then rushing throws. On the fast artificial surfaces in Japan, Matsui could afford to sit back on grounders and casually sidearm the ball to first base. On the dirt infields common in the major leagues, he has to charge the ball more often and throw over the top.

Matsui's hitting numbers in Colorado, spanning 136 games between late '06 and '07, were respectable. He hit .288 last season with 32 stolen bases. KazMat clearly benefited from hitting in Denver's mile-high Coors Field, however: at home he hit .330 with an 864 OPS; away from Coors, the numbers were just .249 and 638.

To be fair, Matsui had the best defensive Zone Rating for all regular second baseman in the National League last season, and he has been a much more solid defender at second than he ever was at shortstop, where he played when he first joined the Mets.

All in all, however, I'm happy that the $15 million destined for Matsui's bank account over the next three years will be Drayton McLane's money and not the Cubs'. And I'm happy that the Cubs won't have to turn Mark DeRosa into some sort of über utility player to make room for the offensively inferior Matsui in the Cub lineup.

Of course there's also the fact that Cubs can put that $15 million to use somewhere else. And right field--Fukudome country--still appears to be the spot to keep your eye on.

The Brewers are tickled pink that they’re on Curt Schilling’s Maybe List.

So are the Cardinals.

The Astros re-signed veteran catcher Brad Ausmus so he could back-up the guy the team actually wants to see behind the plate, J.R. Towles.

The Reds are bringing back Adam Dunn, Scott Hatteberg, Javier Valentin, and, if he’s willing to return for less money, “Everyday Eddie.”

And on Monday, the Pirates will have a new manager, whose name will be Trent Jewett (AAA Indianapolis manager), Joel Skinner (Indians third-base coach), John Russell (Class AAA Lehigh Valley manager), Dave Jauss (Dodgers bench coach; son of Chicago sportswriter, Bill Jauss) or Joey “The Biter” Cora.

If it’s Cora, the Pirates should immediately sign up a local dentist or orthodontist to some sort of sponsorship deal. I realize I have now broken the five-sentence promise, but it’s worth it to spread an old, never substantiated rumor about a member of the White Sox family.