The Bleachers : Cubs Blog Round-up
The sham that was Marshall's strike zone. [A Cub Fan Rants]
Barrett earns [brief] redemption via the long ball. [G.R.O.T.A.]
The week in review. [View from the Bleachers]
posted by Jim Hendry @ 9:05 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Some decent stuff from those guys... The first thing I gotta mention is JJ. Three run shot last night that initially looked like just another pop fly but it got out somehow. He went 2-4, now has an average higher than Patterson (.125) and was all smiles last night.
The other thing I want to mention is that the Cards definitely handed this one to us. To me, this screams "same old Cubs." Relying heavily on the long ball and not winning games on their own. Sure we're a little younger and a little quicker but last night I don't think either of those factors had much effect on the outcome.
Okay, here's the optimism for the game (beyond the fact we won).
7 runs without a hit from D-Lee, JP, Murton, and only a single from Aramis. We've got other guys in the lineup who can also get the job done.
Yes, two home runs accounted for all but 1 run of the scoring, but they were 3 and 4 run homers - guys were on base when the ball soared, for once.
Marshall was better than his stats right now. Ponson's strike zone was more consistent and bigger than was Marshall's, if you were paying attention. The home plate ump had a pretty poor night (there is no way JP swung).
Dempster will be fantastic closer if he never has to record a save. I love 4 run leads. I like 5, 6, 7, and 21 run leads even more.
Sooner or later we will get back to the small ball. It'll certainly help our small ball game if JP can get on base.
Sean Marshall is making a home for himself in the rotation, and Barrett is making a home for himself in the 5-hole - both very good things. Jones is not a #5 hitter right now.
And, hey, Jerome Wiliams actually looked half decent last night. If he can get himself together to make his 3 starts or so before we get someone back from the DL, that would be a very good thing.
Try looking at it this way: only two runs were scored on home runs. Six were scored because guys hit or took walks to get on base and be driven in. No solo shots. Now that is different this year from last.
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