Take two and call me in the morning
I finally bought the full MLB.tv package, and first, I will say that despite early-season glitches reported by the likes of Deadspin, they've upped their game and fixed what was wrong. With that in mind, I tuned in for every frostbitten inning of last night's 3-1 win, and boy, am I happy this morning.
The Cubs not only moved to 4-0 in Sean Marshall's starts, but condemned Dontrelle "Beetlejuice" Willis to his first career loss in the month of April. It was a pitcher's duel from start to finish, and while Willis did pitch well [7 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 6 K], Sean "Gunner" Marshall did him one better, tossing 7 scoreless innings of 2-hit baseball on a frigid Chicago night.
Marshall was phenomenal; his curveball was nastier than seven sun-soaked sweaty nights with the clap-ridden Paris Hilton. He struck out seven while only walking two [suffered early from that "rookie strike zone" as Lazlo pointed out], and threw a career-high 96 pitches in the outing. Economical, ruthless, victorious.
There were 8th inning jitters as Bob Howry couldn't finish off the side with 2 outs, but Dempster pitched an almost effortless 9th for his 6th save of the season.
Not much more to say, except that I am still angry with Aramis "Supposed to be the New Figurehead and Hero of the Team now that Lee is injured" Ramirez. Another disappointing outing. Despite a good play at the plate to score the first run, you went hitless AGAIN, putting up 0-2 with a walk, and dropping your average to a dismal .180 on the season.
Matt Murton needs your help, because you're dragging ass and stopping this team from being a lot better. Cubs still win, and I can't wait to watch Angel Guzman's debut this afternoon.
TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES
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> Predictions for Guzman today, if he gets the start?
> What is wrong with Ramirez?
> Can Sean Marshall sustain his early success?
> Did you know that from Friday April 21 to Tuesday May 2 [11 games], the Cubs will have faced 7 left-handed pitchers?
> Did you also know that we are batting .211 as a team vs. LHP, although Matt Murton is batting a crazy .529 vs LHP [9-for-17, HR, 5 RBI]?
TODAY'S PITCHERS
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FLA : LHP Scott Olsen [1-1, 1.50 ERA]
CHC : RHP Angel Guzman [NR]
posted by Jim Hendry @ 10:00 AM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Facing that many lefties should help Murt', A-Ram, and Barrett, who all have pretty good splits (if not this year) against the old loogies. However, it figures to hurt Pierre, Cedeno, Walker, and especially Jones. Cedeno has not hit lefties well in his career in the big leagues. I have no idea what his numbers are like against them in the minors.
Cubs need to continue pitching. Hopefully Guzman throws today like he did in spring training, not like he did in his last two starts in Iowa. He ought to be fine, or better than Williams has been at least.
Well, today's game sucked! But at least Murton proved he could drive in runs with two down in the eighth, once again. The match stick can light a fire.
Speaking of irony: Joe B gets the save for the Marlins in Wrigley by striking out Juan P to end the game. What goes around seems to keep biting us.
What is with all the Juan P. strike outs lately?
And our bullpen sucked today. I'd say it's because the starter only went five, but Novoa, the long reliever, was great, and got us to the 8th.
At least Guzman got out the debut jitters.
We've got some good young pitching. Hill is still going strong in AAA. Imagine having all three of those curve balls in the starting rotation. If it happens this year, it'll be because someone else in the starting rotation collapses and we have to call up Hill.
Murton - 6 RBIs since Monday. Cub of the week? Keep cracking, Murt'.
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